What’s something you’ve done that you never thought you could?

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In the last six years, I’ve finished six short stories, one novella, a trilogy, an epically long fanfiction, a stand-alone, two stand-alone(s)-with-series-potential, and I’ve started work on a new project. I’ve also started my MFA (just got my midterm evaluation back–4.0 gpa baaabyyy) and partnered with a literary agent, who then had to leave agenting in the middle of sub due to family stuff. So I partnered with a new agent, completed a revision, and we’re submitting my book to editors. 

Also, I gave birth again, continued to keep both kids alive and well, bought a house, and lost my dad. Lost countless jobs, too. I’m not a great job haver.

Not the way I am with all of this.

Oh, and I stayed sober.

It takes me a minute sometimes to remember I’m not the fuck-up I still feel some members of my family seeing when they look at me. The clutch in their teeth and the careful way they shift their wine to the side at dinner, like I might lunge. The surprise when they hear about any success; the suspicion that follows. They’re waiting for the other shoe to drop. That’s fine. I’ve earned that, I guess.

I’ve lost friends and teeth and mothers and fathers on this life. I’ve survived it all, and honestly, that’s the part.

That right there.

I wasn’t at all convinced I’d even live this long, truth be told.

Glad I was wrong.