I am back with a life update regarding the past six years, as well as a long overdue update on Letters from Marilyn. I will do my best to keep the life update brief so that we can focus on the future of Letters from Marilyn. I hope this post explains - but not excuses - my absence.
Where I Was
Since September of 2019, I spent the remainder of that year focused on a few other projects I had set aside, with the full intention to return to Letters from Marilyn in January 2020.
2020, as we know, brought a global pandemic. The mental load of this time period was challenging as an educator. In addition, I was having a persistent arthritis flare. Prior to 2020, my last flare was in 2011, and I had forgotten how physically difficult it could be.
2020 through 2024, I was in a relationship until it ended in 2024. While I do not regret the relationship, I do mourn investing so many years into someone who was not equally invested in me. I set aside too many goals during a time when I should not have. Learn from me, dear readers.
2024 into 2025 has been heavily focused on healing: physically, mentally, and emotionally. Candidly, this has been difficult to do in a world that currently feels on fire. I am doing better, but my heart feels heavy during these troubling times.
Where I'm At
This brings us to the present, September 2025, and six years since my last post. I have spent much of the last eight weeks especially (but truly, much of this calendar year), considering how to better spend my time. I am, normally, a very decisive person. But the past eight weeks I have felt overcome by indecision about the many facets of my life. I have pondered: do I apply for the continuing education programs I sidelined for years? Or consider professional positions I have been recommended for? What about all of the novel projects I have? Do I join the dating scene again, as my friends have encouraged? But if I move in the future due to said programs, is it even wise to start dating someone new? What agency can best represent 'Letters from Marilyn'? What timeline is realistic in getting these projects to publishing houses?
It is a lot, I know. I do not have all the answers, but I have spent the last eight weeks planning how to resolve these questions. A big piece of this resolution is to limit, if not remove, inefficient uses of my time. While I cannot create more time in a day, I can limit or remove things that hinder my use of it.
Some changes have been subtle, like waking up earlier. I am amazed at what I have accomplished several mornings simply due to setting my alarm 30 minutes sooner.
Some have been spontaneous, like my decision to stay off of select social media for the indefinite future. My phone tracks how much time I spend on particular apps, and within the last few weeks, I did not like how much time I was apparently spending on Facebook. Besides, the dumpster fire that is my newsfeed these days was not helping my overall well-being.
Some were thoughtfully planned, like swapping some activities for others. Notably, I swapped 30 minutes of television daily for 30 minutes of reading about the publication process. Or 20 minutes of scrolling written news for 20 minutes of journaling.
Some have stemmed from the various lists I have started about what I would like to accomplish in the remaining three months of 2025. I have a lot of lists right now! I am excited! They vary in nature, ranging from wellness goals, professional goals, education goals, and advocacy goals. I am constantly editing them as new ideas form.
Where I'm Going
Which brings us to one of my professional goals: the publication of Letters from Marilyn. I spent last evening rereading every single entry I have written here about M. In doing so, it brought a wave of sadness. September 12 - just two days ago - marked 75 years since Marilyn sent her very first letter home on September 12, 1950. I included a picture of this first letter at the top of this entry. I discovered this monumental date last Monday, by chance, as I dusted off the various boxes of this project. The last person who knew her well - my grandfather, her brother - is gone. Grandpa Dorvie passed away in January of 2024. I regret not prioritizing this six years ago, because now he is no longer alive to see it.
But onward and upward, loves. Today, I pulled all her letters, all my scans, all my notes, all my drafts, and every single item related to this project - and have decided to pick up where I left off six years ago.
What does that look like, you ask?
Firstly, in refining my craft and knowledge of the art of writing. Along with my usual books, I started How to Write a Novel That Matters by Mike Klaassen a couple of weeks ago. This guide was published in 2024, so it is relatively recent. It has been helpful as I continue to ponder the direction of Letters from Marilyn. I also have the latest Writer's Market and Guide to Literary Agents.
Secondly, in connecting with my writer colleagues. My gratitude goes to the amazing writers and educators I have worked with over the years for the Red River Valley Writing Project, the National Writing Project, the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the National Council of Teachers of English, North Dakota State University, and GenTwenty. I would not be where I am today without their insight, knowledge, and support.
Thirdly, in restructuring all Letters from Marilyn drafts up to this point in time. I have already started this today, as seen from the piles of paper, letters, notebooks, story cards, and photo albums neatly stacked all over my living room.
Fourthly, in taking another trip to Augsburg soon. My goal is to visit during this academic year, so that I can connect with the archives department.
I remind myself of my goal when I started this: to do it right. While I am impatient about getting Letters from Marilyn published, I am, once again, working on a clear timeline, new agency options, new query letters, and a complete draft.
In the meantime, I am aiming for at least one update a week. I am working on a few new Marilyn chapters already and am excited to share them with you. It likely will not be until Sunday, as my week ahead is busy with music events, social dates, and community gatherings.
It is good to be back, dear readers. Love always.
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