The only way is up!

Good afternoon one and all!

Firstly, let me apologise for my lack of online presence of late. 2020 wasn't great, for all of the obvious reasons, but the beginning of 2021 has been nothing short of brutal - problem after problem, stress after stress...everything's been heaped on, day after day, until I've crumbled under the sheer weight of everything. I've been unwell, angry, sad, overwhelmed...all the emotions chucked in there...too many tears shed and times when I've really felt like throwing in the towel. The death of a beautiful local lad (similar in age to my son) who fought long and hard against the cruellest of illnesses that is mitochondrial disease particularly hit me hard - please, if you can, raise awareness of this terminal illness and donate towards any related charities...no child should have to go through what this little superhero did, and I hope and pray that one day a cure will be available.

Consequently, my writing has had to take a back seat...but I'm back! Last week I brought myself back up to speed with book 4 and actually put down some words! And I had wonderful feedback from a well-respected agent on the subject of book 3, which led to me pinging off a couple of submissions to other suitable agents and publishers. It's every writer's dream to be traditionally published but the reality is that there are thousands of talented authors submitting to a limited number of suitable agents and publishers and the odds of success are incredibly low. Soon I will have to make a decision with regard to book 3 (the Greek adventure!), as to whether I persevere with the submissions and play the waiting game...or self-publish once again, which will mean Jessica's trip to Loulouthia will be available to purchase probably by the beginning of May. If you have any thoughts on this quandary of mine, please do let me have them!

Hopefully there is a little light at the end of this darkest of tunnels thanks to the vaccinations (and the dedication and brilliance of the NHS staff) and the re-opening of schools in a fortnight. Home schooling for my son has not been going particularly well and he really needs to be back in a classroom environment...and my daughter desperately needs to be back amongst her friends.

I've never needed a holiday more than I do at the moment...let's keep our fingers crossed that we all manage a short break this coming summer. The beach and the sea is definitely good for my heart, mind and soul and we all need a change of scenery and a chance to unwind.

Before I sign off, a huge shout out to everyone out there who's been struggling too. Keep talking, take help when it's offered and remember that there will be brighter days ahead.

And once more, thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey and who continues to do so. You are all wonderful! Hopefully I will have some good news concerning the release of book 3 in the not too distant future!

Stay safe, you've got this.

Much love,

Antonia x