Friday, April 21, 2017

Tall Timbers Falling

Last month I was hiking with friends at Vasquez Rocks and I slipped and fell. Ungracefully and painfully. It seemed like the only damage was a badly sprained right ankle, but it looks like I might have done a bit more harm than I realized.

Anyway, for the past two weeks...well, I guess three weeks since it coincided with the arrival of Marlowe the Mutt, and he's been dogging (ha!) my footsteps for nearly a month now...I've been suffering from sciatica. Which is really, seriously unpleasant because it hurts to sit (which makes typing difficult) and hurts even worse to lie down (which makes sleep largely impossible for more than a couple of hours at a time). So it's been hellish, although I realize as health issues go, it's minor.

Cutting straight to the chase, I've had to push back The Monet Murders again -- for the final time, I assure you -- which I am very sorry about. Not least because my finances rely on sticking to deadlines. But there are some things that just can't be bulldozed through, and it turns out that this is one of them. I don't want to crank out a book when I'm sleep-deprived and unable to fully concentrate--even if it was physically possible, which at this point, it isn't.

So that's that. The book will now be out May 25th.

In other news, Marlowe the Mutt continues to thrive and grow. Well, he's not growing much, but he is thriving, and he's pretty darned adorable, if I do say so. When I first scooped him out of that canine hell, my sciatica was at maximum misery level, and I can't deny that I did think I'd probably made a mistake but too late to turn back now. Not a joyous thought, to be honest. It turns out I was wrong because we love the little monster dearly, and if you're going to be in pain anyway, you might as well have something to distract you.

I've had to rearrange my schedule considerably. Mornings are now spent taking MtM outside and then feeding and playing with him (he is partial to chasing his squeaky stuffed raccoon toy up and down the staircase at top speed) ..and from there coffee on the patio seems a fairly natural move (and so much more pleasant than diving into email, though, frankly, that mental adjustment took some doing). I've been trying to swim a bit although it's a bit chilly right now. Supposedly the best thing is to keep moving, gentle stretches, etc.

Patience. A hard word to live by.

So that's where we are. The day before yesterday I bought some roses and tea lights and odds and ends for the garden. Yesterday I started catching up on email. Last night I actually slept through the entire night, so maybe the tide has turned. It's possible life is getting back to normal. Fingers crossed.



20 comments:

  1. Hope you feel better soon. I'd always rather wait for a great book than a rush job or have anyone make themselves more ill, which costs everyone financially in the long term.

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  2. I wish you not only a speedy but also a complete recovery. And I hope you have a marvellous weekend.

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  3. Dear Josh,

    So sorry to hear the sciatica is still with you. When you first mentioned it on GR weeks back, I recommended seeing a chiropractor; if it continues, I still do. Having dealt with this condition I know the agony, and wish you a fast and full recovery. Glad to see Marlowe is doing his bit to keep you active. :)

    As for the book delay, you are so not a "crank out a book" type. Take the time you need, and release when you and the story are truly ready. Your books are always worth the wait.

    Take care, Josh. <3

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  4. I love being able to sit on the patio drinking my coffee in the morning. Enjoy, rest, recover. Best wishes for feeling better.

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  5. Ouch. I had a bout of sciatica completely randomly, and since then if I don't do the stretches daily it's like, "Hello, friend, did you miss me?"

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  6. As I like to tell Miss Butterwith, not everyone can have nine lives, so take care of the one you have.
    ....she usually gives me a kipper when I tell her this, so if you want to as well....just saying

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  7. I keep thinking of 'Dog Day Afternoon' ... Attica! Attica! Except it's Sciatica! Sciatica! Okay, okay, I never claimed to be funny.

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  8. Having a mom & sister that deal with sciatic pain, I've seen how painful it can be. I don't think either of their's is as bad as your's sounds. So the main thing is... take care of yourself. At least you have the pup to help entertain & distract from the pain a (very) little.

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  9. Crossing another set of fingers here -- hopefully things are looking up ASAP. Glad to hear Marlowe is helping you rearranging your schedule and keeping you (and the squeaky raccoon) moving. :-)

    Take care, be well, dear Josh.

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  10. It is so difficult to work, when you are in pain. Add sleep - deprivation to the mix and there you have it, your private little hell. I think routine work is perhaps possible, but to fly with your imagination....
    I hope you feel better now!





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  13. Sending wishes for relief and recovery ASAP! Take care. The publication delay is not something your readers here are much worried about, except in regard to how it affects you. Loving the Marlowe glimpses.

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    1. And love this serving of Sons of the Pioneers. :)

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  14. I hope you're feeling better soon! The book delay is completely understandable.

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  15. Wishes for a speedy recovery!!! I also believe having the puppy, although it may not seem great timing , it's actually the best thing that could have happened to you. Pets are therapeutic!
    Besides, being honest and informing us of your struggles will always be a win - win situation for you because it shows you care for us, and, hey, you're a human too. If we can't understand pushing deadlines when sick, who can?

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  16. Sciatica is awful! I hope you will be completely recovered soon!

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  17. That sounds painful. So sorry to hear you're hurting. Please take care of yourself and feel better soon. I can't wait to read The Monet Murders, but I can busy myself with one of the MANY awesome books you've already written.

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  18. Sorry I don't have any wonderful advice but I just wanted to say I hope you're feeling better soon.

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  19. I'm impatiently waiting for the book, but as they say, first things first, and the first thing is health. So I hope you'll be feeling better in the next days.

    I've heard other authors about using a dictating software (I think it was Damon Suede https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxv1ySyGNEQ). I don't know if it is compatible with your writing style, but it would make it possible for you to "write" while slowly walking around the room. Just an idea, it may help.

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