Just a quick little post because I can't not.

Can I tell you how exciting this is?
http://jcapislove.tumblr.com/post/14399182225/inspired-by-little-earthquakes

And this, too?
http://jcapismydream.tumblr.com/post/14355225727

Seriously, guys, this is the first time a story of mine has inspired efforts like the above (to my knowledge, at least). How cool! 

Hey, guys.

As I've had a few emails roll in asking me about Little Earthquakes, I decided it would be much easier (and less time-consuming) to answer that here instead of replying to everyone individually.

It's not good news. It's not terrible news, either! Turns out, it's super hard to balance work (including overtime), raising a kid, helping co-parents move, and social obligations with writing. The past few months have been pretty crazy, even for me, and as a result I had to ask my publisher for an extension on my deadline (which they granted, yay!). So now my book is due December 1st. I'm definitely heading into the home stretch with it. Wish me luck!

I haven't forgotten LE and I do promise that I'll return to it. I can't exactly promise when, but I hope to get another chapter out shortly after I complete my novel. I will have other writing projects after that point that may compete for my attention a bit (I have to be brutally honest...financial concerns are a huge part of my overall stress and so paid writing will have to come first at times), but when I don't have an actual deadline like I do now, I'll be better able to juggle multiple projects. With the deadline, you really can't spare time for your pet projects.

Anyway...so I'm hoping to get the book done before December 1st. It's entirely possible, but we'll see what happens (I'll be visiting family for a week at Thanksgiving, so that'll eat up some writing time). The next chapter of LE is partially written, though I do plan to go back it all again before I resume. I think it's necessary to get me back into the "spirit" of writing the story. After that, I hope to reward your patience as quickly as possible. I appreciate everyone who still cares about this story!  :)

Meghan

 Author's Note:

First, let me apologize to anyone who was excited to get a notification only to be totally bummed by the realization that this is nothing more than a crummy author's note. I've been there. It sucks. I'm sorry.

I'd hoped not to have to write this note.

No, I'm not abandoning this story.

However, I am "taking a break" (or in TV-centric terms, a hiatus). Right now you're probably thinking that the two months you've been waiting for an update surely constitutes a "break" for me, and I can't exactly disagree. However, I have been diligently working on the next chapter of Little Earthquakes during the past two months, as time permitted. (No, it's still not finished, sadly).

I'm having an extremely busy summer. An extremely busy and stressful summer. To top it all off, I've been struggling with some health issues that have made it difficult to find much time and energy to write. Nothing too terribly serious, I don't think…just inspiration-draining and exhausting.

Currently I have three writing projects on my plate (just finished a fourth last week, thank God!), and am feeling totally overwhelmed. One of these projects is a novel that I'm contractually obligated to deliver to my publisher by the end of October. With writing time (and energy) at a premium right now, I feel like I have no choice but to narrow my focus to meeting that obligation. I sincerely hope everyone understands.

This is not to say that I may not surprise you (and myself) and go on a tear, maybe even finding time to take a break from this new novel to work on Little Earthquakes, my pet project. I have multi-tasked successfully in the past, and often I find it useful to get away from a project for a few days when I hit a bump. So this doesn't mean that you won't potentially get an update before the end of October.

That said, I've realized that I need to speak honestly with all of you, explain my situation, and "let myself off the hook" a bit as far as the pressure of delivering timely updates of this fan fiction. I think this will help me. Honestly, I've been feeling so overwhelmed by everything I need to get done, it's making it difficult to focus on anything at all. That sucks. I need to do whatever I can to put an end to it.

I love this story. I'm committed to finishing it. I love all of you for reading, for commenting, for sharing your stories with me. I don't want to let you down.

But because I am under tremendous pressure right now, having this story hanging over my head is honestly sapping much of my drive and ability to write. I am hoping that by being honest with everyone about my time limitations, I can stop feeling pulled in too many different directions, and re-focus.

Again, thanks to everyone who has read, and especially those who have offered feedback. I sincerely appreciate it. I hope to have something new for you soon. I appreciate your continuing patience.

Meghan

Hey all...

I really wish I had a new chapter to post today, but unfortunately I'm still plugging away at it. I wanted to give you some kind of update, though (mainly of the 'don't worry, I haven't abandoned this story' variety. I've been dealing with some health issues that have made it difficult to find the motivation to write. Today I'm actually just out the other side of a nasty stomach virus (hopefully, at least...eating Jello now at least, lol).

Anyway, it's coming, I promise...

Thanks for sticking with me!

Meghan