Finding a Reason to Keep Going

This has been a week.

Nine rejections. Devastating personal stress. And if I’m being honest—I almost quit.

The personal collided with the professional in ways I couldn’t control. And it forced me to face something I think we all try to ignore… you can’t separate life from what you create. Not when you’re an author. Not when you’re an artist.

What we live through finds its way into everything.

This week, my writing suffered. My focus slipped. My dedication took a hit.

My car was totaled. And we found another mass in my father’s lungs.

On top of that, life didn’t stop. Birthdays. Babysitting. Daily responsibilities that don’t wait just because you’re overwhelmed.

It was enough to almost crush me.

The rejections hurt. This week hurt. And for a moment, I really thought about walking away from all of it.

But instead… I did something drastic.

I changed direction for Wrinkled Rags.

And for the first time all week, I felt something shift.

Once the changes are complete—once every detail is exactly where it needs to be—I’ll be unveiling a new home for the series. And I’m excited again. Genuinely excited for you to see what’s coming.

That shift gave me something I didn’t have before.

A reason to keep going.

So this week, if you’re struggling—if life is hitting harder than expected—find your reason. It doesn’t have to be big. It just has to be enough to take one more step forward.

That’s what I’m doing.

Until next week, stay sassy.

—Virginia Pancake