@Sayuri Ayers how exciting, I’m also working on a hybrid memoir of nonfiction and poetry. What texts or techniques have been useful for you in this project?

Hi Tami, good to meet you. I'm not sure if you want to discuss this - apologies if not - but as someone who also struggles with energy levels and low mood I'd love to know if you've found methods that help you.

I got to spend January in the wonderful and freezing city of Montreal, writing and eating some of the best meals I've ever had. And I met @Lili Zeng of The Unexpected Shape for lunch! So far, February back in Toronto has been almost equally great despite ongoing sleep issues and exhaustion related to my disability. I got word a few days ago that I am a recipient of a writing award from the Hadassah-Brandeis Institute at Brandeis University, which is lovely recognition for my work. I have a core project I am passionate about and that seems to be going somewhere - a hybrid memoir about my relationship with my parents. I will soon find out where else and whether I have been admitted to creative writing MFA programs and then I can start my life again (I feel like I have been in a holding pattern since I submitted the applications in December). Despite frustrations and setbacks and mood swings that are part of living with my disability, I feel like I am making progress. I am deeply grateful for all the people and resources that allow me to do so. Onward!

I also took a break from it today, and I think that's helping with the perspective.

@Jen Machajewski I feel this a lot. Just yesterday I was comparing myself to a fully "able" friend who is powering ahead with her novel, has spreadsheets of potential agents' names, etc. And I'm like, how come I'm not as far along as she is when I have all this time? My husband had to remind me of the limitations I face that my friend doesn't. It is really a balancing act, and it's really hard, doing the work you can manage to do while respecting your limits when you're an ambitious creative. I definitely hear you about the limitations threatening to smother the ambitions, and all I can do other than empathize is to emphasize the need for self-compassion and for celebrating what you do accomplish. If you can enlist others who care about you to help you in these efforts, so much the better.

Working on a project that I plan to submit. @Esme Wang , do you have any advice for applications?

@Esme Wang Yes totally. Thanks for the advice! Here's hoping they get their application requirements out soon...

Hey! I've seen you on Summer Brennan's Substack accountability posts and thought you were the same person as I've seen here! Congrats on getting this post out despite the difficult circumstances.