I’ve been trying to write this week and… ugh. I currently have two works in progress that I’m genuinely excited about—like, I no longer need coffee excited—but I’m also struggling with both of them. It’s that version of writer’s block where the ideas are all there, knocking on the door, but my brain is under a dog-printed weighted blanket whispering, “not right now please.”Finishing Sketch was one of the most thrilling and fulfilling things I’ve ever done, but having it out there in the world also feels strangely heavy. There’s this untethered feeling I wasn’t expecting, like the ground shifted under my feet without telling me why. Honestly, this time between sending the ARC out and the official launch feels exactly like that weird week between Christmas and New Year’s—no one knows what day it is, we’re all filled with cheese, and time is a mere construct.
So if you’re also in a liminal space right now… hi, hello, I’m waving from inside my fog.
A quick ARC check-in
No pressure at all, but I wanted to peek in and see how everyone’s ARC reading is going. Eighteen of you have downloaded it so far (which blows my mind—thank you). If you haven’t had a chance to start yet, truly, truly, no worries. There’s plenty of time before January 13th.
The original link has expired because technology enjoys keeping me humble, but if you still want an ARC copy, just email me at abby@abbypence.com or message me on Facebook and I’ll happily send you a fresh link.
And if you’ve already started reading and have thoughts about Sage—especially the spoiler-y ones you can’t exactly drop in a public Substack comment—please feel free to message me. I’d genuinely love to hear how the story is sitting with you.
Also, in case you need a visual representation of my current mental state, here’s Pheebs in her Christmas pajamas (held by James, because she is spoiled AF and is usually being held by someone). She is thriving. She is festive. She is deeply committed to helping with any cheese that might be weighing you down emotionally or otherwise.