Hey everybody! Just a quick update to share some stuff.
I’m on Ello! If you’re already signed up for the new social network Ello, you can make friends with me or put me under noise there. @JennyTrout
Deirdre Saoirse Moen has created an “Ellora’s Cave Author Exodus Support Thread” If you’re an EC author or editor, you can get some more info here, and share what’s going on with you.
Three 2015 dates have been added to the Meet Me page! There will be more to come, but these are the key three for 2015.
There’s a newsletter now! People have been asking for a newsletter for a long time, and now it’s here. It will be a monthly/bimonthly update with release dates for both Jenny Trout and Abigail Barnette, news, etc. It won’t clutter up your inbox and it won’t be too long. Sign up under the Newsletter tab in the linky bar up top.
Welcome Tez Miller to the blog! She’s coming on board to help moderate comments. Tez’s services as a virtual assistant are available through her website.
I’m going to see Tony Bennett in concert! This doesn’t affect you at all. I’m just really excited about it. Also, I bought the tickets at the casino box office last night, then immediately turned around and won the price back on the first slot machine I played.
Depression is happening. I woke up this morning with the blahs. If I’m scarce, that’s why. Thanks for your continued patience as I fight through my crazy. Right now, it’s not inhibiting my work too much. I’m just kind of… blah. No emotions. For example, I know I’m excited about the Tony Bennett concert, but I don’t feel excited. Ah, brain chemistry. You magnificent bastard.
I shipped UPS from my house like a god damn gladiator. Again, doesn’t affect you, but I’ve never done it before.
I hope you get well soon. Continued patience will be provided as requested.
Sorry to hear about the depression *hugs* but the rest of the “State of Trout” sounds exciting.
Thanks for the shoutout, TroutBot 🙂 Unfortunately my arrival seems to have sparked an influx of “cheap ugg boots” spam, but I’ve decided not to take that personally 😉
Hope you feel better soon.
Hi Jenny–so sorry you’re feeling badly!
I read something recently that put some perspective on my own mood stuff, so I thought it might be helpful. If it isn’t, please just delete it…and/or print it and light it on fire, perhaps stomping on it to put it out. Whatever works for you.
The physical size of the part of the brain associated with negative emotions–fear, stress response, sadness etc–is much larger than the parts of our brains that work on positive emotions. So, we are hardwired to feel the bad feels more intensely. And it makes sense from a survival standpoint–in that it is important to remember that eating that poisonous thing made us feel terrible, while appreciating a pretty flower isn’t so important for not dying.
Anyhow, for me, this helped put in perspective that my brain is really good at being aware of the negative shit in my life. I’m one of those people that likes to understand the why and how of something so this was helpful–knowing what I’m up against, I guess. I’ve tried intentionally shifting my focus to things that make me feel happier, with intermittent success.
But really there was something about that insight, understanding why human brains in general are less likely to perseverate on happiness, that helped. I really do make a point to do things that I know will positively affect my brain chemistry–ie focusing on things that make me happy, good nutrition, adequate sleep, regular exercise, time for self care, plenty of humor and sex. I wish I still had the article link, but I don’t–Sorry!
Best wishes!
Jenny, I completely understand about depression. It’s the fucking worst. I’ve been dealing with it even more than usual lately, and I’m not sure why. I have some ideas but right now it’s just making it really hard for me to be productive. Hoping it passes soon! (for you as well as me)