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You might know this about me or not, but I have an eating disorder. More specifically, Binge Eating Disorder, or BED. I've had one form of eating disorders or another for the past thirty years, and only began treatment, on and off, 8 years ago. I've only gone back to therapy properly last year, and while it's hard and slow work, progress is being made.
My biggest obstacle has always been exercise, but I've manage to start a walking routine. One of the key factor is this: anti-mindfulness.
Mindfulness is highly recommended for all areas of life, regarding mental health, but not good for doing the things you don't like to do.
And I have to say, this has been a life-saver when it comes to any sort of exercise.
Both as a reader and as a writer, I have an elevated capacity of abstraction. Escapism, if you will, which means that I can disappear into a book or into my mind, with the help of music.
And that's exactly what I do. Headphones in, and handwarmer in my pocket (I had a bad fall ten years ago and my hand hurts like a demon every time the weather gets too cold or too humid. I live in Northern Ireland, so you can imagine), I go out every evening and take a walk around the village. I'd say the dark is concerning but I don't see it, because I use this time to build my plots and develop my characters.
These days, my walks are heavily centered around Jamie and Eric. If you've read book I and II of Southwater Stories, you will be familiar with both characters. I want them to have their own story and, while I did considered a full-length novel, I think I'll go for a novelette or novela and give it to you for free, hopefully by Valentine's day. I'm really excited and the details of their story are really coming along.
And yes, it's going to be gay romance, which might not necessarily be everybody's cup fo tea, which I understand. The thing is, I read a fair bit of yaoi and BL manga and comics, so my mind is bursting with ideas for them.
I am also planning a short story, chapter-length maybe, about Anna and Tobias, which I hope to have a bit sooner.
Other than that, it's Christmas in the time of Pandemic. Not a very exciting prospect, but we'll sure make the best of it. In case of doubt, we can always read a book.
And on that note, does anybody do Jolabokaflod at home? If so, you can e-mail me here and tell me which books you're gifting this year that you're the most excited about, I'd love to hear what everybody is going to be reading!
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