For me, writing long form fiction is the most challenging. The first full length manuscript I completed was written in a multi-narrative, non-traditional structure, which I can see now was a way for me to continue writing in the shorter form that feels more comfortable. I challenged myself with my second and now third full length manuscripts to develop a more traditional story arc. It’s not as natural for me as the short form but I’m determined to do it well.

That’s the part that stings the most, not the low numbers, not the lack of attention, but the creeping belief that maybe I don’t belong in this work I love so much. That maybe I missed the mark in some fundamental, unfixable way.

I heard the thunderous wingbeats of 1,000 cranes folded by a hopeful heart moving through space and time.