Reclaiming My Writer's Identity: Rediscovering My Voice After a Break

 Hi everyone,

It's been a while, hasn't it? 

Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs when you least expect it. Just as I was hitting my writing stride, fully immersing myself in the world of words and creativity, the universe decided it was time for me to take an unexpected break. 

I've hesitated to share this, but today I feel compelled to explain my absence, especially after making a big announcement about pursuing my dreams. It's easy to feel like I've let you down, like I'm the unreliable person who talks a big game and then disappears.

For a stretch there, I was on a roll, publishing several books back to back. I was in that elusive state of flow, where it was just me, my laptop, and the cacophony of thoughts clamouring for attention in my head. 

Sure, there were loads of distractions, like the persistent stray cat, whom I named Kitty - so very original, right? - (that now has 4 beautiful kittens), 

who demanded attention and ate all my food,  but even she eventually found her spot on my balcony, and I returned to my solitary creative cocoon.

As I planned for a more extended stay in Bulgaria, I toyed with the idea of learning some Bulgarian. It's frustrating not understanding the world around you. However, I kept telling myself, "I'll learn it when I have some free time." But let's face it, as a writer, free time is a rare commodity. On top of that, I kept postponing the renovation of my seaside flat, which had become a chaotic mess over time.

Then, one fateful day, I decided it was time to tackle the renovation and reorganize my space. Little did I know, fate had other plans. In a split second, I stumbled over my laptop cable, landing on the floor with a jarring crash. My right wrist and other bones didn't fare well, resulting in a complex fracture.

I won't dwell on the painful and depressing details that followed over the next few weeks. Fast forward to three or four weeks ago when I finally had the cast removed. I didn't expect to dive right back into writing, but I also didn't expect the almost complete immobility of my hand, save for my fingers. Self-administered physiotherapy became my lifeline, given my budget constraints as a writer.

Writing this post has been an arduous task, the first one since the accident. I've been disheartened and have struggled to regain my positivity and sense of purpose. It's been a challenging journey, to say the least.

The silver lining in all of this is that I've had the opportunity to spend some time with my dear sisters and my dearest mother, 

and to immerse myself in the sea almost every day, as advised by the orthopaedic specialist. Although this is not what I had planned for my time in Bulgaria, as I came here primarily to write. 

Everyone had warned me about the perils of working incessantly without breaks, but I have to admit, writing was more enjoyable than this.

I can't even begin to imagine what it's like for those who've endured more extensive injuries in places unknown. It's not a pleasant experience. Being right-handed and unable to wash my left arm for two months has brought me to tears countless times. Not because of the physical pain, but because my dream was abruptly interrupted. I'm not a child, and the clock is ticking on the time I have left.

Despite it all, I'm determined to regain my stride, to find that positive spark within me once again. Challenges may slow us down, but they don't define us. I'll keep moving forward, one word at a time, and who knows, maybe this unexpected break will lead to new inspirations and perspectives that I can infuse into my writing. 

During my three-month (plus) writing pause due to this broken arm, I learned another valuable lesson in resilience and adaptability. I discovered that health setbacks, as frustrating as they can be, provide opportunities for personal growth. Life doesn't always go as planned (which is no secret for anyone, really), and in those moments, our ability to adapt and persevere truly shines.

Thank you for your understanding and support during this challenging period. I appreciate each and every one of you.

Warmly,

Cristina Gherghel

Thank you so much for taking the time to dive into my words. It's been an absolute privilege to entertain your curious mind. 

Now, if you've got an insatiable appetite for reading books books for free and review them for fun, I've got an offer that will make your literary taste buds tingle! 

Check my Amazon author profile by clicking here to see my books signed with Cristina G. or here to find my books signed with Cristina Gherghel.

Select a book of your choice, and all you have to do is reach out to me using the contact form.
I'll gladly send you an electronic version of the book that captures your interest. 
Feel free to request as many books as you'd like. 

Here are my Goodreads author profiles where you can explore and discover my work. Since I used a pen name in the past (apparently), I have two names to add a touch of complexity to my life.

• https://www.goodreads.com/cristina_gherghel
• https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16277613.Cristina_G_ 

Remember, your reviews are like the sprinkles on top of my writing sundae, so I eagerly await your witty thoughts and captivating feedback. Let's spread the joy of reading together!

P.S. Don't forget to bring your sense of humor along for the ride. 

Gear up for an exciting and humor-laden excursion!

Credit video, audio and pictures: most are mine, some are from Pixabay, some other are from PNGtree.