Take A Step Back When You Need To
Why you haven't seen any posts from me lately.
My Positive ANA Test
It’s Thursday night, but I couldn’t wait to send this to you before tomorrow!
If you’re following me on Twitter or Facebook, you’ve probably heard that I recently had a health scare. After a positive ANA test last month, I finally got in to see a Rheumatologist today. I was a mess. I had twenty-one questions, and I’m sure I scared the doctor, but since being diagnosed with COVID-19 back in May, my health has slowly deteriorated.
For months, I’ve been fighting fatigue and other symptoms. You would think that this meant I finally took a step back from marathon work days—but I didn’t. I kept working right through the pain and edema, only stopping when I finally crashed last month. I’ve learned some hard lessons this year, but I’m hoping you won’t have to do the same.
It’s okay to be ambitious but don’t be so ambitious you take yourself out of the game by not listening to your body's needs.
I’m feeling about 70% better and won’t hear back from my doctor about my second round of tests for another two weeks. I may have Lupus, a chronic disease. If I do have Lupus, it will be devastating—but it won’t be the end of my journey. If anything, I’ll need to spend more time on the yoga mat than I do at the writing desk, which isn’t the worst thing in the world. I’ll hit the mat even if it isn’t Lupus. Either way, here I come, downward dog!
The Official Launch of How to Get Away with Publishing
My recent experiences have encouraged me to lean into my healing practice—and I want to bring you with me! Next Friday, November 27th, will be the official launch of How to Get Away with Publishing, and it will start with a look at our mental and emotional health and spirit. I’ll drop the first of three posts from my Prepare the Altar series, which I know sounds witchy—but hang in there with me!
I’ve used my writing desk to start my healing process many times over throughout the years, and I think everyone can benefit from mentally sprucing up their most important space. I’ll discuss how to cultivate a creative corner, how to set clear publishing goals by looking at your life’s timeline, and how to start digging into your emotional relationship with “publishing money” and our inevitable rejections.
Over the next month, you’ll also get some posts like these.
How to find new publications to submit to in 2021.
How to make a plan to apply to fellowships and residencies.
How to get over your fear of writing the wrong thing down.
And more, more, more!
I’m grateful you’ve decided to subscribe to How to Get Away with Publishing. I started this Substack because I wanted to share the things I wish someone had shared with me. I look forward to going on this journey with you and am actively sending you good vibes for the weekend.
Happy Writing!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
MEGHA MAJUMDAR was born and raised in Kolkata, India. She moved to the United States to attend college at Harvard University, followed by graduate school in social anthropology at Johns Hopkins University. She works as an editor at Catapult, and lives in New York City. A Burning is her first book. Follow her on Twitter @MeghaMaj and Instagram @megha.maj
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