Hello!

It’s been a long time since I’ve posted anything on here, but I wanted to let you know I’m doing okay. The last several months haven’t been easy, but they’re getting better.

I published my short story this month, Girl Disappearing. I wrote this after reading several stories about rape, bullying, and slut-shaming. It’s a terrible thing, but I am proud of this story as I feel it is important. I watched the powerful documentary, Audrie & Daisy, and was brought to tears from the events. If you haven’t seen it, definitely check it out. Also, I recently watched 13 Reasons Why, and I know there is a lot of controversy surrounding it, but I believe it too is important to read and/or watch. People need to learn more about mental illnesses and learn to know how to help those who are struggling.

My advice to anyone who is in need of help, please know you are NOT alone. It’s taken me a bit to realize this as I have gone through my own struggles. It was a very dark time for me in which no one knew about because I was embarrassed. I thought at the time, it was my fault that I had gotten myself into the situation and it was up to me to get out. I stopped doing a lot of things that I loved to do, including writing. I wasn’t myself and I became someone I didn’t recognize. But I got to a point when I didn’t want to be like that any longer. I deserved better. And deep down inside, I knew it all along. But we tend to fool ourselves into thinking certain things or are influenced by others so heavily that we lose ourselves. I swore I would never let that happen to me, but it did. I’m most disappointed in myself for not listening to my intuition, but I listen now.

When I finally reached out to family and friends, I was overwhelmed by the abundance of people who have helped me through this. They have helped me find myself again and see the light from the darkness. I know it will get better and I know I will be that happy, strong, fierce woman again soon. Thank you to my readers for being so patient with me. I promise, I have not forgotten you, and I am still working on some things for you.

In the meantime, check out Girl Disappearing.

Thank you!!

Happy writing!

Carrigan