Septoplasty & Hollow

Last week was missed, as decisions were in limbo until I received updates from my beta readers and updates about my upcoming surgery.

I’m due to have a septoplasty with a bilateral turbinectomy soon, and the preparations for it are interfering with me being able to release my book on my birthday like I’d hoped—juggling this, my book, and my full-time job means that there are not enough hours in the day to do it all in time. My beta readers are also not done, as only one has gotten back to me with comments and suggestions so far. Due to both of these events, my book is going to be released on June 25th instead.

While it’s not ideal to push back the release, I’m telling myself that giving this book the time it needs to be its best version is far more important than rushing to meet a date; I certainly do not need to be exhausted with very little sleep while I recover just to meet a deadline. I know June 25th might not have the same symbolic meaning as a birthday release, but honestly, I’m excited to share this story no matter what day it lands on. This book—and this collection as a whole—deserve the same care and patience I try to give to everything I create.

I’m actually really excited about my upcoming surgery, and no, I am not being sarcastic. I know that might sound odd, since most people tend to feel anxious about surgeries, especially something to the face like a septoplasty with a bilateral turbinectomy. But for me, this has been a long time coming. I’ve had few surgeries in my life, but nothing quite this major, but the thought of finally being able to breathe normally again is so exciting. It’s something I’ve needed for a long time, and the fact that it’s finally happening feels like a huge step forward—not just for my health, but for my overall quality of life. So instead of nerves, I’m counting down with anticipation. I wish the day would come sooner.

Needless to say, this means that I won’t be updating as frequently on social media during my recovery. As much as I love sharing parts of my life and processes with you all, I don’t think anyone needs a play-by-play of what I look like post-surgery (trust me, you’re not missing much). That said, I’m planning ahead so I can still stay connected during that time—I’ve been prepping videos in advance, including updates for the book release and a few teasers. I’m also planning to share the story behind my nose and what led to this surgery, because it’s honestly a journey worth telling. I think some of you might relate to it more than you’d expect, especially when I tell you that this is something I should have had done years ago.

The prep and recovery planning have shifted my schedule more than expected, but that just means I’m using this extra time to really polish up the book. Line edits, consistency checks, last-minute revisions—it’s all happening behind the scenes while I wait on the remaining beta reader feedback. In the end, the delay is helping me make sure the book is published exactly how I want it.

Current Reads

Reading has taken a backseat lately, which happens sometimes, especially since I'm getting ready for surgery and editing a book. That said, I do have a couple of books lined up and in progress.

I'm slowly making my way through Lady in the Tower by Alison Weir. It's good, but honestly, from what I've read so far, you could probably just watch that documentary I mentioned a couple weeks ago, The Last Days of Anne Boleyn, because it's clear that a lot of the quotes in here from historians were taken directly from the historians in that documentary. Which doesn't mean it isn't good! So, feel free to check it out of this era of history interests you like it does me.

I’ve also borrowed the audiobook of Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff from my local library through Libby, though I haven’t started it yet. I’m hoping it’ll be a good change of pace and a way to get in some reading while I’m prepping things behind the scenes or recovering from surgery.