If there’s a list of things I love, writing dark fantasy is carved into the top like a ritual sigil. Self-publishing a series, on the other hand, is a labor of love—and often, it feels unrequited.

As a writer—and a creative in general—I always want to improve on my best efforts. That might sound obvious. No one sets out to get worse. But there’s a big difference between passive and active attention when it comes to craft.

Life has a way of stretching us thin. Some seasons demand more than others, and it raises an interesting question for creatives: How do we stay in a creative mindset when we barely have the time or energy to create?

We all need to find that balance between chasing dreams and restoring ourselves. After a year of major transition, I’m making rest a priority.