Here at approximately 8900ft above sea level, willows and aspen are budding in early, yet selective fashion. Wild grasses are still brown and gray.

I wonder if this is a new season, an offspring of spring and fall?

But I digress.
All was well at the desk until I asked myself, “Are you in some kind of toxic relationship with these imaginary people?”

Hmmm….

A Bing search produced some of the following questions – a self-check:

1. Am I experiencing excessive — not constructive — self-criticism?
2. Are my feelings for this story and these characters reliable?
3. Are your characters over-dependent or way too possessive of my time?
4. Have I entered a period of too much isolation from real people? Specifically with one of my characters?
5. Am I experiencing an erosion of personal boundaries? Are your characters?
6. Am I experiencing an erosion of confidence?
7. Do I feel alone when I’m with my characters?

If you answered, “yes” to one or more of the above questions, may I suggest the following:

Prioritize and re-prioritize YOU!

Give yourself time for YOU.

Reflect on your patterns. Are they healthy? Do they lead you to your prime objective?

Seek support! (For instance, SinC.org, RMFW.org, writing conferences, a writing buddy, a critique group, in-person classes at various organizations and colleges, a night out with real/actual/live friends or family, a hike in the quiet to gain confidence and reset…

Gather
Optional                                     But actually read, study and have fun with what you gather.
Author
Literature

Until next month, I bid you adieu.

[Above photo courtesy of Sergei Spas Verba/Pixabay]