Life & Writing Update 🌸🤍

April 14, 2025

Hi hi hiii my lovelies! How are you?

Okay, so. I did a thing.

I finished my debut novel, The Heir of Light and Shadow. Like...fully done. Complete. Book proposal submitted. I can't believe I'm officially finished. But I have to admit, closing this chapter of my life has left me a bit unsure how to navigate the next one.

Still—because, apparently, I'm a masochist—I'm six chapters into TBBR, the sequel.

Let me tell you...writing book two has been a journey. A rollercoaster. The kind that throws you off halfway through and then reverses just to hit you again. Not even just writing—life itself has been like that.

And fun fact: I. Hate. Rollercoasters.

So as you can imagine, I've had quite the adventure over the last couple of months. Between imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and the numerous side quests that come with being a mentally ill high school junior (shoutout to my anxiety for being the most consistent character in my life), and just...life happening?? Long story short, I hit a massive writing block.

Like, it was giving nothing. Zero words. Crickets. Blank page haunting my dreams. I'd sit down to write and end up staring at my laptop like it owed me money. Seriously, if I got paid a dollar for every minute I spent not writing in the last two months, I could pay my first year of college tuition.

BUT! After taking a break, having a couple long chats with my therapist, consuming a debatably unhealthy amount of matcha, and rereading some of my favorite books (hi again, The Right Move), I slowly found my spark again. I even finally started Zodiac Academy and ummmm....WHAT IS THAT BOOK. WHY WASN'T I WARNED???? I'm seven chapters in and I'm questioning my sanity. I'm stressed. Send help.

Anyway—I'm writing again!!! And I'm actually proud of what's coming out. Book two feels more personal, darker, deeper. Not even for my characters, for me. Like it's reaching into all the stuff I didn't realize I was holding on to. It's terrifying and challenging, which is seems to be the theme of my life right about now.

I found my writing spark, but I'm still searching for that spark in my personal life. I'm torn between being overwhelmingly excited (and terrified) for my future and everything that's happening for me, while also not being healed from everything that has happened so far. Every day is another lesson, another trial. But, hey! I'm passing so far!

Just kidding; but not really.

Outside of writing, life is absolute chaos. Spring is here, which is lovely and all, but Georgia's pollen is trying to kill me. My car looks like it got rolled in Cheeto dust. Every time I sneeze I get dizzy. I am unwell. For any who are experiencing the same, I'm sending peace, love, happiness, and Benadryl 🤍

I started a podcast, by the way. It's a video podcast that's part of my YouTube channel, so go subscribe to Lyssalations and tune in for Lyssa Said What!? I talk about some pretty fun things. My latest video and first official episode was about My Writing Process. Behind the scenes of writing a book and all. That was actually really fun to film! I'm looking forward to having more literary, bookish chats with you guys and also talking about school, life, controversy...all the fun things.

Junior year is also junior-yearing HARD. And I say junior year quite loosely (because at this point, I'm considered a senior because I'm graduating early, but oh well).

I'm working, preparing for college—I visited three schools over Spring break ALONE—applying to scholarships, building a career from scratch, and graduating early. All at once. I kinda love it. I'm kinda overwhelmed and exhausted. But still there's this part of me that's just...happy. And buzzing with anticipation. Like I know I'm on the right path. The grind is grinding but it's mine and that makes it completely worth it. 🦋

Also, prom is literally next week (WHAT), my cousin is turning 18, and somehow that means I'll be 18 soon too??? Time isn't real. The Matrix HAS to be glitching.

So yeah. That's where I'm at. Trying to balance everything, trying to keep writing, trying to stay sane and just be. Thanks for coming along for the ride. I appreciate every single soul who reads, shares, comments, or just vibes with me on this journey. You make me feel a little less lonely.

Sending peace, love, happiness, hearts, stars, and all the things!!!

(That may or may not be my YouTube outro...If you know you know.)

Since January, I've been writing lists each month of what I've learned. My January, February, and March lists are uploaded on my TikTok (only March is on my Instagram because for some odd reason I only just now figured out that I could steamroll my content onto other platforms).

I didn't have this website or blog until March, and I've honestly been afraid to post since my first, generic post in March which I will probably delete. (I apologize for that—it was stiff and awkward and I'm figuring this out as I go. I'm just a girl.)

But before I sign off, I want to share those lists with you here. Maybe you'll take something from them.

WHAT I LEARNED IN JANUARY 🌸🤍

• healing isn't a linear process

• i'm not great at feeling my feelings and processing emotions.

• growth is painful

• people will disappoint you

• the little joys will make the biggest impacts

• what is for you is for you, what isn't is not

• things do not happen to you. they happen for you.

• if you are trying to love yourself, you already do.

• make yourself happy. even if it's in the smallest, most inconsequential way.

• rest is important. so is work. finding a balance is important.

• listening to your body is the greatest gift you can give yourself

• do it uncomfortable. do it tired. do it anxious. do it scared. no matter what, do it.

• discipline is important.

WHAT I LEARNED IN FEBRUARY 🌸🤍

• self pity helps no one. self pity serves no purpose. it helps nothing.

• remember what you’re here for.

• let your goals drive you.

• i have to be my own person and stay true to myself

WHAT I LEARNED IN MARCH 🌸🤍

• hard work pays off

• doing yourself small favors is so important

• life isn’t that serious. like it is, but it isn’t. have fun!!!

• boys. boys boys BOYS. they don’t deserve my time or my energy and every interaction i have with one just further cements that fact. i will find my person, but i will not let loneliness lower my standards or self respect.

• SELF RESPECT. SETTING BOUNDARIES. STICKING TO THOSE BOUNDARIES.

• being alone. it’s hard but necessary.

• don’t lose yourself in chasing your dreams, find yourself while creating them.

• things do not happen to you, they happen for you (a recall to january, because i think this will be a huge lesson i learn this year)

• seeing/realizing your own growth is one of the most fulfilling, heartwarming things to experience and it often happens in the smallest, quietest moments

• you are not here to please anyone. you don’t have to change or minimize yourself into bite sized pieces to feel loved.

• finding your unique spaces and safe places is so important.

• some people and things are genuinely not for you, and that is okay.

• you are loved. even when you feel like you aren’t, you are. oftentimes, when we don’t feel loved by those around us, it is because they aren’t loving us in our love language, or one that we recognize. which is when you re-evaluate, sit with yourself, feel your feelings, decide what triggered you, and then go from there.

• it is important to show love to YOURSELF in YOUR love language.

• external validation means nothing in the face of internal trauma, insecurity, or discomfort.

• external validation means nothing without internal confidence, self love, and security.

• be your own friend.

P.S. What are you reading right now??? Let's talk books in the comments pls, I'm nosy and my TBR is ever growing. And if you've read Zodiac Academy, NO SPOILERS but also please tell me if I'm allowed to like Seth???????

With love and lots of tissues,

stay soft, keep writing, and keep reading ✍🏽📚✨

Lyssa 🌸🤍