This blog post is very long (sorry!) and it contains several updates. Maybe you don’t want to read everything, or you don’t have the time to read it all. Here’s an index, so you can jump to whatever part is relevant to you.
- * Pre-order links for The Adversary
- * Why I took a hiatus from social media
- * I’m changing my social media presence
- * Heartfelt apology
- * Moving forward
- * Pre-order links for my vintage contemporary, A Deeper Dimension
- * Summary (TL;DR)
PRE-ORDER LINKS FOR THE ADVERSARY
From NYT bestselling author Thea Harrison comes the explosive conclusion to The Unseen!
When Dragos and Pia move to the Other land of Rhyacia, they hope starting a new life will bring safety and freedom to their family, especially their young baby, Niall. And at first their new home seems perfect… but looks are deceiving.
Beneath Rhyacia’s idyllic façade an ancient, malevolent force lurks, waiting for the right opportunity to break free of its cage. When that opportunity comes, it strikes with devastating accuracy.
While Dragos has never backed down from a fight, he’s also never encountered an enemy like this one before. How can he fight a foe who doesn’t have a body? A foe who can invade and turn his own mind against him?
How can Dragos protect his family, when at any moment one of them may become the enemy?
As Dragos and Pia race against time to fight this unseen menace, they must also acknowledge a terrifying truth—when anyone can become the enemy, no one can be trusted.
An adversary who can trap the dragon poses a threat to everyone in Rhyacia, and that means no one is safe…
***This book does NOT end on a cliffhanger***
Available for pre-order through:
Amazon | Apple Books | Google Play | Kobo
It will also be available through my web store. It will not be available through Barnes & Noble at this time. You can read why here.
WHY I TOOK A HIATUS FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
By now, if you follow me on social media, it’s no secret that I’ve been taking a hiatus from work and social media for health reasons. The last few months, I’ve gone through the worst autoimmune flare up I’ve ever been through.
Honestly, I’m not comfortable with this section and have, in fact, rewritten this blog post several times. In the end I’ve decided to keep this, because it offers the reality behind such a lengthy delay and explains why I’m making a significant departure from previously stated plans and promises.
Did you know your body can react to traumatic things roughly 90 days after the event? If you didn’t, neither did I until this year. One of my doctors believes this is what happened: when I moved across country alone during the pandemic, I didn’t have the physical reserves with which to handle it and my autoimmune system kicked into overdrive.
During this flare, my symptoms have been the most challenging they have ever been, including intense fibromyalgia-like pain, severe chronic fatigue, brain fog, blurred vision, and visible hair loss. Regarding the hair, I’ve started taking Nutrafol and am hopeful to get some regrowth. If I don’t, I’ve mapped out where the local wig stores are located. I may end up with a better hair style than I could have possibly imagined!
During this period, writing was impossible. Any kind of work schedule was impossible. At times, I wondered if I needed to send my pets to family members and file for disability.
To complicate things, I worked with my doctor to try a few medications that would mitigate the symptoms. Much to my dismay, I reacted badly to almost everything. At one point I asked my pharmacist, “Is this really a thing where people can have adverse reactions to so many medications?” She said, in her experience, yes: if a person has a sensitivity to one type of medication it may be more likely they have a sensitivity to others.
Oy vey!
I’m currently on a waiting list locally to consult with a rheumatologist who specializes in autoimmune diseases, so there may be other medications that s/he can recommend. Only time will tell that tale. For the moment, my current doctor and I have tried everything we could think of, short of going to narcotics.
Cue superhero entrance: since prescription medications haven’t been a viable recourse—and I can’t take NSAIDs—I turned to Delta 8 THC and bought some THC gummies. After eating gummies regularly for a week, I had a significant reduction in pain and inflammation. Guys, THC is a miracle! At least it has been for me. It’s also legal to purchase Delta 8 THC and have it shipped cross state lines.
The gummies don’t fix everything, but they help enough that my relief and excitement is inexpressible. The only thing is, I have to be careful how much I eat or take, because I can get loopy and then I need to take a nap… which is also a hindrance to writing or holding down a regular work schedule.
During this difficult experience, I’ve had some personal movement on several things and…..
I’M CHANGING MY SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE
While keeping things light, positive, and funny on social media is a GOOD plan and nobody wants to wallow in negativity, least of all me, social media blurs lines and provides a skewed sense of reality.
Instead of seeing happy, upbeat posts as one small part of life someone is choosing to share, some people see it as a whole life laid bare. If nothing negative is shown, it means nothing negative exists. Posting a photo of a beach scene (which I’ve done) might literally be the only good thing that has happened in a month of difficulties (which it was), but some people see that photo and they equate it to the entirety of one’s life. They don’t differentiate between social media and reality.
Because if someone can post a great photo of a beach or repost a funny meme, where’s the book they’ve been waiting for?? “You can post on FB, Instagram and Twitter, but you can’t write the book?’ This is flawed thinking—even delusional thinking and definitely entitled–but that doesn’t change the fact that for some people this thought process exists. My assistant Gretchen has gotten emails that are basically demands—demands for content, demands for information, demands for access to my life.
While I know most readers would never dream of emailing someone in such a manner, my decision to take a step back from social media isn’t coming out of nowhere and isn’t only motivated by health issues.
Starting in June, Gretchen will be posting on social media once a week. We’ll focus on stories, either my backlist or news about new publications. I’m tossing around the idea of writing a blog post once a month. We’ll see.
And now for an update on publications.
MY SINCEREST, HEARTFELT APOLOGIES
I need to apologize to you, the reader. Last year with the best of intentions, I offered to create a set of four linked novellas about Dragos and Pia. I thought it would bring readers pleasure. And I was thinking of the way I used to be not that long ago, when I was a writing machine, before the autoimmune disease came into my life and demanded its own time table and its own events.
While I couldn’t know at the time how difficult things would get, I never should have offered this. I never should have set that expectation. This was, without doubt, the biggest misstep I’ve made in my writing career, and for that I am deeply, sincerely sorry.
I’m sorry. I’m sorry for creating an expectation that I was not able to fulfill.
It’s too late to take it back. The only thing I can do is correct course, not make the same mistake again, and move on. Readers will either continue to read my stories or not as they wish.
For that reason, The Adversary closes the storyline I started with The Unseen. There will not be a set of four novellas, just two, and there will be no more cliffhangers.
MOVING FORWARD
I’m going to be blunt: I’ve had a shitty couple of years filled with major disruptions. Despite that, I do have optimism for the long term.
I don’t know if I can access the rest of the American Witch trilogy. Right now when I think of that story line I feel nothing but the scorched earth these last few years have been for me. No storyline, no characters clamoring for me to get back to them. Nothing but memories of autoimmune disorder, brain fog, anxiety, and physical pain.
It hurts to admit this, and I’m terribly saddened by it, but I may have to call an end to that project.
It’s a terrible thing to disappoint readers. Once again, I’m deeply sorry. I’ll know more over the next few months after we finish the publication of The Adversary. I’m not sure what I’ll be working on next, but we will provide an update when it becomes appropriate.
REPUBLISHING MY OLD AMANDA CARPENTER STORIES
Over the next 18 months or so we’re going to repackage and publish the electronic version of my old Amanda Carpenter stories. Please keep in mind, Harlequin has the rights to the print version. We will only be able to repackage and publish these electronically.
This will be a labor of love for those relatively few readers who want electronic copies but don’t yet have them, because they will most likely not earn back the money it will take to produce them. We’ll pop them out over time as our schedules allow. We hope to publish one a month, but we’ll see how the process goes.
In the meantime, here are pre-order links for my first novel, A Deeper Dimension. It is being re-released June 8, 2021.
From New York Times best-selling author Thea Harrison comes a vintage contemporary romance, as originally published under the pen name Amanda Carpenter in 1984.
An independent woman. A successful businessman. A partnership neither expected, and passion neither can deny.
Diana Carrington embodied independence. With no one to rely on but herself, she learned how to navigate the world alone, thriving despite the obstacles in her path.
Securing a position at Mason Steel was her big break into the corporate world. She expected the work to be challenging. She didn’t expect the biggest challenge to be Alex Mason, the charismatic owner of the company and her new boss. Alex demanded the best of himself and his employees, and Diana was determined to surpass his expectations.
When unscrupulous business rivals threaten his business, Diana gets to know the man behind the exacting business persona. Alex makes her feel things she’s never allowed herself to feel before. But with the threats to the company mounting, Diana stands to lose far more than her hard-earned independence. Someone wants to hurt Alex, and they aren’t afraid to use Diana to get to him.
Available for pre-order through:
Amazon | Apple Books | Google Play | Kobo
It will also be available through my web store. It will not be available through Barnes & Noble at this time. You can read why here.
So that’s all I’ve got right now.
- * Dragos and Pia are getting ONE more novella, The Adversary. There will be no more cliffhangers and I am deeply sorry for not being able to fulfill the expectation I created.
- * More stories in the American Witch trilogy may be off the table. I’ll know more about that in the next few months.
- * The old Amanda Carpenter books will be repackaged and rereleased as ebooks over time, starting June 8, 2021.
- * Major updates will be posted on the blog, in the newsletter, and on FB, Instagram, Twitter, etc.
With the pandemic, everybody has been going through a rough time. Everybody has been hurting for one reason or another. I do not consider myself unique in any way.
I do hope you are all coming out of this terrible time with some hope and optimism, that you have been able to celebrate getting fully vaccinated, and that you are able to hug your family and friends again.
As always, thanks for your time. Be well.
Xoxo ~ Thea
Thank you so much for sharing this with us Thea. I’ve enjoyed reading your work for many years and greatly admire your storytelling skill. I am very sorry to hear how you’ve struggled with your health and I hope that you continue to improve. You don’t owe us fans a thing. Please know that those who would pressure you to produce are not truly fans. Let your light continue to shine in whatever way suits you. Wishing you only the very best.
It’s a sad truth that complaints are often louder than compliments. Try not to let all the negative Nancy’s ruin everything and make you miserable. You don’t owe your readers access to your life or deserve to be hounded. As one of your readers, I will just say I appreciate the updates and can’t wait to get my paws on The Adversary (pre-ordered! 🙂 ). A cliffhanger sucks, but it wasn’t the end of the world that some people made it out to be. Take care of yourself, we will be waiting when the next book drops. Thank you for sharing your worlds and characters with us. Best wishes.
Thank you, Thea, for even this blog post. I would hope the emails you got are the last ones you receive demanding anything from you. I will try to be funny & say I demand you get better. That way you don’t have to go through an experience like that again. Seriously though, I do hope you’re feeling better & you’re able to find medication or even an alternative that works for you.
Your health, safety and family should all come before your job. While your writing is art it is also a job. Please take care of yourself and know some of us will always be supporting you. Thank you for the wonderful worlds you have shared with us. Anything you feel like writing I would love to read!
Hi Thea
Thank you for sharing this with us and I’m so sorry you’ve had such a difficult time. Sending big hugs. You don’t owe anyone an apology and those people who pressure you are not true fans. Your true fans know you are suffering and are happy to wait for you until you are truly ready. If that takes months or years then so be it. Your memtal and physical health are more important.
Thank you so much for being honest. I always think I am the only one struggling.. hope you feel more like yourself soon, whatever happens we need to make the most of our daily lives … thank you ❣️
Hi Thea-
Don’t let a few sassy readers ruined how you feel about all your readers. Some were born lacking common sense! But I, like I’m sure most of us, are behind you and the beautiful gift of writing that you share with the world. I was also so sorry to hear of the struggles that you’ve been surmounting. All expectations aside, your health and life deserves to be you’re number one priority. I am sending you all my best wishes and the biggest hug. Please hang in there. You have a lot of life and a lot of stories still in front of you.
All my best.
Bless you, Thea, I have been sensitive to everything (chemicals, meds, foods, smells) for over 20 years. it was all kicked off by a surgery I had to repair my torn retina. I understand the issues you have been dealing with. I love you books and will be happy with whatever you give us. I’ll be praying for your healing.
Thea,
I love your books, It is embarrassing to say how many times I have read them. They always make me happy. I am very sorry you have gone through health issues, I have in the past and it is not fun when the doctors do not know what will fix things. It takes time and persistence to keep going and try new things to get better. I appreciate you trying and love your writing. I also love the pictures you posted of your pets, my dog died last Feb and it was devastating for me. I now have a new puppy and that is a process. I think you have to have fun on your journey and I appreciate that you keep us informed of it. Stay happy! Thank-you Kathy
Dear Thea,
I am sorry that people have behaved poorly to you. Your gift of storytelling has been a delight during Covid. What and when you write is your gift and no one can say how or when you need to write. Take care of yourself. I look forward to any of your new Fiction when you want and are able to write. I am always able to reread the books you have already written. Prayers for health.
Thanks for the update. Hope the new doctor will be able to help you out. Looking forward to more Pia and Dragos!
My heart is with you and sending positive vibes your way. There really is nothing to apologize for as crap happens in life, ALWAYS, to deter good intentions. xoxo
Thank you for sharing. I feel for you more than you know. As an RN of 33 years, now disabled due to autoimmune disease, I can totally understand. I’d share a picture of my box hell from moving this year, but I bet you understand completely! ::grin:: They will get opened and put away eventually. In the meantime, they aren’t hurting anything sitting there waiting for me. The parakeets are tweeting, my craft room is waiting and I got some seeds started for a very VERY small garden and think I accomplished a huge amount. And this was with the “help” of a 23 year old son. Any time you want to vent/rage/scream or anything about how much fun autoimmune disease is, well, you have my email now. Otherwise, you just do what you do best. Be. You. The people who matter will understand and the rest of them can go F themselves. Love your books. Sending you lots of love.
Kat
Dear dear Thea, no apology is needed!!!! I think I can speak for most of your fans and say that we are just happy that you are feeling better!! Your writing is amazing but you are worth so much more to us!! Please continue to take care of yourself!! May you enjoy all the lovely things life has to offer every day.
Thea
Thanks so much for this update. I hope you feel better soon. I have enjoyed your books over the years. I’m sorry people have been so nasty. I don’t understand that behavior. I just hope you feel well enough to enjoy your life. Even if that means you will not be able to write for a while. Your health is more important than anything else. I’m sure I will enjoy whatever you can write when you can write it. For now concentrate on getting better. You are in my thoughts always.
Thea, first I’m so sorry you have had such a tough time. I speak from experience when I say autoimmune illness is a real pain. Having said that you are one of my favorite writers and hell will freeze over before I would consider not following your work no matter how long it takes (pre order done). Sending strength, love and support to you
Jennifer
Hi Thea, Nice to hear from you.
As a bearer of immune disease myself I understand your struggles. I hope your life gets better and the difficulties of these couple of years are surpassed and your writing gets back on track.
In this pandemic I enjoyed re reading all my favorite authors as well as finding new ones! Good luck! Lots of love!
Wishing you a robust and healthy recovery and sending you positive energy and healing vibes from Ohio. THC is such a wonderful therapeutic, I hope that you continue to find strains that send your inflammation into remission (and make you feel good). Thank you for sharing your trials and tribulations; it is intimate and can create vulnerability to reveal those parts of yourself to strangers across the globe. Lastly, I hope you find joy in your creative arts and satisfaction in what you do. We are quite blessed to have access to your gifts. Hug.
So very sorry to hear that you have experienced so many difficulties, and thank you for your bravery in sharing with us. Such a good reminder that we need to be kind to each other, and we never know what others may be going through. You certainly don’t owe anyone an apology, in my opinion. Anything you publish is a treasure for your readers. Thank you for the many wonderful stories you have given us, that I enjoy reading over and over. Put yourself first and heal. Sending you hugs!
Thank you for Everything.
I know very well that Gifts can be impacted greater then
comprehension can foresee.
I’ve been there and done that.
You must put yourself firs,then Family and way back in line the Audience as your focus.
I’m sending Good Energy for the recovery. I look forward to sharing whatever you are offering.
First take care of yourself. Creativity is work and make no mistake, it is hard to work when you feel horrid. Relocating brings it’s own set of challenges on top of finding new medical help. We won’t even discuss the last 18 months of world chaos and isolation. I enjoy everything you’ve published and look forward to the release of the Amanda Carpenter books as well as the new one. While my ebook library is on Nook (I have several Nook readers), I have very few on Kindle because I don’t like their formatting. Your books are some of the very few zip purchase there. I am OCD enough to hope you will eventually release your books on Nook again because I hate splitting series between companies. At the very least you’ll get the benefit of my ordering two ebooks of the same title. Again, take care and if sharing pictures of the ocean or a cats make you happy, we will enjoy them with you.
Hi Thea
First off I want to thank you for your bravery in telling your story! I understand your pain so well! I have spinal stenosis in my neck, this causes severe pain at time, making it hard to work. Thankfully I live in a state were medical marijuana is legal. I use RSO, flower and edibles to help with the pain. CBD is also great for inflammation and pain. I take a tincture twice a day. Love and light my friend
Thank you for sharing and being blunt. While I’m disappointed that there won’t be four novellas for Dragos and Pia, I am delighted that there is ONE book and there’s no cliffhanger.
I hope you continue to put your health and sanity first but keep writing somewhere on the list, if I can be selfish.
Take care of yourself.
I’m so glad to hear from you but sorry to hear that life has been such a struggle Thea. I have loved many of your books and feel that that is a gift to the world. Thank you. Best wishes for continued progress on this health adventure/misadventure.
I’m so sorry to hear of your struggles. I pray you continue to improve and receive relief from the THC.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry you’ve going through all of that!!! I understand for sure, I have MS and ugh, the roller coaster that disease has is . THC really has helped me too. There’s a thin line for me of how much is too much, but it’s awesome either way.
And social media can be a huge drain; some people have such a tendency to be so entitled that it ruins the whole experience.
I’m excited about reading the first books you published!!
Just feel better and know most of us appreciate you and love the worlds you’ve opened up for us!!!
(((((HUGS)))))
I am so sorry you’ve been going through so much. Autoimmune diseases suck! Unfortunately I speak from personal experience. People can also suck I’m sorry that you’ve been dealing with that too.
Take care of yourself that is what’s important and so hard to do.
I am sorry your health has been kicking your *ass. It sucks when your body (seems to) betray you. If there aren’t any more American Witch stories I will treasure American Witch with it’s upbeat ending & not stress over what could have been 🙂
Best wishes on your healing. So glad you discovered the CBD. The amazing thing is that our bodies have receptors to the cannabinoids all over the body and brain. There is so much for us to learn!
Moving forward – we’re energetically (as a people, as a planet) in a strange place of breaking down the old ways and creating new ways and new patterns. Sorry that you’ve been attacked by demanding people – who don’t know any other way of expressing their own pain and discomfort – other than lashing out at others. It sucks!
I hope that you can pull back and just let everything that is going on in the mental, physical and spiritual planes ferment, rearrange themselves, and come to a new balance. From that place, you may find that your new viewpoint totally transforms around the story lines that seem so dull and stale right now. Or not . . . just step back and allow the universe to rearrange itself inside and out. I totally enjoy your stories. I will enjoy the ones that come . . . whenever it is right for them and for you.
I just wanted to say thank you for the gift of your writing. Thank you for the pictures and positive posts. I appreciate the apology but it isn’t necessary. You take care of you first. I am sending prayers and positive thoughts. I will eagerly read anything you write and appreciate that you share your gift. I hope you find the right corrective measures for you and you feel better.
I am very grateful to hear from you. I’m sad about both book pieces of news – I love Dragos & Pia! – AND I want only what’s best for you. It sounds like your focus is your own healing, and I love that. Also what Donna said: the whole of *waves hand* seems to be breaking down and reformulating.
May you be well soon. May you have ease.
Love, Duffi
Hello Ms. Harrison,
Thank you for this. It is appreciated and I wish you nothing but success in all your future endeavors but mostly regarding your health. Your stories are amazing, YOU ARE AMAZING! Thank you for all that you are and all that you do. Prayers up on good news moving forward. Take care and be well.
I am so sorry to hear what you are going thru. A lot of good people in the world, toobad the assholes tend to make the most noise.
A recommendation for your hair. I was losing hair and it was thinning out pretty bad. I started to use a shampoo I got at Sally’s beauty supply. Turned it all around! Then I got pancreatic cancer. Experienced Intense chemo and radiation. Lost a lot of hair but I believe thanks to that shampoo I didn’t lose it all!
It’s called NUTRI-OX thinning hair system. I got the type for colored hair because it seemed it would be more gentler on my hair.
Good luck with everything and I hope your health and life get back on track soon!
You take care of yourself and speaking for myself I’ll be there when you’re books are released. That being said I’m off to pre-order this book
I’m so glad to hear an update. I’m glad some boundaries are going to be set with social media- it is such a tough balancing act. And people can just chill out, baffles me that people get so wound up and demanding over your work.
THC has been a godsend for me, autoimmune diseases are not fun, and mainstream medical treatment has routinely made me feel worse. I’m glad you’re finding relief.
One of the things the pandemic has taught me is how to do a better job of taking care of myself, and despite how hard it’s been, I’ve learned a lot. You have too.
Take good care!
Dear Thea. No apologies are necessary. Your talent is gift that has given me countless hours of joy. I feel blessed to have had the pleasure of reading so many of your books. Please take care of your self, be kind and patient with your body and I wish you all the best in your recovery.
Wow Thea, blown away by how much you have been experiencing over the last 12 months or so. It takes courage to bare your vulnerability to so many not knowing how some might react……I guess that is the risk.
It can also be cathartic to clear the air & work on moving forward. I guess most people understand that the beach photos are just a snapshot of your life & having experienced my own Waterloo (think Napoleon lol) I can empathize with your situation.
As a counselor I encourage you to take what you need and live your to the values you hold close.
As is said here in Aotearoa (New Zealand) – Kia Kaha (be strong) & much aroha (love)
Dear Thea,
It’s wonderful to hear from you and so glad to hear you’re feeling a little better now. Hoping that each day will be better than the last for you.
It’s definitely been a challenging and difficult year for many of us and you’ve had so much to deal with in your own life.
What’s important is for you to take care of yourself and recover as much as possible. You’ve already given us so much from your wonderful books and writings. Anything you write, we’ll be grateful to have but you come first.
No apologies necessary.
We love you.
I’m so glad that you have found something that is helping with your pain. While I appreciate that you’ve put out an update, I’m sorry that you felt that you had to. Even though you are one of my favorite authors, you are still a person and deserve to be treated as such. Thank you for all that you’ve written so far, and thanks in advance to whatever comes after.
If I’d gone through what you have, I think I’d drop off the face of the earth. I think you’re being brave telling us all what’s been going on with you. And while I’d love to see and read more books in the Elder Races series, I’d rather you get your health back. I re-read that series often so I’ll be good. Take care, I’ll be sending positive thoughts your way!
Ms. Thea,
I do not have an opinion on most of this, as it is your personal business. HOWEVER I am devastated that you had to go through this at all (& what seems like mostly alone). I am not much of a “I’ll pray for you” for every random thing; However to you I offer as many prayers, ❤️❤️, and support as you can possibly catch from all the way up here in Alaska‼️
I hope things get better & better for you, & I will always read anything/everything you choose to write!
Best Wishes,
Nora Walker
There is no need to apologise. Self care and love comes first. Look after yourself. I love your books and I keep re-reading them. Look after yourself.
Funny, I started a reread of The Elder Races this week. It made me want to drop you a note to make sure you were well.
You are a wonderful writer. But as someone who is in healthcare I know that your brain can mindlessly thumb through Facebook but to actually use said brain on a task when illness and pain are overwhelming your system…. two separate things. One is a distraction from the illness and pain.
To do a task that needs concentration and follow through is another matter.
You are not the same person you were when you wrote the Amanda Carpenter books. You also are not the same person who wrote about PIA and Dragos.
Your next book will reflect your new you, with a greater depth of feeling, of character, of warmth, of soul. I am looking forward to your new view on life.
Thank you Thea, for using the precious bit of energy you have to explain to us. We, as readers, have no ‘right’ to you or your writings. They and you are a gift from life. Do you, the Thea you are now, and we will support you. And I will happily read the Amanda Carpenter books and appreciate how brilliantly you developed. Go well, dear Thea, and thank you for what you gave, and continue to give, us.
Dearest Thea,
I’ve thought of you many times over the months since you stepped back from social media. It’s so good to hear from you and to know you are coming out the other side of a horrendous time, healing will continue to go on and I must say that from my point of you that no expectations are being put on you, you are a wonderful writer and have been missed but you have many fans who only think of your well-being and are happy to wait for whatever you are able to put out there it’s just wonderful that you are emerging from such a dreadful disability and I can only imagine what you, as such a creative writer, had been through not being able to do what you love. I send all possible healing thoughts and Well Wishes and continued improvement I have friends who thank the goddess for finding the medication you are taking and for the improvement of their lives because of it, they as you are so thankful. Continue to improve Thea. Much love and care coming your way
It takes bravery to post something so personal. Thank you for sharing.
I’m sending you a virtual hug. I think you are incredibly brave and am so happy that you are doing better.
As for what you write, that is always your choice. Your books are a gift to your readers and have meant a lot to me. I have re-read them so many times – they always make me happier.
I’m on my way to preorder your books.
Thea,
Please ignore the naysayers and complainers, they are not true fans. True fans care about the writer, not just the story.
Your books got me through the death of my niece a few years back. They still do, when I am having a tough day. They took me to another world, one filled with wonder and excitement. Thank you!
I hope you continue on the road to recovery, for you, not for us. <3
I am sorry you went through such a tough time. Feeling so ill and in pain is no cakewalk. I can relate to the pain!! I have a very bad back. I’m using CBD’s and THC for it. Tried Delta 8 but didn’t find help. Thank you for letting us know how you are feeling!!! Get better
I read all the comments and agree, you do not need to apologize! I and my daughter re-read all your books, to the point we need to buy new copies because they are worn out. Anything you write we appreciate, but always your health and mental well-being comes first.
I’m so happy you are winning the battle, and thank you for posting such personal information.
Stay healthy!
I am so happy that you are finding help for your pain. Both of my sisters went through similar struggles for years before they found doctors who could help them. My one sister was not able to work for several years because the pain and medication gave her many of the symptoms you described.
I love your Amanda Carpenter books and will be buying all of the new digital versions. Thanks for this gift.
I have often wondered if writers got those emails about why they haven’t produced the next book. As an author, I totally understand life getting in the way. I’ve not written any fiction in 2 years because of work and life disruptions. We aren’t automatons that can slit out pages on demand. Try to tune out those haters. Your true fans love you for the joy you’ve brought us.
Having said that….OMG! Another Pia and Dragos adventure!!!!
Truly sorry to hear of your health struggles! Autoimmune diseases just s—k.
There’s so little that seems to help without creating bigger problems down the line. Hang in there!
I’ve never understood the utter chutzpah of some people who think they can just make demands of others. I’ve a few authors I follow regularly and I’ve seen the best results for the ones who are really upfront about life intrusions and also that they don’t much appreciate being told what to do! So while it may seem too much, don’t hesitate to make your feelings plain as nicely as you are able. The ones who are offended by this are no loss.
I’m glad from the heart that you are feeling well enough to write. Write what you want to! It has to be a labor of love or it’s not worth the struggle. Those of us who enjoy your books will still be out here when something new comes down the road. Best wishes for continued improvement with your health!
Dear Thea,
I hope that you are going to feel even better in future.
Thank you for this post.
Take care of yourself.
Marina
Thea, I am so sorry to hear of your troubles. I have lived with Fibromyalgia and Autoimmune diseases for over 40 years , long before doctors would even admitted it was real. I understand how hard it can be. But please keep your head up and a smile on your that beautiful face. I would like you to know you have given me 100s of amazing hours in your world of books . I have a standing July 31, date with you and your world. You see I get most of your books from auditble, and every year on my birthday I start to listen to all your books all over again. It’s my own birthday party you might say and at 73 years I can say you have given me much. And I thank you.
While it is always nice to start a new book, until then , I have so many favorite that i just keep going back to. With much love for you and your amazing gift, Jewellie…God Bless.
Thank you so much for your honesty and openness with what you have been going through. I’m sorry to hear about the challenges you’ve been facing but I’m glad you found something that can help you manage the symptoms. I’m looking forward to the books you do have coming out. Your books have helped me get through my own person flares with my Trigeminal Neuralgia, unfortunately THC is not an option for me 🙁
Unsolicited suggestion regarding recovering your lost hair. I was using Ashley Black’s mini face blaster on my scalp to help with my TN pain and had unexpected hair growth, it may help, it may not but others have had similar experiences if you are still looking for other options beside medication.
Thea, this reader (and big fan of your work) saw the delays and the reduced social media presence, of course. But instead of being disappointed, I was worried about you! If this past year has taught us anything, it is that things can go so sideways, and many things are beyond our control. All you can do is ride the wave!
I’ll look forward to reading anything you write, but that is not to say that you owe me–or any reader–anything. Not one single thing. Your work is so wonderful because YOU create it. That’s the secret ingredient: YOU.
I wish you health & happiness, and I’ll wait for the books that make you happy in turn.
I am so glad to hear from you. I have nothing but sympathy and offer my support in anyway it could be used. I love how your mind works with your writing and I am willing to take what ever you are able to produce whenever that is. First and foremost take care of yourself. As much as I would love more new books to read, I would rather wait to have them than not get them at all. I know you are getting a lot of these messages so I will stop here. Just know if you ever need a supportive listener just drop me a line. Please take care of yourself
Gail
Thea,
I’m so glad you are recovering and are feeling better. Also thank for the information on the gummies. I want to try them for a chronic pain issue of my mom’s that we’ve been unable to alleviate. Please know that I consider what you do a gift and thank you deeply for sharing it. Keep persevering and overcoming. May you and yours be blessed moving forward. We love you.
My wish for Thea – for every crappy reader you have to encounter, I hope that you encounter 100 readers that are so thankful for any book you have shared with us. I mean seriously – so what if you intended to write 4 books but wrapped it up in 2. That is 2 more Pia and Dragos stories than we thought we would have.. I have read the Elder Races series at least 20 times (truth) and if I am lucky, I will read the series 20 more. So thank you for sharing your talent with us. Sounds like you have lost your happy.. So may every day bring you less pain and more joy. More creativity. More thankful readers
I am so sorry about your health issues and glad that you are feeling better. The people who are demanding about you and your writing need to understand your health has to come first. Looking forward to reading The Adversary. I look forward to getting your rerelease of your older books…i read them when they came out as paperbacks. I was a huge Amanda Carpenter books and i will keep the rereleases.
Thanks so much for the update. Of course I noticed that you hadn’t published anything for awhile and I appreciate your letting us know the reason why. Your top obligation is to yourself and your health – nothing else is as important. I loved American Witch, but if it ends up as a stand-alone rather than the series originally planned, so be it. Whatever direction you go in next, I’ll be happy to follow along.
Dear Thea,
Thanks you for the updates and I hope your health keeps improving. When you do see a rheumatologist, I hope they have Biologics that work for your condition and you react well to (after a period of adaptation) now that you can not tolerate NSAIDs.
Take good care and I look forward to all your books whenever they do appear. I also enjoy retreading them in between releases.
I had a similar experience. A move I made went very bad just as COVID appeared. No autoimmune but similar symptoms. Can’t take most drugs. Getting better. Hope you continue to improve. Knowing others have similar symptoms helps. Thanks for sharing
Thea. You rock. I feel for you – so much. My autoimmune disease has similar symptoms and it’s been a 10 year journey. It blows but I’m grateful for it now. On my fatigue days I read… your books! Thank you for that. I read your blog post and all I could think was… Wow, you organized this mountain of information through the chaos and pain annndddd this is why you are awesome. I want to also say I’m so sorry for those days when it’s really effin’ overwhelming, painful, exhausting, and the list goes on. I would tell you what has worked for me but you are most likely inundated with people with good intentions already. Endless information is a huge chunk of autoimmune overwhelm(for me), so I won’t even go there. Just wanted to say, you’re doing so much(still!). It’s really inspiring. And if I could italicize “really” on here.. I would… Just sayin.
Thanks again, can’t wait to pre-order all the things,
W
Thea, I am glad you are taking time for yourself. It is hard to do when you have a full productive life that comes to a screaching halt due to your body betraying you. I know. While I dont have autoimuune issues, I have a daily chronic migraine. I am sound sensitive, light sensistive and air pressure change sensitive. I had just gotten a promotion to a job I had worked towards for 6 yrs, and then 4 months later stepped out of working.
Please be kind to your new self. I still struggle and it has been almost a decade. Do what you can when you can and let the rest go is my advice. That by no means, means it is easy to do.
Your books are a joy to me and help me ignore my migraine pain. I re-read them a lot. I will be here when your books are ready whenever that might be. I will enjoy rereading your Amanda Carpenter books. I enjoyed them the first time round.
A
I’m so glad you’re feeling better. That’s the most important thing.
I’m sorry the auto immune crap kicked your butt. It’s terrible when health issues get in the way of loving your best life.
Looking forward to the new novels and will be happy to wait until you refund your writing joy again.
Thea,
you’re an exceptional person and talented creator. I’m so incredibly sorry that people are so demanding of you and negative, especially now. It’s incredibly rude, they should be happy you create the books and world’s that you do in the first place.
I’m so thrilled you found something that is helping you. While it’s not a cure all its a step in the right direction for your health. I hope you continue to feel better as time goes on.
During your hiatus I’ve re-read the elder race series and started again as I’ve gotten some friends into them as well. Hopefully your true fans can bring you some happiness while you find what works for you. And while I hope you do continue writing of course, even if you stopped for your health I have to thank you for the worlds you’ve created for all of us. ❤️
You are brave for sharing your story. Wishing you health and happiness, and I stand by you!
The best to you. I hope you feel better soon. Be gentle with yourself, too. No lives are ruined by shortening a series 🙂 And grown-ups learn life happens, not always the way you want it too.
The books you’ve already written I’ve read and reread, so you’ve given me a happy place to stay in for a while. Thank you for that!
Hi Thea, thank you for sharing. There are so many things in the world that can bring us down and autoimmune things are so devastating. Good on you for taking time for yourself. True fans will understand. All the best with your health and treatment and we’ll wait patiently for your come back.