I am a firm believer of keeping my personal life separate from my professional life. That being said, it has been on my heart to share with you what has been happening behind the scenes in my day to day.
I recently had the opportunity to attend a bookish retreat hosted by a local bookstore here in Charleston, SC. It sounded perfect, but I wasn’t in the position to spend extra money so I was hesitant about it. Still, there was this incessant voice in the back of my mind telling me to do it. Reluctantly, I booked it. I packed my car. I made my way to the mountains. The closer I got to my destination the less guilty I felt about taking this time for myself.
The break-up with my ex has not been easy. I was in a committed 5 year long relationship with someone I claimed to be my best friend and better half, who was cheating on me (and from what I hear is still actively trying to rope women into his evil schemes.) I have been so full of anger I didn’t recognize the person I was becoming. On the outside everything has been fine, but internally all of my thoughts have been eating me away. It has prevented me from writing; causing delays in projects. It has prevented me from reading; sucking the joy out of my free time. It’s been making me sick. And then I realized he does not deserve my anger. There is nothing significant about him that deserves anything else from me.
The moment I stepped into the cabin and met all of the women I would be spending the next weekend with everything changed. It was like a switch flipped inside my head and I was suddenly at peace. Every weight that has been on my heart and shoulders was lifted. I felt like I could breathe.
I spent the next days laughing so hard I cried, conversing with like-minded women, doing yoga in the mornings, eating a ton of food, and sipping mimosas in the hot tub. I managed to read four books over the weekend. I found time to pray and ground myself; reconnecting with God on a level I haven’t in some time. I made relationships that I believe will be lasting and supportive.
Since my return I’ve found my love for reading once more and have been devouring books at the insane rate. I’ve nearly wrapped up the novella I’ve been working on (and hope to release at the end of the year). I’ve been taking better care of my body by working out and cooking new recipes. I can honestly say this is the happiest I’ve ever been. I feel like a brand new person and am more excited than ever to tackle everything on the horizon.
Community is a beautiful thing. It is kind. It is loving. It is healing. Meeting these women and opening myself up to new relationships has healed so many parts of me. I swear that weekended altered my brain chemistry. It has given me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and accept new opportunities. (Like doing a podcast this Thursday night. [Once it’s LIVE I’ll be sure to post it.]) I have had several book stores reach out to stock The Apostasy; Barnes & Noble included.
Seeing this on the Romantasy table in Barnes & Noble was surreal. I wish younger Paige could see us now.
As an aside I wanted to let those of you that do read my long-winded thoughts know that I will be signing in N. Charleston, SC on June 28th. I hadn’t booked anything for this year since I was planning to move and didn’t know exactly when that would be. I do intend to add more to my schedule as the year progresses. If you’re hoping for an opportunity to meet me, let your local bookstore know! I’m a big travel bug and would love to sign at a place near you.
I will also be signing at Fantastique Collection’s Readers & Dreamers Festival March 6-8, 2026 in Dallas, TX. Tickets will be available for pre-order this June so keep your eyes peeled. This event is going to be HUGE!
Life has a funny way of working out. The beginning of the year was an absolute wreck. Now? Every single thing I was worried about has been taken care of. Everything I lost I have received back tenfold. I’m very grateful for the way things have worked out and for everyone who has been with me along the way.
I believe this year is going to be full of great and beautiful things.
If you’ve stuck around this long, thank you. Take care honey bees and I’ll write to you soon.