Our instincts, also known as trusting our gut, can either set off alarm bells or sneak up on us gradually, depending on whether we choose to listen. For the past few months, I began to listen more to my instincts, and knew that change was going to happen for me this year.
This change asserted itself quickly, when I woke up to a pain in my chest. Preferring to be safe than sorry, I went to the hospital to have it checked out. After some tests and seeing the doctor, my heart was fine. Instead, I was diagnosed with inflammation and was injected with anti-inflammatories. I had inflammation of the cartilage that joins the ribs to the breastbone, hence the chest pain. The cause is unknown, but I’m thankful the issue had nothing to do with my heart. For me, it was another indication to take good care of my health.
My instincts were also insisting on a change in direction for my writing. Deep down I knew that writing horror and suspense was my natural home, but writing romance was always a part of horror for me. I’ve always enjoyed both, especially together. They’re my yin and yang, the opposite but interconnected.
I have been a member of Romance Writers of Australia for some years, learning how to write romance, which was always my aim. Recently, I took the decision to leave the organisation, and as strange as it may sound, I felt as if a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I am happy to be on my own again and find my own way. There is no-one but me to make decisions and I’m free of influences. I know RWA is not where I need to be just now, but I am grateful to have learned how to write romance for my stories, and forming friendships along the way.
I believe my muse will tell me to continue to write romance in one form or another, after all, two of my current projects do contain romantic elements. However, my instincts want me to return to focusing on horror and suspense, so that I can find the joy in writing again.
Having made the right decision, these first few steps down the path might be scary, but that’s what I enjoy, anyway! 😉
Have you learned to trust your instincts? Writers, are you struggling to find the right path for you? Have you had any big changes in your life recently?
debbie-johansson.com 
I think horror and love can be great partners. Especially with a Gothic flair. I’m still navigating the change from horror to Christian fiction. I’m trying to revamp my social media presence and submit a story and a poem every month in order to get my name out there because even if I finish my novel this year, it won’t be published until 2025 or even 2026.
Hi Priscilla. Recently, I heard an author say that horror and romance are two sides of the same coin, in that they both deal with emotions. By writing Gothic, this sounds like a good description to me! Wow, submitting a story and poem every month is quite a challenge! However, I do have faith in you to carry it through and be successful at it. I don’t know what kind of social media is involved in Christian fiction, but I do hope to keep in touch (blogging?). Best of luck with your novel, too! I’m sure whenever it does get published, it will do well. 🙂