Author's Note:
I hate writing author's notes, but this is important.
I have not abandoned the story. I'm still working on it, in bits and pieces. The problem is this: I got a new job. I am now teaching English and Reading to 9th graders. I knew this would take away much of my free time, but I never realized how much I would actually be losing. I am only now (as we near the end of the first quarter) getting caught up on all my grading, training, and lesson-planning.
It is my hope that, as the second quarter begins and I adapt even more to my new schedule, I will continue to post chapters to the story. I also recently moved, which took up more time than I cared to give to it. I sat down this past weekend (the first weekend I've had wholly to myself to do whatever I wanted) and wrote outlines for the next four chapters. All I need to do is make the time to write them.
I repeat: I am not abandoning the story. I think part of my stress these past two months stems from the fact that I haven't been able to write whenever I want to. I want that to change. I have so many ideas for the Ashfields and the Island, and I'm eager to get them down. So, my promise to my readers is this: it's not over yet. Give me some time, and I'll get this plot moving again, even if it means ignoring the stack of papers that needs to be graded.
Well, maybe not, but I'm going to make the effort.