P.S. Don't forget to check out my four novels, as well as my fifth book, nonfiction. You can find them all, along with descriptions, right here. Pass it on, if you've read!
P.P.S. And don't forget to leave a review.
Author, Photographer. All original work.

I've had a rough couple of days. I was just texting a friend who expressed the same. We both struggle with PTSD, and the anxiety can be difficult to handle some days. It often looks for a place to "land." But it's really just free-roaming, I realize. In other words, it's there. There, present, there. I describe it as a feeling of "on alert," or "anticipation of negative outcomes" and some days, "downright panic" -- shaking, dizziness, physical pain in general, and then some.
When I'm moving and working, it's not as bad. Although today, I admit, was difficult. When I'm playing music or writing, better. Distraction is key oftentimes. When I get home from work, it grabs a hold quite often. I'm learning a lot about it, and I wrote quite a bit about it in my fifth book. Sometimes, when I think about that vulnerable writing (and this vulnerable writing) I feel rather nervous. I'll think things like, What will folks think of me? Will they think I'm strange or defective? Perhaps. I have no idea. But whether or not certain people talk about their deepest struggles, I feel that we all have trauma. XO. And why not speak of it? We can help each other.
Certain days, I can manage it better than others.
There are definitely triggers. I see that clearly. And I know what they are. Sometimes, that helps to know.
There has been progress, and there have been setbacks. But I've noticed that growth often rolls out that way...not linear but rather, stunted at times. I'll go forward and then regress...then I'll press onward again. Right now, I'm working on getting back to the forward motion.
It rolls out quite a bit like grief...unexpected and unique to me.
But I will say this: when I identify it...such as, I say to myself, "This is grief" or "This is PTSD," it can be helpful. Then I allow myself the freedom to just roll with it. It's OK to not be OK. I realize that's cliche, ha, yea, but it's true.
Freedom vs. shame. Feeling vs. holding back. Roll with it instead of fighting it. That can be useful. I thought I'd share that with you. It may help you.
Let it roll, friend. It'll change. The feelings always change.
Right now, I'm chewing gum and grinning a little, writing to you. Life can be tough. We all go through so much. It can't hurt to share something from my heart this afternoon. Perhaps it'll touch a life.
And that's why we're here. We're in this together. And right now, I'm feeling less "on alert" and more loving. See, that's how it works. Thank you, God. Thank you for this gift of writing. I think I'll keep using it.
Wink. <3
I have a master's degree, and I've written five books and most days, I shop for people. It doesn't make much sense on paper. But you know what? The movement is helping me recover on the inside. And the job gets me out around all of my friends in the stores. And customers often touch my heart. Dogs and cats too, of course. Ha.
And so, instead of being hard on myself in this moment, I choose to see it as God working in my life. Hopefully, this little essay can help you see God working in your life too.
Love to you,
C.A. MacConnell
P.S. I am always seeking work, ha, if you hear of anything. Keep me in mind. I can write like a beast. Thirty years, all genres, from screenwriting to copy, and every damn thing in between. I could be an awesome "cleaner" in Hollywood...that is, they should hire me to clean up the scripts. Some of that shit really needs work! Especially the dialogue, which is my specialty. Funny, serious, scary, I can do it. Hire me, you fools. I'd kill it. Just saying. I minored in film...I am a master at it. Who knows, maybe someone will read this and offer me a job. Ha, can't hurt to try. Until then, I'll keep shopping with a master's degree.
P.P.S. Tell Danny to go piss in the radiator. If you get that reference, you are my hero. Also, you understand good writing.


P.S. FIVE published books by C.A. MacConnell on Amazon NOW!
P.P.S. Need writing help? M.A. English/Creative Writing, Hollins University. Over 30 years of experience in all genres. You name it; I can do it. PHOTOS: custom, signed prints. Or prints on metal or canvas, ready to hang. Email: right here.

Hi there. Here's a shot of me yesterday evening. XO. Just saying hello. I like it, actually.
I worked my ass off today. I was a machine! It's an absolute blur. Ha. Now I think I'll work on some poetry or an essay for you. I hope you're having an amazing day. I do love The Black Keys! I've seen them a couple of times. Sexy groove.
Lately, I've been listening to a lot of rap and hip hop. But I really enjoy 90s rock, anything with awesome drums! That's why I've always loved Phil Collins and Stevie Wonder. I also like some obscure bands like Lake Trout, because they have an intense jazz influence, and they're really outside of the box. As far as female singers, I prefer powerhouses...such as Nina Simone, Erika Wennerstrom, Janis Joplin and of course, Dolores O'Riordan <3. Oh man, I love Dolores. I could go on and on about who I like. That just came to mind. I also love Jeff Buckley.
Blind Melon, Soup, is one of my favorite albums and yet, it wasn't the most popular. Such great songwriting. When I go to the barber, they always play Guns 'n Roses, Black Sabbath, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and the like. I enjoy it every time. The barber kicks ass.
Hopefully I made you chuckle. If you'd like to talk music, I'm in. You know, I grew up working around bands from the time I was fifteen on and later, I was a music writer for many years. I played out some back in the day, but the songs I'm writing now are so different and unique. They don't even sound like the same person. I suppose I'm letting the lion out to play. :) It's fun. No one has really heard them except God.
Just sharing something from my life. Right now, I'm both tired and very anxious. I've been struggling with supporting myself in this insane world; it's tough for a lot of folks right now. A day-to-day thing. I see it all around. Don't get me wrong...I'm grateful for what I do have, but I am stressed about that and my living situation. I hope to be gentle with myself but also, improve in these areas. My body hurts, but not as bad as some days. I just had goat cheese and spinach ravioli, something like that. It was so-so. I have been trying new stuff, and I don't think I'll revisit ravioli, but I do like potato gnocchi. I like spinach souffle, and I love Mexican mushroom quesadillas. Do you care? I dunno, I'm just rambling.
Hope you like my picture. I took it after I sang.
Don't forget to check out my books. And....pass it on! Let's get to number one! All I need is a little push...and we'll be on our way! We've been awfully close before. <3
Thank you for taking the time to visit. Thank you.
Love to you,
C.A. MacConnell
P.S. FIVE published books by C.A. MacConnell on Amazon NOW!
P.P.S. Need writing help? M.A. English/Creative Writing, Hollins University. Over 30 years of experience in all genres. You name it; I can do it. PHOTOS: custom, signed prints. Or prints on metal or canvas, ready to hang. Email: right here.

Mr. Leaf
P.P.S. Need writing help? M.A. English/Creative Writing, Hollins University. Over 30 years of experience in all genres. You name it; I can do it. PHOTOS: custom, signed prints. Or prints on metal or canvas, ready to hang. Email: right here.
P.P.S. Need writing help? M.A. English/Creative Writing, Hollins University. Over 30 years of experience in all genres. You name it; I can do it. PHOTOS: custom, signed prints. Or prints on metal or canvas, ready to hang. Email: right here.

P.P.S. Need writing help? M.A. English/Creative Writing, Hollins University. Over 30 years of experience in all genres. You name it; I can do it. PHOTOS: custom, signed prints. Or prints on metal or canvas, ready to hang. Email: right here.

Just doing some daily flash poetry. Here's one I just wrote. :) <3
From Two Wasps
Hello, today, at the same time, we come alive.
But we are trapped somewhere, the two of us.
It looks like outside, but the others aren't here
and then, we hit our heads on something
over and over, and we can't feel the wind.
We are stuck inside in a cold, still world
but maybe, there is a hole. We will keep trying.
Behind us, there is a huge beast watching us.
We can feel her breath. She is ugly, without
wings. Closer, she comes. And then, she wraps
us together in something, and everything turns
dark. We can't move, and we think we might die,
but she holds us softly. We don't know why at all
but now, we are free, and the sky is normal again,
and we are looking for Mom, and the monster
is gone. Maybe she will grow wings soon.
They will have to be big, because of her legs --
only two, but heavy-looking. Thank you,
whatever you are.
C.A. MacConnell
P.P.S. Need writing help? M.A. English/Creative Writing, Hollins University. Over 30 years of experience in all genres. You name it; I can do it. PHOTOS: custom, signed prints. Or prints on metal or canvas, ready to hang. Email: right here.
Just working on some flash poetry. Thought I'd share this one. Have a nice evening. C.A.
The Return
Soundly, I sleep
on the floor,
and I don't even hear
the storm
but later, walking,
I come upon
the complete view,
the startling aftermath --
random branches
scattered across
the pavement
like shredded,
divine toothpicks
thrown down
from heaven.
And indeed, each tree
is whispering, I am
missing something.
And then comes
the tiny, growling
dog. As if my twin,
he is unaware
of his size and bark.
Together, we draw near,
challenging the Boxer
and the Pit. Simply,
they stare back.
No fight, no return.
And indeed, each dog
is whispering, Be you.
And now, in the quiet
room, chewing on spinach,
I feel my fingers
moving again,
and I remember the patterns --
the precarious lives
of canines, humans, and sticks --
the way that each one
wedges into the other,
like one leaf
caught between
the teeth. And indeed,
I am whispering back.
C.A. MacConnell

P.P.S. Need writing help? M.A. English/Creative Writing, Hollins University. Over 30 years of experience in all genres. You name it; I can do it. PHOTOS: custom, signed prints. Or prints on metal or canvas, ready to hang. Email: right here.

P.P.S. Need writing help? M.A. English/Creative Writing, Hollins University. Over 30 years of experience in all genres. You name it; I can do it. PHOTOS: custom, signed prints. Or prints on metal or canvas, ready to hang. Email: right here.

P.P.S. Need writing help? M.A. English/Creative Writing, Hollins University. Over 30 years of experience in all genres. You name it; I can do it. PHOTOS: custom, signed prints. Or prints on metal or canvas, ready to hang. Email: right here.

P.P.S. Need writing help? M.A. English/Creative Writing, Hollins University. Over 30 years of experience in all genres. You name it; I can do it. PHOTOS: custom, signed prints. Or prints on metal or canvas, ready to hang. Email: right here.


P.P.S. Need writing help? M.A. English/Creative Writing, Hollins University. Over 30 years of experience in all genres. You name it; I can do it. PHOTOS: custom, signed prints. Or prints on metal or canvas, ready to hang. Email: right here.

P.P.S. Need writing help? M.A. English/Creative Writing, Hollins University. Over 30 years of experience in all genres. You name it; I can do it. PHOTOS: custom, signed prints. Or prints on metal or canvas, ready to hang. Email: right here.
P.P.S. Need writing help? M.A. English/Creative Writing, Hollins University. Over 30 years of experience in all genres. You name it; I can do it. PHOTOS: custom, signed prints. Or prints on metal or canvas, ready to hang. Email: right here.