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Greetings Starfighters!
I’ve been hanging out in the background for a while now but I’ve gotten a few messages and I wanted to let you guys know that I’m doing as well as I can.
In December, I started a new medication for pain management. It’s been difficult to find something that works for me since I’ve refused narcotics. I don’t want to go down that road and I’ve been iffy on any medication that has been labeled “habit-forming”. But I did finally relent and start taking a medication called Gabapentin on a relatively low dosage. The change has been subtle but I can tell already this is the right choice for me and my circumstances.
While I’ve not posted anything in a while and my Rough Trade participation was haphazard at best, I did manage to write a little over 500k last year. I just didn’t finish a single damn thing. Frankly, for someone who is normally quite productive on the writing front–it’s been demoralizing to be stuck in this creative limbo where my ideas seem to fizzle out on me. Or I lose interest in the project about half way through which was always a thing for me but it never happened on every single thing I wrote.
The thing is I probably have around 2million words written on unfinished projects over the last fifteen years in fandom alone. Ideas come and go, you know? It’s one reason why I’ve always been leery of publishing WIPs and why I prefer to publish in episode/novella/novel format whenever possible. I can’t have a WIP hanging over my head that has been published online. It’s stressful as fuck.
Regardless, I’m doing better but I’m not back where I was. I think I’m going to get there it’s just going to take a while for me to find a new rhythm.
Thanks for staying, and also I’d like to thank the community on discord for keeping it relatively chill for the mod team. Seriously, I appreciate the fact that the bag-of-dicks-behavior is few and far between.
-KM
Glad to hear you’ve found something that works for you! I hope you continue to feel better and better
Hi Keira,
So glad you have found something that works for you.
I missed you the last year but I am so happy that you’re still enjoying fandom even if the muse is being fickle.
Please know that you are in my thoughts even if you are quiet. Wishing you the best for 2026
Long-time lurker (I think I’ve posted maybe twice before?), I’m glad that you’ve found something that seems to be working well for you. I appreciate that you’ve let us know you’re still alive and kicking. And I’ll wait patiently for any new writing you share with us. 🙂
I am so glad you have found something that works (beginning to at least). Gabapentin did not work for me (extreme nerve damage), and ended up going on something stronger to help. I am so glad that you have the beginnings of a solution and I am REALLY looking forward to what ever you post. I have though of you frequently this past year, as you are generally my go to for helping me settle my mind. I am wishing you a better 2026, and hope you get to the point where you are comfortable being able to once again be a force of nature in the writing area. Wishing you well.
Bless you. I had the same issue with pain management. I have actually been on gabapentin but it made me too sleepy so reluctantly I stopped it. I love your writing mind and I am more than happy to wait for your next burst of genius. Get strong, you are so appreciated.
I do have to take directly before going to sleep. But so far I’ve been able to get up and go about my day normally. Not sure what would happen if I increased the dose.
I have to take a crazy high dose, multiple times a dayBelieve it or not you do get used to the tiredness. For me it hits hard about 2 hours in but if you can stay awake it goes away for me at least. Funding a med that works is such a relief with complex health issues.
So nice to hear from you! I’m glad that the new regime seems to be helping at least a little bit; chronic issues can be SO stressful so I’m glad you’re taking some time to focus on you.
I’m so glad you’ve found an option that’s working you xx
I’ve previously had motivation issues that turned out to be mental health related and it was only after I’d settled on meds I recognised how impactful it could be.
Do whatever you need for your own peace of mind and lean into what you enjoy xxx
Hang in there. It took me about 2 years struggling with RA and fibro before I found a pain management regimen that worked for me. Good luck!!
Glad to hear you’re feeling better. All you can do is give it time, which is frustrating as hell.
I’m glad that things are slowly improving. I’ve been taking low-dose gabapentin myself for the past couple of months now, and it’s been helpful for me too. I hope you continue to feel better and can get back to a level of “normal” you’re happy with.
Good luck with the Gabapentin. Both my wife and my dog use it and it has really helped.
Hey Keira, so glad to hear you have found a treatment plan that works. Chronic pain completely sucks and here’s everything crossed that it sorts things out. Any new reads from you is a treat and if there isn’t, I love revisiting your previous works. I think I reread all your Altlantis and HP works at least once a year, same way I reread Lord of the Rings and the Chronicles of Narnia! Fanfic is a total treat and you don’t get paid for it so really appreciate anything that you choose to share but real life and health always should come first for anyone so do ignore any demanding gits out there. Wishing you all good things and a fruitful muse in 2026
I’m glad that you might have found a solution for your chronic pain. I was a bit worried about you this past year when your posts were either missing from some challenges or never completed.
Good to hear and get well though, just take your time with it all that is best. For one thing your stories keep drawing me back in to read again and again, which doesn’t really happend with other hp fanfic stories. Though i am still looking for some writers that are just as good as you aside from fanfic.net or ao3 but nothing, do you berhaps have tips?
I don’t read in the HP fandom, so no. I’m sorry I have nothing to offer on that front.
It is good that you are working on your health. Being pain free, or at least managed, is such a blessing. Thank you!
You do what you need too.
I’ve been in permanent pain for 15 years. Tried everything, even injections to stop pain don’t work. So I do take pain medication, but I am also very strict on that. I make sure I come off them every month at different times so I don’t get addicted. Its been so long I am more used to it and only use stronger ones when I need to. I’m also allergic to NSAIDs.
My ordering of my meds has changed in over a decade. I don’t order more.
But we all have things we do or don’t want. Hopefully you will find something that works for you.
I will be happy to read anything when you are able to post. I reread you Buddie fics over and over as I love them. So that keeps me happy.
Take care.
Thank you for the update! I’ve been thinking of you and hoping you were doing okay but didn’t want to pry. *HUGS*
I’m glad you are finding some relief. While I check daily for new work ,know that your legacy of existing work helps me process the dark days we are going through .
Blessings to you.
Thank you for the update, much appreciated so we don’t worry.
I for one love the wip and evil author day works. I know not all ideas will work but sometimes the small part you have hanging around your head is amazing in itself. It’s like a little taste, a cherry on top of a desert, and while we love the whole piece of cake, having an additional cherry never hurt anybody .
Frankly I have no idea how you can create a work that has several hundred word, I can’t get any of my ideas beyond 3k at most, if I can even get them out of my head at all.
I think you don’t even realize how amazing you are! It may be normal to you to be this fucking great, but god woman! I wish you could read one of your own works as if you were seeing it for the first time.
Glad you feel like you’re seeing some progress Keira, missed you terribly but your health, both mental and physical, is the most important thing. Be safe, be well, be happy
Thanks so much for the update, Keira! Very glad to hear things are improving on your end.
I’m glad you’re doing okay. I was a bit worried but also didn’t want to nag. I just assumed your health issues were messing with your writing and sent you well wishes silently.
Yes, I look forward to your writing, but more than that, I hope your health evens out because you deserve to not have everyday living be a trial.
All the best for the new year and here’s hoping the new meds do what you need them to and nothing else!
Gabapentin is good. I’ve been taking a low dose of it for my nerves reconnecting in my foot since I had surgery almost a year ago. Take care.
So glad you found something that is working for you! Dealing with pain is awful and consumes all of your energy – I’m working on finding something for mine also. I hope Gabapentin keeps working for you and that it becomes more manageable ❤️
Glad to hear you have found something that works for you. My wife has chronic pain issues as well and had to resort to nerve ablation to resolve some of it and tries to stay away from pain meds as much as possible. Though she does sometimes end up using Gabapentin if she pushes herself too hard. I hope things continue to improve for you. Take care.
I am glad you are finding relief. I also have constant pain issues so I totally get the struggle. You are an amazing talent so just let yourself have some time and don’t be too hard on yourself.
Glad that gaba is working for you. At one point, my whole house was on it: me, the dog, both cats. Stuff is a miracle drug, imo. Hope it continues to work! Can’t wait to read what you give us, and glad you’re still writing. Hope that everything trends upwards for you this year!
Glad to hear you’re finding something that works for you! I have tried to join the discord but the link is expired is there a way to get on there otherwise?
Happy to hear from you & looking forward to whatever you decide to share with us this year!
https://discord.gg/cross-roads
Thank you for the update. I hope everything works out for you. And I think you are probably at 2 billion words in finished stuff so we have loads to read!
Glad things are improving, even if in baby steps.
I’m a writing newbie, but I hear you on the wips. I have a couple out there that are like a noose as I go through health issues of my own. Never again.
Take care, and I hope your improvement continues to be upward.
Yay for finding something that’s making a positive without big side effects.
Chronic conditions are a journey – I have a couple myself and management is where I’m always aiming for. Getting it managed so I can do the things I like. I have had to scale back on some of the things I like, or adjust my expectations but that’s also part of getting older so I’m trying to do that gracefully. Jury is out on how well that is going.
I love being part of your community. And revisiting your work is something I do often. I get massive enjoyment from re-reading them. I hope this year brings you the things you want for you personally and for your work. But no pressure at all. I’m here for the excellent vibes and company.
Great to hear from you. Glad that something new is working for you. Healing mentally or physically is always challenging. Take care of yourself.
I am so glad you found something that might be an answer for your pain. Thank you for all the works to do share with us. How did I not know you had a discord?!? Happy new year 🙂
https://discord.gg/cross-roads
I’m glad you’re finding a regimen that works for you. I hope that ease in your physical self will translate to more ease in your mental self, and your writing become less frustrating for you.
So glad that you have found something that is working.
Healing is such a process as is finding a good balance.
I don’t participate much but the community you have helped build on Discord is amazing.
I’m sending positive vibes your way.
I’ve been on Gabapentin for a while and it’s been so helpful for me! There’s a long history of addiction in my family, so I’m also leery of anything labeled “habit forming”! I’m glad you’re making progress in your pain management and I hope things continue to improve.
I’m so glad you’re starting to feel better and that you’ve found a medication that’s working for you!
I fully get the starting something and then losing motivation, interest, etc. halfway through. The eternal struggle of ADHD and creatives
Take all the time you need!
Thank you for sharing an update. I have been worried about you.
Sending you good vibes for the year. I’m glad that you have found something that is working. Constant pain is such a draining thing. Thank you for the work that you have shared with us.
So glad to hear (read) you are doing better and have found something that works for you.
Absolutely wonderful to hear from you. I worry. Don’t want to intrude on your healing process. I know it can be an ordeal. So glad to hear you’ve found something helpful and perhaps hopeful on the medication front.
I remain a steadfast supporter (minion) and peruse your grand catalog when I need to hear your voice.
My many heartfelt wishes that you continue to heal and find Joy in your life.
May your meds cocktail do as you want it to and leave you clear and snarky.
Much love in your direction.
Howdy,
I wish you all the best for everything, but as I have pain difficulties with fibromyalgia I understand, more than word can say how difficult being in pain. I have struggled with finding those around me who understand the even a mild to moderate pain when it becomes long term can become debilitating. People seem to understand when you are in extreme pain for any amount of time. Others struggle to understand that the mild to moderate pain over a long period of time can be just a horrible. I had a back injury in middle school (7th grade, 110 lbs, 5’6”0), doctors did not believe me and it took me about 14 years before anyone believed me(I stoped mentioning it because of the disbelief of all) eventually I got a doctor that listened. By that point I had hated all forms of physical contact for years and my friends knew I hated being hugged. I still have a dislike of touching even though it is under control now. I hope you know you are not alone and what you are experiencing is valid.
Glad to hear you’re still hanging in there, and that the Gabapentin seems to be working for you. I’m always thrilled to see new stuff from you, but know that your health and happiness come first.
I’m glad to hear your doing better & that Gabapentin is working for you. I’ve friends for whom it’s worked for years. Personally however – it was a nightmare. I lost spatial awareness (I’d crash into doorways going from one room to another and didn’t dare drive). I also lost the ability to regulate my emotions. Something lost? End of the world. Problem with someone stupid? No filter on my anger. It was very very ugly.
When it works, it can be miraculous. Just watch out for potential side effects.
Glad you are finding some relief. Meat suits are a complete and total racket though. We get them with no instruction manuals, no warranties, and repairs and servicing are a complete crapshoot.
-gentle hugs-
Take all the time you need. I would rather you be well than for you to stress yourself out.
I too take Gabapentin for pain and it does help. If they increase the dose do it slowly as too much at once caused side effects for me.
Hi Keira,
Thank you for the update and hope you’ll continue to get better!
You’ve always been a consistent writer so when I didn’t get any update from you I admit, I was getting worried but more for your sake than for getting a new story (although of course I would’ve been happy if I got news about one) so getting an update is a relief!
It’s very understandable that you’re prioritizing your health, as you should and I’m sure once you feel ready to post something new your fans will be here, waiting for your fantastic stories.
Wishing you all the best!
Thank you so much for the update. I’m happy to hear you’re feeling a bit better and I hope you continue to find relief.
Thank you so much for checking in. I’ve been concerned, but didn’t want to pester you. I’m glad to hear you’re on a track that might work out. Of course I’m looking forward to more from you, but I also know how demoralizing pressure can be – so take your time. Do only what (and as much as) gives you joy.
Glad to hear you’re doing better – I know what it’s like to deal with chronic pain, it’s a relief to finally find a med that works. In the meantime thanks so much for your huge backlog of brilliant work. Every day I can delve back into your amazing stories and find something exceptional and original. I hope for your sake that you can enjoy writing again, and certainly all your fans selfishly hope that too. But even if you never published another word of fiction, your legacy as a fanfic writer is unparalleled. You are by far the best.
Love from sunny Queensland, Australia.
It’s so good to hear from you! I’m sorry you’ve had such a rough go of it lately, but it’s good to hear you’ve found something that works. Gabipentin can be a great option. My dad took it before and after his back surgery and it worked well for him. Heck, they even gave it to my cat before his neuter surgery! Hopefully, this year will be better for you than last year, on all fronts. I’ll be right here rooting for you!
Thank you so much for letting us know you’re alive and kicking, RL can drag you down for any number of reasons – I sincerely hope that things get easier and provide some relief, in any way that comes. Lots of love sent your way! xxx
I hope you have progress, baby steps are better than none at all, and are sometimes all you can be ready for. I’ve taken gabapentin for years and have never experienced any problems with addiction when I’ve had to stop it due to prescription lags, I hope it continues to help you. We give it to our dog, too to help with his osteoporosis, if that’s any reassurance,lol. I wish you all the blessings and good karma sent your way from me!
I’m glad you’ve found something that helps.
Having Wips isn’t a bad thing Keira. If the plot bunny has run away then stopping that story is better than feeling demoralised because you don’t know how you want it to go or end.
You have so many wonderful stories that if we need a dose of Keira we can just come here and reread our favourite story/stories that you have shared with us.
I know how hard it can be to find the balance between your health and other parts of your life, I’m glad you’ve found something that seems like it’ll make that easier for you… I actually like that you don’t post WIP’s (outside of EAD and RT) and will happily read what you post when you can post it!
Wishing you the best and hope you continue feeling better!
I’m glad you are finding something that is working for you. It is a process unfortunately. All the hugs and good wishes to you.
Dear Keira,
It is So Wonderful to hear from you! I’ve been worried about you and missing you.
I’m so glad to hear that you have found something, which is working for you, if even just a little bit. Every little thing counts! Please continue to take the best care of yourself and know we are all thinking of you and wishing you the best!
Sincerely, jane
I’m so happy to hear you’ve found something that works for you! Sending you all the virtual joy and happiness for this year!
I hope your health both mental and physical only improve going forward. Id much rather have you at 100% all the way or as high as you can get than get any sort of post. I hope you get your grove back not to get new post or new stories but because its a huge thing to you. Sending you all my love and positive vibes!
Yay! I’m so glad you found something that is helping you!
Thank you for the update on how you are doing.
I have heard good things from people I know about Gabapentin and I hope so much that it helps you.
Woman, I was so worried about you!! It’s not like you to drop off the map, but I didn’t want to bug you in case you were in a bad way. I’m glad you have a medication that’s working for you. I started taking an antidepressant this year for the first time. I guess it’s working, not having the anxiety attacks like before, so…yeah.
Just happy to hear from you. Happy Belated Birthday, Christmas and New Year!!
Hi Keira,
I am sorry that things health wise hasn’t been busy for you, but you have finally found something that is working for you, and just know I am thinking of you.
I do understand about not keeping the best of health, but i don’t suffer from chronic pain luckily but i have been diagnosed with Addisons disease for the last couple of years and Iam on steroids that I have to up the dosage when have a flare up which can cause another set of issues. Because I can’t work I love to go back and read your Harmony stories and when I want to read your Harry who appreciates his female best friend, and can put Ron and his sister in their place.
Take care of yourself Keira.
Thank you for letting us know how you are doing. Hope you will be getting better and better. And it just so happens that my 13 year old german shepard is on gabapentin and it works very well for him
Thank you for the update, M’Lady. Sending you all the love and best wishes in the world for a much less painful 2026. Hxx
I’m so glad you feel better ! and hope that this med will work even better for you over the coming months.
I wish you all the best virtual wishes for 2026.
I am so glad to hear that the gabapentin seems to be promising. Finding the right medication’s and dosages is no joke. I have my own issues and it has been so much trial and error over the past 15 years. I finally finished breast-feeding in December and have an appointment next week to see my doctor to try out some new medication‘s that have been off the table for a while, so that’s exciting. I very sincerely hope that things continue to go well and improve for you, mentally and emotionally, as well as physically. Xx
I’m so glad you’ve found medication that seems to be working for you! I appreciate your frustration, and I just hope things slowly but surely improve for you.
As with everyone else, I’m so glad to hear you’re finding some relief. Thanks for letting us know, and for all your awesome stories.
In the immortal words of Mame Dennis – Happy L’il Ol’ New Year! Blessings on you and yours, and pharmaceutical efficacy forever. Hang in there, honey – words on websites or no, we want you as healthy as possible, and happier than is possible.
So happy to hear that you are doing a bit better! I hope you continue to feel even better in the coming year.
I’m happy to hear your new meds are helping. I hope you continue to feel better each day. Post when you can, you health is much the most important thing.
I am glad to hear that your medical people seem to be working with you and you have found something that might work for you. It is so important on both fronts. I recently had surgery and the hospital staff was shocked when I refused heavy narcotics and went with something that was little more than heavier than regular over-the-counter instead a possible addicting med. It makes so much sense to to avoid if you can and our choice. Fingers crossed it continues to work well for you!
We love and support you! Thank you for the update!
Gracias por compartir tus novedades, cómo dijeron muchos comentarios el dolor crónico es un camino de montaña, a veces crees que la subida demasiado complicada y a veces encuentras una meseta de calma, disfruta de los lentos que te sientas bien.
Y como siempre digo gracias por los maravilloso personajes que crea tu imaginación tran Luz a nuestras vidas.
Que esté sea un año que te de mucha tranquilidad. Bendiciones.
Google Translate: Thank you for sharing your updates. As many comments have said, chronic pain is a mountain path; sometimes you think the climb is too difficult, and sometimes you find a plateau of calm. Enjoy the slow moments when you feel good.
And as I always say, thank you for the wonderful characters your imagination creates, bringing light to our lives.
May this be a year that brings you much peace. Blessings.
Thank you!. I hope that google translate didn’t do you wrong. 🙂