So it has been a rough couple of days. Longer than that, really, but the election has brought a hell of a lot of frightening things to the surface.

I’m terrified.

I say this as an Australian, with many people in the US that I love and cherish, including, but not at all limited to many of my Robin Hobb message board family, the speculative fiction community and the bulk of my Clarion West classmates. I say this as someone who is going to feel the impact of the next presidency both on a personal level and on a global scale. I say this as someone without a vote. I say this as someone who lives on the other side of the world, who, most of the time, can’t be in the States physically.

I’m terrified. But I’m here.

The last couple of days have been a riot of self-care. I stopped writing. I’ve been swimming, walking, doing yoga, seeking hugs, being kind to myself, all in a desperate attempt to quell the anxiety roaring through my body. Thank you to everyone who helped to keep me steady.

It was an upward spiral, and I’m levelling out now. Shit is manageable.

So. Now I can be here for you, my friends. A lot of you are in the States, and although I’m going to be visiting soon, I won’t be able to see you all in person. But if I can help, from all the way over here, with a phone call or a virtual hug or a Skype or just with an email filled with kind words, I will do that. Please reach out to me if you need an ear. Please let me know if talking will help.

I plan on sending some money to Planned Parenthood and other important places, but other than that, I don’t know what to do aside from taking care of my people.

If you’re reading this, you’re one of my people. Hufflepuff law.

You can reach me here, via email at emmakateosborne(at)gmail.com or on Twitter as @redscribe. If you need a Skype or a call, I can give you my details from there.

Take care of yourselves, and each other. ❤