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Why is the blog named ‘The Introspect’?

I thought of the name after a particularly insightful day. I had just made some discoveries about myself—about how I view myself in relation to others and a possible solution to my decades-long struggle with low self-esteem—by comparing my favorite characters in the 3 book series I was reading, first to each other and then to myself. This introspection was the reason I decided to create this blog, so I figure it was aptly name.

And yes, I’m aware it’s not a proper noun. But wordplay is one of my talents, you see. The adjectives, nouns and verbs for this word are for characteristics and actions. I am an Introspect. I don’t look at things and see the obvious—who, what, when. I look at things and try to fit the pieces into the puzzle that makes up my life. How can I use an experience to become a better person? What is this telling me about the situation I’m in? Relational introspection puts an entirely new meaning on just about everything. A trippy way to live, but ultimately a rewarding one.

If you’re curious about how to become an Introspect yourself, read my Show Me a Sign article.

Where can I find the trigger warnings?

Any trigger warnings (TW) and content warnings (CW) will be listed at the top of each article. You won’t be able to miss them, I promise. If you don’t feel comfortable with even one of the trigger warnings listed in an article, please refrain from reading that article.

In the future, we will have filters to hide any articles with your particular triggers.

Can you explain some of the acronyms you use?

Please head over to the Terminology page for all terminology definitions. If you happen to see a term used that is not listed on that page, please send me a message so that I can add it.

Where can I find more information on mental health?

The most reliable sources of information on this subject are the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) & National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). They are great resources if you or your loved ones want to learn more about mental health.

What does it mean when the blog is on an “interlude”? Why have there been so many?

Interlude is just another term for hiatus, only classier as it is generally used to refer to a pause between the acts of a play. This is a time period when you can expect that new content on the blog will be a little sparser than usual and response times may be delayed.

It can often be hard in this digital age to remember that blogs are run by humans. There is only one of me, and though I do my best to keep a consistent schedule of posting new content, if I run into a particularly nasty episode of depression or my level of overwhelm is off the charts, I cannot will not guarantee perfection. If you’re T/MI, I’m sure you understand. If you’re not or you don’t, please look out for my upcoming article Redefining ‘Enough’.

Interludes can be considered my “mental health days.” They may range from a couple of days to a week or two at a time, but if the blog is ever on an interlude longer than 2 weeks, I will post an update with a potential return time. If you’d like to send me messages of encouragement during these times, they would be greatly appreciated!

Will you promote / sponsor my brand / product?

Authenticity is one of my core values, and I’m unwilling to compromise on that, which is why I will only work with brands and promote products that I feel are reputable, responsible and that I know are of genuine quality. I will not consider brands or products that don’t fit with The Introspect—those unrelated to the content of the blog.

Please feel free to send me a message, and I’ll do my best to respond within 5 days.

Can I use [parts of] your articles on my website / social media?

Please ask for permission first and always credit, as all written material and many images on this website are under copywrite. Send me a message if you’d like to use any of my articles or photographs. If you would like to use a quote less than 4 sentences, you may do so under the conditions that you credit A.K. Kubica and link back to The Introspect.

Where did you get the images for your website?

The website images are generally stock, with the exception of the About page (photos taken by Jamie Koala) and the picture of my dog (below). Eventually I will be replacing them with original photography. The blog images are AI generated and are owned by me. If you would like to use any of the images on the website or blog, please see the question above.

WRITING

What is your creative process?

1 1/2 parts Brainstorming

3 parts Creative Intuition

2 parts Copyedits

1/2 parts Revisions

1. Stir brainstorm once every few days. Once matured, lock yourself in a room, dim lights and take out your notebook and pen.

2. Smatter the pages with creative intuition for 2 - 2 1/2 hours at a time (do not exceed 4 hours as this may cause a low-level explosion and result in injuries).

3. Baste with icy copyedits to dampen the enthusiasm, and add a dash of revisions.

4. Best if served lukewarm with a spot of misgivings, or repeat as needed until desired effect is achieved.

Do you ever get writer’s block?

I had writer’s block from 2011 through 2022, writing sporadically, briefly and only if the elusive inspiration suddenly ‘hit’ me. Those 11 years were also the years I struggled most with bipolar and anxiety, but that’s not to say that mental illness can cause writer’s block. If fact, during my manic episodes, I’ve written some of my most insightful work and been extremely productive in completing pieces.

I do tend to lean towards the belief that the combination of perfectionism and procrastination is actually the main cause of writer’s block. Read more about this in my upcoming article The Perfect Excuse: How I Use(d) Perfectionism as Procrastination for my Writing (and Passed it Off as Writer’s Block).

Learn more from the National Library of Medicine about the link between bipolar disorder and creativity.

Do you do commissions? Can you read / review my work?

I am not currently reviewing any individual works. I may provide these services in the future and will send updates on this in the blog.

I do sometimes do commissioned writing, especially for poetry and short story. Please send me a message if you’re interested. Pricing varies for type, genre and content.

PERSONAL

How old and what breed is your ESA?

My Emotional Support Animal (ESA), Wolfgang, is 7 years old. He is super sweet and always
happy. He’s a mixed breed, with the most prominent breeds being Husky and Black Lab. He
has the cutest and softest ears and white, spotted socks.

What are your other hobbies?

I love to read fantasy series, but I’ll pick up a thriller, sci-fi or classic every now and then; I can often be found in the non-fiction sections of the library searching for books on writing, travel, and history.

My other hobbies include web design and photography—as you may have noticed by the nature photography strewn throughout the site—hiking, traveling, and cooking.

Did you used to write fan fiction?

Of course I did! Still do, in fact. For a long time, during writer’s block particularly, it was the only form of writing I was able to produce. I’m actually quite proud of my fan fiction. It’s what got me to where I am today, by keeping my mind sharp and my pen on the paper.

I encourage anyone who is starting out with writing, especially T/MIs, to begin with fan fiction. It’s low-pressure, in a world with characters that you already know and love, and it’s fantastic practice! Plus, you can get free feedback from your peers.

What is your diagnosis?

I’ll begin by cautioning you never to ask this question. If someone wants to reveal their diagnoses to you, that is their personal decision. It should never be assumed that you’re entitled to that information, or that they are required to answer.

With that in mind, I will divulge my diagnoses as a way to mitigate any confusion regarding the content of my articles, and in the spirit of openness and vulnerability.

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), incl. social anxiety & panic disorder (org. prior to 2003, dx. 2012)

• Bipolar I (BD-1), incl. cyclothymia & rapid cycling (org. unknown, dx. 2012)

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (org. 2003, exacb. 2012, undx.*)

• Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) (org. 2003, undx.*)

• Borderline personality disorder (BPD) (org. unknown, undx.*)

*There are two reasons I list the undiagnosed MIs. (1) I know myself better than my doctors, and am often praised by them for my self-awareness. (2) My GAD and BD-1 have been the main transgressors in my life, causing the most problems. My team of medical professionals have been so concerned with the havoc these two have wrought that they cannot even be bothered to diagnose the others definitively. I don’t much care whether they’re official or not, so long as I can discuss tools with my therapist to prevent them from becoming as problematic as the first two.

Do you accept gifts?

If you send me a free gift, it is with the understanding that I am under no obligation to feature it on my blog or social media platforms. In the fullness of remaining authentic and honest, I may or may not post about the item, particularly depending on the blog’s criteria. If I do, I will determine the specifics, including platform, context and time frame. I will, however, be sure to notify you if the post goes live.

If you want to send me a gift with no agenda attached, that is very sweet and I would appreciate it greatly! I don’t currently have a way to receive gifts, so in the meantime I would also encourage participation in our Giving Tuesdays, which is a great way to spread good will in general, but also to give me a gift through giving gifts to others.