i wrote a story that was hard to write

now people send me sentences in vanish mode

This was a difficult piece to write.

One way or another, the story took up most of my professional year so far.

I can do good reporting and writing at a much faster pace. But, this story took the time it was supposed to take. I’m blessed to have a brilliant editor: Niela Orr of The New York Times Magazine. I’m blessed to have a support system of family and found-family. My colleagues have risen up around me in ways I had not anticipated. All of it overwhelms, but in a good way.

I have for a long time considered myself a bit closed-off. But my closest folks have pretty much stopped allowing me overtime in my cave. As an example: I just got back from Nevada, and the Mojave desert will remind you real quick that life is big and ruthlessly beautiful, and that even hot sands are meant to be stood on, toes curled tight against malaise.

With regard to reader feedback on the Combs piece, I’m still looking at what I can. Most of the response that I’ve experienced has been deeply supportive. I c…