I’m sorry that Rhiannon and I haven’t been that active on the PVB lately. We’ve been weathering a family crisis which looks like it’s going to get worse in the days to come.

Over summer my wife of twenty years, Sally, decided that I was impossible to live with and expressed an intention to separate. Attempts I’ve made at a reconciliation have so far failed. Sally is determined to move from the family home and take the children with her. The children don’t wish to go. The divorce papers arrived last week and Sally is claiming that I’m responsible for an irretrievable breakdown of the relationship and should therefore pay all costs for a divorce, give her custody of the children, a lump sum, and maintenance payments. On 13th November I’m in court at the start of what promises to be a lengthy, gory, and expensive custody battle.

As you can imagine this has been the emotional equivalent of a series of sledgehammer blows to the head. I still love Sally and I’d have her back in a heartbeat. I hate the idea of us being opponents and having to fight. These events have been a shock to family and friends (many of whom I’m only now getting round to cluing in; this is my weekend for “going public”) and a horrible trauma for the children. It’s been a factor in my recent decision to change jobs to something that gives me much more time flexibility. It’s why I’ve not felt particularly inspired to creative writing.

That said I’m trying to maintain as normal a lifestyle as I can for Rhiannon, Alex, and myself, and the PVB is part of that world. I just didn’t want posters to misinterpret any long pauses in activity or occasional snarkiness as reflecting on them or their work.

IW

I have no idea why, but for some reason, I thought this might be it.
I have absolutely no useful advice to offer you, I'm afraid.
As far as I know, Adam is the only one of us who has been through a divorce, except from what I can recall, it was relatively amicable.
Even though I'm not married and still poor, between you and my dad, and starting to feel guilty (and worried) about my relative level of "success" lately - shit like losing one's job or spouse is the kind of thing that, traditionally, I'd expect to happen to me sooner than to anyone else.
Is there something you need us to do? Something we can do?
I can try and post my next nearly-complete Parodyverse story, and share bullshit about the election, but I'm not sure that actually helps any.
Here's hoping things work out for the best, for you and your kids.

I don't really know what to say. I've never been married or been involved in a divorce.

Just know that we, the few, the proud, The PVB are here for you!

Not to diminish what you're going through, but it's kind of scary how my story-building mind can become almost psychic in these cases. I was walking around earlier today thinking about your last post about an unnamed "family crisis", and worried to myself that I hope it's not...well, pretty much exactly what you said it was.

It's tough to really say anything in these cases, because no matter what resolution I wish for it's either unrealistic or someone gets hurt. So all I can hope for is that things don't turn out as bad as you think.

I also hope Rhiannon doesn't give up writing, no matter where she posts it. She's very talented.

And the same goes for you. I'm not sure about anyone else, but whenever I'm in a really bad situation I try to either do some writing or plan it. It's no coincidence any time I've had an awful job I posted lots of stories to the PVB.

I knew you were going through some very rough times with your family, but I'm saddened to hear that things are that dire. I know that telling people about the problems of my own marriage was a heartbreaking, painful task. I think the obvious love you have for your family will help you navigate through it all.

I really have no advice to share. Certainly, this kind of thing hits us in the most personal aspects of our lives... it's very hard to draw anything but superficial parallels between experiences that close to the individual heart.

You and the board were a great resource for me when I was going through my own low points. With everything changing in my life, it was good to have this place to retreat to now and then, where we could have control over how events played out. It was very good to simply have the comraderie as well. I can't do much to help you or Rhiannon in your real lives... although I'm more than happy to help in any way I can. I will, however, be here, and be available by e-mail, and do what I can to keep the Parodyverse chugging along, so that it can be there for you and Rhiannon as it was for me, should you need the escape.

You're a good man... a caring, helpful one, and you've raised some wonderful children. Rhiannon is a gifted child. You're both quite strong. Take your time, and I wish you the best of luck.

.

It certainly doesn't sound like an enjoyable situation for any of you.

Remember we're here for you all.

If you feel frustrated, stressed, angry, and all the other emotions under the sun - sit down and write. Maybe it will help.

Otherwise, if there is anything we can do, just give a shout out.

I hope things are resolved as best they can be with as minimal disruption for you all.

Al B.

I'm so sorry, Ian.

You've always been a stable influence on this place, so we are most certainly here for you at this unstable time. I wish you the best.

If there is anything I can do, if you just need and ear to bend, I'm here for you my friend.

That's horrible news and there's nothing I can say, but my prayers are with you.

Thanks to folks for the best wishes, prayers, and advice. I'm not really ready to reply to any of it yet, being in something of a survival mode on the topic right now, but your input is appreciated.