I Took 8 Months Off From Politics...

After covering the news extensively day-in, day-out for several years in a row, I took 8 months off to write a crime novel

I took a hiatus from news consumption and social media altogether for 8 straight months, and since returning (slowly), I am more surprised than anything. Surprised because almost nothing has changed since I last made content.

Same headlines. Same arguments. Same scandals. Same commentary. Even the same wars.

It is almost as if I never left.

But in the process of being unplugged from it all, I got to experience for the first time what it’s like to be someone who does not keep up with the news (A.K.A. the everyday reality show that is U.S. politics).

It was exactly what I needed mentally, creatively, spiritually—I had burnt myself out as a creator, as a writer, and even as a concerned citizen.

And upon stepping away, I realized that a lot of what dominates the news cycle is recycled content, filler junk, and things that, frankly, don’t impact most people’s day-to-day lives.

What does?

The cost of living.

Real talk. Money became the primary concern I had while writing the novel. Maybe selfishly so, but I’m just being honest.

I’m out in New York right now. It costs about $3K to live in a small studio apartment. Or $1,800 to live in a four-bedroom with three other people and share a bathroom.

A scoop of ice cream is $7/$8. A bagel and cream cheese is $6. It costs about $20 minimum to go out to eat (not including tip), $7 for a latte, and $4 for a small drip coffee.

Does any of this seem reasonable to you?

Unless you’re cooking every meal at home, shopping at Trader Joe’s, brewing your own coffee, and living like a monk (all of which can get boring—and all of which I did while writing the novel to reduce my overhead), life gets very expensive, very quickly.

And if I recall, Trump repeatedly promised he would reduce the cost of living. But the opposite has happened under his presidency. Rent and grocery prices have never been higher.

I think that’s why the famous line “it’s the economy, stupid” is still the most valid take of them all. And right now, unless you are raking it in, you are getting killed every time you go out—or even when buying basic things.

This is what “unplugged” voters will actually be thinking about when they step into a voting booth.

Not the noise.

The money they’re blowing on everyday life necessities.

Which is why, theoretically, the party in charge right now (Republicans) should be at a disadvantage in the midterms.

P.S.

Thank you to everyone for the support and for allowing me to take time and refresh. I’m excited to be back with more consistent posting. And I can’t wait to share the novel with you all when it’s finished.

Have a great weekend and as always, #BeBest