Hi Jessica. It is great to know how well you are doing and that it is due to your hard work, continuous writing, and publishing. You are an inspiration! I will be starting a year-long class with the Ninja Writers and hope to follow your path.

I guess we all have toxic relatives and have to deal with them as we can. Sometimes we limit time with them and sometimes they are good for an article here. I usually try to make humorous comments about what was said. As if nobody would say what they just said and it must be their (poor) attempt at a joke. The most important thing is to figure out what will work for you and remember that you have to consider the source.

This also might be a way to help teach your daughter about how words can hurt people and saying you didn’t mean anything doesn’t make it better.

Best in the New Year for a productive and happy time!