31 Comments

You might want to consider Toronto. It’s very multicultural, so you’ll face less racism. And Canada has free healthcare and no guns. Plus authors are highly respected here (most of our national heroes are either hockey players or writers, seriously).

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To move is bittersweet but I hope it's a lovely time of discovery! I'm in DC and am jealous that Baltimore gets a bit better of an arts scene than we do-- esp with MICA right there! I hope you enjoy it!

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Wherever you make your home, Lian, I wish you luck and happiness. And if you find that magical place you described so eloquently, let us know. I'm sure we'd all love to join you there. It's what I dream of, too.

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Kudos to you for having the courage to make the move! I lived in NYC from 2005-2011 and I had many of those same feelings. I finally ended up leaving when my husband got a job in Montreal (which was so much calmer and affordable than NYC, but still had a lot going for it culture wise). Enjoy the adventure!

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What a beautiful good-bye. Wishing you all the best on your journey.

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When you're done travelling, come to the UK. We'd love to have you x

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I can definitely relate to this love hate relationship in New York City. I feel space to breathe now that I’ve been out of it for 10 years. I miss its character though. Good luck with whatever/wherever happens next!

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It seems you're pretty comfortable with your decision and that's the most important thing when we're changing: to feel good about ourselves and to be capable of envisioning a nicer future. Good luck!

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I left New York for San Francisco… and came back after seven years. Careful! You’ll think you finally got her claws outta ya, but they might still be lodged deeeep down.

HELP.

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This hit home for me!

Godspeed and I know you'll find your new place to call home! (ㅅ´ ˘ `)

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I have similar feelings about Toronto, where I still am, even though I’ve been dreaming for years about being somewhere else. Congrats on getting unentrenched!

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Lian, I lived in NYC for a decade, and yes, it steals your heart in ways you don't quite appreciate until you say goodbye. But once a New Yorker, always a New Yorker. You will take a piece of the City with you no matter where you land. Best wishes on your new adventure.

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Dear Lian,

I am sorry you are experiencing frustration. I am an author/illustrator, and I am about to publish a second book. I have seen my artist friends feeling dissatifaction. It takes initiative to make a move. If you find yourself in the San Francisco Bay Area, in California, it would be wonderful to meet another author/illustrator.

Karen L Chew instagram: @karenlchew

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Congratulations on making the decision to find the place that feels like home! I'm sure you'll find it and continue to build a beautiful life filled with love and creativity and friendships and beauty. I'm looking forward to hearing all about it! Enjoy the next few months of traveling and visiting family!

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Good luck finding your place in the world. Can't wait to read about it!

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Good luck in your next chapter! I've lived all my life in NYC. I've seen it change, and rarely for the better. There's the feeling that you have to be here or you'll be missing something. That's its charm- the feeling that you're at the center. But the center is wherever you are. All the best!

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