Retired and ready to write

Well, today was my final day of work. I am officially retired. I would like to state, for whatever it’s worth, that I believe our county workers are under appreciated, under paid, and make some of the best friends you will ever find. You guys are the best and I will never forget you.

I am now ready to enter what I am calling my vacation period. The next two weeks I will be writing on a less stringent schedule while I catch up on some sleep, and family obligations.

My Novella is out to a wonderful group of Beta Readers and while I’m waiting for their input I will be working on a short story I plan to submit to an anthology entitled APOCALYPSE TODAY. The working title is Dark Awakening. Due before the end of August, it’s a  love story set in a post-apocalyptic world.

Stay tuned…

Steve

Lovin’ my Beta’s

Well, I have my story edited and I think ready to send in. As a last step I have it now in the hands of 3 beta readers who have promised to be ‘brutally honest’ with me. After I get their comments back I will do one more revision and send it out.

I was also able to make some progress on my short story that I want to submit to an upcoming anthology. Due date is the end of August, so I should have lots of time to finish it and submit.

The big news, of course, is that I only have 2 work days left until retirement. I am so looking forward to being able to write full time. I have story ideas brewing that should now see the light of day.

Peace.

Positive progress

As I move closer to my retirement date I find my mind shifting away from my job toward my new writing career.  Just one week, five short work days, and I am no longer a Desktop Support Specialist. It is time for me to put the old behind and embrace the new.

I am planning on giving myself the first two weeks in July for my transition period. With the 4th of July festivities, and a family reunion on the weekends, it will be interesting to see how much writing I do without any structure.

July 15th is the official start of the new career. I plan to devote 2 hours a day to BIC (Butt In Chair) writing every day. An additional hour for editing. Plus an hour per day for exercise, to get me in shape. That should leave me plenty of time for reading, hobbies, and family time.

I received another very positive email from my agent. Yeah I’m going to call her MY agent, even though there is nothing signed or anything. The story is almost finished, just needs one more read through then it’s off to some beta readers.

The future looks so bright, it’s a good thing I got those fancy glasses that darken on their own.

Steve

I am Frodo

I know now why most people only give about 2 weeks notice before leaving a job. Having decided to retire over 6 months ago, and thinking about the freedom it would give me over those months has been a real drain on my energy level.

I am reminded of Frodo in the Lord of the Rings. At one point he and Sam look across this large broken plain towards Mt. Doom and realize that it is still a long trip. That was me six months ago. They manage to drag themselves across the plain and then, nearly exhausted they begin their climb up the fiery mountain. That was me 2 months ago.

I am now well up the side of the mountain, and the goal is in site (15 days to go) but it feels like I am trudging through each day. Like the ring of doom, reaching the goal is always on  my mind lately. It looms large, and there are days I wonder if I will make it.

Thank goodness I have my writing project. It seems to be the one thing that can distract me from my ‘Mt. Doom’ moods. The hope of publication, starting to connect with the writing community, and just getting into the stories I’m writing has become that ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ for me.

Now I know all you people who have years of 9 to 5 work ahead of you are probably saying at this point, “Quit Whining!!!” And you are right. It’s coming. The ring of doom will be destroyed. I think I hear the eagles…

Steve

I am Frodo.

Exciting News

Some good news about my writing I could not wait to share. I received an email from the New York City Literary Agent about my submitted story that starts out:

“First, I love the idea and I truly think it can be a great sale…”

It also Includes:

“it’s just not ready yet.”

Not a sale, but for sure not a rejection. It looks like I have a bit of revision to do before she is ready to represent my story. This is not unexpected of course, and you can bet I will be moving full steam ahead on the revision.

This also means that I will be going back to my werewolf story as my current WIP. This story is set in the same world as the submitted story, and should give me a good followup should my original story sell.

Life moves on. Just 18 more days to retirement and my new, full time career as a writer.

Steve

Okay, maybe just once per week

Is it really Wednesday already? Yeah of course it is. I did have a lot of veggies tonight if that makes up for being late (yet again).

Anyway, on the writing front. I did get an email from the New York City Literary Agent to tell me she is still interested in my story, but has not yet given it a full read through. I know that agents are very busy people, especially the good ones, so I am taking this as a good sign.

I have changed my current WIP (Work In Progress) back to Fantasy. Yes it does have some romantic elements, but I got a really good idea for a story arc that I just need to work through right now. The werewolf romance is on the back burner, but still sizzling.

Just 21 days to retirement and me becoming a full time writer, so things are picking up. I will catch you guys next time. (when ever that is)

Steve

The veggies thing is already getting old, so I’m on the look out for a new tag line….

Quick update

Just a quick update. Yeah I know I missed Tuesday, after that (almost) promise not to. Lots of things going on in my personal life this week, but still no excuse. On the professional scene, less than a month away from becoming a professional writer. My old job is whittling down. I have made some good progress on my WIP (Work In Progress) passing the 12,000 word mark. I am aiming for 90,000-100,000 words. Lots of work yet to be done, but it’s still flowing despite all the turmoil in my personal life right now.

See you all next week,
Steve

Because Blogging is like Vegetables