Forgive me followers for I have not opined; it’s been over a year since my last blog session. Thank you, thanks very much – I’m in town until next Tuesday. Try the jumbo shrimp.
The hardest thing about (re-)starting a blog is coming up with a timely topic. There have been no shortage of political developments since November 2010 and I’ve even had a few new writing adventures. E-books appear to have turned the corner and become the last big thing. Heck, I even have a second grandson to brag about, not to mention countless exciting trips here, there and
everywhere.
I guess I’ll have to make this a regular thing – along with Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook. As Leslie Winkle might say – ‘call me.’
Maybe the best place to start is to say why I stopped and why I’m back. Unlike smoking or collecting Christmas music, quitting a blog is remarkably easy. It requires a conscious decision to blog, you have to go someplace special to do it, and there is some effort involved – blood, sweat and tears even if only occasionally in the literal sense. Yes, blogging is like going to the gym – you know you should and you feel good after but it doesn’t take much to keep you away.
So it wasn’t you dear followers – if any of you are still there – it was me. When I started to blog, I could find nothing to say. And when I was full of outrage, insight and wit, I was often away from a keyboard (or too full of wine to properly use one).
So what has changed?
New year – new attitude. Don’t get me wrong, this is not the result of a resolution. As a friend of mine used to say: Goals are for hockey players.
However, 2011 had its share of trials and tribulations. It also had a number of real breakthroughs, professionally on several fronts and personally as well. I’ve decided that 2012 is a good time to translate all my dreams into reality. With the Mayan apocalypse pending (which I refuse to dignify with a hyperlink), I’m running out of time.
My own personal apocalypse may be a little farther off but, believe it or not, I expect to retire in six or seven years. Though I won’t be plunging into the abyss any time soon, I should soon be able to see it on the horizon. Neat – no more dentists; no more back pain. Given my somewhat dissolute life –graduate school, 12 years in the arts during my (supposedly) most financially productive years and a general failure to settle down – retirement will be more pewter-coloured than golden. Que sera, sera.
So, my goals this year are simple. Increase my income now so I can ensure my security (yes, I still do believe in that word despite how twisted it has become since the ‘spooks’ got a hold of it) for the future. And find a way to transition successfully from part-time writer and full-time policy wonk to full-time author and part-time grumpy old man.
My revenue plans are my own affair but as to the rest:
I’ve got a new mystery novel I’m in the process of having critiqued so I can begin marketing this spring. And I’ve started work on the sequel. Set in Paris. Which justifies going there. Again.
I’ve an old SF novel I am furiously re-writing to have ready at the same time.
I’m editing a collection of short stories for Bundoran Press– both for the fun of it and to put another arrow in my quiver.
I’m beginning the process of finding an agent – not easy but I’m getting good advice.
And I’m going to 5 conventions this year to help me market myself and my projects.
And I’m Facebooking, Linking, Tweeting, and yes, blogging! Watch for me here or over at http://eastblockirregulars.wordpress.com/with other members of my writing group. I may not manage once a week – but I’m aiming for more than once a month.
The hardest thing about (re-)starting a blog is coming up with a timely topic. There have been no shortage of political developments since November 2010 and I’ve even had a few new writing adventures. E-books appear to have turned the corner and become the last big thing. Heck, I even have a second grandson to brag about, not to mention countless exciting trips here, there and
everywhere.
I guess I’ll have to make this a regular thing – along with Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook. As Leslie Winkle might say – ‘call me.’
Maybe the best place to start is to say why I stopped and why I’m back. Unlike smoking or collecting Christmas music, quitting a blog is remarkably easy. It requires a conscious decision to blog, you have to go someplace special to do it, and there is some effort involved – blood, sweat and tears even if only occasionally in the literal sense. Yes, blogging is like going to the gym – you know you should and you feel good after but it doesn’t take much to keep you away.
So it wasn’t you dear followers – if any of you are still there – it was me. When I started to blog, I could find nothing to say. And when I was full of outrage, insight and wit, I was often away from a keyboard (or too full of wine to properly use one).
So what has changed?
New year – new attitude. Don’t get me wrong, this is not the result of a resolution. As a friend of mine used to say: Goals are for hockey players.
However, 2011 had its share of trials and tribulations. It also had a number of real breakthroughs, professionally on several fronts and personally as well. I’ve decided that 2012 is a good time to translate all my dreams into reality. With the Mayan apocalypse pending (which I refuse to dignify with a hyperlink), I’m running out of time.
My own personal apocalypse may be a little farther off but, believe it or not, I expect to retire in six or seven years. Though I won’t be plunging into the abyss any time soon, I should soon be able to see it on the horizon. Neat – no more dentists; no more back pain. Given my somewhat dissolute life –graduate school, 12 years in the arts during my (supposedly) most financially productive years and a general failure to settle down – retirement will be more pewter-coloured than golden. Que sera, sera.
So, my goals this year are simple. Increase my income now so I can ensure my security (yes, I still do believe in that word despite how twisted it has become since the ‘spooks’ got a hold of it) for the future. And find a way to transition successfully from part-time writer and full-time policy wonk to full-time author and part-time grumpy old man.
My revenue plans are my own affair but as to the rest:
I’ve got a new mystery novel I’m in the process of having critiqued so I can begin marketing this spring. And I’ve started work on the sequel. Set in Paris. Which justifies going there. Again.
I’ve an old SF novel I am furiously re-writing to have ready at the same time.
I’m editing a collection of short stories for Bundoran Press– both for the fun of it and to put another arrow in my quiver.
I’m beginning the process of finding an agent – not easy but I’m getting good advice.
And I’m going to 5 conventions this year to help me market myself and my projects.
And I’m Facebooking, Linking, Tweeting, and yes, blogging! Watch for me here or over at http://eastblockirregulars.wordpress.com/with other members of my writing group. I may not manage once a week – but I’m aiming for more than once a month.
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