The writer, goofing off

[rolanni]

The revised revised Saltation went back to Toni at Baen on Monday evening, had I said?

This means that, for the first time since January 2007, I'm not on deadline, past deadline or negotiating a new deadline -- in short, this is the first time in more than two years that I'm not actively involved in writing a book.

Oh, there are a couple short stories that need written, and I expect a revision letter for Mouse and Dragon, but --

What I'm saying here is that we're out of contract. And that for the first time since. . .1998?

I'm not sure exactly how I feel about this. I mean, it's not like I don't have a TBR pile that masses slightly in excess of myself. Or that there's not a casual ton of hardcovers bearing down on us from the Simon and Schuster warehouse, all of which will need to be schlepped, stacked, packed, signed, sealed and mailed. Or like my house doesn't need the serious and complete attention of the Shoemaker's Elves Toxic Incident Division.

It's just -- out of contract. Wow. I don't have to go home and hit the keyboard for another four or five hours after I get done at the day-job. I can go for a walk; take a nap; go shopping; read -- remembering that TBR pile. . .

We were under contract for the first three Liaden books between 1986 and 1989, I guess. Then out of contract from 1990 through 1998. So, we've been under contract for 14 of the last 23 years.

No wonder I feel a little. . .light-headed.

Maybe I should take up a hobby. . .

Comments

[missingvolume.livejournal.com]

Time to fill the brain with lots of new words and data to get ready for new stuff to write. ;-)

[klingonguy.livejournal.com]

Maybe I should take up a hobby. . .

Well, if you want to learn Klingon, just let me know.

[elektra.livejournal.com]

Might I suggest . . . sleep? Highly recommended.

[keristor.livejournal.com]

Definitely take up a hobby. Something relaxing and non-stressful.

I know -- you could write a book!

*g,d&rlh*

[muehe.livejournal.com]

Let’s see.
The hobby should not be creative -- saving that for writing.
So a physical hobby, but not one involving your hands -- can not take the risk that we might damage you interface to the keyboard.
I guess that leave some sort of running or walking. Wait, you are not prone to falling are you? If so, you might try to use your hands to catch yourself.

Maybe you should just sit quietly until you feel like writing again.

P.s. This is humor, or at least my attempt at such.

[6-penny.livejournal.com]

Happy recuperation. Cold turkey can be difficult!

[amm-me.livejournal.com]

Lois Bujold calls it "cultural filterfeeding" - her recharge of the story cells. Sit back and relax, or swim out in the currents, cilia waving, pulling it all in -- Maine countryside (fall color yet?), fiction, nonfiction, anime, fall festivals, movies, good food, websurfing, games, beachcombing ...

Of course, we out here hope it all sparks "story stuff" soon. But a rest is also a Good Thing. As much rest as possible with the Day Job getting in swing for the semester, which maybe isn't much.

[yoneit.livejournal.com]

My advice would be to relax, to do anything you feel like doing and just enjoy yourself! You've earned it!

Wishing you a wonderful time.

Jenny

[kahva.livejournal.com]

I think the cats' answer to what you should do would be, "Pet us! Feed us! Make laps for us to sleep in! Now!" On a full-time basis, even.

At least, that's what my kitties seem to want me to do instead of go into work every day. :)

[seekergeek.livejournal.com]

But I thought writing WAS a hobby! And a craft. And an obsession and addiction. *grin*

Have fun with that free time!