What to say about this year that other, better writers have not already said? Still, I might as well try. Like most, it’s been a year of ups and downs for me, professionally and otherwise. A professional partnership ended unexpectedly, but new opportunities arose and my career continued on much as it has for the past decade. I managed to write two books, despite (gestures vaguely at the world) everything, as well as a handful of short stories. I had four books on the shelves this year. I made some new contacts, got some new contracts, did some interviews and had some revelations.
I did some soul-searching as well, concerning my continuing issues with work/life balance. Anyone who’s been following me for any length of time knows that I’m a workaholic – an addict of productivity. If I’m not working I tend to…wind down. When I am working, I vanish into my own head for days at a time.
This issue has hounded me for a long time – since I got my first job. I live to work, and work to live. I work even when I’m supposed to be on vacation. If we’ve ever talked in person, rest assured that I was almost certainly writing something in my head at the same time. I write when I’m awake, when I’m asleep, while eating. I don’t know how to relax – never have.
It’s not a healthy way to live, and though I’ve made some improvements in regards to exercise and food – for instance, I’ve lost around twenty pounds this year, putting me at the slimmest I’ve been, well, ever – I still tend to get too wrapped up in work to function like anything approaching a normal human being.
I know that authors I admire have had similar problems, resulting substance abuse issues, failed marriages and worse – bleeding onto the page is a common cause of death, in this profession. Thankfully, I have no intention of following their examples. One of the reasons I changed the way I approached this blog was due to these issues. I also scaled back my professional writing this year, turning down a number of opportunities I might otherwise have jumped at, in order to spend more time with my family. I intend to do the same going forward into 2021. Or at least I intend to try.
A new year, a fresh start. But the same old hounds are on my trail. They always will be. But the distance between us is growing.
Glad to hear you are putting your family first.
Thanks. I appreciate that.
You always are in my prayers, my good friend.
Thanks man. I appreciate that.
I hope that 2021 is all that you wish it to be.
It’s a noble thing, especially for a workaholic, to turn the focus to family and I wish you all the best.
Thanks! Much appreciated.