Resolution
For another year I’ve managed to sidestep the Grim Reaper, so 2007 goes into the plus column. Now, here comes 2008.
I once worked for a guy whose ass was so tight a fart couldn’t escape. He evaluated progress toward his goals every evening and graded himself. I, on the other hand, am not much of a planner. So the fact that I have come up with a direction is fairly monumental, if only to me. Here’s the plan: I am going to write a book.
There, I’ve said it, right out loud and in public. Well, quietly and just to us folks. But now it is real. And it involves the shifting of all my tectonic plates:
• First, I had to decide if I would want to write it even if it never is published. I am not willingly setting myself up for a disappointment; there are already enough of those.
• I have started a long, slow retirement. I cut billable hours in 2007 and will cut a bit more in 2008. I like what I do and am jealous whenever my clients seem happy with anyone else, so this hasn’t been real easy – think in terms of pulling up the reins on an old thoroughbred that still feels like thundering out of the gate.
• I have had about three hours a day to shop for/visit with the Mister (at least when I am not cruising or just in general feeling like a steaming slag heap). But in January, the Mister’s nursing home is closing and moving to Sequim, god love ‘em. Instead of eight blocks away, he’ll be 20 miles down the road. I won’t make the trip daily. Instant messaging is already part of our life, and will become even more important.
• From all this, I am creating maybe 15 hours a week that I can designate to writing a book. I need chunks of time; I am not one of those writers who can produce in short bursts between the flotsam and jetsam of the day.
• Cutting back on work hours is a delicate balancing act. I need to make enough to sustain those particular goodies I simply can’t live without: an occasional pork chop special at the Corner House, reflexology, getting my hair dyed by someone else, shopping for shoes. But I have given up book stores for the library, so I am underway with my new economizing program.
Anyway, writing a book. That’s the plan. But, honestly, I am terrified by it. I have made my living all my life by writing ads, so I already know a lot about writing fiction. But long format stuff? Jeez. Nerve endings are feeling pretty raw and new on the back nine just now. Wish me luck.
