I normally don't celebrate New Year's, but I do use it as a chance to assess where I am and where I'm going.
I have a book coming out this year, a book ready to submit for next year, and I've re-read all the books in my series to fix consistency issues. I'm ready to start writing the next volume of the series, and I'm in the "sit and think" mode for it. I'm this close to starting to write.
I had hoped to retire from the Paycheck Job this year, but I may hold off. I'm nervous about the Republicans in power and what they will do to Medicare and Social Security, two things I'll rely on for retirement. I have a good job and I can hang on, but I'd rather leave while I'm still at the top of my game. So that's on hold, I think.
As others have posted, one thing that's a major difference this year than in years previous is my concern about social and government change. I am deeply suspicious about the new power structure in D.C. and I expect I'll need to commit more time to social issues, including marching, writing letters, calling elected officials, and other ways to be engaged. I haven't felt this way since the 1960s when I was thrown in jail for protesting the Vietnam War (it was a minor overnight stay, but one I'll never forget). It amazes me that I'm back to Protest Mode at this stage of my life.
The may be other changes coming up -- nothing to discuss here, but a few things may be looming on the horizon. But that's how life is -- it's full of changes, ups and downs. The most important thing I can do is try to maintain my own equilibrium and my own moral compass and act accordingly.
And of course, there's always my writing. This year I'm designing a new legal structure in my book. Now *this* will be fun.
J L
(jayellwilson.com)
5 comments:
I tried to comment before Calvin's appointment with the cardiologist, but Blogger was mad at me for some reason. Great post, hon.
JL, your brain is ever agile. On the precipice to writing the next book in your series; designing a new legal structure in your book. Good for you! As for your reticence about quitting your job, I understand. Every morning when I read the NYT with my husband at Starbucks, the front page articles are so outlandish, I look around at the people in the coffee shop and want to say "Did you read this? Can you freaking believe it?" I feel like I'm reading about another country...Turkmanistan or some 'stan' country. I see fiction...no one can recognize that better than fiction writers. As for me, my sister, who has no March near her in Wisconsin is making a pink hat (pussyhats.com) for me to wear in the San Luis Obispo March. I'm organizing a carpool. Mush on!
It's always a troubling time when a new leader comes into power. I'm trying to hang onto hope that everything will work out. (Just call me PollyAnna.) I retired from my paycheck job in 2008. Remember that year? The economy was in the toilet, housing market had plummeted, gas was over $4/gallon, etc. I had faith that we were in a cycle that would turn around. And it did. Still, these are scary times and I understand your fears. Hang in there.
Cycles, JL, cycles. We'll be fine. Best of luck with your new year.
I just want to be an ostrich and bury my head in the sand. Probably not the best solution, but my immediate concern is no power (again)! Sometimes the little things are worse than the big. Best of luck with your books in 2017!
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