The last couple of months have been trying to say the least, and as a result I have had to force myself to step away from my writing more and more in order to pursue other endeavors… why, not because I enjoyed it, or because I wanted to, but simple because had I not have done so, we would have not managed to pay the bills.
It was a tought couple of months, and I had to pick up more and more freelance work, which ok, is still writing, but not the sort I wanted to be doing. It was nothing but an endless stream of internet articles all based around Search Engine Optimization for a particular niche within the internet that shall remain nameless. It sucked, but got us through a tough time, and bought the kids their Christmas gifts.
Luckily, the real touch times are behind us, at least for the time being, and so I can put the brakes on the freelance work, just a little, and get back to doing what I really love… writing this blog, and writing / editing my books.
Not being able to do so for the better part of two months was painful, it really was like somebody had separated part of me from myself, and just thrown it away.
This break merely reinforced in my mind the knowledge that… I love writing, and there is not one other thing out there that I could ever imagine myself doing. It makes me smile, it relaxes me and helps me escape from the world. I could not be happier to be back and hope you are all still here with me, following and reading my often random musings.
I am heavily on the editing bandwagon, with my second short story collection midway through hard copy edits, then it is type them up, grammar edits and then off to beta readers. I would love to say I can have all of this take care of by the end of the year, but the truth is I won’t. I hope the hardcopy edits will be done, and part of the write-up, but my time is still limited with the kids (naturally) and the day job (sadly) going first. Not that it will stop me, I mean I got up at 3.45 this morning and so can finish this post and get a little bit of work done on some things.
Official Site of Alex Laybourne - Author 
I’m glad things have settled down in a good way Alex. And because I’m wearing my Pollyanna hat today I must say this hiatus could be good for you. Sometimes your brain needs a holiday, even an enforced one. 😀 Good to have you back on deck.
It feels great to be back. I think you are right, maybe a break was good, although I was still writing around 1500 words a day 🙂 Looking forward the end of the month, Highway to Hell is finally hitting the shelves. Then I can really start pushing some things.
I must admit I’m all written out after nano. Even blogging is a bit of an effort just atm. I think I need a break too. 😀
I feel your pain! I’ve been working on a blog posts that are more review and product based that are for my family and stuff and getting gifts and isn’t always the easiest writing, but it gets the bills paid and gets the work done! So, good for you for doing what you need to do. 🙂
Thank you, and I too comment you for doing what needs to be done, getting the bills paid in these difficult times is a feat worthy of praise.