Well, the best thing to do when you have nothing to blog about is just start typing, so that's what I'll do.
Just finished my Eternal Press business for the next couple of months. Since I worked on two short stories this round I feel like I just got off the Tilt-a-Whirl. Answering questions for one author while working on another's story was confusing, then there were all the "Didn't I already do the credits document?" moments. I don't know how a full-time editor (or an agent, for that matter) keeps all their clients and all their books straight. It's no wonder things get lost in the shuffle. I guess it just takes practice, and even though I've learned a lot with this little editing job, I haven't edited enough yet for the process to be automatic. I have a feeling, though, that it might never become automatic. Each author has his/her own distinct personality, and each story offers a different challenge. So while the procedure might be easier to remember, cracking open a new story will always feel like improvisation.
My oldest child is home sick today. I find decisions involving the children to be so difficult, whether or not a child should stay home, whether to call the school about mayhem on the bus, how much tv is too much, whether to force the eating of vegetables, and there's always the question of how to pass along a sense of the spiritual when I follow no doctrine. It seems like every decision with the kids is ambiguous, and I'm not good with ambiguity. I like deadlines and rules.
I was just about jumping out of my skin yesterday. Everything I could think to do for entertainment costs money. I'm strongly considering getting a small part-time job during the day, just to keep busy. Requirements: No working with the public; no standing in one place for long periods (though walking around is ok); an ultra-low fragrance environment; 2-4 hours between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. sharp. That's it. That takes out just about every job I've ever done in the past.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
I know what you mean about the editing not feeling automatic. Especially when working with new authors. I feel that every new job brings its own set of perks and caveats. It keeps things interesting, but it can be really unsettling too. And then there's dealing with the whole "business" end of things that comes with freelancing, which I hate. Like having to pursue someone who's slow to pay or communicate. But then again, my preferences for a day job rank along the same as yours, though I don't mind working with the public as long as I don't have to sell anything. I also don't want to dress up, and I don't want to get stuck in a cubicle. I'm thinking of doing some volunteer work for the Olympia Film Society, which runs a really neat old theater downtown. Or the library or the food bank. Yeah, I'd like a paycheck, but at least it provides entertainment and fodder for stories--when could lead to paychecks down the road. :)
ReplyDeleteThe only reason I don't want to work with the public is because of the perfume issue. I don't mind dressing up, but a job where you don't work with a lot of people probably wouldn't require it. I'd LOVE to volunteer at the library if it didn't smell so much!
ReplyDeleteI have thoughts of working periodically, but health issues preclude it. Money issues aside (as if money issues are ever really put aside!) I also find that I start wanting to work when I start not wanting to write. And the restlessness that I feel when I've written, when I'm too tired to write more, but the hours still need to be filled, is hard to assuage. Now that my kids are gone, I'm left with housework, visiting friends, or thinking about all the good intentions I have to meditate and draw and exercise, some of which I get to, sometimes. But the writing comes first and when it does, I find I'm more content with the rest of my day.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had something to say on these matters. Unfortunately, I don't, therefore this comment is merely to inform you that I read your post, and feel the job issue is over-rated and would soon interfere with other things you want to do during the day, and that I hope you have a nice day.
ReplyDeleteThat is all.
Thank you for your attention.
Well, I've got the job thing, and that has its plus and minuses--obviously.
ReplyDeleteBut I totally relate to the child issue. So many times I don't know if I've done the right thing. I don't always mind ambiguity, but that doesn't stop the desire to feel that I've got to be right when it comes to my kid. It is his life we're talking about! Ack. Sometimes I think trying to be a writer/artist and trying to be a mom (never mind wife and everything else) is asking for madness.
What about something at a museum? They can't use perfumes and stuff like that there because it would damage the art.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry your baby girl was sick. :( It's always tough to know if you're doing the right thing as a parent. All we can do is trust our judgment and do the best we can. You're doing fine hon.
A museum is a good suggestion. The only problems I can see are 1) the visitors can wear all the perfume they want, and 2) there are approximately 2 museums in daily commute distance. :-/ Yes, I live in a cultural mecca.
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely stressful, trying to figure out what will least damage the children. Which might damage them in itself. Can't win.
ReplyDeleteThing is, even with a part-time job I feel I would have plenty of time to do what I want to do during the day. Right now I'm having to make up stuff to keep my mind stimulated. I mean, there's always housework, but how much can a person do in one day?
ReplyDeleteI'm left with the same things you are, minus the visiting friends. I DO go to the grocery store a lot. Hm, maybe I could practice cooking. Lord knows I need the practice.
ReplyDeleteToday I used your comment as the push I needed to work on the book before I checked email. I'm not done yet, just taking a break, but I already feel better knowing the book came first. Thanks!