February Update
What is happening:
I took time over the holidays to enjoy my time with family, focus on work, and outline where I wanted the story to go. We quietly rang in the new year after a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas at home. My outlining, while sparse, maps out certain events that must take place for the story to be successful.
Work threw me the curve ball and I was unexpectedly let go last week when the previous manager moved back to San Diego and reclaimed the position. In my time there, I learned a lot, worked with some fantastic people, and made some good contributions to the company.
What to write:
While I am searching for another job, I also am taking the time to write. Now my only excuse is not disciplining myself. It’s amazing how many distractions try to worm their way in. I’ve been successful in adding a few more scenes and I am happy with the progress. Still a long way to go, but progress is progress and I’ll take it. 😊
What I’m Reading:
Exodus Ark series by JN Chaney This was fun listen to on Audible. I am partial to another generation ship story. The series ends with them on the planet dealing with a more advanced threat than what they had to deal with before their arrival. I’m hoping Chaney will write more in this series as I found myself looking for the next book.
War Head by M.R. Forbes I absolutely adore this series. The characters in the story make you want to jump in and ride with them. Anything to get a front-row seat.
Looking ahead:
I talked about outlining your story in the last newsletter. It is ’t as easy as it seems. While I was successful in getting a basic outline on paper, my characters don’t want to follow the script. When I write, I let my mind go and write what I think would be a natural conversation or how they would act. I feel this helps the story be more real while at the same time it makes it difficult to stay on script.
I think it’s a good example of a coach adapting to what works as the game progresses. So, it is with my writing.
While I have not abandoned the outline, I am letting the story flow as long as it sticks to the events in the book.
I’m hitting the job search full force and applying for what I do best. Managing Help Desks, Service Delivery, User Services, and Sales are my sweet spots. In IT, that translates to “How can I help you succeed today,” type of jobs.
Please keep me in your thoughts and I will let you know where I end up.
Until then… Happy Reading.