Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

OK, so my blog’s been quiet, and I’ve been sporadically chatty on Twitter. Where am I? What’s going on???

I’m still around, but I’ve been busy. I have ideas for blog posts, including some Music Mondays (remember those?), so don’t drop your subscription. Better yet, subscribe so you don’t miss stuff when it happens!

One of the things that’s sapping my time at the moment is freelance writing. Basically, I’m being paid to write anonymous pieces for blog sites, often with style requirements that don’t allow a lot of room for creative expression. But since we’ve had to replace our microwave, dishwasher, and range in the last six months, we need a second source of income, at least for a season. Sometimes it feels a bit like selling my soul, but there are side benefits (aside from the money):

First, it’s writing. It may be a bit style-cramping, but at least I’m having to try to write well within a word count limit. So it’s all good practice and helps keep the machinery oiled. Though after writing a long article, I feel a bit verbally fatigued, which means I don’t write much else.

Second, most of these articles require me to do research on things that might be useful for future fiction. You never can tell when obscure bits of information might come in handy!

Finally, considering all the other second jobs I could have, it’s a good gig. I have deadlines, but no strict office hours. And I get sent projects I can accept or decline. I don’t have to take everything. And I get to write.

So that, on top of the day job, and family, and catching up on reading, is why I’ve been a bit quiet of late. But I’m still here, and I have plans. So watch this space… 🙂