The year that was.

Talking with my sister tonight reminded me that it's been about a year since I dived back into writing... and Vert Glace is still not done.  :(  I remember the bliss of taking a month's holiday where I spent almost every day writing from morning to night.

June to September 2013 was a shaky time in my life.  I realized that though I loved my work, certain environmental elements made it impossible for me to be completely present with my clients.  This was unfair for them, and downright depressing for me.  Though psychology is just a day job for me, it's still a day job that I take great pride and care in.  I don't think that my work suffered during that time (thank goodness), but I certainly did.  Looking back at how unhealthy I was back then still makes me shudder.

The unintended side effect of my unhappiness was that I drove myself harder with my writing.  In a few short months, I had written 100 000+ words of Lordchaser, Vert Glace's sequel.  I also edited the first draft after feedback from my friends, and realized that I needed a second draft.  Participating in Labyrinth's writing contests also provided a productive escape from reality.  

Taking a new job and moving away from everything I knew was a decision I didn't make lightly.  I even did a pros and cons list for each of my options!  I had the chance to stay in Brisbane as I was offered another job.  but I realized that the only real reason to stay in Brisbane was because it was safe - I had my friends and family close, and I was living with my one true love.  And if I wanted growth, if I wanted change, if I wanted clarification of who I am as a person, then I couldn't just cling to safe.  

A month without (much) internet in October helped me along even more.  I started to find a balance between work, writing, and other living activities.  Walks on the beach is good for the soul.  Thanks Mark Twain.  

My writing's slowed a lot this year.  I wonder if it's because my life is going well, so I don't throw myself into it as much.  Though less productive, I'm pretty sure this is healthier.  I still have the goal of writing something this year that I can query a literary agent with (come on, Vert Glace.  Pull yourself together).  I am aware that the midpoint of the year is approaching fast, and time is like sand through a sieve.  I'm determined to reach it. 

And I have to pause and just acknowledge how much my life has changed since last May.  I've changed jobs.  My partner and I have taken our relationship to the next step.  I'm living alone for the first time (who needs housemates?).  I rarely use my car, I walk to work, but if I have to commute, it is less than 5 minutes drive.  I've bought a house.  I write almost everyday.  And here's the count so far:

Vert Glace - 80k, currently in 2nd draft.

Lordchaser - 100k, almost finished first draft.

Sasha's Stories - 70k, finished and posting on fictionpress.

Shadechasers, 12k+, in progress and posting on fictionpress.

Librarian - 9k+, finished and posting on fictionpress

Numerous short stories - 7k+ together

:)  A part of me thinks that this is too good to be true.