I blinked, and January disappeared. I am astonished to find that it is already the 2nd of February. I have a feeling that this year is going to fly by faster than I can catch it. Time dribbles through my fingers as I grasp it. Can you tell I’ve been working on Surrealist? No, probably not yet. Well, I have. As with the drafting process, I am enjoying it, but it is progressing much more slowly than I wanted it to.
Progress
I’ve revised the bulk of Surrealist. There are about 70 pages left for me to get through, and they are some of the best in the book. I am excited to finish this revision and move on to Project C, but I will miss it for the time it is out of my hands, short though that may be. Project C is planned for a rapid write/rewrite, and the goal is to finish it before the end of February. Then I will go back to Surrealist for a heavy line edit that I’m sure will go at a snail’s pace. So, perhaps I should stop complaining about the pace of this revision and enjoy it while I still can.
Leisure
I started reading Red Rising, but as with many books as of late, it is too good to read. I come back to this issue again and again as I try to read good books and can only get a page or two without stopping to write something down for one of my own stories. I know that books are supposed to fill up the well for my writing, but with some, that catalyst feels like drinking from a fire hydrant.
Another book that gave me trouble when I tried to read it this month was 1984. This was because of the above issue, but also the mental strength needed to delve into such a book when it feels so true to life.
This means I end up watching TV shows if and when I have free time. I’ve been watching Suits while I work on homework or administrative work. It is good drama, and I can watch at low attention, which means I get through it much faster than something like Stranger Things, which I haven’t watched any of the latest season yet.
What I’m Learning
Balance is hard. I am busier than I’ve been in a good long while. I started a Master’s of Accounting, and even though I’m only taking two classes this semester, it is taking a significant amount of time, which is slowing down my writing capabilities. I know in the long run this is the right call, but the opportunity cost of the moment does make me a tad bit squeamish. I question my decisions on a weekly basis (usually when my homework is due). This is natural, as it is slowing me down by a book or two a year. But the greatest marker of future success is the ability to deal with delayed gratification.
Looking Forward
Project C is next on the docket. I’m excited to blaze through this one as fast as possible and then get back into working on Surrealist. February will be all Project C, and hopefully, I will finish it within the month. Then I will move back into Surrealist for a line edit, which I’ve given 2-3 months for, as it will be taxing, and I will still be in school for the bulk of that time.
I am hopeful that my one summer class will be less taxing and that I can get ahead on some projects to still hit my deadlines. I will be in this program until the end of 2027 and have adjusted my schedule and what I take on, but I am still keeping up a decent pace.
I’m going to go back to working on Surrealist now.
TTFN
Naomi
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