I sent out an announcement today effectively stating that I am retired. The not-for-profit foundation I have been working for is closing at the end of the month and my job will no longer exist. So right now is probably a good time to catalogue whatever bitter-sweet reactions I have to this.
SWEET
There is more time to:
1) ponder the characters in my next novel
2) research the time period in which the story takes place
3) develop a story board
4) create amazing descriptions
5) build the social media platform needed to attract publishers
6) talk to book clubs about ‘Small Moments’
7) contact bookstores
8) contact schools
9) enter contests
BITTER
1) miss the many wonderful friends I made while working.
Retirement is the beginning of a new chapter, one I’ve been working towards my whole life. Instead of finding time to write, I now simply have the time. My children are grown. My partner is building me a studio in the woods. My files are cleaned out. My computer has been revamped. And I have a wonderful story that I’ve been working on for several months. This is a dream come true. Wish me luck.