SONG INSPIRATION
This month’s blog is inspired by Nicki Minaj’s Pink Birthday from Pink Friday 2.
THE SEMESTER
The semester took off at breakneck speed, with interviews, meetings, travel, writing, etc. I’m happy to report that by the start of the semester I was ~95% recovered from my severe burnout. I give major thanks to my PS5 and Antigua, Guatemala. Like last spring, I’m teaching a 30-student 100-level course this semester. The familiarity with the material and a competent TA has kept my teaching stress to a minimum. That has given me additional time for other commitments like collaborating on a new grant, preparing a conference abstract, advising a student, and editing a novel. It’s a constant battle to not overextend myself and I have to remain mindful. I get super excited by new opportunities and that plays right into my workaholic tendencies. A mental health goal for this semester is to not have moderate to severe burnout by the end.
THE BREAK
Although we’re 3 weeks into the semester, spring break is only a week away (the joys of a liberal arts college). I’m going to spend my spring break in the southwest where it’s warmer and sunnier catching up with some of my friends. I hate to admit it, but I already need a break. Don’t get me wrong – the semester is off to a positive and productive start. But there’s so much going on as I mentioned earlier. Quality time with friends has become increasingly rare and thus increasingly valuable. I want to reinvest in friendships especially as distance and work have shifted priorities.
THE WRITING
I am 20 pages into novel edits. Before you think that’s impressive, please recognize that the duology totals ~1000 pages double spaced. However, I’m focusing only on the first novel so I’m basically 20/~500. Bet ya didn’t think we’d do math in this blog YET HERE WE ARE! I’m not discouraged at all. Every bit of progress is music to my…eyes. I’ve already made notes and substantial edits that I think will improve the character development, pacing, and emotional payoff. In addition to novel revisions, I’m working on an anthology series with my writing partner. We’re in the process of crafting a unique world which will be explored in an episodic format involving two more or less fleshed out characters.
In the non-fiction realm, I finally received edits on what shall become my fifth manuscript. The reviews were overwhelmingly positive but there are some improvements which will greatly benefit the work. Once I’ve submitted my revisions, I’ll resume work on manuscript number six. The academic grind never ends.
THE BIG DECISIONS
Whether I like it or not, this will be a year of big decisions. It’s very likely that by the end of the month, I will know where I will live and/or work in 2025. It seems far away, but I would start packing in a few months. If I don’t land a job this cycle, I’ll still have to relinquish my faculty housing which means relocating somewhere else while I reapply in the next cycle this fall. Either way, the decisions I make this year will affect my career trajectory and social fabric. I am anxious to have a plan, but I’m not anxious about the decision itself. I’m fortunate to have a great group of family, friends, and mentors who can provide me with sound advice. In the interim I continue to learn so much about myself and my relationships while stewing in the uncertainty of a postdoc.
CURRENT BOOKS AND SHOWS
Recently finished books: Existential Kink
Currently reading: A Modern History of Japan; The Housekeeper and the Professor; The Left Hand of Darkness
Recently finished shows: The Floor
Currently watching: Avatar: The Last Airbender (live-action); Cells at Work: Code Black; Star Wars: Clone Wars (s1); Kotaro Lives Alone; What If…? (s2); Zom100: Bucket List of the Dead
Thank you for reading! Please feel free to suggest future topics. The next blog is scheduled for Thursday, April 4th. Until next time….
The Planetary Novelist 