Sabbatical · 6:48am Mar 1st, 2020
I'm taking a sabbatical.
You could argue that I've already been on one, recent blog posts notwithstanding. But I've actually been quite active over on the Writeoff site, and I've tried to stay plugged-in with helping edit Moosetasm's recent work. In fact, he's got another story coming out shortly that you should check out. It's funny and quirky; just the way we like to roll!
I've been intentional about staying plugged-in because I want to, and I love it.
But I need to unplug for a while.
...To a certain definition of "unplug." Someone still needs to maintain the monthly Time Action Glory Challenge posts, and I have some ongoing work I'd like to finish to make those smoother to put together. I also thoroughly intend to continue making trouble in ongoing Writeoffs. There's also this ever-growing pile of fics in my backlog, most of which wouldn't be too hard to finish and get on here...
But in the grander sense, I need to stop spinning my wheels. Most of my recent work has come slowly and inconsistently, for reasons that have nothing to do with the craft itself. And pushing to stay engaged with that work is starting to yield diminishing returns.
I don't need anything, I think. There's nothing "wrong" per se. I'd like to hope that my best stories are still in front of me.
I just need to slow down and actually take the break that I tried to a year ago.
Enjoy yourself. We'll be here when you get back.
I already miss you
Best of luck to you! Take care and have fun!
I have been terrified of taking a sabbatical at work for fear of coming back and having everybody ask “you were gone?”
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I’m counting on it!
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Miss you too, bird-man. You gotta come check out some more cons down in the states so we can hang again.
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Fun is definitely on the todo list.
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So I’ll be honest, I thought about just not saying anything. But a recent blog by B_52 reminded me that it’s better to let people know when you’re stepping away, regardless of whether you think they might want or need to know. It’s about showing love and respect for your connection, though admittedly in a small, weird, and possibly not-directly-helpful way.
With any luck, I will refocus quickly and jump right back on the horse.
5212504 To be honest, with my low wordcount per day over the last few years (It only looks like a lot when piled up in one place) one might think I've been on sabbatical since we started.
You know, we need a story about Twiggles taking a sabbatical.
The ground shook under the footfalls of the titanic animated Ghost Apple tree as it stomped toward town, bellowing at the top of its lungs and swiping at passing ponies. Well, all except for a relaxed alicorn taking in a sandwich at the local deli.
"Sabbatical!" she called out, which made the huge tree pause, then look down. "I'm off work until next year, so if you want to make an appointment or something?"
"Greouuufffff," breathed the huge plant.
"A week after I get back," mused Twilight as she scribbled in her calendar. "Got it. Hope it's not too much inconvenience, but I really needed some me time."
"Hasssffffullll," groaned the animated tree as it turned and began making its way back to the forest.
"You're welcome!" called out Twilight, then took another bite of her sandwich. "Don't know why I didn't do this earlier."