Moving On

As we journey into my favorite time of year—fall—my thoughts turn to upcoming days of hunkering down in front of the computer during winter storms and writing, writing, writing. Or editing. Or simply reading a great book in front of my electric fireplace, a cup of steaming vegetable soup or hot carob (not chocolate) within easy reach on a nearby table.

Is this year different from those of days gone by? For me, at least, it is . . . and it isn't. Friends and family are mostly the same. I am different. The seasons change on the same days this year, just as they have in the past. But the seasons themselves are different. "Hot" has taken on a new meaning. Areas that typically endured high two-digit temps with occasional short trips into the low three-digits now find those three-digit dog days are lasting longer than before. No dog I know of that once loved to bask in the sunshine has an interest in Ol' Sol's blistering rays when the temperature's three-digit numbers are ten to fifteen or more degrees higher than they have typically been in the past—and those sweltering days may go on for a week or more. 

Add to the obvious climate change the increased cost of living, supply chain issues, inflation in general, and scarcity of many items and products we need. Then the difference between today's world and that of just a few years ago becomes glaringly clear.

What does all this have to do with writing? For me, a lot. Moving on isn't coming easily. While editing remains much the same, focusing on my work in progress has become a bit of a challenge. For several months during the pandemic, I could write with relative ease. More recently, that hasn't been the case. The words of encouragement I shared with other authors who've had similar issues aren't working for me. 

Of course, all the rest of the chaos in the world hasn't helped. Getting back to business as usual is more difficult than I expected. There has been some progress, but it's slow. Two previously written novels that have been updated and expanded are now fully re-edited and in layout. A third—not the one originally intended to be number three—has been started, and its sequel is in the planning stage. However, sitting down to commit words to paper, so to speak, is where the breakdown occurs. 

How are you coping? Are you moving on? If so, please share with all of us any words of wisdom that have worked for you.

Editor Linda Lane has returned to her first love—writing—while still doing occasional editing. Her character-driven novels, although somewhat literary in nature, remind the reader of genre fiction because of their quick pace. They also contain elements of romance, mystery, and thrillers. You can contact her through her website: LSLaneBooks.com