Announcing a Break

This will be my 875th post. There have been almost 116,000 views and nearly 6700 comments made. It’s time for a break.

As you know, I’ve taken on a lot of editing work lately. One reason is because several authors seem to be finishing their books at the same time, and everyone has a deadline to meet. Another reason is because I welcomed the work; I’m trying to pay off the car ahead of schedule and this helps. And lest you think I’m not enjoying it, think again! These are books from some of my favorite authors!

R is still up north, and that means I’m spending time in both places as I take care of things here and there. Watering what sometimes seems like thousands of plants takes time, and that cuts into my day.

I’ve been editing anywhere from six to twelve or more hours a day. Yesterday was a killer: I did one hundred and fifteen pages. Oy! My brain was scrambled when I finally dragged myself to bed.

I’ve come to the realization that I must cut back on certain obligations in order to stay sane, and because I won’t give up the editing (I’m enjoying it too much!), the blog will have to go on the back burner for now.

This is a good thing! I’ve been posting regularly for years, and lately, I’ve been feeling a little burned out. No doubt some of this can be attributed to my recent heavy work schedule, but I won’t deny the thought of ignoring the blog for a while is a relief. My batteries need recharging.

This will be my last post until November 1. By then, most or all of my current editing schedule will be complete, the new book will be out, and I can take a breather.

I’m hoping to find time to edit and format Weatherboy for release.  The betas have sent their copies back, but I haven’t had a chance to do more than glance at one of them. I’m anxious to get this book out and move on to the next.

Break or not, I’ll announce the release here as well as on the usual social media.

Thanks for reading! See you when I’m rested and refreshed and ready to take on new challenges.

__________________

Captured this shot of a praying mantis at R’s a few days ago. I was watering plants, and it flew out of the flowers and into the grass. Weird looking, isn’t it? Go ahead and click on it. Take a closer look. It’s a fascinating creature. It has wings and can fly but doesn’t do it much. I love the intricate lace effect of them tucked against its body.unknown insect 10.2.14 sm

This little lizard has a beautiful design on his back and tail. I am always amazed at nature’s artistry. Even the simplest creations are gorgeous.

Anole diamondback 10.2.14 sm

Last but not least, another dragonfly. This is also an Eastern Pondhawk. Adult males are blue, females are green (check two posts back for the male). I’ve been chasing this one around for weeks, and suddenly, in the last few days, it’s been following me. 🙂 Everywhere I go outside at R’s, this sweetie follows, often landing right at my feet.

Green Dragonfly 10.2.14 sm

Just today, I got several photos of dragonflies I’ve been trying to capture all summer. Perhaps the lower temperatures are making them more amenable to being photographed. 🙂 I’ll probably post a few when I return.

Until I see you again, have fun!

 

About Fenraven

Fenraven lives in central Florida, which reminds him of Wisconsin and Minnesota. Find him on Twitter and Facebook by searching on 'fenraven'.
This entry was posted in photography, publishing, RL and tagged , , . Bookmark the permalink.

36 Responses to Announcing a Break

  1. AJ Rose says:

    Take care of you.

  2. Thorny says:

    Sounds like a good plan to me 🙂 We know where to bug you 😉

  3. Helena Stone says:

    I won’t lie, I’ll miss your bi-weekly posts. It’s amazing how quickly they’ve become part of my interweb routine. I completely get it though and couldn’t agree more. If this is what feels right for you, this is what you must do. And November 1st isn’t that far away.

    Good luck with the editing and work on Weatherboy, I can’t wait for that one to hit the stores. Don’t forget to look after yourself in all of this and make sure to relax and enjoy yourself occasionally.

    I’ll be on the front benches when you return 🙂

  4. brighamvaughn says:

    Taking a break sounds like a very smart choice. Enjoy your editing work and I hope when you come back in November you feel refreshed.

    Gorgeous shots, by the way. I love the Eastern Pondhawk

  5. Allison says:

    I have to echo Helena’s statement. I’ve been following you here for close to two years now (wow) so it will be strange not to have your posts to look forward to. However, I am glad to see you taking a break. I’m sure you’ll come back and be even better afterward.

    As always, thank you for the gorgeous shots.

  6. We’ll miss you, but it’s good (& necessary!) to take time you need for yourself. Enjoyed the photos as always. I think that one dragonfly has imprinted on you or something 😉

    Take care & look forward to hearing from you next month 🙂

  7. Will miss your posts and beautiful pictures. I think a line from Pretty Woman fits here – Take care of you.

  8. Patricia says:

    What an unusual lizard. Nothing like that on the eastern Gulf Coast of Florida that I’ve seen. Now I’ll be looking. A break is good. I just read “Lavender Rose” and loved the story, so charge your batteries and keep writing.

  9. Aniko says:

    Wonderful photos, as always. Especially that dragonfly, but that’s because I’m partial to them, lol. There are only so many balls you can juggle before one of them needs to be laid down for a while. Look forward to your posts when you’re ready to take that back up again 🙂

  10. Donna Lewis says:

    Everyone needs to recharge their batteries. Enjoy your time away from the blog. I love your photos and reading your blog and will look forward to your return.

  11. There’s an echo in here… I’ll miss you too. I always look forward to your blog and notice whenever it’s missing. But, to be honest, if all my favorite, shiny people would do this, I’d get a lot more done myself. Gorgeous pictures to leave us with – thanks!

    • I have lots more pics to post upon my return. Just haven’t had time to process them! And by then, I will have taken more. The weather here is glorious: what people think of as “perfect summer days.” I’m in the lanai with all the windows open, it’s sunny, and a warm breeze is blowing through. As much as I enjoyed the last six months, I love this even more.

  12. Karen H. says:

    Just add my name to the list of those who will miss your post, but recharging the batteries is essential to us all. So I wholeheartedly support this plan and will look forward to the interesting post from a renewed and refreshed Theo. Take care, good luck with getting all that editing work done and make sure to have some fun.

  13. Yvonne says:

    You’ll be missed but we’ll be here after your well deserved break from the blog.
    Beautiful pics of gorgeous creatures today! Take care:-)

  14. suze294 says:

    Do enjoy your posts so hope you are not away too long!
    Keep up the photography, all work and no play etc etc!
    Love the lizard this week

  15. debfirpo says:

    I’ll miss your post but I’d rather have you rested and relaxed than burned out. Take care if yourself. I look forward to more of your amazing photos when you return.

  16. A.M.B. says:

    Now you’ve given me a reason to look forward to November! Enjoy your break from the blog, Theo. Hurry back!

    These are lovely photos, as usual. The wings on the dragonfly are wonderful. It almost looks like a drawing on top of a photograph.

  17. diannegray says:

    Have a lovely rest. And remember, watering plants is very therapeutic (and my favourite time of the day)! 😉

  18. Thanks for the dragonflies; they’re kinda my thing. And thank you for the comment you made, telling me to, “Get unstuck.” I’m putting this on a sticky note & sticking it onto my monitor to help me motivate myself. I hope your hiatus serves you well.

    • Thanks. While wrapping up Weatherboy, I’m being hit left and right with ideas for the next book. Although I’m sort of planning on a sequel for the YA, I may write another first. It sounds too interesting to put on the back burner. 🙂

Leave a reply to Theo Fenraven Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.