I’ve alluded to an “exit strategy” on the blog previously, back in October. Over the past couple of months, I’ve been able to put it into action. As in:
As of January 3rd, I no longer have a day job.
I wouldn’t call myself officially retired, mainly because I plan on writing fiction full-time. Whether that amounts to an actual income stream is not something I’m necessarily banking on. I hope so, but it isn’t crucial.
So there you have it. I am now a full-time fiction writer, and the thought is both exhilarating and scary.
I’m still adjusting, obviously. You can’t work somewhere for twenty years and not need to adjust once you leave. Also, I’m in some pretty serious burnout, burnout I couldn’t get myself out of while working my previous job (I tried; oh, how I tried.).
I do not want to bring this burnout into my writing, so I’m committed to recovering, taking things slow.
But for 2025, I do hope to be blogging more, chronicling this new adventure. And yes, I hope to be writing and publishing more as well.
Right now, it’s enough to be able to take a full breath again, to have the time to do things at a natural pace, to feel that ten-ton weight lifted from my chest.
Right now, it’s enough to close the page on one chapter and start another.
Writing Wrongs 
Congratulations! It has sounded like you’ve been ready for a change like this for a long time, and I’m glad to hear you’re ready to commit more time to your fiction and to other writing as well.
Gotta admit that having you around in the blogosphere has helped awaken my previously stalled writing practice; it’s still pretty faltering, but it’s more than what it was — so I’m glad to hear that blogging is still in the works. Thank you!
Looking forward to following your new adventures; interested in hearing what you learn as you discover new boundaries! Happy New Year!
I’m so glad that you’re around as well. I think I would have given up blogging again late last year, but I knew you’d be around. And so I didn’t. Thank you so much for being here.