(Kind of embarrassing that I get a bunch of new followers and this is the first post that appears. This isn’t the normal blog flavor, people.)
So, I’ve been on Cloud 9 since getting the stuff ready for next weekend’s convention. Had great interviews and got to guest blog last week. Still on two of the Amazon lists and inching toward 3,000 eBook sales. I even made a dent in my Kindle list and got a few characters designed. Overall, it was a productive week . . . then today happened. Not even the whole day. Just this:
First for those that are new, I’m actually under a June deadline to succeed as an author. This deadline was levied by my father because my wife, son, and I live under my parents’ roof. It is a by-product of my wife having a breakdown, losing her job, me not being able to find a job, and having several other issues. I’m not going to bore you with the details, but that is the situation and here is what happened today.
Somehow, a conversation came back to this June deadline. I think it was the fact that my parents went food shopping and my wife had tossed a bunch of stuff on the list, so that out of 100+ bucks, 90 was for her and the toddler. This prompted my dad to go on about the money issue even though I pointed out that he could simply have not bought the stuff for my wife. I’ve told him to do that several times because she really doesn’t need to make my parents buy giant bags of chocolate. That’s not their job. Still, it’s also their fault for not taking a stand and saying ‘no’. I have very little sympathy for all involved, especially after this gem:
“So, what are we going to do come June? Are you going back to the temp agency?”
If this was a cartoon, my jaw would have shot through the floor and decked Xi Jinping (had to look up the leader of China). The hell? I bust my ass with my writing every day, including weekends. I have never worked harder and I have over 2,600 eBook sales to prove that I’m doing the right thing. I might not be bring in the cash like a gushing oil rig, but I’m moving forward. To go back to an office job would destroy me and the momentum because history has proven a few things:
- 2-3 hours in the evening is not enough to write a chapter, blog, tweet, eat dinner, spend time with my wife, and relax. Especially when I’m exhausted to the point where shaving is a chore.
- The weekends are a chaotic, loud mess around here. I can’t even read a book or design a character until the day hits the same 2-3 hour block of time that my weekdays do.
It appears that the definition of success by June is nothing short of a large-figured publishing contract. If that’s the case then I was destined to fail from the beginning because a self-published author doesn’t nab a contract within 4 months of their first book’s debut. Does not fucking happen. I’m always asked what he can do if I refuse to go to the temp agency when June hits. Everyone thinks he can’t do anything. The problem is he can do a lot. With my wife working, it is only my dad and I in the house while I’m trying to work. I can’t leave the house in case my son’s school calls for him to be picked up. So, you can imagine what he would be doing.
The annoying part is that he jumps onto this crap whenever he’s upset or stressed. The conversation actually started with me explaining what I was learning about eBook pricing and what my plan was for the sequel. It doesn’t help matters that I haven’t heard from my cover artist in 2 weeks. I shouldn’t be worried since he did this during the first cover’s creation too. He vanishes into his paying jobs and then reappears with most of the work completed. The first book hasn’t even been out for 2 months, so I should be more patient about the third’s release. That’s my job. Not the man who seems to sizing me up for a cubicle again. I was miserable as an office drone. Miserable to the point where my family didn’t want to deal with me and I got daily complaints about being a horrible person to talk to. So, I’m expected to go back to that life? If anybody wondered why I have a near obsession with the concept support then look no further than here. If I was a woman, I’d have gone into stripping to get the love, adoration, money, and attention of strangers. I hate to put my dad on the spot in the public circle, but this shit is not helping me reach my goals. It’s destructive and selfish and blind to what I’m capable of. I’ve accomplished more in 5 months than I’ve done in 18 years, yet I only get reminded that I’m working with a Damocles Sword above my head.
There’s my rant and hopefully it cleanses me for the week. I need to get my game face on for this week. Everything is ready and needs to be put in the car. My goal is to relax, finish reading ‘Cupcake’, and design more characters. Legends of Windemere: The Compass Key (Book 5) won’t be started until May 1st, so I have time to get my ducks in a row. Thanks for letting me rant on this one.
Legends of Windemere 
You are going to do it Charles: you’re going to prove to the world that you’re a great author. I have faith in you, and am so sorry you’re having to go through this right now. It seems like bad/sad stuff happens everywhere all at once. My sister and I stayed up all night with our poor baby lamb, only to lose her at four o’clock this morning. Keep your chin up, and take a deep breath. Everything is going to work out. Good luck to you.
LikeLike
Thanks for your words and I’d normally let this roll off my back, but it’s been said too often. I’m less than a week away from my first convention and I’m hearing that I have to prepare to let it all end. I explain to him how this works, but it never gets anywhere. It’s another reason why I need that sequel to come out. Though, I’m still not 100% certain on my pricing.
Sorry to hear about the baby lamb. I’m sure you did everything you could.
LikeLike
Just keep trying Charles. I hope your father will soon come to see that you’re too good at what you do to throw away all your hard work.
And thanks, but unfortunately, it doesn’t take the pain away.
LikeLike
He’s a practical man and I’m an impractical son. Once I can afford to move out, he’ll see things differently.
*hugs*
LikeLike
I wish you luck, I really do.
And thank you. That helped a little.
LikeLike
You too.
LikeLike
Charles, I just had an idea: have you thought about writing for a local paper? Or doing so freelance editing? I write one article a month and get $25, I know that’s not much, but it is a little extra income, and maybe if you could write a weekly article, you’d make more. (Just an idea, of course!)
LikeLike
I looked into the local paper, but I couldn’t find any topics that would mesh with them. I’m really bad at journalism and my editing skills aren’t the greatest outside of fiction. After a discussion of style and goals, we decided I wasn’t going to work well with them. Thanks for the suggestion.
LikeLike
Sorry. But I’ll keep thinking though! 🙂
LikeLike
No problem. Thanks.
LikeLike
Wow! This sounds like the kind of parent I’m trying so hard not to be. My daughter quit a very goo paying job just about 13 months ago to pursue her dream of fashion design. I have tried being supportive…I’ve sent money unrequested to help out…and I keep wondering when she will get that break so she can make money. But I never ever say anything to her. She is smart and she does what she has to do. She sews (seemingly) around the clock…she went on Medicaid and food stamps (that’s why I pay taxes) and she still manages to find time to spend with her nearly four year old son. So, why would I ever try to squash her dream?
I’m sorry you have to deal with this. Your situation is much different since you live with your dad. Sometimes parents just don’t know the right things to say. I hope it gets better for you.
LikeLike
I think my dad’s frustration is coming from a combination of his inability to control his mood and my wife’s OCD/ADD. She sets him off with the slightest thing and he can’t take it out on her, so he comes after me. Things would be different if we didn’t live under the same roof, but we can’t afford to move out. Long Island, NY is infamously expensive and we can’t even afford to move.
LikeLike
I hope something changes (not sure what that would mean). I have thought what it would mean to my life if my daughter moved back in. Not sure I could handle it either. Will be thinking of you though.
LikeLike
Thanks. If I could do it all again, I’d have avoided moving back in, but who really knows where I would be at that point. I probably would be in a cubicle rotting away instead of self-publishing.
LikeLike
Nobody ever regrets following their dreams.
LikeLike
Very true. People usually regret not following them.
LikeLike
I am so sorry that you will to go through all of that! You are an amazing writer, Charles, and you will make it!
LikeLike
Thanks. I’m pretty sure I will too. It’ll just take more time than some of the people around me expect.
LikeLike
>.< I am so sorry you are going through all of this Charles, It's easy to see that you are an incredibly strong person who has a massive amount of motivation and courage, I am sure whatever this world puts in front of you, negative or positive…you will always prevail and succeed…keep hanging in there man!
Even though I have not started on your book yet, it's also easy to see that you are a very talented writer & author, how many people do you know of that published a book when they were 16, honestly? That is amazing man, and you will end up getting the credit and recognition you deserve!
Like you told me, ignore the haters and just try and concentrate on the important things, don't let someone or something get under your skin!
Good things happen to good people, and you are by far one of the best people I have come across here on WordPress and in the world quite frankly! You got this!!
I have also learned Rants are therapeutic sometimes haha! They keep us from exploding. =]
LikeLike
Thanks. Though, at the risk of hypocrisy, it’s had to ignore the naysayer when it’s your own father and you see him ever day. Worst part is that he could very well change his tune tomorrow. It’s really aggravating and today he just hit the wrong set of nerves. Never wise to bring me down when I’m happy because it’s never a pretty crash.
LikeLike
>.< I think I understand, I know it's hard
(I mostly end up failing miserably most of the time to not let things bother me) haha!
My rant proves that but, I just really hate to see such a great person going through the stuff you are.
Some days people just get on our nerves really bad…and we have to let out some TRUTH before we end up exploding!
Hang in there man, and don't ever forget you can always express what's bothering you to those of us here on WordPress, we are always here to listen and comfort ya in dark times! (You are always there for us) so I will always try and cheer you up or to at least try and relate to whatever is bothering you.
Just try to hang in there and keep fighting!
That's what I am doing.
=]
LikeLike
Thanks. I think I”m going to end the weekend with a few more villain designs. That puts me at a book that I have no notes on, so I can tackle that with a fresh mind tomorrow.
LikeLike
This would certainly be a good time to let loose your creative genius haha!
That’s probably the best idea man, just get what you have to do done and try and get some relaxation in if you can.
Glad you are doing something constructive instead of letting this bother you anymore then it has to!
=]
LikeLike
Probably helps that I’m designing a bunch of demonic assassins tonight. 🙂
LikeLike
wow! Make sure when you can release those you send them to me!
I bet they turn out to be spectacular haha! >=]
Sounds like a great plan!!
*You can’t ever go wrong with horns and pitchforks* =x
LikeLike
Different type of demons actually. They’re a breed called Hellfire Elves. You’ll learn about them in Legends of Windemere. 🙂
LikeLike
Elves are awesome,
-I use to be a big WOW fanatic- haha!
My paladin was a blood elf =x x=
LikeLike
They aren’t really elves. They got the name only because of their ears and early mortals confused them with elves. The name stuck.
LikeLike
I cant wait to explore this world you created and all the different characters!
It sounds amazing.
Magic & enchanting stuff, epic adventures…that’s what attracted me to wow so I know your book will hook and reel me in the moment I start reading it!
LikeLike
Hope it meets the expectations. 🙂
LikeLike
It probably doesn’t mean much to you, but I just bought a copy of Beginning of a Hero (since you’ve got almost 3000 copies lol). Hopefully that helps lift those spirits back up!
Also, about your next book, I would definitely try and get that out ASAP since you’re on those bestseller lists right now so you can capitalize on it. Go with the whole ‘Hugh Howey’ route. He released WOOL in parts consecutively over weeks and the success just built up like a snowball. (maybe not weeks, but the sooner the better, the more your name appears on those bestseller lists, the more exposure I guess)
And thanks for Immortal Wars too! Appreciate it greatly!
And I can’t wait until you get ever more success, so when that Amazon cheque rolls in, you can go show it to your Dad and say, “Look, now the shut up already!” (Well, at least that’s my plan for my upcoming novel)
🙂
LikeLike
Thanks and you’re welcome. I’m going to release the sequel as soon as I can. I’m waiting on the cover art and then it will launch right away. I’ve already paid for the first three books’ cover art, so I can only post them as quickly as I get them.
LikeLike
Oh boy, here I go. I won’t say what I was going to say on here because it will sound like I am stealing your rant and making it my own. Have a cupcake. Feel better.
What I will say, is that I understand where you are coming from. I really, really do. Here is the thing, although I understand the limitations that are placed on you (gee whiz why don’t I just move into a Beverly Hills mansion with my wife and kids and be rich forever so I don’t have to put up with your shite?wait I am an awful person you have been generous to me/wait wife this is all your fault for complicating the situation/by the way I love you) and that you can’t fix everything all at once, everything is a process and it is all eventual.
Those who have gone to university to be come whatever they are right now did not get there in a single moment of passing time. (Rome not built in a day.) Everything that is worth having behind your name as a credit comes from hard work and dedication. You are a man, no? Of course you are. The desire to hide from one’s parents when situations like this occur and to feel somehow inadequate is natural. You cannot do anything right this second to change the situation, but regardless of what other people (even family) have to say, believe in yourself and see the road you want to take clearly. Trust me when I tell you that the journey is always more important than the destination, and life, events out of our control and our own changes in thought pattern will always change the destination.
You are an amazing friend. You have stuck by family when they were at the worst of times, and it is FAIR and is OKAY for you to expect the same respect in return. I am sorry that I have written you a book here. Keep your head up and keep writing.
LikeLike
Thanks. That helps a lot. It’s that reciprocal respect that I keep fighting for, which is strange because they didn’t have to fight for mine. I will keep working hard and do everything I can to push ahead because the alternative isn’t appealing in any way.
LikeLike
Oops is that you were meant to write. It is obvious
LikeLike
Yes? I’m not sure anymore because I keep thinking of cupcakes. 🙂
LikeLike
Lol. Word of the week.
LikeLike
I really wish I could go out and get a cupcake. Tempted to take a short walk tomorrow to the local 7-11 to snag one.
LikeLike
Lol. I could make you some but they might not resemble cupcakes when they get there.
LikeLike
It’s the thought that counts. 🙂
LikeLike
Then we are all screwed. Some of the things I think are just twisted lol
LikeLike
I’d take twisted thoughts over bland thoughts any day. They make life more fun.
LikeLike
I might ask you to marry me were you not already hitched lol
LikeLike
LOL
LikeLike
Charles you have my admiration. I think what you are doing is amazing. I wish your father could see it. Hang in there, I know things will work out.
LikeLike
Thanks. It’s a rough road since some days he’s in my corner and other days he’s against me. It’s frustrating to say the least.
LikeLike
That really sucks Charles. It still irks me that I haven’t read any of your work and won’t be able to buy any for a good while yet (and I can only hope by the time I can it is not too late for your career).
But let me tell you this, and I know it might not mean much from a mere 20 year old guy who hasn’t even tried to come anywhere close to what you’ve done: You have talent. You can’t possibly have close to 3,000 sales this quick and not be good. You can’t possibly still be on the lists and not be good. Numbers don’t lie.
It sucks that your father isn’t supportive. But, if the worst came to the worst, and you did go back to a cubicle job, find a way to make it work. Find the time, no matter the sacrifice. These numbers and these responses are a clear indicator that you can make it. Whether you do or not is a direct result of your continued battle. Wars are not won on one battlefield, they cross many different areas. Your characters deal with many different dungeons, so do you.
No matter the outcome of this situation, no matter where you are, stick with it. Write because you love to write and push to make it your reality. Push until you can push no more, and then find a way to push some more. Dig deep. Dig so deep that Xi Jinping is dodging your shovel. Any obstacle, big or small, is simply that: an obstacle. There’s a lot of bends in the road but if you keep on driving you’re going to get to that destination.
LikeLike
Thanks. I’m sure it won’t be late for my career when you buy the book.
The thing with the cubicle job is that I did it for 10 years and it never worked. I wouldn’t be getting to my blog until the night and weekends are a mess around the house. That lack of support around here is what gets in the way. This success I’m having is because I can put all of my time and energy into the writing, blogging, and marketing. I don’t want to risk the momentum.
LikeLike
Well as long as they’re still up, I’ll be buying as many as are released in August/September once I’ve established myself in a house. Really looking forward to reading them. 🙂
We are quite different people in some respects, so I’m sorry if my advice isn’t much use, but may you need to find the way to create your own inner support and momentum. Few things can stop a strong will and if you push yourself enough, the results will follow. With those results will come a greater support from others, which will then leave you with so much you won’t know what to do with it!
Could you perhaps find a non-cubicle job?
LikeLike
It isn’t so much the cube, but the time. The moment my son comes home at 3:30, I can’t get work done. That’s where things go wrong and not because of the toddler. It’s the time. That 2-3 hour chunk that I get at the end of the day isn’t enough to write anything. This is if I can find a decent job anyway. The ones that I was getting close to obtaining before turning full author had me waking up at 5:30 am and not getting home until 6 pm. The alternative is retail or food, which means I work nights and weekends. That’s even worse because the schedule is inconsistent, I barely see my family, and I get left out of most outings.
LikeLike
3,000 books sold is one hell of a success for a self-published author. One day you’ll need to tell me how you did it. But either way, your father needs to put that fact in perspective: you sold 3,000 books, on your own, without the help of a publisher pushing your work. Most people don’t even KNOW 3,000 people, and even if we did, we all know that only about 5 of them will actually support and buy the work that they got all amped up about and then subsequently stopped caring.
I know its hard. My husband and I have built a very nice comfortable life on our business ambitions, and that comes with a price. I cannot just quit my career because it would be nearly impossible to replace that income with my writing, even if I became successful at it. What makes that more challenging is that I was laid off in January and so I’ve had the opportunity, for the past few months, to see how much happier I can be writing full time and not dealing with office politics. Knowing I will have to go back to that soon is the most demoralizing thing I can think of. But now I am more determined than ever to find ways to incorporate writing into my life, and not let my job destroy my will to live. When I am working again, I am going to work twice as hard in my off hours because my goal is so much clearer to me now that I’ve tasted it.
My somewhat long-winded point here is that even if you do have to go back to work, temporarily, you know you can do this. You’ve already had more success than a lot of self-published authors and you will have more. You can and WILL do this Charles, and you’ll do it with the love and support of a lot of people that believe in you, even if your father is, sadly, not one of them.
LikeLike
My trick is a combination of blogging, tweeting, the advertising sites I have on my book advertising page, and making friends throughout WordPress. Maybe a bunch of finger-crossing and silent begging of the universe too.
That does sound like me. I quit a rather abusive job and jumped into a great job that gave me time for writing. Then, that job was gone within a few months because of things beyond my control. It hit home that I’ve spent most of my life being at the whim of office politics and those above me. I tried a few more jobs, but whatever spark I had that made me work hard was gone. It’s definitely possible to work the office job and do writing, so I’m sure you can figure out a way.
The return to office work feels like a defeat to me. It’s the career path that literally almost destroyed me. I still suffer a mild panic attack if I get too close to the exit that I took for that abusive job. Too many people in the office world don’t realize that their employees have mental limits or feel that they’re expendable. I can’t work in that type of world or even fake it. I know it sounds selfish, but I’m really tired of being someone’s bitch and spending my life waiting for a pink slip. By June, I should have a few thousand more sold and the sequel will be out (once I get cover art and lock down a price). If I’m lucky, I’ll be a month away from releasing the third book and nearing the end of writing the first draft of book 5. My dad might not agree, but that’s progress to me.
LikeLike
I get it. I had such acute anxiety from working (the combination of being someone’s bitch, the stress of the job, and then knowing that they had me by the balls because I loved my lifestyle too much to give it up) that I was on all kinds of medicine. Several months away from it and I feel so much healthier. Even my skin glows…I mean that literally, as in, it actually glows.
I never want to feel like that again, so I’m trying to meet myself halfway. My husband recently got a very nice promotion, which means I don’t have to aim as high this time, to maintain our lifestyle. I can go a little lower, and maybe, with it, reduce some of the stress and have more time to write and enjoy my life a bit more.
Maybe that’s the way to look at it…your book success MUST be taken into account, especially when considering what income you have to aim for. Find something that will pay your bills but will not leave you feeling so dissatisfied and empty. I don’t know if that job exists, but that’s my goal.
LikeLike
I’ve thought about that. The problem is my skill set puts me in either office work, retail, or food. I considered part-time, but nothing came of it. The hours were all night shift and weekend. It would have put me at a schedule that meant I got maybe 4-5 hours a week with my son. Maybe I’m just jaded and damaged by past events, but I don’t think any job is worth being a phantom to my son. I’m always told that I need to be a provider. Yet, I see so many fathers take on the role of financial provider and then wake up one day to find that their children barely know them. At least with writing, I’m home when my son comes home from school and I’m still ‘working’.
Like I said, I’ve tried the balancing act for over 10 years. I can’t get it to work due to the type of support structure and chaos in the household. I did try to do temp jobs when I was editing. It’s made an odd ‘blood in the water’ scenario around here. Almost like the fact that I was working a non-writing job made people think I wasn’t serious about writing.
I don’t know if I’m just tired or if the situation I’m in is really this complicated. The low support days it definitely feels like it.
LikeLike
In my experience people who are close to us often have the least patience ‘re our dreams…not sure why but it’s not uncommon . I can attest from current personal experience it is hard to have a full time job and have enough time for everything involved in publishing. In the end publishing has to be seen as an investment in your future, not unlike study in that regard. So keep on your path. I have no doubt you will succeed. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks. I think people close to us, especially parents, feel they have to protect us from bad actions. If it’s an action that they don’t understand or believe in then they try to stop it. An artist of any kind is seen as a dreamer and most non-artists don’t realize the amount of work needed to succeed. There’s definitely a sense that I can throw my books out into the world, return to an office job, and the books will take care of themselves.
LikeLike
my “like” was in support of you venting!!! I got angry at your dads attitude and I wasn’t even there! Sometimes I wonder if our family and friends even know who we are when they say stuff like that?!? I’m in your corner cheering you on Charles! I’m in awe of your discipline and dedication to your writing!! And you ebook is doing amazing…whoo hoo!!
LikeLike
Thanks. I think it comes down to a perspective of ‘what would they do’, which simply doesn’t work. Most people have trouble viewing a situation from outside their own perspective. When dealing with something like this, they think they’re being helpful and ‘grounding’ the person. Instead, they’re coming off as an obstacle. I need a magic sign that I can have materialize above my head in these situations. It would read in big, red letters: ‘Get Out of My Way’. That would probably get the point across.
LikeLike
Lol…if you figure out how to get that sign to appear you have to tell me how you did it!!!
LikeLike
I will. So far, I can only get the ‘I’m With Stupid Sign’ and the arrow is always pointing at me. 😛
LikeLike
If sheer perseverance, hard work and creativity counted for anything I’m pretty sure you would be there in the winners enclosure. I read your posts regularly and you are so committed. It must be hard to feel that those around you don’t see life in quite the same way. I think that a lack of understanding often comes across as a lack of respect and if your father is a practical man it may be that your commitment and passion for what you do actual scares him in the sense that he is worried about where your life is going. It is very hard to see kids step out of their parents shadows and take a path that is totally off-script. When I first started writing I lived in a pretty remote but beautiful location. I remember my dad saying “you can’t live off fresh air and fine views” – he was a practical man too.
3000 sales in 2 months – stick with it – that’s good going and, as other postees have said – get your next books out asap and piggy back onto your success. PS Show your dad the responses to this blog post and if he sees the original post – it may hurt a little but maybe it’ll help him to see where you’re coming from?
LikeLike
Thanks and the practicality is definitely the issue. I’ve kept him up-to-date on everything with this writing career to prove I’m succeeding. Yet, one hiccup and he’s ready for me to throw in the towel. The current issue is that my cover artist hasn’t responded to e-mails in the last 2 weeks, so I don’t have a clear idea of my sequel’s release. The guy is busy with a real paying job and this happened with the first book too, so I’m okay with it. Besides, it’s my ‘problem’ and I’d rather have to wait a little longer for quality work.
Showing my dad the blog post would be a bad idea. He’s anti-social media. When I mentioned Twitter, Facebook, and even the interviews that I’ve done, he always speaks about them with caution. One of those ‘you have to be careful out there or someone will steal your life’ speeches. Never sure how to handle those. I’m going to keep this rant private, which is why it didn’t go to my social media net. I’ve told him this stuff before (in kinder words), but I think nothing short of a publishing contract is going to convince him.
LikeLike
I get it. Only thing to do…go get that contract and I believe you will. I know that doesn’t help but if you’re in need of tlc and support…count me in. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks. The man just has to be patient. I’ve never heard of someone getting a contract within a year, much less 4 months, of their first self-published book. I might have pulled off a miracle debut, but I think that’s beyond my powers.
LikeLike
hhmmm….it’s no wonder you can’t think of a title, my veins were constricting just reading your description. you my friend are under a lot of stress and stress is the toxin of creativity. you mentioned not wanting to work a cubicle ( i don’t blame you) because you don’t want to be someone’s bitch. honestly, with the guilt trip your dad lays on you so capriciously, that is exactly what he is doing. :- /
i’m not sure what’s worse, cubicle or dad and i doubt i can provide anything but support for your desire to write, and my empathy for being in such a tough spot.
venting is cathartic, do it whenever you need to.
carry on and keep the ::::light::::
LikeLike
Cubicle. It’s easier to talk back and argue with my dad than a boss. I’ve tried explaining the writing dream to a few bosses. Some got it, but they were the friendly ones and not really office jobs. Most times they thought I was nothing more than a dreamer and I’d give it up. One even attempted to ban me from having my notebook out in the open because they took it as a sign that I wasn’t working. Is it any wonder I have no interest in going back to that field? 🙂
At least with my dad, I can go to another place in the house or take a walk.
LikeLike
ah, escape routes are essential. cubicles and bosses usually don’t offer that option. i’ve been fortunate, i requested a 4 day work week to write more. it’s helped a lot.
working food is exhausting, i chef’d for 3 years, it’s incredibly tough work leaving very little emotional energy after a long shift.
LikeLike
Wow. The closest I’ve had to that is working at an ice cream parlor (Baskin Robbins) and a sandwich shop (Subway). Those don’t even come close to what you do. Did you chef at a restaurant or a personal chef job?
LikeLike
restaurants eventually. as is my habit to reinvent myself every 10 years or so and preferring to be either self taught or learn on the job, i started in a sandwich shop. it was a concept replica of The Stage jewish style deli in NY. i cut my new teeth there, learning as much as i could.
i eventually cooked at 2 restaurants simultaneously, right across the street from one another. 1 morning/lunch shift, cross the street and work the afternoon crowd. 14 to 16 hour very happy but exhausting days.
i got laid off the same week from both places when the recession hit Chicago in ’07. so much for that dream. 🙂
LikeLike
That does sound exhausting and fun. Belated sympathies to getting laid off like that. I hate to admit that I only know of that recession and no details. I lived in Florida and they aren’t known for getting out-of-state news.
LikeLike
thanks, i’m over it and on to new shiny thing!
LOL, i don’t know Florida very well except for my trip to Disney, sounds pretty insular, though any news regarding Social Security and Medicare benifits have to be front page headlines, no?.:-)
LikeLike
Only on the coast. Mostly immigration, the glory of guns, crime rates, and wildlife attacks.
LikeLike
‘immigration, the glory of guns, crime rates, and wildlife attacks’
haha…sounds like tongue in cheek tourism campaign slogan straight from the Onion. :-).
LikeLike
That’s just outside of Disney. It’s weird. There’s the Disney Florida and then it’s surrounded by the rest of Florida. Almost like two different cultures.
LikeLike
Florida is probaly like most states, they are rarely homogenous. the urban centers, big cities are quite a world away from the rural areas . it’s like that here in Illinois and New York too, the only 2 states i’ve lived in.
well, i hope there is some resolution to what’s happening at home, artists rarely get the real world credit for doing the work we have to do.
if it ain’t bringin’ home a weekly paycheck, it just ain’t real enough for some. folks. 🙂
LikeLike
New Yorker over here. Well, Long Islander and you’re so right. Long Island is one world, NYC is another, and then there are all the areas of upstate. Want to throw a down-stater off when they’re upstate? Mention ‘The City’ and mean Syracuse. Drove me nuts for the first few months of college.
The paycheck is going to be monthly, but I won’t get my first one until the end of May. 60 days from the first month of $100+ sales. Just need to figure out where to make an account to set up direct deposit. Need to investigate credit unions.
LikeLike
credit union would be my suggestion, you’ll be dinked to death from fees from a large bank.
well, i gotta start my day in earnest, we’ll talk again, i’m sure. it’s been a pleasure, my new friend. take care and enjoy! 🙂
LikeLike
That’s what I was thinking. Thanks.
LikeLike