Thursday’s Work-in-Progress

The big news here is that today is my last day at the day job until June 11. Shockingly, I am actually using a big chunk of my paid vacation time, instead of simply taking a day here and there. (Thanks, Residency-That-Shall-Not-Be-Named, for rejecting me and making it unnecessary to conserve that time for you.) And though I do have a brief trip out-of-town planned for this holiday weekend, I’ll be spending most of my vacation right here in New York City, focusing primarily on things writerly and readerly.

I have all kinds of plans–for research, writing, reading, and querying. I have “dates” with writer pals scheduled. I’ll spend a day at Book Expo America (BEA) and immerse myself in some of the meal-sharing and party-going that’s associated with BEA week. I’ve RSVPd “yes” to several readings. Basically, I’ll be doing all sorts of things I wish I could do all the time, if only I weren’t a) behind a desk at a 9-5 job and b) too often worn out by said job and c) cramming in the rest of my obligations and tasks on the margins of aforementioned job. Plus, I’m going to be a lot stricter with myself about exercise. And I’m hoping to sneak in at least a couple of movies/shows.

In other words, I’m about to have a chance to breathe, think, and relax. All of which I expect will be helpful to my writing practice.

I can’t wait!

(Don’t worry–I’ll still have a Friday Find for you tomorrow! And the June newsletter will go out next week as per our regular schedule.)

9 thoughts on “Thursday’s Work-in-Progress

  1. BJ Epstein says:

    Have a wonderful, productive, relaxing vacation. You deserve it!

  2. Tasha Cotter says:

    Enjoy your time off! Looking forward to the next newsletter 🙂

  3. Kizzy says:

    What a wonderful way to spend your vacation time! I hope that you enjoy every minute of it.

  4. Meredith Holmes says:

    Enjoy, Ericka!

    The best writing retreat I ever had was one I arranged in my own house, using the 2 and a half weeks of paid vacation that my employer offered on paper but was reluctant to grant in practice. I finally just TOOK it.

    It was great — I got a lot of writing done, and the time at my desk flew by. It was very affirming that, in fact, if I was relieved of the 9 to 5 grind, I could be productive and focus on what I told myself I always wanted to put first — my own writing.

    Plus, the accommodations were top-notch — comfortable beds, good food, and congenial people who felt like family — because they WERE family.

    Go for it, and have a blast.

  5. Barbara says:

    Enjoy Erika!

  6. Enjoy the time away Erika. A rejection from a Shall-Not-Be-Named residency (perhaps the same one?) has made it possible for me to pay for a retreat of my own during the month of June. Finally a chance to focus on writing.

  7. Amy Morgan says:

    This time sounds just delightful Erika. Enjoy yourself and the renewed spirit that’s sure to come.

  8. Sarah says:

    Wonderful! Good for you! Enjoy your vacation, Erika.

  9. Erika Dreifus says:

    Thank you all for the wonderful wishes!

Comments are closed.