Now that 2022 is nearly at an end, it’s time for an update. Let me start with some awesome news. My story “Salvaged” recently appeared in Escape Pod. I didn’t get to mark this here yet (shame on me!), but I had good reasons for that (see blow). “Salvaged” is a loose retelling of Snow White, which includes a robot and some aliens. If that’s your kind of thing, do head over to Escape Pod and read it or listen to it here.
The last half of the year has been tumultuous because of a major decision of mine. After five years at home (because of kids, Corona, and getting stuck in general), I decided that it’s time to rejoin the world. And as I was stuck at home so much and as I have always been drawn to aviation, I decided to apply as a flight attendant.
To my utter surprise, I got the job.
(Ok, fine—all airlines are scrambling to hire after the ramping up in travel this year, so that might have helped). Either way, I got the job… you know, to try it out. I had no clue if I would like it
In fact, I loved it, and, four months down the road, I still do.
It was the best decision ever. I was getting stuck not only with my body, but in my head. Before getting this job, I had enough time for writing, and, yet, was becoming more and more unproductive. Now, I will have to work full time for a year, so my writing is definitely taking a hit. But, considering my dwindling pace of afore, I’m not sure the balance is that much on the negative, even with the occasional eleven-hour shifts.
After that first year passes, I will reduce my workload, so I can focus more on family and writing. For now, though, whatever time I get to write, I do use well—for a change. What’s more, the joy of writing has returned. Plus, I ended up with a day job I love, so it’s a win-win situation (also, it’s nice to finally be earning—I feel an independent woman again, but that’s a subject for a whole other blog post).
In other news, I also broke my small toe (it’s fine now), had Corona (thankfully, the very mild version), and have figured out how to cut about fifty thousand words from my novel in progress (which was sorely needed).
So, that’s it for now. I make no resolutions during this time of transition except to take leave from this dwindling year gracefully and gratefully and welcome the new one with an open heart and a ready mind.
May we all do.
Adriana Kantcheva 