Hiya writer friends!
Exactly two weeks ago, on a Thursday morning, I received a call from the CS Monitor asking me to be their UK correspondent. I accepted. Two hours later, the Prime Minister resigned. Which is to say, my Diwali holiday was less of a break and more of a juggling act. I juggled well. (I think.)
The CSM is a great gig—I remain fully freelance, but I now have regular space in the publication for my UK reporting. I’ve long said that the way I understand an issue or a country—including my own—is by writing about it. Now I get to report on my adopted homeland, while still having the time and freedom to chase other stories and write the next novel.
This is also just good business. For years, I’ve been teaching and preaching the importance of regular clients who can assure you a base income while you chase more risky or personal work. I’ve spent the last few months solidifying the base client relationships that will keep my home heated this winter, and now I feel ready to push towards other interests, such as finishing a novel for NaNoWriMo or finding more untold stories.
Speaking of NaNoWriMo, I think it’s time I got my novel done. I’m not sure what my month will look like—I have six commissioned assignments already and I’m feeling more social than I have in years, but I suppose that’s what makes this such an interesting challenge.
Win or lose, I’ll have had a lot of fun.
It’s not just the motto I’ve adopted for NaNoWriMo, but for life.
Cheers,
Natasha