The rumors of my demise have not been greatly exaggerated. Okay, okay, maybe demise is a bit too strong. Hibernation, withdrawal, disappearance . . . call it what you will. Bottom line, I haven’t been around much lately. And there’s a good reason. Really, there is. I promise.
I’m at a bit of a crossroads in my life right now. I’m transitioning from the world of “real” work to the world of self-employment. During this transition, I’ve been nonexistent online for the most part. I’ve been working fifty to sixty hours a week with my freelance business while still working at my “real” job. Needless to say, this hasn’t left me with time to do much else.
I’ll be honest: I don’t know how often I’ll add reviews to this blog. I worked hard to build it up, and I love to share my thoughts about the books I read. I’m appreciative that anyone would take the time to read what I have to say about a book. However, I’m simply not reading books for review right now. The last book I read for enjoyment was a couple of months ago, and I don’t foresee any reading for review in the near future.
But never fear. There are a bunch of great sites out there with talented folks reviewing dark fiction. Just a few of them off the top of my head are The Crow’s Caw, Dreadful Tales, The Man Eating Bookworm, and Little Miss Zombie. Make sure to check them out to get your fix for the dark and macabre.
Who knows, maybe once I fully transition to being self-employed I’ll have a little more free time and update this blog a little more regularly. In the meantime, while I’m chasing my dream and working to do something I love, I’ll sporadically post a review here.
So to answer the question asked in the title of this post, yes, I am here. I’m just lurking in the shadows.
8 comments:
Good to hear you're still kicking, Neal!
And, glad to hear you're keeping busy in this crappy economy. I hope the new business continues to grow for you.
Best
I'm proud of you, Neal. It takes courage to jump into the world of self-employment. But you'll do fine with your proofreading business. There will be more and more demand, as many of us transition to "indepdent authorship!"
Good luck!
Christa
@Andrew: Thanks, man. I appreciate the kind words. Hope you're doing well, too.
@Christa: It is scary! But I don't think there will ever quite be the opportunity there is right now, so I'm jumping! :-)
Neal, do what you gotta do. Anybody has a problem with it and I'll shut their lips with my nail gun. Hope the freelance work really roars, bro!
Good luck Neal!!! Starting your own biz is hella scary, but if anyone can do it you can!
Good luck with the self-employment, Neal! I wish you nothing but the best of luck (even though I will miss your totally righteous reviews)
If you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to get in touch through Grade Z or Dreadful Tales.
xoxoxoxo
Pat
Thanks Lee, Misty, and Pat!
-Neal
I don't know why I only *just* came across this, but I wanted to add my little bit before it got buried.
Neal, you're an inspiration. If anyone I've ever met in this circle of crazniness we call reviewing was even close to half the perfectionist, professional, and fun-lovin' guy that you are... hell, I'd accuse him of being you in disguise.
You're one of a kind, man. An all 'round awesome and wonderful human being. The Dreadful Tales team and I have nothing but love for you.
I hope you never stop doing what you do (unless you come work with DT...), and wish you nothing but luck with your freelance business.
As always, I'm here if you need absolutely anything at all. Stay gold, brother. And kiss them chickens for me.
C.
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