Hanging Up My Shingle

You know how there's always a point in a superhero's life when he denies his fate? Where he tries to be normal, but it just doesn't work?

No, I haven't been trying to be normal. Pish to that.

I have, however, been denying some of my greatest strengths. It's a not-well-known fact that I'm an excellent editor, and as a teacher I kick ass. For complicated psychological reasons, I've done very little of either one. But this past weekend I was—yet again—slapped upside the head about it.

Fine. I can take a hint, universe.

Hard at work, editing. Don't be alarmed by her slightly maniacal expression.

Ergo, I'm hanging up my shingle. For the time being, I'm doing private gigs: critiques, ghost writing, one-on-one tutorials. When and if my finger puppets and I decide to do larger-scale workshops, I'll let you know.

I'm kind of happy about this decision. It feels right, like it'll be a good balance to my work. Of course, my own writing comes first, but I'm looking forward to the editing. By reading other people's work, you learn what works, what doesn't, and how to structurally strengthen stories—other people's as well as your own. Plus, I like variety, and working with writers who dabble in other genres gives you a taste of different flavors, if you know what I mean.

Anyway, I'm now open for business. Bring it, world. Feel free to spread the word.