2010 - The Big Freeze Continues...

Well, it's a couple of days into 2010, and after years of procrastinating, I'm finally writing a blog...   And, since it's traditional at this time of year to reflect on the past and look forward to the future, here goes...

2009 was a pretty important year.  Being an archaeologist by trade and a writer by inclination, I've always harboured the not-very-secret hope that some day I'll be able to let the writing take over from the archaeology.  The thought of sitting around writing novels all day does appeal, I must admit..  But current trends in publishing, where the incomes of writers are becoming increasingly squeezed (unless, of course, they're 'celebrities') makes me increasingly cynical about the whole industry and less inclined to even try getting involved.

Self-publishing?  It may be an option.  Eventually. 

Blogging?  Another possibility.

In the meantime, I'm content to remain an archaeologist.  Last year was a hard year for those employed in commercial archaeology, what with the recession, and it doesn't look like 2010 will be much better.  But, hey, I still have a job, and there's some exciting things afoot on the work front for the coming year.

My aims for 2010?

First and foremost, my thesis will be published.  End of story.  Publisher's deadline is mid-January, with the publication in mid-February.  An end to my dalliance in the Bronze Age?  Absolutely not.  A chance to embark on new research?  Yes, and it's something I'm really looking forward to.

You never know - I might have a novel out too, if all goes well.  We shall see...

2010 - The Big Freeze Continues...

Well, it's a couple of days into 2010, and after years of procrastinating, I'm finally writing a blog...   And, since it's traditional at this time of year to reflect on the past and look forward to the future, here goes...

2009 was a pretty important year.  Being an archaeologist by trade and a writer by inclination, I've always harboured the not-very-secret hope that some day I'll be able to let the writing take over from the archaeology.  The thought of sitting around writing novels all day does appeal, I must admit..  But current trends in publishing, where the incomes of writers are becoming increasingly squeezed (unless, of course, they're 'celebrities') makes me increasingly cynical about the whole industry and less inclined to even try getting involved.

Self-publishing?  It may be an option.  Eventually. 

Blogging?  Another possibility.

In the meantime, I'm content to remain an archaeologist.  Last year was a hard year for those employed in commercial archaeology, what with the recession, and it doesn't look like 2010 will be much better.  But, hey, I still have a job, and there's some exciting things afoot on the work front for the coming year.

My aims for 2010?

First and foremost, my thesis will be published.  End of story.  Publisher's deadline is mid-January, with the publication in mid-February.  An end to my dalliance in the Bronze Age?  Absolutely not.  A chance to embark on new research?  Yes, and it's something I'm really looking forward to.

You never know - I might have a novel out too, if all goes well.  We shall see...