If you're here for the December IWSG post, please scroll down.
I'd like to thank everyone who submitted their entries for this contest. We had a great turnout, so making a final choice was a difficult one. The demises were downright hilarious, too. So, without further ado, I give you the winner (and survivors) of the Zombify Me! Contest! Drum roll, if you please ...
Amy Angerhofer!
You will be zombified in My Zombie Summer: Part Two! How awesome is that? Many congratulations! (or I should say, my condolences). I will be in contact with you about your prizes soon. Thanks!
And now, the three runner up survivors with a free ebook are...
and
Congratulations! And thank you for entering. I will be in touch with you when the ebook is ready (pretty close now). See you then!
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It's that time again! Special thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh for creating and hosting the Insecure Writer's Support Group, a monthly forum for writers to share insecurities without fear of reprisal. Let's get insecure!
As some or many of you know, I wrote last month that I will be losing my job at the end of the year due to a reduction in force. Since that post, many things have occurred that would safely qualify as a legitimate nightmare. The good news is that arrangements have been made to allow me time to find a new job. Bad news? It's been a month and I'm no closer to securing one.
I still have a month before I'm in real trouble, which has led me to some serious thought on what lies ahead for me down the road, as a writer and a family man. Surrendering this blog and writing altogether is a very serious possibility. As much as I love writing and all my readers, my family is #1. Their needs come before my own.
My plan now is to job search my heart out, and write my heart out (don't worry about Zombie Summer Part Two, that will come). I am attending an employment center and joined their accelerated job search program, so I will keep you updated on what's going on.
In short, if I don't have an offer in 30 days, changes will happen.
On the upside, if you happen to live in Utah Valley or close to Orem (where I roam), I will be signing copies of Woven at the Orem Public Library this Saturday the 5th from 11:00 to 1:00 pm, along with my co-author Michael Jensen.There will be a lot of great authors there as well, like Ally Condie, Josi Kilpack, Dan Wells and more! If you're looking for signed books as gifts or for yourself for the holidays, this is a great place to get them. See you then!
* * *
Okay! Back to the job hunt and the writing front. Without a doubt, this is the greatest speed bump in my writing journey, but I can't allow a pity party or let fear swallow me up. Nothing gets done when that happens. Pushing my best self forward. See you next time.
Who's ready for a new zombie novel next month? Any suggestions for a writer/behavioral scientist who's about to be unemployed?
I'm David, and here's my review of The Good Dinosaur!
A lot can happen in a month. Just keep praying, looking, and writing.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the zombie winners.
I hope you find a new job soon! I understand that your family has to come first, no matter what. I have two kids myself, and their needs always come first. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteI can so relate to this. Ten years ago, I was in a similar situation, and had to give up fiction writing for a while. One has to make a living, and it's like winning a lottery to be able to do that in the arts. If you have to leave for a while, you'll come back to it, David. I did! Nice to meet you and hoping for the best for you in that job hunt.
ReplyDeleteI am ready for that zombie book! I only listened to the first two minutes of the review video because I did not want to buck into spoilers before The Good Dinosaur reaches Jamaica. But I must agree with you David that the animation (at least what I saw in the trailers) are amazing when it comes to the background. I have seen Youtube videos with the animators and writers talking about the animation in The Good Dinosaur and even they are wowed by their own work. Breath taking indeed.
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the best on the job seeking front. Hopefully you will find work before the month is up. Meanwhile chin up, job seek hard, enjoy life and family and best of luck David.
Wishing you a quick resolution to your job dilemma. My husband went through this a few years back, and we had some very stressful months. But he ended up with a better job, where he was more respected, and he is happier than he's ever been. I hope the same will be true for you.
ReplyDeleteStoked about the EBook.. but really worried for you about the job hunt. Wish there were something.. anything.. that I could do to help.
ReplyDeleteAw, I'm sorry to hear about all your job troubles—what a nightmare! I hope everything works out for you. Sending good thoughts your way!
ReplyDeleteI wish I lived in Utah again and could attend all these awesome book signings I keep hearing about. So jealous! Have fun!
I really really hope you find a job! That's one of the worst things in the world.
ReplyDeleteI hope Santa brings you a job for Christmas.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the signing.
It took me 2 and a half months to find a job when my company downsized. I was beginning to panic too. Wish you the best in your job search.
ReplyDeletePraying for your job search! I know it can be tough, but don't give up.
ReplyDeleteI sincerely hope your job prospects improve in the next month. One never knows what is around the corner, Good Luck.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Good luck on the job hunt! It will work out. It has to, right?
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the Undead Road!
IWSG December
Good luck with the job hunt. I'm sure the perfect job will come along at the perfect time.
ReplyDeleteBeing without a job is the worst. Good luck on your search. And if you have to set things aside for bit, so be it. It's not permanent. Unless you want it to be.
ReplyDeleteI hope Amy enjoys being a zombie :).
ReplyDeleteThat really sucks about your job situation. I hope you don't have to surrender writing (it would be such a loss for readers) but family does have to come first. I hope you can find a good job soon.
Many prayers that you get a job immediately if not sooner, so you can keep writing, too!
ReplyDeleteI so know what you are going through, David. I was going through the same thing last year at this time and could not find a job. I have a part-time writing job that isn't enough money. Somehow you will figure this out and yes, your family comes first. I'm hoping you find the end of your tunnel.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck on the job hunt. Keeping my fingers crossed for you!
ReplyDeleteMy very best wishes with the job hunt David. I will keep my fingers crossed for you.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the Zombie winners.
The beauty of all this happening, though stressful, is you'll get to see The help of friends, family, and God. You WILL succeed!! And when you do, and get to keep writing, we will happy dance together. Keeping praying and I'll keep you in my prayers as well!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the winners. Of course I wish you much luck on the job hunting, but please continue to write your heart out. :)
ReplyDeleteSending you tons of good job vibes. Keep a hold of your writing - surrendering a creative conduit grays the soul.
ReplyDeleteHi David - such a challenging time but things will work out - it's a matter of getting through these days and doing what you can ... I certainly empathise. Congratulations to the winners and you do so much for so many ... take care - all the best - Hilary
ReplyDeleteBest of luck on the job hunt. I'm sure something amazing will turn up soon!
ReplyDeleteAnd congratulations to all of the zombie contest winners!
Congrats to all the winners! They're so lucky. And good luck on your job hunt. I know you'll find something great.
ReplyDeleteOuch! Good luck on the job hunt. I've started looking for jobs too, but I'm not on such an accelerated schedule as you are.
ReplyDeleteI probably have until April or June to find a new place to earn my bread. At any rate, my recommendation is apply apply apply (which is what I'm starting to do as well :-) )
I hope to see you at the library this Saturday!
ReplyDeleteThat's some tough news on the job front. I can understand though. I looked for a couple of years after the closure of my office and when I still hadn't found anything I gave up and started taking my social security. I'm probably older than you though so that makes a difference.
ReplyDeleteHope you find a big book deal or get a movie contract on Woven so you can devote yourself to writing. You got familial obligations and that's a pretty big responsibility.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Congrats to the winners! ...I think.
ReplyDeleteYou know the choice I've been forced to make. I hope things work out better for you. My employment wish was granted, so I'm sending the job genie your way. ;)
Sucks to lose your day job, especially after such success with Woven. I hope you get a job soon, and do keep writing and blogging.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the winners! And good luck with your job hunt, David. I'm sure something will turn up.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! to Amy and a big Aaarrghhh!! to her. That's zombie talk for I want to eat your brains.
ReplyDeleteSending you all my best wishes. Job and money worries are the worse. I would hate to see you give up writing.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your job. That's not fun at all. I'm wishing and hoping for the best for you. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Amy! I'll be sure to keep an eye out for her...
ReplyDeleteStill keeping fingers crossed that something comes up this month. We all completely understand there are times when blogging and writing takes a back seat.
I hope that you get a good job, sir. You are very hardworking and talented. Employers need to snap you up because they won't regret it.
ReplyDeletePrayers you find a job soon!
ReplyDeleteHope you find a job you enjoy doing.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Amy!