It’s been a long time… Recently, my main activity outside of writing and work has been theater. I’m about to start rehearsals for my 4th show of 2008. It’s a record! I’ve never done more than three shows in a calendar year before (and that was back in 2002 when I wasn’t really working).
It’s sometimes hard to do show while working full-time, especially when tech week rolls around, but it’s always worth it, not only for the excitement of performing and the pride of a job well done, but for the friendships that are made (or renewed), the learning experiences and, of course, the chance to sing.
It is true that at times my writing/revising output may fall while doing shows. But during this time, while doing three shows, I finished a complete, from scratch, beginning to end rewrite of my very 1st novel Reluctant Mage and I’m almost through my 1st edit before I get beta readers to try it out.
In general, I’m always happier when I’m busy. The semester when I received the highest gpa in undergrad was one where I took 22 credit (including two for accompanying a musical). I was incredibly busy, but also happy–and more productive in everything that I did. The fact that I was dating someone helped keep me busy and happy, but it’s definitely the busyness and feeling productive that more consistently contributes to my well-being. Guys are so unreliable, you know. Obviously, you can’t depend on them to help make you happy. 🙂
Anyway, I’m thrilled to be a part of The Sound of Music with Rockville Musical Theater, directed by Duane Monahan, who directed me in Nine. I’m a nun, so I’ll get to do a lot of choral numbers–in latin!–which reminds me of college, so I’m excited about that.
So here’s to a busy and productive and delightful fall.