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Dusting Off

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It’s been a long while since I’ve posted anything on the blog, but it’s been a crazy few months, friends.

In February, I got the news (along with quite a few of my colleagues) that when my contract with DreamWorks Animation expired in April, I’d be leaving the studio. I haven’t talked about it much publicly, though friends have heard the ins and outs of my job worries and expectations. It’s a bad time in the visual effects and animation industry, with a lot of studios imploding and many jobs going to countries where the tax incentives are highest (hint: the U.S. isn’t one of them).

I had an incredible run at DreamWorks and would jump at the chance to go back some day. The job lasted five and a half years, which is a lifetime in my industry, and I worked with very talented folks on some pretty amazing films. And made some great friends.

One especially great thing about working there was the stability it provided. Projects lasted years instead of months (or weeks, or days), and I didn’t have to worry about constantly hunting up the next gig. I know you writers who pay the bills on freelance work will know what I’m talking about. You’ve got to keep swimming to stay afloat, but sometimes those necessary gigs swallow you whole and leave you nothing for your own projects. That was my biggest fear about leaving DreamWorks, not that I wouldn’t find a job, but that I wouldn’t have time for my writing.

So I took a little time off to spend time with family and friends and recharge my batteries. And there have been freelance gigs that demanded much of my time. The amazing thing? The writing is still happening. I even sold a story to Nayad Monroe for her upcoming What Fates Impose anthology.

Part of the reason is that we were somewhat prepared for the bad news in February. But the universe is shifting in some interesting ways right now, with opportunities for Carol and me that may lead to some exciting things. We’ll see. Fingers are crossed.

But for now, I’m dusting off from a rough landing, getting my work done on this novel and maybe a few shorts, too.

It’s good to be back.

 

A Sale, A Book, and an Anniversary

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I end up sharing good news so often via Twitter & Facebook, that my poor blog often gets neglected. It seems almost a shame to lump lots of good news into one blog entry, but I’ve got several things to share today.

First of all, I’m pleased to announce I’ve sold a story to James Sutter at Paizo for their Pathfinder Tales series. It’s called “The Fate of Falling Stars” and it starts running in February. I’m very excited about this one, and it was a blast playing in Golarion. It feels like coming home in a way, because along with books like The Hobbit and A Wizard of Earthsea, it was RPGs that really whetted my appetite for fantasy and worldbuilding. Being able to contribute a tiny bit back to the kind of game world that inspired me is a real pleasure. Many thanks for the opportunity, James!

I also wanted to boost the signal on Innsmouth Free Press’ Fungi anthology. it’s available for pre-order right now in several flavors (ebook, paperback, bonus edition hardback). I’m thrilled to have my story “Last Bloom on the Sage” in the TOC with so many great authors, and I can’t wait to get my copy.

Finally, five years ago today, I started at DreamWorks Animation Studios. I don’t often talk about work on my blog, but I wanted to be sure and celebrate this milestone. Long term gigs are hard to find in this industry, let alone projects that are as exciting, challenging, and rewarding as the films I’ve worked on during my time here. I’m surrounded by some of the best artists and storytellers in the world, and proud to be working alongside them. Thanks, DWA.