The Wizard Series Part V: Conclusion
Just I case you missed the rest of the series: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV
Let me start by highlighting two comments I gleaned from the series. I'm addressing Sam and Tom's points in my concluding remarks:
Sam Tresler writes: I don't get why making money and being an analog wizard are mutually exclusive? Many highly successful authors still use typewriters, some use legal pads and pens. There are still swordsmiths out there that get $50k per sword they produce.
Not to mention there is a growing demographic of people who don't have an analog mindset, and need access to analog information.... who do they call when they can't Google it? And isn't that worth some money? This seems doable. Why were you worried?
Tom writes: I know what you mean about dropping readership. Traffic plunges if you don't post for a few days, and really dies if you don't visit the people on your blogroll.
When I was traveling real heavy a couple of years ago, blogging was the part that helped pass the time while in a dingy hotel (and may soon again). Now, it is a part of my life that I won't (or can't) let go. It provides a relief from the pigeon poo that drops out of nowhere into my life.
By all means, write your novel, but use this forum to vent the frustrations that a writer will inevitably have. Besides, reading your posts is definitely entertaining!!
The conclusion comes full circle to my basic question: what will I do the rest of my life? What shall I become? And most important, what's my road map to get there?
Ironically, my next Air Force decision will have a huge impact on the plan. In reference to Sam's remarks, one reason I'm worried is my time frame: I can retire in as little a six years. six years seemed like a long time when I started my military career, but looking back it's amazing how fast the years flew; and when you have two minions who might be in college 6 years from now, figuring out how to pay for school weighs heavier on my conscience than how to pay for metalsmith tools.
Then again, if I retire at twenty years I'll only be 41-years old, so what I take in a military pay cut will be balanced by new opportunities. But what will the opportunities be? What I do know is I DON'T want to parlay my military service into a government contractor job. No... when I'm done my federal service I want to walk away and start down a new path.
As for Sam's comments regarding "accessing analog information," I've considered that: setting up as a private researcher or competitive intelligence contractor (i.e. applying my skills for business clients). I definitely have the street cred for either. But... is that what I really want to do? Building the mental version of Blackwater sounds like a moneymaking opportunity, but where do my dreams belong in such a paradigm (with a hard "g")?
But there's also plan B: the PhD route. If USAFA sponsors me for a PhD I'll go to school for three years, pay my career field one more pound of flesh in some swamp or desert, and then come back to USAFA as senior faculty. It'll push my retirement out 9-10 years instead of six, but I'll hopefully retire at a higher rank and both minions *should* be done with school.
But do I want to retire when I'm 46 versus 41? Indeed, the hummingbird wants me to get out now. All the moving's been hard on her, and she just wants a little--and permanent--roost for us to nest in. She says she supports my PhD plan, but I know the thought of extra years weighs on her soul.
I don't just want myself to be happy: I want her to be happy, too.
Thus Sam, my twin worries are time and risk. I reduce risk by giving time to the Air Force, but I lose time for my passions.
Or do I?
After all, writing is a passion, and Tom's right: I don't have to wait until I'm 46-years old to pen a novel, nor is there a compelling reason to give up the blog. There's nothing keeping me from my pencils and charcoals, and only a short-term cash shortage holds me back from a small, base-portable metal shop.
Thus I've made my decisions:
I'm pursing the PhD Sponsorship. I'd be a fool to turn down free education, and the route provides career stability and open doors down the road. Plus, I figure what I learn in school will be invaluable towards breathing life in my worlds!
The Book? Some writers caution not to replace writing with research, but I'm not ready for page one quite yet. I'm working on my world encyclopedia first: maps, character dossiers, country studies, and whatnot. Basically, the story in my head isn't something I can hastily scratch onto a pile of index cards. So far, though, the journey's been fun!
As for metal work, I spoke to my boss just today about enrolling in a welding class, and he supports the idea. He also asked if I considered auditing any of our own USAFA civil engineering classes; I hadn't, but it's a damn good idea to look into! Otherwise, for the near term I simply can't afford the tools. Depressing, to be sure, but I've got my metal literature to keep me company... let alone my book and drafting table!
And speaking of drafting table, after almost 20 years I've picked up my pencils and started sketching again! I cannot begin to describe how good it feels to have art back in my life; although if beggars could be choosers, I wish I wasn't so rusty! But as with writing the book, the journey should be as rewarding as the destination (if there truly is a destination).
Finally, Diary of the Mad Pigeon: I'm staying on the roost! But regardless of a potential readership drop, I must curtail my posting volume if I want to pursue other projects. I'll post at least three to four days a week; give or take the odd link, anecdote or comic I find on the "off days." I think fewer posts will also mean better quality. Besides, it's not just me: MOGS and Antitool impart their distinct voices here at the Diary, and I'm damn proud to have them as wingmen!
But I really need to do a better job responding to comments. I read every comment my readers post, but given my limited writing time I err on the side of posting new content over posting replies. Perhaps I should bring back the "Weekly Retort," the mothballed weekly column where I responded to reader comments.
So let the magic begin! There's nothing stopping me from pursuing my arcane, analog arts. Being jealous of digital wizards does nothing to help me paint a landscape or forge a hammer. To paraphrase Sam, there's no law saying success is only found in worlds made of bits and bytes, or of ties and ill-fitting suits. One can find success anywhere, and you don't have to measure it by monetary gain.
My mind and soul need to build objects of beauty and fantastic worlds. Let me measure success through the thrill of discovery I can give to others.
I want to be an analog wizard.
Stumble It!
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