freelance

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.