Anyway, as the year comes to an end I’ve been thinking a lot about what this year has yielded, what I’ve achieved, what I didn’t and how I can change that in the new year. Looking back on it it’s actually been one hell of a year. I graduated from university as a mature student, then landed a great job out of the blue while many of my third year cohort are temping, signing on to the dole or struggling through PGCEs and the like. I’ve created (along with my amazing partner Kate) a new life that’ll be joining use kicking and screaming (hopefully not too much) in 2010, I can’t wait to meet her. I interviewed one of my favourite musicians, Kip Winger, who was an awesome dude and has just released an awesome album with the band. And there have been other minor things: getting my fiction out there, albeit to the free on-line markets; seeing my “adopted” grandma for the first time in about 8 years having said I would several times a years since my last visit and other things that aren’t of interest to you, but are to me.

And the bad?

Having stories rejected; feeling constantly knackered from May through to October thanks to the new job and all the stress that comes with it; beinig incredibly grouchy and moody because of said stress (sorry Kate x); not doing enough writing, of either fiction or my non-fiction book project; having the non-fiction book project rejected by a few publishers (in a really nice way, the book wasn’t for them but that is has potential and someone is bound to take it soon, so that wasn’t too bad); losing faith in the project because of my not-quite-thick-enough skin…and so on.

On balance it really has been a great year and as it comes to an end I’m determined to get my fiction out there, improve it and get it into some of the better markets. I’ve also got other projects that I’d like to investigate: a novel that was started and needs finishing; a story I’d like to adapt into a short film; more freelance writing for other magazines.

But the one I’m most looking forward to: my daughter. If nothing else goes right in 2010 I know she’ll be perfect!

I guess my point is that, even if this year hasn’t been great there were probably more good things than you instantly remember, and even if you’re as cynical and downbeat as me use this time to re-connect with friends, spend time with your family and think about how you can make 2010 the best year of your life (so far).

Happy Christmas!

Ben

But the point of this post is to pass on some good news. After all my worrying and agonising over the future and employment I’ve managed to land a great job. I am the new assistant editor of Acoustic Magazine. A series of events just happened to dovetail all at the same time and I start on Monday!

The job is a multi faceted one. It incorporates not only assisting in deciding what goes into the magazine but also feature/review/interview writing, sub-editing, proof reading, liaising with the graphic designers over layout, being the port of call for industry contacts, chasing up and arranging interviews and all kinds of other jobs. It looks like it’s going to be stressful but fun, the environment is great and the job sounds genuinely rewarding, with some nice perks.

Of course I’m wondering what effect this might have on my fledgling writing career. Although the job is a Monday-Friday one it’s obviously going to be busy and creative, and could leave me drained. On the other hand I’ll be doing a lot of writing for an internationally distributed magazine, which can only improve my skills. Hopefully, after an intial settling in period, I’ll not only have the time to write but also be inspired to.

Gareth Powell touched on the issue of job vs writing in this post.

Anyway, I’ll be sure to let you know how it all goes, and if you happen to play acoustic guitar/mandolin/banjo etc. or are just into the acoustic music scene please be sure to get the latest issue, which you can find in W H Smith’s and, from the next issue, Tescos too.

Ta ta for now