I’ve written a number of posts on this subject, but I feel like it’s important to write another one. As writers, we are not writing machines. We are human beings with all kinds of interests and obligations. Sometimes, I have to remind myself of this.

In the end, writing is something I want to enjoy doing. The biggest part of making it enjoyable is taking out the pressure I’ve been putting on myself.

So I am no longer going to beat myself up for not writing or not editing. I am no longer going to scold myself for missing a tentative deadline. I am no longer going to pressure myself to write X number of books per year.

Writing is just one part of who I am, and I want to enjoy it again. But other parts of me are just as important. I’m a student. I’m a son. I’m a gamer. I’m a reader. I’m an engineer by trade and a scientist by nature.

Most importantly, I’m a slave to our feline overlords, and sometimes they don’t want me to write.

In the end, I have to do what’s best for me. I don’t want to forget about my readers (few though they are). So I just want everyone to know I am writing. It’s just not the sole focus of my life. I tried to put that kind of time and effort into it, and it sucked all the joy out of the process.

As someone who struggles with depression, I don’t need that kind of pressure making something I enjoy doing feel like work.

So I hope everyone will be patient with me.