It’s been ages since I last blogged. There are a number of reasons. The first one is simply that I had back-to-back edits to the point where I didn’t have time to shift mental gears and think about blog topics. But then in March my cat, who is the reason this site is called IndieCat Editorial, suddenly became lethargic. We got her from a shelter a few years ago and from the moment she arrived here she settled in and was an absolute sweetheart.
But the shelter told me she was around two years old, so what happened in March was a shock. When I took her to the vet, the first thing I was asked by the examining nurse was if she might be older. They also warned me that it looked like chronic kidney disease, which would likely not be a good outcome.
After they kept her in for a few days on a drip, I was told she was likely around nine when I got her and that she was now well into her teens. Older cats are more prone to kidney disease, but thinking she was younger, I was completely unprepared. She came home and we had her for another couple of weeks before she finally passed away. It was shocking and upsetting. Especially having to take her for her last trip to the vet, knowing she wouldn’t be coming home.
Losing a pet can be devastating. I was fortunate enough to have some understanding clients. They were okay with me being a bit behind on deadlines – I warned them and explained the reasons why.
Meanwhile, I swore I wouldn’t get another cat for the time being. Maybe the autumn. I carried on working only to be called up for jury service with only about four weeks or so notice. This made it impossible for me to be fully open for bookings in June. I didn’t know if I was coming or going with the jury thing. I had to phone every day to see if I was going to get called. As it happens, our jury group didn’t get called. But it hit me work-wise. Obviously, I couldn’t commit to edits not knowing if I was going to be out all day at jury service.
Meanwhile, I was missing having a cat around too much. I had the food, the beds, the bowls, the litter, and the litter tray. And there were cats on shelter websites looking for homes.
Obviously, you can’t replace the one that’s gone. But after putting in a few applications, I got approved for a cute little black and white cat. She also made herself at home the day she arrived here. Like my previous cat, she’d been stuck in the shelter for a few months. So she must have been glad not to be on her own anymore. She loves attention and sits in front of me when I’m on the computer. She’s also taken to sleeping on top of me.
When I finished a manuscript critique and an outline critique recently, I decided to take some days off. Because sometimes you need a break. It was the first real break I’d had in ages. I’m getting back to work now. An opening chapters edit and a beta plus critique – somewhere between a beta read and a manuscript critique. The previous two clients have already asked me to pencil them in for their next round of edits. But I have openings if anyone is looking for feedback on plot, characterisation, structure, etc.
I’m also hoping to get back to blogging.
