NOT DEAD. FIC FINISHED AND IMMINENT.

[w_a_i_d]

I didn’t want to return until I could do so IN GLORY, which I defined as follows:

1. Having finished a novel
2. Having  signed a publishing deal
3. Having actually got paid for it (which is supposed to be synonymous with 2, but HA.)
4. Not currently depressed and only manageably anxious
5. Most importantly, had finished the piece of fanfic I owe Tweedisgood and

Comments

[perverse_idyll]

Oh, I'm so thrilled to see you here! Welcome, welcome! And never feel ashamed of the need to vanish or lie low. Some of us resort to it more than others (my journal is a lonesome place these days, with only an occasional tumbleweed blowing through), but it's always wonderful when a missing friend returns.

AND YOU'VE GOT A PUBLISHING CONTRACT! Champagne toasts and confetti, my dear! I have no doubt about your talent, but the publishing industry is a fickle beast at the best of times and somewhat under siege these days, so congratulations on a major coup. If you ever feel inclined to point us toward the book when it sees the light of day, I will order it in a twinkling.

Hurrah also on manageable anxiety. Getting out from under depression is - well, I tend to compare it to suffering from insomnia for so long you forget what it's like to sleep. Then one morning you wake up completely rested, and it's the most amazing feeling in the world.

And now - STORY! OUR STORY! A new Holmes/Watson fic from you is always cause to celebrate, and I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to it. 31,000 luscious words! I hope it wasn't too much of a burden - even if the story had never come to pass, I would have been happy simply to have you in fandom. Fanfic truly is a matter of generosity, IMO, and auction or no, I didn't feel as if you owed me anything. But now the whole fandom benefits, so thank you very much!

I've been in a grey space myself for a while, but I'm determined to haul myself out by the scruff and start participating again. Following along day by day and commenting as I go will provide a fortuitous enticement.

Not long ago, acd_holmesfest had another run. I was only able to nibble at the beginning before life snatched me away again, but I'd heartily recommend it.

Am at work, so that's enough nattering on for now. I'll save the rest for Masked Ball. But hearing you're doing well and that you come bearing fic has brightened my whole morning. :)

[w_a_i_d]

You're always so nice! It's lovely to be in touch again. I do hope you like the story.

Thanks for the congratulations. Do you know my RL name? I have actually blogged about the new book, but will happily link you there, if you don't know it -- there is a Holmes connection, sort of!

I sometimes think what I like most about not having depression is actually the bad days: being able to tell your brain that yes, that WAS sad/embarrassing/unjust/frustrating, but that's enough of thinking about it now, and your brain going "Oh, sure, why not, didn't mean to bother you -- think about whatever you like!" *walks off all nonchalant-like, whistling* ... it's like developing a superpower. Such anxiety as I have is really no more distressing at present than mild, recurrent headaches or a slightly sprained ankle, it's just enough to remind me not to ignore it and actually *do* the stuff that makes me fine.

I hope any and all greyness soon passes by!