Energy

Yes, I’ve been a little quiet, blog-wise. I’ve been finishing up an annual publication, which required a lot of writing, editing and other stuff on my part.

Writing is a cathartic exercise and most people have a limited amount of the energy to expend. I knew one author who would never talk about a work-in-progress for that reason. Too much energy leakage with work yet to be done.

Since I’m doing everything on this project (production, layout, editing, most writing, etc.) except ad sales, I needed to conserve the energy. As much as a challenge as it has been, it’s a pleasant return to my roots.

When I started in publishing, I had a broad array of lower level responsibilities. I was integrally involved in putting each issue to bed, which meant long hours on deadline day, followed by us all going out to tip a few. Even with the pressure on, there was still a great feeling working shoulder to shoulder to overcome the obstacles.

The upper echelon would stick their heads in to see how things were coming but they were gone when the small hand hit five. There was no need for them to be there until the end, but I think they missed out on the team experience.

And, a leadership opportunity. Not much after that, I earned a series of promotions that moved my office closer and closer to the corner of the building. I still hung in on deadline days.

Later, I owned a weekly newspaper with a Thursday night deadline. I’d stay with the team to the bitter end and take them out for beers afterwards. At first, it was at the Westin Hotel, across the street from our office. I didn’t want them to feel I was skimping on them. But, we migrated to Miss Kitty’s, a dive on Third Street. That was more congruent with the roll-up-the-sleeves spirit of deadline day and a lot more fun for cutting loose. They appreciated my participation and support, but it still wasn’t quite like being in the trenches with them.

So, to be back in the midst of the fray is enjoyable to me, even with the inevitable last minute hurdles to overcome. I’m looking forward to the celebratory beer.