By my fourth year of blogging I was at the height of my “popularity”. I put that in quotes because compared to other bloggers, my numbers are still abysmal, but I was feeling pretty good – I was near 7k visitors and had 118 posts.

I had quit the strange content writing job and went back to waiting tables. I remember not being able to find a decent gig, and I had a ton of experience, but got in with a small local bar/restaurant that initially seemed okay. Looking back…I really didn’t like that place, but I did meet some nice people, occasionally. One of my fellow hash slingers actually got me a better job the following year, so silver linings.

I initially bounced between three locations all over town, but eventually got a permanent spot at one closer to home. It was sooo slow so often and I found myself standing around doing nothing, a lot. I found a post that mentioned I only had one table one night, sheesh, so I started writing fanfic. I remember writing a lot.

Because it was a gaming bar, there were cameras all over, but I found a blind spot that allowed me to see the door while I hid to write. It was easy to get into the story on a dime. They weren’t my characters, so I was able to come and go with the story if, by chance, I was interrupted. I remember coming to relish those quiet moments with my imaginary friends.

What a strange time.

Reading the posts I wrote back then, I’m reminded that I was on medication for my chronic pain that completely altered my personality. I went a few months without writing, reading, gaming, or watching anything. I was depressed and angry. Oh. That was rough.

I also cut off all my hair.

The two are not related. 😉

The Sis turned 30 that year and I wrote her a letter that still continues to get views – 5k+ and counting. The best friend got married and I shared a fairytale inspired writing prompt in her honor. I had the idea for the screenplay I’m currently doing research on, and later in the year I started posting what would become my most popular fanfic.

My pilot also advanced in one of the competitions I entered. When I got the news I was in an Uber on my way to the boring job and I cried happy tears. They made my driver uncomfortable, until I told him what they were for. That screenplay made it to the top 5 eventually.

That was a good day.

On the helpful side of things, I shared how to character build, a screenwriting concept checklist, and began consolidating all the best writing competitions for a one-stop shop.

An interesting year overall, to be sure.

Thank you for being along for the ride!

xx, Rach