A hard winter
Towards the end of November and pretty much all of December I have suffered with one cold or another. As my buddy Steve Parker said to me, ‘You’ve had a hard winter’. Quite right, mate. I’m knackered.
I think I seriously need to toughen up next year (not a resolution as such, more of a necessity). I’ve got a half marathon in March and my training has been pretty non-existent for a few weeks. I’m hoping I’ll retain a fair bit of fitness but I can feel the slow creep of fatigue threatening my chances of a good time (sub-1 hour, 40 minutes).
So, yeah, a hard winter. It’s been hard for other reasons too. Work stress has been up there on the toughness agenda. With the possibility of me taking on a bigger job come 2013, as well as the numerous writing projects I was charged with. Had a good year, this year, I think. I had ‘Feat of Iron’ out in the Primarchs; also The Great Betrayal, my first Time of Legends novel; and Tome of Fire, a collection of Salamander short stories; in audios, I finished Perfection and also Doomseeker. Written but not yet seen is Scorched Earth, my second limited edition Horus Heresy novella. I’m currently working on Vulkan Lives, which is a big project, my biggest to date, but beyond that I cannot say.
Toughest of all, though, was losing my grandad. I’m not one to air my personal feelings (especially about family) online as it were, but I want to express how much I will miss him, his wisdom, his guidance and his support. I loved him dearly, and although he had a good, rich life, a noble and honourable life, it is hard at this time of year especially, not to think of all the things I won’t get to tell him. Rest in peace, grandad. You’ve had the last of your hard winters, just warm summer days now.
Nick Kyme is an editor and author who originally hails from Grimsby, a small town on the east coast of England.
December 24th, 2012 at 4:45 pm
Nick… all that stress you’re under is precisely why you’re constantly sick. Having gotten to ‘know you’ in a way I believe you’ll tackle that new job and writing projects with grim determination. Don’t spend too much time sweating it. You’ll do fine, sir.
Really sorry about your grandad too. Lost mine a few years back and I miss his wisdom and knowledge. Small thing it may be, I take solace in the knowledge that he’s in a better place and no longer in pain. It hurts now but eventually you’ll be left with warm memories.
Hang in there, soldier.
December 25th, 2012 at 12:00 pm
It’s all about the great balancing act and trying to focus on wellbeing Nick. As always, your posts here are an insight and enjoyable, take pride in your accomplishments this year, you tackled many beasts! I can empathise with the stress and workload as I have felt that this year as well!
I am sorry to read about your loss this year, that is always difficult. My only unwarranted advice would be to honor him, continue to follow his guidance, you are his legacy.
Finally, have a Merry one and a very happy new year mate!
December 26th, 2012 at 4:14 pm
I am sorry for your loss, Nick. Genuinely and sincerely. The only grandparent I’ve lost so far died before I was scarcely out of my cot so I won’t pretend to understand, but I suppose the best thing to do is to keep looking forward, rather than backward. You’ll always have those happy memories no matter what, but I personally believe it’s better to focus on what will be, rather than what could or should have been. Eyes on the road, and all that.
On a lighter note – what a year! so many novels rolling onto the shelves and so many good things yet to come! From what I heard you talking about Vulkan Lives at the Weekender I can honestly say I’m pysked up for it.
Oh, and… Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you, sir! “Prosper… as Tau shall.”
December 27th, 2012 at 12:56 am
Tough news about your grandfather. Sorry.
Big job? At BL, or elsewhere?
December 28th, 2012 at 7:09 pm
Nick
Huge condolences. I know how it feels.
Many, many hugs.
Happy new year!
S
x
January 4th, 2013 at 9:39 pm
Nick, sorry for your loss.
You are a great writer. I love the Salamanders and can’t wait for Vulcan Lives!
Happy New Year!
January 5th, 2013 at 2:10 am
Sorry to hear that Sir . All my positive thought to you and your family .