It is the beginning of the end.

So I'm on about page 170. I have introduced several new characters. Returning characters are positioned around the plains between a dense forest to the north and the formidable ring of mountains to the south. Seven armies are moving towards a clash, most unsure of the location of the other. The enemy city has a rebellion brewing. Evil mages are testing their limits of power and permissible excesses. I, as the author, am in a fix of how this resolves.

I drew the map above to give me a visual reference. It gave me some new directions. The unknown of creation and how this comes to life really intrigues me.

This contrasted with a conversation on my bike ride along the river Duoro this morning. Discussing where our careers and pursuit of making a living leave you in retirement. Neither of us is bored. Both of us actively pursue interests, biking not the least of them.

Raising a young family as an unknown artist was daunting. I worked many jobs before becoming an overnight success at 45. A full-time professor. This allowed me to further my career as a ceramic sculptor around my teaching schedule. In retirement, I am creating a new vocation, that of writing. What it has in common with making art is this: you work without the promise of pay. You may or may not sell the art, but you have to put in the time to create.

Retirement allows me the luxury of pursuing my new passion. Wisdom allows me to enjoy life to a greater degree than scrambling to make a living. I hope to find an audience with my writing. As the reader, you provide feedback with reviews on Amazon and Goodreads and comments. Check out the first book, The Quest of the Blue Murder, as I complete the sequel, The Blue War.