I made it.
It's Christmas break and time for a long-overdue update. For the past few weeks (how they've flown!) I have been busy creating
1) an editorial proposal for a new book
2) a marketing plan for an online finance publication
3) the design and layout for a natural history book
not to mention taking exams, attending conferences and a few odd lectures here and there.
But those aren't the only reasons I haven't updated. Franky, it's hard to sit in front of this screen and distill life into a few coherent sentences. Especially when Facebook surfing or watching BBC 'Life' beckons from the next Firefox tab. But reading some of my friends' blogs just now has inspired me...
On Tuesday my mom is flying in from Seattle to spend Christmas and the first part of January with me in England. It will be my first Christmas away from home and without my dad. Almost all of my international friends are going home at some point. Why am I not?
I don't know how to say this without sounding unfeeling, ungrateful, and unpatriotic, but not for one single day have I been homesick. And you have to understand earlier this year I dreaded leaving Washington. I left a beautiful home and friends and family I love dearly. I still love them just as much, and after this course I'll be plenty happy to return to the USA.
But in the 9 months remaining, I don't want to do anything but soak in this place. The delight of England has not worn off and there is so much more to see. Mom and I are going on our own version of the 'grand tour,' including London, the Peak District, Windsor, Bath, Southampton, and of course my own Oxford. Last night, after handing in my last project of the semester, I could not help skipping a little as I crossed Magdalen Bridge into the city. A whole month of freedom stretches before me, and what better place to spend it?
If publishing is a language, this has been a total immersion experience. Just a few things I didn't know 12 weeks ago:
how to use InDesign and Photoshop
what XML is
the meaning of 4/0 CMYK sheet fed-printing on 120 gsm paper
how to write an editorial proposal
what the heck all those marketing people want anyway
We've come a long way. I am so proud of everyone on this course. Their creativity and professionalism humble and inspire me.
For a few weeks though, it's time to look at books like a normal person again. Not dissecting the potential market, author royalty, and design elements. Just as creations to be enjoyed, given, loved.
All in time for Christmas.
