The Big Adios

by Mike MacLean

As I write this, my wife's laptop taunts me with robotic DOS curses, refusing to work even after hours on the phone with the tech-support guy.  My wife is frustrated.  My baby girl is crying.  And I've got the mother of all migraines.

Wish I could say this is a one-in-a-million bad day, but it isn't.  Lately, STRESS has been my co-pilot, and I so wish I could toss him screaming from the plane. 

This is life sometimes.  You either roll with the punches, or grab a rifle and find the tallest clock tower.

I don't see any clock towers, so I gotta roll.  That means setting priorities and making tough decisions.  Sometimes, it also means giving up things you enjoy.  And that's just what I've had to do.

Today is my last blog post for Murderati... at least for a while. 

I do this out of necessity.  As my wife returns to school in the evenings, I have to step up my role as Mr. Mom.  Which means less time for writing.  In the end, I had to choose between blogging and fiction.  As much as I've enjoyed Murderati, fiction wins every time.

I'd like to thank all the Murderati (Pari, J.T., Louise, Ken, Rob, Dusty, Simon, Alex, Naomi, Toni, Elaine, and Paul) for teaching me so much these past months.  You've spoken with experience and listened with patience.  Terrific writers one and all.

I'd also like to thank all the murder fans out there, the authors and the readers, who have indulged my ramblings.

Despite my whining at the top of the page, the last couple years have been very good to me.  A few of my stories have seen print and now reside in the same books as authors I've idolized for years.  I've gotten a paying gig, building a screenplay for B-movie legend Roger Corman.  And of course, there is my little girl, who reminds me of all the mystery and wonder in the world every time she peers up at me with those big eyes of hers.    

The migraine's fading now, Chloe is asleep on the sofa in her momma's arms, and even the broken laptop seems to be on the mend.  Everything will be just fine.         

Next week, Bryon Quertermous, writer and editor of Demolition Magazine will fill in.  Then, starting in September, Toni Causey will take my regular Sunday spot.  Be nice.

Adios,

Mike

Comments

[Alexandra Sokoloff]

You'd think by now I'd be used to men leaving, but this one really hurts.

I'm not going to cry. You'll be back.

Take care of yourself, baby. I expect great things.

[Rob Gregory Browne]

Aloha, Mike. Sorry to see you go.

[Dave White]

You're letting Quertermous take over? Even if just for a week, you must really need some time off.

[billie]

Mike, I'll miss your Sunday ramblings. Take good care and knock their socks off with that screenplay!

[Naomi]

Best of luck to you, Mike!

[guyot]

In the end, it's all about what's in those eyes of hers....

Fly low and avoid the radar, my brother.

[Mike MacLean]

Alex,

You’re right. I will be back. Thanks for everything.

Rob,

I’ve really enjoyed the posts. Hope to meet you in person one of these days.

Dave,

Can’t you two see that you love each other? You’re both running around all over town looking for something, when that something has been right in front of you the whole time (quoting Seinfeld, albeit badly).

Billie

Thanks so much for dropping in these weeks. Your questions and insights make Murderati a real conversation rather than just a bunch of essays, which is how it should be.

Naomi,

Thanks, for both the luck and for the warm welcome.

Paul,

Good advice. I might just take it in spite of myself.

[pari]

Mike,
You have added such a wonderful voice to this blog. I hate to see you go.

But your decision was the right one, made for all the right reasons.

Please stop in and grab a chair here when you can.

[Dave Zeltserman]

Mike, you'll be missed, but anything that gets you writing more fiction is a big plus! Working with Roger Corman sounds exciting and it should be a great opportunity. Looking forward to the movie when it's out!

[J.D. Rhoades]

"As much as I've enjoyed Murderati, fiction wins every time."

Can't argue with that. We'll miss your posts, though.

But hey, you're working with Corman! Tres cool. The guy's an American institution.

Best of luck, Mike, and don't be a stranger.

[Louise Ure]

Adios, Mike. Be sure and drop in with all the good news in your life. Hell, drop in with the bad news, too.

We'll miss you.

[B.G. Ritts]

Mike, all the best for you! Stop in and keep us posted on family and work.

[Woodstock]

I'm fairly new to reading your comments on Murderati, but like everyone else, I'll miss you! Take care, and let us know how things are going from time to time!

[simon]

Seeya, Mike--and start charging Stress rent, I have.

[Rae]

Best wishes, Mike.....

[Mike MacLean]

Pari, J.D., Louise, and Simon:

Like I said in the post, I’ve learned so much from all of you, not only about the craft of writing but also about the writing life. Thanks to you, my time here was well spent.

Dave, B.G, Woodstock and Rae:

Thanks for taking the time to drop in. You may think it is a small act, but it means the world to someone like me to know you're out there actually hearing my voice.

[Elaine Flinn]

So sorry to see you go, Mike - but family first is the measure of a great guy - and something I always applaud.

Thanks for sharing a different perspective - always informative - and always relevant.

And good luck with the script and Corman! When we see your name up there on the credits - we can always say - and smugly - we knew you when. :)

[JT Ellison]

Aw, Mike, I hate this. But I don't disagree with your motives, family and fiction must always come ahead of blogging. We will miss your unique perspective. I always look forward to your Sunday. Be well, write tons, kiss Chloe and stop back whenever you have a rant or an idea.
xo

[toni mcgee causey]

I've been out all day and hate that I missed this post this morning. You're going to be greatly missed, Mike, and I hope you're able to come back often. There's no way to fill your shoes, but I completely agree with your motives, like JT said. Be well.