Hiatus (Odd Socks #9)

Hiatus for December, a new read with a quirky Swedish detective, plus double Laughs and Insights sections

Welcome to Odd Socks Issue #9

I write here about stuff that interests me, puts a smile on my face, or could use some clarity amidst the noise. Each issue includes two original articles plus four bonus sections. Enjoy!

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Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay

Hiatus

No matter what work you do, whether in creative pursuits or attending to your day job, it helps to take a break now and then from the familiar.

I’m taking December off from Odd Socks, mostly due to a special project I’m deeply working, one that won’t go public early spring 2024. It’s distracting me from the other things on my plate, so I think it’s time to take a slight break writing Odd Socks.

Writing or any creative work is challenging to work consistently. I know several published authors who work book projects to completion, then take 2-3 months off to refresh. I also know authors who churn out books and rarely pause between, quickly beginning the new work once the previous one’s released into the world.

This is not the first time I’ve taken a purposeful hiatus from creative pursuits. Each time I’ve returned a bit more enthusiastic about the work and with fresh thoughts. My December hiatus is not because I’m bored with Odd Socks or stuck for new ideas, but the break will give me a boost in interest come January when I’m back at it.

Just a short article this time, but I’ve doubled up on Laughs and Insights below to tide you over until the new year.

I remember when Alexander McCall Smith debuted his soon-to-be bestselling series, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. I read the first book, or rather a dozen pages, didn’t like it and didn’t finish it. Since then, he’s written nearly 80 books and is a worldwide success.

On a lark, I picked up his latest book in the Detective Varq series at my library, not sure if I’d like it. The cover and dust jacket blurb were enough to get me to at least check it out and, well, check it out! This time around I’m enjoying his writing, the quirky characters, and so far, the surprises around every plot corner.

If you’re looking for a fun mystery or enjoy Smith’s other books, you might enjoy reading how this quirky Swede works his obscure but curious detective cases.

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