December 14th, 2009

Pacing Myself…

by Terri Libenson

Okay, I’m feeling off kilter. Why? Because for the first time ever, I’m so far ahead of my deadlines, I’m way out of sync with the strip’s timeline. I know, I know, this is a good thing. I much prefer the 4-month lead over scrambling to meet my deadlines. I can also double check strips with more objectivity closer to the publishing date. And I can now take trips and sick days without hyperventilating.

But does having a cartoon that reflects “real time” mean I shouldn’t be writing 40th birthday strips while I’m still 39 ½ (ok, technically 39 7/12)? Huh. Maybe that one’s because I’m just not prepared to think about that particular milestone yet.

Anyway, the point is I’m realizing that being too far ahead of the game can be a little counterproductive. It’s the winter holiday season and I’m writing spring break cartoons. It’s easier to think of spring-related ideas when it’s actually closer to spring. Also, my daughters’ personalities change like the wind, and I’d like to keep up with that in the strip.

BUT, given the choice, I’d take this cushion of time any day. I won’t give it up. I’ll probably try and maintain this 4-month lead and not get much farther ahead. So for now, I’ll just take a deep breath, relax and enjoy the status quo. Ahhhh.