Russell hammers the final nail into Gillian's blog

Russell signing off now ...

I've had a busy couple of days, including my partner's birthday. She won't be reading this, so I can tell you it was her 50th. It was a cake-fest. A cherry and chocolate torte was followed by pavlova and marzipan.

I don't feel so well today. It was worth it though.

I've spent the week wrestling with my workload. I've just sent the publisher the first of a new fantasy trilogy, and have committed to three further atlases in the next five years. I don't think I can sustain my University career in the face of this. Ten years ago I would have sold one of my children to have this dilemma. (Is having to choose between three things a trilemma?) I'm still no closer to a resolution. There's no doubt I enjoy writing and atlas-making more than University, but my academic work informs and revitalises my other work.

Ah well. Perhaps my remaining child will have thoughts on the matter.

Welcome back, Gillian. I hope your time at verruca - sorry, Varuna - was enjoyable and that I haven't driven away either of your readers.