Effective immediately, I , along with all of my characters, are retired from the FWA. Chris Kennedy's official "in story" retirement will occur down the line but I think it's time for me to hang it up. My reasons have nothing to do with booking, management, or any of that nonsense. The real reason is much, much more boring.
The common term is "burnt out" but I'm not necessarily sure that applies. Going on 7 years with the FWA and I've achieved all I could ever hope to. I used to wake up early on a Saturday, go out of my way to cancel plans just so I can spend 8-12 hours writing a promo. I don't do that anymore, and I find myself wondering why I ever did. I'm not burnt out, per se. I just don't have the same level of enthusiasm as I once did. I couldn't put my finger on it if I tried. I just know that as I find myself working more, I have less time to spend with my children, who've already lost countless hours from me due to time I've spent on this hobby I love so much. I'm sorry to anyone who I may have had plans with. I'd contemplated giving it another year, knowing my heart wasn't in it. After much thought, I decided against that.
One day, I'd like to be a published author. I know that I will never have the time to put something in motion when I've got deadlines to meet for two characters. I'd like to devote what little free time and motivation to write into that.
Before I peace out, I'd like to thank two people. Chris Stallings and Devin Golden. In the earlier FWA days, Chris Stallings unofficially took me under his wing and showed me the ropes. His wisdom and advice was instrumental in my FWA success. Assuming the afterlife has wifi, I hope he is reading this right now and understands how much his tutelage meant to me. Devin was always the angel on my shoulder, my voice of reason that reeled me in every time my head got to hot. I learned a lot from TGO and I'd like to think he learned a lot from me, though that's not for me to say. To me, he is more than just some guy I know on a forum, he is my friend.
Shout outs to ETE, Wolf, Mac, Shake, and iMatt who all hold special places in my heart as well. I will miss the turning out an A1 promo and waiting intently on results. I'll miss old school style Open Promo sessions, I'll miss BACK IN BUSINESS season, but most of all, I'll miss having a place at the table.
Best of luck to the FWA and to anyone who will ever be involved. Love y'all.