@charkelley : ) I don't have other creatives around me IRL so this kind of message-in-a-bottle post of yours speaks to the heart of what we're all working for as writers - and that conflict of taking time away from the grind. I'm in front of my computer now pecking away at my hated Chapter 9 - each time I sit down, I start reading from the first paragraph and get lost in the same imperfect city I'm trying to build, again and again. Some days I feel like I got less "keepable" content written than the length of this post I'm making now, you know? We've all got supportive people who will pat us on the back for sticking with the work, finishing the job chapter by chapter but - inside, each writer has to be his / her / their own worst critic, and demand something better until the effort becomes your personal best. I'm glad you got some down time and I'm excited to see what you turn out next.