Work in Progress #8: Progress Report, April-June, 2023

Okay, yeah, it’s been a minute. How have you been?

It’s been a wild ride over the last few months on this end, and I have just been trying to hold on. I spent the first little bit waiting for things to get back to normal, and then realized that normal is over. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought this was still 2020.

So, let’s rip the band-aid off and talk about what’s been happening in this corner of the world.

- After four years at a place of work that I enjoyed, the organization decided to close my department. Layoffs ensued. It was a business decision, and I hold no grudges—and it’s not because I’m obligated to say that—but that threw some things into a bit of chaos. I always thought that if I didn’t have to worry about being at work, I would write more. I know now that statement is only half true. I start at a different organization this month, and I’ll be happy to talk about that later.

- In early May, I finally finished the first draft of Empire Towers, the project I started for last year’s NaNoWriMo. It took me just a shade over six months, and that’s the fastest I’ve ever completed a first draft, ever. I’m going to let it breathe a bit before setting my sights on editing it. Right now, I’m just proud of completing this much of it.

- I’m resuming the edit for Urban Legend this month, and I’m going to shoot for one chapter a day. It’s going to be a slow and comprehensive process and I’m going to try and make myself love it. I’m also starting work on a new short story this month, and I’m excited to work on it.

- I made some changes to the site. I removed my “Extras” section that used to house old stories. I found it annoying to navigate, which means it must have been annoying for anyone trying to get into it. Over the next several weeks, I’m going to retool it into a “Story Time” feature, either in my blog or as its own section, where you can read short stories and sample chapters of currently available and upcoming novel projects. Stay tuned.

Anyway, barbecue season is here, longer days are the norm, and we’re all hopefully getting outside and dosing up on sunlight and Vitamin D. Here’s to wonderful summer adventures and staying safe out there. And remember...

Cheers!