The writing is coming along slowly, with only 8,000 words in two weeks. I’m not worried about my output, simply because it takes a while to get into the swing of things. Seven finished novels has taught me that. Also, the editing of past projects remains a do-a-little-each-day thing, until all past projects are completed. When it comes to the new work, time management has become an issue. I can concentrate fully on books for only so long before I need a break, and art makes for a good distraction. The comics will become a much-needed platform, so must fit into my overall work schedule. One hand washes the other. The problem: How do I remain productive with both? Maximizing output is important to me, especially now. I’m toying with the idea of four days on with my books, and three days working comics. That will allow me to give both endeavors prolonged, concentrated bursts of creativity.

Actually, that sounds like a plan. I’ll let you know how it works out. See you next week.

My big watermelon. Just over 43 lbs. I love it. And I canned more tomatoes. My garden is almost done and over with, btw. The vines have all withered, all but the pumpkin and watermelon. My green beans are going to seed, and I already collected some good seed for next year. Six to seven more weeks of mowing, and no raking leaves, adding that to the garden. I’ll be ready for next year.

While I get rather in-depth on the publishing front over on my Brain Turds blog, there’s more to explore. I’m also slowly editing seven novels. One is done, two is in progress, and three needs one more coat of polish. Four through seven are waiting. Number one needs me to look it over one last time, just to see if I missed anything. When last I looked it was at the peak of perfection, but that was almost two months ago. I gave it some space. But, once it’s done, it’s done. I’ll keep plodding along until all my past projects are ready. Over the next few weeks I’ll be talking to a few art galleries, seeing what I can do there. I’ll be producing a lot of art I should sell. I’m keeping a progress log, too. Of course I’ll share those entries. More next week.

Only three thousand hard words this week. That’s what happens when I start a new project. Until I know where I’m going, get the feel for my people, it’s not easy. My protagonist narrates, and he’s uniquely voiced. The world he lives in is layered, subtle, odd. The idea that drives him and the series is, of course, infinitely huge. But the rest of the characters, as I introduce them in subsequent chapters, they have be real too. Voices all their own. Of course I started a notebook on this, keeping all my many new details in order. I’d be crazy not to have a notebook on this. I am wondering how long my chapters should be. Ten to twelve double spaced pages, using 12 point Times New Roman, isn’t bad. The overall pace of the story lends itself to chapters this long, or short, depending. The main thing is I’m having fun, writing what everybody wants and needs for the foreseeable future.

I canned more beans, but ran out of lids before I could get the tomatoes done. I now have more lids. My big watermelon is almost ready, too. I’ll have a photo of that in my arms (with its weight) for my next post. I have an e-mail to write to my book manufacturer before the next day is out, and my very first grant proposal was turned down. I wasn’t surprised. See you next week.

What I want to do as a writer, and what I need to do as a writer, they’re two different things. I managed 72 pints of good food from the garden. My juicer doesn’t seem to have lasted a third season. I need lots of poster board, and found all my paints. It’s Monday morning, and I need my second cup of coffee. What progress will I have to report next week? I don’t know. I have to stop blogging and start working. See you next week.

The racoons ate most of my sweet corn, but I still managed three pints. I have a lot of yard work to do, a lot of garden work, and in the house I have to set up my art table. A nice private corner to work from. I’m moving too slowly, I know, but I need to be correct. I’m searching, researching, and then embracing everything I can find on-line that will help me obtain my goals. I’ll have more to post next week.