As we head into June, what are your plans for summer?

Feel free to comment on your plans...

Timothy Bateson

Jun 01, 2024

TLDR!

Here’s what to expect from this month’s update:

Monthly update
Give feedback on these updates
Bookish events for June 2024
May 2024 Accountability

So, what happened in May?

Last month, I said that things had been pretty quiet, and that trend continued into May. I took a week off to do some work on my various writing/design projects, and didn’t get as much done as I’d hoped on the writing front.

I also broke my glasses, and discovered just how hard it can be to get a short-notice appointment for an eye exam. Thankfully, I was able to get a cancellation appointment, and have new glasses on the way. But being without them for two weeks has definitely affected my reading, driving, and writing.

Of course, that just means I’m more determined than ever to reach the end of the first editing pass on the anthology. Because, I want you to have the best version of each of these stories that I can possibly produce.

And speaking of the anthology…

The first pass edit is almost completed, with notes made on four-out-of-five stories. It should be relatively easy to edit the last story before the middle of June, and then type up the changes and print out what I hope will be the final version. And then it’s on to deciding on a cover for the collection, and formatting.

Talking of cover design, I’m so grateful to everyone who provided feedback on the concept designs. So much so, that I went a step further, and created a cover for each of the individual stories.

Shadows Over Seattle: Prequels cover collection

Overall, I’m pretty happy with how these designs came out, and I might even re-release the stories that are currently available with these updated covers. These are only available in ebook format, right now, but for the anthology, I’m certainly considering a print-edition (and that will likely mean hiring a cover artist).

YES, there are two covers for “April Fool”, since it features two characters. I’m interested in seeing which of the two catches your interest most, and why. Would you buy each story individually, for a quick read, or would you wait for the anthology?

As always, you can leave your views in the comments, and not just on the covers

Bookish events for June 2024

June 1st-30th - Audiobook Month - Don’t have the time or patience to read? Why not grab a good book, and listen to it while doing other things? (Share what you’re listening to in the comments).
June 1st-30th - Age Without Apology Month - be proud of your years, the experiences you’ve had, and revel in pushing boundaries, no matter what your age.
June 10th - National Ballpoint Pen Day - Never leave hope without a notepad & pen. You never know when you’ll need one.
June 15th - Magna Carta Day - Signed on this day in 1215, this might just be one of the most important documents for civil rights & liberties for over 800 years.
June 18th - Autistic Pride Day - If you know, or live with someone on the spectrum, you know the challenges & joys it can bring. Celebrate, and learn more.
June 19th - National Thank a Teacher Day - Because they don’t get enough thanks for all they do. And, because without them, many if us wouldn’t have a love of books & the written word.
June 20th - National American Eagle Day - A symbol of national pride, strength & freedom. And still on my wish-list of birds I want to handle one-day.
June 22nd - Positive Media Day - Let’s share positive stories, and being a little light into the world.
June 26th - I turn 50!!! - That’s half-way to 100, 20 years older than when I arrived in the US, and older than Douglas Adams (one of my favorite authors).