Spring is here, and I'm feeling productive!
Which makes it time for the May update.
TLDR!
Here’s what to expect from this month’s update:
I’m keeping this one short(ish)
Updated anthology cover concept, based on your feedback
Bookish events for May 2024
April 2024 Accountability
I’m keeping this month’s update short…
There isn’t much to report for this month, since it’s been pretty quiet.
I’ve been doing maintenance work on the apartments I live in, editing the anthology, and working on the cover design, based on your feedback. I’ve also been working full-time, but am making good progress on all three projects.
And here’s the good news, I’m carving out some free-time in the early part of May, by taking vacation days from work.
I’m hoping to use the additional 3 days off to get through the rest of the first edit pass on the anthology, which happens on paper. Then, I’ll look through my notes, make what changes I feel need to be made, and start the second pass (story flow, plot consistency, and clarifications).
And that’s the start of the process of bringing you the best version of each story I possibly can.
An updated cover design, needing feedback…
Last month, I showed you a couple of cover concepts for the anthology, and asked for your feedback. I’m thankful so many of you took the time to respond.
Here are a couple of the thoughts people shared with me:
The addition of red is nice, but not as a border....maybe as a highlight elsewhere? Just a thought
Make the head lighter in color than the background. Right now the colors are too close in shade and intensity. Lighter would make it 'pop' a bit. Orr you could lighten the background and the darker figure would sink into it.
Based on your responses in the comments, and polls, I’ve updated one of the cover concepts for the anthology. I’d love your feedback on the changes. (Open each image in a new tab to see the full cover design).
For reference, the new concept is on the left, and the original one on the right.
I’d also love to hear what you think of the covers.
What kind of stories would you expect in the collection?
What are your first thoughts on the new cover design?
Any suggestions for changes that would make you want to pick it up?
Or, just want to drop an unrelated comment?
Hit the button below, and feel free to have your say.
Which brings us to events for this month…
Bookish events for May 2024
May 1st -31st: National Get Caught Reading Month - After all, isn’t that what we love most? Pick a book, and get caught reading it. Bonus points for recommending the book to someone in the process.
May 1st - 31st: Small Business Month authors often rely on small businesses to help get their books published and in front of potential readers. Please show your local small businesses some support.
May 1st - 31st: National Walking Month - I find walking not only relaxing, but often find myself solving problems with my writing in the process.
May 3rd: Wordsmith Day - celebrate those who take the written word, and craft it into compelling stories, and impactful messages.
May 3rd: National Paranormal Day - Stories exist all over the world of paranormal creatures and encounters, the inspiration for so many authors.
May 3rd: Write A Review Day - Help fellow readers to pick their next book, and write a review of something you’ve read recently.
May 4th: Anti-bullying Day - I was bullied extensively growing up, so am a huge supporter of any effort to stop others having to experience it.
May 13th - June 13th: National Smile Month - Who can’t use a smile now & then? Make someone smile, and brighten up their day.
May 23rd: National Title Track Day - If your life was made into a movie, what would be the title track?
May 25th: Towel Day - Celebrate the life & works of Douglas Adams, author of “The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy”, and a big influence on my sense of humor.
May 25th: Geek Pride Day - Say it, and say it loud “I’m A Geek And Proud”. Let your geek flag fly.
Feel free to share any local book-related events in the comments.
Writing/Editing Update - March 2024
Words edited: 15,256 (total - first pass) - Shadows Over Seattle: Prequels 1-5
Days I’ve written something: 0
Days I’ve been unable to write anything: N/A (Editing)
Outline pages: 13 (finalized for the novel)
Draft pages: 4 (for the novel)
Words written: 4,083 (draft - total for the novel)
The new design suggests urban fantasy, which is a genre I really enjoy. I'd pick it up looking for a blurb or something that tells me more about it.
The original design is a very good depiction of how I feel when I'm deeply depressed. So I probably wouldn't pick it up unless I were in that mood already.