August Journal: progress and challenges
August has been a productive month, though not without its challenges. Between catching up with friends and soaking in the summer sun, I made progress on my “Tales from the Omniverse” and “Essentials for Authorpreneurs”.
Update on “Tales from the Omniverse” and “Essentials for Authorpreneurs”
In August, I moved forward with the “The Prince of Hellscape Series”. As I delved into my editors’ revisions for the first book in the supernatural suspense thriller, I realized I had to adapt several parts of the narrative and language. It’s been a challenging process, but these adjustments will strengthen the overall story and create a better experience for readers.
Moreover, I finally settled on the book’s title, which won’t be the working title “A Shattered Dawn”. I’ll be revealing the official title and blurb later this month. I also crafted the blurb. It’s one of those tasks that I still struggle with, even after writing several novels and shorter books. But after many drafts, I finally have a version I’m happy with.
Unfortunately, designing the cover has been more time-consuming than I expected. My designer and I haven’t yet found a concept that captures the mood and tone of the supernatural suspense thriller. Hence, the release date is still up in the air, but I’m sticking with my plan to publish the novel in the fall. I’d rather take the extra time to get everything right than rush to meet a deadline and compromise on quality.
Outside of the novel, I spent time on my author platform. I’m exploring new social media platforms to better connect with readers. Instead of jumping in and posting randomly, I’m developing a content strategy that aligns with both my fiction and nonfiction brands. I’m also batching content to manage my time more effectively. This will hopefully allow me to maintain a consistent online presence, while also giving me the space to focus on writing and related tasks.
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Meeting friends and staying fit
Aside from working, plenty of outdoor activities kept me active. Along with my regular walks and runs, I went hiking with friends again. This time, we opted for a shorter route of 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) compared to the longer 13 kilometers (8 miles) trek we did in July. Despite following the route description, we encountered some obstacles in the form of fallen trees and wild overgrowth. Obviously, the path was rarely used, and we had to reroute several times. It was fun, though, and the experience was even more enjoyable because of the great company.
Once again, I had a friend visit for several days. We unwound and enjoyed some good food together. This time we made burgers. We used Charolais and Angus beef, and the results were incredibly delicious. Along with the burgers, we indulged in plenty of cake. Thanks to my regular physical activities, I don’t feel the slightest bit guilty about indulging in delicious food or worrying about putting on extra weight.
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