Storyteller’s Log, 3 July 2025

If you’re in the United States like I am, tomorrow is Independence Day. Not the movie, though to some degree, given current bullshit from our so-called leaders, an alien invasion might be better for us all. (But probably not. I mean, the monument-and-city-destroying lasers would suck).

That notwithstanding, as much as I love fireworks, I don’t feel especially patriotic this year. Certainly not when I am watching those elected to represent the people doing the opposite with glee. Callous, much? Not a good look.

But, apart from voting in elections, boycotting terrible businesses, attending protests, and writing blogs aimed at waking people the fuck up, there’s nothing I can do. Save live my life.

So, that’s what I’m doing. My life, as always, involves creating. As I started last week, I’m sharing some of that with you here.

So, let’s dive in, shall we?

What am I working on now?

My daily writing and editing goals have been largely met. I keep a whiteboard on one of my desks with check boxes for the daily goals I strive for. This includes editing in some form and writing at least 1500 words of fiction every weekday.

In 2024, I made my editing goal 90% of the time and my writing goal 36% of the time. So, this year, I’m striving to improve those numbers.

I am now “editing” the plot for the second of my forthcoming Gentleman Space Pirate sci-fi novels – i.e., checking myself for consistency and pulling out character backstories into a separate file.

I’m plotting book 4 of the Gentleman Space Pirate series. Maybe I will share my ideas for the names of the books next week.

The fifth Forgotten Fodder novel, Turncoat’s Gambit, went to my new editor. My cover artist and I chatted via Discord (which, given that she’s in the UK, it’s not going to be in person anytime soon) about the covers.

I’m also considering whether I should do more with my nonfiction work. That’s as far as that’s gotten, however. Consideration alone.

Other concerns

I did start to research some other marketing options. I have done some work with my website and YouTube channel with my employer (I do website layout, SEO work, and copywriting for a small digital marketing company part-time). As much as she helps, the direction I need at this phase is not her expertise.

The issue is twofold. Get more notice and brand recognition, and increase book sales. I’m not looking to become a bestseller (which would rock, but isn’t terribly realistic). I would like to sell hundreds of books rather than tens of books. Hence, a realistic, incremental increase.

I know there are readers out there who would enjoy my work. The key is figuring out how to find them and get them to buy my books and ultimately become fans. That’s some specialized stuff when it comes to authorpreneurship.

Personal shit

Round 2 of gel injections has been done. My knees remain stiff but already seem less sore. I’ve also been doing PT twice a week to strengthen the muscles around my knees.

I need to get back to taking a walk daily. It’s good for clearing my head and getting the creative juices flowing. On days I don’t have fencing practice, I should go for a bike ride (weather dependent) or at least take a longer walk. Hopefully, my knees will be more cooperative in everything I do.

I am about 80 pounds overweight, but very active overall. Part of why my knees are so messed up. Also, frankly, knees might be proof that “intelligent design” is a crock of shit.

Chrissie (my wife) is still loving her new job. I’m super proud of her. Also, the scathing letter she fired off to the solar company (we had solar panels installed on our roof) about getting the inspections done already lit quite the fire under the necessary asses. DO NOT CROSS THE PROFESSIONAL CONSTRUCTION SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER. Really, don’t. She takes no shit (and I utterly love that about her).

The cats are being cats. That’s what they do.

Fortunately, there’s not much else worth sharing.

What am I reading?

Fiction I’m reading: Poppy Orion’s Emergence: A Hopepunk Space Opera (The Valmoran Chronicles Book 1).

Nonfiction I’m reading: This morning, I finished Austin Kleon’s Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad.

Audiobook I’m listening to: I’m waiting for the latest Rivers of London novel to drop next week. In the meantime, I’m re-listening to Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, which is read (brilliantly) by Stephen Fry.

Last bits

That’s it for this week. Thanks for coming along.

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Questions? Comments? Send me an email.

Thanks for reading. If you’re a creator, remember that you’re not alone, not (entirely) crazy, and though they might not know it, the world NEEDS your creations!