Revising the Times

Now Playing: ANNA MOLLY by Incubus
Just Read: SLEEPING BEAUTIES by Stephen King and Owen King--Turned out to be a big world, slow pace/high build sort of novel. Not terrible by any means, but there were a few times where I was a bit checked out. Overall, enjoyed it.
Reading Now: THE BLACK ECHO by Michael Connelly

Well, the pandemic hit. So far, we're staying healthy here and getting ready for a new baby to arrive. We both work in hospitals, but the testing for COVID-19 has increased, and we're able to keep ourselves pretty safe.

In the meantime, quarantine has meant lots of writing time. I always aim to produce at least one new story per month. It's May, and I've finished six and have started on a seventh so far in 2020, so I'm a little ahead of my goal, which is always great.

Most of my efforts lately, though, have been on revision. I took an editing class online in the hopes of improving those skills, as editing my own work has always been my greatest challenge as a writer. I also took two writing classes through Great Courses, and I think the focus on actively getting better as a student of the craft has paid off. I guess we'll find out when I start sending out these stories or having friends give me some feedback.

I finished a novel manuscript in the fall, and after completing those courses, I've spent a lot of time editing it. My goal is to finish a solid second draft by the end of this weekend, and maybe see if some friends are interested in giving me their feedback. I've also been reading a lot of writing advice (using my quarantine time to study!) and have written a few drafts of query letters that might go out sometime this summer.

Lots to look forward to, despite the times. Writing is a kind of constant, something that doesn't change in all the madness in the world. It's more important to have fiction as an escape than ever--reading is a balm for my mental health, and writing is an outlet for a hundred different reasons. All I can do is keep getting better as a writer at whatever pace I can and in whatever ways help the most.

Stay healthy out there! Wash your hands, don't touch your face!