This week was really busy because a lot was going on at work.  Can’t go into those events, but they left me stressed, tired, and suffering from stomach issues.  My son had a busy and crazy week too, so we’re both recovering.  Last weekend was rough for you, which means I have to make this one make up for what happened.  Not that I was responsible, but I don’t want him having two bad weekends in a row.  So, we’re looking at a few Pokemon Go outings and him getting to choose whatever fun stuff we do.

With Darwin & the Joy Path done, I didn’t have any real writing projects.  My schedule and energy didn’t help me with ‘Phi Beta Files’.  I kept forgetting to take it out of my backpack, so I couldn’t put it in view to increase my interest.  Instead, I finished all of the May blog posts and worked on a jigsaw puzzle.  That’s some level of being productive and puts me 3 months ahead.  Gives me time to figure out what to do about June and maybe I’ll tinker with ‘Phi Beta Files’ this weekend.

There might be something coming down the pipeline though.  The artist who do the covers for War of Nytefall reached out to me.  Life got away from me, so it’s been a little over two years.  Going to discuss covers for Tales of the Slumberlord and I even sent over Darwin & the Fate Bracelet for her to read over.  We had an initial idea long ago, so that might happen again.  Weekdays are too busy, so I’m going to reach out over the weekend.  Need to muster up the funds for a cover, which shouldn’t be too hard.  Do I dare to have hope that I’ll publish this year?

One of the mental obstacles is that I know I have no money for promos or time to bounce around the Internet.  Life isn’t going to settle down this year, which means I might end up publishing, posting here, and depend on the kindness of strangers.  I don’t even remember how to promote a book without a budget.  Is that even possible?  Still going to put the book out there, but I don’t know if I should hold out hopes of making much money beyond a few curious checks.

The quality is another concern, but that’s my doubt talking.  I’ve done multiple edits of Books 1-5 when I wasn’t writing.  Still, I have such an issue of confidence and a fear of other people reading the books.  The fear stems from memories of my early days when people would tear it apart under the guise of helping.  Don’t think I can handle a reader giving me a list that basically says ‘change the characters, setting, plot, style, and everything’.  Can’t even tell if I have the same skill in writing too.  Just a general mental mess.

Plus side, is that I have a long time to figure things out.  Getting cover art doesn’t mean I have to publish right away.  I might spend 2-3 months doing teasers and making posts relating to the theme and characters.  That was how I did things in the old days, but I had a much bigger blog audience.  More help, energy, time, and hope as well.  Still, I guess it’s just important to publish at this point.

This coming week is really going to be more of the same.  Clock change means more sunlight, which can up my energy or at least allow me to take outdoor walks.  With May blogging done, I really don’t have much to distract me from ‘Phi Beta Files’.  Just depends on if I can stay awake after I get home and eat.  Well, I have my son for a few days, but the others show some promise.  Surprised I even have time to breathe, shower, and get anything done for myself.

Goals of the week:

1. Time with son.
2. ‘Phi Beta Files’ work.
3. Talk with cover artist.
4. Work.
5. Rest because energy is low.
6. Puzzle time when need a screen break.
7. Try to boost confidence . . . Not looking good.
8. Maybe do the Sunday June posts?