NOVEMBER INTENTIONS

We’re only over 2 weeks into November. It’s still cool to set some goals, right?

Obviously, I’ve been SWAMPED, so swamped that I don’t think I even posted my October intentions. But I can’t look back. I’m moving forward! Here’s what I’ve got on my plate this month

EDIT: The Bone…Sequel

I’m this close to finishing the draft of the sequel to The Bone Key!! I’m so excited about this. I really struggled to get back to a steady pace after my Mom passed away in March. And I still have difficult days (such as this past weekend when I started thinking about Christmas and how it’s going to be so tough to celebrate without her). But she always encouraged me. Always wanted to know what I was working on. So I keep pushing and striving for my dreams knowing she’s cheering me on.

So, in terms of The Bone Sequel (no title spoilers!), I’m cleaning up the chapters, taking care of any line notes I left myself while drafting. That could be a simple bit of research I need to do, or something bigger that I need to tackle, like adding more setting details, or clarifying the intention of a character. I’m hoping to have that done by the end of November. Then, I’ll get the manuscript printed, and get to work tearing it apart! I do novel edits on-paper. I catch more that way, as opposed to editing on-screen. And to be honest, I LOVE the editing process. I have something to work with, instead of a blank page (or screen) staring back at me.

It will take me a good few months to do paper edits, but that’s fine by me. I (almost) finished my book! So proud of myself.

OUTLINE: Novella Project

I’ve got the bare bones of a story. I seem to be stuck deciding when to start the story, so it’s kind of holding me up. But if I can sit down and decide, I think it won’t take me too long to knock out the outline. Maybe by the end of the year, if not sooner? Excited about this one! It’s a folk horror possession novella! An idea I’ve toyed with for a few years. After a few false starts, I’m hoping a new focus and a few plot changes will see me finally writing this thing.

LEARN: Editing Classes

The Editing Fundamentals class is winding down, and the Grammar Class continues until almost the end of December. Which means…homework, assignments, quizzes, projects. I’ve already signed up for Stylistic & Structural Editing, which starts in January. Really looking forward to that one! Plus, I’m only signing up for one class at a time from now on, so hopefully I won’t be so overwhelmed in 2025.

CONNECT: Book Signing

Yes! My first book signing is coming up on November 23rd at Little Ghosts Books here in Toronto! It’s an all-horror bookstore, and I can’t wait to meet new readers and introduce them to The Bone Key!

CREATE: Holiday Items

I’ve got some fun trinkets that I want to add to my online shop for the holidays. Honestly, I should probably have them up there already. Time is ticking – not too long until Christmas! They’re cute and witchy and sort of The Bone Key-related! Hoping to get them up in the next week or two. I’ll share when I do!

OTHER THAN THAT…

I’m still doing book promo, trying to get more eyes on The Bone Key. But mostly just working on the book. And sort of thinking about what I want to do next year. I definitely intend to bring back Frightmarish Zine! I miss sending those out. No matter how busy I am, I’m so thankful to do what I do, and to love doing it!