Time for an update
Can you believe that one third of 2019 is behind us already? Me, neither.
For context: I’m serving my second year as president of our local ACFW chapter, my word is peace, and I never got around to setting a new reading goal. As for the rest, here’s a quick recap of the year so far.
January
I spent the whole month crunching on my new book. I lost 9 pounds, mostly because I kept my kettle and an assortment of teas in my office, which meant I had a beautiful hot beverage at my elbow all month long while I edited like crazy and forgot to eat.
But taking that flash drive to Staples and printing out my manuscript? Delicious. (Okay, actually a nightmare because the self-serve printer broke while I was there, but afterward, I was floating.)
On January 31, I sent the manuscript to my Wave 1 beta readers.
February
Throughout February, I tried, and mostly failed, not to be awkward every time I talked to members of the Wave 1 beta team.
I also continued making changes to the manuscript, which is a great source of bonus-awkward. But what a joy when the feedback came in strong. Thank You, Jesus!
I rounded out the month with a nice birthday and lots to celebrate.
March
This month got a little gonzo. Our ACFW chapter hosted an all-day Author Branding workshop, so preparing for that was just a little bit consuming! We were glad to log a win with a successful day, and my friend and fellow-author Missy Tippens wrote a great blog post summarizing some of the key takeaways.
If that wasn’t enough, I completed my first-ever Instagram challenge! I posted every day for #MarchMysteryMadness. And though I did read some great books, I definitely spent more time staging my shots than I did actually reading.
On a less-fun note, I wasn’t too happy to find out from my dentist that a cracked tooth was going to require a crown.
And yes, I kept tweaking my manuscript. But the month was so busy that I started a steady refrain toward the end: “As soon as we get to the other side of the workshop, I am taking a break!”
Famous last words, anyone?
April
I did take a break. One that somehow involved naps and nodding off during the day. And that is just not me.
I also had these pains. Nothing too bothersome. I figured they’d pass. They didn’t.
And then, I got a fever.
After a doctor’s appointment, labs, and a CT scan, we discovered a mild case of diverticulitis, which they treated with two different types of antibiotics. I’m glad to report that I started feeling better almost immediately. I did lose a few more pounds, though, because my appetite wasn’t quite normal. That made me wonder if the previous weight loss in January was related to all this…
I got my temporary crown, and though the tooth seemed like it wanted to give me grief for a while, it finally calmed down.
Since I had planned to take a break, after all, I spent as much time as I could in April with family and friends.
Finally, I sent my revised manuscript to Wave 2 beta readers. Now I’m trying, and mostly failing, not to be awkward every time I talk to members of the Wave 2 beta team.
Also, still making changes to the manuscript.
May plans!
But! All that ends on or before May 31, which I’ve designated as “Hit Send Day.” I told my agent and I’m telling all of you–this novel lands in his inbox by the end of the month.
Health-wise, I’m not quite 100%, but I feel much better than I did! We’re watching the weight and weird appetite thing for now. I should get the permanent crown in a week or so. Through it all, my hubby has been his steady, encouraging, wonderful self.
So between this and that, we hold on. I don’t know when I’ll have news for you … but that’s exactly how I end up neglecting to post and letting social channels go dark. I’ll do better at checking-in, even if it’s just to report on the temperature in Awkwardtown while we wait.
In the mean time, my next project is to finish up a freebie novella for newsletter subscribers, so here’s the sign-up form for first dibs!
Join my newsletter!
Till next time, friends! 🙂
