Now

✨ Constellation. The special edition cover is looking amazing. I'm so excited to see the final version soon. The problem I'm going to have is deciding between the two options. Other than that, the book itself is pretty much complete. It's just promo and marketing now, which is arguably the most difficult part for me (and most other authors).

Again, Before I Forget is still moving along. I got the developmental edits back from Martha. Starting to feel like I won't be able to get it done in time for the Kickstarter, which wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, but I didn't really want to do a whole separate campaign for it either. I'll probably have to start focusing on it a lot more than I have been after this May break.

📚 My currently reading pile: Les Mis (I'm behind again), Seasons of Glass and Iron, The Man with the Compound Eyes, and Pet Sematary. The only one I'm actively reading is Pet Sematary, and I don't know if it was a good idea for this month, considering it was Ren's favourite book and is about grief + child loss, and is low-key triggering. I keep wishing I could talk to him about it again as I read it. But it also helps me feel close to him, which is always the case with these sorts of things. Such is the bittersweet nature of grief.

✍🏻 My essay, "In This Timeline," was published in Open Secrets Magazine, which is a huge honour! "Equinox," published in Icarus Writing Collective, has just come out as well. I just submitted my essay to Modern Love a few days ago. Not expecting anything of it, but well, aim high, I suppose. I feel like I'm somewhat immune to the "nos" at this point, and no longer take it personally.

✨ Constellation. Manuscript is all done! Interior formatting done! Angela sent the first draft for the special edition cover, and it's gorgeous. I'm working on campaign emails, and have the first week's done already. Also working on guest posts for the virtual book tour, trying to be consistent on Instagram (💀), and using A Girl Made of Time as my main magnet to draw people to the Kickstarter page. I'm working on essays for Modern Love and Open Secrets. They're now with Martha, my developmental editor.

Again, Before I Forget is moving along. I got early feedback that was helpful. It was in line with what Martha and I discussed. Still a lot of work to do.

📚 My reading pile is huge. I've caught up on Les Mis, though. Other current reads: Invisible Girl, by Lisa Jewell, The Steppenwolf, by Hermann Hesse, Instructions for Traveling West, by Joy Sullivan, and Grief is for People, by Sloane Crosley. Bit much, perhaps, but all quite different.

✍🏻 My essay, "Tracing Your Shadows Through Shifting Leaves" was accepted for the A Year in Ink anthology! It will be coming out later this year. My flash fiction, "Equinox," was also accepted by Icarus Writing Collective. It's been a good year. ^-^

✨ Constellation. On my last round of proofreading. Almost there. Interior formatting is done. I'm ahead of myself and have the special edition and retail done, so yay. Aubrey finished the paperback cover, and I'm In Love. Starting work with Angela for the cover design for the special edition this week. Super excited!

Again, Before I Forget is with developmental editor, Martha. She's so wonderful. I love working with her, not least because she's super organised and gives regular updates on what she's doing, even if it's not much. Been working with some unresponsive editors for Constellation, and her being so on top of it is even more appreciated this time around.

📚 Les Misérables. I'm miserably (har har) behind the group read, but it's ok. I'll catch up now that Waterloo's behind me.

Unmasking the Prodigal Daughter is hitting hard in some deep places at a time I'm not quite ready to face them.

Started Who By Fire and looking forward to continuing it.

✍🏻 Finished the guest post for Troy on Franny and Zooey, and it's a banger (I never say that; who am I?)