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Post by Admin on Jun 20, 2018 2:55:06 GMT
Something good happened yesterday. Joshua and I got invited to speak at a meeting of retired teachers. Get a free meal and everything. I will speak for 30 minutes on communication and Joshua's journey to become literate as an adult non-verbal man. It will be the 3rd Tuesday in April. I'm putting an ad in the newspaper tomorrow to search for a tutor for Joshua. Something positive finally.
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Post by Admin on Jun 24, 2018 23:26:20 GMT
Crazy week. Nothing went as planned. I did get the ad put in the paper for a tutor. Got a call right off the bat. Met with a man and his wife at the Church of Christ. They were very nice people but now I'm second guessing myself because I don't know the right questions to ask. Am I missing somebody better by taking the first one to call? I'm in a bit of a panic now but Hank will be here Monday morning when he comes to the house. I'm wondering if I should do some sort of background check but I don't know how to do it.
I didn't get my day of typing in but I did get some really deep cleaning done. I need to get kitchen, Joshua's bathroom and bedroom done early tomorrow morning. The studio, living room, and dining room are completely done and look really nice. I'm set up to paint again. My brain is playing with ideas for audio on the subscription site. I keep seeing short vignettes using the old time method of sound effects. Making it feel like The Shadow or one of those early radio shows that we all loved and are no longer made. Flash fiction for audio. I think it could be really fun and maybe hit a niche that isn't very full yet.
Dixie goes to the vet on Tuesday. Joshua has speech on Thursday. The tutor is coming tomorrow morning at ten. If he doesn't get lost. I'm expecting a phone call or two as he wanders around but he might surprise me. Hank said we should use finding us as an IQ test. If he can get here without calling for directions he's a keeper. If he can't, we throw him back.
It sounds like he's going to come twice a week. If Joshua can handle that its much better for me. I'm so tired of juggling half a dozen schedules and mine get slid off the bottom of the list without getting done.
I think I'm going to get Jocelyn and Abby for a week before the corn roast. Mark and Nyla can meet up with me in Hannibal and hand them off. I can take them home when I go home for the corn roast.
That reminds me. The court thing got pushed back to August. She wants the extra statement info. I have them in hard copy. I'll scan them, mail them and then send the hard copy if you need them. I don't like this lawyer. I get an unfriendly vibe off of her. I miss Mr. Leigh. I'd known him for thirty years and was very comfortable around him. Wish he hadn't retired.
As far as my writing goals, I am still trying to get one solid day for typing. Right now it looks like Wed. or Friday is my best bet. Sharon offered to work on Kay's story so that is off my shoulders. She might need my help but at least she'll get it organized and started. Maybe we can finish it in Oct. when I'm in Kansas again.
Knock Knock could go live in as little as six weeks if I could get it to the editor. I think I can get a rough draft of Cosmic Justice (or Cosmic Chase but I'm leaning toward Cosmic Justice) in August and Sept. with a clean ms. by the end of Oct. If I can push it through the editing process in November, I could still have it go live in Dec. two books out in 2018 would be very helpful to my goals.
Art goals is to continue working on the Dust Catcher series and the men and children series. I really need a catch name for that series so I can create a gallery for them. I have 3 of them so far. Looking to do at least a dozen. I think 12 in a series is a nice number. I'll keep working on the cartoon strip. I think I figured out how to make my characters come to life. I'm going to take real life photos of me and Hank from all four sides. front-back-left profile-and right profile. Then I can use the computer program to make line drawings of them so I can see what they look like as a cartoon figure. Once I have that firm in my mind, I can start moving them around to fit the scenes. I just can't visualize them yet. I never look at me so I don't know what I look like. And I don't quite know how to make Hank a character without overdoing it. I'm fighting with vanity because we're both old'er' and way heavier than I would like. But I want the characters to be humorous without being grotesque.
Big goals. Not enough time. Jocelyn and Abby will help me purge the basement and that will be a huge load off my shoulders. the lighter the load the freer the spirit.
You missed last week so I don't know if you're busy or life interrupted. I thought I saw you mention a comic con so wondering when that it and how it goes.
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Post by bill on Jun 25, 2018 3:13:17 GMT
That is super exciting! I think the ceiling for you two is sky high. I'll do the happy dance in Kansas for you.
I've been going every which way, and plugging along on many fronts.
Zentron - I have most of my revision done. I should complete it this week, then I need to write acknowledgments, take a new picture of Blake and I, update bios, then it should be ready for my proofreaders. I plan to have it to them by July 1.
Ghosts in the Quarry - Cat had a friend of hers draw a cover and I love it! I need to write the blurb and other additional pages, then send it all for formatting. I don't have a specific timeline but should have this done in the next couple of weeks. Hopefully before I go to New Mexico.
Speaking of Mom, did I ever send you her manuscript for the story you were going to do a picture for? I can't remember!
Marketing - I had a booth at the Smallville Comic Con this weekend. I enjoy the experience and meet a lot of great people, other authors included. I still am not selling enough books to break even. I'll do a few more and keep changing something each time. I see some other authors get more sales than me. I haven't yet figured out what I need to do differently.
Vetrix/Earth - Cat finished the cover for Zentron and in the process we decided to change the first two covers so they are more in sync. I'll start with the e-books then we'll do the print versions too. I still have plenty of copies of the original to sell, but I think the covers will scream "series" and that might also help sales.
Snader Publishing - A local cartoonist start a cartoon in the Halstead paper shortly after I began my column. I spoke with him last week about putting a book together under Snader Publishing. We're going to try to get together this week and talk about specifics. I have an opportunity to help someone reach a dream of theirs and want to help. I don't see me making any money off of it, but it should be an interesting experience.
In two weeks I'll be in Roswell, New Mexico for the UFO Festival. I don't know how to draw attention to the fact that my series is set in Roswell. None of my banners say so, and I don't know if I have the time (or if it would be worth the money) to make a new banner for this one event. Oh well, we'll see how it goes.
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Post by bill on Jun 25, 2018 3:18:30 GMT
Sydney and Blake are on summer vacation so I never know what a day may bring. For the lawyer, is she asking for the actual bank statements? Or something else? Do you need anything from me? Just let me know.
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Post by bill on Jul 1, 2018 23:05:31 GMT
Zentron - I finished my revision! I e-mailed the story to one proofreader and will mail the another tomorrow. I still need to take a new picture of Blake and I, but there isn't much else for me to do. Cat has the cover done, so she's just waiting for the manuscript. I'm in good shape to get this out by Sept 1
Ghosts in the Quarry - I need a chunk of time to write a blurb. I wish I would have thought to do it when I proofread the manuscript. I think that's the only thing left to get it moving. Cat has the cover finished and I love it! I had hoped to have it done before the 4th but I don't have much time and doubt I'm able to finish.
Marketing - I drive to New Mexico on Wednesday. I'll be set up all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for the UFO Festival. It will be an interesting adventure, if nothing else.
Snader Publishing - I met with the comic strip creator and we hashed out a deal. Cat has taken his idea and created a cover. Now he needs to put his strips in order and on files like Cat wants. I hope they can work all that out because I don't know what they're talking about much of the time. He would like to have it available for Old Settlers Days (here in Halstead) by Aug 11. I think it will mostly depend on how quickly he can put things together on his end. This is happening so quickly I'm not sure how I feel about it, but I'm in head deep now.
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Post by Admin on Jul 1, 2018 23:15:30 GMT
I'm sinking in a bog of to-do items. I have so much going on I feel like I'm standing in the middle of a blizzard and everything is swirling around me with such speed and density that I can't move.
I need to sit down and actually write out all the things I need done and then put them in a list of priorities. If I can see them, item by item, and just get each one done and checked off, I might, finally, be making progress.
I'm so frustrated about the subscription website but while driving to town today I realized I don't have to have it live to create product. I can start making the product now and putting it in a file. Then when I do figure out how to have an actual subscription site, I can upload finished product and maybe go live faster. I really want that done because it has the potential to generate income while I work on other things. If I can get 6 to 8 months of product ready to upload, it gives me a big head start. If I can keep six months ahead of the deadlines, basically producing it like magazines do, then I can have it functioning while I work on other projects.
I got Kathy's laptop open. Thank goodness, I was right about her password. I need to straighten out the licensing for the content. To do that, I need to get hold of tech support (never my favorite thing to do) and find out what I need to do to make it usable for the tutor. Josh made a joke last session.
The tutor wrote out: I am a man. and I am a dog. Then he wanted Joshua to tell him which one was the true statement. He still hasn't quite figured Josh out so he talks very slowly and goes over things more than he needs to but its how he has to do it and Joshua is responding to him so I don't say anything. He kept urging Josh to type it out. Josh typed out, I'm going crazy. I got so tickled. Its the first time he's been able to generate a joke which tells me his command of language is improving. So we're gaining ground on that end.
I think you are making wonderful progress. I wish I could be more prolific. It's one of my goals. Bill said he wished I would just finish something. Anything. He's right. I can't keep bouncing from project to project. I need to finish each thing I start.
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Post by bill on Jul 15, 2018 18:07:09 GMT
A World Amongst - I read through my rough draft and notes. Now to make a plan for revision. I hope to finish by the end of September. At least well enough to send to Beta Readers or an editor. The story has three parts - the ghost world, the physical world, and the spiritual world. The first two sections are done but need a lot of revision. The third section is sparse and will require some new writing. I still don't have a clear vision for it, so I need to get my muse busy.
Zentron - The manuscript is at my two proofreaders. Still on schedule to release by the first of September.
Ghosts in the Quarry - Mom's next book. I sent Cat the remainder of the files and manuscript yesterday. I think my part is done until she has the book ready for uploading.
Eating Crow - This is the comic strip book I'm publishing. Christian almost has it put together. We need to get his picture for the back and the files to Cat. The hope is to have it in hand by Halstead's Old Settler's Day on August 11.
Marketing - I shared in the other post about the UFO Festival. My next event is July 28 at the Smithville Christian Family Day music festival, then Old Settler's Day. I would like to find another event for August, if possible.
On another note: The local paper may have a part-time opening available soon, and have asked if I would be interested. I am, and this is part of my long-term career plan, but it's a year or two or three early. I want to do it, but would need to find another part-time gig somewhere since my writing isn't profitable yet. This is going to be a hard choice if the opportunity comes to fruition.
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Post by Admin on Jul 15, 2018 22:58:01 GMT
Not a lot done work-wise. I did get a dumpster rented and made arrangements to pick up Jocelyn and Abby on the 23rd. They will stay with me until its time to head back for Kansas. I'll take them back with me when I go. I will really appreciate the help. I hope, with their help, to get the basement tidied up and the stuff in the shed that I know I won't use gone.If we have time maybe they will help me clean up the yard.
I got two paintings started. Should finish them in a couple of days. Have some bigger pictures planned and have been pulling together the photo references that I'll need. I switched out pictures at the gallery so I'm good there until I get back from Kansas.
I am still trying to find a free day where I can just sit and type all day. If I could put in one solid, 8-hour day typing I think I could pull the ms. together so I can clean it up for the editor. I'm so tired of juggling so many schedules. This has been the busiest summer I've ever had. For all of us.
Joshua has the tutor twice a week which means I have to be on top of the house being company clean. I've started puppy class for Dixie. I love that but it takes me away from the other stuff. I'm hoping that filling the dumpster with stuff will free up space so keeping house clean will be easier.
I had the contractor stop by and look at my kitchen. I have a project I want to do in the late fall. If I can swing it, the functionality of my kitchen will be so much better. The better the house functions, the more I can free myself up from household drudgery. Trying to find a place for everything and everything in its place.
None of my writing goals are falling into place but Joshua's writing goals are becoming more real. God's plan for us may not be my plans and I'll have to adjust as things change and doors appear.
I had an interesting phone call from Allstate. I forgot to send in the yearly form they send me. I honestly thought I did. But the lady was so nice and I got to telling her about Joshua becoming verbal and she sent me a blank email so I can send her a blurb. It might be that it will get in their newsletter and get Joshua a bit of attention. Visibility is what its all about. I'm trying to grab opportunities that will restart momentum.
I created another gallery for my artwork. This gives me two galleries. Two different series. One is the Dustcatcher series. It got a nice amount of attention after I created it. Last night I set up a gallery titled: The Gently Man. A place to put my men and children paintings. I want to establish a nice series of paintings. I keep my eyes open for painting opportunities.
I have an idea for Sydney. I have several pictures of her dancing. I think I took them to help with illustrating one of Phyllis' stories. I needed body positions. But in looking at them I see it as a series of three. Because they were taken at the same time, they fit together. I want to do three different paintings on the same paper and then mat it with three openings. So it looks like she will be dancing across the picture. Its not sketched out yet but I'm really hoping it will work. I can see it in my mind so clearly. As always, when I do one of these fanciful paintings I want to keep the copyright of the image but the original will go to the owner of the picture as my thank you for using the image. I'm not sure if that would be you, or Sydney. But when I get it pulled together, I'll run it past you and Sydney before I paint.
I'll probably have more to say later. Running short of time right now.
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Post by bill on Jul 16, 2018 3:33:09 GMT
I figure that as long as I'm getting something done, even if it isn't a specific current project, at least I'm moving forward and making progress. I'm not experienced enough yet to know if what I'm doing is the best choice. Keep on keeping on...
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Post by bill on Jul 22, 2018 18:10:43 GMT
A World Amongst - I did something interesting this morning. I've hit writer's block with the third section of the story (the spirit world), so I asked if I could lead Sunday School this morning (which I do from time-to-time anyway). I gave a brief description of my story, the purpose, where I was stuck, and what I wanted to accomplish with that section. Then we had a discussion about spiritual warfare, what it looked like, and how it could possibly look in a fictional story with ghosts. I found it fun, and I think I have a couple of ideas how to proceed. That excites me! Now to start writing the third section, then I'll make my way backwards to section two then section one. Ideally I would like to finish the story by the end of September, but realize and am prepared for it to take me to the end of October.
Marketing - I sent a letter and copies of Vetrix and Earth to an administrator in Roswell, asking him to consider placing my books in the schools. I'll follow up in a couple of weeks.
Snader Publishing - We have all the files to Cat for the Eating Crow comic strip. Our goal is to have the books in hand by Old Settler's Days on August 11, and it looks like we'll make it.
Other - I've been job hunting, unsuccessfully so far, but have an interesting opportunity. The local paper has a position for a part-time reporter, and I was asked if I was interested. It would mean finding another part-time position and/or finding a way to make writing profitable almost immediately. I'm giving it serious consideration.
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Post by Admin on Jul 22, 2018 22:31:10 GMT
I always figure that necessity is the mother of invention. When presented with a problem, the creative brain finds a way to overcome. The first thing that came to mind for me was wondering if you could look around and find some small businesses that might hire you to do their monthly bookkeeping to supplement the part time position at the paper.
Or maybe look outside the box and see if there are some positions in areas outside of accounting.
I'm still wanting to establish a subscription website. I just don't know how to hire somebody to help me set up the website correctly. I think I can maintain the website but I need a way for subscribers to use paypal to sign up. I need to talk to somebody who has more business training than I possess.
Establishing a strong backlist is the best way to make a living writing. You're already more prolific than I've ever managed. And your writing is getting stronger. I've been thinking about writing serials. Like Grit used to run. A new chapter every week. If it was done right, that might be a fun way to get followers and subscribers. Might be something that Patreon would handle. The only reason I haven't looked there is because I'm not looking for patrons. That feels too much like charity to me. a hand out. I want to offer a product that people feel gives value. A fair exchange rather than somebody donating to my cause. I know that's probably silly and a result of me being old and old-fashioned. but it matters to me.
I got a lift delivered to the house. I have come to the realization that I can no longer safely lift Joshua. Only problem is the sling that came with it isn't long enough to support Joshua completely. If I position it so his head is supported he slides out the bottom and that is dangerous for both of us. I'll try to get a different sling on Tuesday.
I pick up Jocelyn and Abbey tomorrow. I'm exhausted just thinking about the week to come. Its a big job we're tackling but I'll be so glad when its done. I'm not getting any of my goals met but I'm getting a lot accomplished. I just wish it was in my area. But God has a plan. I have to trust in that.
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Post by Admin on Jul 24, 2018 0:34:30 GMT
When I went to bed last night I rethought Patreon. My goal this year was to open up streams of income, or at least possibilities of income. Patreon is a possible. It won't hurt for me to try it. I don't know exactly how it works, or what kind of items I can put on it. or if I can put multiple things on it. I'll need to actually look at it. But as I laid in bed, I thought about The Journals of Luciana. And her voice was so clear in my mind. I've always wanted to fill in her back story and this would be an ideal way to do it. I can develop her character, and tell her story and when the novel comes out next year, I might have a built in following that would make the launch of her first novel do better.
I could write her story as a serial. I always intended to do 5 short stories and the journals would be an ideal way to tell her story. She would tell it in her own words. Her own tortured soul. She is such an interesting character to me and I hear her voice so strongly. I really think I'm going to have to pursue this. I still want to do a recipe of the month, and the cartoon strip. I would rather have a subscription website but maybe its a timing thing and I need to learn how to do this using a site that is already set up for it. I will start writing Lucky's story as she speaks and see where it goes.
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Post by bill on Jul 25, 2018 1:30:05 GMT
I know you have reservations about Patreon, but it's not a complete donation to support an artist. You do trade content for the gift. I guess it's up to you how much to exchange in return.
I haven't looked into it, but have considered it. If I decide to take the part-time positions in Halstead I'm going to have to come up with additional writing income quickly, and Patreon may be one avenue to do so. I'll also look into submitting short stories, flash fiction, and whatever else I can discover to try.
A lot of things seem to be falling into place for me to make the move. The only (and big) negative is the financial piece. I would be skipping a step or two in my progression down. So I questions whether it isn't the right time, or it's time to assert some faith. I don't have the answer, but am seeking one in prayer.
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Post by Admin on Jul 27, 2018 11:54:12 GMT
I'm almost ready to go live. I'm trying to figure out the incentives to offer. I'm not sure how many I'll need. I'm doing a bit of exploring of others to see what they offered. It looks like podcasting is effective and its something I've wanted to do. But it would be fore a higher tier, I think. I was going to offer prints and cards but the idea of mailing out and people having to give me a physical address seems too daunting. I'll see if there is a way to offer coupons to the merchandise store. I think digital art download may be the way to go. I still want to offer original artwork, changed monthly. And maybe offer ARC copies of new books coming out. Or use the give away option on Amazon. I need to explore all these possibilities. I don't mind giving digital books away if it gets me subscribers.
Visibility would still be my problem but if I offer something of value maybe word of mouth would start working for me. I do think the character of Lucky Donovan is going to be my break-out. She has so many fascinating levels to her story.
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Post by bill on Jul 30, 2018 3:23:40 GMT
I'm watching this closely. I may soon be looking for other sources of income and consider Patreon an option. I may have an opportunity to write for the newspaper. The problem is it will be part-time. I can't do that unless I can come up with more income. I see my options as getting another part-time position or making my writing profitable. Either way, and I'm still not sure I can make it work, at least for a while.
Zentron - I got my manuscript back from the proofreader, and a lot less to fix. I'll get the other one back in a day or two, so my goal this week is to get the changes made. Then I'll send it to Dad for a final proofreading, then to Cat. She already has the cover done so it won't take long, as long as she isn't tied up with other projects.
A World Amongst - I didn't have much time this week as I traveled for work, but I did get a breakthrough in my plan for the final section - the spirit world. This week I'll work on putting together at least a rough outline and begin writing the scenes. I'm so relieved, and excited.
Marketing - I set up as a vendor at a music festival yesterday. I had been out of town for work and was exhausted, so I didn't enjoy the event as much as normal, but I'm still glad I did it. I sold six books, which doubled what I sold last year. It's not my target audience and I would go to the event anyway, so for this festival I figure whatever I sale is good. I did have three siblings each buy a book (two bought Mom's books) and were super excited about them. It's those moments that make being a vendor worth it.
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