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Post by bill on Jul 12, 2021 3:47:41 GMT
Mystery 4 - I have around 5,000 words and some notes. I'm struggling to get going and I think I'm just burnt out. I need to figure out how to get my focus back because I also still need to finish Toxic Intentions. It's been weeks if not months since I really enjoyed the writing process. I do not like these phases.
I think part of the discouragement also comes from events. I had a good time at the UFO Festival and even broke even, but I only broke even. And that's not counting gas and time. I know it's something I need to do, but it feels like a loss and I can't get past that. I'm really busy for the next several weeks and I feel like I need a break, plus Blake will be leaving for college soon and that's starting to take its emotional toll. I'll make it, I always do. But I look forward to when the daily grind is enjoyable again.
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Post by Admin on Jul 16, 2021 16:22:07 GMT
You and me both. I understand the struggling to enjoy the process again. And I get the wanting to be in the black and not the red. Non-writers don't get it. I'll write more later. Right now, I'm trying to catch up with bookwork and get my house in order so I can feel like something in my life is under control.
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Post by bill on Jul 19, 2021 4:05:10 GMT
Mystery 4 - I like the start I have, though still under 10,000 words, I think. I did some planning this week and have a much better idea about who my characters are.
Toxic Intentions - I returned to this, wrote an additional scene, and am reading through and making some minor adjustments. I hope to complete this in the next couple of weeks and have it ready for beta readers. My thought is to publish this in October for the hospital event (if I am able to do that again).
Marketing - I went to Cowtown in Wichita today and did okay. I sold four books and two t-shirts. Since the event didn't cost anything, I'm happy with the results.
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Post by Admin on Jul 20, 2021 16:25:43 GMT
I need to hire you to come help me get my taxes together. I need to know what I've got, and what I'm still missing.
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Post by bill on Jul 20, 2021 23:24:48 GMT
I'll be glad to come help. What's your time line?
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Post by Admin on Jul 21, 2021 12:14:22 GMT
the extension ends in October so I'd like to see if I've got everything I need. I think the only problem I'm going to have is with the investments. I think there is some sort of capitol gains stuff that I don't understand and I'm not sure what documentation I need to have on file for it.
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Post by Admin on Jul 21, 2021 12:15:33 GMT
I also set Joshua up with a EIN so he can pay Jessica by the month. she is his employee and I need to understand how to take out withholding. I think I need to set it up with the IRS or something and then make regular payments into it. I just don't know how to go about figuring out how to do that.
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Post by bill on Jul 21, 2021 22:52:49 GMT
You have a little time with the taxes, but you'll want to figure out the withholdings sooner rather than later. When did she start? Blake's birthday is Saturday so I'm not sure I can get away this weekend, and next weekend I am going to KC for a music festival. Maybe we can figure out an evening, or sometimes my Thursdays are light at work.
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Post by Admin on Jul 24, 2021 19:53:54 GMT
Sounds good. Happy Birthday to Blake. Tell Susan and family Hi from us.
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Post by bill on Jul 26, 2021 3:13:15 GMT
Toxic Intentions - I have all but the final scene written, and I have an idea of what I want to do for it. I'll finish it this week then work through my list plot issues I'm aware of. My hope is to send it to beta readers by next weekend. We'll see.
Marketing - I had Cat design a banner for me for the Halstead Mystery series. I want it done by Old Settler's Days (Aug 13-15) because I'm hoping I will get a lot of interest since so many people will be in Halstead with Halstead ties.
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Post by bill on Aug 2, 2021 3:58:45 GMT
Toxic Intentions - I sent the manuscript to three beta readers this evening. I know there are some issues, but it is close and I'm excited to finally have it off to them!
Anthology - On a whim I submitted three flash fiction pieces to the PPWC anthology.
A World Amongst - I started reading this story. My goal is to do some revision (especially on the first section) during August. I would like to have it ready to start querying by next year.
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Post by bill on Aug 9, 2021 3:21:13 GMT
A World Amongst - For the life of me I can't figure out how this story should start. I don't know how many times I've re-written the first page. I'm not writing to different beginnings (around 7,500 words each, mostly trying different re-arrangements) to see what I think works better.
I missed you and Josh at the corn roast. I understand he wasn't feeling well. so sorry. I think after next weekend (we move Blake to KU next Sunday) my schedule will slow down a bit. I'll get over to see you guys soon.
Sydney comes tomorrow for a few days. Yay!
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Post by Admin on Aug 9, 2021 16:51:37 GMT
Good news about Sydney. How fun to get a good visit in. Joshua's feeding tube pulled completely out. His stomach was sore and we were all traumatized. Richard was here and he wasn't wanting to go to the corn roast so I decided it was best to stay home. Joshua couldn't have handled the heat of the time sitting upright.
Richard will head back to Texas tomorrow. I'm getting a downstairs TV bought today so Joshua will have something to do downstairs and I and can start to put the art studio and craft room to use. Once I get all my rooms functional, I can start putting in place a work week.
I'm tired. I'm wanting life to be more normal than it is.
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Post by bill on Aug 23, 2021 3:26:19 GMT
A World Amongst - I rewrote the beginning and read through the complete manuscript and changed it from past to present tense. I'm going back this week to reread parts of it and see what I think. I like a lot of this story and the message behind it, but I still think it needs some work. I may consider paying a content editor to provide feedback. Not sure yet, but one way or the other I'm stopping at the end of August, at least for now. Toxic Intentions - Got my first beta read back today. Haven't had time yet to read through the notes. Still have two more out so I may wait a week or so before delving in. Now that we got Blake moved to KU and the summer is over, my schedule will slow down a bit. That's good because I've been going so fast the last several weeks, way too busy. Do you still need my help? The days I have the most flexibility most weeks are Thursday and Saturdays. Let's find a time that works and I'll come over, for a visit if you don't need my help. I miss you and Josh and would like to see you again.
Halstead Old Settler's Days - I sold 18 books and two t-shirts. Thrilled with the sales and the positive feedback from people!
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Post by Admin on Aug 25, 2021 19:39:24 GMT
Yes. I still need help. I'll pay you for the help and I'll feed you. Either day works for me. I want to get the taxes out of my hair and I think I'm going to have to hunt for some receipts. We sold the house and built a new one. I don't know what the tax people will need for that. I am getting Hank's kitchen set up as an office. I want to start working asap.
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