We’re staring down the end of another month, and as usual, I’m sitting here wondering where on earth did all that time go? What did I spend it doing? The answer is, of course, a lot of things. And it being the end of the month, I feel like it’s time for another newsy, link filled wrap up post to cap off a good July, and in preparation for an amazing August. So, without further ado, let’s just jump right into what happened this month.
Writing
July is the second session of Camp NaNoWriMo, so I have been incredibly busy editing this month. I’ve had a goal of 200 pages inside 31 days, and while I’m not quite finished yet, I’m bang on pace to have it finished by the end of the month, so fingers crossed, this becomes another win. The book I’m working on is best described as X-men X Agents of Shield, and I actually wrote a post about it earlier in the month, if you’re interested in knowing more about that. It’s been a tough month for writing, due to a vast lack of time for one reason or another, so I’m very proud of myself for what I’ve managed to achieve so far.
Publishing
Feels rather official to be able to slip this section in this month, but there is publishing news to share from the course of this past month. The biggest news being, of course, that we’re now only a few days out from the release of my debut novel, ‘The Crystal Tree’. It released on August the 1st, so next Wednesday. I still can’t believe that it’s so close. Where did all that time go, for real?
In preparation for release day, I’ve been working hard behind the scenes finalising book files and cover revisions, sending out review copies to some amazing volunteers. I am seriously grateful to every single person who offered to read and ‘review ‘The Crystal Tree’. Your generosity is boundless.
Also, ‘The Crystal Tree’ is finally up on Goodreads too! That took me far longer than it should have to get everything sorted out, but I did, and it’s up, and I am now a Goodreads author. So if you’re at all interested in ‘The Crystal Tree’, I hope you’ll add it to your Goodreads bookshelf and let other people know it’s there. You can find it HERE.
Blogging
As always, I’ve been posting a bunch over the course of July, and, as is customary, I thought I’d share three of my favourites. If you missed reading them before, now is a great time to catch up!
Why I Refuse To Hate On My Own Writing
This year, one of the big things I’ve been working on, is not saying negative things about my own writing. I used to do this a lot, especially when talking to my friends. I would talk about how bad my writing was and how much of a disaster my books were, even on a good writing day. (Gosh I must have been insufferable). But I’ve been trying to change that, and to speak more positively about my writing, not only because I’ll be a less annoying writer, but also because speaking more positively makes me think more positively.
5 Book Tropes I Love To Read And Also Write
Ft. Quotes from The Crystal Tree
It has been said many times that if the book you want to read hasn’t been written yet, then you have to be the one to go and write it. Which is probably why my books always contain the tropes, characters, and types of adventures that I most like to read.
Things I Struggle With As A Writer
Being a writer comes with its own unique set of challenges. Whether it’s finding time to write in, or struggling against the allure of social media, I think every writer has something that they have to fight against in their own writing lives. I know I do.
Are we friends on Instagram yet? If not, then we should be. Drop your username in the comments, or come follow me at write.rewrite.read and drop me a comment so I know to come follow you back.
Around The Web
And finally, it wouldn’t be a proper monthly wrap up without also sharing some of the great things that I’ve seen around the web over the course of July.
Can Dreams REALLY Come True?
If you need a bit of an inspirational boost, you need to watch this. It’s beautiful.
Tiny Snek
— Tiny Snek Comics (@TinySnekComics) July 10, 2018
This is just cute.
Dear Writer {an open letter}
World-Building Lessons Learned From Old Journals
“Every now and then I like to flip through my old journals. Not only is it fun to see how my writing style and ideas have progressed, but they also provide good reminders and lessons! Often when looking through them, I’m reminded of key elements or strategies I can use when character or world building.”
But now, over to you! How was your July? Did you participate in Camp NaNoWriMo? How did it go? What are you writing at the moment? Are you going to add ‘The Crystal Tree’ on Goodreads? What’s the best thing that happened to you this month? Let’s chat!
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