Pandemic or not, life marches on.
Despite all the drama, I’ve actually had a good couple of months. This whole ordeal has helped my wife and I reexamine our lives and focus in on what’s important.
I’ve stopped following the news. Just don’t want to hear it anymore. I deleted all the news apps from my phone and stopped getting in fights online. Now I use meditation and music to stay positive, and I’m writing more than ever.
I’ve been through a lot this past year. I’m sure we all have. My focus now is on raising my family and realizing my goals. Anything trying to get in the way can piss off.
So, what have I been up to?
Read on and be amazed…
I Went Fishing
A few weeks ago, the family took a trip to a boathouse on the coast. We spent the night fishing and eating and enjoying the view.
It was beautiful but it was HOT. So freaking hot.
The food was amazing though. Charcoal-grilled satay with a side of fresh fish. Adam was a champ and didn’t fuss at all. He handled it better than I did.
I Got LASIK
I took the plunge and got my eyes zapped.
I actually got a flapless laser procedure called ReLEx SMILE that’s less invasive than traditional LASIK. I went to one of the best clinics in Malaysia and it was painless.
I’d been wearing glasses since third grade, and without help I couldn’t read a clock on the wall. Now I can make out details at a distance and it’s liberating.
I can’t say it’s been perfect though. I still have some trouble focusing, and one eye is stronger than the other. The adjustment takes time and I have an extensive eyedrop regimen. Still, I’m glad I did it. It’s only been a few weeks and I look forward to many years without glasses.
I’m Starting to Freelance
Need help with a writing project? I’m your man.
I’m branching out into freelance writing and editing, offering my services to anyone out there grappling with words.
I can do academic, creative, technical, marketing, whatever. Need help with a website? Proofreading an email? Polishing a resume? Hit me up.
Seriously, I’m good at this stuff. I’m not just a writer but a meticulous editor. I built this whole website myself, and if you can find a single typo I’ll do your first project for free.
So please, keep me in mind. Tell your friends, family, students, colleagues… anyone looking to sharpen their message.
Just head on over to my Contact Page and drop me an inquiry anytime.
My Novel is Half Done
In other writing news, my novel is chugging along. I’ve officially hit the 40K-word mark, which is about the halfway point for contemporary fiction.
It’s been a labor of love. I’ve learned a lot about my skills as a storyteller, and surprised myself with some really powerful scenes. My goal is to finish the first draft by year’s end and publish sometime next spring.
I’ll need beta readers when the time comes: People to read the first draft and give me feedback on plot, characters, style, etc. If you are interested, please let me know. I’d call it a literary action-adventure. There’s some mystery and gunplay, but it’s largely character driven with a fierce first-person voice.
Honestly, it’s pretty good. If I can pull this second half together to a worthy ending, I dare say it could be special.
I really just need to buckle down and write as much as possible, because in a few months…
We’re Having Another Baby
Oh snap. You read that right.
We’re having a corona-baby.
Really, we just love Adam so much we decided to give him a sibling and BFF for life.
I’m excited and anxious and all those things you’d expect. We definitely want a second child, but this is a pretty quick jump into number two. Regardless, it’s happening. Due in December.
If the next one is anything like Adam, we’ll be pretty happy. He’s sprouting teeth now and crawling all over the place.
He’s a good kid.
So that’s what’s new!
Any thoughts or reactions, sound off in the comments. Or better yet: email me directly. I love to hear from people and I always respond in time.
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Thanks for reading.
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