I made a lot of progress in February and look forward to continuing this month.
To begin with, I’ve finally got enough strength and stamina to do the two mile loop on my daily walk. I did a couple of test runs earlier this week and will get out as often as I can – weather permitting.
Then there’s the writing.
Status
The new Ishmael book. I spent February trying to figure out why the re-worked story wasn’t working. I was so sure I had the answer at the end of January only to find a bigger issue later in the story. I’m in the final stages of putting the thing together again. Fingers crossed that I don’t fall in a new plot hole here at the end.
The Wizard’s Cat. It’s still a long way off but I’m taking notes. I’ve a ways to go before I can get to it, but I haven’t lost track of it.
What Am I Reading?
The classic for February was Middlemarch by George Elliot. Interesting story with some good characters. Not my favorite read but I can see why it’s a classic.
I think my favorite book from last month is M. H. Thaung’s The Diamond Device. Following on the heels of Middlemarch, the class comparisons (and critiques) in it tickled my fancy. The tale revolves around two characters – a displaced factory worker and a nobleman trying to hold onto his position through some judicious cat burglary. The story has a distinctive steampunk aesthetic but really explores some of the social issues that arise when innovation pushes out established technologies.
I ripped through it in a couple of days and enjoyed every minute of it.
But, as always, don’t take my word for it. Grab a sample and see what you think.
Notes in the Margin:
You can find the other books that I read – and enjoyed – this month on my new book review account on the Unseen City.
Looking Ahead
My word of the year – Juggle – has proven to be a good guide. I’m also using a daily worksheet and some reasonable time allocation to make sure that I do what’s important each day instead of only what’s fun or important. So far, I’ve hit my marks every day this year.
I should have the next redraft of the first new Ishmael book done by the end of this week. That will be a milestone worth celebrating when I manage to get the draft done. It will still need a lot of work. I’ll still need to get it through the development process, but getting through these structural issues has really helped my focus my thinking. I only hope that focus results in better stories.
I’ve got a good streak going and need to continue it. As the morning walk has shown, small steps taken regularly add up to a considerable journey over time.
The trick is to keep taking them.
Until next month, safe voyage.
Glad to hear you’re recovering well Nathan & congratulations on your two mile loop milestone!
Excited for more Ishmael but only as and when you and the story are ready 🙂
And a very safe voyage to you, too!
Grateful for your strengthening recovery and wishing you vitality, health, and well-being.
I discovered your books in 2022, and purchased (almost?) all of them with a few still in my to read queue. I hope your progress to full recovery continues at a steady rate, and I’m looking forward to reading your new works for a long time.
Some time ago I grew tired of the “save the world…universe whatever…” stories. I really prefer stories involving the adventures of a much smaller group of people, that I can actually be interested in, over a smart captain and billions on worlds that I don’t even know anything about.
I now have my wife reading your works, and suggest them to anyone who asks!
Thanks, Bill.
It’s great to know that people are still discovering my work and enjoying it. 🙂
I just finished listening to the adventures of Captain Wang through Owner’s Share for about the sixth time. Your books are just the right amount of character development, story arc and an overall relaxing escape from life’s stress. I am happy you are doing so well this year and greatly look forward to the next installment of Ishmael’s life.
So happy thing as going so well Sar. Still sending positive healing waves & vibes your way.
Oh my goodness, have just caught up on your news and we are so happy to hear you are on the mend and feeling better.
We love your books!
Sending best wishes for a complete recovery and remission.
Elise
Glad to hear you are feeling better and making progress on your books.
I really like your books, for me the best parts are when it just describes the daily life of your character like Ishmeal in Quarter Share. I really don’t need them to do anything spectacular, I just like to read about them going about the daily routine.
I can listen to stuff while running my machines at work with one ear bud under my hearing protection. So I go through the 12.5 Solar Clipper books in about 2 weeks, and I do that about once a year. Really looking forward to the next Ishmael books!
I write short stories as a hobby. I’ve been thinking about rewriting the first 3 Ishmael books as 3 short stories mixing in my experience in the US Army. But I’ve said that for years!