The End of Old Things Means the Beginning of New Ones
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The End of Old Things Means the Beginning of New Ones
2025. We are deep into it now. Things are not exactly ideal for a creative person who is easily distractible. How does one maintain a certain level of being informed without ripping one's hair out and being mad and sad all the time?
Well, for me, this is the year of doing all the things. I have been writing novels for five years now. I self published Vulcan's Blade a couple of years ago and The Hidden Thaumaturge is just about ready (I think). The problem, as you'll soon see is a running one, is that it is terrifying to let other people read what you have written. I know that part of being a writer is the end goal of having people read your work. But still, it gives me anxiety knowing others can judge my words.
But, here we are in 2025, and I have still not managed to find an agent. It's a long process, and the rejections folder is getting filled. That's to be expected as a writer, but it doesn't make it any easier. The project I'm still most excited about is a Western Fantasy trilogy. I think that's the one that has a chance to break through all the publishing noise to be a fresh experience for readers. I know I would have picked it up if I'd seen it in the library as a young teen. Book one has already been in good shape for some time, so I'm editing book two so I can finish the first draft of book three. Parts of book three are written but I realized there were some very necessary changes that needed to happen in book two (and some minor ones in book one) in order for book three to make sense.
I also have a short story collection in the works. It's full of depressing gut-punch tales along the lines of some of the twistiest, turniest Twilight Zone episodes. I hope to be depressing readers with these tales some time after releasing The Hidden Thaumaturge.
But that's not all!!!!!
I'm also seven scripts deep into writing an audio drama. This is a sci-fi project that exists in a Star Trek style universe, but we follow a lead character that's somewhat of an outlaw, a mix between Captain Kirk and Indiana Jones. It stars a small crew trying to make enough money to keep the ship flying while violating a few non-interference protocols. The stories will be like classic Star Trek dilemmas, but the crew has a little more liberty in how they solve them.
I'm also beginning work on a YouTube channel. I've watched a LOT of movies and built a set. I will be doing reviews in a (hopefully) original and fresh way. I've created a character and a fictional backstory and I'm very excited to get started soon. The idea is a little nerve-racking because, while I've been hosting podcasts for almost a decade, I've never flown solo on them. So, this will take a little bit of getting used to.
There is also a secret Instagram project unrelated to my writing efforts that I've been releasing reels for. It's been going for almost two months now and I'm curious to see if this character will find his wings, or legs... or whatever is the best metaphor in this case.
So, if nothing else, I will keep myself very busy this year. I'm throwing myself headlong into creating so I can bring some joy and silliness into the world It's my way of fighting back against the darkness.