Half way check in

We are now more than half-way through 2025 so it seems a good time to check in on those writing goals… for a reminder:

I had a lot to say at the beginning of the year, let’s see how I’m making out:

1. Complete the re-writes and re-types of this novel - DONE

   1. Done… I finished this a couple weeks ago, made edits to three chapters I had earmarked and am now in my final pass of what I am calling “The Interior Shield”

   2. I feel pretty good about it. A book is never truly done, and this one isn’t done either. But this version, is basically complete.

2. Dig deeper into my characters - WORK IN PROGRESS

   1. I think I’ve done that on The Interior Shield and honestly this next book I just started which I will talk about shortly, is all character driven, the characters are so incredibly clear to me, I can’t wait to get more of their story out.

3. Submit the damn thing - WORK IN PROGRESS

   1. That is the next thing on my list for The Interior Shield, I will be working on my submission package in the next couple of weeks, along with that final copy edit.

   2. I got a very functional and fun excel spreadsheet template for tracking my submissions and goals. I am planning to do between 5-10 agent/small publisher submissions a week until I either run out of places to send it, get a yes, or hit my timeframe in which I pivot to self-publishing. But I plan on attempting traditional first—because I’m a glutton for punishment and have a dream.

4. Outline the rest of the series - LEAVE ME ALONE, I’ll GET TO IT

   1. Does coming up with the possible titles of the next two books count. I have themes, but haven’t sat down and ironed out details….

5. Submit short stories or flash fiction at least once/month - DECENT WORK IN PROGRESS

   1. I haven’t in a couple months, but the first few months I did so many it has to count for at least once a month.

   2. Another summer plan is to work through my spreadsheet of short stories, make some edits and start sending them out.

   3. I did make a long list on a competition recently, I really like that story, so I’m going to look for a home for it as soon as possible.

6. Consistently write, write consistently - YES

   1. I’m not an every day writer, that’s not my style but I have been consistent.

7. Show up for myself and my craft - MOSTLY

   1. I’ll give myself a solid A- on this one. I’m doing classes, I’m writing, and I’m taking on cool projects that are expanding my skillset.

8. Keep doing open mics and nurturing the community I am building around myself - SEE GOAL 10

   1. I was consistent on this until kids soccer season started and conflicted with open mic night, hopefully in the fall when they come back I’ll be able to get to some.

9. Post on Substack semi-regularly - UHHHH

   1. Ummm, harsh… I’m here now…

10. Remember that I have a full-time job and two kids, so this is a marathon and not a sprint. Should probably get this tattooed on my hand. - HMMMM

    1. Still need that tattoo….

There are some new things too. So far this year:

• I have beta read a book for someone that is so damn good I can’t wait to see it on bookshelves and will tell everyone when it makes it to that stage.

• I outlined the characters and the high-level arc of a new novel, not of my fantasy series, this one is more upmarket fiction and I’m excited to get this drafted.

• I have been asked and agreed to take on a developmental editing gig on a short story compilation from someone in my writing community and I am so honored to have been asked, and stoked to dive into these amazing stories and the structure of this project. More on it when it comes out.

• Read a lot of local fiction and am loving it. I will have more to say about that in an upcoming post where I’ll go into some of my latest Canadian reads. There are so many, it’s very exciting to see the incredible talent being produced right here!

If you’ve made it this far I have a question for you:
What kind of things do you like to read about on Substack: