Balancing Creativity, Productivity, and Passion Projects
Hello, friend! It’s time for another weekly update from the writing desk. This week has been a whirlwind of self-improvement, creative breakthroughs, and plans for future adventures. Let’s dive into what’s been going on and where things are headed.
Tweaking My Process for Productivity
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that even the best-laid plans can fail if they aren’t adaptable. Recently, I’ve been trying to handle an increased workload—entirely of my own doing, of course. Between writing, editing, managing my site, and preparing for conventions, time management has become more important than ever.
I was already practicing time blocking, but I realized I need to get even more detailed this week. The aim is to stay laser-focused during my blocks, whether it’s writing, admin tasks, or fitness. One big revelation was that by 4 PM, I’m often mentally checked out. Instead of fighting against my natural rhythms, I’m structuring my workday to prioritize the most intensive tasks earlier, leaving simpler tasks or breaks for later.
That said, staying focused hasn’t been perfect. Last week, I caught myself spiraling into distraction by jumping onto YouTube for background music. That’s fine in moderation, but I noticed it sometimes shifted from music to watching random videos, which ate into my productivity. Does anyone else do this? If you have tips to stay on track while still enjoying some background ambiance, drop them in the comments! I’d love to hear your strategies.
Announcing “Wicked Whispers” Anthology
On the creative front, while working on my weekly short story, I had an epiphany. Instead of keeping these stories as standalone pieces, I’ve decided to gather them into an anthology titled Wicked Whispers. This collection will feature all my Faye Black stories for 2025, creating a cohesive world of dark tales and twisted adventures.
I’m thrilled to share that Wicked Whispers is now live on my website! Each week, new stories will be added, and by the end of the year, the anthology will be professionally re-edited and published on Amazon. If you’re a fan of eerie, enchanting narratives, be sure to check it out. I’m excited to hear what you think as the collection grows!
The Launch of Raven of Ruin
Another milestone this week: I posted the first comic page for Raven of Ruin! This is a project close to my heart, and while I know platforms like Webtoons and Tapas are great for comics, I’ve decided to host it exclusively on my website. There’s something satisfying about having complete creative control over where and how my work is showcased.
To everyone who’s stopped by to read it, thank you for your support! If you haven’t checked it out yet, now’s a great time to start. The first page sets the tone for a dark, thrilling journey, and I’m excited to hear your thoughts as the story unfolds.
Preparing for MegaCon 2025
MegaCon in Florida is on my horizon, and I’m gearing up for it in a big way. Here’s what’s on my to-do list:
- Mandalorian Cosplay: I’ve gathered all the pieces I need for my Mandalorian outfit. Now it’s just a matter of assembling everything and adding those final touches to make it convention-ready.
- Books to Give Away: I’ll be bringing printed copies of Queen of Swords and Silence and Roll D20 for Love to give away at the event. If you’re attending, come say hi and snag a book! I’d love to meet you in person.
Conventions are always such a great way to connect with the community, and I’m looking forward to the energy, creativity, and shared passion that MegaCon offers.
Fitness Updates: Holiday Recovery
Winter is here, and with it, that inevitable post-holiday sluggishness. The cold tends to sap my energy, but I’m determined to push through. I’ve already lost 5 pounds of holiday fluff, which feels like a small victory. My goal is to get to 147 pounds before MegaCon, but I’m also focusing on consistency and feeling strong rather than obsessing over numbers.
If you’re working on fitness goals this season, remember to celebrate the small wins. Progress is progress, and it all adds up!
Writing Projects: Progress and New Beginnings
This week, I’m juggling several exciting writing projects:
- Vidal’s Story: I started writing a story for Vidal’s birthday and plan to finish it this week. Once completed, it will be shared on Wicked Whispers. It’s been a joy to craft something personal, and I hope readers enjoy it as much as Vidal will.
- RPG Lit Story: I’ve hit 15,000 words on my RPG Lit story and am on track to complete it by the end of the month. It’s shaping up to be a fun, immersive adventure. Now I just need to create a cover to match its tone and theme.
Looking Ahead
With so many projects in the works, the weeks ahead promise to be busy but fulfilling. My primary focus is to stick to my updated time-blocking system and stay disciplined with my writing schedule. Sharing these updates with you helps keep me accountable, and I’m always inspired by the feedback and encouragement from this community.
If you’re also navigating a packed creative schedule, what are your go-to strategies for staying on track? Do you find yourself battling distractions like I do? Let me know in the comments, and let’s keep this conversation going. We’re all in this together, building our stories and chasing our dreams one day at a time.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Until next week, keep creating and stay inspired!
