That’s a wrap! June 2020
What. A. Month. June 2020 hasn’t been the most productive for me, but it’s sure been a crazy time. I’m excited to share what I’ve been up to, so come and check out the details of my writing progress, the books I’ve read, and some cute photos of my newest family member!! →
What. A. Month. June 2020 feels like it has been such a crazy time, with some new developments at my work, a “second wave” of COVID-19 here in Melbourne, and welcoming a new member into my family! Everyone, meet Willow, my Miniature Schnauzer puppy who has rapidly overtaken the house and what little spare time I had. I’ve accepted that my productivity will decrease over the next few months, but you know what? That’s okay. It’s worth the joy of watching Willow settle into her new life!! 😊💖
Despite the fact I didn’t think I’d get there this month, I somehow managed to publish 2 full blog posts as per my goals for 2020. You can check these out below!
I haven’t done much reading of other blogs this month, what with everything else going on. But since I have a target of sharing at least three posts each month, I’ve had a look at some of my favourite sites and discovered some real gems! Check this content out:
- Unintentional story issues, and how to fix them by K.M. Allan
- How to keep supporting diverse books (all the time) by C.G. Drews @ paperfury
- Two writing projects at once: The pros and cons (revisited) by M.L Davis @ Uninspired Writers
- Why you need to start a self care routine by Ari Meghlen
As previously mentioned, June hasn’t been a particularly productive month, but I still have some updates to share on my three key writing projects that span four separate novels! Read on for the current status and recent achievements for my WIPs…
Holding Up the Sky
“The weight of the sky—of the whole world—was pushing down, and it was crushing me.”
Status: Querying
Word count: 84,878
What’s new: This month, I participated in #PitMad, and also sent off FOUR new queries for my contemporary YA novel Holding Up the Sky! So in a way, it was actually quite a big few weeks for this project. I had no bites during #PitMad, but it was certainly an educational experience! We’ll see how this next round of queries goes, but I think I’ll probably query until the end of the year, then turn my sights closer to home.
Blood of Old (Graceborn #1)
“The Old has returned…and what once was, will be again.”
Status: Beta reading
Word count: 195,170
What’s new: Once again, I don’t have much of an update for Blood of Old, the first book in my fantasy series Graceborn. With everything going on around the world right now, I know my beta readers are under the pump, so that’s been a challenge I’ve had to address. I’ve said it before, but this isn’t the priority for 2020, so I’m happy to take the pressure off myself and my betas and just see how things go!!
First the Song (Graceborn #2)
The story continues…
Status: Writing 1st draft
Word count: 83,702 (36.4%)
What’s new: My goal for June was to write six chapters for the draft of First the Song, the second book in the Graceborn series, but I only managed four. Still, this is another 19k words I’ve added while being constantly mauled by a small puppy, so I suppose I can’t complain! Though I’m not where I wanted to be, I’ve acknowledged that I needed to be a bit kinder to myself, because it’s been one hell of a year!!
<Top secret project>
A brand new WIP!
Status: Plotting
Word count: 0
What’s new: Over June, I wrapped up the “plotting” phase of the contemporary YA standalone WIP that will be my NaNoWriMo project. I focused on detailing some of the setting aspects and how they might link to certain events in the book, then did a little more brainstorming of potential scenes. The next two months will be dedicated to structuring the story in full before moving on to a formal outline. It’s all starting to come together, folks!!
Over the month of June, I read a total of 7 books—and I kind of can’t believe it! You can see what these were below. I was in need of something light and easy to read because I was so busy, and decided to binge the first Percy Jackson series. I’ve chosen not to rate the books because I found them difficult to compare with books I have rated, but I absolutely adored the series!!
NOT RATED
NOT RATED
NOT RATED
NOT RATED
NOT RATED
What have you been up to this June? Any interesting life changes or developments? How is the writing and/or reading progress going?
Rebecca Alasdair
I'm an Australian indie author who hoards books, loves dogs and coffee, and has a tendency of staying up all night!
No Comments
K.M. Allan
Those photos of Willow are gorgeous! I’d be distracted by her too 😍. Thank you for including my blog post.
Rebecca Alasdair
You’re welcome!! And I just can’t stop staring at her haha! 😍
Andrew McDowell
Good luck with everything!
Rebecca Alasdair
Thanks Andrew. You too 😊
Andrew McDowell
You’re welcome.
Tomas
While my progress this month was mostly a mix of small things, I’ve finally got to make at least an early version of the map – your guide from 2018 or so definitely helped! Now, if everything goes well, I should have a cover design by the end of July, or at least mid-August, but one never knows these days.
Good luck with your own projects, you somehow always make it seem like you get a lot done.
Rebecca Alasdair
I just had a peek at your map Tomas and it looks great!! I’m glad you found my post helpful. And that’s so exciting about your cover design! Best of luck to you too 😊
Lorraine Ambers
Willow is such a cute name for such a cute pup. I thought your #PitMad pitches were great. I had no hits the first few tries, but it’s a great learning curve.
Rebecca Alasdair
That’s the way I looked at it re #PitMad. Creating such brief pitches is certainly a skill! And yes Willow is such a cutie I can’t stop watching and taking pictures of her!! 😂❤