Quarterly wrap: April – June 2022
Somehow, we’re now halfway through 2022! I’ve been full steam ahead on the writing front these last three months, but still managed to fit in a little time for reading, platform-building, and life in general. Come learn all the details in my second quarterly wrap of the year!! →
What’s new in my life
Well, somehow we’re now halfway through 2022 and the last few months have definitely rushed by in a blur! Where has the time gone? What have I even been doing with myself? In this second quarterly update of the year, I take a look back at what’s happened in my life in April, May and June, and here are a few of the highlights:
Getting away for the Easter weekend. I was fortunate enough to escape to the countryside for a few days over the Easter long weekend. It was great to spend some time with family and friends, get out of the house and out of the city, and laze around by the campfire. Fun times!!
Voting in the federal election. Don’t worry, I won’t get all political, but we had our federal election back in May. For the first time, I actually felt engaged in the whole ordeal—probably because I had the chance to vote for someone I believed in! And the election night coverage on TV was really interesting.
Trying desperately to keep warm. It has been a VERY cold start to winter here in Melbourne! Not as cold as other parts of the world, mind you, but cold for where I live, so we’ve all been trying to keep warm. I’m really not looking forward to my next gas bill given how much the heater has been on…
Platform updates
Once again, I have published 2x new blog posts (plus this update) this quarter, despite not having a blogging goal for the year. The first post is all about my brand new author newsletter, and the second is the official announcement of the blurb and release date for my upcoming YA novel!!
So yes, the launch of my author newsletter is an exciting platform development over the last few months; you can subscribe through the form in the footer or by visiting my sign-up landing page. The other platform update for this quarter is that I’ve joined TikTok—so come by and check out my videos!!
Writing progress
It has been full steam ahead on the writing front over the last three months!! As you’re no doubt aware, I’m juggling two key project at the moment, one of which I’m preparing to publish! Here’s a summary of where they are at, and you can always check out my Books page for the most up-to-date information:
Holding Up the Sky
Status: Coming 02 November 2022
Word count: 85,000 (approx.)
What’s new:
It’s been another big few months for my contemporary YA novel Holding Up the Sky. I wrapped up the editing process in April, then proofreading in May, which has allowed me to get the interior design for the paperback to a point where it’s almost done. The official blurb and release date were also announced, which was very exciting!! And just recently, I put out a call for ARC readers, so please sign up if you’re interested!
First the Song (Graceborn #2)
Status: Writing 2nd draft
Word count: 193,176 (84.0%)
What’s new:
Progress on the second draft of First the Song (Graceborn #2) was strong and steady over the past quarter, with 12.5 chapters amounting to ~50k words written. I even had time in there for a week off! I’m now up to the final set of POV scenes to write, and at this stage I’m on track to finish the draft in late August / early September. Can’t wait until it is FINALLY done and I can get it into the hands of my beta readers!!
Books I’ve read
I think it’s appropriate to say I’ve “dabbled” in reading this quarter. My Goodreads challenge goal for 2022 is to read 25 books, and I’m pretty much right on track. Over the last three months, I have made my way through a total of 5 novels, which are shown below…
What have you been up to over the last three months? How are you keeping sane in this mad world? Did you progress your writing projects or read any good books?
Rebecca Alasdair
I'm an Australian indie author who hoards books, loves dogs and coffee, and has a tendency of staying up all night!
11 Comments
Alex
Hi Rebecca!
That’s cool. I’m glad you got to have a getaway during the Easter weekend :). Glad you got to spend time with loved ones.
No worries about getting political. I enjoy hearing from you and hearing your thoughts too. I’m glad you had the chance to vote for someone you believe in. It’s nice to feel engaged as well.
I forget that it’s winter in Australia sometimes lol. I hope you will find a way to stay warm.
Your blog posts are rad. Love your newsletter and posts on your blog – they rock :). Go Rebecca!! 😀
Excited for Holding Up The Sky! All the best. I am proud of you.
Kudos on First the Song! You’ll finish it in August/Sep; I believe in ya! 🙂 Again, go Rebecca!! I support you.
Great job on reading five novels 🙂 I have only read graphic novels and short stories.
I’ve been drawing, watching shows and movies (Marvel shows, The Batman, Our Flag Means Death, and some anime), and trying to hang in there with everything that is happening. Trying not to burn out, so I’m taking breaks. How are you? :). 🙂
Rebecca Alasdair
Once again, thanks for your lovely comments, Alex!! I hope the drawing and TV time have been able to give you a reprieve from some of the things that have been going on! 😊
Alex
You’re very welcome, my friend! I care for you and appreciate you 🙂
It has :). It’s been a needed escape. 🙂 Your email the other day reminds me that I need to take some time each week to make sure I’m living my best life. I will definitely take more reprieves.
I hope you’re doing well. 🙂 Take care.
Andrew McDowell
In May I learned that my novel’s publisher had to shut down due to the impact of COVID, but another publisher I’ve been with for a while (I’ve been in four of their anthologies) was willing to take it on. So I’ve signed a new contract, and so the 2nd edition of Mystical Greenwood is available for preorder (as an eBook); print copies will be available at the end of August.
Rebecca Alasdair
Oh no! Sorry to hear about the publisher, Andrew, but I’m glad you’ve found an alternative. And hey, a new edition is something to get excited about, right?
Andrew McDowell
Thanks, Rebecca. It is indeed something to be excited about, and it was an opportunity to clean up the grammar some more and fix errors, for which I was glad.
Rebecca Alasdair
Great to hear! 😊
Ed White
Good to see you’ve been busy, Rebecca! I’ve had my first revision from my editor recently. It’s been a slog to revise large sections of the story—and kill off plenty of darlings. But Blade of Dragons is reading better! Hoping your YA novel goes well. I’m considering signing up to be an ARC.
Rebecca Alasdair
Thank you! Excited to hear the edits are going well, even if it’s been a bit of work! 😁
Tomas
I’m going to be jealous of your weather as I write this at the peak of a heatwave. Anyway, one thing I’m trying (well, I was, before the heatwave). And you’ve done well with reading, I’m at… book and a half for the last month.
Best of luck for July and, hopefully, some great progress on your writing.
Rebecca Alasdair
Thanks Tomas!! I hope you can keep cool as I try to stay warm! 😅