Paulownia (original) (raw)

This was originally posted at http://red-bird.org

This year I decided to focus on two things: editing my book in earnest and taking care of myself. I don’t think I shall spend time publicly defining the latter. As far as the first matter, this comes after I’ve become estranged from drawing art. It’s not my native form for expression any more. Writing I think feels more natural, more immediate, and more accessible — particularly because technology has made it easier.

I also decided that until I finish my first goal, I will decrease my engagement on a host of social media sites including Facebook, Deviantart, Tumblr, and Livejournal. Social media takes time. Even those few minutes on each site are adding up to hours a day that I could use to again, take better care of myself, and work at my craft.

What prompted this strike against such platforms? One, an ever increasing sense of “the end” simply because I’m hitting that turning point in life. Second, I don’t feel young anymore. I ache when I don’t sleep and can’t make up for sleep anymore. It literally hurts when I pull all-nighters because I am awake the same time no matter what. Physically I cannot push myselef like I used to. And realistically, one hour a day for anything makes a big difference to me. I’ve got to scrape for time now. Every half an hour counts.

And that leads me to conventions. Other than Momocon this year, I’m not applying for any artist alleys at conventions. Let me be honest. I have not created anything worth selling since November nor do I have the drive or time to make “stuff to sell.” I have to prioritize my creative time. And that priority must be putting together the print copy of my first serial.

Why this book? I want something to give back to the readers who have been with me. They’re out there — the ones who tell me they have been waiting since last year for a hard copy, the ones who shame me with their generous comments and fanart.

It will be this year — I’m making edits, accepting edits, and following leads for copyediting and cover typography help. I’m shooting for May, knowing I might not make it, but I want a solid paper copy to be able to give to those readers.

Sorry guys in advance. I’m going to just shut up in a lot of places save Twitter. It’s not you. It’s me. You’ll just have to stalk me there and stalk my bar to see how I’m doing. It’s that little thing at my story page. If it moves, I’m doing great. If it doesn’t, I’m in serious need of an intervention. :) I’ve currently red-lined 200 pages, only 300 more to go!