August has been a lot like July in terms of creativity. A month to be outside, doing things rather than sitting at a desk writing. One thing I’ve been trying to tackle is the middle plot for my ongoing WIP. You can read more on my update here.
Outside of writing, I’ve been fiddling with more Canva layouts, trying to simplify the IG content I create. I enjoy playing around with visual editing and layouts, but it is a time sink which can tempt me away from doing actual productive tasks. Hopefully by having some new layouts, and putting less pressure on myself, I can get back to a happy balance between writing/content creating.
What have you been up to this month? Any successes for your creative projects?
My Posts this month
Miss any of my posts this month? You can find them all below!
Smoking Remnants (From the Archives)
Ia looked down on the smoking remains of their village. Even from up here, in the safety of the mountains, she could taste the ash on the air. The anger inside her was deep, she had warned the council that the humans were advancing across their borders and yet they did nothing. And still did … More Smoking Remnants (From the Archives)
My Thoughts on An Echo of Things to Come
When I started An Echo of Things to Come by James Islington, I was certain of two things. Firstly, reading a huge fantasy story that I hadn’t read before on an e-book was considerably harder because I couldn’t have easy access to the map or the glossary, and secondly I knew for certain that this … More My Thoughts on An Echo of Things to Come
Writing On Caffeine – Worldbuilding and Plants
Don’t forget that this month in my newsletter, Writing on Caffeine, I’m talking all about how to build the natural world into your novel. The natural world is a huge topic, so I’m going to focus on one aspect – plants. The lifeblood of anything that is alive, the crazy evolutions and tips on how … More Writing On Caffeine – Worldbuilding and Plants
Why you need to go outside
If you are active on any kind of social media, you are likely to see photos of beautiful writing setups, cosy desks, achievements of those who have written ten thousand words in a single day. Don’t get me wrong, that version of a “writing life” is quite valid, but I’m here to talk about why … More Why you need to go outside
Reborn (From the Archives)
Gerald purred against Lily as she stroked him gently. For once the normally crazy cat was subdued, exhausted from staying up all night because of the fireworks. It was a new year. Lily didn’t put too much stock in the whole event, the parties or the dramatic resolutions. That was for those who believed they … More Reborn (From the Archives)
Top Tips for creating power structures in your fantasy books
Identifying how power works in your world is important because, let’s be honest, power is what drives society. Who has it, who doesn’t have it, and what those in power do with that power impact swathes of society and the people within it. It constrains some actions and allows others, creating a complex web of … More Top Tips for creating power structures in your fantasy books
You can’t re-write history
“Stop this!” Vashna screamed, pulling at the ropes around his wrists, “for the sake of yourself, Maynie, you need to stop!” Maynie looked up from the alter, hair askew and magic wild in her eyes. Blue energy surrounded her hands as she continued to move them in the ritual movements. “Stop?” Even though her word … More You can’t re-write history
Edits, Edits, Edits
In April 2020, I wrote 40,000 in one month on my novel. In April 2022, I’ve written…about 2,000. But you know what? I’ve still written more valuable words, because they make sense. And this, my friends, is the conundrum called editing. I’ve been a religious users of wordcount trackers since about 2018, but recently I’ve … More Edits, Edits, Edits
Souls of Smoke (From the Archives)
“Today, we remember our leader,” Hectaius said, standing at the head of the small mound of pebbles which marked all that remained of Right-Leader Ingnat. The rest of the group, only four of them now, raised their tin mugs of whiskey to the sky. Geegi looked haggared, her face laced with cut marks from the … More Souls of Smoke (From the Archives)
Writing On Caffeine – Character Quirks
Don’t forget that this month in my newsletter, Writing on Caffeine, I’m talking about character quirks, a simple and easy technique to tell your reader more about a character and give them clues and hints to use to build your character in their mind’s eye. Are you ready to learn some more tricks for your … More Writing On Caffeine – Character Quirks
Things to get excited about
Wheel of Time
I’ve been a fan of the Wheel of Time for many years. It’s still surreal to think that we get a live action TV series, and the first peek photos look incredible! Cannot wait for November to roll around.
MCU is back
Yes, I’m one of those people that will watch the MCU. It’s actually really nice to go to a film and kind of know what you’re expecting, but still be blown away.
The trailer for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and The Eternals are getting me super excited to get back to the cinema!
I’ve also been binging my way through the MCU TV shows, which have been a lot of fun (although slightly ridiculous with the forced romance plotlines – looking at you Loki, we could have just had badass Sylvie without…that ending).
Reading Update
Still making my way through Jade War, but I am super invested in the storyline now. Just need to find some consistent time to read!
Featured Image Credit: Photo by Tai Jyun Chang on Unsplash
Alex.J.Cobalt 