This Tuesday Drivel, the first of 2019, on the first day of 2019, comes to you in the evening. I’m making a point for that to be clear in case you’re coming in to read this later.
There’s a lesson here. I think it’s that a writer works when there’s writing to be done, and the time clock means nothing to those who spend more time with our keyboards than with our children.
I don’t have kids, so I know that’s true for me. It may not be true for you. If I had kids, I’d probably prefer their company to that of a keyboard. Ehh.
<Insert terrible joke about kids and their parents here.>
So what do I want out of 2019? I can tell you what I don’t want. But where’s the fun in that? I’ll probably tell you about all of that all this year. Let’s talk about fun stuff instead. Fun stuff, like….
This Patreon (AKA “Writin’ Stuff!”)
Guess what? I’m in the process of finally, seriously, writing my first novel. I think most of you fans of the Drivel already know that, but it’s worth saying again. I even plan to write two to three more this year.
But for now, I’m on a deadline. I have to get this manuscript to my editor by April 1. I know, sounds like a joke to me, too. It is what it is. That’s my life’s focus for the next 89 days.
Wait. Wasn’t this the “This Patreon” section of the drivel? Oh yeah. So I’m still going to be writing stuff for the Patreon, but some things are going to change.
In short, I’m going to have Patron Only content soon. That’s right. This year I’m going to reward people to take an interest in my development and journey as a writer.
Here’s how it’s going to work:
1. I’m going to share chapters from my manuscript. This will not be on a regimented schedule. They will be shared when I feel they are ready for other eyes.
2. Short stories are coming back in a new way, in three stages.
First, Twitter will get a really witty, powerful, and concise story hook, quote, or passage from a 250-300 word flash preview or excerpt that’s just been posted to Patreon for free.
Then, the rest of the story will be posted in a post that’s only available to patrons.
The main reason for this is because I want to share what I’m writing with all of you, but I also want to create the feeling that there’s more to the story.
Dave the Hobbyist
So let’s step away from writing for a moment. I’m a multi-faceted guy. I have interests that go beyond keyboard calisthenics.
I like reading, too. I’m going to be stepping up my reading to get it back to the frequency I enjoyed several years ago. I feel more balanced when I have a book to dive into, and this year I think I’m going to need that a lot.
Besides, according to all my wonderful Twitter writer’s community friends, reading is a job development requirement for writers, and I don’t want to be a bad professional.
I also have models to paint for Warhammer 40,000, for BattleTech, and there’s this stack of Gundam model kits that isn’t going anywhere.
Office Hours
I have a new office buddy! We’re going to start a Twitch stream about sharing an office space.
I can’t wait for everyone to meet my new office buddy!
2019 in Summary
No, I’m not making predictions about how the year will go. I just thought the evening of January 1 is an appropriate time to take a step back and look at what I want to get out of the year.
Will this year be a turning point for me? Tuesday only knows.
D.G.