I usually try to keep my blog about writing, worldbuilding, and informational. I’ve worked to keep my personal life out of these pages because, in all honesty, I don’t want everything about me out on the web for eternity. I don’t have a ton of people reading my books or my blog. For those of you who do, I think I owe everyone an explanation as to why I’ve been so inconsistent about blogging and haven’t released a book in a far too long.

For about a year, I’ve had a lot of personal setbacks. My paternal grandfather passed away about this time last year. Not long after, my wife and I decided to divorce. Both my daughters are now in college, which means I don’t get to see them as much as I would like. I’ve had to move, which took place during National Novel Writing Month, preventing me from competing for the first time in eight years. Last month, my oldest and dearest friend passed away from complications of the flu. I’ve suffered from depression for much of my life, but all this has overwhelmed me to the point that doing much more than going to my day job has become impossible.

I’ve been getting help from friends, family, and a therapist. The process is slow, but I think that I’m beginning to recover. I’ve actually felt like blogging two weeks in a row, which is a nice change. Most of my art has been hung, a challenge larger than most people would believe. I’m starting to reinvigorate my creative juices and looking to put together a plan for what things will look like going forward.

First, I need to get Book 3 of the Blake Heira series published. In addition, I’m going to put the first three books together in a single bundle. Books 4 and 5 have been drafted, but I haven’t worked on them for a while in terms of editing. I think it’s time that changed. I can’t promise that I’m going to get another one published this year, but it’s a possibility.

Second, I need to get my other series planned and Book 1 drafted. I’m pretty happy with what I have so far. It will be a more hard-boiled, punk style of mystery. Imagine Bladerunner or Neuromancer, but in a fantasy setting. It’s darker, but I’m excited to see where this will go.

Third, I need to get better at marketing my stuff, including this website. There have been so many things that I should have done ages ago that are still languishing, from setting up an e-mail list to giveaways to learning how to do Amazon Ads. If I want to be an author, not just a writer, I need to get my arms around dealing with the business. This is my dream. It’s time to embrace it.

Fourth, I want to get more of my world posted on the website. Ideally, I’d like to publish that in book form, too, but one step at a time. Most of what I have for my world is strictly in my head. I need to get it written out and in a format that I can use going forward.

Finally, all of this hinges on my being healthy. I’ve been neglecting my body and mind for so long, I have forgotten what being well even feels like. I have a full time job, my kids, family, and friends. Writing is a hobby, but it isn’t the only one. I don’t want to spread myself so thin that I lose everything I have. A regimen of exercise, gaining control over my mental health, healthy diet, and stress management are critical for my achieving what I want out of life. If that means slowing my production schedule, then that’s what I’ll do.

So, that’s what’s been going on with my life and what my thoughts are for the future. Next week, I’ll be continuing my subcultures series with the Underworld. See you then!