My regular update on my novel writing progress, including insight into living and working as an indie author with a full-time job and Crohn’s disease.
my_writing_week
Previously on WWW…
Not every week can be good. Fingers crossed a restful weekend will recharge my brain’s battery and I can get back to normal next week.
After an unproductive week with the flu, my aim for this week was to ramp back up to the level I was at before being struck down, and particularly to get on with the series bible I’m creating for The Spike.
As the next chapter to add to the bible from Volume 1 was a big one (the Third Law’s showdown with Sophie), I split it over two days, Sunday and Monday. There was lots to take note of.
On Tuesday, I added two more chapters to the series bible. In the evening, I finished reading Annie Bot by Sierra Greer, which I enjoyed; more on that in my next quarterly reading_report.
As always, I wanted to switch style and genre for my next read, so started Moby-Dick by Herman Melville.
On Wednesday, I continued work on a blog post I’m writing, and one more chapter went into the series bible.
I began this WWW during my lunch hour on Thursday, as usual, and in the evening, added another two chapters to the series bible.
After a long and frustrating week at the day job, I faded badly, so eased off for the last couple of days. On Friday, I did a rough mock-up of a cover idea for the second edition of Volume 1, and today, Saturday, I just completed this WWW.
In summary, six chapters added to the series bible this week, which leaves eleven to go, plus the three prequel short stories which you can read here if you haven’t yet. If I can maintain this level, in the next two or three weeks, I should be ready to begin revisions on The Spike Volume 2.
I can’t wait.
Reading this week: Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
Watching this week: The Wire season 1 (rewatch) and Californication season 4 (rewatch)
Playing this week: NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139
status_report
I’m still wavering on a new cover design for a second edition of The Spike Volume 1, and have begun work on a different idea. I think I’ve proven the concept — more work required.
I’m also working on covers for the two individual parts, 1.1_Application Infiltration and 1.2_Laying Down The Law, which are going to be published separately for the first time. I want both to have a similar style and layout, and I have an idea I like for each. The drafts I’ve created feel a little too minimalist, so I’m investigating what I can add that will make it more visually interesting without distracting from the main image.
Draft 2 of The Spike Volume 2 is complete! It contains three separate books from the perspectives of seven characters.
Revision will begin soon.
The aim is to publish Volume 2 in 2026.
Early brainstorming has been done for The Spike Volume 3. I know how it must begin; I have an ending that I think will be great; and I have a long list of ideas to get from one to the other that needs to be whittled down and put in an order. I’m not intending to do much more work on this until revision is complete on Volume 2.
There are a couple of other projects in the works that I’m not ready to share yet – they’ll be announced here first.
connecting_links
The Spike is set in our world, incorporating real events; the links below are relevant to the themes and overarching storyline, and may or may not provide clues to the direction of the series.
I do not necessarily agree with or endorse any of the views within.
Google’s $45 Million Contract With Netanyahu’s Office to Spread Israeli Propaganda
‘Really transitional moment’: what should we do about declining fertility rates?
Sainsbury’s to start using facial recognition technology in shops
The AI Doomsday Machine Is Closer to Reality Than You Think
weekly_inspiration
Every week I share something that’s inspired my creativity.
It’s been four weeks since I last included the “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” soundtrack in this section, but I’ve listened to it every day since, so it only seems fair to share another track.
This one’s from the game’s finale, so I can’t say much for fear of spoilers, but it echoes a couple of themes from earlier in the game for extra emotional resonance. Great in isolation; even better in context.
What’s inspired you this week? Please share in the comments.
See you next week.
Arrowmaker Books 