An indie author’s regular spoiler-free update on his writing, editing, cover design, marketing, publishing, website maintenance, and blogging. Issue 62.
This week in one word: solid.
my_writing_week
Previously on WWW…
…next week’s goals are the same as this week’s: make progress on the cover for The Spike Volume 1 second edition; and continue revising The Spike Volume 2.
I expect to finish reading The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood in the next few days, so I’ll be writing a review of that too.
I’ve made decent progress this week, but only on one of my two main goals.
The task I didn’t work on much was the new cover for The Spike Volume 1 second edition. In the last WWW, I wrote that I’d just come up with an image concept that would combine three different ideas I’d had, and was excited about it. I’ve put more thought into it, and have made some changes – the next stage is to sketch it out (if I don’t rethink it yet again before I begin).
The majority of my efforts this week were on revising The Spike Volume 2. I completed the new chapter 0.2.1.44 I’d begun previously; outlined and drafted a completely new chapter, 0.2.1.47; and begin rewriting 0.2.1.50.
I’ve made notes for additional revisions I’ve come up with as I’ve gone along, so once I’ve finished this run through, I’m going to move straight onto the ideas I’ve added or missed, including yet another new chapter earlier in the story.
Before beginning revisions, I expected this part 1 to be the most work, and I hope that holds true. Part 2 should need less structural work; part 3 is in the best shape.
On Friday, I posted my review of The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. I liked it, but mostly it made me want to reread 1984.
I’m reading more than I used to, which I’m enjoying, but it’s causing me more work given my intention to write a review for every book I finish this year. I have discovered a benefit to it though: as my reviews get into the technicalities of writing, I’m being even more analytical with my reading than I was previously, and learning more about what works and what doesn’t, and why. It’s all useful stuff.
My creativity vs consumption percentage for this week is down from my personal best of 54% last week, at 49%. It could have been much better…
As of Thursday lunchtime, I was up at 58%, but I had a few chores to do Thursday evening, and then collapsed in front of the first match of the Six Nations rugby. I allowed myself a restful Friday evening because it was the beginning of a week holiday from the day job (more on that in a sec). And on Saturday, the day I usually make up any difference and push on with my writing, more chores and more rugby.
Looking at the total time spent writing during this week, I’m only half an hour short of the previous week, so it’s not terrible.
As mentioned, I have a break from the day job next week. I have plans for one or two of the days, but otherwise, I want to work on my writing a lot.
The plan is to focus on the new cover for The Spike Volume 1 second edition, but if I still have doubts about that, I’ll begin on covers for parts 1 and 2 (that I’ll be publishing separately for the first time). I have mock-ups – I need to put the time into creating the finished products.
Also, of course, I’ll continue revising The Spike Volume 2.
There are plenty of other, smaller, tasks I have on my list too, and I might attack one or two of those for some variety.
Reading this week: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Watching this week: The Wire season 5 and Colin from Accounts season 1
Playing this week: Red Dead Redemption 2 and Baba Is You
status_report
In addition to the three short stories available to read for free here, there are three more yet to be published that make up The Spike Volume 0. The new three are in the final stages, and will be available some time before Volume 2 is published.
Work continues on a new cover design for a second edition of The Spike Volume 1.
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 3 is under way for The Spike Volume 2!
Volume 2 is my biggest and most complex project to date, containing three separate books from the perspectives of seven characters.
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.
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.
Trump says Republicans ‘should take over the voting’ and ‘nationalise’ US elections
Court told police facial recognition needs limits
AI ‘slop’ is transforming social media – and a backlash is brewing
Scientists develop unsinkable metal tubes using water-repelling technology
Report: 1.5 Million Enterprise AI Agents At Risk of ‘Going Rogue’
Unable to Stop AI, SAG-AFTRA Mulls a Studio Tax on Digital Performers
Your phone edits all your photos with AI – is it changing your view of reality?
weekly_inspiration
Every week I share something that’s inspired my creativity.
This week, I’ve been listening to Lost in the Dream by The War On Drugs.
Several years ago, when I was preparing to go away for the first time in ages, I discovered this album and listened to it regularly enough that it became the soundtrack of my holiday. Now I listen to it in the build-up almost every time I have a week off work.
Under The Pressure is the album opener, and the below performance at Glastonbury from 2023 is great. The drummer, Charlie Hall, is a character and always entertaining to watch.
What’s inspired you this week? Please share in the comments.
See you next week.
Arrowmaker Books 