Hey, y’all. Quick update. I got another proof back, but it was full of formatting errors for the quotation marks on certain bits of dialogue. I am going through, quote by quote, and marking them for correction. I hope to turn it around, today. Amazingly, this sort of fine-tooth combing seems to take as much, if not more, time than writing a book. Excelsior.

Hey, everyone. It’s May. I know ... yet more time has passed. This book has been an arduous labor, and the years since I brought it to this platform have been some of the most tumultuous of my life. Still, I’ve been diligent despite what’s been happening. I’ve not been idle. I’ve been devoted to shaping the most worthwhile version of the novel with which (as I mentioned previously) both Inkshares and I (and—most importantly—you) can be satisfied. I can’t thank Inkshares enough, particularly Avalon Radys, for their patience and determination. And, if you’ve not forgotten completely about this work, I thank you, too, for your patience. Job’s (rhymes with "globe") got nothing on you all.

The "final" proof (as anyone who’s ever worked on versions of anything will know, the word "final" when it comes to proofs is a bit of a cruel mockery of the work that still needs to be done) was delivered the day I arrived in the Pacific NW last week. It was tough to look it over and be on vacation, since it consisted of spending time with a friend whom I’d not seen in six years, and his new family. Since the sudden death of my best friend in 2017, I’ve made it a point to take the big trips to see those whom I wish that I could see more often, no matter how far away they are. Living one’s life can sometimes be the biggest obstacle toward "getting things done." But I chipped away at the proof and, this morning, I sent it back to the publisher.

It is my ardent hope that this will be the version that goes to print and the protracted story of this story will finally culminate in a physical book.

Happy May Day! Solidarity Forever! Bread and Roses!

The CEO/Editor at Inkshares has had my draft in hand for a couple weeks and I’m anxiously awaiting feedback. 

In the meantime, I’ve been trying to focus on some other projects. I submitted a story to the new Writing Bloc Anthology (and you can too! The deadline is midnight tonight!) The theme for this one is "Deception" and I wrote a piece that I think is pretty funny.

I submitted a poem to this year’s Travelin’ Appalachian’s Revue Zine. This one is also still open! You can find more info here and submit until June 1. 

I’ve also been throwing some ideas around for my next novel. I’m hesitant to really jump in because I know there will still be changes for Rock of Ages, but I also know that once it gets the  green light, things will move quickly. Now that I know the publishing process takes so long I’d like to have something to start pitching to agents soon after! I’m excited to tell you about the next project once I get going with it. 

Thank you, always, for your support!

Hey there, comrades. Today was to have been the day. While I need to relay to you that there is a delay, it’s not so disappointing (to me) because it bodes of us talking meticulous care to get everything right. Inkshares has been incredibly generous to me in the "final" steps and has allowed me latitude that I greatly appreciate. That freedom, however, came with the need for another diligent proofread, which is underway.

Langston Hughes asked what happens to a dream deferred, and while his inquiry is about something much more profound, what is happening with Disintegration is that it will become the best version of the book with which both I and Inkshares can be mutually satisfied. And with which we hope that you, after so long a wait, will also be pleased.

Thank you for your continued patience, or your failed memory of this protracted affair, whichever is more accurate. ;-) The word from Inkshares is that everything will finally culminate around this time next month, which just happens to be the week of my godmother’s and my sister’s, her son’s, and my ex’s birthdays (and also Billy Joel’s and Steve Yzerman’s, and the kid who used to live across the street from me. It’s a birthday bonanza). So, lots to celebrate.

Remember, the conflict within the book has been raging for 183 years. This little deferment? Just a drop in the bucket.  

This month’s update is a few days late because I wanted to wait until I could say I FINISHED THE REWRITE! 

That’s the second complete rewrite, for those keeping track. This one changed the whole book from first person to third, focused on the quality of prose, and added lots of historical detail. 

I’ve treated the last six months or so as a giant research project for the historical parts, reading, watching films, and interviewing people. The novel now stands at 115,416 words! The last draft was 90-something thousand, and the original manuscript I sent to Inkshares was 54k!

I’m letting the draft stand for a week before I go back and read the whole thing out loud to polish it and send it in. Please send me "take a break" vibes and also "don’t lose your mind while you’re waiting for feedback on this thing you’ve worked your ass off on for half a year" vibes. 

Thank you, as always, for your support!