I’m sick today but am still trying to get things done.
The eBook for GIGANTI-GATOR DEATH MACHINE went in to the printer’s this morning and is in processing. Assuming all is well, it should be available for your eReader soon.
I think my plan for the day is to go slow and things will take as long as they take. Might have to get a nap in as well.
I also landed a side gig that will take up most of my time but it was an opportunity I had to say yes to. I’m not sure how it’ll affect my arts career but in these lean times, money’s money.
Anyway, my head feels like it’s been put through a cement mixer so I’m going to sign off.
Yesterday, I went to press on GIGANTI-GATOR DEATH MACHINE. Right now the printer is processing the files. My team member and I hit at snag on the eBook side of things so I’m in touch with my printer as to what to do. Hopefully it gets resolved soon. The main thing is the print copies turn out all right for Winnipeg Comic Con at the end of October. I can fiddle with the eBook side of things until then.
Why am I having eBook trouble? It’s simple, really. The old way of how I did things doesn’t work for me anymore so I’m looking into new ways to distribute my eBooks from one central location. An eBook hub, as it were. Eventually all my titles will get migrated over but until then, I’ll be doing this new system with new books going forward.
In other news, I barely slept Monday night, worked yesterday, but got a full night’s sleep last night. Still feeling the cobwebs, however, so I’m going to cut this one short.
The body and brain aren’t cooperating today. I’ve got stuff to do and things to think about and I feel like my body and mind are filled with cement.
Thus is the life of a writer: be at the keyboard anyway.
We’re putting the final touches on GIGANTI-GATOR DEATH MACHINE and getting it ready for press. I also have the newsletter to start and a freelance gig to do.
We’re at the stage in book production where I’m now going to focus on releasing them one at a time instead of working on all three (GATORS, YEAR FOUR, THE LONG YEAR FIVE) at once behind the scenes. Basically what’s left to do is double check the formatting and cover checking.
All this takes time because I’m working with a team so can’t go whole hog and do it all in a single day like the old days. Was mentioning to Melinda last night how I once heard publishing is a young man’s game. The older I get, the more I feel that. But don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere.
Yesterday marked the end of summer for me thus the end of my easier summer schedule. Today I’m preparing the fall one. Lots going on in the fall in terms of book production and releases as well as two comic convention appearances.
As a reminder, I will be at the following events so mark your calendars. I’ll have books for sale and you can bring copies from home for signature, if you’d like. I do not charge for autographs or pictures.
Winnipeg Comiccon – October 28 to 30, 2022 – RBC Convention Centre (Winnipeg) FanQuest – November 12 & 13, 2022 – Norwood Community Centre (Winnipeg)
Part of prepping for these appearances is ensuring I have enough book stock to take along with me so I’ve been slowly going through what I have and setting up an order at the printer for what I need. As long as my print order is in by the end of the month, that will allow enough time for printing and shipping.
I’ve also been reevaluating current and upcoming work in terms of what I reveal to the public about these projects. How many times have I said such-and-such will be ready for such-and-such a date and it hasn’t been? Sure, part of it had to do with me being ill. Another part had to do with summer. Another part had to do with my own disorganization. You’d think after all these years of doing this that I’d have this down to a science. But, again, in the big picture, being ill and spending a long time doing a webcomic would slow things down in terms of release(s).
I’ve been keeping busy as I recover from burn out. Fredrikus is getting my top priority. New episodes have been airing and I’m having a ball making them for you. I also seemed to have found my comic-making groove, which is a good thing.
As for other projects, they are temporarily on the back burner as I ease my way back into creating. They’re not going away and will get done, but my health comes first and I’m content just doing Fredrikus for the time being.
To start reading Fredrikus, go here. It will take you to the first page, which is the cover to Issue No. 1. If you’ve been reading the strips, just go to the site proper for the latest comic.
And, as usual, if you need to contact me, you can do so by going here.
I’ve been off my sabbatical since the beginning of January. Since then, I’ve done my best to work at a pace that is more health-ful. It’s one thing to go 1000mph, but it’s also important to know when to ease off the gas. I had my foot to the floor for too long and paid the price, which was burn out. It took about five months to recover to the point where I can go a little harder without compromising my health. I still made art during those months but at a much slower pace.
Since being off sabbatical, I’ve spent most of my time making comics, namely Fredrikus.
Episodes 18-20 have aired along with the front cover and first page of Issue 2. Go here to check them out.
Episode 21 to air shortly.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to drop me an email by going here.
Status Report: Final Notes from Sabbatical – 010521:
It’s time to draw my sabbatical to a close. It lasted about 5 months, all time spent recovering from burn out.
I’m feeling much better now and my health has improved.
During my sabbatical I was still making art albeit at a much slower pace. I learned some things about myself and about how to approach my creative career going forward.
That said, changes are happening over here in terms of how I approach the art biz and work within it. I made some changes during my sabbatical to test the waters of these new methods and I’m pleased to report I learned a thing or two about how to best go about them.
Thank you for your patience while I got better. I look forward to entertaining you again.
This concludes Status Report: Final Notes from Sabbatical – 010521.
December is here. And it came too quickly. The days have been rocketing by.
I’m working again but via a different schedule (the sabbatical one). I’m still recovering from burn out so am taking the time in the off-hours for self-care. But in the on hours, I’m getting things done.
Speaking of which, I have some spots to fill in my freelance schedule so if you have need of an experienced editor and/or book cover designer, I’m your man. I’ve helped bring 170+ projects to life and always keep the author’s vision in mind.
We’re still on the mend here at Axiom-man Central. Things are moving along but at a much slower pace. Secret Project No. 3 has been taking up most of my time art-wise, and resting has been taking up most of my time self-care-wise.
I can’t believe it’s already November. I had so many plans for 2020–as, I’m sure, a lot of you did–but 2020 has been one gong show after another so, unfortunately, I know my year-long plans won’t be completed like I would like, which is disheartening. Nevertheless, things are still getting done so I’ll take that as a win.
This concludes Status Report: Notes from Sabbatical – 110220.
I’m still taking things day by day. I really burnt myself out good so am simply easing my way back into creating and doing some of the peripheral tasks for it (like tweaking stories).
I honestly don’t know how long this burn out will last. I’ve been burnt out before and it took months to recover. Couple that with my chronic health issues and I don’t know when things will get back to normal. All I can do is try and put one foot in front of the other.
I’m still taking on freelance work, however, and that work gets priority over the other things I’ve been doing so if you’re looking for an editor, I’m available. Please see my rates page here.
Anyway, just wanted to keep everyone in the loop.
This concludes Status Report: Notes from Sabbatical – 100120.
