What’s He Building?

The last time I posted anything that could resemble that cringe-worthy word “blog,” it was during one of the most difficult times of my life. I had just lost my second grandmother in seven weeks, and I was desperate to use words to push myself through the experience. I ended up using the words I wrote as the basis for a eulogy I delivered at her memorial service in April (on what would have been my grandparents’ 63rd wedding anniversary).

But after that, I’ve gone largely silent in regards to the goings-on in my life (in this space), both creative and personal. So, here’s a coagulation of life-goings-on:

• April was a difficult month, but it did push me into thinking of a follow-up to ComicStoryworld.

• Also in April, I published a short story, June, that I wasn’t sure about publishing. It turned out just fine, and I’m quite proud of the work. It’s based on a story that my grandfather told me, one that always makes him tear up.

• On May 18th–after a trip to the zoo and seeing mechanical dinosaurs–I asked Katie to marry me. She said yes and she’s wearing my grandmother’s 50th anniversary ring.

• Shortly after that, I sent a ten-page table of contents for the proposed ComicStoryworld follow-up. Lots of proposals going on.

• And now? I’ve spent the last month working on what may be a novel. And what may be another novel. And a piece of narrative non-fiction that is pushing me so far outside my comfort zone that the only way out is through. And I’ve got that feeling in my gut that the final result will be something special.

That’s all I’ve got for you. I’m just doing what I love to do, and that’s all I’m going to do.

If you’d like to keep up with what I’m working on, follow me on my Tumblr, Penny a Word, or consider signing up for The Spinner Rack newsletter… and no, we haven’t set a date. Between now and then.