The first draft of Downstream Book 2 has finally gone out to my Alpha readers this week. It’s rough, the roughest I’ve ever let out of my clutches but I’m excited to try out this new process of sharing early. The launch is still scheduled for the end of September/early October. I will keep you posted.
And, I’m excited to finally announce the book’s title and reveal the cover.
The Downstream Diaries Book 2 will be called, “Joseph Bridgeman and the Silver Hunter”. Here’s the cover, which ties into the first book in the series but also moves things on a little. I hope you like it.
The life of a writer
I absolutely love my job but at times it can be tough working alone and hard to stay motivated. For example, editing an entire novel in five weeks requires a fair amount of discipline. So, I added two new things to my arsenal of life-hacks. A rebounder, which is basically a tiny trampoline. It’s amazing, after editing a chapter I crank up some high-energy music and bounce for the duration of the song. Think that sounds bonkers. IT IS! And I would highly recommend it to anyone. Not only is it fun, it’s good for the lymphatic system, which is a good thing, apparently…
The other thing is Brain.fm, an app that combines music, sounds and mystical technology for focus, meditation and sleep. Yes, I believed the hype and gave this a go. I have to say, so far I’m sold. When I need to lock in it helps me to dive deep into concentration then surface two hours later wondering what the hell happened! Combined with noise cancelling headphones it’s my version of an isolation chamber. Ideal.
Stuff I’m reading
Just finished World War Z, I was late to the party on this one but it’s a cracking read. Also, I can’t get enough of self-help books on the craft of writing. It’s one of the things I love about being a writer… the journey never ends.
Audiobooks
Currently listening to Big Magic, by Liz Gilbert. She is famous for writing Eat, Pray, Love. And almost as famous again as a public speaker, discussing what it’s like to have written such a huge, breakout novel. Everyone thinks the pressure comes from trying to find success but sometimes the pressure comes afterwards. Liz is a cool character and her insights into the creative process are fascinating. She narrates the audiobook, which adds about another 50% of genius on top. Highly recommended for anyone who is interested in the art of creativity.
Also, downloaded the latest Stephen King, The Insider. Sounds classic King, looking forward to that one.
Stuff I’m watching
Obviously, saw Deadpool 2 on opening night. Absolutely loved the first one and this was a worthy sequel. As all the reviews will tell you, they upped the gore but managed to keep the comedy at a consistent level. Ryan Reynolds has done an amazing job bringing that character to life.
Have been fighting my inner demons about whether to watch Solo. It’s difficult being a Star Wars fan these days, I can’t help but feel a constant sense of diminishing returns. Apparently, Solo is okay and does a perfectly good job of telling a heist story, but did we need this film? This might be one to watch at home, which says it all really.
My to watch list is totally out of hand now, but any recommendations, ping them over. Still need to watch Avengers, Infinity War. Like I said, the list is long…
Alfie update
There was an incident… Alfie was bitten by another dog. We spent our bank holiday Monday at the vets. Much howling and three stitches later we luckily managed to avoid the cone of shame. Instead, Alfie was given a rather fetching, Lycra sports coat with studded poppers. Alfie seems happier with it on. He doesn’t have fur, so it’s kind of understandable. He is off on his holidays, going to his auntie’s for his summer break. I’m sure he will be relieved, I think brain.fm was doing strange things to him, perhaps making him more intelligent, which sounds like a good short story to me…
