Update Link: Mad World, Book 4 – Chapter 85

I’m so glad that the chapters have been paired like this because there’s a chapter next Tuesday that I’m glad you won’t have to wait an entire week for. See you on Sunday!

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Update Link: Mad World, Book 4 – Chapter 84

Mad World

• I’m so sorry for ducking out on Flash Fiction this weekend, but I woke up on Sunday morning with a sore back which was going to limit how much time I could spend at my desk. I knew if I pushed, I could finish Mad World’s edit, and I just wanted that to be my focus.
• I’m super excited because I went into my four day break at Chapter 92, and I managed about 20 chapters on Saturday & Sunday. The book is done. I still have some line edits due from Ang, but my work on it is finished. It’s a huge weight off my shoulders.
• The only thing left is for me to figure out if I wanna write an epilogue or not and I’ve got time to make at that decision. Chapter 115 is fine as an ending point as well.
• This week, chapters will be posted on Tuesdays & Fridays.
• That’s going to be the schedule between May 31-June 10.
• Starting the week of June 20, I’ll move updates to Tuesdays & Thursdays so that there are daily updates on the site M-F.
• If you are a Patreon supporter, the posting draft has been posted for $5 tiers.

Flash Fiction

• The summer schedule for Flash Fiction kicks off Monday June 20 with Second Chance Mondays. Thanks to the voters on Patreon, I’ll be writing a historical Western romance (still untitled).
• Flash Fiction will be at the usual time in the morning, but that first day I have a doctor’s appointment so it’ll be in the evening.
• Wednesdays will be a new story. I took suggestions from some Patreon tiers, and Adored tier is going to vote on the story starting this Sunday.
• Fridays will be Signs of Life/Scars.

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Update Link: Mad World, Book 4 – Liberty, Chapter 83

A few quick notes before I dip out again until Sunday.

• Mad World is moving to twice a week, starting Tuesday, May 31. Chapters will be posted on Tuesdays & Fridays at 7 AM.
• New computer is here and we’re mostly set up. Getting used to the new keyboard and screen (it’s huge)
• Had a busy start to week, but I’m home every night for the rest of the week, and then I have a three day weekend for Memorial Day, so planning a lot of editing.
• Mad World was starting to really struggle to open on my last laptop, which was why editing was also a bit slow. New computer — it opens in 30 seconds and runs really fast.
• I’ll have some more Flash Fiction scheduling news, I think, on Saturday.

Prayers with anyone affected by the school shooting in Texas on Tuesday. As a teacher, the knowledge that at any time, this could happen, has always been part of my teaching experience.  Columbine happened when I was freshman in high school. Sandy Hook when I was a college senior, but nothing has brought home more than the lockdown drills we do at school.

We have large classes full rambunctious kiddos who struggle with staying quiet on good days, much less during anxiety ridden practices.  My job is to get to the door, make sure it’s locked and closed, and then get the kids in the corner and hope this time it’s a drill, praying the real thing will never happen. The odds are against it every happening in my school, to be sure, but I know those parents who hugged and kissed their kids goodbye yesterday never dreamed they wouldn’t come home.

Take care of yourself and your loved ones. I’ll see you on Sunday.

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Update Link: Signs of Life – Part 34

News

• As I write this, my BRAND NEW DESKTOP is out for delivery. UPDATE IT LITERALLY GOT DELIVERED DURING FLASH FICTION OMG YAAAAAAY
  • I ordered this back in April after saving for a year. The laptop I’m on is my primary computer and it’s about four years old. It’s sluggish and opening EVERYTHING has gotten ridiculous. Every time I open Mad World, it takes 5 minutes and my computer is unresponsive for 3 of them, lol.
  • The new computer means I can reformat the old laptop to JUST writing stuff and I can be way more mobile with it because now I don’t have to hook and unhook it every day for a primary computer at home.
  • So yay for that!
• Physically, I’m feeling better. 
  • I don’t have any long-term solutions yet (all doctor appointments are now after the school year ends) but I’ve worked out enough small-scale solutions that I’m in a better place.
  • I’m sleeping better thanks to the Night Guard, which I use during the day to avoid clenching.
  • My neck and back are a bit looser thanks to the chiropractor.
  • I’m able to sit at my computer for longer periods of time again, so I expect to be able to pick up working at night and longer on Saturdays this week and next.
• Mad World is moving to twice a week!
  • I’m sooo excited to be bumping up the posting for MW. You guys have been really awesome so far with the slow-pace, and the chapters are pretty long so I feel like you’re getting a good bank for your buck with the weekly updates.
  • That being said, starting with next week’s chapter, the story really picks up the pace.
  • I feel good enough where I am with the edit to start posting twice a week.
  • Starting May 31, next Tuesdays, I’ll be posting on Tuesdays & Fridays
    • I have enough chapters to get us through June and I know the edit will be done by the end of June. It actually should be done by May 31 (or by the latest June 5).

PATREON

• Added Mad World Early Access for Love, Chapter 83
• Added Mad World Chapter 91-92 for Stalker
• Added For the Broken Girl, Book 2 Discovery for Obsession
• Added Flash Fiction Voting for Crimson Obsession tiers
• Added Crimson Discovery #15
• Added Crimson Check #18

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Update Link: Mad World, Book 4 – Chapter 82

Hey guys! Hope you guys like this chapter. It was one of the ones added in the editing process when I realized I wanted Elizabeth to address things on Valentine’s Day and to add something interesting to Carly’s story in Book 4. See you on Sunday for Flash Fiction!

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Update Link: Signs of Life – Part 33

News & Roundup

• Hope everyone is having a good May.
• This is has been a rough month for me — I keep hoping things will get better but the physical and mental burnout just continues. I’m in the middle of doctor appointments and just trying to keep my head above water for school.
• We’ve got 23 school days left, but Memorial Day is in the middle of those. Nine days until then, and then 14 afterwards, some of which will be half days.
• I definitely still love my job, but I am exhausted. I need to do a much better job protecting myself from this burnout next year.
• Still, working on getting back on track. Had a good, productive weekend, most of which will be in the Patreon updates.

Patreon Updates

• Added Mad World Early Access for Love, Chapter 82
• Added Mad World Chapter 90 for Stalker
• Added Counting Stars, Chapter 1 for Obsession
• Added Flash Fiction Summer 2022 for all tiers
• Added Flash Fiction Voting for Crimson Stalker tiers
• Added Crimson Discovery #14
• Added Crimson Check #17

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Update Link: Mad World, Book 4 – Liberty, Chapter 81

Just a quick note: I got the results of the X-rays that I had on Saturday, and I do have a diagnosis for what’s causing the neck pain. Apparently, I’ve developed cervical bone spurs along my spinal cord. It’s putting pressure on the muscles and my spinal cord, causing the tension. No idea yet how much of this is related to the tinnitus or the renewed severity of my TMJ, but I’m just going to look at this with some positivity. I’ll make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist and see what’s next. I’m a bit upset right now obviously. I really just wanted it to be a temporary problem with a solution not a condition I’ll have to deal with for the rest of my life, but well — at least I have an answer.  See you guys on Sunday!

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Update Link: Signs of Life – Part 32

News

• Health
  • Appreciate the patience over this last month or so. I’ve struggled with physical health for most of this school year and the last few weeks have been the worst.
  • About two weeks ago, I started suffering from pain in my jaw, a new symptom in my struggle with TMJ. I’ve had TMJ since 2011, but I usually just suffered from migraines. It’s been under control for most of the last decade, but pandemic teaching and my problems with anxiety and stress have caused a resurgence.
  • I’m pretty sure the neck issues and the whooshing in the ear are related.
  • It’s been really hard to fall and stay asleep so my energy levels have been crashing.
  • I’m making strides to resolve this. I’ve just had x-rays done to check my jaw and neck, and I just got a referral to go back to my TMJ doctor. I’m also seeing my hearing doctor again.
  • I’m determined to get my physical health improved this summer. Last year, I worked on my mental health and despite the setbacks, I haven’t had any major anxiety attacks since last July.
• Writing
  • Since I’ve been delayed in my editing schedule for Mad World, I’m keeping the once a week schedule for June as well. I still might finish the edit by the end of the month, but I want to adjust expectations now.
  • It’s really hard to sit at my computer for long stretches at a time, and when my neck and back are physically up to it, my jaw pain makes it hard to concentrate on writing.
  • I haven’t touched anything since last Saturday, though I’ve wanted to.
  • Flash Fiction will always be on Sundays, but until the end of the school year, I can’t promise it weekly. I really want to. I’m eager to get to the end of this story and move on.
• Life
  • Did get some good news this week. My contract is being renewed to keep teaching French next year. I’m super excited to keep teaching this program and to work my kiddos again next year.
  • While there are some aspects to the current subject I’m teaching that I don’t love, I do enjoy that I get to teach all three grade levels so I get to see a kid when they start at the school and watch them grow up and mature.
  • Here’s hoping my current chaos demons find a way to channel that energy for good, lol.

Patreon

• Posted Chapter 81 for Early Access.

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Update Link: Mad World, Book 4 – Liberty Chapter 80

Just a reminder that Flash Fiction updates might be sporadic for a few weeks. The neck/TMJ/tinnitus situation is making it REALLY hard to concentrate for long periods of time. I’ve got three doctor’s appts lined up for x-rays, hearing tests, and referrals so hoping for some relief over the next month or so. Thanks for your patience and enjoy this next chapter of Mad World!

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Update Link: Mad World, Book 4: Liberty Chapter 79

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