I like to take stock on where I am with my work and I feel it’s important to share that with you here. Every two weeks you can find out what I’m currently writing, what I’ve been reading and other interesting factoids I have found on the interwebs instead of doing my work. (I actually stole the concept from my wonderfully talented sister, Sara Frandina. You can read her delightful coffee + content blog at sarafrandina.com.)

Currently Writing:

I am hip-deep in the self-editing process with Tales from Portents, a short story collection you’ll be hearing quite a bit about in the coming months. I’ve already set my deadline and a pub date for February 17th, 2017 so mark your calendars! There are six short stories involved pulling at different threads from Signs of Portents so I’ve been busy tweaking each tale, making sure it lines up with what’s come before (this is a prequel of sorts) and bridges the gap between the first novel and what is coming next summer.

Speaking of what comes next, I’ve started pulling notes and researching for my next novel. By research I mean reading a bunch of Superman comics so I can make Detective Greg Loren’s patented references. I should probably do some actual research too.

Finally, the best news of all:

The FINAL PROOFS CAME IN!! With two weeks to spare I have the final proofs for Signs of Portents. There is nothing sweeter than holding the book in your hands. More info on this coming in the next couple days!!

What I’ve Been Reading

Brad Meltzer and Tod Goldberg’s The House of Secrets – I’m a big fan of Brad Meltzer. I’ve read the majority of his books and am always excited for another adventure. I’ve always been fascinated with secrets hidden in history. The Freemasons, the Culper Ring, the Illuminati, all of them spark my imagination and I get sucked right into the story. The House of Secrets is no exception, this time focusing on Benedict Arnold’s bible and the conspiracy surrounding it. The book took some time to get rolling but by the second half I was fully engrossed. The nod to his previous trilogy was a nice touch. Always love those subtle connections between “worlds.”

Jason Aaron and Russell Dauterman’s Thor – I know. COMICS. I could pretend to be sophisticated and call them graphic novels but they’re not and Jason Aaron doesn’t pretend they are either. His Thor is AMAZING. I fell off the wagon a couple years back during The Accursed storyline re-introducing Malekith, the dark elf. (From Thor: The Dark World. Don’t pretend you didn’t see it.) I lost touch, always with the intention of catching up. Big mistake on my part.

Ever since Jane Foster became Thor (WHAT? Thor is a woman? Yes and it is great.) the stories have been top notch, work-building and cosmic in scope. Russell Dauterman’s art is indescribably astounding. I never want him to leave the book.

Have a great book recommendation? Want to tell me how Walt Simonson’s run on Thor was WAY better than Mr. Aaron’s? Shoot me a message.

The Web

Jason Aaron talks all things Thor – Not straying too far from my love-fest for Thor is an excellent interview with Jason Aaron on the book and where it’s going. I love the enthusiasm he has for the character and the world he’s playing with.

Tiny Goals – Shaunta Grimes guest posted on Jeff Goins site with a great article on setting tiny goals rather than big, impossible ones. As a stay at home poppa bear with two wee ones this is something I wholeheartedly agree with and need to be reminded of way to often. With nap time, late nights and weekend mornings my only real outlet for writing, creating smaller, tangible goals rather than big, lofty ambitions is the only way the work gets done. AND I get to create checklists. I love checklists!

I’m checking this off my list right now, in fact! Ahhh, satisfaction…

Thanks for reading.