Personal Archives | A.S. Akkalon

Weird things happen when you read 300 Query Shark queries

In preparation for querying agents, I started to read all 347 Query Shark entries. As I read, weird things began to occur. I blame the Great Cat.

I see querying in my future. Yes, I’ve decided I’m going to have a go at getting an agent for my nearly-complete WIP. (Sign up for my monthly updates to get the inside story once I start.)

As I finish editing, I’m starting the next stage: writing my query. I drafted my first query for this book years ago. Actually, fifteen versions thereof. (Don’t worry, I never sent them anywhere.)

This time I’m doing it right. I’m following instructions.

I’m reading all 347 entries of Query Shark.

A plan for overcoming writer’s block

I’ve been struck by creativity paralysis, aka writer’s block. My plan for overcoming it is to binge read these highly recommended books.

About a week ago I was confident about my writing. I was excited about starting to write the sequel to my current WIP, and you guys convinced me it was okay to do that rather than working on my unrelated book.

Then with three hours free, I got ready to sit down for some brainstorming… and got some stressful news from work.

Fyi, I resigned from that job. I left that job several weeks ago. It should no longer be following and stressing me.

I tried to put all work thoughts aside and started brainstorming.

I came up with lots of ideas… and loathed all of them.

To sequel or not to sequel?

I know it’s a bad idea to write a sequel to my current WIP right now, but I really really want to.

The draft of the novel I’ve been working on since 2015 is currently with beta readers (for the third time), and I find myself facing a difficult decision.

I want to write something new while I wait, but what should I write?

I started an unrelated book–which I’m going to call “Desert” for the sake of clarity–and got 30k words in before deciding I wanted to change everything and basically start over. So I could have a second go at that one.

There’s a lot that I like about it, but the problem is that I’m not excited about it right now. What I really want to work on is the sequel to my book that’s with beta readers. (I’ll call that one “RoDS”.)

Unfortunately there are lots of reasons that’s a bad idea.

Small thoughts about leaving my job

Yesterday was my last day in a job I’ve had for over a decade. I had some thoughts, but mostly just felt empty.

Yesterday was my final day in a job I’ve had for nearly twelve years. We had a nice farewell morning tea, and I talked more to some people I worked with than I have in years.

I packed up the last of the detritus from my office, set an email auto-reply, and closed my work email for the last time. Then I was officially job-free.

Several random people waved friendly greetings or complimented my plant as I walked to my car. It might have been because I was wearing a hat with ears.

It might have just been a weird day.

I did something scary today

I quit my job today. I’m not freaking out. Okay, maybe I am a little.

Today I resigned from the job I’ve had for nearly 12 years without a next step in mind.

I won’t lie. It was scary.

But it was necessary.