Finally, I wrapped up editing! This week, I will send out advance reading copies in epub or mobi format to some trusted friends as test readers who signaled their interest; set up my synopsis and cover letter and stuff; and pitch the manuscript to my agent(s) of choice. Also, I will put the finishing touches on the associated website and probably go public with it soon. For those who haven’t followed the development: it’s an episodic sf-horror novel (four novelettes and one novella) set in an alternative far future, structured after Howard’s Hyborian Age and embedded in Lovecraft’s Mythos. Yes, Pulp!

The writing process took ages—I had to develop the entire fictional universe with its physics and social systems along the way because I’m also working on a brand new pen-&-paper roleplaying system to go with it in a year or two. (My first RPG rule system from way back’s become quite creaky over the years.)

Again, that ate up my time. I published one photo on Glass, that’s it, and I have yet to write that unboxing blog post for Twilight: 2000 and the second part of the “memory” post.

But, I have a recommendation.

I don’t use Spotify because a) I like to own the music I listen to; b) I like to own it in non-crappy formats; and c) Spotify’s streaming model is based on exploitation. If you’re a musician or performer or composer and not a superstar, you’re fucked. Now, here comes Bandcamp. Not many of your favorite acts are probably there yet, even though some major labels and artists did join with their catalogs lately—prominently Björk and Radiohead. But you’ll find many great independent artists. Tons of stuff you can browse; new music you can discover and sample and digest; and then buy and listen to it online wherever you go, or download it in any lossy or lossless format or even buy a physical copy at your convenience. Plus, the artists and labels control how they sell their stuff; and Bandcamp often waives its share of the revenue for 24 hours, or donates its profits to civil rights organizations like NAACP Legal Defense Fund or the Transgender Law Center. They also have professional writers for a daily journal. And, to top it off, it’s become the number one platform for indie developers to sell their video game soundtracks! And if you're a gamer and all that rings a bell—yes, Bandcamp was an early inspiration for the creators of itch.io, so there.

Finally, fun stuff. Here’s a sloth playing with water, a duck enjoying an ice water strawberry drink, and a realistic representation of Germany’s current Corona policies.

Keep it up and stay healthy,
J.