As usual, I’ve been moving around between routines and projects, and unfortunately, that means it feels like I’m not making very much progress on any one thing. It’s frustrating because I know I’m getting things done, and yet nothing actually gets finished.
So, at the end of last month, when I got an email for the Book Finishers Bootcamp, it was like a gift dropped right in my lap. That was what I needed. Something that would help me figure out how to focus and buckle down and finish all the things. Except the first thing was to focus on one project until it’s finished. Well. Huh. That’s never worked for me before. I tried. It lasted a day. I’ve gone back and forth with how to handle all the projects. And it does make sense(and is pointed more to those who haven’t finished any books and gotten them out). So, I am trying to limit how many projects I’m jumping between. Right now, I’m going to try to focus on one thing until I’ve finished the next step for whatever stage it’s in. We’ll see if I can stick with this.
Writing
The Mirror to Perfection
I added almost 3000 words to this.
Jax of All Trade 4
Only added around 500 words to this.
Fixing the Books
I finished beta edits for this and started the fine-tuning edits on it.
Slanting Sunlight
Started rewriting the next chapter of this, taking from the last draft instead of all new words.
Future Suspense
Brainstormed another character for this.
Going forward from this week, I’m planning to focus on Fixing the Books until I get the rest of the edits done.
And if you want to get early access to any of my stories, plus some other benefits, check out my Ream page. I posted a welcome message in my community section.
Reading
Fire Season by K.D. Casey
I am loving these books. What isn’t to love, after all? Baseball and make it queer. Yes, please. And there is almost a dreamy quality to them. It would almost seem distant and passive, but for some reason, it doesn’t. It’s done so, so well. In fact, I bought the next book as soon as I finished this one, which is something I don’t usually do.
Knock Out by Sarah MacLean
I’ve always loved Sarah MacLean’s books, and this series was absolutely amazing. I thought this was going to be the last one, but apparently there’s one more. Can’t wait for that one to come out.
Crafting
Genderfluid Pride Whale
Lesbian and Proud
Story
I have a new Mermaid’s Jewel story this week. I actually just finished it this morning.
"Somers, where are you?"
Somers stuck his head out from the hold, where they had been going through the cargo that would need to be unloaded before they set sail once again. They hadn't been expecting to hear from anyone, Rand was up above, but they doubted she would need anything from them with most of the cabin mates and powder monkeys settled in their own cabins. They should have had a few more hours of quiet down here.
But, that certainly was Denham striding across the deck, calling out to them again. Somers pressed their hands to the deck and with a quick heave, launched themself through the hatch, landing softly on the deck. Denham stumbled back, pressing a hand to his chest.
"You know I hate when you do that."
Somers laughed and stepped forward to press a kiss to Denham's lips. "What brought you bellowing up on the ship anyway? Did you miss me already?"
Denham shoved them away. "Don't be a sapscull. Captain sent me. We need to get ready to fly."
"But, we have not unloaded any of the cargo."
"It will have to keep for the next port. Someone is after Hen."
"What? That don't even make sense? Who would want something from Hen? He barely even leaves the ship."
"You don't need to be telling me that. It does not change the fact a man came into the tavern looking for him. Said Hen's father sent him looking, as if that should make any difference to us sending him along."
"And Captain is just going to let this little scab make us forego getting rid of our cargo. Some of it will not keep to the next port."
"You did not see Hen's face when that man said his father sent him. I have seen him swing from one mast to another and show not even an ounce of fright. He was scared, though, Somers. Captain wants us to put as much distance between this man and Hen as quickly as we are able."
Somers blew out a breath. "Let me roust the cabin mates and we'll get everything ready so we can raise sail as soon as Hen is aboard. Why isn't he already back anyway."
"The captain sent Oran to lead the hunter on a chase to give Hen a clear way to the ship. Once they're both back on board, we need to be pulling away from the pier. Have it ready."
"I will," Somers said, slipping a hand around the back of Denham's neck and kissing him thoroughly. They were going to need it to get them through getting the mates back to work when they'd been told they'd have the whole night off.
But, Hen was one of them, and they would not let someone take him away from them.
His father be damned.
***
Denham watched Somers stride away, as if they hadn't just sent his heart tumbling over the side of the deck. The way they kissed... Denham really thought no one would ever want to kiss him like that. He had spent most of his early life being told he wasn't right, that he wanted too much, tried to reach too hard.
He was the youngest of five girls, and it seemed the only time his parents paid attention to him was when he was acting out. Even if that only meant he turned his petticoats into loose pants. Those sewing skills his mother tried to teach him had to come in handy for something.
When his oldest sister had been married off, he'd heard his mother lamenting that she would likely never find someone who would take him off her hands. That she had gotten too arrogant with the four beautiful perfect girls she'd been blessed with, so that must have been why God had given her this abomination.
Denham had been twelve.
He'd slipped away from the house while the party had been in full swing. It wasn't like anyone would come check on him. They thought him and his sisters were all in their beds for the night. Though even his sisters had been spying on the party.
He didn't know if anyone had ever come looking for him. More likely they were relieved to be rid of him. It had been almost ten years since he'd seen any of them. Most of those had been spent just trying to survive. Until the captain had found him and taken him in. And shown him that there was a place where he could be accepted for who he was.
The rest of the world may never see him as a man, but everyone on this ship did. And Somers loved him. Denham had never doubted that. No matter what else he doubted in this life.
And if his family suddenly showed up, he probably would have looked as frightened as Hen had when that man had announced why he was there.
Well, they would keep him from taking Hen. None of their family would be lost. Certainly not today.