So April has been an interesting non-month as most of us have spent it in quarantined or in lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic. If, like me, you’re stuck in the same boat, know that we ARE all in this together. Maybe not on the same boat as some people have fancy yachts and cruise boats whereas others are trying not to capsize their wooden raft, but we are at least in the same storm, and there’s room in my boat if you need it. Though my boat is looking a little rusty.
I’m still working from home and the work has really picked up, which means I’ve not been as creatively productive as I’d have liked, but that’s okay. Remember, you don’t need to feel guilty for not writing!
So this is what little I’ve been up to!
What I’m Writing
I finally finished the Sand Dancer short story collection! This is a collection of seven short stories based on characters from Sand Dancer and introduces a character from the upcoming sequel: Kasara, the daughter of the legendary Sword of Solus. I’m sure you’ll love her! You can get your copy of this collection by signing up for my newsletter, but if you really hate newsletters, just drop me a message and I’ll hook you up with the eBook.
This month I’ve also been working on a new adult fantasy project which I haven’t spoken about much, but I’m quite excited for it! It’ll be my next original project after Sand Dancer and is something I intend to work on between drafts and edits of Sand Dancer’s sequel.
Speaking of the sequel, I’m waiting on edits for that to come back soon and then it’s REAL work time.
What I’m Reading
So this month I’ve been taking a break from reading my usual fantasy novels to start learning about Stoic philosophy. Part of this is book research, part of it is my own natural curiosity. I’m reading a lot of articles and blogs on the subject as well as some well known Stoic books such as Meditations by Marcus Aurelius and Discourses by Epictetus. Stoicism is a great philosophy to start learning about especially during a global pandemic.
What I’m Playing
So this month I FINALLY got my hands on the Final Fantasy VII Remake and completed it. I’ll admit that I completely fell in love with it at first; the world has been brought to life in a way my teenage self could never have imagined, and wow, Midgar has never looked so good. The battle system is fantastic and I’m still listening to the soundtrack. I do feel a little disappointed and confused by the ending though, as it seems to be heading in a new direction I’m not sure I like, but I guess I’ll see where it goes in the sequel.
I also completed Death Stranding which blew me away with its cinematic story and has become one of my favourite games of the past decade. It’s my new gaming obsession.
The sequel to one of my favourite childhood games is also being released today; Streets of Rage 4! I can’t wait to sink my teeth into that.
Well, that’s all for April. I hope you all have a good Easter break if you can. Get some chocolate, relax, and read a good book. Here’s hoping for some better news in May.