It’s been a while since I updated my blog. I’ve been quite busy, but to let this site just sit here without updates is bad. I think what hindered me is not having anything to say. However, I soon realized that there’s plenty for me to say if I just focus on what I’ve been up to and what’s going on in my life. That’s why I created the Jarrod’s Journal entries in the first place – so I can be more candid and just do easy updates. So here goes…

The Auctorati & Synapse

First things first – the books. Where are they? They’re on my computer, silly! I’ve been deep in the editing process for some time now with both The Auctorati, a prequel to my fantasy novel, Pangaea, and a new book currently titled Synapse. The reason it’s taken so long for me to release anything has been because I’m going through a slow cyclical cycle of creation. I’ll write, lack faith in what I’m writing, let it rest for a month (or two), get back to it, lack faith, and so on. It’s been a struggle just getting these two to the first draft stage, but I’m happy to say that I’ve finally made it.

The Auctorati is no longer on hold! I’ve completed a draft and just finished receiving commentary and critique from beta readers. Most of it is positive and I’m super excited to get that done this year. I was worried, but now I’m happy and eager to complete it.

Synapse is a different story (no pun intended). I’ve gotten past a first draft and I’m now editing a second, but now I’m blocked. I’m stuck on minor details that aren’t working and I have little clue how to rectify them. Perhaps I’ve let the story sit long enough. I think this week I’ll take another look and see what can be done and finally get this into beta readers’ hands.

Another point that’s a bit bothersome is that both stories are not full-length novels, but novellas. I couldn’t get the word count to where it needed to be and it bugged me. I think this is due to seriously taking the advice from my Pangaea editor to drive the plot forward. But, as I said on Twitter (below), I kind of want to turn the dial back a bit and add higher-level descriptions and language. I just have to make sure to not go overboard.

I seem to be going through a bit if a change with my writing style. With these past few things I’ve been working on, I’ve been very focused on advancing the plot. But I just love the literary form of beautiful wording and a slightly slower pace. Figuring out how to balance this.

— Jarrod D. King (@JarrodKing) August 17, 2018

The good thing about the shorter length is that I didn’t extend it just for the sake of a word count. What you get is the full story, and a fast-paced one at that.

Screenplay

I had the opportunity to enter a competition to create my own TV series and I jumped at the chance. I had a story in my head for a while, and after beginning to write it all down, I really started feeling the inspiration. Unlike my novellas, this story kept me feeling great all the way through. Perhaps because it was a new medium – I’m not sure. I just know that I’m happy with the synopsis I created, and if they pick me for the next round, I’ll be even more excited to share my completed script. I can’t tell you what it’s about just yet, but oddly enough it isn’t fantasy or sci-fi.

Personal Life

Personally, I’m in the midst of buying my first house. It’s been a struggle and a long road, but I’m finally close to crossing the finish line. My big goal is to advance my life further and achieve my dreams. This will be one more step.

I thought I was going to get a lot deeper into this section, but decided against it. If you want to know more about what’s going on with me day-to-day, subscribe to my podcast titled Jarrod D. King wherever you listen! You can even listen on the sidebar.

I’ll be back next week with more. I promise!