A Timely Update. For Once.

It's been right around a month since my last post and it's time for another check-in on my active projects. This update might appear less voluminous, but that doesn't necessarily mean that it isn't massive. I've completed a couple of landmark tasks over the last month, one of which I didn't think myself capable. I'm really proud of the work I've been doing and am eager to get the best versions into your hands, eyes, and ears. That being said, I recently was informed of some personal matters on the horizon that may easily eat up my time in a way that slows the momentum on certain projects. It mostly means that I will have to be careful and selective about which projects require my attention while it remains divided.

Now, onto the project updates!

Trousers!: The Musical

I have a small update and a big update here, and they build on the progress from last month. The small is that I took a little time in my graphic design software and made a new cover for the paperback version of the script. I've already received the proof and the new artwork looks amazing on the book.

It's available on Amazon here. Before you click away to check out the listing, I need to tell you the big update. Okay, here it is:

I locked in, reformatted the script layout, painstakingly adjusted the music sheets to fit, and made another cover (but thicker) for the Second Edition Print of Trousers!: The Musical that includes all of the music. If you'd rather have that copy, you can pick it up here.

And just a reminder, if anyone wants to produce a performed version of the show, shoot me an email so you can get the cast and crew scripts at a discount.

Alarian Tales

I am beyond pleased to say that the first draft manuscript for Volume I is complete. I ended up cutting the story that was having trouble exiting my brain and will move it to a future issue. That means that all the pieces are in place, and now it's down to the messy business of revisions and edits. For that, I need feedback.

There are a handful of first-round test readers that have already been sent the manuscript, who have been drip-feeding me some wonderful unbiased feedback. However, I could use some more perspectives to get a better gauge of what needs the most attention (especially now that I'm going to be life-busy.) If you're interested in becoming a beta reader for the book, email me so we can arrange that. I'll also need readers for the revised versions; if you're hesitant now, the opportunity will probably still be available for a while and I'll make an announcement when I'm closing the test reading period.

In other Alarian Tales news, I ended up doing all of the digital illustrations for the book. It was something that I was wrestling with, because I often don't think that my artistic aesthetic matches with my writing style in a cohesive way. I would've loved to have professional fantasy illustrators interpret the stories, but ultimately it came down to the usual things: time and money. I didn't have the money to pay artists in the book budget, and I didn't want to delay the book progress for enough time to save up for what I know would be superior images. I made a hard decision which meant more work for me, but it's the one that I could afford on all fronts. 

Did they take me longer than I would've liked? Absolutely. Did I hurt my eyes staring at reference images too long? Also absolutely. Are they the best illustrations? To me, no, but art is subjective. But am I pleased with how the illustrations turned out? Ultimately, yes.

Perhaps with a future volume I'll be able to hire another artist, pay them what they are actually worth, and get to be surprised and inspired by seeing my world through their eyes. It makes me hopeful that someone will want to make fanart, because one of my favorite joys as an artist is seeing how my work is interpreted by others.

Anyway, that's all I've got for now. I'll try my best to get another update out in an equally timely manner.