Setbacks and moving forward

Hi friends!

I know it’s been awhile since last I wrote, but I have been riding on/off waves of exhaustion and using what little energy I have to work on my next project.

I think last I mentioned I was working on the revised version of my script. And I was, until my work laptop died…which my script was on. Which I had foolishly not backed up yet. On top of things my personal desktop computer started to go. 

I knew dropping off my laptop for repairs that I would likely never see the script file again. Thankfully, I’d only completed most of section 1 (of eight), so I decided to just push forward, write down what I remembered, and begin thumbnailing so I wouldn’t lose momentum. Luckily, I have a hard copy of the old version of the script, the revised outline which lives on google drive, AND, as it turns out, I had exported one scene (the one I was the most proud of) to google drive as well. So it’s not been a total wash, but still a bit of a blow.

All that said, I’m glad I chose to move forward because TCAF (Toronto Comic Arts Festival) applications are up and a good friend encouraged me to apply and get the first section of this Baba Yaga comic I’m working on done…which is…ambitious. I’m looking at between 35-40 pages needing to get done for may.

So, what does this mean? Well, it means this newsletter will be more sparse on writing, but filled with in progress shots and descriptions. It means while I’d love to return to some youtube videos, that will likely have to wait as I will be on a breakneck pace until then. Either way, I’m excited to get to take y’all along the entire comic process with me as I race towards April 2024 with this comic. For now, I’ve just done rough thumbnails and there are several more passes to go. I’ll have more words on that in the next letter!

Graces/Being kind to myself

When I decided to take this on, to avoid the panic spiral, I had to think about what advantages I have and what things I can let go of in order to allow this goal to happen. Some of those things are:

• Order grocery delivery. Financially, I’d love to save here, but I save so much time and energy through a service like this (and I know that’s a privilege). I’ll save money elsewhere and balance to allow for this expense.

• My apartment will be less tidy and that’s ok.

• I likely won’t be able to go as hard at the gym. I’ll go to move and stretch, but remember to be gentle with myself. The GAINZ can happen later.

• Ask friends to body double and work with me, or cook meals together, or cook for me if they’re feeling generous.

Recommendations

Something I (re)-read : The Odyssey

Emily Wilson’s translation is hands down the best translation and I am extremely excited (and have pre-ordered) he take on The Iliad. She translates not only accurately (omitting some of the misogyny other translators self-selected), but also accessibly and without unnecessary flourish.

Something I watched : (well, gamed) Baldur’s Gate 3

That I can put this game down in order to make comics is nothing short of a miracle.

Something I listened to : Unreal Unearth

I’m of mixed opinions on this Hozier album. Some songs really stick with me, and others not so much. Either way I think it’s a nice shift and an ambitious one at that, and maybe the album will grow on me more with time.

Wish me luck!

That’s it for this update. I’ve gotta get back to the frantic work.