2026
What a freaking year this has already been. So much death and destruction, and we’re barely a month in. Mental and emotional exhaustion affects us all.
I won’t dictate what actions you should take as our world community crumbles. Each of us have our personal priorities - trans rights, veteran support, immigration, BLM, democracy, etc. All I know is that we’re stronger together. Trite words, but so very true.
Pick a cause that’s close to your heart. Give that cause as much as you can. Care for your families and neighbors. Act locally - within your neighborhood, your apartment complex, your towns and cities.
And when the pressure and exhaustion is too much? Take a break, recharge the batteries. This isn’t a sprint, it’s an endurance race just like the Iditarod. Reaching the next checkpoint is only the beginning when you have over a thousand miles to cross.
Once you’re rested and your internal wounds bandaged, reconnect with your network and continue on to the next destination in our mutual journey.
Hang in there! We support us.
A Mutually-Assured Attraction
On to better news:
I’m currently hip-deep within the Darkstone universe with my current Work In Progress. If you’re interested in following along, here’s the First Chapter to whet your whistle!
(I also started a Pinterest page for the book if you’re interested.)
I’ve made massive changes to my writing process that seem to be paying off.
Usually word count was how I measured my productivity. Over the years, however, it’s been more and more difficult to reach my goals. The last few books I’ve completed were extreme struggles as I forced my nose to the grindstone…until it about fell off.
This year I’ve begun using a four-hour time block, four days a week. Rather than becoming stressed that I’m not reaching a specific word goal, I work for four hours…on anything related to the project. Writing, characterization, research, plot, it doesn’t matter. So long as I’m working on the project, I’m golden.
It’s been an amazing relief! I still occasionally check my word count, but rather than allow a paltry number to trigger my imposter syndrome, I shine it on and continue work on the project.
If you’re a writer lately suffering from lack of productivity, I highly suggest to mix up your writing process, regardless of which methods you currently employ. It’s been a game changer for me!
Darkstone by D Jordan Redhawk
As the signs of magical cataclysm swirl around them, Joram and Naomi are bound inexplicably closer by love… And destiny.
Two women on opposing sides of the battle between good and evil, both pawns in a game they don’t fully comprehend…
Musical Inspiration
When I first wrote Darkstone, I modeled the fictional band, Invocation, on Linkin Park. Their music was dark with hints of anger and sorrow that seemed right for Joram. I easily heard her voice in the lyrics, despite the all-male group.
They lost their lead singer, Chester Bennington, in 2017. Recently, they’ve re-incorporated the band with a new singer, Emily Armstrong.
Now I’m listening to their latest album, From Zero, and Emily is fantastic! I swear that it’s like listening to Joram Darkstone as she belts out those lyrics! I am in audio heaven!
Current Distractions
Shows: Stranger Things bingewatch! Completed seasons 1-5, then watched two documentaries about the show - the making of season five, and one about a prequel play in London. A play!? I had no idea!
Movies: Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story - more a documentary on Netflix, but movie length. I’m fascinated by how people can fall prey to horrible people, maybe because I’ve always felt that I’m susceptible to such tactics. (I recall a time as a teenager being fearful of going to the state fair because Moonies were supposed to be there. I did not want to be trapped by a cult!)
Tunage: Linkin Park…of course. LOL! Actually, I’m listening to my Darkstone playlist while writing AMAA. Linkin Park, Bullet For My Valentine, Papa Roach, Peratus, Avenged Sevenfold, Halestorm and Anthrax. But mostly Linkin Park.
TBR: I’ve got a number of books waiting - two of the Tony Hillerman novels, the Daggerheart RPG book and an estate planning book.
Reading: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo - I’ve read the series before, and really needed a shot of Lisbeth Salander these days.
Happy Reading!
