Timothy Bateson's Blog: The Lupine's Call - Available to read Free
August 2, 2024
I’m slowly updating my online store!
TLDR!Here’s what to expect from this month’s update:
August update
Introducing “Polrabinex”, the cure for political rabies
Bookish events for August 2024
July 2024 Accountability
I’m slowly adding items to my online store.July was a busy month for editing, and I was able to complete the second editing pass of the anthology. While I prepare to write the dedications, and conduct my final edit pass of the stories, I’m keeping busy with other things.
One of those is reviving my online store, and some products I haven’t offered in a while.
Introducing “Polrabinex”, the cure for political rabies.As much as I try to avoid getting pulled into political discussions, I couldn’t help but poke fun at how heated discussions can get. And that was how this t-shirt design was born!
“Do you know someone who foams at the mouth during political discussions? Introducing Polrabinex. Together we can eliminate political rabies!”
Visit the store for sizes & colors
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Bookish events for August 2024August 1st – 31st – Child Vision Awareness Month – good eyesight is an important factor in reading and learning, especially at a young age. Book those sight tests!
August 1st – National Planner Day – Get yourself organized and up-to-date, while keeping track of upcoming events and appointments.
August 24th – International Cosplay Day – Cosplay can be a lot of fun. One day, I plan to do cosplays for my characters. Meanwhile, feel free to share yours in the comments.
August 29th – September 4th – Literacy & Numeracy Week – Can you imagine life without being able to read, or do math? Neither can I!
August 30th – Frankenstein Day – First released in 1818, this book is still a classic in every sense of the word.
Feel free to share any local book-related events in the comments.
Writing/Editing Update – July 2024Words edited: 31,782/31,782 (second pass – completed) – Shadows Over Seattle: Prequels 1-5
Days I’ve written something: 0
Days I’ve been unable to write anything: N/A (Editing)
Outline pages: 13 (finalized for “Shadows Over Seattle #1: Of Wolves & Men”)
Draft pages: 4 (for “Shadows Over Seattle #1: Of Wolves & Men”)
Words written: 4,083 (draft – for “Shadows Over Seattle #1: Of Wolves & Men”)
Thank you for reading Timothy’s Substack. This post is public so feel free to share it.
July 5, 2024
July crept in while I wasn’t looking
TLDR!Here’s what to expect from this month’s update:
Monthly update
Comments and questions are always welcome
Bookish events for July 2024 – What a quiet month!!!
June 2024 Accountability
How did June slip away so fast?Last month, I reported the death of my glasses, and the need for replacements. Well, it took me a while to get used to wearing them, and remembering to take them off to read. That and summer yard work cut into my editing time, but I did manage to complete the first editing pass on “Shadows Over Seattle: Prequels 1-5”.
But, then I realized that two-thirds of the month had disappeared. Of course, this always seems to happen during summers up here in Alaska. The unusually high temperatures have been causing me to open windows, turn on fans, and eat cold meals (or take-aways) instead of cooking. I’ve even considered even more extreme measures to prevent my apartment hitting temperatures of 80F or higher.
So, where did June go? I’m half-convinced it burned up in a heat-haze! Convince me otherwise, if you can!
As always, you can drop comments on this post, or try to convince me that 80F isn’t as hot as I think it is!
Timothy’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Bookish events for July 2024July 3rd – Air Conditioning Appreciation Day – I am definitely appreciating any air conditioning I encounter during these hot summer days.
July 7th – Tell the Truth Day – Truth or Dare, Two Truths & A Lie, or just straight up truth time?
July 12th – National Simplicity Day – What could me simpler than picking up a great book and reading all day?
Feel free to share any local book-related events in the comments.
Writing/Editing Update – June 2024Words edited: 32,183/32,183 (first pass – completed) – Shadows Over Seattle: Prequels 1-5
Words edited: 10,251/32,143 (second pass) – Shadows Over Seattle: Prequels 1-5”
Days I’ve written something: 0
Days I’ve been unable to write anything: N/A (Editing)
Outline pages: 13 (finalized for “Shadows Over Seattle #1: Of Wolves & Men”)
Draft pages: 4 (for “Shadows Over Seattle #1: Of Wolves & Men”)
Words written: 4,083 (draft – for “Shadows Over Seattle #1: Of Wolves & Men”)
Thank you for reading Timothy’s Substack. This post is public so feel free to share it.
June 1, 2024
As we head into June, what are your plans for summer?
TLDR!Here’s what to expect from this month’s update:
Monthly update
Give feedback on these updates
Bookish events for June 2024
May 2024 Accountability
So, what happened in May?Last month, I said that things had been pretty quiet, and that trend continued into May. I took a week off to do some work on my various writing/design projects, and didn’t get as much done as I’d hoped on the writing front.
I also broke my glasses, and discovered just how hard it can be to get a short-notice appointment for an eye exam. Thankfully, I was able to get a cancellation appointment, and have new glasses on the way. But being without them for two weeks has definitely affected my reading, driving, and writing.
Of course, that just means I’m more determined than ever to reach the end of the first editing pass on the anthology. Because, I want you to have the best version of each of these stories that I can possibly produce.
And speaking of the anthology…The first pass edit is almost completed, with notes made on four-out-of-five stories. It should be relatively easy to edit the last story before the middle of June, and then type up the changes and print out what I hope will be the final version. And then it’s on to deciding on a cover for the collection, and formatting.
Talking of cover design, I’m so grateful to everyone who provided feedback on the concept designs. So much so, that I went a step further, and created a cover for each of the individual stories.
Overall, I’m pretty happy with how these designs came out, and I might even re-release the stories that are currently available with these updated covers. These are only available in ebook format, right now, but for the anthology, I’m certainly considering a print-edition (and that will likely mean hiring a cover artist).
YES, there are two covers for “April Fool”, since it features two characters. I’m interested in seeing which of the two catches your interest most, and why. Would you buy each story individually, for a quick read, or would you wait for the anthology?
As always, you can leave your views in the comments, and not just on the covers
Timothy’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Bookish events for June 2024June 1st-30th – Audiobook Month – Don’t have the time or patience to read? Why not grab a good book, and listen to it while doing other things? (Share what you’re listening to in the comments).
June 1st-30th – Age Without Apology Month – be proud of your years, the experiences you’ve had, and revel in pushing boundaries, no matter what your age.
June 10th – National Ballpoint Pen Day – Never leave hope without a notepad & pen. You never know when you’ll need one.
June 15th – Magna Carta Day – Signed on this day in 1215, this might just be one of the most important documents for civil rights & liberties for over 800 years.
June 18th – Autistic Pride Day – If you know, or live with someone on the spectrum, you know the challenges & joys it can bring. Celebrate, and learn more.
June 19th – National Thank a Teacher Day – Because they don’t get enough thanks for all they do. And, because without them, many if us wouldn’t have a love of books & the written word.
June 20th – National American Eagle Day – A symbol of national pride, strength & freedom. And still on my wish-list of birds I want to handle one-day.
June 22nd – Positive Media Day – Let’s share positive stories, and being a little light into the world.
June 26th – I turn 50!!! – That’s half-way to 100, 20 years older than when I arrived in the US, and older than Douglas Adams (one of my favorite authors).
Feel free to share any local book-related events in the comments.
Writing/Editing Update – March 2024Words edited: 24,868 / 32,183 (first pass) – Shadows Over Seattle: Prequels 1-5
Days I’ve written something: 0
Days I’ve been unable to write anything: N/A (Editing)
Outline pages: 13 (finalized for the novel)
Draft pages: 4 (for the novel)
Words written: 4,083 (draft – total for the novel)
Thank you for reading Timothy’s Substack. This post is public so feel free to share it.
May 2, 2024
Spring is here, and I’m feeling productive!
Here’s what to expect from this month’s update:
I’m keeping this one short(ish)
Updated anthology cover concept, based on your feedback
Bookish events for May 2024
April 2024 Accountability
I’m keeping this month’s update short…There isn’t much to report for this month, since it’s been pretty quiet.
I’ve been doing maintenance work on the apartments I live in, editing the anthology, and working on the cover design, based on your feedback. I’ve also been working full-time, but am making good progress on all three projects.
And here’s the good news, I’m carving out some free-time in the early part of May, by taking vacation days from work.
I’m hoping to use the additional 3 days off to get through the rest of the first edit pass on the anthology, which happens on paper. Then, I’ll look through my notes, make what changes I feel need to be made, and start the second pass (story flow, plot consistency, and clarifications).
And that’s the start of the process of bringing you the best version of each story I possibly can.
An updated cover design, needing feedback…Last month, I showed you a couple of cover concepts for the anthology, and asked for your feedback. I’m thankful so many of you took the time to respond.
Here are a couple of the thoughts people shared with me:
The addition of red is nice, but not as a border….maybe as a highlight elsewhere? Just a thought
Make the head lighter in color than the background. Right now the colors are too close in shade and intensity. Lighter would make it ‘pop’ a bit. Orr you could lighten the background and the darker figure would sink into it.
Based on your responses in the comments, and polls, I’ve updated one of the cover concepts for the anthology. I’d love your feedback on the changes. (Open each image in a new tab to see the full cover design).
For reference, the new concept is on the left, and the original one on the right.
I’d also love to hear what you think of the covers.
What kind of stories would you expect in the collection?
What are your first thoughts on the new cover design?
Any suggestions for changes that would make you want to pick it up?
Or, just want to drop an unrelated comment?
Hit the button below, and feel free to have your say.
Which brings us to events for this month…
Bookish events for May 2024May 1st -31st: National Get Caught Reading Month – After all, isn’t that what we love most? Pick a book, and get caught reading it. Bonus points for recommending the book to someone in the process.
May 1st – 31st: Small Business Month authors often rely on small businesses to help get their books published and in front of potential readers. Please show your local small businesses some support.
May 1st – 31st: National Walking Month – I find walking not only relaxing, but often find myself solving problems with my writing in the process.
May 3rd: Wordsmith Day – celebrate those who take the written word, and craft it into compelling stories, and impactful messages.
May 3rd: National Paranormal Day – Stories exist all over the world of paranormal creatures and encounters, the inspiration for so many authors.
May 3rd: Write A Review Day – Help fellow readers to pick their next book, and write a review of something you’ve read recently.
May 4th: Anti-bullying Day – I was bullied extensively growing up, so am a huge supporter of any effort to stop others having to experience it.
May 13th – June 13th: National Smile Month – Who can’t use a smile now & then? Make someone smile, and brighten up their day.
May 23rd: National Title Track Day – If your life was made into a movie, what would be the title track?
May 25th: Towel Day – Celebrate the life & works of Douglas Adams, author of “The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy”, and a big influence on my sense of humor.
May 25th: Geek Pride Day – Say it, and say it loud “I’m A Geek And Proud”. Let your geek flag fly.
Feel free to share any local book-related events in the comments.
Writing/Editing Update – March 2024Words edited: 15,256 (total – first pass) – Shadows Over Seattle: Prequels 1-5
Days I’ve written something: 0
Days I’ve been unable to write anything: N/A (Editing)
Outline pages: 13 (finalized for the novel)
Draft pages: 4 (for the novel)
Words written: 4,083 (draft – total for the novel)
Thank you for reading Timothy’s Substack. This post is public so feel free to share it.
Timothy’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
April 5, 2024
I’m Shifting My Writing Focus (Short-term), See What That Means…
TLDR!Here’s what to expect from this month’s update:
What lead to this decision?
How I’m shifting my writing focus
And I’d like your feedback on something
Bookish events for April 2024
March 2024 Accountability
Why am I shifting my writing focus?My wife and I recently got asked to take on a property management position over the apartments where I live. This has cut into our free time, and shortened my available writing time. However, it has it’s own rewards, which are going to help with some of our long term plans.
So, what about this change of focus?As noted last month, I shifted to gamifying my writing progress, and it helped for the time I had available. So I’ll certainly be using this method for more of my projects, going forward.
And it’s one of these other projects that’s going to become the focus of my writing efforts (for the short-term). While I adjust to the new responsibilities, and get used to the extra work of being a property manager, I’m going to switch from writing to editing.
For a while I’ve talked about collecting the ‘“Shadows Over Seattle: Prequel” stories into an anthology. This collection of urban fantasy short stories featuring characters from the novel, showing an supernatural experience that shaped their lives.
I have the stories all merged into one document, and have started making notes, as spare time allows.
What my plans are for this anthology…I’ve a few plans that I hope will make these stories even better than they were during their original releases (some as many as 10 years ago).
Update each story to match my current writing style, while keeping the original story as intact as possible.
Update the dates for all the events in the stories. When I first wrote them I thought I had a coherent timeline… Surprise… I didn’t!
Update my author bio, forwards and dedications, since a lot has changed in 10 years.
Add a completely new short story, that’s largely written already, and is unavailable anywhere else. (This will take the collection from 5 to 6 short stories)
Create a cover for the anthology that will help set the tone for the short stories, and the novels that are yet to come.
And this is where I need your feedback…I’ve come up with a couple of cover concepts for the anthology, and would love your feedback. (Open each image in a new tab to see the full cover design)
I’d also love to hear what you think of the covers.
What are your first thoughts on the covers?
Any suggestions for changes that would make you want to pick it up?
What kind of stories would you expect in the collection?
Or, just want to drop an unrelated comment?
Hit the button below, and feel free to have your say.
Which brings us to events for this month…
Bookish events for April 2024April 1st -30th : National Poetry Month – Credit to anyone who can write poetry; it’s not easy!
April 1st – 30th: Autism Acceptance Month – Take some time to learn more about the challenges people on the autism spectrum face. And learn how you can help those in your life who live with those challenges.
April 4th: National School Librarian Day – I’m grateful to the librarians at my schools for always pushing me to read at higher than average levels. It broadened my reading so much, that I never lost the love of the written word.
April 7th: National Library Week – As you may have guessed, I pretty much grew up in school and local libraries. Show your gratitude to those who fund them, and those who keep them available for all.
April 9th: National Library Workers Day – My mum worked in our local library for years, and I did several years in local libraries growing up, and into my college years. I know how hard the job can be some days, so show your appreciation.
April 15th: TAX DAY – If you’re in the US, this is your last day to file your taxes.
April 18th: World Heritage Day – Visit local cultural events, locations, and celebrations of heritage around the world.
April 23rd: World Book Day/World Book Night – Check out local book events, signings, and other celebrations of the written word… Or curl up with a book, and enjoy in piece and solitude.
April 27th: Independent Bookstore Day – Local, independent bookstores, are a gathering place for readers and writers alike. Show your local indie bookstore some love, because they are often very supportive of local authors.
Feel free to share any local book-related events in the comments.
Writing/Editing Update – March 2024Days I’ve written something: 2
Days I’ve been unable to write anything: 29
Outline pages: 13 (finalized)
Draft pages: 4
Words written: 4,083 (draft – total)
Words edited: 2,000 (total)
Thank you for reading Timothy’s Substack. This post is public so feel free to share it.
Timothy’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
September 23, 2022
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August 22, 2022
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The Lupine's Call - Available to read Free
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