When is the time right? Like, for anything

(I don’t have an answer)

💻 what I'm up to 💻

Remember when I’d consistently send this newsletter on the last Thursday every month? Those were good times. I’m endeavoring to get back to that schedule.

Do you ever consider how much time we devote to thinking about if it’s the right time to do something? Is it the right time to pivot careers? The right time to start a project or a class? The right time to run away to the forest never to return? The right time to get bangs? I don’t have an answer to any of these, except maybe about the bangs but that would just be my personal bias speaking. (In case you’re curious, my personal bias says it’s never the right time for bangs).

Sometimes these questions are measurable. When I complete X, it’s time for Y. But so often, they’re these nebulous, maybe thorny spirals that I simply cannot follow to a clear answer. I’ve had a year—well, over a year—of feelings and opportunities and thoughts that can’t be measured in time as we recognize it. There isn’t a linear path or set amount of time to process an emotion or a hope or a loss and move on. How nice it would be for a timer to go off and notify you when it’s the right time.

But then again, it’s not really about time, is it? It’s a feeling. A pull. You have to be in tune with yourself to notice it and comfortable enough with yourself to trust it. That tells you what’s right. When to proceed, when to say wait a minute and hold yourself back. It’s easier to say than do and I’m trying. Just trying.

Thanks for hanging in through that ramble. Besides pondering casual thoughts like this, I’ve been trying to spend more time outside, spend more time being soft with myself and others, and spend more time resting without guilt (why is this so hard to do!).

Oh! Last time I wrote I mentioned I was starting a new job and a few of you have asked about it - I’m doing copywriting for The Army Painter, a maker of excellent paints for tabletop minis. I’ll be at their booth at Origins in Columbus in a few weeks - if you’ll be there, please come say hi! I can’t wait to visit Columbus, see my sister and brother-in-law, and squeeze in as many visits to Stauf’s Coffee as I can manage.

📘 my book things 📘

First of all: Dave from the UK, thank you for ordering Thrill Ride from Malaprop’s! So kind of you. It took me a minute to stop by to sign it, but it’s on the way.

I’ve been in a writing rut, which I feel like happens pretty regularly but! Historically I’ve always gotten out of it, so I know I will again. I still have things in progress, it’s just the actual creation of them comes and goes in inconsistent waves. Highlights:

• Star Wars: Women of the Galaxy Updated and Expanded came out on April 29th and she’s beautiful - the new art, the new characters. Ahsoka on the cover!

• Some of you have asked about The Art of Star Wars Visions: Volume Two that was supposed to come out on the same date. It’s on hold, that’s all I know. Trust me, I’m as bummed as you are. That art needs to be seen by the world!

• My middle grade fantasy went out on submission on a date I refuse to recall or look up because I’m trying not to think about it! I really want to write this series so please, please keep good thoughts for it.

• I pushed my deadline for the Thrill Ride follow-up because, life, but that’s on the horizon.

• I’m in the process of signing two non-fiction licensed IP contracts and I can’t wait to share about them in - I don’t know, it’s publishing, so eight to ten months?

📺 what I'm watching 📺

Andor, Season 2
I implore you, if you are not a Star Wars person, please consider watching Andor. I don’t need to convince my fellow Star Wars nerds. But you, person who likes drama, writing that punches you in the gut over and over, political intrigue, spies, and rebellion? Andor. Watch it.

I’m also watching season 4 of Welcome to Wrexham because of course I am.

📚 what I'm reading 📚

Temple of Swoon by Jo Segura
1) Yes, it is an excellent title and you’ll be happy to know the first book in this series is called Raiders of the Last Heart and the next book is The Lust Crusade. Genius. Perfection. No notes. 2) What a joyful adventure to search for a lost city with a lil enemies to lovers vibe and the perfect amount of spice. If you have been looking for an Indiana Jones meets romance vibe, run to these faster than Indy running away from a boulder.

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Look, I know you’ve probably heard amazing things about this book from a hundred people. Allow me to be the 101st. I understand the raising of an eyebrow at a prequel. But Haymitch’s story? Y’all. It’s a symphony of bravery, stubbornness, and tragedy. It will rip you apart. The same week I read Sunrise on the Reaping, I also saw Thunderbolts*/New Avengers, watched three episodes of Andor, and decided to rewatch Encanto for some reason? No, I don’t know why I punish myself either (welllll, actually I do, but that is for therapy).

🐳 something whalesome 🐳

1924us

A post shared by @1924us

If you need a gentle pat on the back that may or may not make you sob, I bet one of the images in this post from Christian Watson is going to be just what you need to hear.

📃 quote of the month 📃

"Perhaps the most life-affirming moments are when you’re at your darkest and someone opens their arms to you. Someone you don’t know. Someone who just looks at you and, even though they don’t know the why, know you need comfort." - Eric Alperin & Deborah Stoll, Unvarnished

If you need comfort, I hope someone sees you and holds out a hand. ✨