Update: Some Co Editors Are Helping Create A Less Stressful Work Environment

Update: some co editors are helping create a less stressful work environment

Genuinely, there is no worse part of the writing process for me than revising the first draft. (I always print my first drafts because it helps me see what's there rather than what I think should be there.)

And getting into writing novels has made it SO MUCH WORSE. This fucker is 258 pages, God help me.

Snippet from my queer polyamorous romance novel, Community Witch - an unapologetically trope-y, cozy, and relationship-driven romance story about the healing from trauma, found family, and joyful queer relationships. (Looking to publish next year.) ---

“My life has turned into a Lifemark movie,” Aspen groaned, flopping dramatically onto their bed. “Thirty year old enby leaves the big city, including their terrible partner and the job they hate, to move to a beautiful small town, has meet cute with beautiful stranger before running into The One That Got Away.”

There was a choking sound on the other end of the line.

“You’re allowed to laugh,” Aspen grumbled. “Even I think it’s ridiculous, and I’m living it.”

Becks didn’t laugh, but Aspen could hear the grin in her voice. “I assume the beautiful stranger is Rav, but who is The One That Got Away?”

“Remember that guy I was hopelessly in love with in high school? The wholesome football player?”

“Maybe?”

“My best friend? The one that was over all the time?”

“Oh my god, that himbo you tutored, then pined for the rest of high school? The one you wanted to smash from orbit?”

“Not a himbo,” Aspen bristled, unable to argue with the rest of Becks’ description. “Anyway. She’s Nat now. I ran into her at the gym just now when I was dropping off cards around town. And we’re going to catch up when she’s done with work.”

This time, Becks did laugh – gleeful peals that made Aspen smile despite themself.

Here’s an invaluable writing resource for you.

Snippet from Book 2: Since his mom was out, Corey sent her a text saying that he was heading to Yulia's, then messaged Yulia to say he wasn't feeling well and was staying home that evening. With any luck, he'd be back before they found out he'd lied to both of them.

One of the many, many things that AI has completely fucking ruined is job hunting. It is apocalyptically terrible job hunting right now.

In 2022, I applied to 127 jobs and interviewed with 17 companies to get my previous gig - which is about a 14% interview rate.

This year (after getting laid off in April), I have applied for 83 jobs and interviewed with two companies - an interview rate of 3.6%.

And lest you think I'm doing a spray and pray, I very much am not. I'm being highly selective in what I apply to - it's just impossible to stand out when hiring processes are being flooded with AI-generated resumes. (To say nothing of the number of companies straight up posting fake jobs rn)

In the same time period I've applied to all of these jobs, I've had a higher success rate hearing back from literary agents (28%) than I have applying to jobs.

Which honestly is fucking wild. Say what you want about the accessibility of publishing, but it shouldn't be easier to find a literary agent than to get a first-round job interview.

my recipe for drawing hands!

(small note that this is a shortcut that is more abt style and ease than anatomical accuracy. it helps to take time to really properly study hands, makes it easier to bend the rules a bit like this and have it still look good!!)

(learn rules b4 u break them or whatevah)