WIP Progress + April 2018 CampNanoWriMo

(I'm so excited to win a copy of Sightwitch by Susan Dennard during a Clan Chat! That cover is dazzling and the book is signed! Plus everyone can always use a tote bag, I'll be using this for shopping. ^_~)

I know! An update post on my writing has been long overdue. Apologies!

I've been slowly making progress on revisions for my latest WIP, I've decided I'm changing the name of the novel but the title is still to be determined. The story has changed and grown more than I expected since I started it. It's funny, I thought this story would be quick and easy to write but several years later....nope. To be fair, I was busy doing other things and living my life but now that I had time away I am able to be more objective in my revisions but I struggle with identifying how to make it better.

Finished Journal + Life Update + Sketches

Just finished my latest journal! I'm so excited! I love starting new notebooks but I wasn't really in love with this one, it's by Markings from Staples but it only cost $5 but I still made every dollar count! This one took me almost 4 years to complete, since March of 2014. I used to have time to journal near daily but that slid off about when I got my previous job. I had been journaling off and on last year but I'm determined to journal at least weekly when I can. It's been fun to see my progress and journey in those 4 years. 

If you haven't considered writing in a journal, I wholeheartedly recommend that you do. You don't have to write personal stuff in there if you don't want to but I find that when I write uncensored I feel tons better. It's therapeutic and helps me sleep better at night without those constant thoughts running through my head. I'm the type of person who roles around in bed for an hour before falling asleep so it helps me unwind.

Here you can see the filled pages. Since I had gone on a few trips, I gathered some paraphernalia from the trips and decided to put it in the pages. Probably not the best idea because they weren't really put in order in the pages that I journaled about the trips. Also because the pages are so full the magnetic enclosure no longer closes the book which kind of bothers me but I don't want to cut the enclosure off but for the future I may keep separate journals for trips. The random papers and receipts were sitting on my desk and I finally decided I needed to put them somewhere. haha

Watercolor/Colored Pencil Fun

Yikes! Sorry guys! Trying to get back into updating! Ok, so a few new things I want to mention since my latest update.

Updated my online store at Storenvy! I now have buttons, stickers, a blank notebook, an ashcan sketchbook(limited quantity), and a minicomic(limited quantity), and my ORIGINAL ARTWORK. You know, if you're into that kind of thing. ^_~ I currently have everything 20% off! Use the code: GrandReopening20 at the checkout. Below are some of of the originals I have up for sale. I've used watercolor and colored pencil on them and they will be protected with a fixative.

I have updated my portfolio website domain as I've recently learned about not renewing domains and it can be expensive, especially if you don't renew right away. Apparently you have to wait several months for it to be available again and since I didn't want to pay the redemption fee on top of the domain cost, I opt to wait. Learn from my mistake. Currently it's ELHuey.com but I plan to buy back my previous domain which is EAHuey.com.

I'd like to redesign the website when I can figure out what I want to do for it. For now, it's fine as is but if there are any issues or problems you see and want to let me know, feel free to contact me (find my contact page) or tweet me (@aisazia)! I'd love to hear your suggestions.

I know I missed my quarterly newsletter in December. There were so many things that happened that distracted me, I just didn't have time to make it or update it. Truthfully, I also felt I didn't have too much to add to it either. Something I shouldn't have a problem with this coming newsletter.

Life Update + Traveler's Notebooks

Hey guys! Been a long time! *glances at calendar and gasps* It's been about 4 months since I last blogged!

I want to apologize for it! Lately, I've been doing more reading the last few months and updating my other blog during the end of 2015 but this first quarter of the year has been lacking but I have a good reason for the last few months. Unfortunately I haven't been motivated to read now but I do want to get back into writing/sketching. No good reason why other than I hadn't been feeling like it but once I get started I don't have a problem finishing.

I've been waiting on beta reader feedback and recently (in Feb) received all the expected feedback but now I've been too much of a chicken to go back in to read and revise. All the feedback are reasonable and makes sense, I'm just not motivated to dive in and revise which isn't bad, I'm just procrastinating. While waiting, I wanted to write in February but was only able to get under 6k written which sucks because my goal was 20k. Still, it's progress and better than nothing.

Going to suck it up this month and go through my drafts and feedback when I can. Although, I already know that there is going to be a rehaul of the story including fleshing out characters and world. However, I realized this is going to be a busy month for me and know that it won't be possible. I wanted to do April Campnanowrimo this month but that already went belly up. Instead I decided I'll just read my current drafts and try to outline them if possible so it'll be a bit easier to revise.

Last month I've been asked to be Maid of Honor for a friend but it turns out she wants her wedding in May so technically we have 2 months to plan it.

Yeah, you read that right. 2 months! 

So all the bridal shower/bachlorette, decorations, dresses, etc. Yeah, needs to be done soon. Like yesterday. Fortunately, we have the dresses and some of the stuff done but still have lots to do. I'm glad my friend is pretty laid back about things but that also can be hard when coming to making a decision. I feel like everything is going to be rushed so she won't be able to enjoy anything...Oh well...I'm happy for her and I'm going to do my darndest to make things as easy as possible for her when the day comes. Unfortunately, it looks like it's going to be an all day affair. Like get up at 6am and done at 11pm sort of deal. That is including travel time. *dies* Anyways, enough of that, just wanted to explain why I haven't been as active as I should have been. You can read more in my quarterly newsletters if you're interested.

Just to add some visuals for you, I've been adding to my Traveler's Notebook collection...here are my latest acquisitions. :D I've bought and sold a few but didn't take photos as I knew I wouldn't keep them. My hopes is that I'll bring them with me and write/sketch as I go instead of relying on a computer to type things up and motivate me to sketch on the go more. Personally, I prefer handwriting my novels, I feel like I get a better flow of the story and easier to not go back and edit. Anyways, hoping these babies will get me motivated to write more. They are so pretty and feel amazing. *pets* Do you guys use them? If so, let me know! Share with me your social media so I can stalk follow you!

Draft Sent to Betas + April Campnano + Sketches

Hey all! Apologies again for the inconsistent blogging schedule. As you know I've been working on my novel and life took over. My car decided to have issues and I went out to hang with some friends too. Oh, and family came over to visit so I've been busy. lol

Well I finally did it!

I SENT A DRAFT TO MY BETA READERS!
So if you signed up and didn't get an email from me that has the draft and questionnaire, please let me know!

This is a huge step for me because I've been working on this project off and on for years. I've talked about it a little but besides allowing some people to read the prologue (which I ended up cutting) no one else has read anything I wrote.

Originally I wanted it as perfect as I could make it but it finally hit me that it won't be perfect. Eventually I realized I just wanted it done. lol So I just decided it was good enough to send to my betas. Of course, as the deadline approached my muse decided to add some last minute scenes which ultimately will help with the flow and pace but might need smoothing out.

I'll make those edits once I get feed back from my betas. :D Depending on what feed back I'll get, I might do a second round of beta readers so if you're interested in beta reading for me and missed this round. Go ahead and sign up here and I'll add you to the next round if I decide to do another round. :D You'll also be included for future beta reading.

I have plans to work on a few things during Campnanowrimo but I've already fallen behind. I plan on catching up. I want to work on a few outlines for two series of mine. I'll flesh those out but I didn't know that the minimum word count is 10k. I don't write that detailed of an outline so I decided to add a short story that I want to submit for an anthology. I'm a little stuck at the moment but I hope to find a spark of inspiration soon.

I've been working on some watercolor experimentation. You can see those on my Twitter or my Instagram.

Also I got my Nomad Art Satchel! Been excited to get this for awhile! I'll have to play around with it some more, but I want to do a review on it. As there are few reviews online, I thought I'd try to be helpful and share my thoughts. :) Look forward to that!

Yikes, a lot more things have happened than I thought. lol That's it for now, I'll see you guys the next time! Stay cool! Enjoy the weather if you can! It's rainy but at least the temperatures are fairly nice. :)

Blindfolded Love and Life Update + Sketches

Hello friends! I know I haven't been posting regularly but I haven't had too much to update you guy with concerning my projects. If you follow my twitter (@aisazia or @he_anev) then you pretty much have seen what I've been up to lately.

I've been in the slews of editing and I'm about half way done with my 2nd draft. So I'll be trying to finish that and maybe a 3rd draft before I send it out to beta readers which you can apply here! Since it's my first time editing a project of such lengths I fear it's taking longer than I expected. I apologize for that, I have severely underestimated how long it takes one to edit.

Still I am persevering and the cold doesn't really help. It's been below zero where I'm at and it makes me want to be even more of a recluse than I already am. haha 

Oh! I have a new instagram account if you want to follow me there! Not much on there yet but I'm mostly on twitter. lol

Anyways, I took work off yesterday because I didn't want to deal with the cold so I cleaned and refilled my fountain pens. I hope it encourages me to do more sketching and writing. Went to work today but my car wouldn't start so fortunately my mom had work off so I could borrow her car. lol I contemplated not going to but I was already ready to go and I need the money. XD I hope my car is more cooperating in the future, I just replaced the battery... :/ It would be a terrible time for it to go out on me.

Until I finish, I'll just keep trying to post as new things arise. I've been reading and posting reviews on my other blog more regularly, mostly because I need to have it done. I suppose I should set more deadlines on myself because then I'm able to get more done. But then I always feel terrible if I miss a deadline. lol

That's about it for now! Hope you all stay warm during this winter freeze!

The Beta Reader Hunt: Blindfolded Love (Fantasy Novel) + New Quarterly Mailing List

Hey everyone! As you guys probably know, I've been working on my project Blindfolded Love. I'm currently working on the 2nd 5th draft but decided to go ahead and see if there were any of my wonderful followers who are interested in beta reading the story for me. :)

Ideally I'll finish with my drafts by mid to late January 2015. I would like to send out the manuscript to betas late January to early February. The deadline for feedback to be sent back to me by the end of February so I can make the edits in March to be sent to a few more betas before my ideal release date in mid to late 2015.

UPDATE: June 30, 2016 - I've received my first round of beta feedback and am in the process of revising accordingly. Since it's going to be a bit more work than anticipated, I'm looking for betas to review in later 2016 or early 2017. Sign up to my newletter (make sure you sign up as a beta reader) and I'll notify you. :)

If you're interested, please fill out the form below. If you're not sure what Blindfolded Love is then check out my little synopsis I have below. I can provide a sample excerpt if you're on the fence to see if it's something you're interested in reading.

Feel free to contact me at AisaziaCreations (at) gmail.com if you have any questions about this!

Please share with anyone you think who might be interested.

Also I have a new quarterly mailing list to better keep in touch with my readers. If you're interested, please sign up here (or you can sign up on the right side of the navigation):

Subscribe to my quarterly mailing list

Thanks for reading!



Blindfolded Love
Genre: Fantasy/Romance/Adventure
Synopsis:

Niella, a Creahuntress (creature hunter), wants to avoid marrying her betrothed arranged by her uncle. She refuses to marry someone she doesn't love or who isn't on her skill level. Her uncle reluctantly agrees but in order to void the marriage completely she must capture or kill the Creashifter, QuickSilver, a creature shifter who has been able to elude all Hunters and is also responsible for the deaths of her father and brother.

Alive + Job Search + Revising

Hey lovelies, sorry I've missed the past few weeks, just been busy with life. Looking for a new job and living life. Not that it's really new, just now making a bigger push for a full time job. Been trying to be more serious about it because apparently I feel like a change in my life. I know this will take time away from my sketching and writing, but to be fair, I've been slacking on those too. lol

While I love where I am now, I realize I need to put myself out there and try to make the most out of my life. I'll still write and sketch but those will stay hobbies for now unless I hit it big. Then by all means, I'll take it. ^_~ For now I'm content with working and doing the things I love to do.

I've also officially ran out of scanned sketches now. lol Going to have to step up my sketching game and just take photos instead of scanning it. It's much faster for me that way. Also, I think I've nearly caught up on my more recent sketches. I know the past sketch dumps have been a combination of 2011-2013 sketches but I hope now it will be more recent for those of you who are following my progress.

In terms of updates, I have been revising Blindfolded Love! Finally! There still needs to be some smoothing out at the end but I think the story is near complete! It feels good to be this close to being done but also scary because it's the closest I've got to being done on a project I've been working on for awhile. o.0;; I'll finish up the end then go through the story and clean up any inconsistencies then go ahead and send it out to my betas or my Book Bouncers! 

If anyone is interested in being a beta for me, please contact me! Would love the feedback because I'm still new at this and could use unbiased but fair comments about my work.

Hope you all have been good! :D

Book Bouncers + Revising + Sketches

Hey everyone! Hope you all have been well! So, I have been able to talk to a friend about my stories, aka from now on are coined Book Bouncers. Yeah I think it's funny. lol We talked out some of the plot issues I have with my stories and I got feedback about it. That has been so helpful!

My book bouncer seems to be pretty excited over the stories which is great! They read stories that I like so it's good to have someone who reads similar stories. They have the knowledge to help me avoid common cliches and stereotypes and solve some story issues with some original ideas. That definitely helps motivate me to finish it. I know it's mostly done but I just need to fill in the empty spaces and help make the transitions better. Still needs revised and completed but it's on its way to being done. 

Going to try to set some hard deadlines for myself now that I'm more available. I hope to finish these stories one day even if they aren't as good as I had hoped. I really need to get them out because I've had them for years and it's getting horrible how unfinished I am with everything. The same with my comic projects.

I decided to try assigning myself tasks for the week for my project so that I  hope to get a little done each week. I was doing it daily but for some reason fell off that wagon. I was so productive during that time. I forget what distracted me but now I need to start doing that again. *pulls out calendar*

Current task of the week: Revise Blindfolded Love's story structure and add new pieces to the story.

Life Update + Glass City Con + Otakon + Sketch Dump

Hey everyone! I have sketches for you today! Did you miss them? lol I think I'm finally near the end of my 2012 and 2013 sketches. haha I need to start getting new images for 2014. I'm definitely going to change it up soon. I'm not going to scan them as often anymore (takes too long and it's not connected to my computer because it's too big and takes up too much space) and instead take photos which I feel is more appealing showing my tools of the trade and atmosphere.

As you all have known, I've been busy with cons the last few weeks and I had a great time! It was awesome to meet and talk to new people! I still need to go through all the business cards and info I got from artists. lol I'm so slow at doing that. I think I still have some from Otakon last year that I need to go through. I'm terrible. XD I'm going to try to knock those out in the next week.

MoH Duties + Sketch Dump

Hello darlings! I won't have much time to write this week so here's an actual pre-planned post! I haven't exactly been working on my projects as I would like since I've been busy planning and doing things for the upcoming wedding.

My sister is getting married as some of you may know and it was quickly approaching! Before I knew it the day's finally here! She's getting married on Saturday so I'm not exactly sure what other things I'll need to prepare for but I think most of my duties are complete. I just need to prepare a Maid of Honor speech which makes me a little nervous. I'm not a public speaker and I haven't done it in awhile so I'll need practice. I hope that it'll turn out well. Hoping it'll be fun. Just need to learn to relax and have a good time. :) So glad I'll probably only have to do it once. XD

Meanwhile, I made a decision to try to finish a long time WIP. I really want to finish "Blindfolded Love". For those of you following my sketches they are pretty much the same two characters I've been sketching all the time. XD Originally it was just going to be a comic but I felt like it wasn't good enough so I started to write it in a novel form for the Campnanowrimo July 2013.

I wrote about half of it before stopping and working on another project. Then I decided to pick this one back up and had an urge to fix it. Now I really want to finish it and move on. It's really tough because now I want to work on a different project but my goal for this month is to at least finish this story by the end of June. There are a bunch of random scenes that I need to transition into the story since they were written randomly. lol That'll be fun to fix. /sarcasm

I also have the urge to read but haven't been able to do that either. *whimpers* I plan to go on a weekend binge once the wedding is done and things have settled. I have been able to play with some watercolors which has been fun. The paper really does matter. (is a noob) So don't be like me. Make sure you get quality supplies! I'll have to post some progress shots that I actually remembered to take while doing it. lol I did kind of mess up at the end though. I'm not too fond of it now but I sort of fixed it but I don't think it'll ever be the same. lol There is a thing as overdoing a painting. Especially on a watercolor painting. XD

Oh, I've got some cons I need to prepare for that's coming up in July (Glass City Con) and August (Otakon). Oh boy, I'm going to be super busy these next couple of months. o.0;;

One last thing, I have an interview next week for a FT job. It's a courteousy interview but I'm going to do the best I can anyways. So wish me luck! :D

Just wanted to give you guys a little bit of what's been going on with me. I haven't forgotten or abandoned this blog or OriginiquEquanimity. I've just been crazy busy. >_<;; Hope you all are doing well! :D

Busy Life + 2012 Sketch Dump

Sorry guys, just so busy with stuff as my sister's wedding is coming up and life in general. I know it's not a great excuse but it's keeping me busy. Plus my youngest brother graduated and my other brother came in town to visit so of course I'll have to hang out with them. Crazy how time is flying by so quickly! D: Need to try to get more done! *shuffles crazily*

I really wanted to do Junowrimo this month but it's highly unlikely that I'll join in because I'll be too stressed. I might try to rebel and finish up a WIP instead because I'll be able to handle that more. I'll try that at the very least. Are any of you guys attempting that then July Campnanowrimo?

I haven't been able to sketch as much lately either. Need to remedy that quickly! Especially when I keep buying more. lol I need to get photos from my camera so I can blog about a few events I went to the last few weeks. Whoops. I'll get on that too.

Oh yeah. I better get started on my Maid of Honor speech too. Ugh, I hate public speaking but this has to be good. I promised it would be and I've got a few ideas. I just need to write it all out. Any tips from you veterans out there? I can't wait for this to be over so I can move on and focus on the stuff I want to such as writing and more drawing. haha

1st Annual Big Comic Show + 2012 Sketch Dump

This Saturday, May 17, I'll be at the 1st Annual Big Comic Show at Pickerington Library! I'll be there with a bunch of other awesome local comic creators/illustrators! So stop by and check us out! The event is totally free! I heard the weather should be awesome so no reason not to stop by, right? ^_~ The event lasts from 11am to 4pm. I'll have prints, buttons, stickers, bookmarks, and my notebooks for sale if you're interested! :)

Sorry guys. I know I missed the last few weeks. I've just been busy with RL and haven't had time to write a post. I've been planning my sister's bridal shower/bachelorette and has been more time consuming than I thought it would be but it's coming up in the next few weeks so I'll be done with that soon.

I'll probably still be MIA for the next few weeks because of it. I'm going to just set up a few schedule sketch dumps for the next few weeks so you'll still have something new from me. I should have done it for the last few weeks but things kept coming up and I would just say I'd make it up later to discover the new week just passed. I need to keep up with this blog again.

I have been trying to flesh out one of my stories. I took a break on it for a bit before jumping back in. I wanted to write more but I don't think I'll be able to until I figure out my characters and overall plot line. Still, do note I am working on it....slowly....lol

I also stopped by Fort Hayes for the 8th annual Ohioana Book Festival this pas Saturday! It was interesting. I wanted to attend previous years but things always came up. I decided to go despite the terrible rain. I'm not going to lie, half way there I desperately regretted being out there but once I made it to my destination it was much better. lol I'll make another post with some pictures I took to share with you all!

Hope you all have been productive!

April 2014 Campnanowrimo + 2012 Sketch Dump

Campnanowrimo for April is quickly approaching! I'm going to try to crack out two novella first drafts at what I think will be 20k each. It might be more or less but the goal is 40k words for the month and project. :)

I've got my cabin mates and they look like a wonderful lively bunch. I'm excited to get going. I shouldn't be because I've not worked on my outlines much at all. Still, can't help but bounce with excitement at getting this project started.

Time to get some projects finished! Follow me on Twitter to keep up with my progress! I'll also try to update my weekly status.

Are you guys going to be joining in? Let's cheer each other on! :D

Planning for April CampNanoWrimo + 2012 Sketch Dump

I'm going to do CampNanoWrimo again in April but I plan on doing it a little differently. I'm going to see if I can do a couple of rough drafts for the month. I'm not too sure which project I'm going to work on. I've been switching back and forth between a few of them. OTL I know, I'm horrible. XD

The overall goal for the month is to finish 20k a week for a few novellas. I'm attempting to write two first drafts for two stories. That'll be a total of 40k but more would be better. It'd be great if I could finish the drafts earlier but we'll see how it goes. lol I know I'm capable of 20k a week but that's pushing it for me. haha Better not miss a day. XD I have a general idea of the stories but rough outlines are going to be generated in order for me to write it well. lol

Now to determine which stories to work on....lol Wish me luck!

2012 Sketch Dump

Sorry, nothing to really say this week. I was going to try to write something vast and significant but nothing really happened. Had a dinner to talk about bridesmaid stuff for my sister's wedding that went well. Otherwise, not too much else. XD Sorry I'm so boring.

2012 Sketch Dump + Thoughts

Here's some more crazy/random stuff from my sketchbook. The first image are ideas for Blindfolded Love which you probably already knew. lol The later two images are just concepts for a story of mine. XD Also just practicing different body types which I really need to practice.

Not too much new on my end. Got over that blasted cold finally. I'm feeling much better. I really want Winter to be over. Spring is my favorite season and I can't wait for it to start.

Ah, I finished a sketchbook! It's my large 9x12 Strathmore 400 Series Recycled Paper Pad which apparently I still need to review...lol Whoops, I'll have to get on that. Well this was one of my first sketchbooks. I didn't even start dating my work then so I think I got it in either 2006 or 2007...We'll go with the later but since I finished it in 2014 it's taken about 7 years to fill. XD To be fair I do use up as much white space as I can so I went back to pages that I hadn't fully used yet. lol Still it's a good feeling. I'm already using a new one, it's probably a little over half way full of sketches for school but I plan on going back to fill in all the extra white space.

Oh I realized I can borrow ebooks from the library without using an ereader! I still need to buy one or get a tablet eventually. lol Going to use that as soon as I finish all the of the books I already have. Much easier to return books as well. XD

2012 Sketch Dump + Rambles

Sorry about not posting last week. My brother came into town and I ended up spending time with him then I completely forgot to post anything. We had a good time, it was quiet for the most part but we started to plan on going on a vacation which I think we definitely need. I hope it all works out.

Man, I really need to keep these sketch pages more organized. Apparently some of the sketches I've posted are from 2011 and earlier but I take so long to fill up a sketch book that I forget. I don't really check the dates either but for now if you really want to know when I did a sketch you can tell by the date I usually sign on the pages. Also I'm losing my buffer so I'm going to have to start sketching a page a day again. I fell off that wagon sometime at the end of last year. Whoops. lol

Lately I've been trying to focus on writing so I guess that's my excuse. Unfortunately it's not a very good one as I haven't been writing nearly as much as I would like. I wasn't able to finish the outline as I had hoped by the end of January. I've been stuck on it but recently I started to talk to some people about it and that's helping me work out the kinks. I think I really need to talk it out but unfortunately I don't know many who are interested or are readers of this particular genre. lol Still I'm going to do my best to push through it and move on forward.

I've been trying to play with watercolors lately too which you might see later but it's still messy. I'm learning to handle it with better control but it's still not quite where I want it to be yet. I am using student grade materials so that is something but I do think I might be getting better at it. I just need to not soak the paper and to wet the paints longer so that they are easier to use since they dry and crack because I don't use them enough. lol

2012 Sketch Dump

Sorry, nothing to really say this week. Have a sketch dump!

2012 Sketches + Happy Holiday Season!

Hope everyone is having a great holiday season! Mine is going well so far! Feels good to relax. My family isn't huge on celebrating which makes it easy for us. We just spend time together which works for me. No pressure to have to socialize. lol

Hope you guys got lots of cool presents! :D I got some nice ones from my family. Very practical ones which I like. lol

Still working on my projects. Researching more intently but I'm still not really certain where I'm going with the story. It might be better for me to just go ahead and dive in. lol That's what I've been thinking more lately and just change it once I get a rough draft. haha

We'll see but I am tired of not getting anything done. I know I've been saying that lately. I need to take more of an initiative! Also I need to schedule more posts ahead of time. I need to do a review. I'll try to get one done the next week or so. :) Until then, I hope you guys take care of yourselves and each other!