It’s been a good spring if you don’t count the storm!
I’ve been working hard on my 3rd novel and I’m now 27000 words into it. Not quite as far along as I’d like to be, but I’m still on track to hit my end of September deadline to get it to beta readers.
And I think my beta readers will really like it! This novel touches on so much of what I love about fiction. Mystery, science fiction, interesting and passionate characters, and thrilling action.
I grew up on Agatha Christie (thanks, mom!), who really taught me to pay close attention to what I’m reading—something that served me very well in university. I also developed an early love for Sci-Fi and the way imagined technologies can throw who we are into sharp relief. Finally, this book also cleverly combines the traditional murder mystery with the more modern thriller in a way that will engage fans of both genres.
But what about my life?
Rugby
Rugby season is in full swing! Between work, partners, writing, and powerlifting, I haven’t been able to make it to as many practices as I’d like, but my strength and experience (read: age) still make me a force on the pitch.
My goal of cutting down to a 108cm waist by the end of the year is going… a little slower than planned. I’m still making progress at 120cm, and I should have at least a 115cm waist in time for Bingham (a big queer rugby tournament, this year in Ottawa!), which should give me the extra boost of speed and endurance I need.
My next game is tomorrow, so wish me luck!
Family
It’s been a busy month for the people close to me! My sister’s birthday, my mother’s birthday, mother’s day. Which means I’ve had to do a lot of baking.
I’m very proud of my 6-course meal by 9:30am for mother’s day, even if I know it doesn’t get the likes that my more photogenic desserts get. Still, I got to make my favourite cheesecake!
If you had told me 3 years ago that my favourite cheesecake would be a no-bake cheesecake, I would have called you a filthy liar. No-bake cheesecakes are for cooks too lazy to keep an eye on their cheesecake so it doesn’t split.
Well, I stand corrected. It’s become my favourite cheesecake, and I made several times this month.
Since Kale and I started dating back in December 2019, right before the pandemic hit, we haven’t been able to do much exciting. And I’m still very careful about doing things—my work takes me into hospitals, so I would never forgive myself if I were responsible for spreading Covid. But it is nice to be able to do a few things with him!
With Fan, I’ve been playing Smite and Fire Emblem, so lots of video games there.
In the few hours I have when I’m not reading, writing, powerlifting, working, rugby-ing, baking, or spending time with family, I’ve been playing Dragon Age Inquisition, which has been fun. Should have it finished before the end of the year!
(I kid… mostly)
Reading
In the past month and a half, I’ve read lots of good books! The City We Became, The English Patient, Stardust, Blood Meridian, Out of House and Home, Feet of Clay, and Nev’im.
I’ve also been listening to lots of Writing Excuses, my favourite writing podcast. So I’ve been keeping the creative fuel coming!
See you all next month!
~Payson