Folks, it’s that time again for me – editing. As you can imagine, I’m pretty much consumed by fixing my novel at this stage. Where everything else is concerned, this meme has me covered.

Still, I must take a break from accepting changes now and then, so here we are. I haven’t done one of these update posts in a good while either. And a lot has gone down.

First, since it’s the most pressing thing in my life right now, the edit. This is the final edit before the novel is formatted, proofread and published. I mean, is this even real? Somebody pinch me! And to top it all off, my wonderful editor Nerine shared this about me on Facebook.

I still squeal a little whenever I read that. 🙂 It goes to show that hard work does pay off.

I’ve also been submerged in a sea of marketing stuff. Now I have to think about branding and newsletters and how to get the word out about my book baby. It’s a little overwhelming for someone who has zero brains for business, but heck, I’ve come this far.

I spent a good chunk of the weekend trying to figure out what’s best to put in newsletters and then set up one of my own. Be a dear and sign up? I won’t ever spam you, I promise. 🙂

At the pace I’m going now, the edit should be done in no time. I’ll keep you updated on the publishing status from here on out, but if all goes according to plan, you should be able to read The Physician’s Apprentice by August/September. Un. Real.

In other writing-related news, I’m planning to complete a few courses and learn to edit. I love beta reading, and have had a hand in helping two incredible authors with their Dragon Age fanfics. Check out the epic conclusion of Withah’s Warded Heart (or start from the beginning here) and also the lovely unfolding story of You Change Everything by Morgalahan.

I’ll also add my own name to the Writer’s Supply Network page for beta reading, so look out for that as soon as TPA’s published. 🙂

Meanwhile, I’ve opened a shop on Etsy. Finally, I know. It’s called Colour And Graphite (all in one word when you search on Etsy). The shop is a little bare at the moment, but don’t despair. I’ve painted and sketched a few items especially for the shop, and will add them soon.

A few of you have asked why I haven’t repainted a doll in so long. Well, I can’t find the sealant I used in Germany and I’m not keen on using toxic sealants with a kid in the house. Without the sealant, the watercolour pencils will rub off, so it’s a no-go for the repaint. Then, one of the YouTubers I follow made a video where she showed how to repaint a doll using only acrylics. She even made her own paintbrushes!

I didn’t go quite that far, but did paint a doll using only acrylics too. Though she’s not quite as polished as some of my other dolls, I reckon this is a skill one can refine, so I plan to paint a few more this way. I’ll keep you updated.

I’ve also been working on finishing one of my other dolls, and will share that as soon as she’s done.

We’ve been in Canada for eight months, friends. Eight. I mean, this must be why the TARDIS is parked in the backyard, because I don’t seem to remember all this time passing.

We’re adapting, though. Every day is a little easier, a little more home. We’ve made good friends, which is such a blessing. Sure, I miss the people back in South Africa and Germany more than I can express. We’re still going to take that guided tour of Portugal with Mario, make no mistake. 🙂 But it helps so much to know we have people in Toronto we can count on.

Kayla’s first year of school is almost over. She’s so happy and healthy, and is thriving. Everything else is a bonus when she’s happy, you know? To see her make her own good friends causes my maternal heart to sing.

Yes, I’m still anxious. But honestly, I’m editing. I feel guilty whenever I’m not working, which is my usual MO. And sure, there are still some things I worry about that have nothing to do with the novel, but I’m working through those things. At least, I’m doing my best. Life is a one step at a time kind of deal, so I’m trying to keep a one step at a time kind of pace.

So this is me stepping out. I have a novel to finish. 🙂

Yolandie