I’m feeling more grounded after November and December. Each month was filled with ups and downs. In brief, I went to Orycon–Convention for Creators, which was a successful learning experience. Dogs are doing well while testing each other’s boundaries, and Turin is done with his neuter and recovery. We experienced Disneyland and had to cancel Friendsgiving because of sickness. My debut novel is in its final stages. All in all, I’m looking forward to 2024.

In reflection, 2023 was a year I tried to fit everything in all at once. And what resulted was double-booking, missed opportunities, and ignoring relationships and joys that make every day fulfilling. There’s a toll for pursuing goals which require heart, soul, and time to meet. Now that I know what to expect, I feel more ready for the coming year and am eager for the results.

This is the second year of our new home. We jumped the gun on several projects and dreams, but we’re enjoying the experiences own a house has to offer. Our second dog, Turin, is a little cuddling sweetheart who bursts into baffling energy at the snap of a finger, and a wonderful pal for Feanor. Here are two shots of the goobers:

Disneyland was a fun experience. I never went as a child (or too young to remember). So through all the rush to get in line for rides, I could soak in what it could have been during the wait. The Star Wars park was a nerd haven; tried blue and green milk—quality beverages. Good for the bones.

Orycon Convention for Creators was a fun experience. I went alongside a group of local writers. We were able to attend various workshops and panels and share as a group what we learned afterwards. I wasn’t planning to go to any conventions in 2023, but the benefit of living in a city is they come to you!

My day job hours allow me to realize my writing career, and that is in full swing. Unfortunately, I have neglected my passion for fencing and physical challenges (because of multiple hobbies). I have a lot of work to do for myself and time management for the year 2024.

Morvelving, my debut novel, is in the third draft for edits. Once that is complete, I’m pushing it through the grammar grind and further critique for the fourth draft. The crucial task is making the first chapter an irresistible hook. Which is extremely difficult, but not impossible.

While the fourth draft is receiving more critique, I’m going to be pushing out queries to different agents and publication companies. I’m awaiting rejections and chiefly doing it for the experience. During this time, I will hunt for editors, proofreaders, and artists to prepare for self-publication. Which I’m keen to pursue over traditional publication.

On my Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/calebjswitzer/), I’ve shared character inspirations and blurbs. Follow me for dog pictures and monthly story updates. In the meantime, I have them all here:

This is Ezrilkath. She is one of the minor characters in “Morvelving”. A leader of a small mercenary band. Ezrilkath is a Monbargar – people most known for their red hair and hot tempers. A fighter her whole life, she has a reputation for keeping her band alive. After a series of jobs, she is desperate to make enough coins to return to Monbargar and reclaim her land from the Ketlan Clan.

When the reader meets Nippiktua, she is eight years old. Deaf since birth and her tongue removed in a cruel tribal practice, Nippiktua must navigate the world and all its challenges through sight, scent, and touch. She is Frystlin—race of humans with blue tinted skin, red eyes, and white hair; They regard her as a savage among other humans. She is often the target of prejudice. This doesn’t stop her learning everything she can from Morvelving so she can be just like him, but less boring.

Orrothix is one antagonist for Morvelving and Nippiktua. Her conquest of the city of Phoithese compels them to flee the land, but inevitably draws them back to confront the winged fire-breather. Orrothix is a Draekurm, not a noble dragon of legends, but a cruel and conniving creature. Created by the corrupt god, Nameless. They seek to dominate and torment as he does.

My visual inspiration for Draekurm are the wyvern dragons from the film Reign of Fire, an under appreciated post-apocalyptic fantasy film. When I saw it as a kid, the image stuck with me, but they needed color and character. Which I hope to accomplish with Draekurm.  

I hope you had the very best and enjoyable holidays! Farewell to 2023.