I will endeavor to deliver a small account of what the hell has been happening since I last spoke. It has been an overwhelming, rewarding, and busy time. Let’s get into it with support dog photos!

In March, I was able to hire an editor to give story and plot edits. Upon receiving the editor’s feedback in early April, it became immediately apparent that I had to revise the driving force of the story. I expanded and made the Driving Narrative Question stronger. The Driving Narrative Question is a method to determine if every side/sub plot or side quest is driving the central plot forward. Thankfully, the driving plot was within the story. I just needed to strengthen it throughout and make fitting edits. This took the rest of April, and all of May and June. I created two chapters in the beginning and changed what the midpoint of the story is.

This process is arduous in the time it takes. My outline and the chapter arc spreadsheet the editor provided saved my sanity. I took entire chapters, one to two sentences, and half paragraphs to re-arrange them to their new proper place in the story. It’s amazing to me. The story is coherent and captivating. I was nervous for a hot-second. Crisis averted successfully!

Once I completed the revisions, I sent the full manuscript to readers to read and answer feedback questions. I’ve been diligently looking into their comments and criticisms and making any changes I want as they read. It’s fun and challenging. Receiving criticism on a project I’ve given heart and sweat is a necessary pain to improve my writing skills.

I will be done with reader feedback on August 30th. Following that, I will forward the manuscript to my editor for line and copy edits. I was fortunate to find an editor who combines the two jobs in one. Typically, editors perform line edits separately. Line edits examine the language rather than technical correctness of the sentences. Copy edits make technical changes based on grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage.

Once the editor completes the line and copy edits in mid-October, I will accept or decline the changes. I’m hoping this won’t take more than a week. We’ll see. After, I’ll send the final copy to a proofreader. This will take another two months. Phew!

I’m eager for the time I’ll have in September and October to focus on my marketing, drafting my next novel, and catching up on books I’ve been meaning to read.

There are some thrilling things I’m eager to share. But I must wait, I’m sorry! You’ll likely notice some changes on my website. Check out the “About” page for my author photo and bio! Check out my Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/calebjswitzer/) and follow me for fun posts and updates regarding all things writing and hobbies.

What else have I done this summer? Hannah and I went to the Oregon Renaissance Faire with friends of ours. It’s always fun looking at art and buying some candles, drinking beer, and eating greasy food.

I’ve also enjoyed bouldering this summer. We attempt to go every day during the work week (‘attempt’ is key, it’s more like every other day :D). It’s a great challenge. I appreciate being able to test my mind and body against the climbing puzzles. How do I get to the top and climb back down without falling? It’s exhilarating. I’m pushing myself to climb to a higher difficulty.

Regarding fencing, I’ve been going to several local groups and clubs in June and July. Old injuries keep me from fencing how I used to. It’s a slow process and being patient with my body is the hard part. I’m doing it more regularly, which is the key. Fencing is a learned skill; you must keep practicing maintaining and become better at it.

I’m looking forward to the rest of the year and being able to make some long awaited announcements!