I know there's still a few weeks left in 2024, but as far as I'm concerned I'm shutting down for the year and just relaxing from here on out. Because, if I'm being honest, I can't force myself to do any work at this time of year anyway. It's hibernation time, so I'm making that happen. Next year my plan is to remember this recurring fact about myself and actually build it into my schedule and plan for it.

I've been wanting to do one of these Editor Wrapped things, but since I'm not on Spotify and don't plan to be, I don't really get it.😆Here's my version of what I accomplished this year, because why not?

Worked with 15 clients: 2 publishers and 13 indie authors.
Fiction vs. nonfiction: Worked on 9 novels, 6 nonfiction books, and a slew of blog posts, reports, and an almanac.
Line/copyedited 6 novels and proofread 8 books.
Genre breakdown: Worked on 2 novelettes (horror and dystopian), 1 horror novel, 1 short story collection, 2 fantasy novels, 1 technothriller, 4 self-dev books, 2 short stories, and 2 first-50-page samples of SF novels.
Copyedited 72 short blog posts for an entrepreneur client.
Total words edited: 986,000 🎉
BONUS: Had my debut art show last week! Scroll down for more info on that. Great way to end the year.

Resource Roundup for Authors

Here's a helpful list with examples of dialogue tags from the folks over at The Story Grid. I love the categories (tags that indicate volume, denote emotion, signify tone, show speed and rhythm, indicate action, etc.).
Back to basics pro tip that saw me finally get productive after a slump: break down whatever you're trying to get through into its most basic unit (its brick). Then check off every time you complete a brick. In my case, it was checking a box every time I edited a manuscript page. That way you can visually track progress and feel good about it.
Do you like ambient noise while you work? Check out this website a fellow editor put me on to: Noises.online. You can choose individual sounds, like a babbling brook, thunderstorm, autumn breeze, bonfire, and more, and modulate how loud you want each sound. Then you can save your perfect blend of sounds for next time!
Why I'm getting back into bullet journaling (because analog notetaking means I don't get instantly sidetracked 😅).

What I'm Reading & Watching

Currently reading a really scary pandemic horror novel, The Fear, by Spencer Hamilton. I also just started Julia, a fanfiction retelling of Orwell's 1984 from Julia's point of view. And to go along with my interest in meditation and Buddhism, I just finished The Joy of Living by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. Great read.
In the new year I'll be continuing with my rewatch of Fringe (Season 2). I can't wait. We're getting into the alternate timeline stuff too.

What I'm Making

Check out the livestreamed launch of my blackout poetry/collage art show, "Little Histories," in Second Life! It was an awesome collaboration with House of Zolo, BBMC, and Odyssey Simulator. The show will be up in the gallery for a few months.
If you'd like to read my full artist statement and check out the art pieces (without going into Second Life), they're on my blog here.