Mischief in March…
Make of that title what you will!
So since the last blog, I’ve had my birthday. That’s right, recently I turned 35… even more recently I turned 39, but that’s another story.
Despite the title of this particular blog, I’ve had a solid couple of weeks. I’ve managed to get my teeth fully into the job, and I’m enjoying cooking again. I’m cracking on with a couple of ARC reads from to legends of my scene, Donna and Helen. Warzone Wamblings has come back with force… due to Shane actually rejoining us! I managed to dance with the devil for a brief period, and it didn’t cost me any hate. I’ve also got a date for my charity event in June, which I’ll be setting up a page for in the next couple of days. So yeah, it’s been good! But as an author, you probably want to know how book 4 has progressed…
Let’s just say I have my ‘oh shit’ moment now. It’s going to make a lot of people sick, and I’ll probably get some hate from different demographics… but hey, it’s fiction… if it offends you, feel free to leave a complaint in the contact box on my ‘about me’ page. I’ve delayed my alpha and beta readers by an extra month, because I need to make sure I nail this correctly… let’s just say… something rogue is coming for Penbrook!
It’s very different writing at home now, because it’s not my space. It’s just a case of getting used to it really. I’ve become a nighttime babysitter for Billy, as I have to take him out when he wakes up at 9. His cage is in the living room, and when he chews, it’s too loud for mum and dad.
Skyler… she’s still an angel. We have our daily ritual when I get home from work, although she’s grumpy that the fireplace isn’t on anymore!
But, I’m lucky to have a supportive family, and I know Skyler will be missed when I get my own place later in the year.
As we move into spring, the dark finally fucks off and is silenced, and I’ll leave you with this quote:
‘All those memories will be lost, like tears in the rain’ - Rutger Hauer
Thank you for reading, love you all.
Daniel
Sensing Spring…
Got two small moments to share with you after this quick creative update!
Book 4 is in full flow, and dark! I’m loving the tone so far!
I’ll be adding to Well-Being Roulette with additional info. I’ve already put in brackets (next to the song title) what the song is about. Pretty soon at the end of the song’s, I’ll have references to what real life songs inspired each one.
I’ll be buying a camera and ringlight for my bday, so I can start doing the in-camera videos for YouTube again!
Lots going on! Anyway, here’s what’s happened recently:
First, I’ve recently spoke on livestream with one of my favourite YouTubers, The Critical Drinker. It was a Patreon exclusive, but I’ll still take that! Both times were about 15 minutes, and it was pretty baller! The guy is really chill and down to earth, and I even had the viewers and chat laughing a few times. Got pretty popular among the crowd! But yeah, it was good fun, got to ask a few writing questions and movie opinions… has been a real good start to the year, and for some tips on how to start my PC set up when I get my own place.
Second… I’ll have to break this down for you. Basically, on one day off a week, I go to a new restaurant in Redhill. I grab lunch and a smoothie. It’s a nice way to get out, and get used to actually living by myself, plus I’m planning to try all the items on the menu (the chicken/chorizo flatbread is banging). Anyway, I’ve got to know some of the staff over the last month or two, and was enjoying a burrito when one of the servers came up to me and asked me out. Now, this was nice… issue though, she’s at college 😂. I had to explain that I’m nearly 39, and it took her by shock. She started apologising and I tried to make the lightest of the situation, saying I felt complemented that I look that young. We had a bit of a laugh about. Even the guys behind the bar were shocked to hear my age!
Now, this was all good, but I noticed something when she asked me out. I got angry, like irrationally. For a split second, I didn’t see this young woman who was interested in me. I saw someone who wanted whatever from me, and someone who was trying to benefit from me. A literal barrier went up in my mind and shut her out. Fortunately, I had the ‘age’ thing to make turning her down lighter.
It was good though, and I reminder I don’t need to go on Tinder or any shit like that!
My efforts need to be reserved for me though, including decorating and getting my own place.
I’m getting so much more done now, and don’t have the extra baggage of wasting my time on someone.
I’m going to leave you with a quote that’s had me in hysterics for a while:
‘Every time you hit me, a device stimulates my prostate’- Adam, EFAP
Big love for reading.
Wish you all the best.
Daniel
Frosty February
I said I was going to do these monthly, but with some much going on, I think biweekly will make more sense.
Book 4 has its structure now, and it’s voice back. My voice. What I had originally written for the opening didn’t sound like it was written by me- more of a fan fiction if I’m honest. So that’s started to find its groove, and I’ve contacted my new alpha reader, and my beta readers, setting dates and giving myself the accountability to get it done. The biggest help in me finding my voice again was song writing. It’s cleared out a lot of unnecessary junk in my head, and given me clarity within myself.
Since the coach crash, I’ve felt the need to grasp everything tighter. It was a rude awakening that everything could end within a heartbeat. This has lead me on a path to get all the negatives out my system, which also means having to find forgiveness. I don’t want the rest of my life to be anger and untrusting. Although, the mistrust is likely to remain, whether I want it to or not. I’m not forgiving people for their sake, rather my own… and it’s been liberating.
I’ve got actual morning routines now, though my eating is still all over the place. I make a habit of going into town once a week to get myself out the house and just see people. I’m quite surprised with how I’ve changed. If you put me in my current situation but 10 years ago, I would’ve been in Redhill every night, looking to fight, fuck, or drink the first thing that gets in my way. I’m not that anymore.
I’ve been looking for local kickboxing classes, and the gym too… I’ll wait until my legs have got used my current commute first.
Skyler and I have a new hangout spot for when I get home from work. Most of my parents house is wooden floors or tiles, so the stairs is the only place where she can get butt-rubs without sliding across the floor! Billy has become such a character since I’ve been letting him out now. He gets a lot of free time to roam the bedroom floor, and climbs anything in his way!
I’m happy to say, no one has control over me anymore. I’m home every night, with the family, planning and creating for the future. A lot will change, and better things will come.
Thank you for reading.
Daniel
New Beginnings…
So, here we are- 2025. Let’s see how I’ve started this new trip around the sun…
Firstly, my personal life. The new job is sealed, and been there two weeks already. I’ve had to start getting used to having nights off again, but that’s a blessing that I can allocate my free time to- one night I’ll dedicate to reading, another YouTube.. etc etc. Haven’t got it planned fully as of yet, but it’s getting there. I’m also saving three hours of travel a day now, and around £400 a month through travel, as a result… debts are nearly wiped! I’ve been looking at flats, furniture and all other kinds of pieces for when I move out. One step at a time though.
Skyler has settled in to mum and dads, giving her loads of running room. This has solidified my decision to go for an actual apartment and not just a studio, so she can have more roaming room, and privacy if she needs. Plus, I can’t stay in a studio anyway. Not with Billy. I swear that little motherfuckers jaws and teeth are made out of the same shit as Thors’ hammer. At least the furry little bastard lets me pick him up now!
On to the writing side of things… book 4 is taking shape. The beginning part is always the hardest, with setting the tone and pace etc… but it’s coming along now. It’s taken me a while to find the spirit and the will to get back to it, but I’m doing it.
As a result of not being with Edita anymore, I’ve lost my alpha reader and the apparatus to do the book covers from home- as I was before. So, looking for a new alpha reader… will probably post on socials soon, and the book cover I’m already saving for. I’m actually good with money since the cutting of tobacco and alcohol.
As I said, one step at a time…
How have I been since the events of the whole of the last year? I’m moving carefully and cautiously. As much as I can. I didn’t make the bed, so I have no intention of laying in it. I don’t feel as heavy. Things look brighter with each day. It’s all baby steps, but I’m one hell of a fucking driven person, so I will get what my eyes are set on- and that is for a new place for me and the mini family, and book 4 manuscript done by the end of the year.
I’ve rewritten enough of my books. It’s time for me to rewrite my future.
This website will also see a few changes, and I might even add a contact page… but this’ll be after I reveal other plans I have for the long term future.
To new beginnings.
Whoever you are, and wherever you are… thank you for reading.
Much love- Daniel