The Pageturning Report: November 2023
My new children's book (completing the 2nd draft). Podcasting highlights with StarQuest. And more!
Pageturning continues to grow! This newsletter now has just over 220 subscribers! I can’t thank you all enough for your interest and support.
Earlier this month, I talked about how I was taking steps to recover from burnout after completing a major project. I’m glad to report that I’m feeling better after seeing my general physician and getting some good advice for dealing with these symptoms in the future.
Still, I’ll have to remain cautious about overloading myself during the hectic holidays. I had a minor health scare this past Sunday (Don’t worry, I’m fine!) that’s brought home to me the seriousness of my tendency to workaholism (fueled by my anxieties) and the toll this has taken on my physical and mental health.
I need to do better. So please, if you could, say a prayer for me.
Ongoing projects
November has been a busy month, with several important creative projects in the works. . . including two books!
Middle grade nonfiction book
A couple of weeks ago I completed a third round of light revisions to my MG manuscript. Luckily the fact-checker had very few comments on the text. The copyeditor will review the manuscript again, after which we should be able to begin working on the layout of the book. I am so excited to see the illustrations that the art team come up with!
Stay subscribed to Pageturning for all the latest details on my debut children’s book. Hopefully next year I’ll finally be able to share the title with you. . . .
Accountability group
As I mentioned last month, I’ve signed up for another quarter of accountability sessions with book coach Katelin Cummins. My goal for this quarter was to finish a polished draft of a new middle grade book so I could participate in pitch sessions with publishers at the Catholic Writers’ Guild online conference in February of ‘24.
I’m pleased to announce that, as of this week, I’m within striking distance of meeting this goal! I’m close to finishing a second draft of this new book. I think this draft is in good enough shape to submit to a publisher. I have some plans for what goals to set for the remainder of the quarter, but I’ll leave those for some supplemental posts in the weeks to come. Stay tuned!
Articles
Voyage Comics
The Woman and the Atom: Part 3 of A Canticle for Leibowitz
In Ven. Fulton J. Sheen’s marvelous book The World’s First Love: Mary, Mother of God, there is a fascinating chapter entitled “The Woman and the Atom.” Like Walter M. Miller [author of A Canticle for Leibowitz], Sheen recognized that the advent of nuclear war shattered the Enlightenment dream of an earthly immortality brought about by scientific progress. . . .
Sheen reminds us that when we erect “Science” and “Progress” as idols in the place of God, they eventually become Molochs, which demand the sacrifice of innocent human life.
Podcast life
As usual, I’ve been busy podcasting for StarQuest/SQPN. I’m still in charge of hosting The Secrets of Middle-Earth, and I’m a regular panelist on both The Secrets of Movies and TV Shows and The Secrets of Star Wars.
The Secrets of Middle-Earth
Examining Tolkien's Elves and Dwarves, I join Mike Schramm and Jeff Haecker discuss the mystical and earthly natures of these beings; their portrayals in media; their rich backstory in The Silmarillion; the symbolism in their relationship (elves reflect beauty; dwarves, greed); their history of conflict and cooperation, especially in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, where Gimli and Legolas's friendship exemplifies their potential harmony.
The Secrets of Star Wars
The so-called “Mortis gods” from Clone Wars and Rebels are one of the galaxy's biggest mysteries, and they’re evidently going to be more significant to Star Wars lore than we realized! I join Mike Creavey and Kathryn Laffrey to take a closer look at these mysterious beings.
The Secrets of Movies and TV Shows
Godzilla and Kong — Exploring the MonsterVerse cinematic universe, I’m joined by Patrick Mason, and Jeff Haecker to discuss our love for the franchise, its proper American interpretation of Japanese monsters, and its potential for the future.
The 1940 Disney film Fantasia is a classic! I’m joined by Kathryn Laffrey and Victor Lams to discuss our childhood memories, its artistic innovation, and technical advancements. We also discuss the film's message and cultural impact found in its mix of music and visual storytelling.
Reading Life
Fairy Tale by Stephen King
The Great Book of King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table by John Matthews
Mary, Mother of Faith by Josef Weiger
Five Pillars of the Spiritual Life by Robert Spitzer, SJ
Farewell for now!
Thanks so much for your ongoing support. And please don’t forget to share this newsletter around with anyone you think may be interested in my work. Be on the lookout for some special announcements in December! God bless and and have a happy holiday season!
It's great to hear how your book is coming along!! 👏🏻👏🏻