Brief Update

Well,

Life always throw curve balls at you.  For the last few weeks, I have been really sick with non-stop stomach problems.  I went to the E.R. twice, by choice.  Ergo, I had to postpone the July 15th deadline.  I didn't have the attention span to read, and even now, it is a struggle to focus.  But, this is just a minor, temporary set-back, and I hope to get back on a regular writing and revising schedule.

The truth is I have been so out of it, I have been watching Netflix non-stop and knitting, but today I have a lot of work-work to do because I am not moving as fast as usual.  I tried making myself work all week, and simply would not budge. 

The other bit of bad news is that both people I was paying to edit my stuff, flaked out.  What the heck, right?  Other friends have given me some feedback, and they are just as grammar nerdy as I am.  It's not just about that though; the Spanish really is difficult for a non-Spanish speaking readers, even works I thought were common.  So, I am getting a unique perspective on my writing.

Well, that is all.  Here's to celebrating the whole bowl of cereal I could eat this morning and to appreciating the simple things in life.  

I hope you roll with the punches.  Jesú Estrada, Ph.D.

Finished "Los Detectives"!

Yes, Folks,

The last short story draft for my anthology is finally done.  It came in a rush, so I will have to slow the narrative down in some parts and add more conflicts.  However, I proved to myself once again, that I really can word-vomit.  (I, also, decided to work on my sister's short story separately, so I can meet the July deadline.)

So, last weekend I was speaking to a former professor who has printed with small presses, and he told me he had mixed reviews with companies that did not edit any of his work.  No problem for me.  I am considering having my book printed on demand, which makes sense.  That way I don't have to pay any fees or guarantee an amount of sales.  Authors maintain copywrites, but the company gets a percentage  Somebody recommended Citizens for Decent Literature Press, but I am not sure that they print on demand.

Well, my little son is up and my first job is calling:  Mom.  Signing off, Jesú Estrada, Ph.D.
 

July 15 Deadline!

That is the deadline I have set to have the manuscript complete, footnotes and all.  I have gotten off track but have been having the most amazing summer!  Well that is not entirely true. I have immersed myself in reading and art, and that can be as equally important as the writing itself.

Last week, for example, I brought poet Matt Sedillo to my campus twice.  He is an amazing poet, and it deeply inspired me to see him put so much love into his work.  His stories never got old, even though I heard them four times or so.  That's him below.

He has a great YouTube video at the following link of his poem called "The Devil".

Anyway, now, I am on a deadline, and I'm about to take another crack at "Los Detectives," a short story I decided to add to the first half of my anthology, Down South Where the Water is Warm and Other Totally True Barrio Stories. I got some fresh ideas while I was showering.  Funny how inspiration hits you at odd times, but I will take every single one of those moments and save them or interweave them for another day.

Well all, I hope you have inspiring moments in your life, even if they are while you condition your hair.  Writing on, Jesú Estrada, Ph.D.