Author: KM Martinez

Fantasy writer from South Texas.

Slow and steady…

Hey Everyone! Sorry, I didn’t get to post last month. It was a killer! Lots going on in the day job. I hardly had any time to think, much less post. But in case ya’ll were wondering: I’m still alive! Still kicking and screaming! It’s just been hard to juggle writing with the day job and family life. Good thing is, things are slowing down at work, so I’ll finally have some time to focus on the editing of book 2.

So, I don’t know about ya’ll but life is slowly getting back to normal in South Texas. Delta came and scared a bunch of folks, but it looks like things have kind of settled over here. Just in time, too. Cause the days are getting shorter, the weather is getting cooler, and it’s almost that time. Halloween is just around the corner. Last year, there wasn’t much to celebrate, and no one cared to risk it, but I’m thinking this year is going to be different. Either way, I’ll be out there with a bowl of candy, hoping for a good turn out.

Can you believe it’s already autumn? I can’t! I’ve been working on book 2 for awhile now and I’m sorry to say – editing is going sloooow. I had planned to shelf the novel for a few weeks, then get back to it with fresh eyes, but a few weeks turned into a few months. Don’t you hate when that happens? You blink and it’s October! And you’ve hardly accomplished anything you set out to do! Oh, well. As long as I keep moving forward. That’s all I can do. Baby steps!

Maybe one day I’ll be that independent author that pushes out three or four novels a year. But alas! That’s not me. At least not yet.

I can hope, though.

Summer Update

Hi Everyone! I’m a bit of a late updating this month. I usually try to post something a bit earlier, but life has been busy! Well, busy doing everything but writing. But! I have been thinking about some really cool ideas for book two rewrites–so there’s that. I’m actually excited because it’s going to clean up a portion of the story that I wasn’t quite happy with, and I actually could not stop thinking about–so yes! It’s going to make the story flow so much better.

Anyway, other than that, the day job has me beat. And the time I’m not there, I’ve been using to decompress with family hanging out watching Ted Lasso! Ya’ll seen that? It’s good. Best comedy I’ve seen in awhile. And I’m a softy for movies where they transplant an optimistic, lovable American into some other country, and Jason Sudeikis nails it.

Oh, I saw Suicide Squad, too, on HBO Max. It was pretty good! Gory, but good. If you didn’t like the first one, you should give this one a chance, it is definitely better. And way more outlandish, but in the best way. In a fun way.

Well, I think that’s it from me this month. Keeping it short and sweet. Well, shorter.

Have a great one!

Work, shows, and stuff

Hi Everyone! Hope y’all are having a great summer. Mine has been crazy! The day job has been taking up all of my attention–having to work 12 hour days. It’s been hectic and a little frustrating for sure. Unfortunately, not much to report on the book front this month. I’ve been trying just to keep my head above water. When I’m not working, I’m trying to relax to keep myself from burning out.

On a good note-I’ve watched some quality shows whenever I’ve had the opportunity. For those of you looking for something to watch I’d recommend Loki on Disney+. The show has gotten a lot of flack for being confusing, but man! I don’t think so at all. It’s a fun, fast paced, and Tom Hiddleston is excellent. Is it weird with all the time jumping? Yes. And having several different versions of Loki? Sure! But it’s a fun, different, and entertaining.

What else did I see? Hmmm, well I saw Mare of Easttown–and whoa. If you’re looking for drama and mystery, it will definitely fit the bill. It’s about a small town detective that is investigating a murder. But at the sametime going through some shit. Kate Winslet is really, really good. Like really good. She deserves all the awards. All of them.

Anyway, that’s all I’ve got for this month. Hopefully next month there will be something to report about book 2. Until then!

Just another update…

Hi Everyone! Not much to report this month. Still working on reviewing and editing my manuscript, trying to get it as polished as possible before handing it over to my editor. Sometime next month I’ll probably start working on the book cover. So, all in all–things are moving along slowly but surely.

In other news, things seem to be getting back to normal a bit here in Texas. Most of the people that want to be vaccinated are, and the ones that don’t–well, they’re free not to wear their masks in public–so they’re happy as clams. Now that I’m vaccinated–I’m pretty much whatever about it. Have at it people! If you wanna risk it–cool! You want to chance getting a variant of the virus–go ahead! I’ll still keep my distance and wear a mask indoors because that’s just how I am. Better safe than sorry.

But, like I said–life is getting back to normal. In the past few weeks I’ve been to eat at a restaurant, gone shopping at the mall, went to see a movie at a theater–just the normal every day things I used to do before Covid. And I’ve got to say–it’s was pretty, pretty, pretty good.

And yes! That was a Larry David reference for you guys! I’m a fan, and he’s hilarious. If you’ve never seen Curb Your Enthusiasm you’re missing out!

Anyway! That’s all I have for this month. Have a good one!

And I’m done…

Guess who finished writing book 2? That’s right! This girl!

It was a bit of a rough road, but I’m finally here! Now, I just need to go in and polish it before sending it to my beta. From there, it’ll move on to my editor, proofreader, then last, to formatting. As you can see, there’s still quite a bit to go, but the part that takes the most time to do is now complete.

I’m definitely celebrating this weekend. Gonna get a piña colada or something. With some nachos.

On Friday, I’ll also be fully vaccinated–so it’ll be a dual celebration of sorts!

I don’t know about you guys, but it feels like an exciting time. The world is slowly getting back to normal. People are starting to venture out now after going through a year of the pandemic. I’ll be in New York next month on vacation, too.

So really, it seems like a good time.

April Update

So, not much to report his month other than I’ve spent quite a bit of time writing and trying to finish up book 2. I’m nearing the conclusion where all the fun happens. So that’s good news, I think. Hopefully I can get it wrapped up very soon. I have my fingers crossed that the day job doesn’t get in the way. Or personal life. When real life gets in the way it’s really difficult to stay creatively engaged. My plan is to manage it with sheer determination and commitment. Time to get it done. No excuses.

Once I do, I’ll reach out to my editor about setting up a date and time to do the hard stuff.

Editing is the worse. It’s difficult. You have to kill your darlings and all that. Be merciless. And truthfully, I’m probably the opposite of merciless. But it’s a necessary skill one has to learn to be successful. So, I’ll do it. I’m positive the work will be better for it. I think I’ll be better for it, too.

I think that’s it for this month. Have a happy, safe Easter.

Just a rant

Hey everyone! Looks like February flew by before I could post! There’s no excuse other than it was a crazy month. I was without electricity for a week in freezing cold weather. Then the day job had me so busy that I was all over the place. Heck! I’m surprised I still remember by name.

Anyway, I hope ya’ll are keeping safe and Covid free. I’m trying to be safe–aside from a few scares–I’ve been successful so far. But boy! I can’t wait to get vaccinated. Hopefully the president is right and we’ll have more than enough vaccine by May.

To tell you the truth–things actually are looking better here in Texas, but that’s about to change. The darn governor decided to lift the dang mask mandate and to open up to a hundred percent. Because Texans have “mastered the daily habit to avoid getting Covid.” Ha! Sure we have. It’s called MANDATORY MASKS. As in: you have to wear them even if you don’t want to.

Some folks are happy. And I get it. It sucks not doing the normal things you’d like to do. Or maybe you do those normal things, but you have to keep your distance, and only party with twenty folks instead of fifty. And you have to wear a mask, and oh God! It’s such a hardship wearing a mask everywhere. It’s so hard breathing in your stanky breath all the time. Right?

Can you tell I’m frustrated? Because I am. It’s like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and then some dude just decides to do something stupid that will extend the tunnel. And make things harder. But I really shouldn’t be surprised. It’s the same guy who said green energy was the reason for our power grid failing a few weeks ago. Sure, I was freezing my ass off cause the wind turbines were frozen solid. The wind turbines he neglected to winterize (as he appoints the Texas Utility Commission who oversees ERCOT). And only accounts for less than ten percent of our energy while the rest is natural gas and fossil fuel? Yeah. Okay. Sure, dude.

Anyway, rant over.

January Update

Hey everyone! How’s your new year going? Started off a little rocky, didn’t it? What, with all the crap that happened at the capital. Geez! Can’t we get a little bit of a break from all the crazy? Can’t we have some level-headedness, please? But, I guess that’s too much to hope for at the moment. Especially with those individuals that are deep into the conservative echo chambers that are spreading the wildest of conspiracy theories.

To say things have been on a not so even track is an understatement, but I guess it’s to be expected. The shape of things–it’s just in a bad, bad way–and I suppose it’s going to take awhile for our country as a whole to heal. Patience, I suppose, is needed. Lots and lots of patience. And perhaps some alcohol. Or maybe some chocolate? Sweets can get me through the worst of times. They’ll get me through these troubling times as well.

Onto a more positive topic–writing! I think I’m starting to adjust and am finding a work/life balance. It’s still a bit incongruous with a lot more my attention focused on the day job than I would prefer, but its a start. I’m moving steadily, maybe not at as quickly as I would like, but its still moving forward which is progress!

I’m not going to commit to a day, because I hate to see it blow past me and have to apologize for not meeting it. It sucked that I couldn’t keep to the 2020 deadline. But what can I do other than my best to keep on. I will say that I’m still excited about what I’m writing. Still feeling the joy and happiness of creativity and accomplishment when I’ve done something I’m incredibly happy with. Writing, is still one of the best feelings in the world, and so, I’m going to keep at it.

Even if it is a slow, slow ride.

Merry, Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas ya’ll! I hope you’re doing your best to enjoy this year’s holidays despite the craziness we’ve all experienced. I’m off from the day job and am using the time to do some much needed decompressing. The day job has been relentless! Several projects were pushing hard to get completed by end of year, so that made things a little stressful as the holidays loomed. I was counting down the days to my vacation, and was so relieved when it finally came about. So far, I’ve spent my time with family and doing quite a bit of baking. Today, I baked banana bread for the second time in a matter of days. It came out very moist, but not in a good way? At least I think it wasn’t in a good way. I might’ve used bananas that were too ripe. Can you use bananas that are too ripe? Anyway, I definitely need more practice.

So, I’ve got some good news and some disappointing news. First, the good news–I’ve been promoted to a new position in my day job. It’s something I’ve worked for several years, and to finally have accomplished the goal is very, very satisfying. Which brings me to the disappointing news–book 2 will not be completed by end of year as I’d hoped. The new role will bring about more responsibility and activities that I will need to adjust to as well as get a handle on which of course will take much time and energy. But, that’s not to say that I’ve given up on getting any writing done in the foreseeable future–it’s just going to take a bit longer than I’d originally thought. Please be patient with me. I’m still committed and excited about the progress made so far, and look forward to the day I can share it with all of you.

So, that’s all I have for this month. Not much to report, but hopefully that’ll change next month. We’ll just have to wait and see! I hope you all have a happy, happy New Year! Let’s put 2020 in the rearview already, huh? 2021 is going to be so much better.

Another book update and some TV reviews

This post contains spoilers to a TV show.

So, here we are. November. It’s been an exhausting month so far. What, with the election craziness and the spike in Covid cases–2020 sure keeps on giving, huh? I’m staying positive by focusing on the fact that this time next year most of this stuff will have blown over, and we will hopefully be on our way to getting back to normal.

In book news, I’m still writing book 2 and hoping to get done before the end of the year. If that doesn’t happen it’s because of the load of work the day job has dumped on my lap. For some reason many, many departments want to rush their work out before the end of year. I can’t blame them, though. Because if it the work is not complete by mid December, then it won’t happen until February of next year since things seem to shut down after the Holidays.

With all the craziness and stress, of course I’ve gotta decompress. And with that comes some TV watching. What shows have I been watching you may ask? Well, I’ll tell you. If you haven’t checked out The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix, you need to. It’s so, so good, and with an interesting premise that will keep you glued to the TV watching episode after episode.

The other show that I really enjoyed was Killing Eve. Hulu just released season 3 last week and I had the chance of watching it this past weekend. The show picks up a few months after season 2 ended where Villanelle shoots Eve in the back. I wasn’t sure how the show could’ve continued and have it be believable that Eve and Villanelle would have some kind of relationship, but somehow they do, and the writers managed to pull it off in a seemingly genuine way. The relationship still remains one of the strangest and toxic relationships on TV, but I can’t stop watching and wondering where the pair will go next.

Well, that’s all from me this month. Ya’ll take care and be safe!

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