The Art of Plugging Away

Wow, I haven't done an 'The Art of Plugging Away' post for a hot minute, huh? 

[This post originally on Bluesky] Episode 4 just needs 3 pages left before I migrate files to FireAlpaca for coloring, sfx, and finishing touches! [Bsky]

*Rant time* There's ppl on FB who actually know me IRL, and there's a few family members & folks on Twitter who know me IRL. So, I'm going to vent here: I work a 5pm-1am on average with this webcomic. 

Whether it's scripting, character design, storyboarding, learning my chosen software, I need to do this.

I've tried to work a 9-5. I've tried different jobs over the years. But I work a few months. I may even work a few years with a handful of jobs. But the same things always ends up happening: my mental health tanks. I get depressed, social anxiety, panic attacks, etc. Or this chronically-ill body gives out on me, somehow.

 

I realized from 2017 (right when I finished and graduated from a master's program) that I just am too neurodivergent and chronically sick to work like others. And maybe some of these jobs were just too toxic for me. 

Regardless of the whys, working to self-publish my artwork and writings is my last shot. I don't know what more to do. I don't know what else to do.

Procrastinating is my Kryptonite

I know I may seem incredibly productive, but do you know what I've been doing instead of writing my cat fantasy about my warlock cat and warrior mate? 

I've been making word lists of all the Sunday funnies that influenced my cartooning, did brief descriptions of three monsters from the current cat fantasy which falls more into Sword&Sorcery with all its evil beings, fighting, and spellbinding magic, and wrote a short dialogue scene which was the continuation from a previous comic scene drafted. 

All to avoid writing. *Sigh*

Note to self...

So here's the skinny: due to circumstances, I must get crackin' on my novel draft. I have eight journals placed on the day bed, all opened to their respective scenes/chapters with two red paperclips on each dog-eared page. Some chapters continue while other chapters I was suppose to work on for the longest time. I must get with it this week.

Don't worry...Art series will continue

I know I promised my dog historical fiction illustrations. Have no fear - I have some folders saved and dated. I just need to do some digital touch-ups before I post. This is what happens when a person both writes and draws. Procrastination becomes almost chronic.