How is August already come and gone? The past few weeks have been VERY full and there has been some awesome progress made in the business plan I am writing. Except that it is no longer for the publishing house. I had a different idea form and have gotten some great feedback in my initial research. This new project feels SO right and is moving so quickly and I will officially share the idea soon!

In other news, there have been some great opportunities popping up, one specifically that I am really excited about that involves a scholarship that I applied for. I won't know if I got it for a few months, so I am hesitant to share that as well. Partially because if I do get it, I won't be able to shut up about it for months. So I am really thinking of you and trying not to make you sick of me.

Lastly, there has been great progress made on one of my writing projects. In fact, I'm working towards building a Kickstarter campaign to help fund it. However, I need photos from the wife of a Vietnam vet and we are having some tech challenges, so it may not happen quickly either. But at least the story is finally getting some good work on it. 

The author is Vietnam veteran James Richardson Stewart (not to be confused with actor Jimmy Stewart). Jim typed his story of the war on a typewriter, so there are currently only two physical copies in existence. I have one that he gave me when I met him, just a week or so before he passed away. He was a sweet man and I feel so honored that he trusted me with this project. 

First things first, I have to make a digital copy. Which I am working on as his wife prepares photos so we can fund editors and other needed expenses to cover the cost of the book. 

But it is so exciting to see things finally moving forward!

Resting, Recharging, and Refocusing

Well, would you look at that! I managed to get a post in on time! I love that I am able to spend a month at a time with my family, especially when help is needed. That is easily my favorite part of being an author and building a life where this is possible. I'm so grateful. 

While it does throw off my routine a little bit, it has been a much needed rest that has brought a lot of clarity to the direction I want to go next. Which means I have to put a few projects on hold and pick up some projects that have been on the back burner. 

I do want to make the distinction that it is just on hold, not off the table completely. 

However, the thing I have realized the most while on this trip is that certain projects have time constraints that others don't. As well as remember that there are things that are important, but also some are more urgent. 

For example, I have long felt that I wanted to write a book about my great-grandfather (where I get the surname Ferri from in my pen name, Paula Jean Ferri), as well as my grandmother. However, she is 88 years old. If I am going to gather information from her, I need to do that now.

The same idea with one of my clients. He was a Vietnam vet who recorded his story. I was able to meet him and pick up a physical manuscript shortly before he passed away. I am now working with his wife, but this is also a time-sensitive project. 

Eulalie's story will always be there. It is started and very high up on my list. However, timing is key with the first two. 

I have also made a pivot on the business I am working on. The publishing house, again, is still a work in progress, but given that publishing houses are much more common these days, I had an idea. There is a gap needing to be filled. This will be the first focus, because timing. 

Anywho, I have a family member who is very anxious to play marbles, so I am going to enjoy my family. Hope you have a marvelous week!