The Journal of Michael Merriam

Still not dead, which is quite pleasing to me and, I assume, everyone else around me.

I opened read Rija's Tale for the first time since I completed the first draft. It hangs together fairly well for a first draft, doing what it is intended to do, which is be a fast-paced bit of high fantasy adventure storytelling. It's a little thin in the plot early on, with Rija simply moving from one calamity to the next while trying to find her place in the world. The second half of the book has strong legs though, as Rija stops reacting and starts acting, taking control of her situation and life. There are things to fix, but the bones are solid.

I'll be heading up north for the weekend, spending time with some friends and recovering from the frantic pace I've been on since 4th Street Fantasy Convention. I've fallen behind on a variety of projects, so starting next week there will be some frantic catching up, but for now I need this weekend to rest, play, and recharge.

Play nice with each other while I'm gone.