Progress Report 2025 Week 09

It seems like forever since I started plotting Wayland’s Forge Book 1: Conventional Forces. It was really only been since February 3rd, but it feels a lot longer. Did I finally manage to finish the outline and start writing? I’ve been pondering the implications of some of the subject matter in Conventional Forces. The book tackles some important issues, but I have to wonder: is it the right time? Should I try something more light-hearted right now? Let’s take a look at these questions, and more, after we look at the key performance indicators.

Last Week’s Progress By the Numbers

I finally resolved a couple plot sticking points, and I was able to write for two days! Conventional Forces is underway!

It’s only 5,300 words, but I now have two chapters drafted for Wayland’s Force Book 1: Conventional Forces. Plotting this book was a struggle, because one of the POV characters, Moritz Lehner, is a literal Nazi. He’s in the SS, in fact. Another character, Gerhard Wimmer, is a concentration camp prisoner. Seeing what my country is doing, seeing how we’re emulating some of the worst examples in history, it’s like I’m participating in the cascade failure that’s happening all around me.

Well, it’s not a complete cascade failure. There are some folks who maintain a spirit of freedom.

But that doesn’t change the fact I’m writing from and in a very dark place. But there’s something that, for me at least, is even more concerning. I mentioned this before, but what bothers me the most is how easily my mind can emulate the perspective of Moritz Lehner.

But that feeling of deep unease it causes? Sounds like a solid wellspring for story ideas. At the very least, I should be able to convey authentic character moments! Though I think I’ll have to invest a lot in Tums. Maybe chug a bottle of the liquid form before I start to write!

Turn and Face the Enemy, or Escape into Fantasy?

I wonder if I’m overthinking this, but it’s bothering me. There are a lot of people out here who are scared. I think even the people supporting what’s going on are starting to feel frightened. The argument that “he didn’t really mean dictator; he was just being hyperbolic” isn’t aging well. And given my talks with investment firms and other economists, there’s a growing consensus that the folks who aren’t frightened should be.

In other words, it’s getting dark out here. And it looks like it’s going to get a lot darker before it gets better.

Would I be better off writing something comforting? Maybe a high-spirited harem light novel or something? I’d like to write one of them, though I might be too old (thinking about writing all those sex scenes is frankly exhausting). But would the world be better off with more sexy hijinks or Conventional Forces?

I actually have a character I created years ago that would drop right into a harem rom-com. Mace Stardringer came to me in a dream, and I’ve already written some short stories of his escapades.

The plot feels like it came together. Though it disturbed me.

In the end, I’m a practical man. I know more about fighting people like Lehner than I do orchestrating a harem. I think that authenticity will come through in the former; its lack would mar the latter. So, no harem light novel for me.

Preproduction Work for Dreams of Deucalion Book 2: Flanking Maneuver

Miblart came through again with a great cover for Flanking Maneuver. They’ve done seven covers for me so far, and I have not had a single problem with them. I have to wonder if it’s because I’m aware of my own limitations? Specifically, I know a little bit about composition, but not as much as a professional. In other words, not enough to second guess a professional. Also, I only see the public side of trends. By the time I recognize a trend in sci-fi covers, it’s likely that it’s old news. Since I’m not an artist, I don’t keep current on that stuff.

So, when I ask for a cover, I trust in their ability to deliver something that’s genre appropriate. And they have. I don’t argue with them unless it’s something critical (they reversed a title once — then fixed it within hours).

Whatever the reason, I’m very happy with their work and highly recommend them.

I received the alpha read of Flanking Maneuver back from Stephanie F on Fiverr. Once again, she turned in an insightful treatment of the manuscript. She and Jonah H gave me feedback I can use to make the book better. Also, neither hated the book, which I take as a positive sign.

Progress against Last Week’s Goals

Here’s how I did compared to my goals from last week:

1. Take delivery of the completed cover and marketing materials for Dreams of Deucalion Book 2: Flanking Maneuver. Done!
2. Take delivery of the second beta reading feedback for Flanking Maneuver. Done!
3. Complete the outline for Wayland’s Forge Book 1: Conventional Forces. Done!
4. Draft the Amazon blurbs for Special Recon, Flanking Maneuver, and Bait and Bleed. Not done! But I’m thinking about it.
5. Draft a back cover blurb for Bait and Bleed. Not done! But I’m thinking about this, too!

Goals for the Week in Progress Report 2025 Week 09

Here’s what I hope to accomplish this week:

1. Write Owen Payne’s Hook.
2. Write Gerhard Wimmer’s Hook Part II.
3. Write Payne’s Hook Part II.
4. Write Mortiz Lehner’s Plot Turn 1.
5. Draft the Amazon blurbs for Special Recon, Flanking Maneuver, and Bait and Bleed.
6. Draft a back cover blurb for Bait and Bleed.

What Do You Think?

Do writers have a responsibility to bring comfort to the world — or warn it? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!