John L. Monk

Hey folks,

Almost a year ago, I was invited to participate in a charity anthology that gives the proceeds to “Pets For Vets.”
I was asked to write a short story in the “Hell’s Children” universe, and did — from an animal’s perspective. You’ll delight and cringe at Max, the chimp, as he deals with life in a world with no adults (but lots of pesky kids).

Enjoy!

Source: Romance! Mystery! Comedy! Science Fiction! Dystopia! Horror! Thriller! Historical! Memoir and more…

Harvey Click caught my attention a few years ago when he wrote an amazing book called “The Bad Box.” Ever since then, I kid you not: I read everything he puts out. This time around, he wrote a collection of short stories. Now, I gotta warn you: his stuff is pretty dark. As in “Lisa on a bad day” dark.

You’ve been warned!

Awesome news — book 2 is now available in audiobook. Have a look.

Ok then, another round of writing in public. This time, a little different: I won’t be writing continuous posts on a weekly basis, but rather writing them daily (unless there’s a good reason not to). Even better — I won’t be writing new posts at all. I’ll be updating this one, which I’ll keep pinned. Reason? Don’t want to spam people’s inboxes with daily digits. But you’re free to come here if you want to see how I’m doing.

Goal: 2k words a day … with a full time job. Yeah. Tall order. I’ll try to make up any words I miss during the week on the weekends. I’ll post word counts sometime between 6pm and midnight EST.

So what’s all this about? Well, I’m trying to write 3 books in a row, between 60-80k each. A separate project from Hell’s Children, as I’m in much need of a break after all that YA violence. Afterward, I hope to polish off Hell’s-3 and then go on to pursue a career in interpretive break dancing.

July 19, 2017 — 1000 words: Considering the day I had, I’m happy. Hopefully I’ll make up the difference by Saturday.

July 20, 2017 — 1733 words: I’m getting there. What a bad week to start this, but a worse week is next week. Because it’s always next week when there’s work to do, isn’t there?

July 21, 2017 — 200? — Don’t laugh. I still have my day job. This is probably going to happen a lot. Hopefully can catch up this weekend (looking forward to it, actually).

July 22, 2017 — 1500 — Getting there.

July 23, 2017 — 1044 — think I may be doing some rewrites early. Not sure yet, we’ll see.

July 24, 2017 — 1300 — Decided to rewrite chapter 1. I think it’s better now, though not quite done…

July 25, 2017 — 1091

July 26, 2017 — 500? — Lots of rewriting today. And a feeling like I want to start this fractal on a good foot, so yeah, taking my time here.

July 27, 2017 — 498

July 28, 2017 — Very few words today, not even gonna count. What writing I did was rewriting this and that. Still waiting for my groove. But still showing up at the keyboard every day.

July 29, 2017 — 1200 — Received a great email from a reader today saying they loved Hell’s Children, and particularly Lisa. I needed that email. Thank you kindly.

July 30, 2017 — 1000 (+/-).  Good day for writing, all considered. Interesting that most of the 1k took place in about 30 mins, because I felt rushed. Might be something to that …

July 31, 2017 — 0.  Mom-in-law in hospital for pneumonia. She’s fine, no worries. They’re keeping her overnight. She’s weak, a little chest pain, etc., but expected to be fine. Need to make sure I get my writing in every morning and not hold out for the evening…

August 1, 2017 — 1500! — Good stuff, too.

August 2, 2017 — 1200 — more good stuff. Still not 2k a day, but not too bummed. Quality over quantity. I’m just happy to know what I’m writing vs. spending a lot of time waiting for inspiration, which never goes well.

August 3, 2017 — 1500! — Oh yeah….

August 4, 2017 — 650 — Oh no…

August 5, 2017 — 1350 — Happy dance.

Continue reading →