The Hovel--October Edition!

My Dearest and Loveliest Patrons,

It is once again a month turned over. We’re now in October. The weather has begun cool from warm, late-summer days to the auspice of fall, calling on winter’s frost. It isn’t uncommon for us to see the first snow in October, though the weather hasn’t hinted at turning quite so dramatically. I’ve lived here long enough to know that winter doesn’t need a warning, and a warm day can lead to a snow-filled evening. Personally, I’m looking forward to it. I love an excuse to stay inside and drink tea. I love sweaters, and pumpkins, and the smell of leaves when they begin to rot.

PROGRESS BAR

September was one of the least productive months I’ve had all year, which is predictable. I did spend 7 days traveling, and a few days packing for said travel—those things should count as productivity, too, though I can’t measure it in little squares, so it’s hard to capture visually.

I took a break. It was only a few days with friends after Rose City Comic Con, but it was much needed space away from the constant (albeit self-imposed) pressure to create. For about 5 days I didn’t write or draw anything. Instead, I skipped rocks on the Puget sound, I went paddle boarding on Seattle Lake, and I bought more books than I should have.

So, what I did get done isn’t as much as other months, but I wouldn’t trade my time away for productivity.

PURGATORY:

Here’s where we really see how I faltered in September. My word count is lower than it has been since the month I started writing my first draft. At just barely less than 11000 words, it feels a bit pitiful. Those 11000 words were hard fought, though. They were pulled from scenes I was struggling with and days I didn’t feel inspired. Progress is progress, even when it feels abysmal.

Slowly closing in on that 50k word mark. Turns out edits for me is just writing the book again as if from scratch--except I know my story and my characters better this time. It's literally the hardest thing I've ever done.

HEARTACHE

I’m nearing the end of the first chapter of inking—which makes it sound like I haven’t done much, until you learn that the first chapter is nearly 1/3 of the book. In theory, I could have maybe split that first chunk into two, but I don’t mind that the first chapter is essentially the entire first act.

Here are some of my favorite moments I’ve drawn so far:

First looks at the monster! He's kinda a rat-wolf-goat.

when you're crashing out in the messiest way possible(heart goo).

THE LIFE

Tomato garden update. I have about two more weeks before I have to clear my garden, and I'm rooting for all those green lads I have left!

Reader,

I’m tired, and I don’t know how much of myself I have to share right now. Yesterday was one of the most productive days I’ve had in a long time, and sometimes that kind of energy saps at the next day. So here we go.

In September, I tabled for what was only the second time this year—the first ‘big’ show. It's always so lovely to come back to a place, to hear about where people have put my prints in their house, to talk to patrons in person. I LOVE seeing your pictures of my framed art. I’m a strong believer in personalizing a space, in adding touches to it that make it feel unique, that make it a home. The fact that my work gets to live on so many walls, creating those comfortable spaces is really special to me.

(thank you to everyone who came by to say hello. I'm sorry my table is perpetually set up to make chatting awkward.)

(Annual Powell's haul! I actually ended up buying 3(?) more books over the course of travelling, but this was a solid start)

Portland has always been one of my favorite shows, and coming back to it is always one of the highlights of my year. If you came to see me thank you! I don’t always remember faces (I’m chronically bad at it, actually, and probably a little bit face-blind), but seeing people in person is always fucking wonderful.

After the con, I immediately boarded a train and traveled up to Seattle. I don’t want to go into full detail because I’m tired, and because I don’t care to give out all of the details of my life. But I will share this troll.

I gave her a smooth little piece of Serpentine I found on the shore of Lake Washington earlier that day. I love how serene she is, perpetually blowing a long, silent note to the lake. I gave her my stone and my respect while my friends played Pokémon Go—which feels like such a uniquely 21st century look at spirituality.

JAR OF BUTTONS

READING:

This month I read 6 books—another thing I didn’t manage to do as much of. I did find a couple of favorites, though. I think instead of giving a full recap, I’m just going to list the things that stuck with me.

A TREACHERY OF SWANS by AB Poraneck—this sapphic YA retelling of Swan Lake was made for me. It’s atmospheric and charming. It reads young because it is a YA book, but is absolutely worth picking up.

TENDER IS THE FLESH by Augustina Bazterrica, translated by Sarah moses. THIS BOOK. THIS FUCKING BOOK. I have never read a more succinct criticism of late-stage capitalims. The WAY it captures the banality of evil is so deeply uncomfortable.

STARVING SAINTS by Caitlin Starling—I don’t know what possessed me to read two books on Cannibalism in a row, but I did, and I don’t regret it. Starving Saints is going into the box of ‘things I want to emulate.’ This book is the kind of beautifully odd, and eerily sapphic that I want to bring into my own writing.

LISTENING

-I discovered an all-female cast recording of Jesus Christ Superstar and I’ve been absolutely taken by it. Listening to these songs about worship, and devotion, and love, and sacrifice all sung in female voices really does something for me. Jesus Christ Superstar is my favorite musical, and this recording of it was made to be injected into my soul.

https://open.spotify.com/album/67Jg1hcxNYLXz3uEgkX4Kn?si=0J-6vx0rQDuQE_mg4MkU9w

OUTRO

My brain is fried, so I guess all I have left to say is I hope everyone has a good Spooky Month. Drink in those last days of sunshine, enjoy the autumnal exploits, and be safe out there.

With love,

Kelsi Jo