Becoming an author exposes you to all sorts of unexpected challenges and surprises, many of which they don’t tell you about. Other authors will tell you that it will be hard, sure. They’ll tell you that you need dedication. They’ll tell you that it’ll be an uphill battle, and that you might go hungry quite a few times.

But one thing I never heard mentioned, not in any course I took, nor any panel I attended, was that when you’re an author, days really tend to blend together.

Case in point? I usually only realize that it’s a holiday when my friends contact me to ask what I’m doing. Such as today. I was all set to sit down and write a BaBW post and then do some work on Jungle (which is almost in its 4th chapter already) when my friends spoke up with “Hey, it’s a holiday, want to see a movie? What are you doing?”

Cue surprise.

Anyway, a compromise has been reached. There will be no BaBW post today, on account of it being Martin Luther King Day. Pretty good holiday to honor, so I’m not going to fight it. Though … I’m still going to do a little work. Get Jungle to chapter 4, probably. And maybe do a little beta editing on Tirek is Doomed. Hmm …

While we’re on the topic of Being a Better Writer, however, I’m starting to run short of topics on the topic list once more. I believe I’ve almost reached the point where I can comfortably touch back on older topics in new ways, either discussing new angles or approaches. After all, there’s a lot to writing to cover, and it’s been a while since I’ve tackled things like gradual character development. But if there’s a writing topic you want to hear about specifically, be sure to drop me a comment of some kind and let me know.

Which brings me to the last thing on my list.: Life, The Universe, and Everything. If you’re a regular reader, you know what LTUE is. If you’re new, however, here’s the explanation: It’s a yearly Sci-Fi and Fantasy writing convention, held in Provo, Utah. Which basically means that a ton of skilled authors come from all over the US to put on three days worth of panels and presentations on all sorts of writing tips and tricks. You can see the schedule, as well as who’ll be there, at the website here.

Anyway, as is usual, I plan to be there. This year’s LTUE is February 16th through 18th, at the Provo Marriot Conference Center. I’ll drop an update about which panels I’m scheduled for as the day gets closer, but for now, just a heads up that I’ll be attending. But even if I wasn’t, if you can make it I’d consider it. LTUE is both a blast and a great educational experience. I heartily recommend it.

Anyway, that’s the update! Holidays, BaBW topics, and LTUE. That’s everything!

Oh, and if you haven’t, this is your reminder to read Colony. Seriously. Things just keep rolling forward with it, and you don’t want to miss out on this one.