Shut_up__malfoy
Hey author just writing this to know how's your life going and I hope it's not hard on you. Please do tell us any news regarding you and your story. It's okay we can wait , just need a little assurance about how long would it be.
jusdubs
jusdubs
Hello lovelies, I have some (hopefully) good news *fingers crossed*
As I mentioned in September, my life went through a bit of an upheaval. I didn't expect things to go the way they did or for me struggle as I did. My mental health took a big hit and (unfortunately for my beloved story) Alexis of Sparta became really overwhelming. Everything felt overwhelming, if I'm being honest. I hadn't written anything since about July, other projects included, so I took a break. I focused on getting through my situation and getting my life back on track, which meant taking a break from Wattpad.
So, then, what's the hopefully good news? Well, first, I see that Alexis of Troy now has text to speech!!! A huge deal for those who are visually impaired or just want an audiobook experience. I am so thrilled by that so, thank you, Wattpad for that delightful surprise (and also, oh boy, you will hear all the typos and everything o.o)
The next hopeful good news? Well, this weekend the creative floodgates have opened and I started writing again!! I'm still anxious and stressed about Alexis of Sparta so I haven't touched that yet, but I'm working my way up to it. I have come to realize that that project is my biggest one yet, the most stressful, wonderful, beautiful story that still needs to be shaped into the diamond I know it is.
I have two projects I am currently working on that have helped get me to this point. Perhaps you may see them one day ;) but, for now, I'm almost ready to open Alexis of Sparta again and finish this story ❤️
jusdubs
Hello, my friends!
I'm sorry for disappearing, and while I am not back yet, I would like to share some of what's been going on in my world.
In July, it was announced that one of my jobs was being shut down. It's a long story, and I don't need to share it all with you, but it wasn't our decision. I have been there for six years, and it has become a very special place. The loss of that store (plus the stress of losing my job) had taken quite a toll on my mental and physical health. I was lucky, for my other job stepped in and gave me more hours, but the loss and grief were enough to make me shut down.
And it affected my writing in a profound way. I couldn't write. Anything and everything I tried didn't bring me the joy I usually felt. The pressure to get chapters out for Alexis of Sparta got to me, and the guilt was just an added stressor. I feel like that story is spiralling out of control and I can't seem to wrangle it in.
So, I stepped back. I needed to clear my head, stay away from Wattpad for a while, and focus on what was happening in my life (it's still happening, but things are starting to wrap up). The store will be closed in a couple of weeks, and I will be starting a new journey in my life. There are a lot of positives that are coming out of this change, like the fact that I can finally focus on my writing and not overwork myself. I have come to accept this, but it doesn't make things any easier.
I ask that you please be patient with me, be patient with Alexis of Sparta, and do not ask for any updates. While I know that you love the story and need to know more, asking for updates stresses me out and makes me feel pressured to get something out...and the chapters are not the direction I want. I need a couple more weeks to get back to myself, to get back into the writing groove before I come back to Alexis' story. I appreciate all your support and your love for my story, but I do need time to heal and rework this project a bit more ❤️
jusdubs
@DivineDesroses @SeraDrake thank you! I appreciate it. It's been a journey but I'm feeling much better ❤️
DivineDesroses
We totally understand ! It’s okay to take time for yourself, we will still be there when you come back!! I hope you will feel much better
SeraDrake
@jusdubs - I mourned when I left DialAmerica at the end of 2022, after having been there nearly seven years - that call center felt like my extended family. Sounds like you experienced something similar when your workplace was shut down. It really is something horrible to go through. Aside from financial stress, there are all sorts of personal factors. Take all the time you need, and go easy on yourself.
jusdubs
Hello, my friends! Chapter 37 of Alexis of Sparta is now live! It is a doozy and poor Alexis is in a bit of a pickle o.o
https://www.wattpad.com/1468489690-alexis-of-sparta-book-ii-unedited-first-draft-%CE%BB%CE%BE%E2%80%B2
jusdubs
Hello everyone! My sincerest apologies for not getting this out yesterday... I have been dealing with some things in my personal life (my place of work for six years is being forced to shut down. It's a long story), and I have been feeling quite a mix of emotions that's left me exhausted. So, while I was supposed to get a chapter out yesterday, I did some reading and vegged all day >.<
Today, however, I told myself I needed to get it done, and here it is! Chapter 36 of Alexis of Sparta! Things are going to get crazy!
https://www.wattpad.com/1466979403-alexis-of-sparta-book-ii-unedited-first-draft-%CE%BB%CE%B6%E2%80%B2
jusdubs
Good day everyone!! I don't have a story update for you today, but I do have a question: does anyone have any suggestions for editing apps/programs?? I'm currently working through my WIPs but I think having an editing program will help a bit more (I use Grammarly but that's more for basic grammar and sentence structure).
jusdubs
@OctaviaLocke I was definitely thinking ProWritingAid! It's the one I keep coming back to so that's perfect. I'll take a look at the other ones you suggested. And I agree! These programs are good for more technical errors, which is what I'm looking for. Grammarly is fine but it does try to change the voice into a more academic tone I find. I need something to catch things I miss, or might not realize needs finessing. I appreciate these suggestions, they're most helpful, thank you!! ❤️
OctaviaLocke
@jusdubs Maybe ProWritingAid - it's more in-depth than Grammarly and can run a variety of reports on your work (looking for echoes, filter words, sticky sentences and glue words, etc) but it does cost money to gain full access to all of what it offers. Fictionary could be useful to track story arcs, character arcs, and other such story elements (don't know if it helps editing). For sheer organization, Scrivener offers quite a lot -- not so much with editing-- but you can track your chapters, your scenes, what needs edited/what doesn't, and it's supposed to be pretty easy to export your full manuscript - not that I have tried that yet. I would caution against too much reliance on editing apps/software though just because a lot of times, yes they can catch errors, but they also have the potential to strip your sentences of intentional word choices and language and construction that you have used purposefully to enhance and create a very specific narrative voice. So while helpful yes, I think best used in moderation. Hope these suggestions can help!
jusdubs
The day has arrived! "Alexis of Sparta" is back in full; you guessed it, chapter 35 is live! We are back in time to dive into the war...but there is more than meets the eye ;) updates will resume every Friday!
https://www.wattpad.com/1464973292-alexis-of-sparta-book-ii-unedited-first-draft-%CE%BB%CE%B5%E2%80%B2
jusdubs
Good morning my friends!
The heat has passed, and my brain is starting to awaken once again! Woohoo! As promised, I will republish "Alexis of Sparta" tomorrow along with a much-anticipated new chapter! Things are starting to go down a darker path on the eve of war so you can expect a lot of drama, battles and, naturally, Alexis' witty humour.
I am also working on rewriting a couple of my other stories as well, so you may see some updates for "When Our Paths Crossed" (will be renamed). It's my oldest Wattpad story, and I believe I was in the process of editing it at some point and then just stopped. xD. I've gotten my stride back and I hope to present a solid story for you at some point in the future.
I also see that I have some new followers! Welcome to the chaos that is my writing. I hope you all enjoy my stories <3
Take care lovelies, and I will be back tomorrow!
jusdubs
Hello, my friends! I have some exciting news: Alexis of Sparta has been reinstated!! I didn't receive a notice so I found out yesterday, but I checked and it is in my drafts!
I am going to keep it there for now until this heatwave has passed...it's been so hot that I haven't had the energy to write. It's supposed to clear next week T-T (I'm not built for a week of 33C and above T-T). Once I get back into it, I'll re-release the story with an added chapter!
I apologize for the continued delay and I appreciate all your support. It is a huge relief that Alexis of Sparta is back and we can continue the adventure together ❤️
jusdubs
A bit of good news for my oldest Wattpad story! The ContemporaryLit profile added "When Our Paths Crossed" to their Contemporary LGBTQ+ reading list! Thank you, to the Ambassadors there for that honour ❤️