Michael Leask

Would you look at that? This is the first post in over a year! Since moving to Nova Scotia, I took some time off to figure out how best I want to use my time. I’m someone who appreciates a set routine, and I wanted to wait for my house to be built so that I could continue writing these blogs instead of being anxious about which Airbnb will we live at and not finishing my writing.

My house was complete, and my wife and I moved in. We took time to adjust to the routines and schedules that worked best for us. I think we have gotten it down. Now, I can plan better for my goals in 2025.

My WIP will be complete this year! It’s my fourth book but my second to publish. There will also be more time for blogs this year, yay! I am also working on making a video game. I’m learning Godot, and I’m making a Mario-like platformer. It’ll be free because I’m using pixel art, which uses Creative Commons (CCO) licensing. Plus, it’s my first published (shipped) game—something to gain more experience in another storytelling area.

With my novels, I’m looking at binding hardcover books from scratch. I have started to think that this is an essential process for a writer to bring a connection to their book. Every writer doesn’t need to do it, but if writing is my career choice, having the knowledge and traditional book binding keeps publication alive for me and something I can give back to my local community. Speaking of tradition, I’m now handwriting in cursive.

As I’m focused on my WIP and publishing a second edition of my previous work and my wife’s work, I’m looking forward to bringing back the publishing company my wife and I started in Calgary to the Maritimes. It’ll be under a new name and won’t be set for a 2025 launch, but I’m moving all the pieces into place to launch in 2026; fingers are crossed.

… and I also need to study how to make the blog pages look better. Any suggestions?