Writing update:
Two summers ago, I discovered I have been wandering through life with a condition called aphantasia— a cognitive anomaly in which I am unable to form mental images in my mind. The caveat? Until then, I thought “visualizations” were just a global figure of speech. You can imagine it was pretty earth-shattering as a visual artist. It still is.
I’ve never experienced a visual memory— I possess what I call “contextual knowings” from the inky black. I don’t know what my husband looks like unless I’m looking at him. Grief has its own unique texture. Books to film are magical. The phrase “out of sight, out of mind” resonates deeply.
In tandem with my ADHD, I decided to make a goal to overcome this challenge—to write a fantasy novel. Since then, it has been one of my favorite creative endeavors to date!
However, it certainly comes with its challenges. How do I write a story about a beautiful world and powerful messaging without being able to see the characters and settings? To create a complex narrative with tightly woven threads from the void of my mind? Thankfully, my background in art history helps in describing things, and dance aids in understanding movement about space.
I have also learned to carve my practice around my strengths and when my muses visit me: I find that I’m more prolific when nocturnal, and research sessions at the library help conjure chaotic tangents. Local Earl Grey and sea salt chocolate chip cookies also contain gold dust. As a result, I’ve decided to shape our main heroine as a thirty-something, capable Hermione-type who struggles to cultivate her magic in a world where visualizations are required to shape it. [ADHD and Aphantasia representation].
In the last 18 months (give or take), I have pored over ecology, art forgery, mythology, symbology, matriarchy, you name it for inspiration. In an age of AI, I’ve filled a dozen notebooks and random leaflets with my handwritten notes. What has emerged is a story intricately woven into my soul, and I look forward to sharing it with you once it is complete.
Through this process, I have learned that in this competitive market, the more polished your stone, the easier it is to cast.
So, I keep in mind that investing in editors will be part of the process regardless of whether I attempt to publish traditionally (through a publishing house) or independently (known as indie).
Rather than turning to Kickstarter platforms and crowdfunding algorithms, I turn to you, to readers, patrons, and faerie tale lovers, to take part and collect some art in the process. Each print helps fund the writing, research, and quiet alchemy behind the book, while giving you a glimpse into the world I’ve built, where art holds power and the secrets of bygone revolutionaries.
To form a DIY grant to fund its creation, I’ve carved a companion 4 x 6-inch linocut print with a scene from the book. This artwork is an offering, a thank-you, and a token for those who wish to support my writing efforts.
The Print:
“Secret Keeper” — 4x6 Linocut Print on 5” x 7” Archival Paper, $70 USD.
From our third act, a spell of story, pressed in ink.
About the book:
In a world where stolen paintings whisper secrets as ancient as the stars and myths linger in museum shadows, a story is stitched together with fragments of art, heist, mystery, and magic.
With katabatic (underworld journey) underpinnings akin to Orpheus & Eurydice, The Odyssey, and The Count of Monte Cristo, [working title] is a dark academia, fantasy art history mystery, woven with secrets, stolen masterpieces, forgery, threads of fate, and star-crossed lovers. He falls first and she has to solve the heist and journey to the underworld to bring him back for good.
There are talking trees, bargains to break, wisen women, sassy sirens, knitting selkies, passionate professors, and more. Best of all, it takes place several years after a rematriation revolution—one I hope to dive into as a future prequel. As of March 2025, I have 130k words with a goal for 150k and then extensive revision + outsourced editing goals.
Art Details:
Your choice of black or cyan ink!
A 4 x 6 inch, hand-carved, hand-pulled linocut on 5" x 7" acid-free archival paper with inked and silvery details
One of the characters' secrets will be written on the back as a short poem or riddle!
Signed, numbered, and sent with a handwritten note
A first look at the first three chapters when completed
It took three carving attempts to get it right :)
Thank you for helping me weave this world. May this print be a charm, a chapter, a spark—a promise of what's come.
Each print will be made to order. Each print is unique and subject to variations in inking due to its handprint nature. Framing not included.
Will be sent via Canada Post, shipping on me!
Funding goals:
For numbers folk, curious minds, or aspiring writers!
Research: allot time to continue researching and hopefully visit some of the inspired settings (France and New Zealand)
Finish writing first draft: Goal is the autumnal equinox
Self-drafting: three or four passes: Goal is the winter solstice
Beta readers: generous volunteers who read and provide feedback
Developmental editing: overall structure, plot, character, pacing, etc. // $0.03 to $0.08/word ($3,750-$10,000)
Line editing: sentence structure, clarity, flow, style, tone // $0.03 to $0.05/word ($3,750-$6,250)
Copy editing: grammar, spelling, punctuation, consistency //$0.02 to $0.04/word ($2,500-$5,000)
Proofreading: final stage // $0.01 to $0.02/word ($1,250-$2,500)
Dreams to design the cover and internal epigraphic illustrations— I have big plans for this one
Research goals: ~$15,000
Editing goals: ~($11,250-$23,750)
I will not be using AI.
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