A whole lot of journalism in my work week

Slightly more than planned, in fact.

The Local Reporter covers the neighboring towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro. My editor asked me last month if I’d be willing to cover Carrboro town meetings. I don’t have to go physically — they’re streaming, of course — but watching a three-hour meeting takes up about three hours. Plus reviewing the agenda and writing the story. It’s a good thing to do — someone should be watching local government meetings — but it’s a bigger demand on my time than I’d planned for. I’ll have to see if I can make it more efficient somehow, like cooking or cleaning while watching. Though there’s only so much I can do if I’m to follow what’s going on.(No, we’re not this cutthroat at The Local Reporter)

I also wrote a business story about the local coffee shop Open Eye. Plus work on future stories. With the three day holiday I’m not sure which, if any, will be available for next week, which is frustrating; the one I did think would work is more complicated than I anticipated.

Turning to fiction, I completed my next-to-last rewrite of Southern Discomfort this week. I also read a section to the writing group and got enthusiastic responses. After a brief break I’ll print it out and read it through, aloud, one final time, making final corrections or changes (or deciding whether to stick with the changes I’ve made this go-round). Then it’ll be ready to rock.I’ve also began thinking about cover design and the design for my Behold the Book logo. My logo designer, Samantha Collins, who designed the Questionable Minds cover, sent over some initial sketches. I’m thinking them over thoroughly before I respond next week. And trying not to freak out — I have to pick a good design, not the absolute perfect one. I’ll post about cover and logo thoughts soon.

I did a little work on some short stories too but got distracted with some research. Plus the housecleaners. And having our HVAC replaced Wednesday (it was time, believe me). Still, I didn’t lose focus by Friday as I kept doing last year.

And now I’m done! Have a great weekend everyone.

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