In an attempt to keep up the momentum with this blog, I’ve decided to give you another update. This one will list out what I worked on during the month of February. It hasn’t been bad for a short month.

Writing

Short Fiction

• I received and approved the galley proof edits of my SF/Horror story “Sat Down Inside Her” that will appear in the 3rd annual New England Horror Writer’s anthology. Also, provided an updated bio for the book.
• I began work on a reimagining of an unsold 3k short story formerly known as Halloween’s Child. Having learned a lot about crafting a salable story since I wrote the original version in 2011, I was hit with a bit of inspiration on how I might make it viable. I’ve already tacked on a new opening scene and smoothed out the writing. Much like my novel WOLVES OF VENGEANCE, this story combines horror with the thriller genre. And I’m definitely expanding the thriller component. The horror thriller is kinda becoming my thing.

Novels

• Year of the Demon (Conspiracy/Crime Thriller): I continued working on the 3rd draft of this 90,000 word novel. As I really dig in and polish the work I realize how much I’ve learned since I began writing this draft. The polishing stage is always the most frustrating and the most rewarding. So much needs to be fixed and rearranged, but it’s always fulfilling when the work is near to its final form.
• The Tower (Paranormal Haunting/Woman in Jeopardy Crime Thriller):  I’m now approximately 20,250 or 81 pages into the first draft of this novel. So far, it feels like the best thing I’ve ever written. And yes, this novel would be considered a horror or supernatural thriller.
• Proxy Mate (Dystopian SF): I haven’t made a lot of progress on this novella. My process is to work on multiple stories at a time. If I get stuck on one I just let it sit while I work on something else. I also tend to move back and forth between stories during my writing time. I’ve found I’m more productive this way, but some stories fall by the wayside. I’m sure I’ll get back to it in the month of March. As it stands, I’m 11,250 words or 45 pages into this novella.
• Wolves of Vengeance (Multi-Genre Supernatural Thriller): Wolves received a very nice review this month. Take a look if you have a chance: http://davoortwilbo.blogspot.com/2015/02/david-north-martinos-wolves-of-vengeance.html

Reading

• I finished A Different Kind of Slumber by Doug Rinaldi. You can find my review here.
• I’m still working on the Indie Writer’s Pack. I’m 50% in and reading Let’s get Digital.
• I started The Vanishing Magic of Snow by Reb MacRath and am 30% of the way in and loving it.

Networking

• Continued editing a novella for a writer friend.
• Helped a writer friend with research.
• Kept up with writer friends on social media.

Family

• Called my Mom & Dad twice a week on average this month.
• Called my Aunt and Uncle to thank them for a gift.
• Burned CDs for my Mom & Aunt.
• Visited my Mom & Dad for breakfast.
• Celebrated my birthday (Just like Jack Benny, I’ve had another 39th birthday).
• Gave Patty roses for Valentine’s Day.
• Sent my nephew a copy of the Signed Limited Edition Hardcover of The Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks for his birthday.

Martial arts 

Another month where I unfortunately didn’t make any seminars.

• Five rounds of shadow boxing 2-3 times a week with Patty.
• Practiced Kali sinawali solo and with Patty.
• Practiced Ukemi skills.

Fitness & Health

• Lost two pounds of fat this month. Slow and steady–I’ll take it.
• I’ve been in a biphasic sleeping pattern. Next month I need to change my schedule to allow for more sleep time during the night.
• Had a Field of Vision Test. The test came out perfectly.  I have no glaucoma damage.
• Had an appointment with my glaucoma specialist. He changed my eye drops to a lower dosage of medication, and moved me over from a generic to a brand name. He gave me a discount card to reduce the cost of the medication.

Sales

• We sold our Wii that had been sitting in the entertainment center gathering dust.

House

• I cleaned out and organized the entertainment center.
• I unplugged any electronics we haven’t been using to save on the electric bill.
• General cleaning and maintenance.

Whisky Tasting

I tried Glenfiddich 12 this month. I find it has a smoother taste, less complex, more candied, more like a bourbon, and less mouth burn/heat. I like it best of all the whisky I’ve tried.

Movies Watched

Not a big month for movies. Busy, busy, busy!

• After Earth: ** mediocre, muddled, miscast.

That’s it for February. March is already coming on full force and swinging for the rafters. More soon…