Closing the Chapter on 2024
Post-launch blues, book #2, and the path ahead
Hey all,
It’s been a while since my last update. After the rollercoaster ride of launching The Human Relief Project, I needed a breather, and I’ve spent the past weeks focusing on a creative project and catching up on some reading (because what’s a writer without books?). The launch was exciting and rewarding but also drained a lot of energy, so this reset felt necessary.
Feeling recharged and ready to move forward, I wanted to take a moment before 2024 ends to wrap up the year with a reflection on the past two months, a glimpse into what’s ahead, and — most importantly — a heartfelt thank you.
Post-Launch Adventures
Since the initial launch promotion, I’ve been experimenting with different ways to promote the book. One unexpected highlight which came out of a LinkedIn connection was an invite to speak to a group of PhD students about a future without work, inspired by The Human Relief Project. It was a lot of fun to talk about and read from the novel, and I felt inspired by the thoughtful discussions the book sparked. May 2025 bring more opportunities like these!
I also received some sharp-eyed feedback from readers who spotted a few typos and formatting errors, despite all the proofreading rounds! Those have now been fixed, and both the ebook and paperback are updated. If you find any more, I’ll be hiding under the covers, but thankfully, no new messages about errors have come my way.
Lastly, I ran a cover design contest to see if experienced designers might come up with something that would feel like a step up compared to my original cover. They did not — I might just be too attached to the current design — but nevertheless the process gave me inspiration for some small tweaks. A refreshed version of the cover launched in late November, so if you bought the book before then, you can already call yourself a proud collector of the first edition 😎
Progress on Book Two
The second half of November was all about editing the manuscript for my second novel. I’m now the owner of over 2,500 remarks ranging from small word changes to larger character refinements, and while 2,500 may sound overwhelming, it actually feels amazing to see how much my writing has improved since I started with The Human Relief Project in the fall of 2023. Reading my own work after a long break was both humbling, since I still have so much to learn, but also energizing to get back into creation mode.
With my creative batteries fully recharged, I’m excited to dive into incorporating those remarks over the Christmas break. It’s a lot of work, but my goal is to have a polished version ready for test readers in early Q1, and also share a little sneak peak with you soon!
Looking Back on 2024
As the year is coming to an end, I’m reflecting on challenging yet rewarding 12 months full of learning, new connections, and countless deep conversations fuelled by my writing. Launching my debut novel wasn’t without its moments of doubt and disappointment, but the support I’ve received — from your kind words to reviews and shares — has made it all worth it. This year has left me eager to continue developing my craft as a novelist, and to put entertaining and equally thought-provoking novels into the world that make a difference.
Thank You
To everyone reading this: thank you for being part of my journey. Whether you’ve encouraged me, shared the book, left a review, or simply read my posts — it all means more to me than I can put into words. Writing isn’t always an easy path, but this little Substack has become a sanctuary where I can connect with you and reflect on what it means to be a writer.
Have a wonderful Christmas and a fantastic start to 2025! I’ll see you in the new year with a sneak peek into my next novel.
PS: Still looking for a great read for the holidays? I highly recommend Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. It’s a beautiful reminder of all the little elements of civilization that we take for granted in our hectic daily lives, wrapped in a compelling journey through a post-pandemic world.
PSS: Or, if you’re hunting for a meaningful gift, The Human Relief Project (now with its refreshed cover!) might be the perfect choice for anyone looking for a thought-provoking read as the year turns.
What a year! And this was just the beginning 🙌 Sending you a big hug from far away!
You surely deserved that break. What a 🎢! Enjoy the holidays, I'll keep a lookout for your manuscript. Offering another sharp 👁️ to you.