Update #1. Propose a written text for publication

Today I submitted, by mail, to companies that required hard copies:

- Fantagraphics

- Red Deer Press

- Titan Books

This was a lot of work because the printer I've had for at least fifteen years died (though the attached scanner still works perfectly), and I spent way too much time troubleshooting only to figure out that it is, in fact, very old and very dead.

Fortunately, Geoff purchased a mostly (they took the ink and USB cord) new printer/scanner from a garage sale last year. He got it working, I purchased cheap refurbished ink, and we're using my old dead printer's USB cord. I bought some nice three hole folders and plastic display sheets, along with some postage stamps. The printouts ended up looking pretty nice.

This is the last of the submissions for the foreseeable future, until I finish 25 - 50 pages of my graphic novel, as required by some publishers. This is a good thing, as it will compel me to keep on creating.

Original goal list posted here

Update #1. Propose a written text for publication

I researched some Toronto publishing companies and was very impressed with Second Story Books, so I made a submission to them today.

Still more to follow when different specs are met.

Original goal list posted here

Update: #15. read and write more poetry

Breathing (for my daughter)

By: Amber B.

The first night in the hospital, me in a half-sliced half-thawed Dilaudid haze,

your father stood over your plastic cradle at all hours,

because he wanted to see that you were breathing.

When we brought you into the larger womb of our home,

you'd splutter and groan all night with reflux,

waking up choking and gasping for air

and we'd pick you up and hold you longer than we had to,

because we wanted to make sure you were still breathing.

You've never been a sleeper

and, most times, the only way you'll nap is in a swing,

so, when you drift off, I silently set it to still

and sit beside you for an hour,

and I check to see that you are breathing.

Sometimes I think of the world outside the door -

your introduction and my return to life amongst it -

I watch you when you are sleeping 

and wonder what lies in wait

and I want to kiss your cheek and touch your soft hair

and tell you that I am always here,

but life has no guarantees

(all I know is you are fierce like me),

and I have to stop and remember to breathe.

Update: #1. Propose a written text for publication

 Completed additional proposals of graphic novel memoir to:

- Image Comics*

- Hound Comics

- Secret Acres

- SelfMadeHero

*This meant I had to complete my cover mock-up!

Still more to follow when different specs are met.

Original goal list posted here

Update: #1. Propose a written text for publication

Completed additional proposals of graphic novel memoir to:

- Iron Circus Comics

- Verso Books

I appreciated completing these ones, as they had specific questions that allowed me to reflect on such ideas as chapter outcomes and themes.

Still more to follow when different specs are met.

Original goal list posted here

Completed: 1. Propose a written text for publication

Well, it's taken almost six years (this goal was an incomplete carry over from my 2015 - 2018 list), but I completed and proposed the first 17 pages of my graphic novel memoir to:

- Top Shelf Productions

- Drawn and Quarterly

- Avatar Press

- Soaring Penguin Press

- Nobrow Ltd.

- Blank Slate Books

More to follow when different specs are met.

Original goal list posted here

Completed: #9. Clean up / transfer files from my old Mac to my new one

As my new Mac contains mostly Cloud storage, I stored all pertinent files on an external hard drive, which I checked to ensure could be opened on my new Mac.

The unfortunate thing is that my CS3 version of Photoshop is no longer considered relevant and cannot be loaded on to my new Mac, even though I have the discs, serial numbers, and an external disc drive.

Regardless, I was motivated to accomplish this goal mostly by the possibility of selling my old Mac for casual use or parts. However, the process of guaranteeing security on a computer so old proved to be more difficult than I anticipated.

I learned the following in the wee hours: This computer is too old for an internal factory reset function. I then attempted to manually delete all files before realizing that, even if I were to wipe it clean and do a 35-step secure deleted safe function, the computer would still be inaccessible to a new user without reprogramming. As a result of the aforementioned complication, in order to do this, I would require the original load discs from my 2007 purchase. I spent an hour or two looking for them in any possible location in my place (nevermind that I've moved four times since 2007), but no cigar.

I also learned that, before they were so ancient, Apple used to mail you replacement discs. No longer. I also couldn't find any for this version on eBay. 

I stored the computer away in a box for now, incase I should happen to find such a disc in the future. For now, the goal as listed has been accomplished.

Original goal list posted here