We have officially made it through July. We’ve entered into those months of the year that always seem to run together for me while also being favorites. The weather may eventually start to cool, the pumpkin flavored everything will come out, and the family oriented holidays will make their big arrivals. Before we get there, though, we have to get through the hot summer.
Let’s see if the heat affected my progress toward my goals, shall we?
As a reminder, we began 2026 with these (lofty) goals in mind:
Each month, I take a look at that document and get myself some focuses for the coming month. In July those focuses were:
- Get the ARCS of the Apocalypse Project out
- Proof Read the Apocalypse Project
- Release Succour on July 7th
- Preorder boxes of Succour shipped out to customers
- Add words to Superhero 2
- Finish the secret project
- Outline the super secret project (or finish, I suppose, since it was started earlier)
So, let’s take a look at how I did, shall we?
APOCALYPSE PROJECT
As it always goes when we get toward the end of a project, not much has changed on this sheet. I did get the ARCs out on time. There are a FEW more spots available so you can always jump on that if you’re interested. More details and to sign up: https://booksirens.com/book/W9N0SLV/DREE9IP I checked on Goodreads and everything looks good there so it’s ready for reviews as they start to come in. I also started the proofread … but that’s going to have to be rolled in August.
Overall, this one has entered the “runaway train to publication” pathway! All aboard for October, I guess.
SUCCOUR
I got to write my favorite words on a project page in July … DONE.
Succour is officially available for publication everywhere you buy books. Of course, if you buy it from me it’ll be signed. Get your copy. I’m officially retiring these journal pages.
SUPERHERO TRILOGY
I added 9,957 words to this one in July. I have about 6 more chapters to tie up and then I’m done with this draft. There’s still the third book to worry about. I’m on outline for book 2 though, so I’m hopeful this project continues to cooperate!
OTHER GOALS
- I alluded to a secret project because I wasn’t sure what would come of that idea. Well, it’s done! I blogged about it here. Basically the Kingdom of Fraun series got a HUGE reboot! New covers, new interior formatting, and (most importantly) they’re all officially Tabatha Shipley Books property now. I’ll post something with the new covers as soon as mine arrive!
- I didn’t take the time to look at the super secret outline (I really need a new name for that project if it continues) but I’m still not giving up on it.
- New covers for Fraun meant redoing some marketing and bookmarks so I also did that in July.
All in all the July Progress pages in my journal look like THIS:
So What’s Next?
The proof read of Once They’re All Gone got moved to August. I’d also like to finish the Superhero 2 draft in August. Then, while it’s fresh in my mind, I’m planning to adjust or add to the Superhero 3 outline. Hopefully I’ll find time to tackle the outline of the Super Secret Project that I didn’t finish in July. Lastly, I have the Desert Lit event at the end of August. If you’re local, snag a ticket and come on out!
Wait, we didn’t talk about READING
True, we did not. I’m officially moving ALL of my reading content to All the Right Reads. Follow us on Instagram or TikTok to catch those updates!
TLDR: July proved to be a solid month that helped me make progress toward all of the 2026 goals.
STATS
For those who like numbers
- 9957 words added to the Superhero Project
- 2711 words written on blog posts
- 3941 words on book reviews
- For a grand total of 16609 words in July
- Also 5022 pages read in July, but you’ll have to check out https://alltherightreads.com/ for more info on that