Issue 32: I Have Glimpsed the Future
Aaaaaaand more unsolicited writing advice.
Hi friends!
I get so excited any time that I experience something that makes me feel like I’m in a science fiction film. Recently, I went to my annual eye exam. Upon arriving, I learned that I’ve be doing a “remote consultation.” I still went into the office, but rather than there being an optometrist in the room with me, she appeared—get this—on a tiny screen attached to the chair!
Gone was the giant machination full of different lenses, and in its place, a sleek Apple-inspired visor. When I put my face into that thing, the doc was able to control everything from wherever she was on planet Earth. She was able to A/B everything with the flick of a switch.
It was fascinating, and I see it as one step closer to the future I envision… one where at each eye appointment, the patient simply puts their head into a box. Inside, a computer fires lasers at your corneas and gives you the prescription you need. We can’t be far from that, right?
I found the remote consultation to be fast and efficient, but with one complaint… Before the appointment began, and any time the eye doctor needed to study results, that screen attached to my chair showed me advertisements for common products and restaurant chains.
So, I have glimpsed the future… and there are advertisements there, too.
What Happened Last Issue?
Tales of wrecked Geos and the merits of giving back.
Issue 31: Giving it All
In This Issue:
Unsolicited Writing Career Advice
Project Updates!
Some Unsolicited Writing Career Advice
I’ve recently been speaking with creative writing students who are approaching graduation. After seeing their nerves about jumping into this crazy industry of words and relationships, I shared a list of tips and tricks to keep in mind as they kickstart their careers. I wanted to offer them emotional support, but I also wanted to tell them the truth. If you’re someone who wants to do words for a living, perhaps the advice below will help you as well.
Do not “take a break” from writing after graduation. It’s easy to stop and insanely difficult to start again. Don't lose momentum.
Remember that you’ve willingly elected to join an industry that’s based on rejection. If you struggle with rejection, you will struggle in this career.
Having a successful writing career comes down to three things: Meeting deadlines, being easy to work with, and not quitting when things get hard.
Invest in yourself. Set aside time to write samples across a variety of mediums. These samples are what will get you your first jobs or clients.
Invest in your craft. Identify areas in which you can strengthen your writing, and then ACTIVELY work to improve those areas.
It’s your job to know grammar. If you struggle with grammar, you’ll struggle to land writing jobs. Brush up on basics with YouTube videos or online courses as needed.
If you look “down” on any types/forms/styles of writing, chances are, your first professional job will be in that style of writing. The universe is hilarious like that.
As you move into the post-graduation world, revisit your portfolio with fresh eyes every 90 days. Make sure your pieces are a reflection of the writer you are NOW.
Try all kinds of writing. Discovering what you DON’T like to write is just as important as learning what you DO like to write.
And, possibly the best piece of advice I can offer... The medium in which you WANT to write may not be the medium in which you are BEST at writing.
Project Updates!
Unit 44 [Comic Book]
Alterna Comics is currently offering “REMASTERED” editions of many of their first issues. These versions come with premium covers, premium interior paper stock, and even a pull out poster!
The first issue of Unit 44 was lucky enough to get this remastered treatment. Hit the button below to preorder your copy.
Issues 9 and 10 of my silly sci-fi series started shipping last month. If you haven’t snagged your copies yet, please consider doing so!
If you prefer to read your books digitally, you can grab every issue of Unit 44 to date for just $0.99!
With that marketing out of the way, I can share that issues 11 and 12 of Unit 44 have nearly reached the finish line and will be available for preorder in a few short months. Some big changes for Unit 44 are coming down the pike, so more on that in a future newsletter.
The Obsoletes [Comic Book]
After some slight delays, issue #3 of my sci-fi/adventure comic with Silverline Comics is back in production. There are pages actively being inked, drawn, and colored. Our second issue released last year, and I’m hopeful we can get the penultimate issue to readers before the end of 2024!
Where Is Tornado Alley? [Young Readers Nonfiction] - Releasing 1/7/2025
In my last newsletter, I talked all about this upcoming release. I’m quite excited to have penned a book for young readers to be published in January 2025 by Penguin Random House. If you missed that missive, catch up below.
The Space Case [Young Readers Nonfiction] - Releasing 4/15/25
Hey, this book got a release date! It’ll hit shelves on April 15, 2025. More on this title in just a few short months!
The Weirdness [Young Readers Nonfiction] - Releasing 1/6/2026
This manuscript is still with the editor awaiting notes. But in the meantime, I spent a great deal of time working on…
The Insincerity [Young Readers Nonfiction]
I spent a good month and half doing a ton of reading about this topic and put together (what I think is) a pretty solid outline. However, I’m just a madman with fingers who types and usually what I think is great still needs a lot of work. I’ve shared the outline with the editor and we’ll toss ideas back and forth soon.
The On Project [Top Secret]
Unfortunately, with all the things listed above, this secret project has hit the back burner. I did take some major steps on it, but then had to throw my attention into the outline mentioned above. Here’s hoping I can squeeze in some extra time on this in the next couple of weeks. But, y’know, things rarely go how I plan them.
Upcoming Releases!
Unit 44 #9 & #10 - Available now!
Unit 44 #11 & #12 - Preorders in Q3 2024 / Releasing Q4 2024
Where Is Tornado Alley? - January 7, 2025 [Available for preorder]
[Redacted] - April 15, 2025
Unannounced Young Readers Book - January 6, 2026
Unannounced Young Readers Book - Summer, 2026
Good show!
I’m Wes Locher. I’ve been writing professionally for more than twelve years. I write comic books, video games, fiction, and nonfiction. I write whatever seems fun, cool, and inspiring. I also love helping other writers to demystify the process of making a living through words. This is my newsletter.