#304 🐼 And here’s a point to note…

Reading time: 3 minutes

Heyaa Bee

Are you ever scared of your dreams? Not career dreams and all. I’m talking about the real ones that you see while sleeping. Do you get scared? Sometimes?

I recently asked ChatGPT to analyse my dreams, not just one or two, but seven or eight overall. To find some sort of connection, you know. Meaning.

And it did ask me if I was stressed over something. Yes, I am.

Even though I’m fine consciously, there seems to be some subconscious tension… and it gets translated to those weird, adventurous dreams I’ve been having for a month or more.

Not always, of course, but the kind of uncertain situation I’m in is somewhat affecting my dreams as well.

OK, it’s the first day of June. 18.16 hours… and I’m currently waiting for a client to send a file that they need some editing on.

And I’m listening to…

…on a new laptop. It’s all set to my preferences again. Just getting used to this new keyboard. Wrong keys are getting pressed accidentally. Everything else seems fine.

It’s been six days since I've been using it. I still need to install Publii and resume blogging again. Have made a list of articles to write and publish. Plus, there are a few existing book reviews to post on my blog, eight only actually.

And here’s a point to note… If you're exchanging a Windows laptop on Flipkart, keep it ready with a local account. They install an app to check for the “vitals,” and also that there’s no password.

It took me four hours for the exchange process to complete. Why? I had it reset, factory-fresh, you know. So, had to set up Windows again so that they could download and install their software.

The software check ideally takes less than an hour. 20 minutes approx.

At least I learnt, you can set a Windows 11 laptop to run without a password. Of course, it asks you to set one. But you can later replace it with a blank password. For a local account, not a Microsoft one.

Now, the week has already been quite productive.

Made checklists for indie authors… writing, cover design, book launch, etc. Nine in total, spread across 14 pages. Had to break some into two pages to make them comprehensive (without being overwhelming).

Want to list them on Gumroad. Will do that this week. Thinking about ten listings, nine individual checklists and one as a bundle of all.

Will be promoting on Threads primarily. The community is quite supportive, and I managed to amass 400 followers within five months. On IG, it took me five years (and a few collabs) for the same.

I know 400 followers is nothing to brag about. But the good thing is that I’m feeling comfortable engaging with others, and my posts and replies are not getting ignored. The views are now over 40K. It hovered below 20K until March.

So, my checklists will only be shared there currently. I mean, regularly spammed. Have replicated those as Notion pages as well, on Anmol’s suggestions. So, users can try either physical or digital.

Have made a new account on Reddit as well. Just to check out the communities there. I know it’s quite negative and harsh on Reddit. It’s not for the faint of heart. But no harm in trying again, right?

Maybe if I check again, I might come across something interesting. Not that I’m looking for new friends. Threads is enough for that. Just some ways to market myself in the bookish community.

Last week, I discussed a project for Kindle publishing set up and book listings.

We discussed the deets, they agreed to send the advance, I sent my account details. Then, they backed out, saying they’ll get in touch once they have their ongoing works finalised.

Well, not putting up any hopes for myself. Will follow up once, in 2-3 weeks, if I can remember.

I know I need clients, but procrastinating. Thought about listing my book gigs on Fiverr months ago. Don’t know when I will… or if I ever will.

I miss the days when I could do everything I wanted, and on time, within a daily set duration of 5-6 hours.

Well, I didn’t allocate much time to reading those days. Reading was more of a hobby than a daily ritual.

Time to take your leave now. Got to read some books. Last month I read 6 books, and bought 5 paperbacks, finally after 7 months of self-control. Will start reading them this week.

Bidding adieu. Enjoy your day. Live long and prosper.