🥶 Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri, Party of One

“My subscriber didn’t open last week’s email.

Bold move, considering it was free entertainment.”

…crickets…

I glance over at the bar. No one’s manning it. Even the bartender unsubscribed.

Tough crowd, tough crowd.

So I hear Trump’s redecorating the government now.

You know — a little fascism here, a little nepotism there, maybe a nice gilded dictatorship to tie the room together.

“Computer, place one frozen strawberry daiquiri on the table.”

A soft hum fills the air — and there it is. My drink, perfectly blended, waiting patiently.

“At least someone’s still taking my orders.”

Since I’m not entertaining anyone but myself here, I’d like to think I’m not that far away from contacting an agent and getting the ball rolling on getting out there — and being awesome.

Besides, if any subscribers gave a shit, they wouldn’t be bitches.

Kidding! (Mostly. But if the unsubscribe button’s glowing, don’t let me stop you.)”

🌤 Today’s Weather in Illinois

Feels like early fall’s trying its best to apologize for summer’s bad attitude.
Low 80s, sunny skies, and that kind of forgiving breeze that makes you forget capitalism’s still a thing.

✍️ Word Count Update

Starting point (Sept 27): 64,660 words
Today’s count (Oct 3): 66,544 words
Progress this week: +1,884 words

A little shorter this time — I cut the old demon sex story out of the manuscript (RIP, chaotic energy), and it balanced out the gains.

But I think I’m done for the day. The big number’s still out there — that 130,000-to-140,000 finish line — but it finally feels like the story’s moving the way it should.

The next book tease is already taking shape, and the Divine Comedy idea solidified the future characters in a way that just clicks.

So yeah — I think next weekend’s word count will still fly.

Apparently, even Hell has a fast lane when the story’s good.

🧭 Next Week

More words. More laughs.
Maybe even one subscriber who opens the damn email.

Until then — the mic’s still on, the drink’s still cold, and the show goes on.

— A.L. Bellettiere