Been working on my novel nearly every day for... God knows how long. Months and months and months, over a year I think actually. The last few chapters seem to be taking forever, and I'm at the point of just wanting to finish and get it edited. But being impatient will ruin the writing and make the editing stage harder, so I'm pressing on and going at a good pace.

I've been working on 'Amber Atoms', scripted, penciled, inked and lettered by the fantastic Kelly Yates. Apart from a small delay in recieving pages, I'm pretty close to finishing the colours in the book. It looks pretty good, with a style taken from my experience colouring 'Samurai VS Ninja'. Be sure to check out the first story arc from the first four issues of the comic, published by Image Comics and in comic book stores now! I take over colouring duties starting with issue #5.

I've made the jump to twitter: [link]

I figure that if I've got some work coming up, it'd be a good way to network and promote. Feel free to drop your usernames and follow me yourself.

If I can give one important piece of advice to anyone serious about digital colouring, besides that a person should be hard working and dedicated, it's this:

Invest in a drawing tablet as soon as possible!

I've used a mouse for a few years now, as I've not been in a position to afford a tablet, and it is slowly destroying my neck, back and shoulders. The mouse doesn't allow for wrist action the way a pen does, so most of the technique is done through your arm. Over time the repetitiveness takes its toll. I've ended up with constant strain in my neck and shoulders that causes unbelievably painful migraines. Luckily I'm a physically active person, and very flexable to boot, so I can ease the tention off through the right exercise. But it always returns once I get back to work.

A tablet will also allow your technique to progress quicker, it'll help you work faster and looks much smoother than work with a mouse. I don't want to even mention how long it takes me to get a piece of work done sometimes, in fear that no one will give me a job (even if I do meet my deadlines).

So take my advice, get yourself a tablet. It's for the greater good.

Back from my weekend camp in Wales. It was refreshing to get out of the city, away from my computer, break away from colouring, writing and just hike around the mountain range. I've come back clear minded, relaxed and ready to get back to work with renewed vigor.

But before I get back to it, I'm making you aware of Diana Greenhalgh's original artwork auction on ebay:

Diana needs to raise $1000 (US) in order to pay debts, medical bills and help out a friend in need too. If you're interested in buying some nice artwork and helping a girl out, feel free to follow the link and read more into it all: [link]

I know a lot of folks I'm in contact with read my journals, so I'm just putting this up here: I'll be away from Friday 3rd to the following Sunday or Monday. If you try and contact me, I won't have internet access at all so it'll have to wait.

Cheers.