As you know, I’ve been working on my new short story, “The Green Cross,” for the past month or so. Lately I’ve been struggling with it and I haven’t made as much progress as I had hoped. I had previously given myself a deadline at the end of this month. It doesn’t look like I’m going to meet that deadline.

I have been reading up on some World War I material that I hope provides some insight for my story. Chief among these is Poilu, the memoirs of French soldier Louis Barthas who fought in throughout the entire war. I’ve been enjoying it so far. It reminds me of Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried, another book I’d definitely recommend reading if you haven’t already done so.

As for when I might finish “The Green Cross”, I don’t know. I hope to complete the first draft by the end of August.

Until then, stay tuned.

Martin