The Clockwork Coroner

Back to the Case Files

Somewhere between February and the end of March, my writing consistency slipped.

Not vanished. Not abandoned. Just… drifted.

Recently, I went back through my birthday cards and gifts and realized something I had completely overlooked. Alongside a beautifully crafted journal, Marc and Melanie had also given me a compass and a sundial.

At first glance, they’re just thoughtful, decorative pieces. But the more I sat with them, the more they felt intentional.

The journal is obvious — it holds the work.

But the compass? Direction.

And the sundial? Time.

Two things I didn’t lose… but definitely stopped honoring.

Around the same time, I’ve been watching a friend steadily publish — not one, not two, but multiple books in what feels like a continuous rhythm. No fanfare, just consistency. It’s the kind of quiet discipline that doesn’t demand attention, but earns respect.

It made me realize something about my own process.

My writing isn’t casual. It’s designated.

I keep separate journals for a reason. One for everyday life. One strictly for my “Detectives For Hire” series — The Murder of the Crowe, The Clockwork Coroner, and what may eventually become a third installment.

That separation matters. It’s not just organization — it’s identity.

When I open that writing journal, I’m not journaling. I’m working a case.

And like any good detective, losing track of time or direction doesn’t mean the case is over. It just means it’s time to return to the scene… with better awareness.

So this is me doing exactly that.

Back to the journal.
Back to the case files.
Back to the work.

The compass is set.

Now it’s on me to follow it.