Current Draft Status + Field Research 2

I had my second bit of field research today, which was the Dickens On the Strand festival in Galveston.  Okay, okay, I will admit that most of it was just a daycation for me.  But I did take a tour to learn more of the history of the area (very useful, since a lot of it has inspired further details of Second London lore).  Aaaaand I didn't learn anything, because I couldn't focus on the tour guide due to being freezing cold and in pain at that point.  :-(  But at least I had a fun day and socialized, including with one of the great-great-great grandsons of Charles Dickens (can I integrate that into the book's marketing?  'Written by someone who once socialized with one of Charles Dickens' descendants').  And I got to pat a kangaroo.  Not sure what he had to do with the Victorian era but he was cute.  Anyway, this planned bit of 'field research' - while fun - did not really contribute any education toward the book.  Only vibes.

But on to updates about the draft.  I'd say the first draft is about 80% done.  I'm hoping that I can wrap it up some time next week!  I've already got ideas on how to revise and edit this draft for the second round.  Namely, trading the "college of magic" setting for an "industrial factory" one.  Really, I don't know why I didn't think of that sooner.  It makes more sense, given that the 19th century was the industrial revolution and all.

Anyway, I am freezing cold and need to decompress after such a wild day.  Fun day, but a little much for me.

(Next planned bit of field research is a class on historical herbal tea at the same site where I had the first round of field research.  Hopefully I will successfully learn something.)