I don't know how I did such a nice job on my very first charcoal pencil whenever that happened... Beginners luck maybe. This time it's a bit more fiddly plus my mind wandered, causing the charcoal core of one to snap and me to shave a chunk out of the core of another. Changing to a new sharp hobby blade helped but I think it's a matter of experience, better tools, and not doing this stuff when distracted.

I'm completely avoiding my responsibilities. But I've not been doing art either from pressure or feeling terrible, and figured rather than toss and turn or force myself into the big stuff I would do small chunks of prep work. Get things ready for when I'm feeling ready, so to speak.

6 still need to be smoothed and I shaved one thinner to try and fix the missing chunk. I left three untouched for when I have a proper blade for the purpose. But once I smooth those out that's a bunch ready to go whenever I have the urge to pick them up.

Melbcat is ordering me to bed so that can wait. She says 'vcf jn'