Writing: Monthly update for April 2021

HAPPY MAY!

Hello friends!

It's official! Spring has sprung! We have a garden! Well... Actually, my husband has garden. I don't dare touch it because I have the blackest thumb ever. I killed a cactus, for cryin' out loud!

But I love flowers! I wish so much I could keep them alive. I'd have every color of Gerber daises, ranunculus, and 4 O'clocks. They're so pretty ♥

BULLET JOURNAL SPREADS!
Speaking of flowers... Check out my May bujo spread! I think this one is my favorite, so far, this year.

I'll fill out my mood tracker with different color petals depending on my mood that day.

How was your April?

💕Anastasia

COVER REVEAL

It's here! Feast your eyes on our cover for Heating Up the Holidays: A Year of Steamy Celebrations! Like this cover, this anthology is going to be !!

Heat up your holidays! Join us for a year of steamy celebrations and go home on New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas with seven different, sexy book boyfriends.

This anthology of steamy contemporary stories is packed with your favorite tropes.
Age gap with older woman, younger man
Brother's best friend
Fake relationship
Roommates to lovers
Friends to lovers
Enemies to lovers
And, of course, happily-ever-afters for all!

Heating Up the Holidays will be available for a limited time! Don't miss the party! Pre-order your ebook today! → https://books2read.com/u/49le1X

Add to your Goodreads TBR → https://bit.ly/3q5Ery5

Follow the authors on Instagram: @gemmasmithwrites @authoraschuh @anastasiaaustinauthor @hattielouwriter @heatherblair.author @mindymckinleyromance @authorbreehowland

Read in April:

I've been trying to keep up with my friend, Mimi's new releases. These 60-ish page stories are so much fun and super hot! As long as she keeps writing them, I'm gonna keep reading!

What did you read in April? Find any new favorites?

Currently Reading:

Started both of these but haven't finished them yet. At Last made me cry already and Mark of the Dragon is fun but it's also a little bit of market research. *wink wink* More about that in the next section ;)

Current Romance WIPs:

Love on Blake and Main (Love on Main, #2, Workplace romance) - We're almost there! ARC's are out and release day is in 2 WEEKS! I can't wait for you all to read Blake and Parker's story!

BLAKE'S PRE-ORDER IS AVAILABLE NOW! - https://books2read.com/u/bojDK9

Love on Oliver and Main (Love on Main, #3, Age Gap) - I'm chipping away at this one! Loving Oliver and Blue's chemistry. They're trying so hard to just be friends but it's not working out so well. LOL

The HookApp (Kindle Vella romance) - In April, Amazon announced a new platform called Vella. It's, basically, a competitor to sites like Wattpad and Radish. Intended for serial stories or stories released chapter by chapter. However, I'm going to do it a little differently.

If you've been following me for a while, you're probably familiar with my Meet Cute Monthly. One of my MCM's was about a couple who met through a dating app called HookApp. Much like my MCM, I'm going to release a short story, 5K words or less, to Kindle Vella about couples who meet through this app or this app in some way affects their relationship. Not sure how often the stories will be released but I've already written the first. It's the rest of Kyle and Nicole's date from the November 2020 Meet Cute. It's super steamy and so much fun!

This platform is not yet available to readers. Amazon hasn't announced an official release date. I'll keep you posted!

Skin and Scale (Paranormal dragon shifter romance/erotica) - This is something I've been throwing around for a LONG time but now, I'm actually drafting it. I'm not very far into the first one but I know it's going to be short. I also know it's going to be menage, MFM. I’ve also started a MeWe group for the pen name I’ll be publishing these books under, Staci Embers. Join Staci’s Haven here! https://mewe.com/join/stacishaven

Lucky One (Heating Up the Holidays anthology St. Patrick's Day romance) - This guy needs to move up my list of priorities! I'm thinking I need to make a point to write one scene a week on it. Love the characters, I just have so many irons on the fire right now, I've fallen behind on it.

Heat up your holidays! Join us for a year of steamy celebrations and go home on New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas with seven different, sexy book boyfriends.

This anthology of steamy contemporary stories is packed with your favorite tropes.
Age gap with older woman, younger man
Brother's best friend
Fake relationship
Roommates to lovers
Friends to lovers
Enemies to lovers
And, of course, happily ever afters for all!

Heating Up the Holidays will be available for a limited time! Don't miss the party! Pre-order your ebook today! → https://books2read.com/u/49le1X

Add to your Goodreads TBR → https://bit.ly/3q5Ery5

Join our Street Team and apply to review and ARC! → https://forms.gle/kEyNMv7skEZQzEGs8

Follow the authors:
https://gemmasmithwrites.com/connect
www.adriannaschuh.com
https://www.theanastasiaaustin.com/newsletter
https://www.facebook.com/hattie.lou.90
https://heatherblairauthor.blog/
https://www.mindymckinley.com
https://www.instagram.com/authorbreehowland/

Publishing news:

So... I’ve been busy since redesigning the ebook covers for my Fate series, I’ve been chipping away at the paperbacks! All the covers are done and this is the first proof copy I ordered needs some adjustments but I flipping love it!

Not sure when I’ll hit publish on all the new covers but if you need to finish out your set of the current paperback covers, do it soon! And stay tuned to find out when these babies will be available

Fake to Fate paperback- https://www.amazon.com/dp/1091548714

Word Count:

Look at all the pretty colors! So many different writing projects going! I love them all so much and wish I had more time for them.

Look at all the pretty colors! So many different writing projects going! I love them all so much and wish I had more time for them.

Binge my books!

Sharing is Caring

PROMO ENDS May 29th

PROMOS END May 31st

The End

Thanks for reading! Keep moving forward!

Join me on Facebook! ♥ And MeWe!

Writing: Monthly update for March 2021

Happy April!

Hello friends!

We sat on the porch and didn't freeze to death! Every year, it seems like spring will never come. It teases us with sunshine but the temps are still freezing. Or it gets warmer but is cloudy, windy AF, and raining. But finally, we have sunshine and warm! How's the weather where you are?

And of course, now that it's warm, I have one more inside thing I'd rather be doing. LOL If you've been wondering why I haven't made new stickers for Love on Luke and Main or Running Into Trouble, it's because my old Wacom drawing tablet stopped working several months ago.

But check it out! I have a new one now and I've already started drawing! If you remember, Haley gets drunk on margarita's and gets a little too handsy with Luke in his truck. That is the inspiration for their sticker! Isn't it cute?!

BULLET JOURNAL SPREADS!
This was a fun month to put together. Love the colors and the rain drop mood tracker should be cute when it's finished!

How was your March?

💕Anastasia

COVER REVEAL

LOVE ON BLAKE AND MAIN
A steamy workplace romance coming May 18, 2021

BLURB:
Blake
I can't promise I'll never get into another fight, but I can promise the only girl I'll ever fight for, from now on, is Parker Rose.

Parker
Hiring Blake Anderson to oversee my co-op to coffee shop renovation is the best—and easiest—decision I’ve ever made. But inviting him to rent my spare room might just be the worst.

He’s my contractor. I’m his client. We should not be living together. But when he gets kicked out of his friend’s place for fighting, I don’t take no for an answer. After all, Blake fought for me.

This arrangement has disaster written all over it.

We have nothing in common. Blake is a kind, professional Jekyll by day and a broody, violent Hyde by night. While I’m just a silly girl with a furry purse who is failing miserably at passing herself off as an entrepreneur.

There’s a good chance Blake will demolish my heart. But like he says, “It gets worse before it gets better.”

I hope he’s right.

PRE-ORDER today! - https://books2read.com/u/bojDK9
Add to your Goodreads TBR! - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56026080-love-on-blake-and-main

If you'd like to help me promote Blake's book before the release or apply for the chance to receive an ARC (advanced reader copy) of his book, please fill out this form!
Street team/ARC application - https://forms.gle/qnSdPyaJdQ9LJWTK6

Read in March:

OMG! I loved Tied! It was a slow burn between two tortured souls. I can't write stories like this but I LOVE reading them. All the angst and drama! Strongly recommend this and the first book, Torn.

Lucky Dog was a short, erotic read. Super steamy but light on story and character. 

What did you read in March? Find any new favorites?

Currently Reading:

Still trying to make it through A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire. This book is SO long and chapters are even longer LOL (That's what it feels like.) Not that I'm not enjoying it. It's just every time I sit down to read it, I swear it gets longer.

Hitching the Cowboy has been fun, so far. Just haven't had time to read in a week. :(

Current Romance WIPs:

Love on Blake and Main (Love on Main, #2, Workplace romance) - Need to do a final edit and proofread before it's ready to publish! So excited for you to read this one. Blake and Parker were difficult characters to write. You'll see when you read it :P

Love on Oliver and Main (Love on Main, #3, Age Gap) - I'm well on my way with this one! Over 10K words written in March. These two are SO cute! It's been a while since I've had characters that don't hide from me and a story that begs to be written. Can't wait to get back to it tonight!

Lucky One (Heating Up the Holidays anthology St. Patrick's Day romance) - I haven't made much more progress on this. I did make this aesthetic though! She's a musician. He's a mechanic. There's a small age gap. Not more than about 6 years but she's only 18. Plus, it's brother's best friend. A bit of forbidden for ya!

Heat up your holidays! Join us for a year of steamy celebrations and go home on New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas with seven different, sexy book boyfriends.

This anthology of steamy contemporary stories is packed with your favorite tropes.
Age gap with older woman, younger man
Brother's best friend
Fake relationship
Roommates to lovers
Friends to lovers
Enemies to lovers
And, of course, happily ever afters for all!

Heating Up the Holidays will be available for a limited time! Don't miss the party! Pre-order your ebook today! → https://books2read.com/u/49le1X

Add to your Goodreads TBR → https://bit.ly/3q5Ery5

Join our Street Team and apply to review and ARC! → https://forms.gle/kEyNMv7skEZQzEGs8

Follow the authors:
https://gemmasmithwrites.com/connect
www.adriannaschuh.com
https://www.theanastasiaaustin.com/newsletter
https://www.facebook.com/hattie.lou.90
https://heatherblairauthor.blog/
https://www.mindymckinley.com
https://www.instagram.com/authorbreehowland/

Publishing news:

RUNNING INTO TROUBLE

Avaliable now! - https://books2read.com/u/4jLk1Z

RUNNING INTO TROUBLE is an age gap romance about a girl just starting life as a sous chef after college and the early 40’s, stubborn, but super sexy potter she runs into at the supermarket. After offering to help him cook dinner for his teenage daughter, they try to keep their distance but no matter how hard they try, they just can’t stay away from each other.

BLURB:
Daniel
When I run into Riley, who does not look old enough to buy the wine in her grocery cart without a fake ID, the only thing I should exchange with her is an apology. After I tell her about the gumbo dinner I’m sure to ruin, we end up exchanging phone numbers. And boy, am I glad to have the hot little sous chef in my contact list when my roux goes up in smoke.

Riley expected my call but I didn’t expect it to go so well. To be taken in by her and not want to let her go.

She’s half my age. Better off being friends with my eighteen-year-old daughter or out hiking with her college-age friends than dating me. Riley has her whole life ahead of her. Between my age, my college football injury, and my addiction to my pottery wheel, I’d only hold her back.

I have to let her go. Don’t I?

This is a steamy, 18+ read with a happily ever after!


RUNNING INTO TROUBLE (universal link) -> https://books2read.com/u/4jLk1Z
Amazon.com US -> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08WJHQ7J1

Add the book to your Goodreads TBR today!
Running Into Trouble ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57041459-running-into-trouble

Word Count:

Not as consistent as I'd like to be but I got a lot accomplished, so I can't be too upset about it.

Not as consistent as I'd like to be but I got a lot accomplished, so I can't be too upset about it.

Binge my books!

Running Into Trouble is a standalone age gap novella!
Link to Amazon listing

The first full novel in the LOVE ON MAIN series is Live!
"Small town matchmaking shenanigans, which cracked me up. Slow burn, but when these two finally give in...whew. A sweet epilogue and a hea. Next book please. #SubtleLikeAMackTruck" - BookSnobSue Review
Link to Amazon listing

Reunited is a standalone prequel novella to the Love on Main series!
Link to Amazon listing

Read the Fate series in this order!
Fake to Fate - Amazon Listing
Fighting Fate - Amazon listing
Facing Fate - Amazon listing
Forcing Fate - Amazon listing

Sharing is Caring

PROMO ENDS APRIL 19th

PROMOS END APRIL 11th

PROMO ENDS APRIL 30th

The End

Thanks for reading! Keep moving forward!

Join my MeWe group! ♥

Join my MeWe group! ♥

Happy first book and publishing birthday!

🎂Happy first book birthday, Fake to Fate!! 🎂

One year ago today, I published my first book! Can you believe it?! I can't 🤣

In February of 2019, I got a wild hair to try out self publishing. I was frustrated with trying to find an agent to get traditionally published. Simply, lacking the patience it requires to break into the traditional publishing world. But this is the one time my impatience paid off. After drafting Fake to Fate in less than a month, then releasing it in less than three, I fell in love with the process.

One year and four published books later, I'm hooked. This is my life now and forever. And in addition to the unwavering support from my wonderful husband, that's, in large part thanks to you, the readers! Thank you all so much for reading and reviewing and sharing and all those things!

It's been an incredible first year and I hope you like what I have in store for you in the next year. More fluff, more steam, and soon, magic! ;)

If you like fantasy in your romance, stick around! I've got what you need, coming soon(ish)! 😘

http://mybook.to/FaketoFate

Writing: Monthly update for August

FaketoFate_MarketFighting Fate 3D paperback
After my Mini Cooper, Benny pooped out and one of the places I tried to purchase a new car from tried to screw me over lying about the title not being a prior salvage and swindling me out of a $100.00 to hold the car, I finally have a cute new car with hardly any miles that runs great! Everyone? Meet Nermal! IMG_1831IMG_1832IMG_1833
Yes, she's purple! Grape metallic ice to be specific. QOTD: Have any of you had a bad experience with a car dealership or salesman?

Current Romance WIPs:
FIGHTING FATE - It's alive!!! And doing well! Thank you for all your support. If you've read it, I hope you loved Katie and Isaac's story. If you haven't, I hope you give them a chance. They are such a sweet couple. Get your copy today!
Love it or hate it, please rate it♥

FACING FATE or ARRANGING FATE [Title might change] - Book 3 in the Fate series! This book decided to give me some trouble. To be fair, it was mostly my fault. When I started writing Jake and Amber's story, I completely forgot to ask them what they wanted from each other. So there I was, 33K words in, not even close to the middle of the book, and their relationship was going nowhere!  After going back and asking the question, I have reoutlined, organized, and now these two are ready to turn up the heat!

PLUS ONE - On the back burner.

SECOND CHANCE - On the back burner.

Romantic Fantasy WIP - Considering picking this up after Jake's story is finished. It's an old story I'm resurrecting and making romance a huge part of the plot. I have two words for you... MATING BONDS!

Word Counts:
IMG_1825.JPG

Previously, on Word Counts... "God willing and the creek don't rise, I'll have a first draft [Jake's story] done at the end of September!" HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Yeah... that didn't happen. It's extra funny because we got SO much rain in September, the creek did actually rise! lol Even though I didn't finish Jake's story, I did write on FOUR different projects. Most of those words were for the outlines of two projects and the other was a short film script but words are words! It's all progress!


Publishing News:
With the release of FIGHTING FATE on September 17th, I also saw a boost in sales for FAKE TO FATE! Such a nice surprise!

Also, that boost put FAKE TO FATE in the top 200's of the comedy category! Image may contain: text

Read in September:

Found (Brides of the Kindred, #4)Revealed (Brides of the Kindred, #5)Pursued (Brides of the Kindred, #6)Fighting Fate (Fate, #2)Most Irresistible Guy (Most Valuable Playboy, #0.5)

Thanks for reading. Keep moving forward!

Buy the first two books in the FATE series today! Thank you!
FaketoFate_MarketFighting Fate 3D paperback

Writing: Monthly update for August

August happened... Seriously, where did the month go?! On top of that, where did the last fifteen years go? Our son had his first week of high school and I'm still not sure how I feel about that. Did any of your kids hit a milestone this year? How are you handling it?

At this point, we're just taking it one day at a time. Hoping for a good school year!

Now, not only did our son hit a big milestone in August, I did too! A writer dream come true. One of my favorite authors, Mary E. Pearson (The Kiss of Deception, Dance of Thieves, and more from the Remnant Chronicles) released the second book in the Dance of Thieves duology, Vow of Thieves. On August 8th, my husband and I went to her signing event in Minnesota.

Before we went, my husband encouraged me to take a copy of Fake to Fate, just in case. I did, thinking it wouldn't come into play but when it was my turn in line for Mary to sign my copy of Vow of Thieves, this happened...

8249996245bd4db278deb7ff163fe2cd.jpg

Last year, when I went to the same book store for her signing of Dance of Thieves, I told her how much The Kiss of Deception inspired me to throw out my worry over writing the "correct" way and start writing my way. 99.9% of that book is written from 3 different POV's. All from first person, and the identity of two of the characters are hidden for most of the book. Then, close to the end, she had one chapter from a completely different POV and it was only like 2 pages long. WHO DOES THAT?! lol When I told her how much I loved that and it changed my life as a writer, she let me know that she had worried about including it in the book and hearing how it had impacted me validated her decision! And this is what she wrote on the first page of that chapter...

the-kiss-of-deception-signature.jpg

This year, I reminded her of the previous event and told her I took that sentence to heart. I followed my own rules and self published my first book in April. She got so excited and asked if I had a copy. When I told her I did, she asked me to sign it for her! It was the first book I signed that someone ASKED for my signature. REVOLUTIONARY moment! I'm still flying high from it! 

It never would have happened if my husband hadn't encouraged me to be bold and own my accomplishments. Thank you, Tebs! It also wouldn't have had near the impact if I couldn't then share it with all of you! Thank you for reading and for your support! ♥

Current Romance WIPs:

FIGHTING FATE - All the things are happening with this one! 

  1. Release day is September 17, 2019! Pre-order the ebook now!

  2. There will be a paperback version available early. I should get the proof copies today. After I read through and make necessary corrections, it will be ready to go! Stay tuned for the announcement!

  3. Reviews are coming in and they're great, so far! Visit the Goodreads page to see what people are saying about Fighting Fate and add it to your TBR!

PLUS ONE - You'll see in my word count tracker that I did add to this book in August. Then I made the decision to continue with the Fate series. PLUS ONE has become the book I chip away at when I have the time to spare. Eventually, I'll have a finished draft and can commit time to publishing it. 

FACING FATE - Book 3 in the Fate series! This is Jake's story and OMG I love it so much! We learned so much more about him in FIGHTING FATE and I'm learning even more spending this time with him now. I can't wait to share his story with you!

SECOND CHANCE - While brainstorming one day, because I couldn't work on anything else, I came up with a plot for a second chance romance. It's plotted/outlined and I love the story but the female's backstory is a bit darker than in my other books and it plays heavily into the plot. Not sure how I feel about that, since I love how fluffy my other stories have been. We'll see what happens when I start drafting it. Not sure when that will be. I want to finish the Fate series before picking up a new one. Plus, I have ideas for a couple other series that I've been sitting on longer that I might want to write first. WHO KNOWS?!

 

Word Counts:

August Word count tracker.JPG

Quite a lot of revision and editing for FIGHTING FATE happened in August. Though, I still think it was a darn good month for words! Several days went off the chart!

The 6th and 7th look a little wonky because I screwed up and forgot to change colors when I switched from drafting PLUS ONE to FACING FATE. LOL

Currently, I've written over 20K words on FACING FATE! God willing and the creek don't rise, I'll have a first draft done at the end of September! Looking to publish it before the end of the year!

 

Publishing News:

Got some new reviews for FAKE TO FATE! Sold a copy of the ebook and had some page reads!

Released the pre-order for FIGHTING FATE. Already seeing reviews from ARC readers!

Read in August:

Thanks to my dear friend, Bree, I've become obsessed with the Brides of the Kindred series. LOL Not for the faint of heart! Super steamy and a little odd. Love it!









 

Thanks for reading. Keep moving forward!

Buy FAKE TO FATE! Ebook and paperback are on Amazon now.

Pre-order the ebook for FIGHTING FATE on Amazon and get it delivered directly to your device on September 17th!

Thank you!

Writing: Monthly update for July

I finally fought my way out of revisions!

Current Fantasy Romance WIPs:

So, I included this in my update last month without considering whether or not readers of contemporary romance would also be interested in fantasy romance.

If you wouldn't mind, I'd love your help deciding whether or not I should publish Fantasy Romance under a different name.

Please respond to the following questions with your thoughts.

Do you only wish to read contemporary romance and would not like to get updates about fantasy romance? Or would you like to know about everything I write, regardless of genre?

Thanks in advance for your input! 

Current Romance WIPs:

FIGHTING FATE - I DID IT! I finished revising! Today, I will contact my beta readers and ask for feedback to be returned within two weeks. After that, I'll revise again, considering their feedback. Then, it's off to ARC readers before publishing!

Release day is not set yet but I expect it will be mid-September.

Can't wait for you all to read Katie and Isaac's story! They fought me just as much as they fought the feelings they had for each other. But it was worth it in the end! I hope you all love them as much as I do. 

PLUS ONE - I will pick this up again in about a week. My family and I are going on a trip to Minnesota next week to an author signing event for the release of Mary E. Pearson's new release, Vow of Thieves and I have to finish reading her ARC!

Word Counts:

IMG_1695.JPG

You'd think this was a drafting month, not a revision month based on those word counts! 

I suppose it kind of was. I added over 20K words to the "first" draft, that was really more of a zero draft.

Really excited Fighting Fate will be a full novel now that it's over 50K words!

 

Publishing News:

Nothing to report on Fake to Fate.

Fighting Fate should come out Mid-September. I'll let you all know the official release day when I know it and include a pre-order link!

Read in July:

I feel like it's worth noting, this book was a gift from my wonderful, supportive husband. 

Thanks for reading. Keep moving forward!

Buy FAKE TO FATE! Ebook and paperback are on Amazon now. Thanks!

If you would like more frequent updates, please follow me on Instagram. If you're as impatient as I am, you can get some of the information in my updates when it happens rather than having to wait for the monthly update!

Writing: Monthly Update for June

You know... I should just accept that these updates will happen as close to the beginning of the month as my schedule will allow. LOL #BUSY

Querying:

Not Querying for the foreseeable future. Why? I love self publishing. There may come a project someday that might benefit from the hassle that comes with traditional publishing but at this point, I want to self pub all my projects. Fantasy too.

Current Fantasy WIPs:

Which leads me to this.

I might change the title of this section to ROMANTIC Fantasy because I LOVE writing romance. And now I have a series (or it might be a serial. Not sure) I've started outlining!

The series is 12 novellas inspired by the world and characters of my short story UNDER THE AMETHYST SKY. You can read that short, but keep in mind, Kaia's and Theo's story will be a little different when I turn it into a novella. The world building has evolved a bit in the last week or so while outlining the first book.

I'm really excited to start this project but I have a few contemporaries I need to finish first.

Current Romance WIPs:

FIGHTING FATE - YIKES! It has been a real fight to finish this book. And I'm still not done. But I am further along!

I'm closing in on the end of the first revision. When that's done, I will read through it again and make final edits before sending it to beta readers.

It's happening! Slower than I'd like but it is happening!

PLUS ONE - This guy is waiting for me to finish FIGHTING FATE revisions. I'm getting there, little buddy!

Word Counts:

IMG_1657.jpg

I feel like I was a lot more consistent with my writing this month. I missed several days of words but not because I wasn't writing. Words are not always added when revising.

Really wish I could have been drafting in June. Oh, well. July is looking up!

 

Publishing News:

FAKE TO FATE:

June was a slow month. Still had just over 1000 page reads!

Can't wait to see what releasing a second book will do.

Thank you, everyone for your support.

Read in June:


Thanks for reading. Keep moving forward!

Buy FAKE TO FATE! Ebook and paperback are on Amazon now. Thanks!

Writing: Monthly Update for May

It's another late one! Still trying to get into the swing of this writing with the intention of publishing quickly thing. But it's HAPPENING! Getting closer everyday to book 2 of my romance series being ready!!

May was my husband's birthday month and I took a few vacation days and did a crap load of cleaning. Still finished drafting a book! May was awesome!

Querying:

Not Querying for the foreseeable future.

Current Fantasy WIPs:

All fantasy WIPs are on hold while I get my self-publishing feet underneath me.

While the above is still true. I MAY have dipped my toe into my dragon shifter book again. And POSSIBLY reoutlined it after having a pretty big breakthrough with why it's not as good as it could be. So... MIGHT be working on that again in the near future.

Current Romance WIPs:

Untitled FATE Book 2 Now has a title! FIGHTING FATE - I finished the first draft on the first of the month! I started revising by printing, reading and noting all the inconsistencies. And, WOW, were there a lot!

I finished the read-through yesterday and started transferring my notes into my Scrivener document for ease of access when I start the writing revision tonight or tomorrow.

Not sure how long this is all going to take. I can't even guess at this point but it's going to be at LEAST two weeks before I can even think about calling for beta readers. Which means I won't be looking at announcing a publishing date until mid-July or so.

PLUS ONE - This has been set aside while I finish FIGHTING FATE. I know what the next book in the FATE series will be and will need to at least outline that really well before I come back to this. But the PLUS ONE draft is already over 14K words (half-ish-way done.) So that's awesome!

Word Counts:

IMG_1635.JPG

Did much better on my word counts in May! Went off the chart TWICE! One of those times was a 4000 word day!

You also get a glimpse into the identity crisis FIGHTING FATE had. lol That's not even a third of the names I tried out for this book. I'll tell the story sometime but it will have to wait until after I write the blurb.

 

Publishing News:

FAKE TO FATE:

Celebrated one month of publishing on the 30th of May by announcing a free weekend for the ebook on Amazon.

91 copies were claimed! Since then, people have read 647 pages!

Thank you, everyone for your support.

 

Read in May:

38232751.jpg




Thanks for reading. Keep moving forward!

 

Buy FAKE TO FATE! Ebook and paperback are on Amazon now. Thanks!

Just Writing Things - 1

This month has been nuts!

Even though I took a vacation from work, I don't feel rested at all! And don't have nearly enough writing to show for it.

But, hey! At least I got some spring cleaning done!

As far as the writing goes. It's going! And I hope I've found a way to keep writing even when I hit writer's block!

After I finished writing FAKE TO FATE I tried jumping straight into the next book in that world following one of the side characters. It did NOT work.

I LOVE using placeholders when I draft. If I don't know a character's name or a place name or if I don't feel like writing a certain scene, I'll put a thought or reminder in brackets [] to come back to later.

Well... That book ended up being pretty much nothing but placeholders. I wrote over 6000 words and had already hit the middle plot twist of the book! Terrible!

So, I put it aside and started writing something else. That something else turned out to be PLUS ONE. The drafting of this book was going really well. I was on track to finish it by the end of May. Then, I had an epiphany on the way to work for the second FATE book.

There I was, 14,000+ words into the PLUS ONE draft and all I could think about was the book I knew I'd have to start over from ZERO to make it work.

What do you do?!

Write what must be written!

I put aside PLUS ONE and started over on what it now called CAN'T PLAN FATE. Not sure the title will stick. What do you think? Should I keep it?

Anyway, I've been drafting CAN'T PLAN FATE for a couple of weeks and have over 18K words and just wrote the midpoint plot twist! I'm all caught up with over half the words I had at this point the first time around! ANNNDDD I have 14K words of PLUS ONE waiting for me when this is finished!

Now, here's what I'm hoping to do to keep up the momentum. Write two books at once. Or, at least, have another book to write when I get stuck on the first. Sometimes, things just need to simmer in the subconscious for awhile. That's okay!

♥

Thanks for reading!

 

Buy FAKE TO FATE on Amazon! Paperback and ebook available! You can also read for free with Kindle Unlimited!