Progress How Novel 64

 Working on Book 2, two shorts, and the next Fallborn book.

Can't seem to settle down on one book right now so I'm just hopping around these four. However I did do a whole page on Book 2 before flirting to another story. 

All four have covers. Book 2 has a blurb as well. 

One of the shorts is pure fantasy while the other is an Urban Fantasy.  Both are first person POV. That's how the stories are being told to me in my head so I'm going with it. Trying it out. 

I got some ratings on my old Urban Fantasy series Elemental Voice. Surprised me. A lot of people just don't take the time any more to rate or review. I thank whomever it was. 

2021 is almost over. Two more days and it will be 2022. There is much I want to accomplish in the new year in regards to my writing from getting books out to going to in-person events. 

I don't do resolutions. They never survive past February for one reason or another. I just roll. Hopefully, the new year will be better than the last two and at least some of what I want will happen.

To join my email list go here: Grimoire

Progress How Novel 63

 Christmas story done and on blog. I guess it could be considered an Urban Fantasy short story  It was inspired by a photo I saw. The photo is included at the end of the story. Link: A Family Tradition

Gotten back to Book 2 of the Ghostwolf series. Have a lot to get done on it before the end of January. A bit of re-writing/editing once I finish as well before it gets sent to beta/proofreading. 

Book 1 is actually more of a prequel than an actual book 1. It sets up the events in Book 2 from the MCs meeting to the acquisition of the Blood Book and the intro of the main 'bad guys'.  I wanted to write Book 2 first but the characters wanted to tell Book 1 first. 

The other two books are impatiently waiting their turn. Giving me flashes of scenes while I write Book 2. These characters are in a hurry to get their story out but they don't like to go in any order/ linear fashion. When I was writing Book 1, I'd get flashes from the other books but if I went on that tangent the characters would scream for me to get back to Book 1.  Very Frustrating when they do that.

The next book in the Time-Lost series is next up in the queue with Book 3 of Ghostwolf.  But the next Fallborn book may bump one of them. So many books to write. Most are serial.

To join my email list go here: Grimoire

Progress How Novel 62

 Finishing up the short Christmas story. 

Just need to tweak it and edit. Then I can get it to my email list and up load to the blog. Gonna call it 'A Family Tradition'.

Update 12/20/21: Sent to those on my email list and added to blog. A Family Tradition

Should you want to be added to my email list--Link: Grimoire

So on to Book 2 and the other short. Both need to be done by the end of January so I can get them out in February in time to celebrate my birthday or at least my birth month. 

The Ruv's Blood Book has not always been a book. That is just the shape it has taken because of the changes that being Riven caused the Ruv. The Unire will cause more changes. And for some the changes will not be to their good.

Progress How Novel 61

 Still working on the short Christmas story.

Decided to send it to my email list and put up on this blog once it's done. I'm trying to get it done before Christmas but things keep distracting me. I seem to only write about two sentences and my mind wanders off on a tangent. Very frustrating. 

And I don't have a title for it either. 

The second short is stalled until I finish the Christmas story. But it has a title and a cover.

Book 2 is coming along slowly. It's almost as if the characters are dragging their feet. Perhaps I should have a talk with them. :)  The Unire is upon the Ruv. It has been waiting millennia for the right conditions and it will not be naysayed simply because some do not like the shape it has taken.

 

Interlude--Series Reading

 On several groups I have seen the debate about reading series.

Some wait, saying they'll read when it is finished. Others say the series may not finish if you wait, that if it doesn't sell then it may be dropped.

I ran across a new cozy mystery series in the Also Bought area of another cozy series. But was iffy on buying the first book as it is over the price of a used hardback or new paperback and I promised myself I would never buy an ebook for that price instead of just buying the hardcover/paperback. However the second book was reasonable ebook price so I got it.

I am not one to be OCD about reading books in order. When I grew up you went to the used bookstore and got whatever book they had that you liked, whether it was book 1 or book 7. If you never got book 1 you didn't cry or feel you missed out. You were happy you had a book you liked and could read. You used your imagination to fill in the gaps that you couldn't gleam from the books you did read.

So when I say I may never get book 1 of this series unless it reduces price, I'm just stating a fact and am not ranting about anything.

I did however pre-ordered book 3 and it was priced at more than Book 1.

At pre-ordering I'm not actually spending the money right now. So I'm not actually buying. Or so I'm telling myself. I just can't make myself buy book 1 at it's current price. But I'll probably pre-order the next book as well no matter the price. 

Anyway, read how you read. As long as you are reading, expanding.

Progress How Novel 60

 The Dragon's Keeper is now live on Amazon!

 Link: Dragon's Keeper

Deadly Flames is being proofread and should be out soon.

Had an idea for a Christmas murder/horror story from a photo I saw. I started it but I don't know if I'll be done by Christmas. But I'll put it up on this blog when I finish it anyway. I don't know if I want to publish it as I don't know how long it's going to be. I might write a second story off the photo and publish both in a novella. We'll see.

Worked a bit on Book 2 and the Christmas story. Book 2 is at 32,000 and we're coming up toward the final confrontation with the 'bad guy' and the big clash between the past and the future of the Ruv. The Unire is coming for the riven Ruv at last. And they will not like it. Things will change and the old ways will be challenged. It is time.

Progress How Novel 59

 Ordered proof for The Dragon's Keeper. 

Added two entries for my blog Novel Reads. They're series books from my digital TBR list. The one entry is books from two weeks ago and the other is from last week.  I read 6 books in two weeks.  If you want to see what I read go here Novel Reads

I also read some fanfiction. I check a few writers and keep up with them. But I'm not fanatic. 

All this means I didn't write much on Book 2 or the two shorts. 

I get into these reading splurts and writing goes by the wayside. But I have the next four months of winter weather to write so I'm not worried or in a hurry--yet. 

I made a new Facebook cover for my one page and changed the pic on my personal page. 

I also messed around some more on my blog pages. I changed the name of my 'landing pad' to Novel Tea and put up a new pic. Novel Reads got a new theme as did The Alliance page. And Time After Time got a new pic. I thought they needed a new update before I write the next books.

Progress How Novel 58

 Got my book Resurgent with the new cover. Hopefully it gets more traction. I haven't sold a one in months on Amazon.

Haven't written anything but a few story ideas in my journal this last week. I've been reading from my TBR list instead. 

Also I'm thinking about a tagline for Resurgent and Last Dragon Kin. I got one for Raven Manor--Murder with a bite. Now I need one for the other two. Destiny with a Dragon came to mind for LDK or Destiny as a Dragon or Dragon kismet. Thinking on it as I said.

I also messed around with a couple of my blogs. Re-engineered a few things on them. So they look a little different, transformed a bit. Gearing them up for when the books roll out. Though that may be up to a year, depending on how much I write this winter. 

Book 2 of Ghostwolf, Book 2 of Time-Lost, and the two shorts are what I have on the agenda right now. They need to be done before I turn my attention to Book 1 of the Song Saga and Book 1 of The Alliance. Then there is the next Fallborn book. 

I have a lot on my plate. Sometimes I wish I could just snap my fingers and the book would appear fully written. But then I wouldn't get to go on the journey with my characters. Or get surprises sprung on me when the characters suddenly reveal them.  It can be nerve racking, but very fulfilling when your characters go off script. :)

And I'm trying to stop chewing my fingernails.

 I've chewed them since I was a child. My mom twists hers off. How I don't know, but she does. But I chew mine. A nervous habit they say for both of us. It is sooo hard not to chew them. I find my fingers in my mouth a lot, but aside from my pinkies I haven't chewed them. But both pinkies were sacrificed. I just couldn't stop myself. So the pinkies are my nibbles while I let the others grow. 

Progress How Novel 57

 Wrote a bit in Book 2. 

Also wrote a few words in a few other stories. Couldn't concentrate on just one story so I skipped around and worked a little in different ones. Not a big word count but at least I wrote during my writing time instead of reading today.

The Dragon's Keeper is back from proofreading/editing. Only a bit of correction needed. Little things mostly.  So it should be out before Christmas.

Had a bit of a flash of Book 4 in the Ghostwolf Series today. Wrote down as much as I could before it faded. I get these flashes of scenes and if I don't write them down right away, the details start to fade away until I only have a vague sense of the scene. Much like a dream. 

Book 2, The Riven is percolating in my mind still. My brain has come up with something but is ruminating on it subconsciously, in the back of my mind. It will burst out suddenly and I'll be in a writing sprint to get it down before I lose all the details. I can never catch and retain all of my ideas and thoughts. They just slip through my metaphoric fingers. 

Progress How Novel 56

 Wrote a bit in The Dragon Familiar, the next Fallborn book and Book 2. 

But I've been reading in my TBR list mainly. Two books so far and working on a third. Been more in the mood to read than write this last week. Something is percolating. So my writer brain is churning, leaving the rest of my brain craving the distraction of reading.  

I can feel a long session of writing coming in my future.

Had another story idea for the Ghostwolf Series. So four stories for that series.  The prequel, Raven Manor, book 1 is published and The Riven, book 2 is over halfway done. Book 3 and Book 4 have story bibles started and tentative titles. 

 

Progress How Novel 55

 Actually wrote a little on Book 2.

Sat up for a little while at the computer and wrote a bit since I'm feeling better. Just a few paragraphs, but it's something. Still got stuff percolating though on the two shorts I got in the Fire. So they're still in the beginning stage with covers. But Book 2 is moving along at least now that I can sit and type without the world moving on me.  I want the book to be head spinning, but not literally for me. :)

Had some reads on KU, Kindle Unlimited. About 3 books worth. Also sold a paperback and 3 ebooks. So it's been a productive month. From almost $0 to $14. But not on the book I did the Challenge on. Didn't sell even one of that. The cover, I'm sure. So presto change-o new cover for Resurgent. 

The Dragon's Keeper is still in the publish queue. I'm still working on hooks and messing with the blurb but it should be out soon.  I hope to have everything finalized by the time it gets published. But everything hinges on proofreading/editing.

Progress How Novel 54

 Been sick the last few days. Not Covid. And have been sleeping mostly.

So hardly any work done on anything.

Have read a few short stories by Andre Norton. She's my favorite author. I've read most of her sci-fi fantasy books. I haven't read the 'romance' ones as I'm not into that genre really. I have read a few UF and PNR but my main genres are fantasy and mystery. 

Going to change the cover on Resurgent.

More to genre than the other. 

I also did a new cover for Emergent, the next in this series.

I use pixaby for photos and canva.com for putting together. I can't afford a designer. Others say get one anyway. But if you don't have the money you can't just pull it out of thin air. 

And marketing. I do Amazon Ads at low bids. I get exposure and don't spend a lot. I also periodically post on FB promo sites. Now I don't get many sales true, but I do get some. 

Patience. Good things come to those who are patience but persistent. 

Progress How Novel 53

 I wrote a little on Book 2 and rewrote its blurb.

I'm actually getting back into writing during my writing time instead of goofing off with Canva and messing around with story ideas. My plot bunnies have slowed down their thumping and just pushing the ones already put down instead of introducing new ideas. Thankfully. So I can concentrate on trying to finish Book 2, the dragon fantasy, and working on the two shorts I have in the Fire(queue).

Hooks for The Dragon's Keeper is also on my agenda. The book should be out as soon as Sharon can find a proofreader/editor for it. I'm also reworking the blurb.

So a lot on my plate.

Received my replacement books. But I'll be buying more a little at a time. Don't know if they'll have the Christmas thing again this year since they didn't last year because of Covid. If they do I'll set up a table. Unless it's too cold. I'm not freezing my butt off. 

Doing good so far on the 5-Day Amazon Profit Challenge. Forgot to check an ad though before launching it and it's racking up money but no sales. I paused it but Amazon Ads is having problems so don't know if it stopped or not yet. Better have.

  

Progress How Novel 52

My blurb for Book 2 was on BlurbsSellBooks Sunday! 

They thought I did a pretty good job. But of course I wasn't perfect. A watcher said they'd read my book.

BlurbsSellBooks is a podcast on the FB group Selling for Authors that reviews your blurb and gives you pointers to make it better. You send them your blurb and if they pick you they do a review on the Sunday podcast. They usually do your blurb within a month of you sending it. 

I usually watch it live, but I had errands. That's the way it usually goes for me. :)

The 5-Day Amazon Profit Challenge starts Wednesday. Hopefully I can keep up. I have things to do to get ready for Winter this month. 

Didn't do much writing this last week. Been reading instead. I need to get back to writing every day again instead of messing with Canva and FB during writing time.  

And the plot bunnies need to leave me alone until I get these stories done instead of giving me more distracting ideas.

The Unire is coming for the riven Ruv. And they will not like it. Things will change and old ways will be challenged. It is time.

Progress How Novel 51

 Another short read idea hit me again today.

I had a Fallborn story idea hit me the other day and now this. 

I sit down to write on Book 2 and wham!. Another idea hits, drawing me away from Book 2. And I write down the idea and an idea for the cover also slides in. So I mess with Canva.com for awhile as well.  Then RL steps in and no words for Book 2 is written.  

Plot bunnies are just attacking me without mercy. I guess I need to retrain them to hold off while I'm writing and wait their turn. They forget themselves when I take a break/hiatus and just overwhelm me at once. 

Book 2 of Ghostwolf is now called The Riven. I tentatively have a cover. And it's a little over half way done. The characters are talking to me about a lot of things. Some of which will not be fully revealed until Book 3. This book feels like it will be longer than its prequel Book 1. So be prepared.

The Ruv have been riven for centuries but the time has come for Unire. Whether they are ready or not for it. 

I already have a sale this month. Well, actually 3 from read through. The person bought book1 through book3 of my old series. Book4 is still unfinished. Another thing that needs to be done. Anyway I had a sale off my ad. Which is better than last month's $10 in the red. So 4 clicks and 1 sale plus read through. 

The 5-Day Amazon Profit Challenge is this month. I'll be doing it again. I'm using my sci-fi book this time. Hopefully it will stir up sales for it.

Progress How Novel 50

Only did a little writing on Book 2 of Ghostwolf. Hard to get back in the groove of writing after my little Hiatus. 

Been messing around with Book 2 cover. I talked with my writing coach about it and she gave me her opinion of which she liked best. I like them all for different reasons. However other writers on FB have stated that they think they're all too 'homemade' and that I should 'get a professional'. That you 'just can't throw words on' or they didn't like the font. My writing coach liked some of them just fine and she's a published author with a good following. I'll take her word over theirs. Besides I never was a conformist. :)

This is one of the approved ones

But not the one I choose. 

Did a bit of writing in the Elemental Detective dabbles. Still thinking about a full book using the characters. 

I've had 41 clicks so far this month on ads but no sales. Some pages read have happened, enough for one book. So I'm in the red for this month. It can't be the cover or they'd not click so it has to be the blurb. I'm redoing the blurb for Raven Manor. And I'm thinking about redoing Last Dragon Kin. The covers are staying. 

Progress How Novel 49

 Settling back into writing now that Hootin An Hollarin is over.

I'm thinking of changing the name of Book 2 to The Riven.  I've been told The Riven is more intriguing than Old Debts.  Both titles relate to what is in the book, just on different levels. It's all in the meaning. 

And I did another cover. I don't want to do a typical Urban Fantasy or paranormal cover of a half-naked man on the cover so I'm thinking about going more toward a murder mystery or thriller cover. 

Something like this.

 I'll probably mess around some more tonight.

Also still working on the Elemental Detective dabbles. Might actually write a full book using this MC. 

Got my handful of Raven Manor books with the new cover. I like it. We'll see how it goes with the new cover and blurb. I haven't sold any books on Amazon yet this month though I had a few pages read. 

Interlude--Hootin-n-Hollarin

 

First day went well. 

Almost sold out of the Ghostwolf Raven Manor books. (Only had 8 and only have one left). And sold 3 Dragon Kin. 

Hope today goes as well.

Didn't get to look around but I still had fun. Only got one email for the list but maybe I'll get more today. 

Will update after the day today. 

Update:

Sold last of Raven Manor today and 3 of the Resurgent books before noon. Sold 2 of Earth Reader which was my first book I published which I warned them that it was and 2 of my Dragon fantasy. I also sold some bracelets and 2 beaded bookmarks.

So overall a good day Sales wise.

I wasn't expecting to do as well as I did since I'm not a 'crafter' and couldn't do live demos. Also I was on the side not the main route. Not to mention this being my first time there. But despite this I had a fair sale each day. I made back the booth price the first day and more than the book costs the second with a little left over after I bought some festival food. 

Would have more profit if I didn't like funnel cakes so much.  Festival food is sooo expensive.

I also had two repeat visitors. The one is an avid reader and the other is an aspiring writer. Both bought books from me and the aspiring writer promised to return next year and buy more if I was there. I told her I probably would be since this year I did fairly well. 

So it looks like I'm starting a yearly thing.

Progress How Novel 48

Still working on Book 2 of Ghostwolf slowly but surely. Deadline isn't until December now. I want to publish it in January or February. 

Been organizing some of my stories so I have them ready to go when I want to start working on them. Emergent, Book 2 of Time-Lost series, is next up with Last Song, a Song Saga story. I'm thinking of doing the Song Saga as an omnibus of 3 novelettes. I also got the two Alliance books coming up.  Then there's the next two Fallborn books with another story idea in the mix. Plus two contemporary dragon stories. 

I've also been getting ready for Hootin an Hollarin. H an H is less than 5 days away.  My ordered books should arrive by Wednesday. Setup is Thursday morning and it starts Thursday evening. I'm unsure what I want to use as my signing quote if they wish a signed book. 

So I've been busy with this plus taking dad to his PT appointments and helping my parents out around the property. Being the dutiful child. 

Progress How Novel 47

 September is here!

Hootin an Hollarin is in a little more than a week. 

Sent off for more books. They're suppose to arrive before the 16th so I'll have them for HanH. 

I have some of my beaded bookmarks that I plan to have at my booth so it not just books on my table. 

I have new table cloth and decor to unveil this year. My last table was set up minimally for mystery and murder as you can see. 

"Well-behaved women seldom make history"  Don't remember who said it but I like it so I think I'll use it as one of my signing quotes. 

Book 2 of Ghostwolf is coming along slowly but surely. Book 1, Raven Manor, is more of a prequel, the meeting, the setup, while Book 2 digs deeper and reveals more secrets. 

 I'm still on the third story of my elemental detective Urban Fantasy collection. Detective Calli Finn works for the Special Circumstances Division which handles all the cases that have to do with vampires, shifters, and immortals while keeping her own elementalness a secret. Elementals are feared because they can not be explained by science and have enormous power that can't be controlled by normal humans. I did the short stories in a 'movie style', fast-paced and action oriented. There's an overall arc to the stories that builds in each story. I'm thinking about making this into a full book, but I don't know...I like the idea of short stories, dabbles. I might do both.

I'll think on it.

Countdown to Hootin an Hollarin has begun! 

Interlude Reviews

 I appreciate it when someone reviews or rates my books.

But...

When they give a one star rating without a review, I wonder.

Did they really read the book or are they a troll? Did they just put that one star there to mess with the rating as their idea of fun? Or were they so disappointed in the book that they couldn't find the words to say so? 

I don't know what to think. 

As I said I do appreciate that they took time to rate, but is five more minutes to review really too much to ask? How am I to improve if I don't know where I need to?  

I'm bringing this up because I got a one star rating on my short read mystery collection. 

Maybe they didn't like it due to it not being urban fantasy like my Ghostwolf book. Or maybe they didn't like it because of the Poirot style I tried to do. 

Or maybe they're a troll.

I don't know. 

When I only get ratings, I don't know what the rater liked or disliked about my books. I don't know what to think. I am grateful they thought enough to leave a rating, but I'm left hanging. 

What did I do right, What did I do wrong, where do I need some work?

We Authors love feedback. We might not always change because of it, but we crave it. For some of us it is worth more than the money we don't make. 

So while you're rating, take a few minutes to scribble a few words. You'll make an author's day.

Progress How Novel 46

 Join my email list and get a short fantasy story. 

The story is a short that I'm thinking of expanding into a book in the future. Read it and give me a shout out here on what you think. Should I expand or just write a series of shorts on each of the siblings and make a collection?

To join go to the web version of my blog--if you're on the phone version scroll to the bottom and click on 'web version' and it will take you there--and the pop-up should come up. 

I am still working on the newsletter. 

Book 2 of Ghostwolf, Old Debts, is over 30,000 words so just a little over half way done. Starting to lead up to the final confrontation with the killer and reveal some things that certain of the Ruv wish to remain a secret from humans and even their own kind.

My Urban Fantasy collection is coming along. Two stories down, and working on a third. They could actually be chapters in a novel but I'm trying this out as short stories with an overall arc. 

Getting ready for Hootin an Hollarin. Got to check out my stuff to make sure everything is here and ready for when it's time. Got new tablecloth and table decor. I'll take pics and put them up on here and my FB pages. 

Interlude

 Got confirmation on my booth for Hootin an Hollarin.

So it's a go. 

I'll be there with some of my books, my beaded bookmarks, and a lot of business cards. 

In case you don't know what Hootin an Hollarin is--It's my hometown of Gainesville Missouri's country craft fair. There are demonstrations and handmade items of all description. We usually get crafters and goers from all over the US. Last year it was canceled due to Covid but this year it's on schedule.  

Don't know what it'll be like this year. But it's usually crowded. Hopefully things will run smoothly and we'll have a good turnout. 

So if you're heading through southern Missouri September 16th thru the 18th stop on by and have a merry ole time.

Progress How Novel 45

I had an idea for a book of short story Urban Fantasy. 

Story one is done and story two is almost done. Same MC. Doing a bit of overall story arc with them. Will see if this works. 

 Working on Book 2 of Ghostwolf as well. 

At 30,238 words, more by the end of the night. Starting to set up the final confrontation. 

They always seem to just miss her and she leaves bodies behind.  She has old business to take care of but she wants to meet Hanlan again to finish their business. However there are old debts to be paid and things are not what they seem. Everyone will have a surprise at the end.

I've been reading in between my writing. I got a lot of books on my TBR list. Not more of one genre. I read Sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, and some UF. So a bit of everything in my ebook library. 

Progress How Novel 44

 My short story collection novelette Death in the Cards is out on Amazon. Three short stories of the lethalness of a game of cards. Trying out short mystery stories. Check the novelette out at DCard.

Had a story idea for a short story collection of  Urban Fantasy and some tales of  Death. So I messed around on Canva and did two covers. That way when I flip through my pictures I'll see them and maybe get inspired to do them.

Right now I'm working on Book 2 of Ghostwolf Series, Old Debts. I have three other books open to work on when I get writer's block, but Old Debts is the main. It's the one I want to finish so I can publish it early next year and get started on Book 3. 

Fallborn has 4 book ideas written up, Ghostwolf has 3, and Time-Lost has 4. Now that doesn't mean there won't be more but those are the ones that came to me when I thought up the series. The Alliance books had 2 and a scene. I plan to at least write the idea books in these series before I move on to other series and standalones.

Though my short stories bunnies are kicking me as well. I usually ignore them but sometimes they slip through, distracting me from my WIP. Thus Death in the Cards. And a few unfinished shorts.

Also the short fantasy story that you get free when you sign up for my email list. If you're on the phone version of my blog go to the bottom of the blog and click on web version and the pop-up window for the email sign-up should appear when you go to that version.  

I am planning to start a newsletter. But I'm not there yet. I'll keep you in the loop.

The Dragon's Keeper and Deadly Flames are still in the publishing queue. I'll keep you in the loop on that too. 

AS I said I redid the cover for Book 1 of Ghostwolf series. What do you think?

Progress How Novel 43

 September is almost here. I put in for a booth at Hootin-n-Hollerin, my hometown of Gainesville, Missouri craft fair. September 16th thru 18th. So if you're passing through Missouri around that time stop on by.

My short story collection novelette Death in the Cards is out on Amazon. Three short stories of the lethalness of a game of cards. Trying out short mystery stories. Check the novelette out at DCard.

Next up is the cover for The Last Dragon Kin. 

The Dragon's Keeper and Deadly Flames are still in editing/proofreading. And should be out by the end of the year.

I have four books open. However, I'm mainly working on Book 2 of Ghostwolf. 

I now have about six covers for that book. This is the latest one. I like it the best.

I also did a redo of the first book's cover. I'm not satisfied with the one it has now and if I go with this cover or one of two others I'd have to redo anyway. To keep consistency. 

Progress How Novel 42

 The Dragon's Keeper, Deadly Flames, the collection of 3 short stories, and the redone cover for Dragon Kin are still in the queue to be done. The collection and cover should be done first while the two books should be done before the end of the year. 

One of my older ads for my older books resulted in a sale. And they bought the two sequels. So I made a small profit so far this month.  Bryan Cohen's ads challenge has helped lot at getting my books out there. Now if people would just buy more :) 

Still haven't decided on a cover for Ghostwolf book 2. Even did a different cover. So that makes four covers. This is the fourth cover. What do you think? With or without the book? If I go with this one I'd have to redo the cover for my first book. Which I already have an idea for. :) 

I have four books open right now. Book 2 of the Ghostwolf Series, first book of the Song Saga, Book 4 of the Elemental Voice Series, and Book 3 of the Fallborn Series. Can't seem to keep my mind on one book for long so I'm hopping around the four books. Hopefully I'll have at least two of them done by May 2022 which is when I next plan to publish after these last two books. 

I write a little every day. Even if it's only 200 words. Doesn't matter how much you write, just that you do. A book doesn't write itself--well in a way it can, but you have to put the words down. Carve out an hour and write. I have out over 10 books since 2015. Granted I don't think they are all 5 stars (what writer does?) but I did get them written. 

So write!

Progress How Novel 41

Sent in the 3 short story collection. Added it to the queue.

The Dragon's Keeper and Deadly Flames is still in proofreading mode.

Been doing the Amazon 5-day Profit Challenge this last week as I said. Yesterday was the last day. Still have a live coaching session tomorrow to watch. Did The Last Dragon Kin for it. Got a few clicks but no sales. Decided to revamp my cover. It's rather plain jane and I'm sure people can tell it's homemade.  The new one is too, but it's much better constructed. It's been added to the queue too.

So while I was on Canva, I did all four covers for the Fallborn Books that I have ideas for. TLDK and TDK are written, though only TLDK is published right now. The Dragon's Keeper will be soon. 

Also been working on Ad copy for TDK and Resurgent. Getting ready to make ads for them.

The rest of the year is going to be taken up by writing. I'm going to finish Book2 of the Ghostwolf Series and work on Book 3 of the Fallborn Books as well as the first in the Song Saga.

I think I've loaded enough books on Sharon for the year.

Besides I still haven't decided on the cover for Book 2 of Ghostwolf.

Progress How Novel 40

 Finished the third story for the short story collection. Still thinking about adding a bonus story or two. Only have 30 pages right now. But nothings coming to me right  now. I had the three in mind and did them but now I'm stumped about what the bonus story would be. But feel like I should add another or two. Yet I'm drawing a blank. 

Still thinking about the cover for the next Fallborn book. The dragon is fixed, but the background. I don't know what I want there. This one is more magical and based more in a town/village. Got to find something elemental too as the MC is an Earth Voice. So still working on it.

The Dragon's Keeper and Deadly Flames is still in proofreading mode. And still working on blurb for TDK.

Also this week was the first part of the 5 Day Amazon Ad Profit Challenge. Using The Last Dragon Kin book.

So been very busy this week. But have the weekend to catch up with everything.

Been thinking a lot about a lot of things this week.

Still haven't decided which of the three covers I want for Debts. I like them all. As I said I wish I could use all three and let the reader decide which they want when they order. But I got time to decide. Maybe I'll see something else that I like better for the cover. :)

Progress How Novel 39

 Been working on the short stories for the collection. 

Two down and writing the third. I'm thinking about adding a bonus story. These are really short stories. I'm thinking about set the price at $1.99. Won't get much in royalties but it might take off and maybe readers will try my other books. 

Thinking about the cover for the next Fallborn book. I don't have a title yet either, just a file name. 

Still working on TDK blurb.

So have been busy these last few days. 

Wrote a few words in Debts. Have three different covers. I like them all for different reasons. Still have time to decide but stressing anyway. Too bad I can't use all three and let the reader decide which they like. :)  

Fini!

 The Dragon's Keeper and Deadly Flames are done!

Sent for proofreading.

Had an idea for a group of short murder mystery stories. 3 to be exact. A short story collection book. Centered around cards. Did a cover with the inspiration pictures. What do you think?

Progress How Novel 38

Debt is over 26,000 words. 

Wrote a bit on Debts. Mostly working on The Dragon's Keeper(TDK) and Deadly Flames(DF). About 90% done on TDK and 95% on DF. Had an idea hit me with TDK so I had to do a little finagling.  Have about a chapter and a half to go with DF. 

Blurb mostly done for DF. Just need to finesse it. Got to do a copy/hook for it. To grab attention.

Still working on blurb for TDK.

Both covers are done. Have been done for a long time. I have a tendency to do the covers as soon as I have the book idea. Sometimes I change them later, sometimes I don't. And I don't always follow convention.

I sold a few books and got some reads, mostly Raven Manor. My spending on ads is small, thanks to Brian Cohen's free ad challenge knowledge.  He's having another one this month and I'm going to do it again, this time with Resurgent since I don't have a new book out yet. 

After Debts, the Alliance book and the Song Saga book are up next along with book 3 of the Ghostwolf Series. Time-Lost book is hanging in there, nagging at me. So many books begging to get written. 

The future can take care of itself. I'm going to be working on the three I have open now and worry about the others later.

 

Progress How Novel 37

 Just below 26, 000 words on Debts.

Once I finish The Dragon's Keeper (TDK) and Deadly Flames (DF), I'll get back to full time on Debts and open one of the other fics for my Writer's Block divergent. When I get Writer's Block I switch fics until I get unblocked, then go back to the main fic.  I think I'll open a Song Saga fic.  Or my Alliance fic. I plan to do them or Time-Lost next any way.

Got two more chapters to go in both TDK and DF. 

They are more novellas than novels, though.  

Working on the blurbs for both. Just so hard to do. Hook the reader enough so they want to buy. I'm just not good at that. Dragon Books hook me at the word Dragon but the storyline is what gets me to buy. However, translating that is hard for me.  

Christmas in July. It was brought up that this would be a good marketing ploy. 

I'm already using Amazon Ads for my books. Not that I'm getting sales--about one a month. But I feel like I'm at least doing something.

My hometown has a craft 'festival' every year--except last year due to Covid--called Hootin-N-Hollerin. I signed up for a booth space. I also signed up for a writing Conference in Springfield, MO next year (2022) and an author table at it.  Book Signings may be in the future as well.  It is time to spread my wings again now that we are getting out again.

I do better at In-Person Events, then online when it comes to selling.   Online is flat, not engaging enough. At in-person events you are emersed in the experience.

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Progress How Novel 36

 

Debts is still under 26,000 words.

Been working on The Dragon's Keeper (TDK). Doing a bit at a time. Trying to get it to match what I have in mind but not always getting the words right. I hate when the words won't come, though you can see it clearly in your mind.   

The cover for TDK is here. Sidereal

Took a stab at the blurb:

Rissa's been a slave since her Coming-of-Age celebration was crashed by the Denea invaders fifteen years ago when they attacked her village. She had been resigned to being one for the rest of her life until her cruel master crossed a line she didn't know she still held. Her revived anger and outrage drive her to disrupt his plans and escape. The dragon Shrine offers sanctuary. But her master and his co-conspirator won't give up their plans so easily and the dragon is being secretively mysterious. Is she leaping from one scorching fire straight into another? Would becoming the dragon's Servant save her from her present trouble or lead her to even more danger?

Would this tempt you to buy the book? 

I'm also trying to come up with a tagline/hook for TDK. Still haven't figured it out yet. Below are two of the ones I came up with this week. But I don't know if I like them enough.

She escaped a cruel master. By becoming the dragon's Servant she hoped to change her fate. But is she leaping out of the fire or straight into it?

She traded being a slave to a tyrant to being a servant to a dragon. But is she leaping out of one fire straight into another?

I also worked a bit on Deadly Flames and the first book in the Song Saga.  Did some bookbibling as well in different series. Names and such. Got lots of book ideas. Just takes me a long time to get the book down and out to publish. Six months to a year, depending on inspirations and time that I set aside to do the work. 

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Merry met and merry meet again. 

Progress How Novel 35

Debts still under 26,000 words.

Been working on The Dragon's Keeper (TDK) and Deadly Flames(DF) though. Setting up the confrontation in the next chapter for TDK and the final interrogation for DF. 

Still no blurb for either one. I'm just plain procrastinating. They really don't have to  be done until the books are finished and ready to be published. Blurbs are just plain hard to do. Hook a reader enough for them to want to know more so they will buy your book. If you don't engage them right away, you may lose their attention and they'll move on. 

The Hook. 

That's what I got to figure out. Until I do no blurb.

      Names. When I write names usually just come to me. If not I look around me and see if a name jumps out at me. But if I still can't come up with a name I grab my baby name book and flip through until I see a name I like. The name isn't set in stone though. I sometimes change 'em if it's too blatant or not blatant enough. Some names are tongue-in-cheek. Witness some of the names in Raven Manor. A werewolf with the name Canin or Lupo. And others with less obvious wolf names. 

Then there are my villains. Their names are chosen very carefully. 

How do you get your names for your characters? 

Progress How Novel 34

 Debts is still under 26, 000 words.

I've been working of course on The Dragon's Keeper and Deadly Flames. Trying to get them both done.  Next chapter is the final confrontation for TDK.  DF is leading up to the final interrogation. Both should be done by the end of this month. 

Still don't have blurbs for them. 

After I finish TDK and DF, I'll get back to full time on Debts.  

The Fallborn books, consisting of just the published The Last Dragon Kin right now, are about dragons. I have two more story ideas plus The Dragon's Keeper in the works. They are each set in different worlds where Dragons have played a major role in the past but are now not so common. However that doesn't mean they don't have a role to play anymore. It just takes a special someone to bring them forth.

 However, though there are adult situations, there is no sex in these books.  Most of the adult situations happen off-screen and in the past, but are very present emotionally.  Asexuality and other sexualities are present in my books but are not the main focus.  Strength of character is.

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Progress How Novel 33

 Book is around 25, 625 words. 

I've been working on The Dragon's Keeper (TDK) mostly, however I did do a bit on Deadly Flames (DF). Setting up the final confrontation on both, though there is different stretches between the set-up and the confrontation in each book.

Still haven't done the blurbs. I'm procrastinating. I admit it. I don't like doing them 'cause I suck at them. Of course, I don't need them done right now as the books aren't finished, but...

Here's what I got so far for TDK:

Rissa had been resigned to being a slave to the cruel Denea that had claimed her. Until he crossed a line she didn't know she still had. The dragon shrine offered sanctuary. Would becoming the dragon's Servant save her or lead her into more danger?

I know it needs to be longer. Still working on it.

This was my table set-up for my first signing. It was at a library. The books were Urban Fantasy with a vampire FBI agent and a psychic consultant. I did a few signings at local bookstores and the library. I sold more in person than online. 

I just finished applying for a booth space at my town's local festival scheduled for mid-September. They cancelled it last year because of Covid but now that the vaccine is available they're going ahead with this year's. It's a craft festival with a parade and shows so I don't expect a lot of selling for me but I plan to pass out my business cards with my blog site address.  

With things opening back up, I anticipate a large crowd. The event draws people from all over the U.S. I'm going to try to find someone crafty to share my booth to entice people to look closer. And to help watch the booth. 

Progress How Novel 32

 Book is at 25,547 words.

I've been working on all three books but mostly on The Dragon's Keeper (TDK) and Deadly Flames (DF). So writing has been done, just not a lot on Debts. 

TDK is almost to the final confrontation as is DF.  The 'bad guys' have one final secret to reveal. And that secret could have serious consequences. 

Still haven't done blurbs for any of them. Blurbs are harder than writing the book.  Got to entice enough for them to buy yet not give away too much of the book.  Hint at the story and leave them wanting more. 

I also need a copy for an Amazon ad for TDK. How's this?  She escaped a cruel master. Would becoming the dragon's Servant lead her into even more danger?

Saw this and had to download. I thought it would make a good Urban Fantasy book cover. Though I don't have a book for it myself.  My dragon fantasy isn't this risque. As a matter of  fact my Fallborn books don't have sex in them, though there is intimacy of a sort. Everything is not about sex but relationship and action. 

Progress How Novel 31

 Book 2 of the Ghostwolf Series just passed 25,000 words so officially past half way. 

I've also worked on the other two books. So some writing has been done this last week. Both books are just under 15,000 words.  I probably have about 10,000 words more to go on both, maybe more, before I get to the homestretch on them.  They are both coming up on the final confrontation.

The covers are done, but I have the blurbs to do yet.  That will take some time. The blurbs are harder to do than the book. It has to hook a reader and get them to buy. I'm so terrible at them.  

I also have to do a copy for an ad for the dragon fantasy. A tagline to grab attention. Like the blurb it has to hook a reader and get them to buy.  

I'm working on Debts' cover as well. 

Saw this picture and couldn't resist. It goes with the prophecy mentioned in Debts perfectly. The wolf and the raven. 

I might use it on the cover.   

Detective Hanlan learns that some fairytales are real--and deadly. Will he survive this knowledge or will he become an old wives' tale himself. 

Grab Raven Manor and step into the secret world within our own.

Progress How Novel 30

 Book 2 of Ghostwolf is still under 25,000 words.

I've been finalizing the covers for the next EV companion series and Fallborn books. Got to have congruity. All my series have it with their covers. You should be able to tell at a glance that that book is in that series. The covers are complete.

So not much writing done on Debts right now.

The other two books are 2/3rds of the way done. Been writing a bit on them. Want to get them finished and out. They're only two of the books I have started and partially written on my computer.  I have so many book ideas that if I could put out a book a month I'd be able to for centuries.

I wish I could write a book a month sometimes. Would like to be able to just sit down and type, getting the story out of my head as I see it. But the story fades even as I see it, leaving only a ghost of an idea. So when I sit down to write I scribble down what I can of the scene for that chapter.  Sometimes it is only a sentence, sometimes a whole page. Can take me a whole week or more to flesh out a chapter/scene.  

This is how I write. It is frustrating sometimes when I can't seem to get a scene right or I get writer's block. But that's normal.  Don't let others dictate how you write your book. However you write is right for you.  And as long as you write, it doesn't matter if you only do 200 words or 2,000 words when you sit down to work on your book. 

 

Progress How Novel 29

 Book is still under 25,000 words.

I've been working on book 2 of the Elemental Voice Companion series and the next Fallborn book. So I have been writing, just not on Debts. They are each about 2/3rds done. Maybe I can get them both done by the end of this month and get them out before July, then finish Debts by August, making a record 4 books published in a year. 

Something to strive for.

My new business cards have arrived. Now I have to figure out what to do with hundreds of old cards.

I got a bite on my Elemental Voice Amazon Ad and made a sale. First for the series in over 5 years. I hope they like the book. They were after all my first ones and have all my writing mistakes in them. But I don't want to fix and republish them. I'm computer illiterate and besides I want to leave them au natural, as I wrote them. Mistakes and all. Sentimentality. 

I'm a pantser. Some believe that leads to chaos. But what I do is controlled chaos.  Visions dance in my head and get put down in a book bible to be used when they are called to be. I also keep track in the book bible what actions happened before so I don't forget any follow-up.  I'm told I might be considered a plantser because of this, but I am at heart a pantser. 

But because of my book bibles I can pick up where I left off in books months or years later. Thus the two books I'm working on now. 

 I will get them done! 

Progress How novel 28

 Book is still under 25,000 words.

Binged another season of Cold Case TV show during my writing time again. I'm just so addicted to that show. 

Did do a few words in the story I resurrected. It's not that far from being done. I plan to just publish it as an ebook. It's a companion book to my Elemental Voice series. I've plans for this series, but don't know if I'll go through with them.

I also plan to finish the EV series. Book 4 is started.

So not much writing done this week either.

Grab Raven Manor and step into a hidden world. 

They have lived among humans for over 7,000 years but make no mistake the Ruv are not tamed. But then neither are humans. Most humans live in the mundane, routine, unknowing of the extra ordinary that lives along side, amongst them.  However some do know, but they are not all well disposed to this knowledge. One group who call themselves Hunters seek to either kill the Ruv or have them under collar.  The Ruv are not animals.  They will not submit. 

Progress How Novel 27

 Book is just under 25,000 words.

Been binge watching Cold Case Tv show. Got a few more seasons to go. Loved that show. Been in the mood to see it so watching bootleg. Or so I think. I don't know. Couldn't find it on Amazon so bought it through an online marketplace. 

So not much writing being done.

I resurrected one of my old urban fantasy books. I'm working on it on the side. I want to finish the Elemental Voice series. Which means divided writing. Another reason not much is done on Debts.

Most of the covers for Urban Fantasy have either half-naked men or scantily dressed women in a fighting pose on them. Sex sells, I know, but personally I dislike those covers. Which is why my first urban fantasy books had symbols on their covers--and probably why they didn't sell very well. I might have to compromise.😛

This is my newer Urban Fantasy, book 1 of the Ghostwolf Series. This is as sexy as I want to get. The book has the beginnings of relationships in it but it is more about the introduction of the plot arc.  Book 2 does go more into the relationships of the characters but it also continues on into the plot arc.  There's no real romance, but plenty of intimacy--though no sex. I am not writing Erotica or romance in this series.

Progress How Novel 26

Book 2 is at 24, 134 words right now.

I'm taking the 5-day amazon ad profit challenge this week. This is my second go around with this challenge. I learn new things each time. First time around I learned how to cut my spend. This time I'm concentrating on Copy or the wording of the ad to entice readers. Though it's hard to come up with a Copy of 149 characters or less. Yes, characters not words. 

 I'm doing an ad for my sci-fi and the first book in my old series too as I do ads for Raven Manor. Can't hurt to have them out there. Though I only have one per book. 

 So not much in the way of writing. Debts is half way done at this time so I'm rounding the bend.

Detective Hanlan didn't believe in fairytales until one tried to kill him. Will he be able to handle this deadly new world or will he become a story himself?

Raven Manor is an introduction to the hidden society of the Del Mulanti Ruv. They have lived among humans for over 7,000 years but make no mistake the Ruv have not been tamed. Take a trip with Detective Hanlan into this deadly world. Book

Progress How Novel 25

 Didn't write much this week either. Only at 23,651 words. 

Been reading too much and not writing. My brain seems to be in reading mode during the day. But just as I'm falling to sleep a few words hit me and I write them down in my notebook before sleep wipes them away. So I'm writing a little at a time.

Hanlan is beset by complications  that could tilt the exiting balance between humans and Ruv.  And a prophecy promises devastation of both worlds if the balance is not maintained. He may have to step out of his comfort zone to keep the balance from tilting too far and sacrifice some of his own hard won peace to even the score. 

When I write I get a picture of my characters in my head. Usually one presents him/her self as the narrator and tells me the story with the others chiming in here and there. Plot bunnies pop up as well.

So meet the Main Characters of the Ghostwolf Series. MCs 

Progress How Novel 24

Didn't write a lot this week, only at 22, 960 words. 

Debts. The Ruv have a debt to the Shavora, and the Loupe have a debt to the Oru, while the Kal and the Hunters owe both Ruv and humans a debt that could end in devastation if called in full. Balance needs to be maintained yet the debts need to be paid before they themselves tilt the balance. A sacrifice may be required.

Read one of my TBR list books instead of writing. Book 1 of a mystery series. I have several of those on the list as I'm looking to expand my authors. I've read certain famous authors for years (before I became an author myself) so I started to include Indies these last few years. I read a variety of genres but I am finicky. Some of the books I've read are highlighted on another of my blogs.

The three books I have out now on Amazon are the type of books I would read in their genres. Check out their blurbs for a glimpse of my psyche. Books  

As I was writing about the Del Mulanti Ruv, I had to think of their culture, language, their origin. I went "what if" they didn't know these things because of an internal war/feud between 'clans'/ 'lines'. They adopted their 'chosen's' language and culture to an extent. And that is all the Ruv of the present know of their history besides legends passed down the clan/lines.

So who would be their 'chosen"?  Who would accept them fully?  Who had a rich storytelling and superstitious history? Who traveled as the whim or circumstances took them? Who had their own secret language?

The Roma, or Gypsies as others called them. Language used

I took liberal license with the Roma and their language as they would be different people with the Ruv living among them for centuries.

Progress How Novel 23

 Book 2--Debts is at 22, 451 words.

Had a little writing splurt.  A scene wanted to get out. Not wholly satisfied with it so I'll probably edit it until I am. But it is written.

Debts introduces some new characters and brings back some old--from the first book.  All have debts, whether to pay or to collect. No one is clear of them. The debts will be brought forward and played, bringing out some uncomfortable truths.  

Meet the MCs of the Ghostwolf Series. MCs

Progress How novel 22

The second book of the Ghostwolf Series is now officially called Old Debts. I've done a cover, but with me you never know. I might change it again.

Debts is at 20, 543 words. 

I've been reading instead of writing but I'm getting back on track. I downloaded an Agatha Christie inspired novel on my phone and kept coming back to it this week during my writing time. But now it's finished and I'm not tempting myself with the other books in the series. I need to get my own book done. 

Detective Hanlan now has a deadline for catching the killer or a rogue Ruv will take the matter into her own hands.  Consequences of the killer's madness/actions are being felt by Hanlan from both the human world and the Ruv.  He is going to have to up his game if he is going to win against this crazy but cunning killer and keep the rogue Ruv out of the play.

  Raven Manor is a nice introductory read of the Ghostwolf series. Meet the Del Mulanti Ruv. wolf shifters hidden among us. They have been around for over 7,000 years, but their origins were lost millennia ago. Legends are the only peeks into their past.  The Ruv come to the attention of Detective Hanlan when a rogue Ruv kills a prominent member of his city.  He is brought into their world through his new partner who turns out to be a Ruv. 

Check out their journey in Raven Manor. Book 

Progress How Novel 21

The book is at 20,146 words. 

The killer has stepped on another villain's toes. Not a good idea. There will be consequences.

Hanlan has another incredulity to think about, a Mulo. The Ruv version of a ghost.

A Mulo is a Ruv that should not be alive yet is and appears out of seeming thin air.  He or she is accorded the respect a human god would receive from followers but is taken warily. They can be tricksters and have their own agendas. A mulengi dori or deadman's string(A knotted cord or ribbon) is often given to a person/being who is under their protection as a sign of that protection and a contract of the deal made for it.

Obsession is a re-occurring theme with me. A lot of villains have obsession toward their idea. They are right, the hero in their minds, and everyone else is misguided, the villains.  Some of those we would call heroes are obsessed as well. It is not just a bad trait that villains have.

So expect some obsession to show itself in book 3.  

And maybe not only in the villain.

Check out Book 1 of the Ghostwolf Series. Raven Manor  Book

Progress How Novel 20

The Detectives finally meet the villain. 

Over two dead bodies! 

She gives them the slip right then, but Hanlan gets an up close and personal meeting not too long after. He realizes that though she may be crazy, she is also very clever and has an almost hypnotic hold over most men. It will take an ingenious plan to capture her without more bloodshed.

Second book is at almost 19,000 words. 

I've been messing around with the title and cover again. The new title I'm thinking about is Old Debts. A lot of the things happening are happening because of old debts among the characters. Blood Legacy is fitting as well, though more so with the third book. I like both titles. Both covers are good as well. 

I think I'll go with Old Debts for the second book and Blood Legacy for the third. 

Raven Manor

Check out this introductory read. book

Hanlan wasn't a by-the-book detective but he didn't believe in fairytales, until he met a creature out of one.

Progress how novel 19

The detectives have still not met the killer in person. But she is definitely a presence. I want a little anticipation, tension building before I reveal her physically to them. Though they have seen a picture of her, her physical presence will have an impact. Female serial killers are unique.  

My Ghostwolf Series is an exploration of society's fringes and myths.  Werewolves and female serial killers. Both myths or just hidden amongst the mundane insanity of our modern society?  Female serial killers are real, though rare, so why not werewolves. Or at least the Ruv.

Blood is almost to 18,000 words. 

That idea is still percolating and until it fully drops I won't make a lot of headway through the book.  I've planted the seed of the idea and I'll move along at a slow pace until the next bit drops. The idea is revealing just bits at a time when I come to the right spot. I got the gist but my brain's being cagey with the details. I'm a pantser so I'm sure it's just coming up with the details as I write and percolate.

Writing is a form of magic to me.  It requires attention and work but the end result, the book, is spellbinding.

Raven Manor.

Enter the hidden world of the Del Mulanti Ruv.  Humans are not the only intelligent beings that inhabit the Earth. They have lived among Humans for millennia but make no mistake the Ruv have not been tamed. But then neither are Humans.

Meet the Main Characters. MCs