Books Up for Pre-Order and Lots More!
Nov 16, 2023 5:55 pm
Hey there!
This week has been a whirlwind as I returned back to work after my paternity leave. It's always funny to see people's reactions when they asked if I was able to 'rest and relax' on my leave and I tell them a resounding 'no'. Such is the life when the homestead is an ever growing list of 'to do's'. Definitely not a complaint, just a reality! Yet during the madness, I always ensure to read as often as I can.
What have you been reading lately? Would love to hear your book recommendations!
I've been reading the final two books in the series The Final Heir by Jon Monson. It's a YA fantasy trilogy that I think you'd love! (more on the series down below)
During leave, I spent the time doing property cleanup, including putting all the chicken tractors away, cleaning shops, and winterizing things for the animals. Slip in there bucking 10,000 pounds (yes, that is the real number, not an exaggeration) of hay before it got soaked in the rain and you can imagine how things were during my leave.
But that's alright! The first rule of being a 'casual' or 'busy' author is not fighting against the important things. My life and experiences enhance my ability to write. If I miss a day or two writing, life isn't over. Instead of seeing responsibilities as a blocker for my writing, I think of them as working together to form a symbiosis (not quite the perfect term but you get the idea) resulting in joy. The moment I start saying 'wow I really wish my life didn't get in the way' is the moment my creativity is stunted.
Times and seasons. During the winter, outside work drops to almost nothing and writing becomes more common. Everything ebbs and flows and I can enjoy every moment. That said, here's a couple fun pictures of the chicken tractors packed all tightly and the five tons of hay I had to move.
My Progress This Week
My first draft of Demonblooded is now at about 48,000 words! Not a significant jump from that last update I gave, but it's progress I'm grateful for. I can tell a story is excellent when each writing session is a joy and the words just flow. Usually I can get about 2000 words give or take in an hour long writing session when I slip into that flow state.
The Kids of Cybercity is also moving along well! This week I've been working on all the logistic 'extra content' that goes in the back of the book. You know, the acknowledgements, about the author, etc. Why is it so easy to stress about that simple stuff like that? Surely I'm not the only one who doesn't know what to put in those. Regardless, we've shifted the publish date a week into December just to make sure it's all ready. But I'm thrilled to say that they are up for Pre-Order now!
Finally, this week I heard back from The Writer's of The Future short story contest and I'm thrilled to say that The Seduction of Thieves, my short story submission, received a Silver Honorable Mention! Considering I threw it together in less than a week and did not do it justice with editing, I'm chalking that up to a win. If you're wondering what that means, it's pretty much that mine was a story that stood out about the thousands that were submitted this quarter. You can see the list (my name included!) HERE. More than likely I will keep submitting stories mainly to build a great back log of content that I can offer to you!
If you want to read the Silver Honorable mention story I submitted, shoot me a message and I'll send you a copy to enjoy!
New Episodes of The Casual Author!
When life doesn't deal you the best hand of cards, it can be challenging to keep writing, to keep creating stories for those who love to enjoy them. But challenges can sometimes lead to the most beautiful moments of our lives, and our writing. Join me and KJ as we discuss how she persevered and continued writing even after the tragic loss of her partner.
OR
After sustaining a TBI (traumatic brain injury) R.M. McDermott had to devise more creative and 'out of the box' ways to get her stories from mind to paper. Whether you are a new author looking for different strategies to get your book done, or you are seeking more methods to write, join Rory and me as we discuss the various ways she's found work for her to write.
A Series You Won't Want to Miss!
I had the pleasure of being an advanced reader for an awesome YA fantasy series this pas few weeks and it's one that you don't want to sit on. The Final Heir, the series starter, came out last year and was one of my favorite reads for the year. Just this week, the final two books came out at the same time!
If you're looking for your next series (with the extra perk of not having to wait for consecutive books to come out) then you'll want to grab this as soon as possible. The first book is even $.99 for the launch!
And Now for the Free Book of the Week!
warm regards,
Dan
