Since I last posted I finished writing the WIP I’ve been calling Forest (definitely not the title, just a placeholder in my mind until I come up with a real title). I started working on Forest at the beginning of the year. It’s the tenth book I’ve written in the last fifteen years. It was a lot of fun to work on! Now I still have to go back through and read it for the first time and do the first round of edits. I’m not sure when that will happen though as I’m working on self-publishing The Gemstone Collector!
The Gemstone Collector is the ninth book I’ve written throughout my journey as a writer, however it will be the first book I’m self-publishing. The first book of mine ever to be published! I have queried two books in the past and I never got a request from an agent. I kept on writing though and working on my craft. I’m currently working my twelfth book which I have titled The Curse of Blood Thorn Manor. This one is very fun and when I started working on it, I told myself I was writing it just for fun so that I wouldn’t put pressure on myself thinking about trying to publish it.
One day I might self-publish it, I have so many books I would love to see out in the world. Since I write so much, that’s another reason why I decided to go the indie route. Plus I like having control of the creative decisions. It’s pretty cool! Writing is my passion and it’s something I will always be working on. I often think of this motivational writing quote “A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.” Richard Bach. I believe that is true.
Updates on The Gemstone Collector: It’s currently in the hands of an editor for a developmental edit! Next, I will go through the edits to make changes for the big picture issues. I will be doing this throughout the late fall/early winter. Hopefully by next February it will be in the hands of a proofreader editor. Then I’ll need to find a cover designer, and then decide where I’m going to upload it. So many decisions to make when self-publishing! Plus, there’s marketing on social media, which is something else I’m always trying to figure out. I love learning about all of this stuff though! It’s a lot of work, but I can’t believe my book will soon be out in the world. I’m so excited for you all to read it!
It’s a ways away, but May 2024 is still the projected release date. I hope you have been well and are excited about a writing project, or a creative project you’ve been working on! Okay, now it’s time for me to write some more words for The Curse of Blood Thorn Manor. Happy Friday and happy weekend!
Sounds like a big commitment self publishing your book, so much involved, I can see why it give most people pause to take it all on.Go for it! Sounds like it’s your thing best of luck with it all. Enjoy the journey.