Kate M. Colby's Blog, page 5

Month-End Update: August 2017

Yes, I’m alive. Yes, I’ll be around more in September. And yes, I have stories!

[image error]August kicked off with a bang, as August 8th marked the publication of my third novel, The Tyrant’s Heir. Book launches always stir up a lot of emotions for me: excitement (Yay! It’s finally out in the world), fear (Will my readers like it?), but mostly gratitude. Thank you to everyone who has read the novel, shared it on social media, and of course, left a review. I seriously couldn’t do this without you.

Good news: if you’ve been waiting to order your signed paperback copy of The Tyrant’s Heir, go ahead! I have two boxes of books ready to be signed, sealed, and delivered. Visit the book page for ordering info.

What happened after the book launch? Well, the very next week, Daniel (my husband) and I loaded up our belongings and moved to our new home in California. As you might remember, Daniel finished his Master’s degree in Connecticut, but now he’s off to complete his PhD. I couldn’t be more proud of him. We had kind of an extended, two-part move, but it definitely made for an adventurous summer!

Most people think I’m crazy for it, but I love driving. So, getting to say that I’ve driven literally coast to coast in my beloved Pontiac feels really cool. (And I mean coast to coast. I didn’t let Daniel drive a single mile just so I could claim that title for myself! Luckily, he hates driving just as much as I love it.)

[image error]Of course, it wasn’t all long hours in the car. We enjoyed a stopover in Kansas (my real home), where we caught up with friends and family. On the second half of the road trip, we made a 150-mile detour to pop up to the Grand Canyon. And let me tell you, if you haven’t seen the Grand Canyon, it’s worth the trip! I always worry about seeing monuments and famous tourist destinations in person. Sometimes, they appear more impressive on TV or in photos, but the Grand Canyon lives up to its name and then some. I’d love to go back and explore it more!

Eventually, Daniel and I made it to sunny California (113 degrees Fahrenheit driving through the desert!), then onto our new home in the Bay Area. We’ve been here for a little over two weeks now, and we already like it 100x more than New Haven. Being in a real house with plenty of nature around has improved my emotional well-being more than I can say. I grew up in the country, and I had no idea how much I needed wildlife around me until I lived in the city. As dramatic as it sounds, I feel like I can breathe again.

As you probably guessed, all this upheaval left little time for writing, reading, and the other author-related pursuits I enjoy. But now that we’re finally settled, I’m ready to dive back into my projects. August became a month of personal productivity, so I think it’s only fair that September focus on writing again!

Before I sign off, here’s the quick recap as concerns my annual goals:

Writing & Publishing

Main goals:

Create five days a week – a little behind from the move!

Publish The Tyrant’s Heir (Desertera #3)

One of my goals for August was to decide on my next writing project, and my goal for September will be to make some serious progress. First, I’ll keep plugging away on the free Desertera short story for my Reader List. Second, I began planning my next series in August, and I hope to have a complete outline (maybe even a first draft started) on my first book in this series. Don’t worry — I’ll still have Desertera #4 out next year!

Business

Main goals:

Make $2,000 from Boxthorn Press – catching up

Create short story for my Reader List – in progress

Blog once per week – getting back on track

Read 52 books this year – catching up!

Most of my business goals are ongoing, so I don’t have any new ones to cross off this month. However, I’m happy to report that I’m almost caught up with reading books written by my author friends. As always, you all haven’t disappointed!

Books Read:

Friend or Foe: A MenoPausal Superhero Short Story Collection by Samantha Bryant

Face the Change (Menopausal Superheroes #3) by Samantha Bryant

American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis (audiobook)

Fall of the Titan (The Desolate Empire #5) by Christina Ochs

Book in Progress:

A Time to Die (The Legend of Carter Gabel #3) by Jonas Lee

Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting by Robert McKee

Personal

Main Goals:

Work on positivity – still going great

Break a bad habit – doing well

Visit a new state – several during our whole road trip!

Recoup savings post-Yale – such a relief!

I’m down to three personal goals for the year, all of which are continuous. Focusing on a positive outlook has been going well (I’m even adding meditation to my routine to help!), and I’ve been avoiding my bad habit. Exercise, though, remains my Achilles heel. The good news is that I have a free spousal membership to the university gym … so my excuses have dwindled to almost none!

Goals for September

Write Desertera short story for my Reader List

Outline the first novel of my new dark fantasy series

Establish a new author routine for my new surroundings

What successes do you have to report from August? What do you look forward to in September? Any tips for me on establishing a new writing routine in a new home? Leave it all in the comments!

Filed under: Fiction Blog, Writing Updates Tagged: author, business, drafting, dystopian, entrepreneur, fantasy, goals, month-end update, monthly update, NaNoWriMo, reading, resolutions, science fiction, self-publishing, steampunk, writing

The Tyrant’s Heir (Desertera #3) is Out Now!

[image error]“Launch days” like today always feel a bit weird to me. On the surface, today is just another normal Tuesday. I’m still sitting at my desk, writing product copy about wine (that’s the day job), and answering emails from coworkers.

Yet, today is anything but a normal Tuesday. The Tyrant’s Heir (Desertera #3) has landed in Kindles and reading devices around the world. Reviews have started to roll in on Goodreads. Invisible tendons connect you and me and readers from at least three continents.

Today also brings a feeling of completion. I’ve put the book out into the world. It belongs to you now, as much as it does me. Which means it’s time for me to hang up Lionel’s top hat and get to work on another project … but more on that later.

Pick up your copy of The Tyrant’s Heir TODay:

Order the ebook ($2.99 USD) or paperback ($12.95 USD) from your favorite online retailer:  http://www.books2read.com/the-tyrants-heir

Reserve a SIGNED paperback directly from me (via PayPal, $12.95 USD + s/h): https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=P4UWDNF93HRYE

Please note on the signed paperbacks:

1) I DO ship internationally — email me for your custom shipping rate

2) Please expect a 2-3 week shipping delay. I’m currently waiting on the books to arrive so I can sign them!

GET SOCIAL WITH ME

Add The Tyrant’s Heir on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

Watch me unbox the first ever copy on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/pg/AuthorKateMColby/videos

Bring a friend into the fold

If you know someone who would love the Desertera series (or are behind yourself), now is the time to catch up! To celebrate the release of The Tyrant’s Heir, the first two ebooks are on sale until August 15.

Buy The Cogsmith’s Daughter (Desertera #1) for JUST $0.99 (USD)

Buy The Courtesan’s Avenger (Desertera #2) for JUST $1.99 (USD)

And that’s all she wrote

For now, anyway! Thank you to everyone who has purchased the books, shared on social media, and left a review. Your support means the world to me and allows me to live out my dream. I couldn’t — and wouldn’t want to — do this without you.

Filed under: Fiction Blog, The Desertera Series Tagged: book launch, book sale, dystopian, ebook, fantasy, new book, signed paperbacks, steampunk, the desertera series, the tyrant's heir

Month-End Update: July 2017

[image error]July marked the first month with my revised goals and author vision. As you might remember from my June month-end update, I took 2017’s halfway mark to reevaluate my New Year’s resolutions, as well as consider who I am as an author and what I want for my independent publishing business.

These changes, combined with the fact that July was a book launch preparation month, have helped me focus on what’s really important. As silly as it might sound (and as invisible as it might be from the outside), I feel a new sense of purpose and maturity with my business.

However, now that The Tyrant’s Heir (Desertera #3) is all-but ready for publication, I’m also feeling a little lost. Yes, I have a massive to-do list to tackle (as always!), but I’m also standing at a proverbial crossroads. Should I finally start the new series I’ve been daydreaming about for months? Should I dive right back into Desertera and begin the fourth book? Should I take a creative break and focus on marketing for a while?

I’m not sure what I’ll do, but I know I’ll have fun figuring it out! For now, let’s take a look back at July – aka Camp NaNoWrimo #2.

Writing & Publishing

Main goals:

Create five days a week – doing really well

Edit The Tyrant’s Heir (Desertera #3) – done!

Publish The Tyrant’s Heir (Desertera #3) – on track

Technically, I won Camp NaNoWriMo by completing over 31 hours of “author work.” While I wanted to split my time between finalizing The Tyrant’s Heir (Desertera #3) and creating a Desertera short story for my Reader List, I ended up working solely on the book launch. But, it’s all good news. Readers will get the third book on August 8, and my Reader List subscribers will receive their bonus short story in a month or so. Everyone wins!

Business

Main goals:

Make $2,000 from Boxthorn Press – catching up

Create short story for my Reader List – in progress

Blog once per week – on track

Read 52 books this year – catching up!

The “business” side took a backseat to publishing this past month. However, since I wasn’t working on my own writing, I took time to read a few books written by my author friends, and I hope to read more this month. Another big August goal? Officially deciding on my next writing project!

Books Read:

Deceived by Heena Rathore P.

The Gate Guardian’s Daughter by K.T. Munson

A Bhikku’s Tale by David R. Jordan

Cemetery Shift (Cheston Chronicles #1) by Nina del Arce

Book in Progress:

Friend or Foe: A MenoPausal Superhero Short Story Collection by Samantha Bryant

Face the Change (Menopausal Superheroes #3) by Samantha Bryant

Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting by Robert McKee

Personal

Main Goals:

Work on positivity – great!

Exercise 3x per week – doing a little better

Break a bad habit – on track

Recoup savings post-Yale – I’d say we’re nearly there!

As you might remember, I’m (kind of) in the middle of a cross-country move, and Daniel (the hubby) is adjusting to his new Ph.D. program. Despite these rather drastic changes, my personal goals remain strong. If the last few years of moving and post-university”adulting” have taught me anything, it’s to take life as it comes and appreciate the present moment. Now, if only I could be as wise about exercising …

Goals for August

Publish The Tyrant’s Heir (Desertera #3)

Write Desertera short story for my Reader List

Decide on and begin my next book project

How did my fellow NaNoWriMo campers fare? What are your goals for August? Share in the comments!

Filed under: Fiction Blog, Writing Updates Tagged: author, business, camp nanowrimo, campnanowrimo, drafting, dystopian, entrepreneur, fantasy, goals, month-end update, monthly update, NaNoWriMo, reading, resolutions, science fiction, self-publishing, steampunk, writing

The Tyrant’s Heir (Desertera #3) Cover Reveal & Pre-Order Info

[image error]Should a king elicit love or fear? Lionel inspires neither… and it could cost him everything.

Lionel Monashe believes he’s a terrible king. After ordering his father’s execution and taking the throne, he struggles to reconcile his royal duties with his innate compassion. His insecurity and inconsistent ruling lead prominent subjects to challenge his authority.

Chief among his adversaries is a self-proclaimed prophet, whose religious zealotry launches the kingdom into economic crisis and civil unrest. When Lionel attempts to make peace, he sparks even more discord and ignites the greatest tragedy in Desertera’s history.

Blame for the disaster falls on the king, sending Lionel in a desperate pursuit to find answers before he loses his crown… and possibly his life.

The third book in the Desertera series, The Tyrant’s Heir portrays a desperate power struggle in an equally desperate, steampunk dystopian world. This political thriller will keep readers guessing until the end.

Will Lionel save his crown? Pre-order The Tyrant’s Heir today and find out on August 8, 2017!

Answers to your questions …

When does The Tyrant’s Heir come out?

August 8, 2017

Why isn’t my favorite retailer shown when I click the link?

I just listed the pre-order last week, so your store might not have posted the book yet. Check back soon or contact me for assistance.

Can I share the cover reveal?

Of course! Use the buttons in the footer of this post.

Can I add the book on Goodreads?

Yup! Just click this link.

Is the book available in paperback?

Not yet! I’m still waiting on the final paperback cover files, but I’ll let you know when you can order it.

Is this the last book in the Desertera series?

No way! Currently, I’m planning five books in total … hopefully to be published by the end of 2018!

What is the best way to get Desertera updates?

Sign up for my Reader List. You’ll get two emails a month with exclusive updates, writing excerpts, and more (including an upcoming FREE Desertera short story!).

Any other questions? Ask in the comments!

Filed under: Fiction Blog, The Desertera Series Tagged: cover reveal, desertera, desertera #3, dystopian, fantasy, historical fantasy, pre-order, science fiction, soft science fiction, steampunk, the desertera series, the tyrant's heir

The Power of Wonder Woman

[image error]About a month ago, Daniel (my husband) and I went to see the new Wonder Woman movie. No spoilers, I promise. Because Daniel’s a huge movie buff, I let him share his DC fanboy analysis first (basic message: “That’s the movie Man of Steel should have been — hopeful, optimistic, awe-inspiring, untouchable!”). As we pulled into the pet store parking lot (exciting errands for this married couple), Daniel asked for my thoughts.

And without warning, I burst into tears.

This is why I’ve waited so long to write this post. I’m embarrassed by my reaction, and I don’t even know if I can put words to how Wonder Woman made me feel. But Daniel insists that you (especially the women) will appreciate my thoughts and so here they are.

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Photo credit

For whatever reason, at that exact moment in my life, Wonder Woman was the superhero movie I didn’t know I needed. In the most basic ways (sometimes subtle, sometimes not), Wonder Woman overcame and surpassed the negative stereotypes and tropes that often define female superheroes (and characters in general). At the same time, Wonder Woman embraced Diana Prince’s womanhood and sexuality — even made them an asset for our hero — while still portraying her male allies in a positive light. The movie made me proud to be a woman, and as I watched the scenes unfold, I couldn’t help but feel like some kind of invisible weight had lifted.

Writing this now, I’m starting to become insecure. I can already imagine the ways in which I might be ridiculed for my reaction:

“Crying proves that women are weak!”

“Please, honey. You’re still white, cisgender, straight, American, abled, etc.!”

“Um … there are plenty of other strong female characters out there!”

To the first, I shake my head and move on.

To the second, I say, “I know!” I’m lucky to have been born with certain privileges, and having this experience has given me a new empathy and respect for those who feel underrepresented or excluded from our entertainment culture.

To the last, I say again, “I know!” That’s one of the reason I’m so boggled by my reaction. I grew up watching Xena Warrior Princess, and I’m a proud (albeit recent) member of Buffy’s Scooby Gang. I’ve read myriad books and graphic novels with strong, leading women. So why now? Why did Wonder Woman mean so much to me?

Honestly, I’m still not certain. Maybe it’s because Diana represented my brand of Feminism (which sometimes feels like it’s giving way to more radical, arguably misandristic perspectives). Maybe it’s because I’m in the middle of a bunch of huge life changes and needed affirmation of my strength. Maybe it’s because the other recent DC movies have been underwhelming for me. And maybe, it was just a damn good movie that manipulated my emotions as the master marketing team intended.

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Photo credit

Whatever the reason, after a tearful episode in the pet store parking lot and a quick purchase of cat laxative (I shit you not — poor Thomas!), Daniel and I made an unplanned stop. We went to Target to find me a Wonder Woman shirt, because I wanted to emblazon her logo across my chest. If you knew my “thrifty” self, you’d know that a $20 impulse buy is a BIG financial upset in our household. We didn’t find one I liked. The search continues but the fact remains …

Wonder Woman blew away my expectations. As a movie, it was fast-paced, charming, funny, packed with intense action (that trench warfare scene!), and satisfying (except for, perhaps, the final battle … but I promised no spoilers). But more than that, it tapped into a subconscious need that I didn’t even know I held. While other strong women have held the stage and Hollywood still has a long way to go towards equality, Wonder Woman was a step in the right direction and meant so much to me. If I can write just one character or one book that gives someone a modicum of that joy and pride, then I will be thrilled with my author career.

How did you feel about the new Wonder Woman movie? What other movies or books have held special meaning for you? Know where I can find a bad ass Wonder Woman shirt (seriously!)? Share it all in the comments.

Filed under: Fiction Blog, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Geeky Things Tagged: dc movies, feminism, indie author, science fiction, strong female characters, superheroes, women in media, wonder woman, writing

Month-End Update: June 2017

[image error]Earlier this month, I had lunch with a close friend. As we visited, she told me about her experience training a new employee at her work.

“She’s asking a lot of really great questions — ones that I never thought to ask,” my friend said. “It makes me wonder … when did I stop asking why?”

Her question made me think, have I stopped asking why with my author journey? The answer: sometimes, yes. I’ve always been an ambitious person, prone to pushing myself too hard and occasionally getting tunnel vision. Sometimes, I can fall victim to “fear of missing out” (FOMO), which convinces me to do things that don’t align with my goals. Likewise, when I set goals for myself, sometimes I feel like changing them — even if they no longer align with my larger aspirations — means failure.

This conversation with my friend occurred on the cusp of a cross-country move. It’s my second in two years (perks of having a husband in graduate school!), and they’ve both caused me to reevaluate myself. Like starting a new school year or getting a new wardrobe, this move is a chance for rebirth. I’ll be meeting new people, exploring a new city, and establishing a new routine — a totally fresh start.

The conversation also coincided with writing/editing my third novel. For some reason, Desertera #3 felt different. I felt more comfortable and confident in my writing ability, style, and system. The third book also marks a milestone for the series– at least, that’s what I’ve read from successful authors (“Three books is the first tipping point. Readers know you’re serious.”).

All this is to say that I’ve done some reevaluating about my personal self, my author self, and my goals. And you know what? I’m refreshed, realigned, and excited to get back to it!

As a first step, I redesigned my author website. While the previous template was effective, I felt like it lacked personality. This design is a little more me, but I’ve still got some work to do in the graphics department.

As a second step, I revised my New Year’s resolutions. I treat them more like short- and long-term goals than traditional resolutions, and some of them no longer reflected my aspirations for 2017.

Here’s my new list, complete with my regular updates:

Writing & Publishing

Create 5 days per week — a little behind, due to bereavement leave and my move
Write Desertera #3 — done!
Edit Desertera #3 — in the proofreading stage!
Publish Desertera #3 — planned for early August
Write a second novel — totally possible, I can’t wait to start my next series idea!
Edit a second novel — probably can’t publish it, but I should be able to start editing
Start writing Desertera #4 — a long shot
Make 2018 publishing schedule — I need to start thinking long term!

The BIG change: I’ve decided I don’t want to pursue a new nonfiction book at this time.

Business

Make $2,000 from Boxthorn Press — on track
Create freebie for Writing Newsletter subscribers — done!
Create short story for Reader List — my July Camp NaNoWriMo goal!
Blog 1x per week — reduced from 2x per week
Maintain content marketing schedule — restructured and reduced
Diversify existing products — pending research into new audiobook distributor
Do 12 marketing promotions — changed to focus on book launch
Read 52 books — hoping to catch up this summer!

The BIG change: reducing my content marketing efforts to focus on writing and publishing.

Personal

Work on positivity — going really well!
Exercise 3x per week — hahahaha, I need to get my shit together …
Break a bad habit — starting a new routine to help today!
Recoup savings account post-Yale — we’re pretty much there!
Make post-Yale plan — done!
Visit final NYC sites — done!
Visit new state — planned for August!
Visit new country — done! Oh, Canada!

No changes here … but obviously I still have some work to do!

Goals for July & Camp NaNoWriMo

Write a Desertera short story
Get Desertera #3 ready to publish
Start outlining new series
Rewrite my long author biography
Read and review (on Goodreads/Amazon) four books

How do you handle evolving goals? When is the last time you took stock of your aspirations and routines? Are you participating in July’s Camp NaNoWriMo? Share it all below!

Filed under: Fiction Blog, Writing Updates Tagged: camp nanowrimo, desertera, dystopian, goals, monthly update, new years resolutions, steampunk, writing, writing update

Guest Post: Skill vs. Talent – Which Do You Have? by Ryan Lanz

Please welcome back author and blogger Ryan Lanz! This time, Ryan will be discussing the differences between talent and skill, and which you need to make it in the writing world.  [image error]

tal·ent [tal-uhnt] noun: a special natural ability or aptitude.
skill [skil] noun: the ability, coming from one’s knowledge, practice, aptitude, etc., to do something well.

What if you don’t have natural talent? Does that mean you may as well give up?

It’s not quite the chicken or the egg debate, but it’s up there. I’ve heard people go in circles about which comes first and which is necessary. At what combination of both does one continue the grind and attempt at success? I’d be surprised if you haven’t asked yourself that question. It’s a part of being human.

What does each really mean?

This comes from the university of my opinion, but I would describe talent as the natural ability that needs little to no refinement, and skill is the unnatural ability that you have to develop. For those of us who’ve played sports (myself excluded), I’m sure you’ve all encountered someone who strides onto the field and makes it all look so darn effortless.

This person hardly shows up to practice, and you have a fairly good idea that it took hardly any effort to accomplish. Same with the person who aced every test in college with little preparation, leaving you in study hall time after time with a bucket of coffee. You must have missed at least three parties because you had to cram for the Calculus exam, right?

Which is better?

Good question. And one not so easily answered. Sure, we would all like natural talent that we don’t have to pour so much effort into, but sometimes that doesn’t quite pan out. Often, we are born with enough talent to have an affinity for a profession, but the rest has to be made up with skill. In writing, there are dozens of abilities that need to be present to make a good novel, such as foreshadowing, prose, description, natural dialogue, pacing, etc.

Let’s say that you have a knack for writing dialogue, but your setting description rambles on and on. The squeaky wheel gets the oil, and you’ll have to practice at writing setting description over time to develop it into a skill, even if it’s not a natural talent. To be fair, natural talent does get you to the goal quicker.

Related: Finishing a Book is a Skill

The combination of the two

If Tiger Woods is not the best golf player of all time, then he comes very close. He started golfing on professional courses at the age of two years old and was featured in a golf magazine at the age of five. Tiger spent 545 weeks combined total as the world number one. In my opinion, that is some superb natural talent. Although Tiger has mounds of it, he still had a golfing coach (and probably still does) through most of his career. That’s combining the natural with the refined skill that creates that sweet spot. Think about how you can make a similar combination.

Is it so bad if you don’t have natural talent? Should you give up?

The one downside to having natural talent is that you don’t have as much appreciation for the effort. Let’s look at two writers: one who writes his/her first book and quickly becomes published, and the other is a writer who labors for ten years to even become noticed. Both eventually become published and successful, let’s say. I think it’s fair to say that the latter writer has more appreciation for the effort of the craft. There are small nuances of writing that I feel are best represented when someone has to massage and mold their skill over the long-term.

I believe that about anyone can accomplish about anything if they were to dedicate their entire life to it, even if that person doesn’t have a drop of natural talent. Ask yourself what craft you can accomplish if you were to invest 20 years to its perfection. So, no, don’t simply give up on it. You may have been born with talent in a profession you’re not interested in. That’s okay, just work to catch up in a profession that you are.

Conclusion

If you sharpen your skill enough, people will believe that you’ve had talent from the very beginning, regardless of how much you actually had to start with.

Original post here.

Guest post contributed by Ryan Lanz. Ryan is an avid blogger and author of The Idea Factory: 1,000 Story Ideas and Writing Prompts to Find Your Next Bestseller. You can also find him on Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr.

Filed under: Guest Posts, Writing & Publishing Articles, Writing Craft & Tips Tagged: author, creative writing, dedication, finding success, goals, guest post, ryan lanz, skill vs talent, writing advice, writing craft, writing skill, writing talent, writing tips

Month-End Update: May 2017

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I can’t believe I survived May.

As you cleverly inferred from the radio silence on this site and social media, May swallowed up all of my work time, then lapped up my free time for good measure. But you know what? It was a blast, and I’m so excited to share my many updates with you and get back to our regular programming.

So … what happened in May?

On the writing front, I finished the first draft of Desertera #3 and sent it off to the editor. She’s already returned round one of edits, and I’m floored and humbled by her feedback. This week, I’ll dive into the manuscript to make her changes and keep moving forward. Depending on how the next few rounds go (and when I finally select a title … I know, it’s my creative Achilles Heel), the novel should be on track for a late July or early August release date! More soon.

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Rainy graduation day in a flattering blue poncho!

The second half of May revolved around my personal life. As you know, I’ve been living in Connecticut while my husband worked toward his Master’s at Yale. Well, Daniel graduated (so proud of you, honey!). My mother-in-law and her friend flew over from Australia to celebrate, then the four of us took an epic road trip around New England. (I’ll share more later, or you can check out some pics on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.)

And it doesn’t end there. Daniel begins his PhD at Stanford this summer, so we packed up our apartment and started our cross-country move. While I’m sad to leave our New Haven friends and the best ice cream on the planet, I’m thrilled for our next adventure together. Again, I plan to talk more about this transition later, once I’ve had time to process and establish a new routine. (Sensing a pattern yet?)

What will I do while Daniel studies? Well, obviously, I’ll still be writing, blogging, and building my author business. I’m also elated to report that I have been able to take my day job with me, so I’m still a copywriter for a fantastic wine marketing company. I love my job (and wine, duh) and getting to do it without three hours of commuting every day is awesome. While I’ll miss writing on the train, I won’t miss the train itself, the bus, other commuters, or braving the elements to get to the office!

Looking forward to June, my top priority is editing, titling, and starting the cover design process for Desertera #3. Second on the list? Establishing a new routine that balances my author work, my copywriting job, and my personal life. I’d also like to catch up on my favorite podcasts and my ever-growing to-read list (a big shout-out to all my fellow authors waiting on reviews … I haven’t forgotten you!).

Have a great Monday (or whatever day you’re reading this), and best of luck with your own goals! As always, I’d love to read what you’re working on in the comments section.

What did you accomplish in May? What are your goals for June? Share in the comments!

Filed under: Fiction Blog, Writing Updates Tagged: author, business, drafting, dystopian, entrepreneur, fantasy, goals, month-end update, monthly update, reading, resolutions, science fiction, self-publishing, steampunk, writing

Month-End Update: April 2017

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Well, I’m back from Camp NaNoWriMo, covered in bug bites and stuffed to the brim with smores. While I didn’t win (darn it!), I did add nearly 40,000 words to my draft of Desertera #3. This puts me well on the way to done, and I should have the manuscript wrapped up over the next week or two.

To be honest, most of April is a blur. Specifically, a blur of Scrivener documents, penciled outlines, and story discussions with my alpha reader. Still, I managed to sneak in a little bit of fun. In preparation of my husband’s graduation from Yale, we’ve started a taste tour of local restaurants and have had many fun double dates and friends’ nights.

It’s definitely been a challenge to balance writing, business, my day job, and my social life, but I’m doing my best. That’s all any of us can do, right? As for May, the first half (and a bit) will be focused on getting Desertera #3 to the editor. Over the second half, I’ll be celebrating my husband’s graduation and spending time all around New England with him and our parents. It should be a lovely (and well deserved) break!

Writing & Publishing

Main goals:

Create five days a week – back on track!

Write Desertera #3 – almost done!

Thanks to the pressure of Camp NaNoWriMo, I’ve made fantastic progress on my manuscript of Desertera #3. My main goal this month will be finishing it up and completing the necessary content edits before it goes to the professional editor in the middle of the month. Because I’ve been editing as I write, this process should be pretty easy!

Business

Main goals:

Make $2,000 from Boxthorn Press – catching up

Blog twice per week – slightly behind

Maintain social media schedule – slightly behind

Read 52 books this year – slightly behind

As tends to be my pattern, I struggled with balancing my writing and other business activities. However, I did blog at least once a week, and I did participate in two separate marketing events. Given my editing deadline and upcoming personal commitments, I anticipate more unevenness this month. Luckily, I should have plenty of time to get caught up in this area over the summer.

Books Read:

None

Book in Progress: Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting by Robert McKee

Personal

Main Goals:

Work on positivity – great!

Exercise 3x per week – better than zero

Break a bad habit – on track

Make post-Yale plan – pretty much done

Even with all the craziness and uncertainty coming up, I’ve stayed in positive spirits and haven’t fallen back into bad habits. Most excitingly, my husband and I have made our plan for after his graduation from Yale, and while we still have a few minor details to iron out, we’re in good shape for our short- and mid-term future. We’ve also planned two fun mini-vacations for the end of the month, so watch my Instagram for photos!

Goals for May

Send Desertera #3 to my editor

Enjoy our post-graduation mini-vacations

Keep refining my balance between writing and other responsibilities

How did my fellow NaNoWriMo campers fare? Any exciting plans for May? Share in the comments!

Filed under: Fiction Blog, Writing Updates Tagged: author, business, camp nanowrimo, campnanowrimo, drafting, dystopian, entrepreneur, fantasy, goals, month-end update, monthly update, NaNoWriMo, reading, resolutions, science fiction, self-publishing, steampunk, writing

Enjoy 31 Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Horror Ebooks for 99c Each!

[image error]Happy Wednesday! If you’re feeling those mid-week blues (I definitely am here in rainy New England), then I have just the thing to brighten you day.

Today through Friday, April 28, you can get 31 incredible science fiction, fantasy, and horror ebooks for JUST $0.99 each. Plus, you can also enter a FREE giveaway to win a Kindle Fire or Amazon gift cards.

As you’ll notice, my steampunk dystopian novel, The Cogsmith’s Daughter (Desertera #1), is part of the deal. I’m also offering a limited-time special discount on the sequel, The Courtesan’s Avenger (Desertera #2). It’ll be $0.99 today and $1.99 Thursday and Friday. Grab your copy here.

My recommendations from the sale? Definitely check out A Time to Reap (Legend of Carter Gabel #1) by Jonas Lee. It’s my favorite YA time travel novel, full of spunk, teen hormones, and nerdy cultural references. I’d also suggest American Demon Hunters by J Thorn. It’s a gripping dark fantasy about a man who discovers the power to resurrect the dead.

Check out all the books here and get your copies by Friday!

Oh, and if you enjoy the books, please leave reviews. That’s the #1 way to help other readers find them and help the authors write more great books for you.

Filed under: Fiction Blog, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Geeky Things Tagged: amazon gift card giveaway, books, dark fantasy, dystopian fiction, ebook sale, ebooks, fantasy, horror, kindle giveaway, post-apocalyptic fiction, reading, science fiction, steampunk