Lisa Logue's Blog, page 3

I've got enough irons in the fire...

...to set this world ablaze!

The fire under my ass must be massive to propel it anywhere and I'm reaching out to share it with those who care to partake. I mean, what good is motivation if you don't use it to help someone else every now and again? Of course, I'm not motivating you in the same way a personal trainer might, but I'm going to motivate you in the sense that I'm going to share all the dirt we writers don't often talk about while also reaching my goals because #goals is a thing and we should all be striving for success.

Here's what's on the menu:

Thea's Reawakening releases October 31st! Originally, I had planned on releasing Blood Promise, but it was just not in the cards this month. I don't want to rush the story, so instead I'm bringing you a BRAND NEW story! You can preorder it now for $.99 and it will also be available for FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

NaNoWriMo kicks off November 1st. I might go live on IG here and there to discuss my "process" (which is code for procrastinating because I'm regretting actually sitting down to write). I have no idea if I'm going to write something new or just finish the next book. One way or another, I'll jump in and try to win it this year.

Falling Undercover releases November 23rd! That's right, another release!! This book is (currently) a stand-alone romantic suspense novel. The first contemporary romance type of genre I've written, but it's been fun! I'll be putting on the finishing touches and getting it out for those cozy nights when you need a good book to hold you tight. ;) 

Blood Promise looks like it might drop for a Christmas release, so be on the look out for that update. Legacy of Secrets is so near and dear to me, I just can't rush the release. The last night I'd ever want is to skimp on the story for the sake of a deadline. Stay tuned -- it's coming!

Print copies of all my books are in the works. I'm working on formatting and cover art for all the books and plan to start releasing some after the first of the year. This will put these books in the hands of customers who still enjoy the scent and feel of prints (and who could really deny that?) and I'm pretty excited about it! I might end up shipping out some signed copies so stay tuned for that, too!

Legacy of Stories has been a work in progress, but I'm working on it! I've been sick off and on the last few weeks which has made it increasingly hard to record unless you want to listen to my coughing the entire way through. I don't even want to listen to that if I'm being honest. I do have some guest friends planned to come on the show in the coming months so that's pretty exciting, too. Please be patient while I try to get well enough to record and I look forward to bringing you more chapters and friends!

I think that's all I've got tonight. Until next time!!

Lisa
​xoxoxo

And in comes Fall

My favorite time of year is upon us! 

Fall is, by far, the best season! Not only can you wear hoodies, sweatpants, cozy boots, fuzzy socks, beanies, and scarves, but there is no humidity and the world turns pretty colors! How exciting! Although I'm currently dealing with a chest cold (yay), it's still my favorite time of year. If I could cozy up in blankets and do nothing other than read for twelve or so weeks, that would probably be ideal. Retirement? I've got quite a way to go for that! So, one would think it's the perfect time to also get some writing done - and by the goddess, I'm trying. I've been chronicling my #wordcountgoals on IG and all was going well for a while until I started getting sick. Now, I'm trying to stay awake long enough to get my kids in bed and have some mind-numbing free time to try to recharge. I'm just a hot mess.

Since Falling Undercover is available for preorder, I'll likely switch my focus to it for the next few weeks so I can make sure it's all squared up before release. I'm pretty excited as I've never written anything in this genre before. I mean, it's either going to be great or complete crap, but at least I could say I did it! :D 

PREORDER FALLING UNDERCOVER NOW!!!

I plan to participate in NaNoWriMo this year, although I haven't outlined anything, yet. I'm thinking about starting the last Legacy of Secrets novel, but I feel that's dumb if I haven't even finished and released Blood Promise. I've been working on it, truly, it's just hard to focus when your brain feels like it's in a fog. 

So, where am I? I'm at a bit of a crossroads, I suppose. I think, right now, it makes the most sense to switch gears and focus on Falling Undercover to prep for its release. Once it's done, I can determine whether finishing Blood Promise is the most important, or to move on to something else. I have so many story ideas and so little time to write! Truly, every month should be like NaNo if I want to be successful and, one day, I will get there. Someday. 

Until then, I'll be here on my couch tapping away at the keys. Or sitting at my desk, with my dual monitor displays, writing on one screen and watching social media (a.k.a. procrastinating) on the other. Or, I'll be recording chapter reads for my podcast, which is off to a rocky start since I've been sick the last few weeks. Ugh...FML. 

Night folks!
Lisa
xoxoxo

Oh the woes...

The worst part of writing are the sacrifices one makes to do what they love. There is a precious amount of time in the day and, for someone like me who works a full time job, that amount of time is an even smaller window. 

I do my best to get my writing done when the kids have gone to bed and before I have to go to bed, but some nights it takes longer if the creative juices are flowing or what not. I try to be all the things and wear all the hats, but sometimes my head gets heavy. 

I am a mom, a wife, a sister, a daughter, a coworker, a peer, a friend, a creator, a writer, and so much more. At some point, all those hats become awfully heavy, so which ones remain? I can tell you, I have struggled with this for years, and I've yet to find a balance. I can never make everyone else happy while making myself happy. Boy, the woes sure are plenty. 

So, what do we do? The only thing we really can do is keep on keepin' on. I can try doing a little better each day and keep working toward refining my process. It takes time to make time, but it also takes patience, which I am short on pretty regularly, if I'm being honest. Of course, it seems odd not to have patience when I have three kids, but some days are better than others, that's for sure. 

Well, that's my reflective post for this week. Hopefully I've brought some of my writer problems to light for those who care to read. Leave me a comment or find me on social media to keep up with my story!

'Til next time!

Lisa
xoxoxoxo

Hump day news...

When I started writing this post tonight, I was prepared to come out swinging with bold statements and statistics, etc. Then, I decided it was probably to worst thing for me to do right now, and decided to instead discuss what you come here for: books and bookish things. 

I don't like to discuss politics and other current events too much, mostly because I don't want to impose my will onto anyone else, but also because I don't think it's fair to make people choose between my beliefs and my work. So, let's all forget about the craziness of the world right now and talk about something fun!

If you're not following my on IG (you totally should, btw) I've been posting frequently about my #wordcountgoals. I'm planning to keep going with this until I finish Blood Promise, which will hopefully be in about two weeks. Then, it will be off for editing and I'll be moving on to my next project. Phew!

EXCITING NEWS!! Falling Undercover is now available for PREORDER!! 
You will be able to read it on November 23, just in time for some holiday comfort reads to go with the comfort food!! I couldn't be more excited to be bringing this brand new genre into the fold and see where it takes me. I have a bit more work to do in order for it to be presentable, but I have no doubt it will be, at the least, moderately entertaining (lol). 

There are so many more projects I have in the works and ideas that are constantly flowing, I honestly which I could just pull the info from my mind without needing to go through the painstaking process of ACTUALLY writing it. I already know all the details in my mind -- it's just so inconvenient to have to type all that shit out. (Am I right?) 

In all seriousness, I've got some good stuff going on and I'm reinvigorated for this new chapter in my life and career (pun only slightly intended). I'm looking forward to more trade shows in the coming months as well as some local signings and readings. There is just so much to plan!!

Off I go to get some more words in tonight. 

'Til next time!!

Lisa 
​xoxoxoxo

New #Goals

Hey hey hey!! I don't know about you, but I'm SOOO happy that summer is nearly behind us. I live in the Southern US and it's been HOOOTTT!!! Fall weather means sweaters, boots, hot cocoa, beanies, gloves...lawd I'm getting all giddy!! It's also prime time to get some books published because...um...HOLIDAYS!! So, I've got some new goals as I'm closing out the year...

Obviously, the first order of business is to release some new books. Luckily, my next book should be released next week!! I've got a cover in progress right now, editing that's finishing up, and then I'll be ready to click that button!! Thea's Reawakening is a novella length story that will be part of an ongoing series. I'm not sure at this moment just how many books it will encompass, but I feel it will be a great side project for me. Keep at look out for that release!!

Over the last week, I've been documenting my progress toward my #wordcountgoals on Instagram. This is my way of trying to hold myself accountable to get Blood Promise finished in time. I have about six weeks to finish it and get it edited before my deadline and I'm SWEATING! I mean, I'm good, but I'm not sure I'm that good. Phew.

I'll be putting Falling Undercover up for preorder in the next few weeks, too! It will be a good, cozy romantic suspense novel to keep you warm as we head into the cooler weather. I don't know about you, but steamy romance always warms me up (if you know what I mean *wink wink*). I'm hoping to release it around Black Friday so be on the lookout for that link, too!!

Perhaps my biggest feat is to get another title published before the end of the year. NaNoWriMo is coming up in November, which could be a great way for me to crank out the next novel. I'm thinking of a witchy tale (must be the season) to scratch my itch. I might have to post some of my notes and see what you guys think! (check out my social media for that yo!)

Do you have any goals for your projects? Is there something you've always wanted to do, but have always been afraid to try? It's never too late to follow your dreams! Do what makes your heart happy and the rest of it will fall into place. It does take some hard work, but if it really matters to you, you'll make it happen! 

Til next time!!

Lisa
xoxoxoxo

Some say I'm a dreamer...

Writing has been a dream of mine since I was about seven years old. I would imagine stories and write poetry and always had a journal and book in hand. It's been that way for as long as I can remember. 

For a short period of time, I fell off the wagon when life was hitting me pretty hard and, believe it or not, the story that pushed me back on was Twilight. I know, I know, sparkly vampires and obsessive behavior isn't exactly romantic, but reading those books refreshed my love for reading and the writing came soon after. 

So, what's the point of this? The point is, I never stopped dreaming. Anytime I'm asked what I'd like to when I grow up, I always answer the same; "I want to be a successful author." Some may argue that I'm already successful since I've sought this out independently, but there's so much more that can come of my writing career and I'm pretty lost at how to get where I'd like to be from where I am.

If I may quote the prophetic work Meet the Robinsons, "Keep moving forward". Stay strong and dreamy, my friends! 

Lisa
 xoxoxo

Wazzupdates

Hey, hey, hey!

Don't mind me, I'm lame...

So last week I was a bit under the weather, but I did manage to finish my next release! Thea's Reawakening is in editing currently (as my independent beta readers are working on it right now) and I'm hoping to release it in the coming weeks. I've got some graphics to be drafted shortly and then I'll be off to publish! Keep an eye out on social media for updates! 

I posted a new episode of my story podcast today. My goal is to post a few chapters every Monday and even have some guests! My next guest is a good friend and beta reader, Julie O'Dell. She's an avid reader and loves all things literary. We're going to talk about some of my books, some of her favorites, and just some general bookish nonsense! I'll post more as we hammer out the deets.

A little secret...I'm not very interesting. I work a lot and kill a lot of time doing nothing or I'm spending time with my family. Writing and reading tends to be difficult sometimes. However, I'm working on my half-year resolution by writing an hour a day. It's hard, but as soon as I'm done with this post, I'll be cracking out some words (hopefully). Do you have any writing or time management tips? I'm all ears! Drop me a line and let me know what your secrets are!!

...til next time!

Lisa
xoxoxo

Half-Year Resolutions

We all make resolutions every new year: lose weight, save money, stop drinking, etc. Most of the time, we get through a few weeks of motivated change before we inevitably give up and revert back to our old ways. Some lucky souls don't give up, but the majority struggle to meet their goals. It happens. 

In my experience, something totally unexpected and unavoidable tends to pop up and wreak havoc on everything in my world. This year, I started out strong, but ended up being diagnosed with a chronic illness around April and had to pump the brakes in a hard way. For anyone who struggles with a chronic illness or chronic pain, you know my struggle. I won't go into detail about my condition, just know I suffer from chronic fatigue and pain as a result. It's awesome, I tell ya. 

Anyway, I've slowly been getting back to some type of normal and with that, I've had to reevaluate my resolutions and decided to use the mid-year mark to jump back into the fray. So, here are my half-year resolutions:

1. Blog regularly - two times per week
2. Write at least an hour a day
3. Release 3-4 books between now and Spring 2019
4. Eat better
5. Exercise regularly
6. Take a day for self-care
7. Go on date nights with the hubby
8. One-on-one time with each of my kids

Little by little, I'm working through the list to get my life back together. Making adjustments is hard, but what's the point of life if not to reach some type of enjoyment? I want to do more than survive, I want to thrive. 

Have you made a half-year resolution? 


xoxoxo
Lisa  

This week's deets...

I wish I could say that I was the most organized person and was on track with all of my plans, but I'm not. Being a working mom with three kids and school just starting and extra curricular obligations, I'm lucky to sleep some days. I'm doing my best, though, and I'm trying really hard to stick to my initial plans. That being said, there aren't too many updates, but I'm here to tell you what little there is, if you really want to know.

Ultimately, my goal is to adhere to my release schedule as well as to add some fresh stories to the roster. I have plans to release some short stories on Wattpad, but I need to finish my upcoming releases first. I can't work on those and new stories at the same time because I'm just not that good, to be honest. I have a hard enough time finishing one story! I hope to, one day, be the type of writer who can write multiple stories at once, but I'm just not there yet. 

So I did a thing...
I decided to bring my stories to a brand new platform! Since podcasts are one of my favorite things, I decided to create a one for my books and bookish things. I'm still working out the details, but new episodes are set to drop every Monday. Currently, you can hear a quick intro from me AND the first few chapters from Cursed Secrets! Come hang out with me at wherever you get your podcasts. The best part is, it's free!! 

Click here to see where you can download!
​Aside from that thing, my next release will be Thea's Reawakening. My graphic artist is working on the cover currently so once that's done, we'll be on track for release in a few short weeks! The Shifter's Tales will be a series based around this particular group of characters and the world in which they live. Not all stories will be immediately related, but they'll definitely tie in together at some point. 

Well, I think that's all I've got for you today. Look out for the next episode of my podcast Monday and the upcoming release. I'm more active on Instagram these days and will likely start going live there periodically so look out for that, too. I've made some half-year resolutions (another blog about this coming this week) to be and do better, so you should start hearing more from me once I get my schedule finished. 

Thanks a bunch for all your support over the years! 
xoxoxo
Lisa

Around the bend

Hey hey, it's your friendly neighborhood fantasy writer here! I'm just popping in to give you an update on the goings on in my neck of the woods!

The cover of Blood Promise was released on Instagram a few weeks ago. If you didn't catch it, head on over to check it out! Along with the cover reveal, we have a tentative release date of 10.31.18! I'm crazy excited to finally move into the next chapter and give this story the conclusion it deserves. Sadly, all good things must end. 

I have a new series, Shifter's Tales, I will be releasing. These novels will be available exclusively on Amazon. The first one, Thea's Reawakening , will be released 8.31.18. They will likely be shorter than my normal novels (probably closer to 40,000 words), and will be stories based in the same realm, not necessarily all dealing with the same characters. 

The next, and possibly most difficult, release is Falling Undercover . I realized after writing almost half of this book that I need to re-write much of it so that put me behind. I had initially intended on releasing this book months ago, but alas, I couldn't have done it justice as it was. This book will be released for 12.25.18! A good, cozy, Christmas romantic suspense novel to keep you warm :) 

That's all I've got for this year, but it's definitely a full plate when you factor in a full-time job, three kids, and a brand new school year on the horizon. All of the dates listed are tentative, but I am committed to reaching them by any means necessary! I'm ready to close out 2018 with a bang and hopefully you want to stick around with me. As always, drop me a line any time and follow me on social media to get the latest! 

-Lisa
xoxoxo