Holiday Fun: Writing and Explosions

June was an incredibly busy month and I've grateful to have survived to the three-day holiday weekend. There was editing, planning, creating messes, and then cleaning up of those messes. A book was completed and a whole new series idea was born. All that and I didn't even get to the beach! I have definitely earned this holiday break.

Let me get you updated.

The final book in the Asylum Tales was revised and handed in to my editor. She's pleased with the changes and we're plowing forward. We are currently on schedule to make the first release date of October 14 for DEMON'S FURY (Kindle and Nook), with the other two parts to follow on October 21 and October 28, respectively. A short time later a short print run of the entire book will be released.

I have seen the covers for all three pieces of the serial and they are lovely. We're still debating some wording on the covers and finalizing some little bits. We are currently aiming for an official cover reveal for all three covers in late July. I can't wait for you to see them.

While working on the book revisions, I have also been working on a complete website revamp. I am planning to migrate the entire site to a Wordpress format because I've fallen in love with many of the plugins and other cool gadgets that just make everything easier to plan. (Would you like to see what I've created? Go to JocelynnDrakeblog.com) It still needs some work and I'm trying to decide if I want to move everything on the original site over to the new one. I'm hoping to have the new site officially launched before the end of summer. So far, it's not been running as smoothly as I would have hoped, but then I'm kind of teaching myself this web stuff as I go. At this point, I have just enough knowledge to be considered dangerous. Wish me luck.

As I've revamp the website, I've come to realize that I've written a lot of content for both the Dark Days series and the Asylum Tales that have never been gathered in one place. This weekend, I think I'll pull it all together and see how much I've got. If it's relatively impressive, I might consider compiling it as extra e-books for each series -- though I would write some new content for the collection since I would be charging a $1 or $2 for it. Maybe a couple new short stories for each series. It's something to consider.

When I'm not working on the website, I have been tinkering with a new book idea. I've been taking it slowly, getting to know the main character and her interesting quirks. The first chapter came to me last night as I was drifting off to sleep, so I think I'm going to get some serious words on the page this weekend. Along with that book, I'm going to try to finish Stefan's story this weekend. I'm down to the climax and denouement -- less than 15,000 words.

When I'm not writing, I'm going to try afternoon thunderstorms while having a little fun. I'm sad that I'm not back in Kentucky with my family where they are planning to create some awesome explosions, but I have a business trip in a couple weeks to look forward to. If I can sneak away, I will try to leave behind some signed books.

For all my American readers, Happy Independence Day! Be safe and have fun this holiday! To all my readers, have a great weekend. Read a good book.