I’ve decided to share an in-depth writing update this week (sorry Gizmo, your Thursday News columns aren’t quite up to scratch…no pun intended). I’ve got two big projects going on, both of which are immensely exciting, and I’ve made significant progress this summer getting a grip on where they’re going.

        1. I’m posting an ongoing modern fantasy novella series called Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus – the Lily Singer Adventures. As an archivist, wizard, and introvert, Lily prefers to stick to books, tea, and chocolate. But her friend Sebastian–a witch and proud of it–keeps dragging her into his adventures. Think of it as a TV series with short episodes that encompass an overall plot for the whole season. In each episode Lily and Sebastian face a dilemma and these adventures bring them closer to the inevitable showdown at the end of the season. I post one chapter per month, and have just posted Chapter 1 of Episode 3. (PSSST, YOU CAN GO READ IT FOR FREE!) I’ll have Episode 3 done by the end of the year, and could plausibly complete Episodes 4-7 of Season 1 during 2016.

I’ll probably self publish this series. I’m not sure yet when (finish the whole season then publish, or publish as I go), or how (completely on my own, or using a hybrid publishing platform like BookBaby). I’ve looked into a few small presses, but it seems a novella series is considered unconventional and hard to market. The great news is, I’ve made progress finding an editor! There’s been no decision yet, but I’m in contact with several promising people. The best part is, they all say my writing is already great and hardly needs much work. Boy is that good to hear (it still needs a good proofread, but it’s already solid). I’ve also been looking into cover artists. No leads yet, but I”ll keep looking. Feel free to throw me suggestions if you know a good editor or cover artist!

        2. My second project is an urban fantasy novel series. These books have been many years in the making (started in 2008), and are where my heart truly lies. They deal with deep issues of the heart, mind, and spirit. I want to do right by them, which is why I started Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus to get more experience writing that I could apply to my books. I’ve come a long way and am determined to finish the draft of book one, working title Orphan Cursed, by the end of the year (I’m 75% done already). Whether I seek out an agent/publisher, or go the self publish route depends on how the Lily Singer series works out. Here’s my working “book blurb” to give you an idea of what adventure awaits you:

What would you do to save the only person you’ve ever loved? Alex King has been living this question all her life, trying to survive the foster care system while looking after her disabled younger sister. As she turns eighteen, she’s cut loose on her own and her sister is accepted into a school for the gifted. Things seem to be looking up, until her sister mysteriously disappears and Alex sets out into the criminal underworld to find her. Alone and friendless, she survives many hardships only to have her whole world turned upside down by creatures she never knew existed. Now she’s changed and on the run, trying to unravel the secrets that shroud those responsible. Caught up in a global war between good and evil, will she ever find her sister? More importantly, will the thing she has become still deserve life after dealing in death to save them all?

Thank you all so much for following me in this grand adventure, for reading my work, sharing it, and voicing your support. You all are the reason I keep writing. My deepest wish is to create works that move you, entertain you, and get you thinking about the important things in life. Please spread the word, and feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions!

I also want to thank all the incredible people in the writing/publishing business who have given me advice. You know who you are! Thanks for your time and wisdom. 🙂