In this behind the scenes author diary episode, I discuss the highs and lows of my revision process, what prompted me to move into the professional editing phase and my struggles with writer’s insecurity. Yes, spoiler alert, I’m riddled with it. And, I share an exciting milestone with Le Villain Book Covers.
Welcome to the final instalment of this two-part mini-series on how to write a novel with genre expectations in mind. There’s nothing worse than reaching the halfway mark as you write your first draft or even as your starting the revision stage, to realise that you’re not sure if there’s a market for your book. If this is where you are at then don’t panic, it’s quite normal to not know what genre you are writing in as your write or finish your first book. But, there’s something you can do about it. In this episode, I’m going to share with you five steps to revising your story with genre expectations in mind.
During the first two weeks of August, I focused my time on preparing a murder mystery novel for beta readers, then as I waited for feedback, I focused on the second book in my other series. And, this is what juggling multiple manuscripts at once is like. You spend much of your time jumping between projects, and it does get overwhelming at times. In light of that, I share a tip on dealing with overwhelm when jumping between manuscripts.
Coming up in this episode, I share how I finally developed a writing habit after months of struggling. And, I discuss my efforts to chase reviews for my mystery novella, Missing. Plus, I found a fun alternative to Patreon.
Coming up in this episode, I discuss how a well known free ebook platform shared my novella to its audience and the equally unexpected results. And, I review the outcome of my free ebook promotion on Kobo. On top of all of this, I talk about how I’m struggling to write book two in a series.
Coming up in part two of the author diary episode for March, I will discuss my frustrations with publishing wide, trying something new, and dealing with negative feedback. And, I also share what that means for my James Lalonde series.
When Will Thatcher, doesn’t show up for work, James Lalonde is forced to attend an afternoon tea with Alistair Carmichael in his place. The lovely autumn afternoon tea comes to an abrupt end when a body turns up on the lawn of the Carmichael Estate with strange markings on his neck.
But, something is missing, a priceless painting is off the wall. However, it’s no ordinary painting, it’s a Van Gogh purchased in an auction a few months ago. After discovering fresh tracks, most likely left by the murderer James realises the murder is still in the estate.
James, the chief editor of a small newspaper, returns home to discover that his girlfriend, Valentine has unexpectedly left. Later that morning, he fails to reallocate her story. To avoid blank space in the paper, James decides to write the story on the local museum’s latest acquisition, Excalibur. But, there’s one thing he didn’t count on… Excalibur is Missing, and his girlfriend has been kidnapped.
Find it on Amazon:
70,483 of 80,000 Words
Right now, I’m preparing Book Two in the James Lalonde series, for a final round of revisions. The next step is to send the story off to my editor. I aim to have this eBook published on all major ebook retailers by the end of mid to late 2021. And, I will be making this novel available for free to my James Lalonde Insiders reader club. You can become an insider here.
0 of 60,000 Words
I’ve decided to add an extra book between the second book and the start of the byline series, where James arrives in New York. Book Three will be set in a 24 hour period in London. This novel will be available in ebook on all major ebook retailers by the end of late 2021 or early 2022. And, the paperback editions soon after. I will be making this novel available for free to my James Lalonde Insiders reader club. You can become an insider here.
112,960 of 99,000 Words
Book Four the James Lalonde series needs one final round of revisions before I can hand it off to my editor. This longer novel will be published on all major ebook retailers in late 2021 or early 2022. And, the paperback editions soon after. I will be making this novel available for free to my James Lalonde Insiders reader club. You can become an insider here.
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