"Better Endings", On writing

Writing updates – what I’ve been working on

Writing updates - what I've been working on

It’s time for some updates on my writing

My debut novel, Reckless Beginnings was released October 28th, 2018. My how time has flown. I can’t believe it has been over five months since that memorable day. Some of you have been with me since I launched this site and took you on the amazing journey leading up to publication day. And what a ride that was. Well, another journey has begun and I hope you stick with me for this one.

Book 2 – Better Endings

The day after Reckless Beginnings hit the shelves, I began writing the outline for book 2 in the series which is titled Better Endings. In a previous post, I had mentioned that I’ve changed my writing habits and I’m now disciplining myself to write at least one thousand words a day. Because of this new approach, I’m getting the work done. Most days I exceed my writing expectations and book two is now at two-hundred-thirty pages. When I look back and saw how much time Reckless Beginnings took to complete – editing alone took almost a year, I’m ecstatic about the future of my writing.  I’ve managed to write two-thirds of the book in just over five months. For me, that is a huge accomplishment when I’m also working a full-time job and continuing to promote Reckless Beginnings.

A brief outline of the book

Better Endings which is based on true events and picks up where Reckless Beginnings ended, following the life of Tammy Mellows. In the book, the reader will reconnect with familiar characters like her father John, her step-mother Joanne, her sister Donna and her young son Matt. They will also meet Tammy’s new love interest Dwayne, a commercial fisherman from Southern California. But Tammy is struggling with newly discovered demons of her own that puts a strain on the relationship.  She finds solace on the ocean and enters the world of commercial fishing. An industry dominated by men. Yet again Tammy finds herself faced with new challenges, high expectations and in order to be accepted by the fleet and for self-gratification she pushes herself to the limit.

When she ventures into the world of commercial fishing, she finds herself off the remote coast of  San Clemente Island for weeks at a time. A place that is owned by the US Navy and where intense training takes place. No civilians are allowed on the island leading Tammy to adapt to living on a boat for days at a time. But what Tammy witnesses on the island while anchored off the shores fascinates her.

 

Here is an aerial shot of the island which is only fifty-six square miles.

Writing updates - what I've been working on

Personal photos that inspired the book

Many of the scenes in these photos you will read about in the book.

Writing updates - what I've been working onWriting updates - what I've been working onWriting updates - what I've been working onWriting updates - what I've been working onWriting updates - what I've been working onWriting updates - what I've been working onWriting updates - what I've been working on

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope to have the first draft of the book completed by the end of May. Wish me luck. After a few rounds of reading it will be sent off to the beta readers before the editor begins her first round of editing. During which time, the cover design will begin.

Other works in progress

While working on Better Endings, I have also been working on a contemporary romance series titled The Sabela Series.  There will be three books in the series. The first is called Slater and is complete. Last month it was sent out to the beta readers and I’m pleased to say they all loved it. Today it was sent to the editor and I hope to have it back in about two weeks. Currently, I’m researching someone to do the cover design and hope to get that started pretty soon. In the meantime, I have also begun book two in the series which is titled, Eve. 

My goal is to have all three books completed, formatted and with covers before I release them within six weeks apart. I’ll keep you posted on the progress and more about the story outline when I have a rough blurb written.

So there you have it. I hope I’ve brought you all up to date and you will continue to follow me on my writing journey while I’m working hard to bring you these stories.

Other news

Writing updates - what I've been working on

  • I’m pleased to announce that Reckless Beginnings reached the Top 100 in the kindle Sister Category in Amazon last month. A huge accomplishment that I’m proud of.
  • June 7th is the writer’s festival at our local library in Frazier Park and I’ve been invited to be on the writer’s panel where I will be talking about my current works and answering questions. I’ll post more info when I have it.

Other articles you may enjoy

Writing updates - what I've been working on
Book Review

 

 

Writing updates - what I've been working on
Bestsellers for 2018

Order your copy of Reckless Beginnings

Book Review The Wife Between Us

 

On writing

How I’m Going to Achieve my Goals in 2019 – Staying Focused

What is it going to take to achieve my writing goals in 2019?

How I'm Going to Achieve my Goals in 2019 - Staying Focused

Can you believe we are already into the beginning of February 2019?  Did you set goals for yourself this year? How is that going? Are you achieving them? These are questions I ask myself daily about the writing goals I have set for myself for 2019. How am I going to stay on the path I have carved out for myself and reach my goals?

Here are a few of them:

Goal #1 Finish and publish my second book, BETTER ENDINGS

My number one goal for this year is to bring my second book, BETTER ENDINGS to my readers. It is the sequel to RECKLESS BEGINNINGS with a third book to follow. I’m pleased with the progress I’m making and happy to say I’m about 50,000 words into the story. In order to reach my goal, I must set time aside strictly for writing, which in the past has been difficult to do when I work full-time at another job. Before structuring my writing time, I tended to try and fit it in wherever I could. An hour here, a couple of hours there and it was never productive and I always finished my sessions feeling disappointed.

I Now find, if I discipline myself and allocate a certain time of the day to writing and treat it like a job, the writing comes easier. Early in the morning when the house is quiet works for me. I begin my day at 5:00 am and refuse to leave my desk until I’ve written at least 1,000 words. I now find myself writing close to my goal within an hour and exceed it most days, which thrills me. No longer do I feel pressured to fit in writing time and with it being my first activity of the day, the rest of my day tends to be less stressful.

What can you expect from BETTER ENDINGS?

How I'm Going to Achieve my Goals in 2019 - Staying Focused

BETTER ENDINGS continues on where RECKLESS BEGINNINGS left off, following the path of Tammy Mellows. You’ll be reintroduced to some familiar characters, including her sister, Donna, Her best friend, Judy, her son, Matt and her father, John. You’ll also meet new characters, including a love interest called Dwayne. You’ll discover that Tammy has issues with trust and demons of her own that she must face and conquer before they destroy her.

Tammy eventually finds solace on the ocean and enters the world of commercial fishing, an industry dominated by men and hopes she can live up to their expectations and be accepted by the fleet.

Tragedy Strikes Tammy’s family not once but three times and she suffers devastating losses and while still trying to heal from the wounds, she suddenly finds herself fighting for her own life. Tammy comes to the realization, that life on this earth is short and sets out on a quest to fulfill her mother’s only wish.

Goal #2 Finish the steamy romance trilogy

How I'm Going to Achieve my Goals in 2019 - Staying Focused

I’ve also been working on a steamy romance story that will be a three book series. (You’ve been warned – it gets juicy). These will be quick, fun reads with each book having around 150 pages. I have yet to come up with a title but it will come to me. I have completed the first draft (47,000 words) of book one and currently going through revisions before it is passed on to my beta readers.

My plan is to have all three books written, edited and with covers before releasing the first one and then do a rapid release with the second and third ones being released shortly after. I hope to have all three available for purchase and in KU by the end of the year. Wish me luck!

Goal #3 Increase my knowledge and skills in marketing my books

How I'm Going to Achieve my Goals in 2019 - Staying Focused

When I told people I was writing a book, many would tell me, That’s the easy part. The hardest part is marketing it. Boy were they right! I’ve barely scratched the surface in marketing when it comes to my debut novel, RECKLESS BEGINNINGS. Even though I’ve had many interviews, radio interviews, I’ve been a guest on blogs and even had a segment on the evening news, there is still so much more to learn. Where to begin, is the overwhelming part and organizing some sort of promotional plan is a job in itself.

I’ve spent more money than I should have, trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t, but that’s okay. It’s all part of the learning curve and I now know where to focus my time. I’m slowly putting together a plan for each launch of a book, using social media, a few paid sites (That have positive results) and facebook ads which I am currently learning, testing and tweaking.  I also plan on learning the art of AMS ads. But one step at a time.

I don’t expect success overnight. There are a million books out there and it’s not easy to get noticed but I’m enjoying the ride and I’m excited about the future. Over time as I continue to write every day and stick to my promotional plans and study hard, I believe it will get easier. My ultimate goal is to be able to write full-time. Having that dream is what keeps me going.

What are your goals this year? How are you achieving them? I would love to hear. Leave your comments below.

Other articles you may enjoy.

How I'm Going to Achieve my Goals in 2019 - Staying Focused
Book Review
How I'm Going to Achieve my Goals in 2019 - Staying Focused
Who Made it on to the New York Times Bestsellers List in 2018?
How I'm Going to Achieve my Goals in 2019 - Staying Focused
My Year in pictures – 2018

 

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New Reviews for Reckless Beginnings  Since My Last Blog

I loved this book, could not put it down.😎 It shows the struggle of a very brave, strong but trusting woman who overcomes numerous hardships, but always finds a way. Cannot wait for the sequel. – Chicadeepatti

I couldn’t put it down as it piqued my curiosity. I’m looking forward to the next one. The story is tastefully done but draws the reader in as the story progresses with how Tammy can survive such an emotional roller coaster. – Deedee

I loved this book. The main character displays the kind of strength and resiliency that all women will find impressive. It is well-written and inspirational. – Avid reader

 

On writing

Improve Your Writing Skills by Adopting These Habits

What is the definition of Habit?

Quoted from the Merriam-webster Dictionary  “Habit –  an acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely involuntary .” Another way of saying this is: We do things from the force of habit. 

In order to improve your writing skills, you need to be adopting certain habits that over time become natural and a part of your everyday routine. Continue reading “Improve Your Writing Skills by Adopting These Habits”

On writing

Facebook Groups for Authors, Writers and Readers

Facebook Groups for Authors, Writers and Readers

Why I have joined some groups for Authors, Writers, and readers

While I’m currently working on the editing stages of my debut novel “Reckless Beginnings”, I have been researching groups on Facebook that I may benefit from. With Facebook being the giant of social media platforms, there are plenty to choose from. Continue reading “Facebook Groups for Authors, Writers and Readers”

On writing

Your view can be your next book – tips for creating story outlines

Your view can be your next book - tips for creating story outlines

 

Look out your window – what do you see?

All the pictures in this post are views from my windows, but they are more than just magnificent views, they are inspirations for story outlines. Your view can be your next book. From these few pictures I’ve posted, there are so many possible platforms for a story.  Take a moment and look out your window – what do you see? Let your mind wander and write the story. Continue reading “Your view can be your next book – tips for creating story outlines”

On writing

November Is National Novel Writing Month – Are You Ready?

November Is National Novel Writing Month - Are You Ready?

Are you ready for the challenge

Around this time of year, I find myself thinking about the “National Novel Writing Month” – often referred to  “NaNoWriMo” A creative writing challenge, held during the month of November. This year will mark their eighteenth anniversary.  It is a challenge that has intrigued me for many years. One I hope to do in the near future when I am not overwhelmed with trying to get my debut novel published. Continue reading “November Is National Novel Writing Month – Are You Ready?”

On writing

Bringing Awareness To The Organization WRITEGIRL – in memory of Sue Zeidler

Bringing Awareness To The Organization WRITEGIRL
Sue Zeidler

In memory of a friend – Sharing her passion – Bringing Awareness To The Organization WRITEGIRL

I feel compelled to write this and bring awareness to a great organization Writegirl after losing a dear friend this week -Sue Zeidler, who sadly passed away after a long battle with breast cancer. Continue reading “Bringing Awareness To The Organization WRITEGIRL – in memory of Sue Zeidler”

On writing

The Grueling Task Of Editing A Book – How to Edit Your Book And Make The Task Easier

How to Edit Your Book And Make The Task Easier

When you reach the editing stage in your book

I received the 1st round of editing on my manuscript back from the publisher a few weeks ago,  (Yes I said 1st. There will be more.) I now have the grueling task of spending many hours going through it in depth, noting any additional changes I would like to make. If you want to be absolutely thorough in your editing, plan on this taking a while. Don’t expect to have it done in a week.

Every writer has their own way of editing. I’ve been at this now for two weeks and through trial and error, I’ve discovered what works for me. The process I use keeps me organized and makes the task much easier. Continue reading “The Grueling Task Of Editing A Book – How to Edit Your Book And Make The Task Easier”

On writing

Tips on how to write a good book blurb

Tips on how to write a good book blurb

 

Tips on how to write a good book blurb

 

What is a blurb?

A blurb also referred to as a “Synopsis” or a “Glossary is the summary of the story found on the back cover of a book. Other than the cover, it is the other most important selling feature of a book. Once potential readers are drawn in by the fabulous cover of a novel, their next instinct is to flip to the back cover and read what the book is about. It’s at this stage,  most readers will make the decision to either buy the book or move on. Continue reading “Tips on how to write a good book blurb”

On writing

Looking for cover design ideas for debut novel – win a signed copy

book cover ides

 

Your ideas are welcome

Looking for cover design ideas for debut novel. My publisher has asked me for some input for the design of the cover for my debut novel “Reckless Beginnings.” Currently I am drawing a blank and seeking some creative people for their ideas.

The synonyms / blurb of the book

Here is the blurb of the book that will appear on the back cover. Continue reading “Looking for cover design ideas for debut novel – win a signed copy”