It’s been a while since I last shared an update. Here goes…
Blogging Break

a random photo…
For a little while I’ve been planning a bit of a blogging break. Trying to keep up with blogging (on three websites), with writing and editing my WIPs (of which, I accept, I have far too many), submitting work to various places and searching out venues to send it, social media and wattpad, as well as everything life has to throw at us…well, it’s just too much, and in some instances I am failing completely (I’m looking at you Wattpad…). Hence the need for a blogging break, to give this brain of mine a bit of a rest because it needs it. It will also give me the time to think about which projects would benefit most from my energy. A little bit of focus and clarity can go a long way…
This means things will be a little quiet around here for the next few weeks. I will however, schedule the next few Weekend Writing Prompts…
The Winter Ghost
Last week I made this announcement on Wattpad / Facebook:
This is just a quick update to say that yesterday I put the finishing touches to the final edit of The Winter Ghost. Woohoo!
This little story has come a long way since I wrote the first draft as part of 2019’s ONC. The finished manuscript doesn’t look much like the version that’s posted here – it’s been restructured, extended, there are maps…With the help of some fabulous beta readers I’ve really tried to make this story the best it can be.
Since it can be hard to find a traditional publisher that accepts fantasy novellas, I’m probably going to publish it myself, and with that in mind, I’m going to unpublish the first draft posted here, but not before 13th September 2020. That should give anyone reading it the chance to finish it – or those who have yet to read it, the chance to read it from beginning to end, should they wish.
So if you want to read the original draft, you’ve only a couple of weeks to do so. You can find the story here:
With this story now completely completed, as I mentioned in the announcement, the next logical step would be to release it out into the world. This will be one of my main priorities for the next little while. If I can find a traditional publisher who accepts fantasy novellas I will consider submitting it to them, but it’s highly unlikely, and so I will probably publish it myself. There is going to be a lot of hard work in my future, but it will be exciting also, I’m sure.
Submissions
I’ve had a few pieces of work accepted recently. A couple of poems and some short fiction. It always feels good to keep my list of publications ticking over, albeit slowly, even if it’s just for confirmation that someone somewhere thinks my work is ok and maybe…hopefully…enjoys it. I’ll share more on these closer to the time they become available to read.
WIPs
As I’ve already said, I have more WIPs than I think any sane person should admit to…My goal at the moment is to make enough progress on some of these projects to at least give them a complete rough draft, just to see what’s looking promising and what needs a lot more work. With others, I’m trying to be sensible and mark at least some of them as “On Hold”. The problem I have is, as soon as I put a WIP on that list, I’m struck by a level of inspiration that I can’t ignore…Sigh…
Current projects I’m actively working on are:
- an as yet, not ready to be revealed, historical romance
- The Dreamer – An Andromache Jones Mystery novella
- Oathbreaker and other books in the series / world
- The follow-on to The Winter Ghost
I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe. What projects are you working on at the moment? What plans do you have for the near / distant future?
Blogging is such a time suck. I have cut back because I found I was no longer reading books or doing other things but responding to challenges, reading other participants’ and commenting… eesh.
Good luck with your publication and enjoy the time off to give more focus on other things.
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Thanks, Dale. 🙂
Sometimes it feels like I’ve got to ask myself what do I want to do today, blogging or anything else. Can’t do both. Not enough hours in the day…
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Exactly. And you know what? We are allowed to organise our day as we see fit! It took me a good while to realise that I am not chained to the blogosphere… It’s hard, though. It’s addictive!
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Yes, it’s very addictive, and we build connections to people and so are happy to talk away the day. I do love blogging, but sometimes I just need to take a few steps back and breathe 🙂
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Yes, we do. I’ve been blown away by the friendships formed over the years. But, that said, it is healthy to step back and breathe.
Inhale.
Exhale.
Repeat…
🙂
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Congratulations on your achievements and good luck with your many endeavors. You are wise to take a break and to prioritize.
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Yes, I probably should cut back too. I really want to finish up my novel this year. And I haven’t been reading enough books either. Good luck with your WIPs!
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You give me indigestion, just to read everything you’re doing. And good to see The Winter Ghost could soon be seeing the light of day. Wish you well with all of it
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I never seem to keep with something long enough to where I’d need a break, but I understand the desire to want to distance yourself from something that’s making you crazy. If I listed all that I was doing, your eyes would roll to the back of your head!
In the meantime, I hope all goes well for you and you accomplish a lot!
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I understand this. Do what is best for you.
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Hello Sammi. I admire your energy. I don’t do half what you do and I find myself busy all the time. I hope you have a really good rest. Enjoy it!
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