I'm Here I'm Here

Thank goodness for a snow day in NC. I can finally catch up on some stuff that I've been working on.

So what exactly have I been working on? Nothing much, unfortunately. My non-writer life has caught up and forced me to take a hiatus for a little bit. Just a few personal issues I need to work through--nothing serious. Tedious, but not bad. And before you say anything, they have nothing to do with inaction on my part. More like a case of when it rains it pours.

Anyway, the hiatus has given me a chance to think more about Space 51 and I realized I had a major problem that I need to work through. Writer's block on top of that doesn't help. I find the best way to get rid of writer's block is to start editing from the beginning of the story so I can work through the rough spots.

One thing is certain. I want this thing released within the next two or three months. Sooner, if I have my way about it.

In the mean time, I've gotten some more great reviews for Section 51 and couldn't be happier. I especially like the title of the most recent review from Mike D. who writes "If X-Files and Supernatural had a Child". Two of my all-time favorite shows; I couldn't be more flattered. :-)

Space 51, Where Are You?

As you might have guessed, now that Unit 51 has been released, I've turned my attention to working on Space 51. Seeing as I had done the unthinkable by ending Unit 51 on a cliffhanger, which I thought was necessary because that base was no longer the focus, I feel the need to get Space 51 out as soon as possible. My goal was no later than the end of the month.

So what's the problem? Space 51 has just taken a turn I didn't see coming. Don't get me wrong, I think it's a great turn. In fact, it opened the door for more short stories and/or novellas to come in the Project Solstice series and possibly introduce the world from other perspectives.

Okay, so...what's the problem?  It also means I'm not sure if I'll make the end of the month deadline. Trust me, I want to for marketing's sake. But the choices are to speed up the story and get something out on time for all of those new tablet owners or take however much time is necessary to tell a quality story and show my readers how much I love the world I've created and want them to do the same. I choose quality over speed. But, that doesn't mean I'm throwing in the towel yet. I'll  have to see what happens and keep you guys posted.

In the mean time, keep an eye on my word meter on the sidebar. Oh, and in case you're wondering about TBD, it has to do with a spinoff series I've been thinking about doing.

What I've Been Up To

I've been working on Section 51 edits from y editor. There's something else I've been thinking about doing with it, but I'm not sure yet. Anyway, once those are complete, I'll move onto Department 51's edits. Unit 51 is as done as it's going to be and I'm tired of looking it. That means it's time to drop that one in my editor's hands, too. I'll do that at some point--just not now.

I'm still lining up promo around the books and figuring out the release day schedule. I have a firmer grip on both Section 51 and Department 51 because I'll be releasing them together. Unit 51 will come about 2-3weeks later. The biggest hold up for that one is the cover art. I know what the covers will look like for Section 51 and Department 51 and I think they're great! But, it's Unit 51's that sucks. I've seen some sample designs, but haven't liked any of them. *sigh*

In the mean time, I've been getting some advice--whether or not it's good remains to be seen--from other writers to see what's worked for them when it comes to promo. Basically, nobody can dispute writing a good book and working on your next. So in a way, I'm glad my last efforts fell through and I had to start all over again. I'm devoting more time where it should be and that's toward writing.

Me, Myself, and I are having a conversation

And as fate would have it, I'm talking to myself. But that's okay, seeing as I've been to busy doing other things to really write a blog on a schedule. I sure hope if I end up with fans someday that they'll forgive me for not paying this thing too much attention. It's not that I don't care, but let's face it. I'd rather be writing.

Speaking of which--and since I enjoy talking to myself--book #3 is done. Sadly, I'm at a spot where I don't want to be. I'm talking cliffhanger territory. I HATE it when a book ends in a cliffhanger, but there was no avoiding it in this case. But, keep in mind that #3 is a first draft, so that could always change.
So where am I at in the whole series? Well, if all goes well, it'll be more than a trilogy like I had first planned. If all doesn't go well, then the few folks who bought my book might hate that I canceled the series the way I did. But only time will tell.

More important, I'm in the process of finding an editor for book #1. I need to do one more read through, especially of the first few chapters because I went from third person to first person through the first third of the book and I'm not sure if I cleaned up all of the POV switches.

Okay, dinner is done, so it's time to eat. We're eating a little late tonight, which is one of those things I hate as much as I do cliffhangers. Go figure.