A Writer's Week #157: Where to Start?

 Hi there. I know it's been a while since my last update, but that's because there has been a lot going on. I've had a full slate of shows that have filled my weekends. I will be averaging three per month from August until the end of the year. I hope I can see you at one or two. I'd love to catch up.

In addition to the shows, I have finished the first draft of Serpent's Den, the second book in the Dragon Island Legends series. It turned out rather well, and I think it will be good after a few tweaks. Not being one to waste any time, I've already started to sketch out the concept for the third book. I even had a title jump into my head right at the start--Pirate Queen. Titles are funny things. It took me the better part of a year for Serpent's Den to come into my head. The book was about 75% written when it did. With this new idea, the title came to me almost immediately. Go figure. 

Anyway, Serpent's Den looks like it will be 95-100 pages long, just like Fire & Ice. I'm not sure why what I'm writing is shorter, but it's been working for me, so I won't complain. While I don't have a timeline yet, I've sent the first draft to artist Emily Hurst Pritchett to read. Hopefully it will spark some artistic fire.

Finally, I have decided that my republishing project will be rolled out in early January. Emily has retitled the books, and soon I will be investing in my own ISBNs. There is a lot of work involved in retitling and revamping the covers and interiors for paperback, hardcover, and e-book versions of all four books in the Deliverers series. Here are the updated front covers:

I really like the idea of emphasizing the title of each book. I think it gives shoppers more chance of at least one of the titles resonating with them. Combined with the great artwork, it should be a winning combination. The main purpose in unpublishing and republishing is that I will be able to publish wherever I wish, rather than only through Amazon. More outlet possibilities means more exposure and better possibilities. The plan initially is to republish with Amazon and also publish on IngramSpark. this will allow me to get into bookstores and libraries. While stores may not stock it, they will be able to order it upon request.

Again, that won't happen until next year, but when it does, I'll let you know. In the meantime, I'll keep you updated on my editing and the shows as we head into the holiday season.

Peace.