Monthly Wrap Up
April Third Spring and Surprises
Spring has finally sprung here in the northern hills. I had to wonder as we trekked through April and joked recently about having third spring. Snow, rain, sun, and wind with temperatures ranging from just below freezing to a whopping 80F. It’s the month where you keep out all the winter stuff, but also make sure you can pull out the spring clothes.
My life felt as erratic as the weather. I worked on several smaller projects and haven’t gotten to any of the larger ones I want to do. However, I feel like I did what I was supposed to for the month.
I’m sure you all can relate to some seasons of life not going as expected, but turning out the way they should when we take a moment to look back. I am sure God orchestrated how it should really go. It’s hard, but I do my best to keep Jesus in the pilot seat.
Short Stories for Allies of Majesty Anthology
The story I originally submitted to an anthology for the game Allies of Majesty has completed the editing process and I have my signed contract for it. I was ready to move on to one of my larger projects when they asked me to help another submission fit what was needed. They liked the story, but it lacked all the world and game setting. The author agreed they could do what they wanted with the story and he would accept being a coauthor.
I have never talked to this author. Saying yes to the project was easy because I also liked the story premise. I’m doing my best to keep the ‘human’ story intact with some depth added to help readers relate to the characters. Determining what the good and bad elohim could be led to a quick chat with the game creator and anthology organizer. I have about 60% of the story through the initial larger content edit and rewriting. The goal is to have it finalized by the end of May.
The anthology is currently on Kickstarter until May 10th. The Allies of Majesty game is pretty intriguing, but the reason for the anthology is to help people understand the concept. It’s not every day you pick up a game that wants you to play an elohim, a spiritual being, that serves God by being assigned to help people or handle certain issues going on. Those who have played have enjoyed the game, even non-Christians, because it has proved not to be cringy and allows for engaging role play.
Cyborg Claude
Thanks to all my readers and the feedback I’ve received. I noted some of it in the comments, but I’ve had one reader give me a slew of fun things for the first eleven episodes. The story hasn’t had other eyes to help me fix it before sharing it. Take it as a fun beta read where I, the author, want your honest opinion however you share it with me: email, comments, direct messages. I know the story is being enjoyed, so I’m inspired to keep going.
Keep giving me the feedback and giving me information about why you liked, hated, or got confused in any episode. I’d love to know what stops you from reading, has you glossing over parts, or mad you have to wait a week to find out what happens next.
When it hits the end, whether it turns into a season (like a TV show) or a standalone book, I’d like to take all your feedback for a final self edit. Then I’ll send it through professional editing, so it can become a book. If you don’t think it would work out as a book, that’s something you can add to your feedback.
I’m having fun sharing this and receiving your feedback. I hope you are having as much fun reading it. I know some of you are. One person does not like the romance side of things, but is still reading along with some great feedback on clarity and tech ideas.
The Light Series and More
I’m pulling all three books out of Kindle Unlimited for the ebooks. Why? I want to offer it to a wider set of stores and to libraries. I also want the ability to direct sell it like I can with my paperbacks already. It will also allow me to add the books as the existing product options around working on funding for hardcover, special editions, and audio books. I’ve wanted to go wide for a while, but I also had a lot to learn. It was easier to get the series out there on Amazon first and see where I was by the time all three books were out.
Soon I’ll be working on the next novel for Karnum. I have plenty of ideas. It’s the matter of which one to work on first, though I have one 60% drafted. Knowing I had to write a trilogy, I put that book on hold. The trilogy proved the best thing to do because it has helped my writing and taught me about publishing.
Here are the ideas that I have or were suggested by you, the readers:
Last of Dragons - the 60% done draft, and it has a short story as a lead in
Side stories:
Jules - reader suggested
Lojowik - the other most commented about side character
The continuation of the world story with new characters who can delve into the mysteries of the south. After all, Versont and Rhoanda have their positions set by the end of the trilogy.
Let me know what you think of these ideas
Book Review
I had the privilege of reading an advanced reader copy of The Prisoner and the Pirate by Jenelle Leanne Schmidt and wrote up my reviews this week. The book released on April 30th. It is book 4 of a series that should be read from start to finish for the best experience. Book 5 is in the works and will be the finale of the series.
This series is a definite must read if you like gaslamp, magic, pirates, and military academies tied into world politics that turns into a war. Plenty of adventure to be had.
I have a blurb and a review in my book reviews section.
Buy the book today on Amazon.
Conclusion
I’m ready to jump into the fun of May. I have plans for the month, but I know God will direct my steps to bring about the best things. Your feedback will play into this.