Howdy,

I published a book right smack dab in the middle of 2021. So what’s next, right? On one hand, the answer is easy––promo, promo, and more promo. Get the word out there, hope people read the book and recommend it, and viral word of mouth takes over. Wishful thinking, perhaps, but you got to dream, right?

That’s only part of the equation, though. The real work is knocking out book two in the Allison Lee Chronicles. Luckily, this is going quite well so far. I suspect I’ll have the rough draft done sometime in September with the blessing of the authorial gods. As far as having the manuscript edited and ready for submission to my publisher by December 2021...umm...I fear that might be a stretch. I have a word document full of editorial notes, including two subplots that will elevate the plot from good to (hopefully) spectacular. Anyway, all this is to say, I have my work cut out for me. I won’t be surprised in the least if submitting book two to my publisher in December 2021 turns into the first quarter of 2022.

There are other things to consider too. For example, should I submit Dragons Walk Among Us to one or more of the various literary competitions out there? Will I be devastatingly disappointed if the book fails to win a prize? Is entering these competitions worthwhile? I mean, being a prize-winning author would be cool and all that, but is it worth the effort and the entry fee? I don’t know. It’s a bit of positive press, though, and maybe that’s enough.

Anyway, here’s to hoping I do have book two wrapped up for submission in December 2021. I also hope you, dear reader, meet your writing goals for the year. Well, enough opining about the writing life. It’s time to start hammering away at the next scene.