It’s been a busy two weeks here in the sunshine. I’m almost starting to think you can have to much of a good thing. But a plan is coming together and I’m really excited for what the next few months will bring.

Creative – new ideas and first drafts

In a fit of inspiration, I’ve put together the first skeletal outline of a lesbian romance that I think will make the final cut for 2018. It’s a standalone, standard romance rather than anything of the urban fantasy, hot leather variety, so fits in neatly with the rest of my plans.

My summer romance for 2017 (title coming soon) completed the first draft and passed the alpha reader tests. The main criticism was that the sex came too quickly. I’m trying not to take that as some kind of personal judgement…

Editing – the slow, tortuous road to publication

With the first feedback, I’ve begun the editing process and as always, it’s not quite as bad as I feared. As a writer, there is always a sense of doubt with each book that when you read it back it will be utter rubbish. Don’t get me wrong, this is far from perfect. But it does at least make sense, rather than being 200 pages of random words and punctuation.

Publishing – and all the other bits that go on behind the scenes

With the shift towards fiction, I’ve had more time to manage my existing books. Previously available as ebook on Kindle only, I’ve been working on updates that will make the shift towards paperback. My new summer romance will be the start of dual ebook and paperback releases going forwards and my entire back catalogue will also be available by the beginning of June.

I’ve been also considering the move away from Kindle only and into other ebook retailers. However, I have a huge number of Kindle Unlimited readers and I know I could lose them in the move over to non-exclusive ebook territory. So that is on hold, pending review later in the year. I’d be interested to hear what anyone else thinks though.

Planning and dreaming – what’s coming up in the next few weeks

A lot of details will be finalised over the next few weeks and this is one of the most nail-biting yet fun parts of being an author. The title will be set in stone, the cover finalised and the editors will be hard at work on the final copy. Once those decisions are made and available to share, I always feel the transition from idea to a real book begins.

Then it will be off to reviewers and the nerves can really kick in!

Wishing you all a fabulous, fiction-filled weekend!