The Week of October 9 – 15, 2023

October 9, 20231:50 PM

Welcome to my blog which I’ve decided to name “On the Daily” since it will be frequent, random journal entries about what’s going on in my journey as a new romance-suspense author.

Thanks for being here!

Today I met with my publisher Tammy, and she gave me “homework,” which made me extremely happy. I’m one of those weird people who has to be busy, and right now I am in a bit of a lull. So doing my homework will help occupy my mind.

If someone would have told me a year ago I would be putting outfits together and writing a script for a book trailer, I’d say they were full of shit! But here I am doing just that. What a difference a year makes.
All day Friday is a huge photo shoot and filming day. Of course, I had to take a day off of school, which will be fine. Right now, until the first couple of books launch, I know I have to keep the job that supports the dream. Hopefully, the dream will become a reality, and a full-time gig.  My all night writing sessions would be a lot more practical if I didn’t have to get up and go to work.

October 10, 2023

6:30 AM

I woke up to a text from my publisher saying she was sending a picture of my new book cover, so I watched and waited for it to drop in my e-mail. I asked for a few changes on a first copy and was desperately hoping the one loading on my computer would be the one.

When I opened the file, I let out a little scream, and my husband Vince jumped. I’m obsessed! I keep pulling it up and just staring at it. Yes, it’s that amazing! I wish I could share it with the world right now, but unfortunately, we all have to wait until November 18th!

1:30 PM
I just got the good news that the shirts we ordered for filming at Bargenta Friday will come in as scheduled. Not having to worry about these shirts being late is one less thing on my mind regarding the filming.

October 11, 2023
2:53 AM

Just another one of those nights, I was lying in bed wide awake, thinking I should be writing. So, I did what I always do. I got up, and here I am writing.
Hands down, I do my best work in the solitude of midnight to 4 AM. In the summer while I was writing the Vengeance Series, getting up at midnight and writing all night was practical since I was out of school and didn’t have to go to work. These days an all-nighter can be a little rough when I have to get up at 5 AM to get ready for school. All I can say is when the mood strikes, I have to get whatever is in my brian out quickly before that idea is gone forever.
I’m currently writing a novel I am struggling to name. I just finished Part I yesterday, and it’s in pretty good shape. When I start a new book, I frequently reread from the beginning to my stopping point before moving on with more content. This process achieves many necessary goals.

For one, it keeps me connected to the details of the plot, conflict, and characters so the whole story is a cohesive work without inconsistencies. This process also creates an opportunity to edit constantly. So by the time I finish a book, a great deal of the editing is completed.
It’s hard for me to believe it will be over a year before this book is published, but  it’s in my head now, so I have to bring the characters and their story to life. You’re going to love Ross and Camille!

October 12, 2023
7:09 AM

Every morning I struggle with making a new Facebook or other social media post, but today I’m being lazy and trying to confirm a few event dates instead. 121CoffeeRun contacted me about a month ago and mentioned being their January book of the month. I’m trying to confirm, so I can start to advertise. I’m also looking for places to sell books and t-shirts.

2:58 PM
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
I’m reaching for the stars here, but I just emailed three of the biggest names in my genre and asked for blurbs for my cover.

Yes, I might be crazy!!! But I’m all in on this project. If this never goes anywhere, I want to look back and know that I did everything I could to make my dream come true.

If I can’t go all in, I can’t expect anyone else to put their effort into my dream. This is why I’m digging deeper, pulling out all the stops, and exhausting myself if I have to. It’s going to happen!!

Friday, October 13, 2023
6:40 AM

I packed everything for my photo shoot last night, and now I’m all ready, but it’s too early to leave. I have no expectations. This is totally new to me. I’m leaving early. The anticipation is killing me!

7:44 PM
Exhausted!
Sitting at the bar, finishing a drink, thinking about my day. Blessed is the word that comes to mind. I’m not saying my dream is coming true…
I’m hoping.

Saturday, October 14, 2023
7:34AM

I’m not writing a damn thing today except for this blog entry. Even though I’m completely in love with the characters in my new book, I’m giving all of us a break.

Sunday, October 15, 2023
3:44 AM

My break yesterday did exactly what I hoped.
I woke up at midnight, and I’ve been writing furiously.

5:00 AM
Finished another chapter and proofed two.

8:20 AM
Finished all of Part II of Serial Obsession. I’ve changed my mind on the ending again. Going to bed. At least I have a title!!!

11:30 AM
Proofing Part II then doing something fun with the hubby.

Week of October 16 – 23

Monday, October 16, 2023
5:40AM

Just finished 2 chapters before immersing myself into Teacher Life. It’s Monday, so let’s pray it goes fast!

11:00 PM
Just finished reading from start to finish, making sure details line up. Damn! Loving this one!!! Can’t wait to share it!!

Tuesday, October 17, 2023
6:25 AM

I just started another feature for my website call “Spicy & Nicey.” This section will have one question per week centered around the sexy parts of novels. Readers can chime in on their preferences and otherwise comment if they have an opinion on the topic. These answers will let me know what my readers want.
Clever, huh?
I have the first 12 weeks finished. Hoping to get about 40 weeks finished, probably eventually reusing some previous topics. I’ll also use content from answers to generate other topics. This is genius! (If I do say so myself.)

Wednesday, October 18, 2023
6:35 AM

I have not started writing Part III of Serial Obsession yet. I just keep putting it off. Part of the reason is that I’m not sure how I want it to end. I have a couple of different scenarios, and I just can’t pull the trigger and pick one. I guess there’s no hurry since this book wouldn’t be coming out until at least January of 2025…lol. I have some time, that’s for sure, but I don’t want to disengage from my characters. By goal is to have it finished (without final edits, of course) by November 1st. (This goal was not met, btw!)

Thursday, October 12, 2023
I am over-the-moon thrilled to pick up some of the gold basketball trophies from the Mounder Museum. I’m going to write a longer piece on this topic for “The Dirty Details,” so I’ll be brief here. I have a great idea for some media coverage on this topic as well.

Friday, October 20, 2023
2:15 AM
My eye infection slowed me down yesterday. I had to take off from school and had all day at home, but couldn’t see to type. I am much better after seeing my eye doctor and getting some drops. I was able to write the first chapter of Part III Serial Obsession, which led me in a totally different direction…AGAIN, and I love it. I guess taking some time paid off.

Week of October 24 – 31

Tuesday, October 24, 2023
1:15 PM

Last night I woke up at 1:30 AM and had a wild idea to add content to DC, so when it’s republished, it is fresh and worth buying for all my loyal readers who bought my Amazon version.

Initially, I wanted to be able to say I added 2 chapters or 3 chapters, but it was not that easy. Instead, I added an element that runs through the novel and makes a huge conneciton to one of the series books, which I worried contained an issue that was not well explained. The content I added to DC provides the necessary thread the series needs to and keep them consistent, believable (as far as fiction goes), and worth reading to the end of the series.

Today, I’m also heading out to my guy at Staples who hooks me up with the best print jobs. I finished my first set of card designs, so I’m getting samples printed and figuring out price points.

Wednesday, October 25, 2023
5:35 AM
The card designs were a bust, so it’s black to the drawing table. But I ordered a foam board 18 x 24 poster of my book cover. It’s awesome! It will be great for events, but I actually got it for the cover reveal in November.

I have been researching merchandise for days now and have a few definite items, but I can’t find some of the other things I’m looking for. My intention with this search is to find quality items, not the least expensive. It’s difficult to find a nice, high-quality merch item and keep them reasonably priced, so two things are going to happen. My store will attract people who think like me. I’d rather pay a little more for something that will last and looks nice. And the prices will be a little higher. That’s just that, even though I’m not crazy about it.

Friday, October 27, 2023
6:20 am
My merch search is tabled for now. I found a great wholesale sight with great items, but I’m not ready for them yet. I have Coach’s etched pint glasses coming in and the iron on’s for the ponytail hats. That’s all for now.
I am interested in creating an adult coloring book…hum. That’s a conversation with Tammy she she gets back.

Saturday, October 28, 2023
8:19pm
I’m pleased with my day’s work. I got to thinking about all the people who have mentioned that they like a little more ‘spice’ in their romance books. I have always tried to maintain the ‘tastefully sexy’ content for the masses, but I do like to write the juicier stuff. Then it dawned on me…
I’d make Read NAUGHTY a special section in the Fan Club Member section and drip a few chapters here and there of a bit more raunchy nature. I was able to do some editing on Deception and crank out the first chapter of  this saucier little novella that will be available for fan club members only.

Monday, October,30, 2023
9:15am.
It’s a rare occasion when I get ot work in author-mode at school, but all of the freshmen are gone on their retreat, and that leaves me with only two classes with students. I figure I’ll get called t cover someone, but at least I have some bonus time to work, even it it’s only for a little bit.
I’m getting so anxious to see the items I’ve ordered for the website. They should come in next week according to the shipping tracking. I also ordered a gold signature necklace of my logo, and can’t wait for it to get here.

Tuesday, October 31, 2023
3:45pm
I’m so depressed!!! I just lost about 10 hours of work on my new novel!!! UGH!!! About 8 chapters GONE!!! I can’t believe it! Somehow, I was not online while I was writing and the text didn’t auto save!!! You best believe I researched that situation!! I can’t afford for that to happen EVER again. I lost a couple of chapters one other time, but this was a SIGNIFICANT loss. Now I’m not even motivated to get back to it. UGH!!! So depressed.