New Year, New You… Now, Let’s Write That Novel!

Happy New Year, Dear Readers!

I don’t know about you, but I wish I could have had more time with my family over the holidays.  But, alas, the world must go round. We must keep pushing it forward so that we can at least meet our basic needs and hopefully help a lost soul from time to time.

The good news so far is that I published Grandfather’s Whispers in eBook format in January. For all of my eReaders out there, you now have the ability to read this amazing debut novel at your fingertips. In addition, I have been in communication with my narrator, and we will begin the process of putting Grandfather’s Whispers into audio format this month.  

I don’t know about you, but I find audiobooks quite helpful when I’m trying to complete physical chores or traveling from one event to the next.  The release date of my audiobook is subject to life events as they happen. These life events are inevitable and their timing is uncertain. I will let you know as soon as we have overcome these life events and the audiobook is ready for distribution.  My plan is to have it to you by this summer.

Many of you are anticipating my next novel, and I have a little update for you.  Sadly, I have decided that it will not be The Snow Chronicles.  I did an extensive read-through of Ashes of Winter last year and discovered glaring holes, missing magical elements, a weak villain, and multiple plot twists that were lacking in the series.  Therefore, I am not comfortable sending out the first book as is.  I would like more time to refine this series so that I can bring you a top-notch read.

However, my son gave me an idea that I was planning for a short story in December’s newsletter. The more I stewed on it, the more it became apparent that this story deserves to be a novel. Since I have had more time to consider this novel, I can assure you that it will be published in 2026. It has the same theme as Grandfather’s Whispers, but will not be as heavy of a read.  It will have its tragic moments with some intense scenes, but it will be done as a lighthearted read filled with magical elements ending in hope and love.  As I develop my pitch, synopsis, and characters, I will be glad to share them with you.  For now, the title has eluded me and I need some serious time in thought to consider a fetching title, finish my mind-mapping, and create my outline before I write the first word.

Speaking of writing, have you ever considered writing a novel and don’t know where to start? Or have you already written your novel, but you have another one in you and need some motivation?

If you are in the Port Huron area, on February 12th join me at my Novel Writing 101 class at the St. Clair County Library. I will go over the basics of getting that story of yours started and how to overcome writer’s block.  We will also do a mini-writing exercise to help get those creative juices flowing.

It’s the beginning of a new year, and the best time to start writing is now!