Hello, lovely readers!
The days are finally getting longer - sunrise is at 5am & sunsets are at 9pm. I have always been and always will be a morning bird, so this is my favorite time of year!
Unfortunately, writing keeps me glued to my laptop and a table. I have been trying to make a better effort to type on my back porch or join my writer groups at local cafes.
Ambiance music or sounds help me to focus and concentrate at the task at hand. It could be the beat or the methodic sound, but it helps me zone out.
I've also made of habit to keep my phone out of eyesight or I'll be doom scrolling. Even if it's only behind my laptop, this 'out of sight, out of mind' technique has made a difference.
I read Terri Irwin's 'Steve and Me,' then shortly thereafter watched the Zootopia films. Combine those and a story erupted in my brain, not letting me focus on anything else. I technically have a few picture book manuscripts that could be published (I just need the pictures). In the meantime, I published a children's chapter book version:
Robert Zoowin knows one thing for certain: crocs rule!
As the owner of Billabong Travel Agency, Robert spends his days helping animals visit the beautiful land down under. But when frightening stories spread that crocodiles are chasing tourists away from Striya, bookings begin to vanish-and everyone starts believing the worst about Robert's favorite reptiles.
Robert is sure the rumors are wrong.
With his best friends and a camera ready to capture it all, Robert heads home to uncover the truth. Their search takes them from Warrior Lodge to Crocosiumton, through a wild dance competition, into the strange human city of Humano, and deep into the bushland of Whoop Whoop.
But the mystery is bigger than angry crocodiles.
Someone is scaring tourists. Someone is threatening a hidden forest. And if Robert and his friends cannot prove what is really happening, the animals may lose their good name-and their home.
Full of friendship, humor, mystery, and Outback adventure, Crocs Rule! is a heartwarming chapter book about misunderstood creatures, brave choices, and learning to listen before you judge.
Because sometimes, saving the day starts with someone willing to give it a red-hot go.
I have finally sent my third draft to my copy editor and beta reader to make sure I'm on the right track. This is the first time I'm letting the copy editor do the fine tooth combing I usually would do in ProwritingAid. And this is a first of me sending it to both people at the same time. Not sure if its working smart or I'll end up with clashing feedback. They both will complete mid-June, so we'll see.
This book was originally supposed to be published on May 25th, but because of Crocs Rule!, I delayed the release date. I'm glad I did. Coming back to it after a month, opened my eyes to some developmental issues and areas where I could tighten or enhance the plot. There was also some sensitivity issues that I decided to lighten up as I want my first series not need any trigger warnings.
I have set up the webpage for the book. You can check it out here!
Book E is my second of six enemies-to-lovers troped books, and the female protagonist is Lady Evelyn Wyndham, who you will recognize as Miss Adeline Sandringham's best friend in Book A. My working title is 'An Engagement at Eastury Manor, which is a National Trust property located in Barking, London. Originally, I had the book set at Eltham Palace, but realized the current house was built in the 1930's, so I moved it to the manor, as its build was completed in 1573!
This was another item on my to-do list that has been pushed back. I technically have the front and back covers worked out, but its the spine that is tricky as it depends on how many pages are in the book. I think Book A has 220 pages and each book after that will have more. In the first week of June, I plan to publish Crocs Rule! in paperback first on D2D to see what happens and understand the process. I'm hoping by doing this, I'll find publishing my Raven Seal series a walk in the park!
In June I will start to write Book F. I originally had a publish date of mid-July, but I think that may have to be pushed back.
I know exactly what I want to write for Books G and H, but seem to only have a hazy vision for this book. I have the outline set up, but not 100% on it, so will need to do a bit more brainstorming before I dive deep.
As a plantser, I like to have a plan before I write, but don't mind if I start to write and my imagination goes off into a different direction. This will be a second chance romance and will need to continue the mystery from Book C.
The FIFA world cup is happening in a couple of weeks. I don't know if I wasn't looking in the right places, but I couldn't find any seasonal jobs. It's okay as I'm going to be busy with my writing stuff. I do plan to watch it. Since I live in both the US, UK, and Oz, I'll be rooting for all three. I was going to try and get tickets, but they were like $350 minimum! I hope it all goes well. Australia will play USA in Seattle, so will try and find a watch party with my mates.
Until next time…
MNP xx