It’s been a while since I’ve put anything out into the world regarding the status of my novel (presently named We See Thee Rise). The update is that the editing process is just as painful as advertised but given the unique way my brain processes words and my desire to have sentences run on even longer than this one, it takes work to make it something everyone can enjoy. (Or at least maybe even a few people that aren’t socially obligated to buy a copy.)

The goal for August is to get it in the hands of a beta reader. (Thanks to Colleen for not letting me back out of that.)

After that, the goal is to bring the next round of edits to a close as soon as possible and my birthday present to myself can be a book with my name on it. (December, in case you were wondering.)

I’m not sure if that is me being ambitious or lazy but I spend every moment of this process battling with wanting it to be done now and wanting it to be done right. December seems like a compromise of done right but not drawing things out.

Because I don’t want to draw things out, I’ve committed to not exploring the querying options at all and going the self-publish route. A lifetime of working with statistics makes finding a publish akin to winning the lottery. Much like how I am with the regular lottery, I’d rather just skip out on buying a ticket. (There are still plenty of days left on the calendar that I might change my mind but I’m putting it in digital ink here to remind me that on a sunny day in late July the idea of querying held little appeal.

Now it’s time for my plea…

After a decade and a half of being extremely online, I’ve gone scorched earth on all of my social media. I have minimal followers on Blue Sky and Instagram, and the same can probably be said for Facebook. I’m committing to being more active again of Blue Sky and Instagram, but damned if I will be able to grow much of a following in a short period of time with my introverted tendencies. This is my plea for likes, follows, and shares. I will need them. I’m not looking for writing to become a second or third career, but I sure would like it that if you enjoyed my content, you help get it out there.

That’s all for now. Somehow asking for help feels less greasy than marketing. Please don’t make me do marketing.

Thanks!

If you are interested in helping me distribute stickers to help promote the book (closer to publishing) please let me know. I’ve got an early design and place orders once the target publishing date looks attainable.