Guys… I’ve got to say this was a pretty great month. I had two fabulous beta readers give feedback on draft 1 of 700 Main. My blog reached over FOUR THOUSAND views – thank you all! And while my New Orleans Novel Workshop was cancelled (cue sad face), I still received some insightful edits on State of Grace and spent my week off with some great family and friends.

Let’s dig into the specifics…

What I Read

GRAND TOTAL: 5

Hungry Heart by Jennifer Weiner

The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas 

Punching Babies: (a how-to guide) by Adron J. Smitley

“What separates the Writers from Anyone is that writers sacrifice things in their lives others are not willing to so they have and take the time to actually sit down and write.”

False River by H.G. Reed

What I Wrote

So I’ve mentioned my dilemma before, but let me remind you…

My new and second novel is about 20,000 words too short. I asked two beta readers to read with that specifically in mind, and I also combed through the manuscript myself using this technique to identify plot holes.

See all those colored tabs?
Oh yeah, I’ve been busy…

It took me a while, but I’m pretty proud of my handiwork. I have a plan, and I haven’t been this excited about writing in a few months.

I also published my two-part series on novel length, and I am so overwhelmed with the results! Getting to help other writers has become a new passion of mine, and I am thrilled to keep sharing as I learn more and more about this process.

Coming up…

The next three months will be a rush to the finish line of September 1st – otherwise known as when I will begin querying 700 Main and resuming my search for an agent. June specifically will be a month of incorporating edits, writing new scenes, and getting Draft #2 ready for a second round of readers. Sound fun? Yeah, I am not sure yet either…

In the world of reading, I am super excited for the below list and would love for any of you to join me in my plan:

• Into the Water by Paula Hawkins
• Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare
• Cork Dork by Bianca Bosker
• A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
• Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven

Happy summer everyone!