Hello everyone!
As you may recall from my last update post, I had some plans for the rest of this year with regard to cover changes, formatting, and revisions. I thought I'd share how all of it is coming along.
As a reminder, here's what I said the plans were:
"My goal is to have the covers updated everywhere by the end of May, formatting on Not Until Tonight updated by summer, design a new cover for Now You Can See by the fall, and have If Only We revised and upload the new version by the time we reach its anniversary (October 27th)."
Here's what has (and hasn't) been accomplished:
Update Covers Everywhere: Yes!! I shared them everywhere, including here on the blog. Check out the posts to see the new covers of If Only We and Not Until Tonight if you missed it.
Format Not Until Tonight: Yes!! I updated the formatting on Not Until Tonight and uploaded it to all retailers.
Create Cover for Now You Can See: Not yet. I was hoping to get myself a tablet this summer so that I could create the design I have in my mind. Unfortunately, my medical bills from the last year have prevented me from being able to get the tablet.
Revise & Republish If Only We: Not yet. While it isn't October 27th yet, I can already tell you this will not happen on time. I did get the revisions started, but it's actually going to take longer than I originally anticipated.
What are my plans for the rest of 2021 then?
When it comes to writing and publishing, I've decided to press pause for the time being. I discuss the reasons why on my Lilly blog, but I'll share a short version here.
I've been facing some new medical issues lately, which included the possibility of needing another surgery due to a new cyst being discovered on my ovary. Thankfully, the cyst has since disappeared and I no longer need surgery. However, before finding that out, I did some soul searching and decided that ultimately I need to spend the rest of 2021 taking a step back from everything. I haven't been in a good headspace all year in general and it has affected my ability to write more than I thought it would.
The plan for the remainder of the year is to simply do what I can. I'll still be writing, whether it's actually writing, revising, or outlining, but I'm not setting up deadlines or specific goals. I want to utilize this time to take care of myself in all aspects of life. This way I'm able to go into the new year refreshed and less anxious about pushing myself to do more than I can handle.
In that case, what are my plans for 2022?
First and foremost, I want 2022 to be the year I publish something new. There's a first draft of a novella that I completed a couple years ago that needs to be thoroughly revised. It's the first in a series, so there will be more taking place in the same small town featuring other characters.
Also, next year will be the year I share more. My Facebook page, Facebook group, and Instagram have been pretty much barren for years aside from a handful of posts. While I am active on my Twitter account, I don't talk much about my books or writing. Another thing is that I would like to start sending out newsletters. I set up an account for a newsletter but never followed up on it since I didn't have anything new to share.
Since If Only We isn't going to be ready on October 27th of this year, I would like to aim for next year. It's over a year away, which is plenty of time for me to slowly make my way through the story.
Since If Only We isn't going to be ready on October 27th of this year, I would like to aim for next year. It's over a year away, which is plenty of time for me to slowly make my way through the story.
And that's about it!
Take care, everybody!
