Not much in the way of writing this month, due to all the personal issues going on. I’m hoping that some of this will be resolved soon, but I honestly can’t predict when that will happen. Since I haven’t accomplished much on that front, I’ll talk about what I’m hoping to get done by the end of the year.

First, I’ll be participating in National Novel Writing Month again this year. This is an annual event where several hundred thousand people try to write 50,000 words during the 30 days of November. This is about half of one of my novels, which means I’ll still be working on what I write through December. I’ll be writing the 6th book in the Blake Heira series. I’m pretty excited about the antagonist in this book, and at this point, I have no idea how Blake’s going to stop him.

Second, I’ll be working on releasing Corruption of Blood, Book 3 in the Blake Heira series. I’m about 25% of the way through my line edits. After that, I’ll do a proof-read. My cover artist has given me some designs, but I have to figure out my back cover copy and overall page length to get the paper cover done. I’d hoped to get this out in September, but it is looking increasingly unlikely that I will be able to get there.

Third, I’m hoping to work on my second series. I had begun writing something, but didn’t like where it was going. Now, I’m noodling something else. I’ll be putting together a plan for the series and information for the primary series protagonist. I like some of the ideas I have for her, but need more than what I have in order to see if it’s something I’ll be proud to release on an unsuspecting public, err, my loyal readers.

Fourth, in preparation for this next series, I’ve been reading the Alphabet Mysteries by Sue Grafton. I’m through J is for Judgement, or book 10. My goal is to finish the series (ending in Y is for Yesterday) by the end of the year. I’m also reading the Temperance Brennan series by Kathy Reichs and planning to get Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson. One of my goals for the year is to read 36 books. I’ve read 22, which is actually behind schedule. Reading is relaxing for me, which is something I desperately need right now. If I get through Sue Grafton’s works, I’ll meet the goal, but going above and beyond is what brings success.

Next week I’m going to continue my series on creating magic systems. See you next Thursday!