Since my last update posted February 1, 2023, I…

Sent out a bunch more queries to literary agents. Bam bam bam. Best rejection I got so far included:

“I found the darkness and intensity of your submission really thrilling…”

Participated in a guided small group through hope*writers called Selling Your Book – Connecting with Readers through Launch and Partnerships. Many of my writer friends have started launching their debut novels, and it’s been fun to watch! (and learn dos and don’ts from 😉)

Watched an International Thriller Writers and AutoCrit hosted live video – how to edit like a bestselling thriller author, with R.L. Stine and J.D. Barker. I’ve included the link, so you can watch it too if you want ⬆

Started my newsletter back up, including a drawing for a giveaway in every newsletter! It had been monthly, but now it’s quarterly. And, I would love your feedback on the content I share – I want to share what you want to see!

Attended the Realm Makers weekly virtual prep for pitching at the Realm Makers writers conference. Meaning, I should be all ready to go when it comes to telling agents, editors, and publishers what my novel is about in just a few sentences. Oof. Wish me luck!

Finished what I call my loose-y, goose-y, bare bones first draft of my second and third manuscripts. W00t! Originally, I wanted to have both those manuscripts fleshed out enough this year to send to beta readers. But realized, since they are connected to the first manuscript, if I can’t sell the first manuscript, I won’t be selling these two. I plan to start a fourth manuscript this year, wholly unrelated to the other three.

Read my in-person writing group’s recommendation, Relic, by Preston & Child. One of them said the tension reminded them of the tension in my first manuscript. So, they all thought it would be a good idea to do a group read. I’ve finished it – Loved it! (I’d say violence would be a trigger warning) We plan to discuss the book later this month.

After also experiencing a funeral, falling short on my writing plans, and allowing myself to acknowledge my hypersomnia problem (and setting up an appointment with a sleep specialist for October), I “gave in” to a writer friend’s five-time recommendation to buy Sacred Rest, by Saundra Dalton-Smith, MD. Looking forward to some good takeaways.

How do you rest? What makes you feel rested?

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