So, I added all of my old newsletters to the blog so that new subscribers can find and read them if they want to catch up. When I was doing that, I realised that it had been a while since I’d written an actual blog, so here we are! So where was The Baby, the last time we spoke? 106,291 words.
It hasn’t actually gained a lot since then. It’s now at 114,744 words. I have a far more solid plan for it, though. I know exactly where it’s at and what I should do from here on out, it’s just a matter of writing it. I did send it to one of my amazing readers to read and she came back and told me that it’s not too long and she can’t wait to read the rest which was very reassuring.
In the meantime, I also finished the edit of The Wedding. I use the term “edit” very loosely. I did take aspects of what was given to me by my editor and run with them but ultimately the book gained about 1,000 words or so in the editing process. I know, I know, these books are effing long but when discussing this with another reader last night, she said (and I quote) “I could have read more of The Wedding tbf”.
So, that’s off with my proof-reader, then I’ll get it back and read through the proof-read before it goes for formatting and is ready to upload for the June 6th release date. I can’t wait for everyone to read it, it’s sooooo good. I just adore Heather and Harrison, plus Sebastian Fox…oof, if you don’t fall in love with him in that book…well, that’s your prerogative, I guess. I certainly did, though!
It’s just the perfect middle book between The Album and The Baby for Sebastian’s character development.
Tour Sebastian is very different from Chicago Sebastian when he’s at home with his friends. He still sleeps with a lot of women, but the view of him that we get through Heather’s eyes is very different than the one we got through Ariana’s point of view.
We see him as a friend and confidante. There was some of that in The Album but Ariana has nowhere near the strength of relationship with him as Heather does after thirteen years of friendship.
Anyway, here I am, waxing poetic about Sebastian Fox. I do it so often, in so many conversations with friends and readers that I literally had to check my last few blog posts to check that I hadn’t written all of this here, already! Oh, speaking the frick of Sebastian, I did this:
I started writing a Young Adult novel on Wattpad about Cruise Control when they first met in their teens at a music camp in Illinois. So, that’s been fun! If you want to read it, you can do so, here.
It’s completely free to read. For anyone who doesn’t know, Wattpad is basically like social media specifically for writing and reading novels. It’s kind of cool and I think that when I finish it, I’ll submit the book for the Wattys this year, which is their annual novel-writing competition.
I had toyed for some time with the idea of writing a Young Adult novel about Cruise Control, but I’d figured that I would wait until I’d finished the main series, and even the companion hero books, first.
But, I thought that it would be an interesting exercise and also, it gives me a chance to get to know Hayden better. We all know that I’m all about trying to figure Hayden the fuck out. He and I haven’t connected and I feel like it shows.
I know things about him, but slowly, through writing these extra projects (and actually, through writing one of my secret fanfics), I’m getting more of a handle on him as a character and a person.
On that note, it’s probably time for me to sign off!
It’s stupidly early on a Monday morning, I’m awake because my four-year-old kicked me out of bed in his sleep, and I have to go to work today. Here’s hoping that this week is far more productive writing-wise. I feel like it will be, now that I know what I’m doing and where I’m going with The Baby.
Happy reading!
