The Check . . . er . . . Book Is In The Mail

I’m so happy to be able to fill the first few orders! Copies of Family Secrets will go out in the mail today to those who ordered them over the weekend. It’s very exciting for me!

I’m also preparing a mailer to go out to independent booksellers across the country. Maybe I’ll be able to drum up a little interest on that front, too.

In the meantime, I’m happy to have the project finished and out there. It gives me energy and motivation to move forward on other projects – like the second book in the Charlee Hudson series.

Deceptions and Daydreams

Deceptions is the title I’ve chosen for the second book in the Charlee Hudson series. I’ve spent quite a bit of time already working the story out in my head. That’s where the daydreams come in. This, by the way, is the coolest thing about being a writer – you get to spend lots of time daydreaming! It’s productive daydreaming, though. I started out with one idea and, over the course of several daydreaming sessions it evolved into something way cooler. As usual, though, there are pieces missing. I am off to a good start and I have a pretty good idea about the action in the last half. Building up to the action is the tricky part. I’m getting there, though. In fact, I need to sign off the blog for today and start writing down some of the daydreams before I lose those ideas and have to start over.

Proof Copy In Hand!!

My first proof copy of Family Secrets arrived in the mail the other day! I say ‘first’ proof copy because I’m sure I’ll find a treasure trove of typos. That means I’ll have to correct them and then get another proof copy. It’s all progress, though, and it’s very exciting.

When the proof copy arrived, I took it out of the package and I was a little overwhelmed. It looks exactly like a real book. My daughter just rolled her eyes when I said that out loud. It’s a wonder her eyes haven’t fallen out of her head by now. She rolls them a lot.

At any rate, I hope to have the proofreading finished in the next few days. When I return from my business trip to San Francisco, proof copy number two should be waiting for me. Maybe I’ll get it even sooner so that I can review it on the flight.

Off To A Good Start

I’m in sort of a holding pattern until the review copy of Family Secrets arrives in the mail, but I’ve gotten off to a good start on the new book. I’m not sure what it’s called just yet, but I’m liking it already. What can you expect to see in Book #2? Well, in addition to the new mystery we’ll get to see Charlee’s relationship with Carter evolve a bit more. I’m also bringing Murray back for this one. He might have been my favorite character in the first book. He was definitely the most fun to imagine. We’ll also get a little more insight into why he is the way he is, why he chooses to hide in the basement and isolate himself from others.

Since the second book picks up right after the first one ended, we will have to deal a little more with the psycho ex-cult leader as his case proceeds to trial. And then there is Charlotte. We certainly can’t leave her out.

I’m so excited about this new project. The first one felt kind of awkward and stumbly (if stumbly is a word) compared to this one. I think there is going to be a lot more detail now that we’ve gotten to know these people a little bit.

The Final Stretch

Whew! I just submitted my final (well, almost final) edits to the online publisher. In a day or two, I will be able to order my PROOF copy (also known as the make-sure-you-got-it-right copy). That will be my chance to see the book as a whole and read through it again to re-check for typos. I may enlist the aide of others to help with the typo hunt. It’s nearly impossible for me to find them on my own.

Once I’m able to confirm the PROOF copy, I can begin selling books. They will be available online at amazon.com, createspace.com and hopefully on my website. I’ll be able to sell them for slightly less than the others so maybe that will drive some traffic to the new site. Check it out if you have time. It’s still a work in progress, but it’s definitely getting there.

Back In The Saddle

I know I’ve neglected my poor little blog for a while, but it’s time to get all ramped up again. The ‘Family Secrets’ journey is winding down and fresh ideas are swirling around in the back of my head for Charlee’s next adventure.

How does this sound? The second book picks up just after the first one ends. The press is still in town and Charlee is getting her fifteen minutes of fame. She gets fan mail, love letters, marriage proposals and one plea for help.

A young woman whose sister has left town unexpectedly is convinced that she didn’t go willingly. She’s been to the police and they can’t help her – there is no evidence of a crime and the sister appears to have run off with her boyfriend. The woman knows that something is wrong and that her sister is in grave danger but no one will listen. Charlee is hesitant at first but finally decides to help her.

This new adventure brings more travel and new experiences for Charlee. It also brings more danger. Luckily, she has Carter and Murray on hand for backup!

FINISHED!!

'Family Secrets' is now finished and all 44 chapters have been uploaded to authonomy. There is still a bit of editing and proofreading to do, but the bulk of the work is behind me now. You can't imagine how good it feels!

BTW - if you're following the book on authonomy and have already read Chapter 37, you'll want to read it again.