Monthly Goals - July 2014

For those who missed it back in January, I set up the writing goals I aim to accomplish in 2014. Right after writing that post, I then read Dean Wesley Smith's post about how to be successful at your writing goals.

Sorry for the lack of posts for the past several weeks...but on the plus side, things have been moving quite well on the fiction writing front (more so than the rest of life, but that's another batch of stories entirely). Here's how I did against my June goals:

1. Plot out two new short stories. - Two stories plotted, "Red Light" and "Payback"
2. Write 3,000 words on Resurrection - 5000 words completed, new title of Life and Death.

And now, the goals for July:

1. Write 1,000 words on "Payback"
2. Write 4,000 words on Life and Death
3. Plot out one new short story



Here's to everyone striving to accomplish their writing goals for 2014!

Meet My Main Character (Blog Hop)

I was tagged by J.C. Cassels at Gotta Name my Blog to talk about my main character. Those who've followed me long enough probably know most of the information below, but it's always good to have a bit of a refresher for the long-time fans and a brief introduction for those who haven't yet met Aston.

1. What is the name of your main character? Is she fictional or an historical person?

Aston West, space pirate extraordinaire (technically, a scavenger pirate, or as it's been referred to in the past, a galactic garbage collector). Aston is completely fictional, as much as he'd like to believe that he's real. But who knows? He may show up on my doorstep any day now and give me a quick kick in the junk for all the trouble I've put him through over the years.

2. When and where is the story set?

Aston doesn't have just one story, but a series of stories and novels. All of these take place across great spans of planets and solar systems in a distant galaxy. While it's unknown for certain whether these all take place in the past, present or future, my personal opinion is that it's a present-day set of tales, all far away from here.

For the sake of giving out more individual information on this question, I'll take my next novel (working title Resurrection). This one spans across three different planets and two different starships (one of which being Aston's new ship to replace the one that met its demise at the end of Death Brings Victory).

3. What should we know about him?

Aston tries to act tough, a symptom of his career choices and his upbringing as one of three orphan brothers. But really, he has a noble sense of right and wrong that he tries to enact through his own brand of vigilante justice when it's necessary. And of course, the most important thing to remember about Aston is that he constantly gets tossed into a mess of trouble. This doesn't end up being too much fun for him, but it's a lot of fun to read along as he tries to get himself out of it all.

4. What is the main conflict?

It varies from story to story, and the novels too. Sometimes, it can be Aston versus old enemies (or old friends). Sometimes, Aston's main conflict is internal. Sometimes, there's a mix of both. In Resurrection, the main conflict is that Aston's old nemesis Elijah Cassus has returned with some nasty surprises in store. But one of those surprises causes both an internal struggle for Aston (how far will he follow Elijah to get his absolution?) as well as an external struggle (with a recently formed relationship).

5. What is the personal goal of the character?

Most times, it's just to get out of the trouble that he's found himself in, and to try and scrape out a living with his scavenging (or his illegal activities). Within the scope of the novels, his goals often get altered or combined, depending on the circumstances.

For Resurrection, Aston's goal originally starts out that he wants to save someone he failed to save before. Along the way, though, he has to figure out a way to right the wrongs he's set in motion.

6. What is the significance of the title of your book?

I try to come up with titles that fit either the story or the novel's main premise. For the novels, I've been attempting to come up with catchy three-word titles (something I'll have to work on for the fourth installment currently in work). As far as any special significance, there isn't any that I know of.

Resurrection is just a title that depicts the main topic behind the plot. I have a feeling I'll need to make it catchier.

7. When can we expect the book to be published?

I have several novels and stories already published (check out the Novels and Collections links at the top of the blog). My hope is that I can get another novella and short story collection published later this year. Resurrection may be out late this year, but I'm guessing that we'll probably see it next year.

Next up is T. K. Toppin. Be sure to check her out. Also, click back, too, to see what characters came before. Thanks for reading!

Author Extravaganza 2014 Recap

So, today was the 8th annual Author Extravaganza, hosted by the wonderful folks at Town Crier Bookstore up in Emporia, Kansas. I think this is something like the 5th time (according to my last recap back in 2012) I've been in attendance. Overall, it's always a good time, and Town Crier has always been good to independent authors in regards to stocking copies of your books after the signing and such.

So, if I could actually get my pictures to post you'd see a lot of authors join this event. It can make things quite exciting, talking with your fellow authors (and catching up with those who you've seen in past years). But having so many different authors does help in bringing additional customers into the store, which can help you sell your books as well (as long as they don't come in only for that book and then leave the store immediately).


That said, sold four books (two of which were remaining from last year's event), and the store elected to pick up copies of my two novellas. So, all in all, it was an okay event (especially since it looked like most folks were struggling to get a single sale) and I look forward to returning next year.

Monthly Goals - June 2014

For those who missed it back in January, I set up the writing goals I aim to accomplish in 2014. Right after writing that post, I then read Dean Wesley Smith's post about how to be successful at your writing goals.

Running a bit behind on posting the monthly goals, unfortunately. I did get a bit of work completed,
so there's at least that. Here's how I did against my May goals:


1. Complete the first draft of "Reciprocity" (the new short story, estimated 2,000 words) - Final draft completed.
2. Edit the final version of "Just Rewards" (now "Trust and Obey") - completed
3. Write 3,000 words on Resurrection - 500 words completed


Rather than write a separate post for the weekly goals, I'll just remark that those 500 words above were written this past week.


And now, the goals for June:

1. Plot out two new short stories.
2. Write 3,000 words on Resurrection

Here's to everyone striving to accomplish their writing goals for 2014!

Sales Update - June 2014

Hard to believe it's been another six months since my most recent sales update in December, but I do have some updated numbers. So, here goes:

Heroes Die Young has sold a total of 467 sales (print and e-book total), which means 25 copies have sold since December (for a total of just over 4 copies a month over the past six months). This compares to 16 copies sold in the June 2013 - December 2013 range, so sales are a bit up. The six-year anniversary for this one is coming up in September, so we're still dropping well below the average of 100 copies per year.

Friends in Deed recently went into self-published status after I terminated the contract I had. I discovered some discrepancies in my past tabulations (silly spreadsheet formulas) that have since been corrected. In future sales updates, I'll just stick with the total across both versions. As this is a new change, though, I'll list them separately as well. The previous version sold 112 copies (I assume all sales have already been accounted for, but we'll see), and the new version (out since February) has sold 13, for a total of 125 copies (print and e-book total), which means that 25 copies have sold since December (which also includes some of those self-accounting issues on the original version). This compares to around 4 copies during the previous reporting period. January marked the four-year anniversary of this one, so the average is around 30 copies per year. I will mention that my sales of the original version for all of 2013 (counting royalty statements in 2013 and 2014) were 9 copies, and the new version has sold 13 copies in the course of about four months. New cover and a lower price...I think we have a future blog post in the works...

Seeker has gone back into sales mode, and has also become a print title. So, going back to the June 2013 sales update (the last time I recorded paid sales), both versions have now sold 92 copies (print and e-book), so only 8 copies have sold since the last update (compared to 5 copies during that June update), although the change-over to paid happened around the last month or two. December was the 3-year anniversary for this novel, which means we're on track for an average of around 30 copies per year).

Dead or Alive has sold 98 copies, which means 15 copies have sold since last June (for a total of just over 1 copy a month over the past twelve months), since I hadn't yet received reporting at the December update. This title came out in February 2011, which means that we're seeing an average of about 30 copies a year.

The Cure has now sold 107 total copies (print and e-book total), so 14 copies have sold since my past update, compared to 10 copies during the previous update. This book has been out nearly 3 years (the anniversary is in July), so I'm seeing a around 35 copies per year.

Death Brings Victory was released two years ago this past March, and 64 total copies have sold, meaning 4 copies have sold since the last update, compared to 12 copies during the previous update. This puts it on track with most of my other novels, at just around 30 copies per year. Although sales are down considerably in this six-month stretch, I'm hopeful that all of the sales this year of Friends in Deed will lead to future sales of this title.

   

I have three Triple-Shot collections out, with the first having been released in November 2011, the second in July 2012, and the third in September 2013. 86 copies have sold, so 9 copies sold since my last update (versus 37 copies from the previous update). Breaking this down, 49 total copies of the first have sold, 24 of the second, and 13 of the third. So, since the last update, 5 copies of the first have sold, 1 of the second, and 3 of the third. I do have to wonder whether I'm doing myself a disservice with the similarity of covers between the first and second collections.

My newest title is my collaboration with Lyndon Perry, Escape. I would put in the cover, but my web browser isn't playing nice with Blogger at the moment. This title was just coming out in December as I gave my previous update. I haven't gotten an update from Lyndon on all of his sales, but counting the last numbers I had from him and including my own personal sales, 14 copies have sold, for an average of about 2 copies per month.

Now for the analysis of this latest period:

Since my latest update (December, except as noted above), I've sold 114 books compared to 79  books during the previous update for an average of just under 20 books per month.

And so I have a statistic when people ask (and quite often they do), the latest "total sales" number now stands at 1053 copies (counting all titles).

If we put together the last twelve months of sales (not counting Seeker, which just went back into the paid sales column, nor Escape which has only been out a few months), I see the following:

HDY: 41 (last time, 25)
FID: 29 (last time, 6)
DBV: 16 (last time, 23)
DOA: 15
Cure: 24 (last time, 26)
Triple-Shots: 46 (last time, 49)

Not too bad, I suppose, to have 139 paid sales over a 12-month period...about the same as last time(129)...would still like to do better.

So, until next time, enjoy the statistics, and good sales to us all!

Thanks for stopping by!

SFFS - A Snippet From "Sacrifice" (formerly "Reciprocity")

After taking a week off for my time at ConQuest 45, it's time for another week of Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday. This week, we're getting back into the WIP vault. Over the weekend, I completed my final draft for my short story "Reciprocity" (check out the link for the original excerpt) and decided it was time to make a name change (it happens from time to time...the most notable exception being that Heroes Die Young is actually the second name for that novel). So, my new story "Sacrifice" should be slated for my next Triple-Shot, once I finish one more short story. I've included a cover for the second of my (currently) three Triple-Shot collections below, but you can also check all of them (and more) out on my Collections page. And now, here's a continuation snippet from "Sacrifice" for you to read and enjoy:

 

 

Braking took a bit more skill than I’d been expecting, where a trio of landing skids dropped from the cycle’s body to the ground, slowing me down. Eventually, I made it onto the main drag through town, and pulled into a spot along the side of the street. The hover-quad settled onto its skids and I shut it off.

Surrounding me was a setting that seemed to come out of those western holographic projection films that I never had the time to completely watch. All I needed was a set of spurs on my black boots and a huge hat on my head. I already had my Mark II blaster, but it was holstered under my leather jacket instead of openly carried on my hip.

But what I really needed was a drink, preferably Vladirian liquor. Then it would be time to find some buyers and take care of business. I glanced at the various buildings while I walked down the dusty street. Most looked uninhabited, although at least one had a bit of promise. The building on the far corner of this first block had huge plate glass windows, through which I saw several adults sitting at tables. Along the far wall was a long slender wooden counter. There weren’t any patrons up there, nor any stools that I could see. But since it was my best shot, I walked down to the corner and pushed open the two wooden slat doors, entering into the dimly lit room.

And of course, as always, if you like what you see, pick up a copy of all of my other short story collections through the links above.

Weekly Goals - May 28, 2014

A day late, but better late than never. Didn't actually get anything started on Resurrection, but still completed some writing work, which was surprising since my weekend was taken up with ConQuest activities. Here's the weekly recap:

 

1. "Just Rewards" editing completed (title renamed to "Trust and Obey").
2. Edited final draft of "Sacrifice" (formerly "Reciprocity")

 

Progress toward my monthly goals for May:

 

1. Complete the first draft of "Reciprocity" (the new short story, estimated 2,000 words) - completed, and final draft completed.
2. Edit the final version of "Just Rewards" (now "Trust and Obey") - completed
3. Write 3,000 words on Resurrection - not yet started
 

Now for this week's goals:

1. Write 3,000 words on Resurrection

ConQuest 45 Recap

Just returned from another installment of ConQuest up in Kansas City. Had a fun time, even though for some reason, my name was left off the list of panelists this year (hopefully that gets corrected next year). Once more, I shared table space with Patrick Stutzman and had a good time at it. I would have preferred to have more sales, but every little bit helps. Granted, last year's event was well attended because of its attendees, so this year's had a lot fewer attendees. (Side note: George R. R. Martin is listed as editor guest of honor for next year, so hopefully that leads to a boost in sales)


Friday night, I attended a room party, where they were selling copies of the Raygun Chronicles anthology (in which I have a short story included). Great news was that over two dozen copies were brought in and all of them sold out. Thanks to everyone who bought a copy! (and if you haven't bought a copy, click the cover below to get one of your very own)

In a couple of weeks (June 7), I'll be attending the annual Author Extravaganza at Town Crier Books in Emporia. Hope to see everyone there!

Weekly Goals - May 21, 2014

Finally gaining a little traction on the writing goals this week (and month). Here's the weekly recap:

 

1. "Just Rewards" editing completed (title renamed to "Trust and Obey").

 

Progress toward my monthly goals for May:

 

1. Complete the first draft of "Reciprocity" (the new short story, estimated 2,000 words) - completed
2. Edit the final version of "Just Rewards" (now "Trust and Obey") - completed
3. Write 3,000 words on Resurrection - not yet started
 

Now for this week's goals:

1. Write 3,000 words on Resurrection

SFFS: A Snippet From "Reciprocity"

Greetings, everyone! It's good to be back for another week of Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday. This week, we're heading into the WIP vault, where I recent finished the first draft of a new Aston West short story, "Reciprocity." I expect that this story, once it goes through a few rounds of editing, will be slated for my next Triple-Shot. I've included a cover for the second of my (currently) three Triple-Shot collections below, but you can also check all of them (and more) out on my Collections page. And now, here's a snippet from "Reciprocity" for you to read and enjoy:

 

 

The wind whipped through my hair as I sped along. Ordinarily, I’d have much preferred to be in an actual vehicle instead of this hover-quad, but this was the only thing they were renting at the space dock. And I certainly wasn’t paying the exorbitant fees they were asking to be driven around in a stretch limousines.

Given the sleek, polished vessels I’d landed by earlier, I figured I was the only one who’d had such an aversion. 

This wasn’t one of my regular stops, and had I not been here for a specific purpose, I would have kept on flying for the next spaceport. But unbeknownst to all of the prim and proper visitors to this planet, my four holds were filled to the brim with illegal weapons. At least all of those people would take small comfort in the fact that while they were all no doubt traveling west to a small beach resort town, I was headed in the opposite direction.

I did have to admit, riding this contraption did bring back old feelings of exhilaration I hadn’t felt since my time flying jets for the Gryphon Defense Force. That said, there was a limit to how much danger I’d subject myself to, explaining why I’d chosen a vehicle with four field generators surrounding the elongated body of the cycle versus the model with only two, one forward and one aft.

I rotated the handle and the propulsion unit under my rear pulsed faster in response, jetting me toward a few handfuls of buildings in the distance, kicking up a trail of dirty dust in my wake.

And of course, as always, if you like what you see, pick up a copy of all of my other short story collections through the links above.

Weekly Goals - May 14, 2014

Been way too long since I've actually posted the weekly goals, but finally picked up a little momentum, so here's hoping. Here's the recap of what's been done this past week:

 

1. First draft of "Reciprocity" completed.

 

Progress toward my monthly goals for May:

 

1. Complete the first draft of "Reciprocity" (the new short story, estimated 2,000 words) - completed
2. Edit the final version of "Just Rewards"
3. Write 3,000 words on Resurrection 
 

Now for this week's goals:

1. Edit the final version of "Just Rewards"

2. Write 1,500 words on Resurrection

Monthly Goals - May 2014

For those who missed it back in January, I set up the writing goals I aim to accomplish in 2014. Right after writing that post, I then read Dean Wesley Smith's post about how to be successful at your writing goals.

Unfortunately, nothing was done this past month to speak of, so my May goals are no different than my April goals:

1. Complete the first draft of "Reciprocity" (the new short story, estimated 2,000 words)
2. Edit the final version of "Just Rewards"
3. Write 3,000 words on Resurrection

Here's to everyone striving to accomplish their writing goals for 2014!

SFFS: A Final Snippet From Escape

Welcome back, everyone! For those who haven't kept up with my latest releases in the past several months, Escape is a brand new novella I have out (a collaboration with Lyndon Perry), the first in a young adult steampunk alternate history series. In fact, I posted up the first except just last week. It's been a while since I've written anything outside of the Aston universe, so I'm excited to see how my fans react to this new title. And now that it's finally out over at Amazon and Barnes and Noble, you can pick it up today (of course, you can also get a paperback too). Be sure to check out all of the wonderful authors on the Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday blogroll. And now, here's a snippet from Escape:

Taking a deep breath, then letting it ease out, I gently peeled back the flap and slid the note out. Hands trembling, I held it up and read the words written in an old familiar style. At the contents, tears flowed from my eyes until my tender moment was interrupted by that scoundrel Tommy.

“Look at the big ol’ baby!”

I blinked away the tears and stared him down. He started to say something else about diapers, but I barely understood him before I jumped across the table and pummeled his face. I kept going at him until I was finally pulled off by two of the male staff members. Blood flowed from his nose, and his eyes had that dazed, not-quite-there look.

“Send him to the headmaster!” Mrs. Tittlesworth exclaimed over the heads of all the gathered children, who sat in shocked silence.

Not to worry, I do plan on coming back to post another snippet from this one next week. But why wait? Pick up a copy of Escape using the links above!

SFFS: An Eighth Snippet From Escape

Welcome back, everyone! For those who haven't kept up with my latest releases in the past several months, Escape is a brand new novella I have out (a collaboration with Lyndon Perry), the first in a young adult steampunk alternate history series. In fact, I posted up the first except just last week. It's been a while since I've written anything outside of the Aston universe, so I'm excited to see how my fans react to this new title. And now that it's finally out over at Amazon and Barnes and Noble, you can pick it up today (of course, you can also get a paperback too). Be sure to check out all of the wonderful authors on the Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday blogroll. And now, here's a snippet from Escape:

Slipping it onto my lap face-down, too nervous to look at it, I mumbled, “Thank you, Mrs. Tittlesworth.” She harrumphed and moved away.

The others just waited in silence and I caught Sadie’s eye. She gave me one of her looks. I sighed and glanced down, turning the letter over. Mouth wide, I nearly gasped. The letter was from my father!

I held it there as if opening it would bring about the end times they always taught us about in the Sunday services. Looking at the postmark, I saw it had been stamped nearly five years ago. I wanted to ask our headmistress why she’d waited so long to present this, but knew better than to cross her so soon after she’d offered me this gift.

Not to worry, I do plan on coming back to post another snippet from this one next week. But why wait? Pick up a copy of Escape using the links above!

SFFS: A Seventh Snippet From Escape

Welcome back, everyone! For those who haven't kept up with my latest releases in the past several months, Escape is a brand new novella I have out (a collaboration with Lyndon Perry), the first in a young adult steampunk alternate history series. In fact, I posted up the first except just last week. It's been a while since I've written anything outside of the Aston universe, so I'm excited to see how my fans react to this new title. And now that it's finally out over at Amazon and Barnes and Noble, you can pick it up today (of course, you can also get a paperback too). Be sure to check out all of the wonderful authors on the Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday blogroll. And now, here's a snippet from Escape:

I set my fork down, cleared my throat, and raised my hand. Mrs. Tittlesworth saw me but took a tour of the dining commons before coming up behind my chair. The other children stopped eating and tracked the headmistress’s every move.

“Yes, Mr. McCannor?”

I swallowed nervously. “If I may, ma’am, can I have my letter now? I...I would be truly grateful.”

“Hmm.” She frowned. Without fanfare, and to my great relief, she pulled out the envelope and gave it to me.

Not to worry, I do plan on coming back to post another snippet from this one next week. But why wait? Pick up a copy of Escape using the links above!

Some E-Book Sales Statistics

So, I was putting together some figures the other day for tallying up a "total e-book sales" number (because it was being asked for). And as I'm big on stats as it is, I decided I'd post a few. Since we've only been through three full months this year, I'm ignoring my 2014 sales.

Heroes Die Young was released in 2008.

Friends in Deed and Seeker were both released in 2010.
Dead or Alive, The Cure, and my first Triple-Shot (Dead Man's Forge) were all released in 2011.
Death Brings Victory and my second Triple-Shot (Temptation) were released in 2012.
My third Triple-Shot (Downtrodden) was released in 2013.

Total sales across all of my titles (again, only through 2013) is 645 since Heroes Die Young was released. A rather piddly sum, I know, but that's life. All of that in mind, I've had the following sales per title per year (for convenience, I've also included total sales per year.

	HDY	FID	DBV	DOA
2008	95
2009	33
2010	9	28
2011	27	15		13
2012	50	22	35	47
2013	14	5	13	2

	DMF	TEMPT	DT	Seeker	Cure
2008
2009
2010				10
2011	6			38	15
2012	22	8		27	42
2013	16	15	10	13	15

	Total
2008	95
2009	33
2010	47
2011	114
2012	253
2013	103

So, I hesitate to start making conclusions based on these stats, since it's been proven over and over that sometimes blind luck can cause sales. And looking through the numbers, there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to sales leading to more sales (of later books in the series, etc.). However, even with all of that in mind, at least one thing seems to stick out.

Generating new material for publication can generally help sales. I had three releases in 2011, and saw a marked increase. I followed that up with two more releases in 2012. With those five new titles, my sales in 2012 were five times higher than in 2010. Granted, in  2013, I had no major releases (other than the third Triple-Shot), so my sales dropped off last year. So, not only is it necessary to continue to produce new material, but it's also important to continue to do so on a regular pace. This is something I struggle with, myself, and need to work on. Hopefully this can help motivate me...

SFFS: A Fifth Snippet From Escape

Welcome back, everyone! For those who haven't kept up with my latest releases in the past several months, Escape is a brand new novella I have out (a collaboration with Lyndon Perry), the first in a young adult steampunk alternate history series. In fact, I posted up the first except just last week. It's been a while since I've written anything outside of the Aston universe, so I'm excited to see how my fans react to this new title. And now that it's finally out over at Amazon and Barnes and Noble, you can pick it up today (of course, you can also get a paperback too). Be sure to check out all of the wonderful authors on the Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday blogroll. And now, here's a snippet from Escape:

Twenty pairs of eyes were locked on the paper as she waved it back and forth. She stuffed it back into her apron and wiped her hands. “What are you all doing gawking like street urchins at a candy shop window? Bow your heads!” One of the church volunteers offered a brief prayer while most of us fidgeted in our seats.

After the ‘amen’ we all dug in. Well, except for me. I was too preoccupied with that letter! I caught Sadie’s eye from across the room and she gave me an encouraging nod.

Not to worry, I do plan on coming back to post another snippet from this one next week. But why wait? Pick up a copy of Escape using the links above!

Weekly Goals - April 9, 2014

Trying to get back into a rhythm...we'll see how it goes. I've also taken over administrative duties for the  SFFS blog (which I've been posting to for some time), because I'm a glutton for punishment. Here's the latest recap on the writing side:

 

1. Write 1,300 words on Resurrection - Nothing completed
2. Write 1,000 words on the new short story - About 500 words completed.

 

Progress toward my monthly goals for April:

1. Complete the first draft of "Reciprocity" (the new short story, estimated 2,000 words) - 500 words completed.
2. Edit the final version of "Just Rewards" - Not started.
3. Write 3,000 words on Resurrection - Not started.

 

Now for this week's goals:

1. Edit the final version of "Just Rewards"

2. Write 1,000 words on "Reciprocity"

Next week, I'll recap my weekly goals and report my results.

SFFS: A Fourth Snippet From Escape

Welcome back, everyone! For those who haven't kept up with my latest releases in the past several months, Escape is a brand new novella I have out (a collaboration with Lyndon Perry), the first in a young adult steampunk alternate history series. In fact, I posted up the first except just last week. It's been a while since I've written anything outside of the Aston universe, so I'm excited to see how my fans react to this new title. And now that it's finally out over at Amazon and Barnes and Noble, you can pick it up today (of course, you can also get a paperback too). Be sure to check out all of the wonderful authors on the Science Fiction Fantasy Saturday blogroll. I've skipped ahead a bit, and the boys have joined the girls in the orphanage's dining area. And now, here's a snippet from Escape:

“Abraham,” called the headmistress, “you’re late. That’s one demerit for you and kitchen duty for the boys.”

We found our places in silence as Abe scowled at us, looking for someone to blame. His eyes narrowed when he focused on me. “Max McCannor held us up, Mrs. Tittlesworth.”

“Oh?” she said, eyebrows arched. “How unfortunate. I may have to hold on to this letter for another week.” The headmistress produced an envelope from her apron pocket and held it above the gathered crowd, taunting me with all the malice I’d expected from her.

Not to worry, I do plan on coming back to post another snippet from this one next week. But why wait? Pick up a copy of Escape using the links above!

Monthly Goals - April 2014

Sorry for the  lack of weekly updates. The past couple of weeks have been a bit rough on the personal side. Things should slowly get back to normal soon...

For those who missed it back in January, I set up the writing goals I aim to accomplish in 2014. Right after writing that post, I then read Dean Wesley Smith's post about how to be successful at your writing goals.

One of those suggestions was to report in to someone, whether you miss your goals or accomplish them. So, I to report it to you, my loyal fans, bringing back my old habit of weekly goal-setting and reporting. In addition, I've decided that a set of monthly goals would also be good to do (since they'd end up being more "grand scheme" and would be easier to tie into the annual goals).

So, another month has gone by, and it's time to recap my results from my March goals.

1. Publish the print version of Seeker - Completed.
2. Complete the first draft of a new short story (estimated 2,000 words) - Title and plot completed
3. Edit the final version of "Just Rewards" - Not Completed
4. Write 3,000 words on Resurrection - 1700 words completed

Sadly, I hardly accomplished anything this month. Hopefully April is better.

Here are my goals for April:

1. Complete the first draft of "Reciprocity" (the new short story, estimated 2,000 words)
2. Edit the final version of "Just Rewards"
3. Write 3,000 words on Resurrection

As always, I'll report my final results on the first of next month. In the meantime, check out my weekly goals postings to see how I'm progressing.

Here's to everyone striving to accomplish their writing goals for 2014!