I have done both the small press publishing and
self-publishing, and plan to continue to do this. In my small press, I have
some wonderful fellow authors that provide ideas, support, and commiseration as
we follow our paths to becoming better writers.
But this time, I have embarked on my second self-published
novel. I began writing the manuscript almost a year ago. I had already decided
the main characters and how I wanted their relationship to develop. Yes, the
book is a mystery, but I am just as interested in building a relationship
between two very diverse characters.
I chose a small-town rebel girl, one with tattoos and an
attitude, but an insatiable curiosity, and a soft heart beneath the bravado.
For her partner, I chose an intriguing mystery man, wealthy and very
intelligent, but socially odd. A modern-day Sherlock Holmes with a lack of
social graces. From this brief outline, the characters began to grow on their
own, revealing pasts that I hadn’t anticipated, skills I hadn’t chosen, and
characteristics I hadn’t planned (ask any author, the characters have a way
with developing on their own).
Once the main mystery was solved, and my characters were on
their way to developing a reluctant respect, and dare I say affection, for each
other, I had to write a second. I originally planned for a trilogy, but I think
the story will have to lead me. If I need more books to complete the
relationship arc, then more books will come!
After rereading and editing my finished manuscript, I also
ran it through a magic program called “ProWritingAid”. It was my first step in
editing. Once I had reviewed and completed the program, I printed off the
document and sent it to some beta readers.
At the same time, I started looking for a cover. I had
someone on Fivver I really liked who had done other covers for me (see the one
for Talitha and Speak to Me, as well as the ebook Spirit Passing). While the
cover artist did her magic, I started on the second book in the series, trying to
crank out 1000 words a day. As of this writing, I am almost finished with the
rough draft for that one!
Then it was finding a title. I knew early on that my main
character, Lenore, would be a Poe fan. She has a raven named Edgar. It works
for me! So I chose Midnight Dreary for my title and sent that on to the cover
artist. I then went through my favorite Poe Poem and chose a few other lines
that might suit the next in the series.
My edits returned to me, and I got to work reworking and
answering questions that my readers presented. Once those were done, off to the
formatters!
With the bulk of the work done, I am ready to start the
pre-orders! The final cover, manuscript, and formatting will be complete by the
release date, February 24th.
I’ll get back to you soon with an update!!
