Relief

The last few months were hard, figuring out how to pace myself with writing. I like to think that with every book I write, I learn a little more about myself. I find myself learning more about my thought processes, about my characterizations, and about the future that I want myself to have as a writer.

I want to be better. I want to do better.

Because of this, the fire in my belly seems to be burning hotter every day, and I can't ignore the itching desire to just make more, to write until my hands fall off.

At 12:00am "Between Bloody Lips" will be released, and I can only hope that you guys love it as much as I loved writing it (even when I wanted to kill it.)

If you want to grab a preorder/download a copy of "Between Bloody Lips" you still have time!

Or, if you want the chance to win a signed set of "The Valentino Family" Series, you can register for on rafflecopter today. 

Thank you all for your support this last year—it means the world to me.

Professional Writing vs. Fandom Writing

I've been writing in fandom for just as long as I've been writing original fiction, and I have a deep love for both. However, there is a big difference between the two and how to deal with fans, and it's something that I'm constantly working to striking a balance between.

In fandom, participation with your readers is vital—you survive in fandom by writing fic, commenting on fic, and commenting on those who comment on your fic. It's a circle that only works because there is a mutual emotional connection between reader and writer, because inversely we are the writers and readers, too.

With professional writing, there is a gap between readers and writers, one that is more important. We can't comment on readers reviews because it looks like we're imposing ourselves on them, trying to influence them. We are expected to keep a much further balance than anything with fandom because, in the end, this is a business.

And that can be really hard for someone who has such a long history in fandom. It goes against everything I've learned to stay silent about reviews, mostly because not responding is what is expected of me. It doesn't matter if it's positive or negative, I just need to pretend they don't exist.

I'm not going to lie—it is rough, but I'm learning. It's a learning curve, and I just hope I don't make any mistakes.

Anyway, more of "Between Bloody Lips" is written, and I'm beginning to feel more confident about what will happen in this story and into the future. There are going to be a lot of things opening in his book; an entire world will begin to show its head, and the plot will become so much deeper.

This story can undoubtedly continue on for a dozen books with what Book 2 opens up, and I just hope that my readers will enjoy it.

"Between Bloody Lips" will be released on May 11th, 2019. Make sure to preorder your copy today!