Hello hello readers. May has drawn to a close, can you believe it? What a jam-packed month it’s been. There have been so many developments and by the time you’re reading this, it’ll be officially three months until Heart of Mist is out in the world… (Don’t mind me while I breathe into a paper bag over here)…
But that’s enough rambling, let’s get to the heart of this Monthly Recap!
My Books
Heart of Mist, Book I: The Oremere Chronicles
So last month, I told you about working with a French map maker to bring the realm in Heart of Mist to life… Well, that process is now done and dusted, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with how Beee crafted all the amazing elements and worked with me to perfect the details of the world.
We worked incredibly closely on various design aspects like the terrain and landmarks, it’s honestly been an experience like no other. I wish I had of done it sooner!
Earlier this month I also had the opportunity to actually visit my printer. In my previous experience as a publisher rather than an author, we printed in America, because that’s what made sense at the time. For Heart of Mist, we’ll be printing in America for my US and UK readers, but we’ll also print locally this time round.
The lovely director there showed me around the different machines, and took me through all the paper and finish options. Luckily for her, I already knew what I wanted. But it was actually a really exciting experience, physically seeing the place where my books will be created.
Book II, The Oremere Chronicles
Once again, I haven’t got much to report on this manuscript just yet. But as I mentioned in my last recap – June is the month for this bad boy!
I’ll be hammering away at my keyboard for most of the next month. So hopefully I’ll have some good news to share really soon.
Other works
As I also mentioned last month, I’ve been working on a second prequel story to Heart of Mist. I was lucky enough to workshop this piece with the lovely Jessica A. McMinn, who’s also an up and coming Aussie fantasy author.
I had the pleasure of reading a number of Jess’ shorter pieces, and she helped me immensely with the polishing of ‘The Gift’ – the second prequel story to Heart of Mist.
‘The Gift’ is now available (for free!) to my loyal subscribers (along with the first prequel, ‘Break’). So be sure to to sign up to receive BOTH prequels.
There are plenty more exciting freebies on the horizon, so don’t miss out 😉
Editor’s Life
Writer’s Edit
There’s light at the end of the tunnel! I’ve finished recording all the lessons in the Writer’s Edit upcoming course for Freelance Writers!!!
At times it’s felt like pulling teeth, but now it’s done, I can’t wait to get started on our next course!
After I’ve dedicated some much-needed time to Book II in The Oremere Chronicles, I’ll be diving straight into the creation of our second course – How To Write A Novel.
I’m actually so so excited to get started on this one, and finally share some of my own insights and techniques with our readers.
Freelance
Freelance has actually gotten so busy that I’m turning away clients. It’s a good problem to have as a writer, and it means that I get to share some of my good fortune by recommending clients to my excellent editor friends 🙂
This blog
Since last month, I’ve published two more posts!
I found myself compelled to share my thoughts on the latest book from Sarah J. Maas, A Court of War and Ruin.
And as I get closer and closer to the release of Heart of Mist, I’ve decided to spin my anxieties into something practical with a new blog post series, ‘These Are My (Author) Confessions’ with the first post published just recently on First Book Nerves.
What I read
Another slow reading month for yours truly… Though I partially blame that on the fact that the Outlander books are absolutely huge and I’m currently reading the second in the series.
- A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas
I’m 50% of the way through Dragonfly in Amber, and hadn’t really known what I was committing to… So far there are 8 books in the series, all as chunky as each other. After Dragonfly I think I’ll take a break and get stuck into something a little lighter.
I’ve recently purchased Girlboss, so I’m looking forward to that!
Anyway, that’s enough from me for now.
Until next time,
Helen