I have had a crazy few months. Teaching keeps me busy 40 hours a week, which leaves little time for blogging or social media, but there is so much going on in my writing world. Unfortunately, there isn’t much to report just yet. I can give you hints, though, about all that I’ve been working on.
First, I’ve been slowly drafting Magic Hunters 3 on Patreon. I’m currently working on chapter 10, so I’m about a third of the way done. I’m super excited to finish this trilogy. I don’t know if you remember, but since I teach fifth grade, I really wanted to put out a series of books for younger readers that my students could enjoy. So, while this project was conceived for them, it’s for everyone, and I’ve had a lot of fun mashing up all the fairytales and nurshery rhymes I could find. We should be doing a cover reveal for book two in January, and (hopefully) both books two and three will release in 2023.
Second, I’ve been hard at work on a proposal for a stand-alone fantasy novel. This is the book that, for years, I have refered to as my Regency fantasy novel. I really can’t say much more than that right now, but I might be working on a map over Christmas break. We shall see.
Third, the search for my three authors to write for the Sunrise Publishing Blood of Kings: Legends Collection is almost done. There were ten authors in the second round, and they are all so talented that it’s been unbelievably difficult to choose between them. I have been reading their work and praying and talking with the Sunrise team, and we are close. I had hoped to be able to announce the three authors in December, but we’re not quite there yet. Plus, I didn’t understand the legality involved in the process. Once we do choose our three authors, we have to wait for contracts to be signed before anything can be officially announced. This makes January a more realistic month for making the big announcement. It will be here before we all know it!
I will say that I now know so much more about what the next few years will look like for me and the Blood of Kings storyworld. It will all start with me writing a novella about a character who will introduce the Legends Collection. I already have an idea, and I am SO excited. The story will begin with Achan summoning this new character to Armonguard to question him, challenge him, and send him on an epic quest that will likely span many years. I haven’t named this character yet. I’m thinking it might be fun to get your help on that. Stay tuned!
Fourth, my husband is a screenwriter and has been for years. Lately, he and I have been networking with those involved in the Portland filmmaking community. We have made several new friends and are learning what it takes to make our own indie films! This will take years, we know, but it’s an exciting adventure to embark upon together. I’ve always loved creating with my husband, so these have been fun times, for sure.
So, that’s the update from me. I’ll have so many more announcements to make in 2023, in which I actually announce official things rather than vague mentions of possibilities around the corner. I hope you’re all staying warm and enjoying the holiday season.
Have a fabulous week, and keep on reading!
~Jill
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