I know I've been talking about the Inkfort Press Publishing Derby a lot, but I am still really excited about it. First of all, I finished my first draft! This was a big accomplishment for me, because this year I was distracted by the next book in Hartfield Chronicles as well as a lot of family commitments. But the first draft is done.
So what's next?
Several things. As far as the derby, I entered the book in the beta phase. It is one of the many (at last count, I think it was 40 submissions) books available for readers to request to read. Some books are shorter (about 40-100 book pages) while others are longer (250+ book pages) with many falling somewhere in the middle. While I can't tell you where mine falls, I will say the first drafted ended up being a little shorter than I expected, though not by much.
If you are interested in reading some of these derby books, perhaps finding a new author to follow (maybe even figure out which book is mine), there are a couple of ways to participate.
Beta Readers
Since are are just starting the beta phase, you can sign up to be a beta reader. Betas are asked to read through the story and provide feedback in a shorter amount of time in order to give the authors time to make changes before publication.
ARC Readers
If you're not sure you have time to beta read, you are welcome to join the ARC teams. These readers will receive a free copy of the book around September 1st in exchange for an honest review. Ideally, you will be able to review the book and provide your feedback on publication day (September 25th). However, your reviews will be welcome no matter when you post them, even if it's after the derby ends.
Now that my first draft is done, I have a few options of what to do next. One is to sit here biting my fingernails waiting to see what my readers think. However, I think I can be a little more productive. I have several stories calling for my attention. When I first sat down to plan what to write for this derby cover, I planned for it to be three stories: the book, a prequel reader magnet, and a full-length sequel. So one project is to continue working on that project.
It's also time to resume my Choose Your Own Path stories. Do you remember those? I've decided to create a separate newsletter for those. Now, by now you've probably noticed today is Wednesday, not Friday. I have learned that Fridays are not a great day for me and Thursdays, the day I usually write my newsletters, aren't much better. So I will be sending my newsletters on Wednesdays for the rest of the year to see if that is any better. This week, I am sending my regular newsletters. Next week, I will send the Choose Your Own Path stories. Since it's been so long, I'll be sending a recap for all of us (myself included) who may have forgotten the story, as well as a new scene with new choices. Moving forward, the story will continue every other week, alternating with the newsletter.
Hartfield Chronicles
Hartfield Chronicles is taking a break!
But stay tuned!
New episodes are coming soon!
Hartfield Chronicles follows the lives of Melinda, Pat, and their friends as they navigate their way through boarding school life. Each episode features two stories, one from Melinda's point of view and one from Pat's, along with an excerpt from Melinda's writing journal. New episodes are published every Wednesday.
Season 6 starts Wednesday, August 16th!
For Hartfield students, Spring Break means two weeks away from campus. Pat has so many plans: earning his pilot's certificate, the Hollywood premiere of Tomodachi, auditioning for a new movie, and spending time with the friends in L.A. that he hasn't seen in months. Melinda's only plan, however, involves being bored for two weeks at home. After an adventurous night babysitting, however, her parents have a surprise for her: she can join her friends in L.A.
Melinda can't wait. There are so many things she wants to see. But most of all, she's looking forward to seeing who Walter and Pat become when they become Wally and Patrick McGregor.
But L.A. isn't exactly the experience Melinda expects. Between Hollywood parties, Pat's ex-girlfriends, crazy fans, and paparazzi around every corner, Melinda questions whether she would be better off back in Connecticut.
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Bedtime Stories for kids
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Familiar Troubles
A Crystal Beach Paranormal Cozy Mystery
CRYSTAL BEACH MAGIC MYSTERY SERIES COLLECTION (Books 1-5)
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Books included in this series collection:
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