I didn't realize how long it has been since I wrote about my writing. There has been so much going on in life that I think I lost myself for a moment. I've been trying to finish my trilogy-which has taken a significant amount of time-that I sometimes don't have the energy to post. This is no excuse because it makes me feel like I am an imposter. I was believed in order to be a writer, you must write everyday. If I could do this full time, then things would be a lot different; but I am not..yet. I was finally able to finish writing my trilogy. it has been a long time coming. I wanted it to be the best version it can be before putting it out into the world, and I feel like it is.

It has been about four years since my debut novel came out. It was the first book in my trilogy but after realizing the dream of writing a series, I knew I had to rewrite the book. I feel like the new version of my first has grown so much from when I first wrote it that I am excited to re release it. When writing multiple books, you need to make sure that in some way each book is a stand alone. It took me awhile to do this, not understanding how I was going to end it and it still be considered the first book in a trilogy. I never gave up, a few edits later and it is the best version of itself. I cannot wait to publish it and continue the journey through the other books. 

July is a very big month for me. I'll be busy publishing the first book in the trilogy with a few subtle differences. The plot is the same, however the story really comes together and makes it feel so different by staying the same. There will be a new title, and finally a series name that I am also excited to introduce. I will try my best to keep posting on its progress. Hopefully I can get my new website up and running with its new look that I am also excited to share as well. It is already the middle of the year, but there is a lot of things coming and again, I can't wait to share them.

Its been awhile again since I wrote on my blog. I need to get better at this. I guess it is because I haven't had much news in the last few months. Sales have stopped, but it isn't such a bad thing when my trilogy will be coming out. I have sent my trilogy off to the editor. There are a lot of major changes coming to the story. Book 1 has been almost revamped; so I guess it isn't such a bad thing sales are not doing well. The trilogy adds more characters and higher stakes. The best part of writing a trilogy was seeing the dynamics between everyone and if they'd be able to fit together. Of course, everyone has a different personality and the way they think things should be; which can cause it's own problems.
With the trilogy coming out, some changes will also be made to the website; hopefully to make it spark a little more. I think with my first book, I felt like I was an amateur; that maybe this wasn't for me. I had struggled with the idea to continue writing, but there was so much to explore with the universe I want to create within the pages of Behind the Mirage that I have created other book ideas to tie into my trilogy down the road. I hope you come along with me.

I took a break from my blog for a few months, trying to figure out if it is worth still continuing my journey.  The answer is yes. I took a step back from social media. The constant hurt of not pushing out any new material while other authors push out 2-3 books a month really got to my head, so I took a break. It is important to take a break, sometimes to even reevaluate if the stress is worth it. I need to realize that everyone goes at their own pace, and not to be discouraged. I have many stories still left in me and I do not want stop telling them. I am anxious to get my trilogy back from my editor so I can start the process of getting it out into the world. I push my characters farther then they have ever gone and they come out stronger-especially my MC Lex. She has changed so much over the years, and it has been a fun ride. I am making decisions to develop stories for other characters in Lex's world. While I wait to hear from my editor, I am working on other projects. I hope to write for as long as ideas keep flowing. 

Its been a few months since I wrote on my blog. I've been extremely busy writing the 2nd and 3rd book in my debut trilogy and moved on to revising the first book. I am happy to announce that my trilogy is almost finished-like a few days finished. Its a little surreal that my story is coming to an end. I have been working on this project for so long, and my MC Lex has been a part of me that it feels like my child is about to go out into the world on her own. I have decided there are characters who have their own stories that I would love to expand on, but Lex's story is over. I'm reading the last few pages before I send it into the editor and I cannot help but choke up. Lex has been by my side through so many facets of my life. Through loses and finds, through ups and downs. Its funny how a character that you have developed and nurtured for years into the person you dreamed of can actually become a part of your life like a friend. I am excited to finally finish her story, but I am also saddened by it. I hope when my trilogy is finally ready to be brought into the world, people will fall in love with her and all the others as much as I have.

Last time I posted on my book blog, I was in the process of revising the second book in my series and writing the third.  Well, I am here to say that I am close to finishing the third book.  I will admit, I have had more trouble writing the third because the plot was still foreign to me.  The last book in a series is meant to bring to a close the others that have come before.  I struggled a lot with this because I didn't now how I was going to end it.  I went through writers block for a very long time, pushing myself when it wouldn't come.  I started out writing different scenes I wanted to put in the book, and I found I was able to cure a little bit of my writers block.  I have also been struggling with how long it should be.  I have always said to others that ask similar questions, to finish the story when you belief there is nothing left to write.  I do not think there is any right or wrong answer to this question because it is different for everybody.  I also know, that when it is finally sent to the editor, there will be things I can do to expand it.  I am also revising the first; putting things that are in the second and third to make it flow better.  I am excited for this chance, because there are a few things I would like to change.  I knew I was in for the long haul with this, and I do have to say that I find myself exhausted.  I keep pushing because I love telling stories and hopefully one day I can turn it into a career,   

It is hard to believe the middle of the year is already here.  Behind the Mirage as been out for a couple months and its doing ok.  Sometimes I have to remind myself that I am new at this.  I get stressed when sales are slow, or social media isn't working as well as I hoped it would.  I have to realize that I am not the only one on this ship.  I have down some author interviews which turned out wonderful.  You can read one here: authorauntienann.com/2021/06/16/katherine-ann-melton/

Since I am writing a trilogy, I hope all three books will get traction.  Its not a sprint, its a marathon.  I believe I am sprinting through because I have to write a whole book in only a couple months; definitely feeling the pressure.  I've also decided to participate in a book fair/festival.  I need to get myself out there,  I have my list ready of what I need: books-of course-business cards, bookmarks, pens, and other goodies, how to present and to just remember to have a good time.  I am excited and nervous.  I really help it goes well because I would like to get Behind the Mirage more coverage and I would like to participate in more book festivals (maybe even overseas one day).     

These last few weeks have been a little crazy.  Last time I posted, I was in the process of revising the second book in the Behind the Mirage series (the series name will be added later).  So, the second book is finally revised!!  I have not sent it over to my editor yet because I am having a beta reader go over it one last time before I send it.  I have also began writing the third book!  I struggled so much at first with the third.  I wasn't sure why I was having so many problems, maybe because I was overthinking the process.  The way I write, is probably not the most typical.  I write scenes; sometimes random and never in order.  I write scenes for the middle, the beginning and the end.  Not necessarily in that order.  For some reason this seems to work.  I am able to find my way to the finish line.  I think what I was doing wrong, was going against what I was working.  I began to write from beginning to end, spending most of the time staring at a page, and not knowing where to go.  How did I over come this? I took a notebook, went to a winery with my closest friend, and we started to brainstorm.  The 'Brain Juice' (thank you Shannon Brown) put me back on track and I found my way once again.  I highly recommend if you get stuck or get writers block, take a notebook, go to a winery or wherever you feel the juices flowing, and brainstorm.   

Behind the Mirage is finally out in the world.  It is a wonderful feeling that all my hard work has been introduced to the world.  For all those who have read my book, I thank you for all the support you have given me.  Some questions I have received is what is next?  Behind the Mirage is the first book in my debut series.  For the last year I have also been working on the second book in the series, and the third.  After speaking to my editor, we have come to the decision to publish the second and third book together, and ultimately revise the first book.  This is a huge project that I am ready to face full on; and a year to do it in.  I want to bring my readers into the world of Lex without skipping a beat.   I have made the decision to release all three books within a few weeks of each other, then bring them together as a box set.  I think this is the best way to give my readers, and future readers an exciting look into my world.  I have found promoting my book can be challenging, especially for a new author.  It is a lot of work when you are not well known, and hopefully one day I can be an author that is internationally recognized.  I need to stay positive and keep working hard.   

It is finally here!!  My debut novel was published and it is now available.  I cannot express what a wonderful feeling it is to say that.  It has been over twenty years; which I know I have on multiple a=occasions, but I am super excited.  This book has my blood, sweat and tears in it.  I remember so many times I have wanted to quit; and honestly I almost did.  I was frustrated with editing and even writing the book.  I'm not going to lie, writing a book takes dedication.  The next thing in the que is to promote the book.  Since I do not have a large following, it makes it a little difficult to get people to read my book.  My family and friends have been a great asset by telling people they know, and sharing my social media posts on their own pages.  My production team has created a few social media posts for me and I have a close friend who has done the same.  I dedicated a lot of time developing this book, now it is time to continue introducing it to the world.  I would say my fellow new writers, be ready to go through all the emotions; but, continue the journey.  Be prepared to feel hopelessness, frustrations and doubts, but don't let it drag you down.  

It's hard to believe it has been over twenty years since I started my journey to write my first novel.  Nights of frustrations, months of writer's block and multiple thoughts of doubt played like reruns through the years.  I never thought I would finally become a published author.  February 22, 2021 my debut novel Behind the Mirage will be introduced into the world.  The journey has been long and trying; but it has been worth it.  My debut novel is part of a series, and I cannot wait to bring my world into people's lives.  This has been my dream for so many years.  There are so many wonderful authors in this world, and I hope to be one of them.  My first novel is not the only story I have stashed away, I have a few others and hope one day to bring those to life.  I hope you enjoy my debut novel, and hope you follow me on its journey.