Next milestone

Along with many of my "extra-curricular" activities keeping me busy this month (ie - board meetings, the summer program I teach in, a tiny bit of vacation time before that), I've been working hard to get "Falling" print-ready. My goal is to get a hard copy out before the summer is over. I really hope to get it set in early August. Well, that's one of my goals. The other goal is to get book 2 "Winter Solstice" out before the end of the summer as well.

So, along with final edits of "Falling" comes trying to finalize a book cover. Yes, I have one for the e-book version, but it's going to change. I like the picture, but it doesn't mean much unless you've already read the book. And it was something I put together. I've always been one of the engineers that had a decent graphical eye, but it isn't my forte. I've poured over pictures and pictures and more pictures. I've tried seeing in my own mind's eye what it would look like. What cover picture would embody my written work... And you know what? It's hard! After a certain point, it's almost like writing.. I just have to get it out. If I don't make a deadline, it won't happen and I'll keep pushing it back. But I really want to have printed copies before school returns.

I've spent lots of evenings this month trying different things, looking at different stuff... "playing" with the layouts. So much so that I didn't get near as much writing done. I did stick to my writing every day, but just didn't give myself enough time to work on it. My wonderfully naturally talented brother (who is infinitely better at art than I am - he has a degree in it!) has just finished his master's degree and can help me out. I can't tell you what a great weight this is off me. I can return to focusing on writing... I was immediately able to let the words flow again and reign free... And stop putting off those edits I needed to make.

I've also finalized edits for "Winter Solstice" (Book 2). The problem now lies in getting a cover for that book! So, I'm back to my cover design issue. I'd like to have the same for the e-book and the print copy. We'll see if that happens. I sure hope it does! With Book 1's cover done (soon), at least there'll be a template for Book 2. It's just finding that picture that will encompass Book 2 that will be the challenge!

Print copies will be available on amazon.com - got to love print-on-demand! As well as through me! Can't wait!