March appeared before I realized January had ended, and now March is almost over. Time needs to adjust its speed limit.

My job is going as smooth as it should. I’m thoroughly enjoying working from home most of the work week. Our dogs continue to get along (Turin is a menace, but we love him). With March here, I’m thinking of a more assertive approach to fencing when the weather is less chilly and damp.

What’s happening with writing? The full manuscript of Morvelving is in the hands of a Development Editor. I’m stylizing the maps for the book, brainstorming book 2, battling the synopsis, working with a book cover artist, and more.

I’ve started to finalize and stylize the maps for Morvelving, and finished one(See right). I love maps and I love drawing maps. Am I good at it? No. But I’m still going to do it. I find it therapeutic to sit a focus on lines and visualize the geography of the world I created. Morvelving is a journey story so the characters travel all over either by necessity or to get to A and B. I enjoy referencing maps in fantasy books, and knew I had to do the same for my novel.

I have sent the full manuscript to a Development Editor, and I will hear from them by the end of April. A Development Editor analyzes the story’s elements—plot, structure, pacing, character development, and themes. This is one of the first steps in the editing process, and one where I don’t expect heavy revisions, but I’ve been mistaken before. There’s a high chance one element needs changes. After I’m finished with any revisions, I’ll send the manuscript to beta readers for critique to see if the story is missing anything.  

In the meantime, I’ve started brainstorming for the next book, following Morvelving’s and Nippiktua’s story. It feels good to start fresh and apply what I learned from writing the first book in the preparation for this one. Once I thoroughly explore the ideas, new characters, ending, and overall plot, I will begin outlining.  

Alongside book 2 brainstorming, I’m developing the synopsis or back cover blurb for the story. I’m planning to use it for queries to publishers in April. I intend to self-publish, but if there’s a chance to go the Traditional route, I’m still going to try. Primarily for the experience and to collect rejections.

Last, but not least, I was able to hire an artist for the cover art! I’m in love with their work and the entire process has been an out-of-body experience for me. They sent me an early draft, and I stared at in shock for an hour, unable to speak. I can’t wait to see more and share when I am able.

I will have more exciting updates in the future!