I’m excited about today’s post. February is over, things are beginning to swing forward full-tilt at work, and my brain has clicked into “do all of the things” mode.

This typically happens for me during the Spring. I just didn’t expect it to happen as soon as March hit. Of course, despite its sudden and unexpected arrival, I’m never one to look a field of inspiration and action in the mouth, so I plan on utilizing this time to get ahead on all the projects I will most certainly fall behind on in the summer. And today, I’m going to be sharing these projects with you guys…

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THE WORDSMITH ARCHIVE – WRITING FORWARD

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PROJECT SUNSET (SK)

I still haven’t revealed the true title of this project out in the cyberwebs, but someday… someday…

I’ve been working on Project Sunset for so long now that I couldn’t tell you when or how it got to where it is today. The draft I’m working on–we’re calling it draft 2, but in all reality it’s more like draft 4 or 5 with the amount of times I’ve scrapped and started over–is so unlike the that first book I penned back in 2020. I’d like to say it’s for the better, though can a writer ever be entirely sure about that in regards to their own work?

Suffice to say, it’s coming up on a point where I’ll need some extra eyes on this book. I’ve been sending chunks of chapters to my Alpha reader as I write, which means that once this draft is finished, there will be very little turnaround time between me typing THE END, and my Alpha Reader finishing her round of reading. This is good because it means I can dive right in and make the edits as she’s reading them. It’s also good because this means I can get a head start on the beta reader round.

It’s bad because I’ve never sent a book to anyone outside my close-knit circle before and I am a scared little potato.

BUT! Soon enough I’m going to have to man up and do the thing anyway, and I’m excited to announce that–with the way things have been progressing–Beta Copies are set to release sometime in Late April – Early May! Of course, with the draft not even being finished as of yet, this could very well change in the future. But as the deadline is fast approaching and I want to be as on top of this new process as possible, I’m opening up Beta Reader submissions today.

That’s right. You could sign up to be a beta reader for SK. (please someone, love my novel)

Currently, I’m in the market for somewhere between 5-10 betas. All you’ve gotta do is fill out a questionnaire (simple questions, like your blood type, social security number, and how many sodas you drink per day) to make sure you’re a good fit! Once you’ve been accepted, I’ll send you a thank you email along with some more information about the story and an estimated date for when the book is set to reach your inbox. More information will be posted as the deadline approaches, such as turnaround time and what I’m looking for, specifically through this beta round. But you can get a head start by following the link below to check out the initial questionnaire and signing up to be a beta!

BECOME A BETA READER

Aside from that exciting news, PROJECT SUNSET has been such a blast to write. I’ve hit the stage of this draft where I quite honestly have no clue what’s happening anymore, which is both good and very, very bad. My characters seem to know what they’re doing, at least. (though I’m not sure how reassuring I find this…)

And since I’m really excited about this book, please allow me to give you a snippet from the first chapter… (to make you want to read it, mwahahaha)

It was a typical day in Southpoint—as typical as most Mondays go, that was—and Edward Whittaker had just woken up with a scowl on his face. Edward was, by nature, a particular man, and every aspect of his life, from the fragile wisps of gray hair on his head to the socks donning his white and veiny feet, were to be kept in perfect order. So it came as no surprise to him at all that he woke up with a scowl, for he’d rather been expecting it. And it was even less of a surprise when it stuck there.

Meep…! That’s my boi! Show of hands: how many of you knew Edward was an old man? I certainly did.

Okay, okay, enough about PROJECT SUNSET. I have one other story that I need to squeal about before this post is done, and this one will appeal to the readers of my Smudged thoughts days….

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EVERLOST

I actually don’t know how many people will remember this story (if you’re one of the few, let me know!) but I have some rather exciting news about EVERLOST! Last I spoke of this novel–that I can remember–I mentioned that this book was getting shelved for the time being. This was due largely in part to the fact that I had lost my vision for this story. I loved the characters, I loved the vibes, but the heart of the book was missing.

Thankfully, time away does wonders for a war-torn heart.

I have decided that, alongside finishing revisions for PROJECT SUNSET, it’s time to revisit the world of EVERLOST. (I also fully blame this on the fact that I keep finding bits and pieces of this story on all of my hard drives, and ALSO that Phoebe gifted me with a gorgeous commissioned artwork of Thao and Adaline for my birthday last year.) Despite the fact that this story is a mess and I absolutely have my work cut out for me, I’m excited to revisit this world and untangle all of the plot that didn’t make sense before. Adaline’s story deserves to be out in the world, and I think I’m strong enough to do it now. So! Stay tuned for updates on brainstorming and plotting for my smol chaos children on Crocodoc Island. (because I’m apparently a plotter now. this is a thing, guys.)

And in the meantime…please take a peek at the beta reading form above! I’m so excited to share PROJECT SUNSET with you all soon (so soon, oh my goodness). And if the estimated time frame does not work for you, please let me know! I’m also considering throwing this book through a gamma reader round later in the year, as well, so if that’s something that interests you, definitely let me know in the comments!

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talk to me, peasants!

Eep! So many exciting things are happening, friends! Are you interested in becoming a beta reader for PROJECT SUNSET? Do you remember the good ol’ days of EVERLOST and Smudged Thoughts? (I know my writing friends, in particular, are extremely excited about this particular book. XD) Let’s talk in the comments! And also let me know what projects you’re working on! I want to cheer you on, as well!