Marsha DeFilippo's Blog

My writing and publishing schedule is once again behind my self-imposed deadlines. The plan was to be writing book 4 of the Cozy Quilts Club Mystery series during August and September but edits and marketing for books 2 and 3 have pushed that back at least a month. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about indie publishing, it is that the process is planning what you want to do and then realizing it means another four steps before you can even get to it.

The process

I have a rough outline in place for books 4, 5, and 6. Sometimes I’ll have the words already rattling around in my head whispering (or nagging) just get it started and other times it takes jumping in and hoping my writing time isn’t spent sitting in front of the screen staring at a blank Word doc or procrastinating by convincing myself I have other things to do that are so much more time sensitive. Not having a publisher’s deadline to meet can be both liberating and dangerous if self-discipline isn’t among your strong suits.

Finally

The reward comes when all the behind-the-scenes work is done and the Publish button is clicked. Ha! Who am I kidding? For indies, that just means taking off the writer’s hat and putting on the marketing hat. Would I still have started this post-retirement career if I had any idea how much work and time it takes? Apparently the answer is yes, as I’m still doing it… Writers be crazy.

On August 15th I was interviewed for the Writers, Ink podcast which should be aired on August 28th. Once I have the link, I will be sure to add it to this post . I’m hoping I didn’t embarrass myself too badly. Of course, all the brilliant things I should have said occurred to me after the interview was over. Perhaps I can chalk it up as good practice for the next one.

On August 15th I was interviewed for the Writers, Ink podcast. It should air on August 28th. I’m hoping I haven’t embarrassed myself too much. The host, Christine Daigle, was very kind and calmed at least some of my jitters. We discussed my job duties when I worked for Stephen King as his personal assistant for nearly 33 years until my retirement in 2020, my current release FOLLOW THE CRUMBS, what it’s like to write and publish as an indie author and how that compared to my experiences working with traditional publishers. The hardest question (and which I could not answer) was what was the first book that made you cry? How about you? Do you remember the title of the first book that made you cry?

Update: August 28, 2023

You can listen to the podcast here.

Follow the Crumbs will be on-sale July 25th. The ebook is available at Amazon for ebook pre-order now.

Full disclosure: If you are a Kindle Unlimited subscriber, the ebook will be available for you to download on July 25th.

More information about other formats coming soon!

It’s been a long time since I’ve posted an update but I have been busy behind the scenes. My latest writing endeavor has been a cozy mystery series. The first book is in final edits and I hope to make an announcement soon about a publication date. Book two is written and in the hands of beta readers. Book three is still being written. Stay tuned for updates coming soon!

In my latest newsletter, I announced there would be a short story prequel to Arizona Dreams coming soon. That is now set up and available to download free by signing up for my newsletter. If you’d like to download a copy (even if you’re already signed up for my newsletter), click on the link below.

Download the short story.

I will be running a free ebook download promotion for Disillusioned Dreams, Book Three of The Arizona Series, from April 1-5 but if you just can’t wait, it is now available to purchase on Amazon in ebook, Kindle Unlimited and print formats. You can find if here.

The cover for Disillusioned Dreams is finished! Stay tuned for more updates on the release date, tentatively set for April 4th.

Behind the scenes I’ve been busy with all the prep work for getting Disillusioned Dreams ready for publication next month. The cover is 99% ready to go and the manuscript uploaded to Amazon. There’s also a short story follow-up to Déjà vu Dreams that will be available free–details to come. Currently in the works is a ghost story romance that will be in two formats, a short story and expanded into my next full-length novel–if I can pull it off! ☺️ Stay tuned!

Just testing the system with this one. Nothing of interest.