[image error]

I hear you guys. Thank you so much for supporting me on social media. To be honest, I didn’t know there was hype for my next book. Mainly because I’ve hardly talked about it. Usually, I keep updates posted concerning the writing process and progress on a WIP, but this book actually took all of my attention. Here’s why.

Six months ago, my editor told me that I’m in a Cold, Bending trap. You see, I’ve started several projects and abandoned them since publishing The Cold, Bending Light. It remains my best selling novel, which makes me happy, but I feel like that book was the result of everything I’d learned to that point. At the start, things were going well with Cold, Bending. I’d learned a lot from other authors, classes, seminars, and the simple practice of writing.

Then my father passed away halfway through the book being completed.

I took the pain, the heartache, and channeled it into the story. I wanted the reader to hurt, I wanted the reader to see how much the Gillings family was going through after such a horrific loss. Sometimes, people are ripped away from us far too soon. Good people. I know you hear that a lot with folks who have died before their time. The media only focuses on the good aspects of the person, no faults. My dad had faults. He wasn’t perfect. News flash, neither am I. But Kristi Gillings… I wrapped the pain into innocence, youthful innocence. It simply wasn’t fair, and everyone knew it.

I’m glad that you guys liked The Cold, Bending Light. It means a lot to me. So much emotion and effort went into that book, the creation was a true experience. It’s received acclaim from readers, writers, and in some instances, the press. Not everyone was into it, though, and I get that. It’s okay. Some readers believe they are the experts when it comes to judging writing. Some think that a character’s outfit or eye color is the deciding factor in whether or not the book is good. Others have contacted me stating that the amount of grief and the possibility of moving on presented in the book was inspiring.

Fast forward to now. 5 abandoned books, stories that will never see the light of day, because of how harshly I compared them to The Cold, Bending Light. I’m proud to say, however, that for the first time since, a new book has been fully written.

The Resting Place.

When reworking The Runaway Train, I decided to continue Kathryn Lincoln’s story by presenting her with a case that connects to the previous book, but is also something much different. I listened to all of the feedback on the first book, and am responding to it with this one. I’ve tossed the concept of three different cases leading the story. Some people were confused by that idea, but it’s all good. This book only focuses on one case. Another difference is that, unlike The Runaway Train, it’s very clear who the target audience is. Some people assumed The Runaway Train was for Young Adults. That’s fine. Great.

The Resting Place is not.

Let’s turn back the clock, back to The Cold, Bending Light. That book, in it’s original form, was a bit more violent and contained scenes not meant or never intended for a reader to see. That was part of the painful recovery process that I was going through. In the end, I didn’t want the reader to focus or be distracted by graphic content, but instead feel the pain this family was going through.

The Resting Place isn’t holding back so much. It’s mature, sure, but not overly graphic. The content has already been trimmed some, but there’s no mistake with this book whether it’s for an adult audience or not. It is. Plain and simple. It also explores and expands my Cold, Bending concept of pain and recovery. I did this by presenting one simple thought, right out the door.

Can a person still be a good person even if they’ve committed a terrible crime? What does a criminal deserve?

So there you have it. Wait, that’s not all of my news. This post is running long, so let me just tell you straight forward.

The Resting Place will be out just before winter.

I’m also writing a historical fiction novel with the intention of publishing traditionally. Want to know more? Hell, contact me. It’s based off of a critically acclaimed short story of mine. I don’t mind sharing.

What’s next in the indie universe? Brace yourself. Another Kathryn Lincoln book is already 12k works written, and it’s called The Girl By The River.

Also, one last thing. For my long time fans, again, thank you so much. I’m sorry to say that the adventures of Montana Marrenger are coming to an end. The next Marrenger book, entitled Audacity, will end the Montana Marrenger series. Thank you everyone who followed her throughout her adventures, and her discovery of the truth. It means a lot.

As always, my Twitter is open to anyone who wants to discuss my work. How do you feel about Selena Marrenger ending? What about a direct sequel to The Runaway Train? Do you feel like my previous work was written for YA or not? Don’t be shy. I’m here. It’s okay.