As an author, you're not supposed to read your reviews, at least, a lot of other authors will tell you not to. Apparently, it can be discouraging.

But for someone like me, a masochistic perfectionist people-pleaser, I not only can't NOT read my reviews, but I read them regularly and reflect on how to make sure I'm giving readers what they want.

In a few of the reviews I've received for Blood Awakens, I've seen readers express excitement for the book and anticipation for the sequel—which is so exciting to hear! But behind their words, I sense there trepidation. They're thinking, "Here is a brand new author who released one book. Who's to say she'll ever release another, and who knows how long it'll take."

As a reader myself, I know the pain of waiting for the next book in a series you love. I picked up A Court of Thorns and Roses right when it first came out, so then I was stuck waiting that year for the next, then another year or so for the one after that. It's the hardest thing to do when you love a story and its characters!

So, in response to the trepidatious reviews I've read, I wanted to write a blog post giving my readers an update on Puppets Dream and the timeline I'm working with.

First off, you should know that Puppets Dream has already been written, so obstacle one: check! I finished writing it in 2017, but then went back to do a major rewrite of book 1, so it's been on the backburner a little while.

Currently, I'm in the process of correcting some of the major plot issues that I created by rewriting book 1, but things are honestly going smoother than I anticipated. My goal is to complete this revision by the end of August, so I can send it to my editor so she can work on it in September.

SIDE NOTE: While she has it in September, I plan on editing the other book I've been working on Soul of the Crow. My plan for this book is to send it down the traditional path of publishing though, so I anticipate a much longer process from ink to paper, so don't go getting your hopes up. BUT, I thought you all might like knowing regardless.

Once I get Puppets Dream back from my editor in late September/early October, then I will begin implementing the corrections she's made. Because October is such a celebratory month for me (we do 31 days of Halloween, plus it'll be my kiddo's first birthday), I expect to be editing all through October and November.

My goal is to finalize formatting in December so that the book can be ready to publish near the end of the month, or early January.

However, because as I mentioned earlier I am a perfectionist, and because I don't believe in pushing out a product that is less than perfect, if I feel as if I need more time to make Puppets Dream all that it can be, I do intend on extending this timeline, and I hope that readers can understand that. My ultimate goal is to write books that people will enjoy, and sometimes that might mean taking a little more time to make sure they're as close to perfect as they can be.

Thanks for reading, and since the weekend is right around the corner, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. <3