Good Morning all!

As the children have departed for a new day of educational pursuits, I have a little more time to do a few updates on this new page.

I think I will begin with information on Phoenix Rising, the first book in my young adult series Maggie Henning & The Realm. I have gone over my bound galleys and am making the need little tweeks. The cover design has changed from the image displayed here at goodreads. I will be self publishing this book via Smashwords within (anticipated at least) the next 7 days! The paperback version will be available soon after.

PR is a work that I enjoyed writing. Maggie's story is one that had been hammering inside my mind for a few years until finally, she and her cohorts refused to let me be!

Now, here's a big question, one I've tossed around for a few months. "Why self publish?" or the more crass version "Isn't your story good enough for a traditional publisher?" So, let me begin this way- I am my own worst critic. Nothing I write will ever be good enough in my opinion. Every time I settle in and read, or reread, something I have written, I always find something I would change. I did have a few responses via agents/publishing houses who were interested in PR and Maggie's story. One of which wanted to know if I would be willing to change a major plot line of the story...

ummm. no.

Am I stubborn? Maybe. Maybe I shot myself in the foot by declining, but, first and foremost, I need to be true to my story. The change that they wanted to make was huge and would change the entire dynamic of the Maggie Henning story (at this time, it will be a three book series.)

As far as self publishing goes, I opted to go this route not only to avoid a major plot line change. I wrote a story. it was the story I, or better put Maggie, wanted me to tell. I hope that a reader picks the book up and enjoys, escapes, becomes somewhat emotionally invested in the well being of those characters.

Did I write it because I want to be Suzanne Collins of Stephanie Meyer? No. Flat out, No. Its my feeling that a writers writes for the reader, not for the payoff.

That being said, what will the price be of the book. At this point in time, I am not sure. The paperback, due to production costs, will be more than the ebook. I have been toying with the idea of making the first book FREE. Now I know what you may be thinking- "umm...WHAT?!" Yes. Because I want people to READ the book.

I'm not a household name...heck, I may not even be a local name, but this story isn't about ME.

Today, I will be using this blog to post a few tidbits regarding Phoenix Rising. Feel free to check them out!

So, that being said, if anyone has any questions for me, feel free to message me or post them below.

have a great day all!

-LCM