I can’t say that the release day of a book is getting any easier, but perhaps I’m getting used to the excitement now. As an introvert, that's saying something!

This is my third book, and I must say each release has been different. The release of Book One of The Chimera’s Apprentice was so completely new to me that I really was flying by the seat of my pants. I hadn’t ordered any books in advance of the release and there were cover issues right up to the deadline—and some very kind ARC readers had discovered some typos. Of course, I had no idea how to get the book into bookstores or libraries.

The launch of my second book, Writing a TV Movie: An Insider’s Guide to Launching a Screenwriting Career, was considerably chill. My publisher, Three Ocean Press, took care of all the details, and I was able to focus on my audience.

The Stone Traveller, my third book and second in the Chimera series, has been a much calmer process and the book is quite different. I think I’m now a more confident writer, and I can feel it when I hit my stride. I knew the publishing process going in, so I was able to just enjoy the writing and not stress about the entire launch and marketing thing.

Sure, I have nerves and feel the tingle of anticipation, but that also translates into fun and excitement. Like giving birth to a baby, one forgets the pain and focusses on the good thing: the baby! I now have three babies that I’m extremely proud of.

My fourth book—The Chimera’s Apprentice, Book Three, will launch October 1, 2022—there, I’ve said it, and I’m proud to admit I’m almost finished the draft. Summer will find me juggling this book and a couple of scripts I’m writing.

An important thing I’ve learned is that books have a long life. They don’t always come out of the gate at a fast pace; they slowly build up speed and will hopefully entertain and inform for a long, long time.