I wrote that title, and I'm not sure I can easily explain how or why six months has disappeared. I would say that I had a ton happening, which is true, but it's more than that. Let's see:
1. COVID - Right? It hit everyone, at least pretty much. It didn't crush things for me, thankfully, but it did change how we do things as a family, etc. None of us have gotten it that we know of, so we feel good about that. No deaths in the family so far. Still, though, it hit things.
2. Writing and editing. I've spent a bunch of time writing and editing. I think I finished two books in the meantime and started three others. One cover was designed for a new series - but it's been sitting there for months now. Mainly due to...honestly? Depression.
3. Depression. What can I say, it sucks. And no, I'm not talking about a deep, dark depression. Nothing like that. Just...sort of all-encompassing? It started with some negative reviews that I thought were off base. Then some comments on advertising I had done through Facebook. I didn't realize how much they were bothering me. You can't fight back on reviews, you know? So you're just left hanging there with their comments staring at you. Honestly, if people hate the stories and the comments are honest and heartfelt? Good. I want to know where I fall short. The ones that bother me are the ones that I feel are way off base. Or making comments about specific story details that were there ON PURPOSE. Yes, the one series does have a rape culture. That's the freaking point. When you have a world where power rules, what the hell do you think is going to happen? Look at what happens now in this day and age where we don't even have magic? You want to tell me my characters are flat? GOOD, tell me that. I can work on that. But you want to hit me for that? Or sex not belonging in urban fantasy? Umm, really? UGH, I'm getting annoyed again. What's worse is that I have no idea if I wrote about this earlier. I'm purposefully not going back to prior posts just in case I get triggered more.
Hmmm...okay, enough. I have 12 or 15 books at the very tail end and ready for publishing. I have to do another read through and final editing and have covers created, then I can get them moving. I'm hoping to have the first of that group out in the next few days. For now, I'm going to be running a free offer on Breaking Barriers to see if folks are interested.
On that note, I'm going to see if I can make my own book cover. We'll see how that comes out.
Until next time - which hopefully won't take 6 months to happen - I hope everyone has a wonderful day.
Bob