NaNoWriMo is kicking my butt, as usual.

But one good thing has come out of it ...

The rough draft for Book 4 in the Montrose Paranormal Academy series is complete!

Staring at a blank screen and trying to fill it with beautiful words is always a struggle for me.

I much prefer the self-editing phase of writing a novel.

Writing the rough draft for Book 4 was particularly grueling for a few reasons:

1. To create a more compelling series, I decided to add a 5th book to my series.
   
   Which means I needed to change my original outline of Book 4 to accommodate.
   
   
2. I'm trying to write faster so I can release books sooner, especially now that a I have more readers!
   
   Of course, I still want to write a good book, just in a shorter time-frame.
   
   
3. Like I mentioned in my last blog post, New Beginnings & New Deadlines, I just got a new job that takes up part of my writing time now.
   
   I'm still trying to adjust my writing schedule to fit my new work schedule. Anyone who's ever started a new job knows this is a daunting task!
   
   
4. Story elements changed in the middle of writing Book 4. I both love and hate when this happens!
   
   Teaser alert: I gave Will some cool new powers as the Interpreter. Developing his gifts was great for the story, but took extra time to nail down.
   
   Fingers crossed that it'll all be worth it!!

A traditional NaNoWriMo challenge is all about writing 50,000 words of a rough draft in 30 days.

On that front, I've already kicked NaNoWriMo's butt!

Being the overachiever that I am, I went and customized NaNoWriMo to fit my current goals.

Book 4 is due to my editor on November 30th. That's only eleven days away!!

Maybe if I edit 3 chapters a day I can meet that deadline.

But I have a feeling I'll be asking for another extension.

We'll see!

I'll be sure to keep you, my favorite readers, posted!

In the meantime:

I'll be offering Montrose Paranormal Academy, Book 1: The Nexis Secret for FREE next week, 11/24 - 11/27.

Look for the special announcement post next Tuesday!

It's hard to say no to your dream job when it pops up out of the blue and says, "You're hired!"

As of last week, I am the newest Fiction Coach for Self-Publishing School. It's an online school where I started a class in March that changed the course of my writing career.

As in, I actually have one now!

I couldn’t say that before.

For five years I tried and failed to sell more than a few hundred dollars in books a year. Now, I’m earning a part-time income that keeps growing with each book I release.

I have direction and purpose as an author.

But even more than that, I finally feel confident in launching and marketing my books into the world.

All three books in my series rank high on the Amazon Best Sellers list. Book 1 in the series continues to rank #1 in half a dozen categories.

My absolute favorite part of SPS was the one-on-one coaching. (Which is probably why I snatched up the opportunity to be a coach myself!) The course is amazing and very in-depth, but my coach tailored the strategies to fit my series so it stands out in the genre.

In fact, we created a new sub-genre of Clean Christian Academy entirely by accident! Check out my blog I Finally Found My Niche for all the back story.

Right now, I'm in Coach Training for the next week or two.

Everyone knows training can be a challenging process.

I've scheduled writing time into my new work schedule, but a few extra weeks are still needed to complete the next book.

In order to stay sane, I'm pushing back my Book 4 launch schedule.

January 11th, 2021 is the new release date for  Book 4 in the Montrose Paranormal Academy series. It's only a few weeks past from my original end of December target.

To bridge the gap, I've decided to run a Black Friday sale.

Montrose Paranormal Academy, Book 1: The Nexis Secret will be FREE  from 11/24 - 11/27/2020.

Look for that coming up!

I hope you're enjoying Books 1-3 in the Montrose Paranormal Academy series right now. They books are always free on Kindle Unlimited.

 Sadly, this Book 4 delay will probably push Book 5 into a late February/early March release.

But when Book 5 comes out, the series will FINALLY be complete!

Who’s looking forward to that?
Comment below with all the fabulous tidbits you'd love to see in Books 4 or 5...

Are you ready to be part of indie book history?

If you've read my Montrose Paranormal Academy books ...

Congratulations! You're a pioneer reader of a brand new genre.

Without meaning to, I've apparently created a brand new arena in indie fiction...

Clean Christian Academy!

A well-known indie author asked my writing mentor about these new Montrose Paranormal Academy books racing up the Christian YA Fantasy Charts.

"Is this a new trend I should be aware of, Clean Christian Academy?" Well-known Indie asked.

"It is now," my mentor answered.

Then my mentor told me, "I guess you've found your niche."

Even though my new series isn't overtly Christian, it's clean and it talks about angels.

I targeted the Christian market for two reasons:

1. Because it's a smaller niche that is true to my books, and frankly it's the only place I thought my books could compete. (They're not Harry Potter, after all, whose books top the regular YA and Teen Fantasy charts.)
   
   
2. The Christian genre is where I'm most comfortable. I started out trying to market my book in YA Christian Fantasy. I'm just glad I finally found my niche!
   
   

All 3 books in the Montrose Paranormal Academy series have been hanging out on the Amazon Best Sellers Chart for Teen & Young Adult Christian Fantasy.

Last time I check, they were at #2, #10, and #16. (See the chart below)

Funny thing, there's only 1 other Academy book on the list!

Guess I accidentally honed in on a new genre, and found my niche in the process.

Now, I'll have to be the queen of Clean Christian Academy!

No pressure...

If you haven't read the whole series, Books 2 & 3 are on sale for $0.99 now through 10/13:

>>>Check out the Montrose Paranormal Academy Series HERE<<<
Or read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited.

Writing Update:
While I'm definitely working on Book 4 right now, I'm also brainstorming of what else to write in my new genre.

I've had some ideas in my head about a spinoff series that follows James on his European adventures.

A lot of his story goes unsaid in the main series, so it might be nice to hear what he was up to before Lucy showed up in Europe.

Or I might send Lucy's younger sister, Paige, to a European version of Montrose Paranormal Academy.

I just came up with that idea recently, and it excites me the most!

Who knows, maybe I'll do both!

What do you think? Feel free to comment below with your thoughts or ideas.
I'd love to hear from you!

Or check out  my FB readers group where I posted a survey on the topic.

Thanks for supporting my books and being a part of indie fiction history!

The day is finally here...

My BEST book yet is now LIVE on Amazon!

>>>Check out Montrose Paranormal Academy, Book 3: The European Conspiracy<<<
On sale for 99cents through 10/23, or read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited

My editor says The European Conspiracy is my BEST book yet!

Her words were "fast-paced", "fun to read", and "I love this so much!"

Since I pay my editor to be critical, it's nice when she sneaks in such high remarks.

She also mentioned how this storyline comes "full circle" with the other two books.

Even though this story takes place outside of Montrose Paranormal Academy, you'll love reading about all the exciting European destinations as Lucy and her friends travel across Western Europe...

This time with her brother, James.

Finally!

Are you ready to read Book 3?

>>>Check out Montrose Paranormal Academy, Book 3: The European Conspiracy<<<

The moment Lucy's plane touches down in Vienna, she's immediately thrown into the middle of the war between the Three Societies.

At least this time she gets to fight alongside her brother as they travel from Austria to Paris, Venice, Madrid, and England...

With surprise visits from Will, of course!

Joining forces with the Guardians might be a huge mistake, especially when Bryan tries to revive an old love triangle and new players emerge on both sides.

The stakes have never been higher.

Now’s the time to find the last three rubies …

And vaporize them before Nexis kills again.

Lucy has one mission—destroy the Nexis rubies at all costs.

>>>Check out Montrose Paranormal Academy, Book 3: The European Conspiracy<<<

Sounds exciting huh?

I've been itching to write this story for years. I did TONS of research on all of the exciting European destinations.

(Check out my Location Scouting boards on Pinterest for fun info on each city.)

Hopefully, you'll love this book as much as my editor did!

If  you could go to Europe (not during COVID), where would you visit? Leave a comment below and I might put your idea in my next book!
There is plenty of room to travel in Books 4 & 5!

CAN'T GET ENOUGH MONTROSE PARANORMAL ACADEMY?
Join my Facebook Readers Group:
Montrose Paranormal Academy VIP Readers Club

For several years now, I've had this cover design concept in mind for Book 3 in the Montrose Paranormal Academy series ...

And it looks BETTER than the image I had in my head!

I'm still in the tweaking stages, so if you have any suggestions feel free to give me an email shout!

For instance, I just added the extra GLOW to our main girl's outline because the original looked too dark in the thumbnail version. (Designers can definitely be picky! ;)

More good news ...

The pre-order of Montrose Paranormal Academy, Book 3: The European Conspiracy is now live on Amazon...

The new book is set to drop on Monday, October 5, 2020!

My editor raves that it's my best book yet. I hope you guys agree!

Book 3 will be on sale for 99cents for the first two weeks of release. Make sure to grab your copy during the sale window!

But no worries, I'll be emailing you next week when Book 3 finally releases! Can't wait!!

Writing Update:
The Montrose Academy relaunch is still booming! As soon as I put the final touches on Book 3, I'll get cracking on the first draft of Book 4.

I hope to have Book 4 ready for you by the end of the year! :::Fingers Crossed:::

Also, I've definitely decided to add a Book 5 to the series, since people seem to be enjoying all the books so far.

Thank you my loyal readers!

It takes readers like you for a book to have any success at all. Thank you for being a loyal reader of my books. Your support helps me write the next book.

And I love writing books for you!

>>>Check out Montrose Paranormal Academy, Book 3: The European Conspiracy on Pre-order for 99cents!<<<


BTW:
LAUNCH TEAM SPOTS NOW OPEN:
Have you already read the first two books in the Montrose Paranormal Academy series? If so, all you have to do is leave a review and you can get the next book free!

Check out all the details here: Montrose Paranormal Academy Launch Team

Drumroll please ...

Montrose Paranormal Academy, Book 2: Crossing Nexis went live yesterday  with 50 pre-orders!

Can you believe it?!

I'm SO EXCITED that Book 2 in the new and improved Montrose Paranormal Academy series is out!! I hope you are too.

Everything is happening so fast. One happy launch team member emailed me about her review this morning before I even woke up. Go early risers!

If you read the original version of this book when it was simply titled Crossing Nexis, you'll notice a few minor changes.

1. Lucy has some cool new powers.
2. She's a little more badass and take charge
3. Plus, I've amped up a few scenes in the middle and especially at the end.

But other than that, everything else is much is the same as the original version that released in November 2019.

I hope this version is just a little more polished. After all, an author always wants to improve their craft. Especially this writer chick!

Most importantly, Montrose Paranormal Academy, Book 2: Crossing Nexis is pivotal for setting up the rest of the series ...

Whether I end up writing a 4 or 5 book series, only time will tell. Or the number of readers clambering for more! ;)

If you're a loyal reader of the old version of this series, I hope you love this updated installment. If you're new to the Montrose Paranormal Academy universe, I hope you love this gripping sequel.

Is there anything you love or hate or want to add to the series? Comment below with your thoughts!


P.S. I'm working on Book 3 right now. I hope to have it ready for you in October. But sshhh, don't tell. ;)

Yesterday, I had a call with my writing mentor.

He was SO impressed with the numbers for Book 1 that he advised me to release Book 2 ...

AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

I was stunned!

But the numbers don't lie. Readers are responding to Montrose Paranormal Academy, Book 1 in a big way!

All it took was some major updates, a new title, and a new cover ...

Plus a brand new marketing strategy. (Which I'm still learning.)

Who knew?

If you've been a long time Nexis fan, you know that I released the first version of Book 2 back in November as Crossing Nexis. Don't worry, I'll keep that as the book's subtitle.

Luckily, I already sent Book 2 to my editor to review the updates I added for this relaunch.

The next two weeks will be a little crazy as I update Book 2, design the cover, and put the new book up for pre-order.

Unfortunately, that means Book 3 will have to be pushed aside for a week or two.

But I hope you'll agree that in the end, it'll all be worth it!

Honestly guys, my head is spinning right now. I'm still trying to figure out pre-order and release dates.

Right now, I have a TON of work to do to get everything ready in time.

My mentor warned me about this.

He said if Book 1 was uber successful, then I'd need to release Book 2 right away.

I just never thought it'd really happen!

Underneath the shock and awe, I'm ecstatic right now. And SO VERY GRATEFUL for all of your support.

Over the next few weeks, stay tuned for the Book 2 cover reveal, pre-order announcement and release dates.

Who can't wait for the next book? Comment below and tell me all about it.

My new book Montrose Paranormal Academy, Book 1: The Nexis Secret is now LIVE on Amazon ...

... and it's already trending in Hot New Releases!

Bonus ... it's only 99cents through July 31st! (Or FREE on Kindle Unlimited)

>>>Check out Montrose Paranormal Academy, Book 1: The Nexis Secret at 99cents!<<<

So many things have changed about this book from the original story I wrote 5 years ago.

If you read my first novel, The Nexis Secret, you'll notice that I updated a few things:

1. Lucy's quest to find her brother is more prominent thanks to a postcard she receives in the prologue.
2. A big revelation comes in Chapter 2 that was originally in the middle of the book.
3. From the get-go you'll learn more about the secret societies, and their agendas for our heroine.
4. Lucy gets some cool new, and amped up, powers!!!
5. Lucy has her own agenda and makes her own choices in this book. Especially in the souped up ending where her new powers are on full display!

Plus, I made this new map of Montrose Paranormal Academy. Check it out:
 
Obviously, I don't want to spoil too much for you, my loyal and faithful readers.

But since you've been with me from the beginning, I think you deserve the inside scoop.

I REALLY hope you enjoy the new book!

I can't wait to hear your thoughts on all the changes.

I'm hoping to release the rest of the series THIS FALL. Don't worry, I'll keep you posted as always.

Thanks again for your AMAZING support of my new book!

>>>Check out Montrose Paranormal Academy, Book 1: The Nexis Secret at 99cents!<<<

Lucy enrolls at a paranormal academy to find her missing brother, but ends up discovering powers she never knew about ...

The Three Societies that govern the academy want to use her gifts ...

And she's about to find out why they call her the Seer.

Montrose Paranormal Academy is a Clean Paranormal YA series full of slow burn romance, snarky dialogue, and urban fantasy adventure set in New York City.

BTW: Looking for more 99cent books? Check out the SciFi/Fantasy 99cent Sale through 7/26.

Late last night I put the final touches on my BRAND NEW cover!

Are you ready to see the cover for Montrose Paranormal Academy, Book 1: The Nexis Secret?

Drumroll please ...

I designed this cover myself and it took FOREVER! There's a reason I've always paid for cover designs in the past.

Even though I'm a graphic designer, it probably took me two weeks to tweak this cover until it was just right.

I had to find the perfect font ...

And make our snarky heroine glow like lightning ...

And make the smoke look magical ...

The list goes on!

Thank goodness for Google and YouTube tutorials. I actually learned a TON about Photoshop. Plus, I have a cover that I can model the rest of the series after...

I'm SO much happier with this cover than the previous two. I guess it was all worth it!

July 14 is only two weeks away. The new book, with its BRAND NEW cover will be LIVE in 14 days!!!

For release week I'll be having a 99cent sale July 14 - 18th. But don't worry, I'll email you a reminder.

Do you like the new cover? Are you excited for launch day? I’d love to hear all about it.