So, I don’t know if I mentioned it, but I’m self publishing one of my novels.

(Ok, I definitely mentioned it. You got me.)

It’s an interesting journey.

I’ve been learning what can only be described as a metric fuck-ton. It is, uh, enlightening.

And damn difficult.

So far the novel has been through beta readings and multiple revisions. It’s also been professionally edited.

I’ve nearly saved all I need for professional formatting and cover art. Maybe a month, month and a half, and I’ll be reaching out to a few companies to see what they can do.

I’m hoping by sometime in January to have a cover to reveal.

Of the many next steps, and the one you can help me with, is looking for book reviewers and book bloggers. I’ve done some research, and need to do more. But, I thought I’d ask you for input.

Do you have any book reviewers you like? Trust? Are you a book reviewer or book blogger, or Book-Tuber yourself?

Then I’m looking for you.

I know most reviewers have a backlog. Just about everyone I’ve researched so far has a three to four month lead time. Hence the reason I’m putting this out here so early.

In all likelihood, by the time I have hard copies and ARCs ready to go out, reviewers will be ready to begin considering them.

So, hit me up in the comments with suggestions or ideas.

Or, if you’re the book reviewer type yourself, let me know.

It also won’t be long before I’ll be looking to recruit a street team/ launch blitz team.

Before I get there, I have to finish my press kit.

Can’t have a promotion team without materials to promote.

Beyond that, good lord let me tell you, this is a nerve-wracking process.

Not the learning. That shit comes easy to me.

No, it’s the trying to talk to people thing. The “what if it doesn’t work?” thing. The “who the fuck do I think I’m kidding?” thing. All that and much more.

But I’ll tell you what: I’m doing it anyways.

Fall flat on my face. Still doing it.

Never make any money. Still doing it.

Embarrass myself in the public sphere.

Still. Fucking. Doing. It.

(Not that it would even come close to being the first time I’ve embarrassed myself in public. Not even in the top 10.)

I believe in this thing, and I’m doing it.

No matter what.

Maybe you’ve had the same kinds of doubts?

The same kinds of misgivings and second thoughts?

Apparently, it’s quite natural, if you’re not a psychopath.

You’re not a psychopath, are you? Good. Just checking.

We all are just a little bit afraid. (ok, maybe more than a little bit.)

But fear is just your body’s way of encouraging you to take notice. To pay close attention. That’s what being wary means.

It doesn’t mean you should stop pursuing your dream. It just means you should be careful and focused about it.

Watch your step and keep your eye on the path.

So, stay focused – sharp.

And keep working.

That’s what I’m doing.

And, all things being equal, and the creek don’t rise, I’ll be releasing my novel sometime in the first half of the coming year.

It’s a dark, funny, urban fantasy, detective story.

“Drawn to Flame” is the title.

It’s the first book in a series. The second book is already in the beta reader phase.

Look for more about it coming soon.

Until next time…