The past two and a half years of my professional life have been dominated by The Raven and the Dove, so it's almost strange to sit here now and talk about bringing the series to an end--strange, but exciting. 2022 will be all about sending these characters off with a bang, and hopefully introducing you to a few new ones.
I have no idea how much I'll be able to accomplish over the next twelve months, surely not all of the ideas swirling around in my head, but here's a look at everything I hope to put into motion, assuming my daughter naps long enough to give me some precious time at my computer 😂
Fingers crossed!
My New Year's Resolutions for 2022!
1. Publish The Godborn and the King!
The Godborn and the King goes on sale May 23, 2022 and it's available to pre-order now :) Don't forget to check out the pre-order giveaway if you haven't already -- I revealed the character cards of Brighty and Rafe on Instagram, and I'm just thrilled you guys are loving them so much!
In my 2021 wrap-up post yesterday, I spoke a little bit about how much it meant to me to finish this manuscript. There were times when I literally thought I would never get through it. Times when it took me an entire week to write a single page. Times when I wrote complete chapters in the dark on my iPhone while I held my sleeping daughter. But there were wonderful times too, times that reminded me how much I love this job, how much I adore these characters, and how important it was to continue doing something I love. It's easy to lose yourself in the title of "mom", but this manuscript with all its challenges and joys, allowed me to hold on to a piece of myself. It's going to be especially emotional to finally share it with all of you, and I really hope you love it. I put my heart and soul into this book. 💙
As far as what's to come, I'll be revealing a full book description soon. The paperbacks and hardcovers will be available to pre-order in the late winter/early spring. I'll be sharing teasers. The third and fourth books will both be coming in audio. And there are a few other ideas percolating. If they come to fruition, you'll be the first to know!
2. Write (and hopefully launch) a new romantic comedy series!
It's been a hot second since I published a book under my pen name, Kay Marie. But after spending the past few years in a world of magic, prophecies, dragons, and dire world-ending conflict, I'm ready for something a little more fun. Bring on the romantic comedies!
I've mentioned before, but my next series will be a play on The Bachelor - and I can't wait! It's a second chance romance featuring the new female lead on a hit dating show whose ex-boyfriend just happens to be the executive producer of said show. The two face-off behind the scenes, but the more they're around each other, the more old sparks begin to fly anew :)
The sequel will be a fake relationship romance, and then I have three more books planned in the series (all standalones) -- an enemies-to-lovers, a friends-to-lovers, and a brother's-best-friend. They're going to be SO FUN to write, I can't wait! My goal is to get something published in the fall/winter, but we'll see how much my little nugget lets me get done.
Along these lines, I'm thinking of switching up some things on social media and my website -- ie, launching a new Instagram handle, making a new separate website, maybe a new Facebook page. It's easier for me to keep everything together, but I think it will be easier for you, the consumer, if I separate them a bit. More info to come!
3. Publish more audiobooks and hardcover editions!
4. Work on private passion projects (that may or may not see the light of day)!
Having less time to write might make it seem like I should stay focused solely on the three goals stated above, but I realized over this past year struggling to balance mom life and work life that I need to leave room for unexpected inspiration. I had so little time to work compared to what I was once used to that when I sat at my desk, there was so much pressure to just get it done, I sometimes locked up. But taking a day or two to brainstorm a new project, or maybe write a picture book, or draft up a short story, allowed my creative juices to flow. Too much focus can be a bad thing, I think, in this line of work. I need to leave room to follow my heart and joy as well, while still keeping momentum with the things I know will be shared with all of you.
And those are my goals for 2022!
Hopefully my daughter learns to nap a little better so I can get all (or at least some) of this accomplished. I think it's going to be a wonderful year no matter what!
Well, assuming you guys don't kill me for the ending of The Godborn and the King ;)
Jk...or am I?
😂
All authors are, or should be, readers. So, as is tradition, let's close this out with...
My 2022 TBR!
Happy new year! 🎉🎉
