Dear Writing Diary Entry #21

Preparing for My First Book Event and Back to Revisions

November 13^th, 2024

In this entry, I talk about preparing for my first ever book event and working on revisions for my current project.

*Reminder: If you would like to read and review a free advanced copy of my debut fantasy THE FATED, you can apply here. Those selected to receive an advanced copy will also receive a free short fantasy story.

Dear Writing Diary,

Whoever’s reading this, I hope your week is going well. Here are a few of my latest writing adventures:

1)     Preparing for my first book event!

I’m so excited (and nervous) this week to attend my first ever book event! My debut fantasy isn’t released until February 2025, but one of my college English professors invited me back to my alma mater to talk to students about my writing journey and path to self-publishing. During the event, I will even be reading some excerpts from my novel. Back when I was in college, I was terrified of public speaking, and I must admit, even now at the thought of reading my own words out loud in front of an auditorium of over 50 people, I can’t help but feel some of those nerves resurface. Still, in my experience practicing can often ease my anxiety in these situations, so for the last few days I have been practicing reading the pages I’ve chosen. Wish me luck!

2)    Revising a project to be released next year

In other news, I’ve at last finished the first draft of a project I’m very excited about and looking forward to releasing later next year as well. Like my other works, the genre for this project is fantasy too, and it involves one of my favorite creatures from mythology: the phoenix. This week, I’m focusing on the first part of revisions by reading over the story and leaving comments (via track changes in Word) on what to expand on or add. Once I complete this read, I will dive back to make these changes before moving on to line edits and proofreading. Hopefully, in the Spring or Summer of 2025, I will be able to share exciting details about this project.

3)    What I’m reading

Lately, I’ve really enjoyed fantasy and speculative fiction short story anthologies. I’m currently reading Januaries by Olivia Blake, which I’m liking so far.

4)    What I’m listening to

Ever since I discovered them several years ago, I love the monthly and seasonal indie/pop/folk playlists AlexrainbirdMusic puts together. They just released the playlist for November, which you can find HERE, but the Autumn playlist for 2023 will always hold a special place in my heart. For me, this music is perfect for sipping a hot coffee, tea, or cup of hot chocolate to while relaxing on the weekends.

Here's to seeing what other writing adventures tomorrow holds.
-K

P.S. Whoever’s reading this, if you’ve enjoyed these glimpses into my writing life, could you please hit the subscribe button? I would love to share more of my writing journey with you in the future. :)