The finished first draft of Book 3: A journey from beginning to end

The. End.

Two words that bring forth fear, despite the intricately deep love and joy I feel when writing them out as the last words in the first draft of a story. For that matter, I suppose the same feelings of satisfaction occur when writing those very words when a story goes into publication, or in a final draft.

Why fear? Deep down, I think it's more a subconscious thought regarding the finish line, with ultimately the brain already wondering, "what next?" That alone can be daunting but one simply pushes on through because of the exhilarating ending that awaits.

The lead up to "the end"? Well, that too is grueling in spirit. It is often a race to reach that spot. While a sprint takes place for much of the process, the marathon turns into quite the slog, especially when the finish line is in sight.

This very thing happened to me with the still-untitled third book in the Seasons of Life series. Four months of solid writing on the first draft, tearing through pages like there was no tomorrow, started me off strong. Then, I slowed to a jog, followed by a steady walk the last two months. I knew the ending I wanted; knew where I wanted the story to go but the words would not arrive. I found I was a little sad the first draft was coming to an end. So, I delayed. And delayed more. I focused on writing the second draft in tandem. Days spent with the very people who inspired these books, however, pushed me to the finish line and, on July 14, those magic words appeared.

Book 3 first draft, background, and sale in July

The Seasons of Life series will be four books when all is said and done. Dedicate to and inspired by my nieces and nephew, this series, for readers age ten and older (and honestly enjoyed by the young and young at heart). Each book takes place during a specific season of the year. The first book in the series is a holiday favorite, Of Snow Forts and Santa (2019). The second book, set in the summer, is Sonya's Summer of Solitude (2025). As previously mentioned, the third book is still without a title (I am close to one, having narrowed it down to three). This book takes place in the autumn months, starting a little early on Labor Day and adventuring all the way to Thanksgiving Day. This book focuses on the youngest of the four siblings and their mischievous adventures during those months.

In honor of the completion of the first draft for book three, I am currently having a hot deal of sorts. Order any of the five books I have written (e-book or paperback) OR my poetry chapbook Whispers in Dreamland between now and July 31, 2026, and you will receive an exclusive sneak peek at the first chapter of this upcoming, middle grade book. OR, if you prefer, the first chapter of one of the other books you may not have read yet.

• The Dragon Princess

• The Blue Gem

• The Dragon Slayer

• Of Snow Forts and Santa

• Sonya's Summer of Solitude

Drop a note in the comments (or msg me) after you order and I will reach out with more details. And do the same if you'd like to order the poetry chapbook. AND, if you happen to own all six of these published works already (THANK YOU) and would like a sneak peek too, let me know!

Thanks for the support to everyone out there in reading my work and spreading the word. I appreciate you and am grateful for you all.

Be bold. Be kind.