A Writer's Week #30: Dog Days

The term "dog days of summer" really applied to this past week. I'm in the middle of a long project at work that seems to be stretching on forever. It was supposed to be finished a month ago, but probably won't be completed until the end of next month--that is if no other roadblocks crop up.

On the marketing front, the I Like Summer Giveaway was concluded successfully. Thanks to all who entered! Other than that, though, things are slow. Sales of The Deliverers: Sharky and the Jewel, which have tended to come and go in waves, are currently at low tide. Admittedly, my marketing efforts have been minimal this summer. Add to that the fact that any extra cash has been earmarked for our upcoming vacation, and it's really not that surprising that sales have tailed off.

I am looking forward to the fall when I can resume school visits, and when I might have some extra cash to buy a table at a few craft and/or book shows. Besides, after Christmas, I hope to have an additional book to sell!

That leads me into the writing aspect of things. The dog days of summer have struck here, too, but in a good way. I'm deep down into the writing of The Deliverers 2. It's a place where the writing is steady, but it feels like I've been writing the book forever. Still, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm moving steadily to the conclusion.

Each week, my goal is to write 2,000 words. This week, I wrote 2,000 words, which brings me up to 38,000 words, 170 pages and 44 chapters. I estimate that the book will wind up being 50,000 words, which means I'll have the first draft done by the end of September if I stick to my goal of 2,000 words a week and take a week off while we're away on vacation.

I've also spoken to Daniel Vogel about illustrating The Deliverers 2, and he's agreed. So, If editing and rewriting goes smoothly, I'm hoping the new book will be out in January. Something exciting to think about--briefly. But to get there, I'm going to have to keep slogging along; I'm also going to have to come up with a name for the book! Can I keep it up? I'll let you know how it goes next week.