AJ

Introducing My First Fantasy Serial Story: Problems and Potions Fantasy with a Dash of Whimsy

Taking a leap here. I’ll be positing a chapter of a cozy mystery fantasy novella every other Friday on Substack (for free). The synopsis can be found in the post linked below. This is a fun passion project of mine that I felt like sharing :). Problems and Potions

open.substack.com/pub/musingsb...

I know it’s not the New Year yet, but I’m feeling ready for a bit of a restart/refresh. Planning a slow start to creating better habits in both health and writing. Time to move more and build more consistent writing habits.

When you don’t know what to say…post a short WIP snippet:

Erinna thanked the Mother Goddess once again that she had not been born a mage—at least, not a lawful one, anyway.
#writing #writingcommunity #wipsnippet

Finally back to revising draft 4. It’s been a slow few months, but something about the crisp autumn air has me feeling a bit refreshed. If things go well, I’m hoping to have the major changes done by the end of year. Wish me luck! 🍂🎃

My manuscript is currently out for an editorial assessment. I am equal parts nervous and thrilled. This feels like a big milestone to me, even if the feedback ends up tearing it to shreds. The fact that I’ve gotten this far is thrilling.
#writing #selfpublishing #writingcommunity

Would You Share the Stars? Would you, if could, watch the stars?

Okay, I’ve been trying to get more comfortable with sharing my work and figured I would throw a little something out there. A small poem I wrote some odd years ago.

#poetry #writing #writingcommunity #poem

medium.com/@ajm.writes/...

Currently procrastinating on revisions by gathering information on publishing platforms. Do any authors here have experience with publishing to Kobo Plus? I would love to know your experience, and also feel free to drop a link my way so I can peruse.
#writingcommunity #author #writer #booksky #kobo

Thank you!

Thank you!

It was a hard decision but ultimately querying didn’t feel right for myself and I really gravitate to the creative control and freedom that selfpub brings.

It is time to finally admit that I want to self-publish my debut fantasy series. When I say it out loud (or type it), it feels real, like something I need to hold myself to. I am excited and nervous, but ultimately, I think it is the best path for me at this time.
#writingcommunity #selfpublishing

I fear my standalone fantasy is becoming a series. It is equal parts thrilling and terrifying.

I guess it’s hard to contain pirates, adventure, and romance in one book…
#writing #writingcommunity #aspiringauthor

I feel at the end of the day it’s just about our books finding the reader who will enjoy them. I hope you keep making things up!

Just drafted two new chapters for draft 2. There is a voice in the back of my mind telling me that they aren’t good and I need to scrap them. But I know this game. Going to sleep on it and let it rest. Odds are I’ll enjoy them in the morning. If not, revise. All part of the process.
#writing

I don’t know why, but I’m somewhat worried a reader will DNF my book for using the word lapidary…(an important profession in my world). Of course, it’s only draft 2 so who knows if I’ll keep it in.

Anyone else have fears like this?
#writingcommunity #writing

Draft 2 is starting much slower than draft 1…. Hoping that’s a good sign - that I’m taking more care in the details of the story this round.

Anyone have tips or tricks that helped them through the second draft?

#writingcommunity #writing

Thank you! You got this too!!

My goal for the day is to make it to chapter 6 in draft 2. Currently on chapter 4.

Any other writing goals to share for the day?

#writingcommunity #writersky #authorsky #writinggoals

It’s been a minute since I posted….but I am pleased to say that I will be reviewing feedback on draft 1 and hopefully starting to plan my approach to draft 2 ✨
#writersky #aspiringauthor #writingcommunity

Congrats! That’s huge!!!

That’s amazing!!!

Writing update….about 90% of the way through self-edits/revisions in draft 1. So close…I can smell the revisions needed for draft 2.

How are you all doing with your projects?

#writingcommunity #authorsky #writer #writing

Dropping a quick line from my WIP. About 70% through self-edits on draft 1.

He placed a hand on her shoulder, his grip firm. “Stay close to me tonight. The council may want a celebration, but make no mistake this place is filled with predators.”

#writingcommunity #writersky #writing #fantasy

Officially 50% done with the first round of self-edits for project Dark Water (draft 1). Still so much to do, but taking a moment to appreciate how much has been done.

#writingcommunity #writer #writersky

A quick writing Wednesday check in. Edits are slowing, but still going. Enjoy a WIP snippet as I try and make it through the rest of the week!

#wipsnip #writingcommunity #writersky #snippet #writing

Amazing! Glad to find someone in a similar position ☺️. We got this!!

This year I plan to send my manuscript for feedback, decide on a publishing path (I know, I know..), book an editor, engage more with the writing community, and perhaps even finish my debut while starting a second project.

What are some of your #writing goals?

#writingcommunity #writersky

That’s fantastic!! Congrats on those huge achievements 😊

Rounding out the year and reflecting on #writing accomplishments. Planned a story, wrote a draft, and started editing. What are some of your major accomplishments this year?

#writingcommunity #writer #writersky

There is magic in the madness—Draft 1 of my fantasy novel is slowly coming together.

I should (hopefully) be ready for feedback in early 2025. I’ve never made it this far before, and I can’t wait to see where it leads! 🖋️🌟

#writingcommunity #writingabook #writersky #authorsky #fantasywriting