The Finish Line is in Sight

 Tomorrow, I'll begin reading through my entire manuscript, splitting it up into two days. As long as everything flows and sounds cohesive, I'll move on to formatting, spelling and punctuation, and the like. I can't wait to get the conclusion of my duology out into the world, and I'm excited to dive into a new story! However, rather than jump straight into my next book (a fantasy standalone), I'm considering taking some time to fill the creative well and absorb all I can on two of the aspects of the world. They say your second book is harder than your first, and I'm feeling fairly wrung out after this series. But I've learned some things, one being that I don't think I'm built for series. My creative soul wants to make art and then move on to the new, shiny thing.😂I'm also a pantser/discovery writer. I had to do more planning and plotting than I normally do for the sequel. While it was necessary, it sort of bogged down my process. I want to go into my next book with a filled well so I can write freely and have plenty of ideas to pull from.

Reading . . .

Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer (Assistant to the Villain, Bk. 2). This series is so fun and the definition of a slow burn. I get the feeling we're going to get a Dark Evie in book 3 . . . and also kissing!😉Next, I read Really Very Crunchy by Emily Morrow. Not only is Emily's book a good intro into the crunchy lifestyle, it shows you how to live crunchy (a lifestyle focused on natural living) while also being kind to yourself and others. It's an easy read and, like her Instagram account, a complete delight. I really enjoyed the end of each chapter, where Emily asks a question and follows it with silky, scrunchy, and crunchy examples. Afterwards, there's a word from her husband Jason.

Music . . .

You guys know I love Tommee Profitt's music. I mean, other than NF, he's the only person whose songs tend to make it on every single one of my writing playlists. He has an album coming out this April called The Fall. A few of the songs are already up on YouTube. His website says to imagine "a dark, cinematic . . . movie about the fall of man."

Favorite line from "Garden": "We used to be in the garden, but now we're here where no one's safe.

"Lost": features Billy Ray Cirus and has western vibes.

"Spiral": video visuals scream sci-fi/dystopian.

Enjoying . . .

The Hunting Party on NBC. It stars Melissa Roxburgh, who played on Manifest and has made a couple of appearances on Tracker as Colter's sister (two other shows I love!). She plays Rebecca Henderson, part of a team hunting down criminals who escaped a top-secret prison called The Pit after an explosion led to the death or escape of many of the prisoners.

Blessings,

Jessica ♡