So, even if it looks like I didn't accomplish everything I planned to do, know that I did accomplish some pretty huge things that I'm excited to share with my readers when the time is right.
In the meantime, let's see how I did in January at meeting my goals:
1. Finish revisions for Always a Bridesmaid: Grace, the first novella in my new series
Although I'm about a third of the way through revisions instead of completely done on this goal, lots of progress has been made on the series as a whole. First, the series has a brand new title! "Always a Bridesmaid" is gone and the new series title is "A Gateway Romance." There were a few reasons for this change, including the fact that another author already has a series with the original title. The novellas and accompanying full length novel already written for this series all have major scenes that happen at The Gateway in Salt Lake City, thus the new name, which ties the books all together. Another change will be the fact I'm using a pen name for this new line of books. I made this decision because of branding. I didn't want my juvenile readers to confuse my middle grade and young adult novels with the new romance line, and it also made sense to have them separate from my non-fiction and magazine articles. I actually chose my pen name when I was in high school and first considering a writing career and it has great meaning to me. Marie Ellsworth is a combination of my mom and dad's middle names. Since my mother gave me a love of reading and writing, and my father taught me about business, using their names reminds me of their contributions to who I am today. Watch for official announcements on the blog and my Facebook pages when the first novella will be released.
2. Approve cover art and format Kindle edition of Grace
Progress is also being made on this goal, although we are not quite ready yet for a reveal. Since this is going to be the first book in a series it is vital that the cover design is one I am totally, absolutely in love with. So far we have the series title and author name banners and font chosen. I've been looking at lots of photos, hoping to find the perfect couple, season, and location to match the storyline in Grace. Again, I'll let you know as soon as we've found the perfect combo.
3. Complete a client edit (Visit the Precision Editing Group website if you're interested in hiring an editor)
Done!
4. Write two entries for Living in an Osmond World and find appropriate cover art
I wrote one entry for this book, which may actually be released in March if some of my other goals stay where they belong. I haven't found the cover art yet, but I know I have something in the hundreds of photos I've taken over the years. I just have to dig into the photo albums to find the one I want.
5. Finish reading Pirates of the Caribbean: The Price of Freedom by A.C. Crispin
Two years ago I promised one of my sons I'd have this book read by the time he returned from his LDS mission. That day is almost upon us and I'm only halfway through the book! It's good, but the book feels like it weighs 30 pounds and it wear me out to hold it in place so I can read. Plus I got sidetracked and read The Children of Huron by J.R.R. Tolkien, another book my son wanted me to read, so at least I got something done toward a reading goal.
So, what kind of goals can I set for February?
1. Complete revisions and cover art for A Gateway Romance: Grace and release the book on Kindle
2. Critique and revise Tamlyn, the second novella for the Gateway romances
3. Finish drafting Kira, novella number three in the Gateway romances
4. Finalize Living in an Osmond World text and cover art
5. Finish reading Pirates of the Caribbean: The Price of Freedom
Check back in March to see how I'm doing, but in the meantime do yo need to set some public goals of your own?
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