Hello everyone! Wow, it definitely has been a while and welp… things have gone array. Let’s chat!
So, What’s Been Going On?
Well, as you know from one of my last posts, I’m a freshman in college, which has its ups and downs. All of last semester, I’ve been trying to work on my writing in my spare time, but, with my 18 credit course load and club commitments, I’ve been struggling to find a lot of time to write and edit my books. Yes, I said books. I’ve got many different projects on the table (like many other writers), but don’t worry, I’m working on getting them done!
I’m currently in my second semester here at UMary and well, it’s been a whirlwind of soooooooo many things already! This semester especially has been a bit crazy. I’m now the president of our creative writing club on campus (!!!) and I’ve been running that club while also being a part of a musical theater troupe and concert band. Honestly, I don’t even know what time I actually have to even sleep these days! Still, I’m enjoying my first year of college and looking forward to what comes in the future!
In addition to all of this, I’m working on developing my writing style and exploring different mediums (comic style stories for example). In doing this, I hope to explore many different ways to share my stories and explore what my writing voice is.
“Where’s The New Book?” One might ask…
So there’s an answer and a half to this. First off, yes, I did announce that the next book would be out by the end of last year. However, due to college and other outside factors, I wasn’t able to get the amount of editing necessary done on time. With the new year already 3 months in, I’m starting to get ready to have it published soon! Some final edits are being put into action and hopefully, I’ll get it done soon. Rest assured, the book will be published by the end of the spring (And here in North Dakota, we’re still in the heart of winter 🙂 )
What More Can I Tell You About Resist?
Resist is going to follow Dimitri Florimond’s life during World War 2. It’ll be his perspective on some of the same things Annabelle went through. Be warned, while Annabelle was mercifully left untouched in many aspects of the war, Dimitri will experience many deep and dangerous emotions, diving into a more darker feel to his personality. In other words, be prepared for 🌟Trauma🌟.
More about the book can be found here.
“Is the Defy Series Still on the Table?”
Yuppers! Don’t worry – this series is still being worked on and trying my darndest to get the trilogy completed. I’m already working on the third one while I’m still finishing the edits and publishing process on Resist. With that being said, being a college student has taken up a lot of the time in which I used to write a lot during. All of my commitments has been making it getting hard to finalize things.
Also, another note about that series. Initially, all three books were supposed to be one book all together with all the different prospective put into one singular timeline. However, when I first worked on Defy, I couldn’t seem to develop my characters enough when I just switched perspectives up every other chapter. I quickly abandoned putting it into one book alone at first. Alas, this is why I have now created a series. My goal is to provide a more fuller story in this manner.
What About Secrets of the Forest?
Ah, yes. My OG work in progress. Yes, I’m still working on publishing the episodes of the book, but I’m also re-vamping some of the earlier episodes. Also, enjoy a new cover design (Pictured down below!)! I’m not changing the storyline, but from recent feedback, I’m making the characters more fleshed out. Overall, it’s becoming a more tense/realistic story. Check it out on Kindle Vella!
If you haven’t started reading the series yet, I would suggest to start now. I’m almost ready with some new chapters! Keep it on your radar – it’s a good read! (If you don’t know what the series is about, here’s the link to the story: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B09PZ2SLMY )
So… What Happens Now?
Well, I’m trying to find good topics to discuss on this blog, besides my story alone. I’m hoping to provide good tips for first time writers and encourage the exploration of historical fiction. Every other week, I’ll try to make a post about some writing topic and hope to engage with more people. I’ll also be active on Instagram and Facebook once again, so be sure to give me a follow! (Instagram: @strivingauthor30) (Facebook: Striving Author)
See You Next Time!
Creatively yours,
L.A. Grabins
