On the Query Trenches

Hello friends!

It’s been a while since I checked in, and things have been busy!

Last year, I revised Finley’s Fabulous Fun Park, my horror novel set in a world of monsters and centered on a theme park. I’ve been querying it since the fall, which is not as exciting as it sounds. Finley’s is the first novel I’ve ever gotten to this stage, and I’m very confident in its quality, and that makes querying all the more daunting. Here’s this story I’ve poured my heart and soul into, but what if it isn’t good enough? What if despite the rounds of editing and the numerous critique partners and beta readers, it’s not up to snuff?

So far, I’ve gotten several rejections and one full request. That one full request was a lifesaver, a glimmer of hope at the end of this long, long tunnel. Even if nothing comes of it in the end, I can rest assured that my novel is the right fit for someone out there.

I also have new projects underway. Currently, I’m about two thirds of the way through a queer romance novel. This is a fairly new genre to me, as most things I write have some sort of fantasy element and a romantic subplot, rather than being a straightforward romance. But I’m having a great time telling these stories and exploring these characters, and I’m drawing a lot more on things I know with this book. You can check out more information about this book on my Works in Progress page.

On the horizon, I’m drawing up plans for a haunted house book I plan to write over the summer. I never thought I’d enjoy writing horror so much, but it’s such a fun genre. I don’t have a solid outline yet; it’s still in the brewing stage, where I just try to feel out the characters that inhabit this story and general tone and direction of the plot.

On the professional editing side, I had the chance to work on several wonderful projects last year! Check out these releases, currently available: Fury & Flame by H.R. Camarillo and How NOT to Kill Dragons by R. Joy.

I’m looking forward to a great year of reading and writing and editing!

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What I wrote this week: Zoo Story: A Romance, August chapters.

What I read this week: Lost in the Moment and Found by Seanan McGuire; Juniper & Thorn by Ava Reid; Joyland by Stephen King; Just Like Mother by Anne Heltzel; Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid.