I’m incredibly proud to announce that my third novel and the culmination of the Sekhmet’s Light Trilogy, Shomu, has gone live in Kindle format. For those of you that have been reading for the last couple years, it means finding out what I’ve been keeping to myself for a while now: how Nicole’s story ends. 

It’s kind of surreal knowing that her story has been told, but gratifying at the same time to know that I’ve actually completed the trilogy. I hope that you’ll agree that the ending fits nicely with the mythology I’ve established. 

As of right now, I’m looking forward to what comes next. There will be one last touch on the SL universe, possibly before the end of the year. A collection of stories that I’m titling The Days Upon the Year to continue the calendar theme of the titles.

As readers will know, Ancient Egyptians had a three-season calendar, each containing four 30-day months. That 360 day calendar, however, leaves us with 5 rogue days unaccounted for. These are the epagomenal days, or Days Upon the Year. Each of these days is said to be the ‘birthday’ of the most powerful gods in the panthon (Osiris, Horus the Elder, Isis, Set, and Nephthys). They’re also said to occur outside of normal time and people believe that strange things happen on them.

For my purposes, each “day” will present a story that ties in with the Sekhmet’s Light trilogy or was touched upon in the novels, but wasn’t shared in its entirety to avoid bogging down the main narrative. You’ll get to see things like the story of the first NuruSekhmet, Aramair’s story, and others. They’re things that add flavor to the universe, but aren’t absolutely necessary to Nicole’s story. 

I’ve also plotted out my next novel, the first in my as yet untitled supernatural thriller series and was blessed with the idea for the second of that one as well. I’m also producing some short stories for the next Talaria Press Founder’s Anthology which has a fairy tale theme to it which should be fun, in addition to helping with proof-reading/editing my husband’s second novel.

Factor in my efforts to find a new day job and I’m on massively busy girl!

Ahem.

So, I hope that you’ll pick up Shomu, if you’ve been reading along. If you haven’t, I have a treat for you. In celebration of the completion of the series, I’m offering the first novel, Akhet, for your kindle Sunday through Tuesday this week. This is a great opportunity to grab it and start on the series, knowing that the whole story is there just waiting to be read!

Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s time to break out the ‘tasty adult beverages’ to celebrate!

I’ve been seeing a lot of blog posts lately, asking about/touting the importance of an editor. I cannot stress enough how invaluable a great editor can be.

With that in mind, I’d just like to take a moment to brag on my chief editor, the brilliant and beautiful Quiana Kirkland. Although I have no doubt that I was a good writer before she started working with me, once I got her help, I now believe that I’m a very good writer, with the potential to become great one day.

Quiana manages to strike the perfect balance between kicking my ass to keep me honest, and cheerleading to keep me motivated. Her humor and encouragement helped make the revision/rewrite process relatively painless and surprisingly enjoyable.

So, why am I stressing this? Because the best thing you, as a writer, can ever do for yourself is to find yourself a great editor to help do these things for you. You need someone to push you to be the best that you can be. Someone who will look at your work, point out the strengths and give you suggestions on where to shore up the weaknesses… but more importantly, you have to listen. You have to keep an open mind and be willing to at least consider their suggestions.

It’s not easy and you’ll need to figure out how to leave your ego at the door, but if you figure out how to do that, you’ll only get better as a writer.

There’s quite a lot going on in my life right now and I thought I’d bring my friends and readers up to speed.

Peret: I will assure everyone that the book is, in fact, done. My marvelous husband, Garth, has the concept for the cover art down and will be working on completing the rendering of it this weekend so I can work on getting it out for all of you. I really think that you’ll like the direction that Nicole’s story is going.

Shomu: Book three of the series is already outlined, and my chief editor has given it the thumbs-up so I’ll be starting work on the manuscript as soon as book 2 is up for sale.

The Days Upon the Year: What the heck is this?! some people might be asking. Well, it’s going to be a collection of 5 short stories/novellas that will tie in with the Sekhmet’s Light world, telling some of the backstories that are hinted at in the series itself. They’re going to include things like Aramair’s backstory and the narrative about the raid lead by Imanekhet and Meshrew, Church’s backstory, as well as part of the story of the first NuruSekhmet ever.  

Short stories: I have a couple short stories that I’m working on currently before I start on Book 3 that will be made available via the Kindle store once they’re completed.

Garth’s Book: I’ve been doing some red-line editing on my husband’s first novel as well and I’m really excited for all of you to get a look at that when all’s said and done. He’ll be introducing you to a fantastic new character and a world that will, I hope, wind up being one of your favorites.

So, that’s what I’m up to these days. Being out of work sucks, but I’m still looking for a new day job. In the meantime, I’m making the best of things by keeping busy!

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