Reviews, Edits, and Updates

It's been a while since I've posted anything so I thought I would explain why and give you a quick update on where I am at.

I got my first review on the Beacon from a stranger, and let's just say it wasn't what I expected at all.  Basically in the review the person my writing got confusing at times and my bad grammar really took away from the person really enjoying the book.  I put on a brave face because I didn't want anyone to know how truly upset the review made me.  The best way I can get you to understand how I felt is to tell you this: I spent seven years of my life working on the Beacon and to have somehow say not so nice things about it was absolutely soul crushing.  Just imagine spending seven years working and putting your heart into something; and then working up the courage to share what you've done with someone, only to have them point out all the bad things.  I think you can understand my anger and heart break.  I didn't want to run the risk of retaliating against that person so I ignored my blog, facebook page, and goodreads page to keep myself from saying something I would regret.  Now, I'm at the point where I am at peace with that review, and my original anger has evaporated.

One of my biggest problems in writing is my grammar.  I am no expert and I will never claim to be an expert.  So I've spent the last few weeks studying my English Grammar for Dummies book.  I have a much better grasp of grammar rules, and I'm beginning a third round of edits on the Beacon.  I started the edits yesterday, and every time I forget a rule or am unsure of how the rule works I look it up to make sure I get it right.  It's going to take me a little while to finish the edits so please bear with me.  I've come to the realization that is going to take a lot of time and effort to have the grammar rules memorized.  I also know my Grammar for Dummies book is a bit old, meaning some of the rules are out dated, which is fine because I don't see how those rules are wrong.  I'm also listening to audio books to train my grammar ear.  My hopes is to be a true grammarian by next year (I think that's a pretty reasonable time frame).

I have been thinking about a few things as far as writing and releasing the Forsaken (the sequel to the Beacon).  I am thinking of putting the Forsaken on hold for a few months and finish one of my other drafts.  I've been thinking of doing this for a while now for several reason.  1) I would really like have some time of suspense between the Beacon and the Forsaken.  2) I'd like to expand my fan base, and I think releasing other books will help me do that.  3) I have so many drafts I need to finish.  4) I think it'll be good for me to have something different to write in between a series of books; it will keep me from getting bored.

So this is where I am at right now.  I'm going to finish the edits on the Beacon as soon as possible, and then finish this draft I have that doesn't have a title yet.  I have so many stories planned out; I can't wait to share them with you.