Bloodmines - Update!

To those of you that write, you will know what I mean when I say that this novel took on a life of its own.  It is turning out to be much longer than I wanted, and yet I and the editor agree that what I have written needs to remain.  I guess that just means the series will be a bit longer than the four books I had originally mapped out.

I posted in October that I was taking input from readers on what they would like to see in the next book. I am pleased to say that some of the readers will be getting free copies of this novel as I did incorporate some of the requests and ideas.  I may still incorporate more of them in the next novel.
I have loved my reader interactions through email, Twitter, Goodreads and here.  It makes writing so much more fun to have the feedback, even the negative feedback.

As many of you now know, I had quit my job to write full-time.  Excited by the huge sales, great feedback and reader interaction; I gave my notice at work.  But things did not go as planned and so I had to back-step.  A diagnosis of cancer led to almost immediate surgery, followed by some unforeseen complications.

 I am my own publicist and so I lost momentum and sales, despite good reviews, began to drop.  I was unable to put Bloodmines out when I had originally planned as I lost almost six weeks to just being very ill.  I do not share this for sympathy.   I am six doses into chemo.  I have continued to write despite days were the cold cramps ones hands into claws.  (A strange side effect of the chemo I am on)  Today, I finished Bloodmines.  I am proud to have written this novel in the face of severe sickness, travel, and many telling me to just give up and deal with cancer only.  I also achieved the 50k goal for NaNoWriMo2014.  A goal I was determined to make.

I think that giving in and being "sick" is the worst thing I could have done.  It would have been easy to lay in bed doing nothing and watching T.V. or sleeping.  Don't get me wrong, there have been many days in bed, but with my laptop and hand warming.  I want to beat cancer as badly as Alador wants to complete his geas.

Book 3 is now in edit! It is written.  When the editors get done with their red pens, we will proof and release!

Some things to expect in book 3 without giving too much away:
Dragons in person - not in dreams!
Better explanation of the Geas Stone as requested by readers
Magic

Anything more would give to much away. I hate spoilers.

I love you all! You make each day at my computer a joy.
Cheri

Transitioning to Life as a Writer

It is amazing, one year ago I had not yet attempted to publish Outcast though I was talking about it given that my first children's book was well received.  Now, almost ten months later, I have given notice to become a full time writer and stop working as a counselor.  This blip in the road with my health has been scary but not a stop to my transition.  My last day at work will still be October 2nd.

In the meantime, though there is a clamor for Bloodmines, I am working on a more adult series that will be shorter novelettes for a Chronicles series.  I needed to step away from Alador for a bit having put two novels out for him in six months.  My goal is to still have Bloodmines out around the end of the year though this health may put that off a bit. I will still have three out in a year. Not bad considering I have been working a full time career.

Things I have learned this year:
1.  Pay for a proofreader - no matter how many times I read my own work, the error blend into the story and I can't see them. Biggest negative comment I have is on grammar and punctuation despite my knowledge in this area.

2.  I have a homophone disorder when I am most creative.  When the words are flying, my fingers grab the first spelling no matter the context. Example: Ensure vs Insure

3.  The more I write, the more story is in my head to write.  Even laying in the hospital bed, unable to put words to the page due to narcotics.  ( discovered words on page with narcotics leave out whole clauses) I was till writing the next scene the next chapter in my head.  Now I just have to get home and finish this novelette. It is written, just not on the screen.

4.  That no matter the story, I will not have a consensus on my writing.  I have feedback on how wonderful my in-depth and character build is and negative feedback that not enough is happening.  I have feedback that the first book was to whimsical and not enough depth to the plot and feedback that the second was two dark.  So, what I have learned from this, write MY story. Some will like it and some will not and that is okay.

5.  I have learned how to publicize as an independent author and keep my novels in the top 100.

6.  I have learned that the author community of independent writers is highly supportive and there for you on good days and on bad.

7.  I have learned Cancer will not define me or my world.

8.  Most importantly, I have learned that fantasy is the realm in which my dreams will and do come true.  Whether it is in the writing, the outcomes or the pages themselves, fantasy is my path to happiness.

Thank you to everyone that reads and follows me. Your support during this difficult time has been more helpful than any of you probably realize.

Cheri Matthynssens
aka the balanceguide aka Dragon's Geas

Delay for Book Three - Explanation

I am afraid there may be a bit of a delay for book three.  Yesterday, I received a diagnosis of cancer.  It is serious enough that I am having surgery on Tuesday and I have no idea how long it will take me to get back to writing after that.  I had promised book three out by the end of the year but I am not sure I will be able to deliver.  It is still my intent and my goal, but health may decide I have to slow it down a bit.  Then again, mandatory time off work, may balance that out. I just don't know.

Outcast in Process of Audio Production

I am so excited.  After Outcast came out, my brother, who is a trucker, was asking when it would be on audio. I was like, "I have no idea how to do that."  So asking around, I was referred to a company that links writers and narrators

I have had four auditions and two are in my favorites. One was so exceptional that I am waiting on pins and needles to see if he will accept my offer. If he does, Outcast will be on i-tunes, audible ect in about two months.  It should release about the same time as its sequel is coming out.  I will keep you all updated.

Have a creative and inspired day!

Visual representation of Korpen
Cheryl Can't Draw! Grins!

My First Book Signing! Will be March 22, 2014 in Washington State.

A local bookstore invited me to do my first book signing.  I am so excited.  I have promised my friends around the country that if they can find a coffee shop or a bookstore willing, I would come do a book signing and visit.  

Ran into a bit of a barrier there.  My illustrator wanted me to come back to Minnesota to do some signings there; because I am an independent author through Createspace, many are turning her down.  So for those of you who are using a similar type of publisher for your work, this is how I and the local bookstore got around that.   I ordered a quantity of each book in advance and I am just going to give her a percentage.  We agreed on 30 percent.  She wins.  I win.  But most importantly, I am doing my first book signing! *Dances*  

So for my fans and friends around the country, I will gladly come visit if you set up a book signing.  I even offer kick backs!  As you can see, if I know where and when, I can bring the books!  Below is my first book signing poster!  I am so excited to share my journey with all of you.  Today, as I write this, I am still in the top 100 in at least one category in three different countries.  You are all wonderful!  Without all of you, my dreams would not be coming true.  Without the reader, there is no use for a writer!

If  you are in Washington State, I would love to meet you on the 22nd.  Look forward to many smiles, handshakes and hugs!