Back to Maple Tree...

I haven't had much time to work on my blog or novel writing lately and I am looking forward to getting back to it.  I have so many ideas that I am excited to get to work on.  First, I am trying to finish Under the Maple Tree before I move on to something else.  It's sometimes hard to resist the lure of another idea that would be fun to write, but I would rather have another completed novel than several unfinished stories.  Starting another project before the last is completed will only delay my progress so I will just have to keep plugging along until Maple Tree is finished/edited/published.  Only then will I allow myself to begin working on another story.  I am considering changing directions entirely on my next book, maybe not involving psychology at all.  I write this specific niche that I seem to have a special affection for - psychological thrillers involving mental illness.  It's not something that I originally thought would be my favorite genre, but creative forces often lead me down paths I didn't set out to travel.  (The same is true for my paintings and drawings.)  I don't dwell too long on my ideas or intentions because ultimately, my creativity will produce something entirely different anyway.

Apart from the creative aspect of writing novels, the business end is very important to me.  In order for me to share my novels, I have to promote them.  I haven't had much time to do this either.  I am hoping that if I refocus my efforts, I can spread the word about my novels.  I am slowly building a readership, but I feel that there a lot more people (women, particularly) that will enjoy my writing.  I am currently working on creating video trailers for my books in order to showcase my stories to people who have not had the chance to investigate my novels.  Hopefully the videos will help me promote my work, and be fun to watch too!

I will keep updating my blog with my progress on Under the Maple Tree though at this point, I'm looking at a release date estimation of February at the earliest.  I was hoping to finish it sooner, but it's better to have a well-thought-out book than a rushed one!  I just hope my readers will like it once it's finally published!