Hello, everyone! Since we’re slowly but surely moving past The Band launch and inching ever closer to The Empty Room release in October, I wanted to give you some updates. On the other hand, I’m not even done with the first draft yet (roughly 70% there!), so this will serve as some accountability, too.

So here’s what each update will entail, and these will continue until the first draft is done. And maybe even after! First, a word count update. Second, a projected/fluid release date. And third, a brief summary of what’s happening with the book.

Don’t worry. No spoilers! Just some good, old-fashioned teasers, and a behind-the-scenes look at this chaotic, often-confusing, sometimes-rewarding writing style.

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April 25

#1: This week, I added 4,000 new words again. (That’s 8,000 words in 2 weeks, by the way. Rolling right along.) I also rewrote/edited another 4,000. Those were a breeze. I didn’t find many errors. Lots of things might get changed once I acquire beta-reader feedback, but for now it’s smooth sailing.

Nothing too weird about these chapters, except I’m finally hammering away at the book’s ending. The end of a series… It’s tough to write and plan. I’m doing a bit of both right now.

#2: Projected release date– October 3, 2025. Same as last week. For now…

#3: This week’s writing was a blur, quite frankly. I didn’t use much background music. A few songs for one scene, but mostly I was typing in silence or sitting outside. I’m inching ever closer to the big twist at the end, one you won’t see coming. And of course a variety of reasons why *everyone* goes back to the house on the hill.

Yep, that’s right. We’re going back. And this time, everyone’s in danger, everyone’s involved. Plus, extra excitement: We’re going back for a full quarter of the book. I can’t wait.

Not as much romance in this week’s writing, but definitely some creepy scenes, some hard-hitting dialogue, and a big change with the house on the hill. I think you’ll love it all!

Got any specific questions? Comment on this post or on my social media and I might answer. Or I might avoid the question. But I’ll definitely respond!

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And if you can’t wait until then, check out The Band, my newest novel, a standalone story set in West Virginia about a touring cover band. It’s got murder, mystery, rock-n-roll, romance… what more could you need?