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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June 2

#1: It’s been a couple weeks since the last update, which means I have plenty to share. Let’s get started.

Over this last stretch, especially since our school year ended, I added 2,000 new words. I also *finished* my rewrites on the 1st half of the book. I’d say I’m probably 80% done with the whole thing and moving along pretty quickly. (I’ve also been reading a lot more! Currently Denis Johnson’s The Stars at Noon as well as The Teacher by Freida McFadden.)

One big thing from this week’s writing: I’m really excited to share what’s happening with each member of the Woods family. In this book, each one is tested in completely different ways, although all paths lead together at the end. It’s a blast, it’s also a little sad, and it’s coming to a close very soon.

#2: Projected release date– October 17, 2025. A little bit later than before… Eek. Again, this is totally a guess, as I don’t even have a cover yet.

The real question is can I finish this first draft by mid-June (when I’m going on a short vacation.) We will see…

#3: I would love to know what you all are interested in with this book! I don’t want to share any sample chapters yet, but I’m not opposed to giving a few details away. Comment below and let me know what you’re most curious about, most excited to see, etc. I’ll try to answer those in the next update post.

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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?