May 7, 2025
Settle in with a short read, and Broken but Undaunted is really perfect for that.
Yesterday was monthly massage day, and since the location near me closed and I have to go to the farther one — now the only one — and it’s by the library, I stopped to pick up a book I reserved. And two others. And then there were free books in the new open space and I had to stop and look but walk out without any, thankfully. The idea is to have FEWER books, not more.
Also, my library’s construction project is coming along and it looks GREAT and I can hardly wait to spend more time there. They’re even putting in a cafe!
Which means I was pretty discombobulated yesterday and it took forever to settle into the day’s work. As a result, I worked late.
I started the second readthrough of this current edit.
Still waiting on the six… Send When Ready, my friends! Having the best book possible is more important than a date on my calendar. (That said, a client may have to wait longer for me than they’d like. It’s all about compromise.)
And I’m chatting with a couple potential clients. Hopefully they come through; their projects look wonderful!
I sat down and realized I had almost 5k words in this newest, latest version of Absolutely Alyssa. I told myself my goal was to cross the 6k mark…
…and then I started deleting and rewriting and the manuscript is now over… 2k words again…
But I LOVE it and it’s finally come into focus and Alyssa comes out swinging and so we’ve got yet another strong woman running through my fiction and who is surprised by that? If it’s you, you haven’t been reading my books!
This World is Not Yours, by Kemi Ashing-Giwa
Help me settle into my own work day by not stressing about operational expenses! Buy my books, hire me to be your editor, and/or fill my ko-fi. Don’t want to just give me money for nothing? Pick up the Beta Reader’s Guide and/or the Writer’s Guide to Library Programs. Both are pay what you want, and as I’ve said before, the goal is to get them out into the world, and picking them up for free is also a way to support me. I appreciate it, the cats appreciate it, and the amount of trouble I do not cause because I am happily editing and playing with words also appreciates it.
May 6, 2025
I was trying to think of which of my books has a book with a character who got a late start or a late bloom, and Taylor fits the bill. Pick up a copy and see why.
Yes, late start today; it was monthly massage day and it was sorely needed. The car is fixed — otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to keep the appointment — but not without more hassle. Truly, the universe is sending me a message.
So let’s get right to it and trust you’ll see this hassle show up in a future book.
I always say I’m an editor first. So editing’s coming first for now on!
I finished the first read-through yesterday and have a sample to work up and get back to the potential client today too.
Still waiting on those same six manuscripts! Send When Ready… it helps us all produce the best book possible.
I continue to have ideas that’ll shape Absolutely Alyssa. At last! Yay!
A new royalty statement arrived yesterday, and thanks to everyone who’s buying my books and/or borrowing them from your libraries. You know I’m a huge supporter of my library. Some of my late start today might be because I stopped in at my library before I headed home this morning.
I also discovered that in addition to Hoopla only listing the first three of the Sheep Farm Books, certain libraries — like my own! How rude — aren’t carrying any of my books. If you use Hoopla or Libby — and I know a lot of my readers do — please request that they carry my books. That way you and others can read them.
And if you are in an area where you can’t get certain titles, just reach out. I want you reading my books, and you can pay the kindness forward by telling others about them.
Diablo Lake: Moon Struck, by Lauren Dane
If you’re getting a late start to the Book of the Day fun, welcome. I’m offering this content for free instead of a paid subscription model, but if you’d like to buy me a figurative bottle of fountain pen ink, here’s my ko-fi link. All funds go to operational expenses around here at West of Mars.
Remember to stop back in tomorrow!
May 5, 2025
I’ve felt like a Pink Snowbunny in hell this weekend, stuck at home because my mechanic can’t fix my tire until today. It’s been a Looooooong ten days, friends. Cross fingers all goes well with the mechanic and I didn’t do anything dumb like bend my rims. Also? Driving on a donut tire is NOT FUN.
One last note: While the Pink Snowbunnies In Hell anthology is now out of print, you can read my story, The Taste of Pink Snow, in the Broken but Undaunted collection, and you can get THAT at any retailer, Libby, Kobo Plus, and other retailers, including my own for less than the other retail sites. Just… not Hoopla. But feel free to request that Hoopla carry it again!
Clearly, I’ll be taking weekends off from posting here, and I’m okay with that. I’m allowed a few days off and things like “Not missing a day in years” aren’t the badges of honor we often think they are. If you’re chained to a task, when are you exploring the other facets of life? As an editor first and then a writer, the more I know, the more I learn, the better I am at my crafts.
I decided I hated this version of Absolutely Alyssa (the third one, mind you), so on Sunday, I deleted the whole thing and wrote 2500+ more words on a fourth entirely new version. Some books are not born easily.
I’m hoping to finish up this first readthrough of my current edit today, but that’s going to be dependent on my car. I need to stop at the grocery and bank on the way from picking it up.
I’m still waiting on those same six manuscripts, and I’ve been fielding a nice number of potential clients… but they seem to make contact and then ghost me. I’ve learned not to stress; it’s hard to be the one rejecting others, especially in a field so full of rejection. The right people will find me and benefit from my editorial skills, much as I’d love to edit for every single author out there. It’s just not practical!
Catfish in Paradise, by Joi Jackson
If that’s not proof I pick these randomly, nothing is because if I were engineering the Book of the Day, today’s book would have been about a car tire, or something automotive-related. It’s been hard being stuck at home!
Reminder that if you like my content, rather than a Patreon model, I’ve got a ko-fi that you can fill. Or you can pick up the Beta Reader’s Guide, or the Writer’s Guide to Library Events, and pay what you want for them. Support comes in many ways, including simply following along here, and/or telling your friends.
Cross your fingers that this is, indeed, the end of the tire saga for me!
May 2, 2025
What book best exemplifies waiting? Permission to Enter. It’s a short collection of short stories and a novella about women. Strong women. Women waiting to be strong, seeking to be strong, finding they are strong. They seize permission to enter, they are afraid of it, they want it, they are waiting for it.
Pick up a copy wherever you like to shop. As with all my books, it’s cheaper at my direct store.
We were waiting for another round of thunderstorms last night, but I personally only got rain. The forecast is for a rainy weekend, so we’ll see what comes of it. And what comes of the new grass that still hasn’t sprouted!
Absolutely Alyssa is a book that’s determined to be a problem child. I mean, it has been for about a year now. But we’re getting there. Slowly.
I slowed my pace yesterday on this current edit, which is fine. I am considering working tomorrow so I can finish the first readthrough; we’ll see how I feel in the morning.
There’s nothing in the queue behind this project, and I am still waiting on those six others! This is why I say it’s a good time to get in touch if you need me.
No Ordinary Love, by Myah Ariel
(affiliate link)
As always, since I’m not doing this series as a subscription, your support is appreciated! Fill my ko-fi and buy me a figurative bottle of fountain pen ink. I have my Benu and my Lamy inked at the moment, so my notes are a light brown (Birmingham’s Gamboge) and a dark purple from old Lamy cartridges that are only about half full, they are so old. Use those babies up!
If you’re my client, for a $9 donation to my ko-fi, I’ll send you via USPS my handwritten notes. Not sure why you’d want them, other than they’re colorful and fun; you can have my typed notes if you ask for them. (Uhhh… this is for clients only, and you can only have the notes on your own book. Do I really need to say that?)
Have a great weekend everyone!
May 1, 2025
Speaking of the cleanup, putting out the Complete Demo Tapes was a sort of cleaning activity for me, bringing this project to a close at last. It feels good to have the Better than a Box Set out in the world, so go pick up a copy!
Big parts of my region are still without power. Trees are down everywhere. My contractor told me yesterday that on another of his job sites, 11 trees were down and his crew spent the morning clearing them. (Now that’s service — and kindness.)
All systems go over here, though.
Just more work with Authentically Alyssa. Nothing exciting, although the work itself actually sort of is. I mean, the story’s taking shape and I’m getting to know Alyssa better. That’s pretty exciting.
I am making good progress on this new edit, exceeding my page count nicely. We’ll see if that continues, but right now, I’m pleased.
And yes, I’m still waiting on those other six manuscripts.
It’s always a good time to talk to me if you need my services.
American Posse, by Mary Walsh
(affiliate link)
Have you figured out the theme yet?
And that’s it over here. I’m in need of a good long nap; the painters were here at last over the last two days. Super men, super attentive to detail, as you’d want in a painter. Two more items on the list to go now that this is done. (Note to contractors: wait until ALL this is done before sending the window washers!)
If you feel like saying thanks for the daily Book of the Day and the overall update, I’d love it if you’d buy me a figurative bottle of fountain pen ink via my Ko-fi. Stop and pick up the Beta Reader’s Guide and the Writer’s Guide to Library Events, too!
Before I go, I want to say thanks to everyone who’s been involved in the cleanup in the region. Pittsburgh got hit HARD the other day, and I know it’s been hard and trying. A lot of my friends and colleagues are without power still, and I’m feeling them — and feeling very lucky. Tonight, it could be me who gets hit. (Yes, we are expecting more storms.)
April 30, 2025
Cover for Populated, written by Susan Helene Gottfried
It wasn’t a dark and stormy night here so much as a storm ripped through, complete with a derecho in the city that left most of my friends without power. I was spared the worst of it, but it did move my porch furniture around and rip the siding off my neighbors’ house. To be fair, I’ve been watching the one piece flapping for about a year now. I kinda knew to look. (Yes, I did text them about it. I’m not THAT cold.)
Despite all the stormy weather, it was a good night for:
I’m still working on Tales from the Sheep Farm 7, Authentically Alyssa (we’ll see if the title changes, but right now I like it). I have been stuck on these two chapters for a few days now, and had the breakthrough I needed last night, so those are getting reshaped and crafted into a better book.
Today’s the last day I remind you that Safe House is still on sale across all retailers!
I started a new project yesterday. I’ve been working with this client for well over a decade now, and their books always challenge me as an editor and are a lot of fun to work on. But yes, I’m still waiting on manuscripts from six others. Five really, since one of those is this same author.
Still, if you need me, reach out. I’m here, enjoying the stormy weather. And as you see, I work on Send When Ready, so I’m able to be nimble and fit new people in, sometimes at the last minute.
The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge by Matthew Hubbard
(affiliate link)
That’s it! Stay safe. I’m hoping your weather’s not stormy, but if it is, it’s the good kind of stormy, where you can luxuriate in a good thunderstorm.
I love it when you say thanks for my daily hard work here by filling my ko-fi. Any money you send in lieu of subscription fees goes toward operational costs here at West of Mars.
April 29, 2025
Ever think about the difference between “I apologize” and “I’m sorry?”
It’s been on my mind for the past few days. I think there is a difference, and it’s an important one. You’re totally free to share your thoughts on this!
More work last night on Sheep Farm 7. And I woke up this morning with some real clarity on where to take the storyline that’ll be an absolute scream.
Combining serious societal issues with a light touch and great characters… that’s me.
Tomorrow is the last day for the sale on Safe House!
I finished up a project yesterday and got it back to its author, and am about to start something new today. A new series from an established author I’ve been working with for over a decade. Yes, a decade.
I am loyal to my people. What can I say? Other than I do good work.
Nightbloom, by Peace Adzo Medie
That’s our day! I feel like I need to apologize for being so uninteresting today, but I’ve been not sleeping well, so I’m tired.
But here’s something for you. If you have a minute, say thanks to my contractors, who went above and beyond this morning and changed a tire for me so now I’m not stuck in the unlikely event that I need to not be stuck. My mechanic can’t change out my tires until next Monday. (!)
And since it’s the end of the month, remember to max out your Hoopla borrows by checking out a new-to-you author, preferably indie. Did you know indie authors get paid when you read our books via Hoopla or Libby? We do! Of course, I encourage you to check out my books, and if you’re a Hoopla user, please speak up and ask them to go back to carrying my entire catalog, so you can read the whole Tales from the Sheep Farm series. Right now, only Maybe the Bird Will Rise, Populated, and Safe House are available to borrow. I apologize for that, but it’s out of my hands… although it can be in yours. If enough people request the return of Saving Sima and Legacy, at a minimum…
Or, you know, fill my ko-fi. All monies go to operational costs here at West of Mars. I have a low overhead, but that doesn’t mean I have no overhead!
April 28, 2025
Cover for Populated, written by Susan Helene Gottfried
ALL the Sheep Farm books! No wonder I’m tired!
Happy Monday! The sun is out, the temperature is low, the house is cold, and I’m tired and recovering from the kickoff Bad Bitch Bazaar here in Pittsburgh. It was a good day, albeit a bit slow. I think everyone spent their book money at Indie Bookstore Day, which had been the day before. Which… I’m not complaining! You’re here because you agree with me that books are important and worth standing up for.
Not much to say here. I didn’t get a lick written on Sunday, go figure, with the Bazaar eating up my day. Saturday, I worked on a variety of projects, more as a palate cleanser, so to speak. I do really like being able to switch between projects.
One other big thing I did was formally submit my story to the Books Books Books Author signing organizers. It’s called “Bashert” and will be included in the anthology that’ll be given to the 50 VIP ticketholders. If you want to see the story (and get me to autograph the first or last page, depending on how the anthology is laid out), look into joining us for the event, and getting a $50 VIP ticket. Another reminder is that the money from all tickets sold goes to charity.
A note about “Bashert” — as soon as the event is over, I’ll have the rights back, which means I can offer it up as a bonus story to my newsletter subscribers, or just save it for another anthology like Broken but Undaunted or Permission to Enter. If you have thoughts or feelings, I’m all ears.
And finally (what happened to not much to say here? Hush. I’m tired), two more days for Safe House to be on sale!
I’m finishing up a short piece today and getting it back to its author, and then starting a really long one. Still waiting on six others to arrive, and I’ll need to take some time off at the end of May/start of June to move my youngest.
As always, it’s a good time to get in touch if you’ll need me anytime after mid-June, with a reminder that if you need a hard deadline — both to get the manuscript to me and to get it back — I gladly hold dates. But if you miss the date getting the manuscript to me, I’m not going to get it back to you on time. In fact, if something’s in the queue, it’ll get priority.
A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows
(Affiliate link, as always)
If you’re having fun with these short updates and the Book of the Day, remember that this isn’t a Patreon, where you subscribe for the content. So if you have a minute and an extra buck, Ko-fi loves to tell me that I have supportive friends. Why not make a donation and help cover operating expenses here at West of Mars?
April 25, 2025
While I had a late night on the deck, y’all were busy buying copies of Safe House. I hope you found a comfortable place to read it!
Yeah… I was working outside again last night so late, I was able to turn on the pergola’s lights. I’ll have to upload the pictures; they are very cool. (VERY cool.) They are, unfortunately, not completely what I wanted, as I’d wanted lights bright enough to read by. That’s not going to be the case. But they’re cool!
I did spoil myself a bit, but after almost 30 years of wanting to have that part of the deck covered so the deck was actually usable… I figure it’s okay. I waited a very long time and spent a lot of time wishing I could actually get outside on my deck. I love to be outside, and if I can figure out how to get my desktop computer out there so I can edit under the pergola? I’m there.
Yeah, I was writing last night. A lot of friends wanted to chat, too, so maybe I didn’t write as much as I’d wanted, but I also spent less time on social media and playing solitaire, so there’s that. The writing I got done pleased me, so that’s another win.
Five more days for you to get your copy of Safe House while it’s still on sale! If you’re in Pittsburgh, you can also get your copies from Blythe Books (at full price; sorry) or from me at the kickoff Bad Bitch Bazaar. First of the season, and I’ll be there with Mary Walsh and Paige N. Staudt. When you catch me in person, I do discount slightly (mostly so I’m not drowning in ones and change!). And, of course, my ebooks are ALWAYS cheaper at my online store.
When it rains, it pours. That’s the mantra of the freelance editor (even those of us who spend a late night on the deck). Another of the eight manuscripts I’ve been waiting on arrived, so now I’m waiting on six, am about to start working on one, and have one in the queue. I love being a busy editor; it lets me sink into the work and forget about life. Total stress reliever. Not to mention how much fun it is, and how gratifying. I love helping my client list be successful. It’s fun to watch, too!
Just for Show, by Jae
(Affiliate link; as always, any money I make goes toward operational costs here at West of Mars)
That’s it! It probably won’t be another late night on the deck because first, it’s Reggae Shabbat night at temple, and this metal head thinks that sounds like fun (and folk Shabbat was getting old and yes, I still am pushing for a Heavy Metal Shabbat), but also? It’s a rainy day here, with storms predicted for later. The pergola is only an overhead cover, so even if I sit out there to dig the thunderstorm (what could go wrong when you sit under a metal structure?), there’s still a chance the furniture and/or I can get wet. Nothing worse than a soggy ass. Plus, it’s hard to write when it’s wet; computers and rain don’t mix. Go figure.
Have a great weekend and I’ll be back with fresh content on Monday. Don’t forget that tomorrow (Saturday) is Independent Bookstore Day! Go support and indie. Keep 37% of your purchase price in your local community, help a local business stay open, and more. There’s never a bad reason to choose to shop local.
Don’t forget to fill my ko-fi and help cover operational expenses! You can grab either the Beta Reader’s Guide and/or A Writer’s Guide to Library Events.
April 24, 2025
I have a super busy day today, and we are starting off with a delightfully chilly morning. (Saving Sima’s here because it’s set in the late fall and there’s a couple times where characters are cold, and what do you mean that’s a lame reason?)
Wow. A lot going on here!
Today’s the monthly Pennwriters meeting, and I am meeting someone before it even begins, on a quick personal matter. All’s good, and the Pennwriters meeting is one of my favorite diversions of the month. I always suggest this type of format to other writers who want to connect — we have no agenda. We just sit and chat and conversation meanders from the personal to the professional, and we swap tips and team up for things and commiserate and it’s just a wonderful vibe.
I got yet more reports from Kobo Plus, and thank you to everyone reading the Sheep Farm books via Kobo Plus! Don’t forget most of the rest of my catalog is available too, and I of course recommend the short story twins, Permission to Enter and Broken but Undaunted. (The “most of” is because the Complete Demo Tapes is only available through my online store.)
And yes! Safe House is still on sale! Again, thanks to everyone who has picked it up so far, and if you haven’t yet, what are you waiting for? Yes, you can start the series here.
And since it’s Indie Bookstore Weekend, I encourage all my Pittsburgh friends to stop by Blythe Books and pick up hard copies of the Tales from the Sheep Farm series. All are pre-autographed. And if you ask, you can get your hands on the only copies of Saving Sima, Legacy, and Permission to Enter that I left there when I did my last restocking run.
OR
Come see me at the Bad Bitch Bazaar on Sunday. Not quite an indie bookstore but a pop-up bookstore, my friends Mary Walsh and Paige Staudt are going to join me on Craig Street and we’ll be glad to put our books directly into your hands.
Wow. Is that enough? It’s more than enough for me!
Like I said, one of the expected edits arrived. I won’t make much of a start on it today, with the Pennwriters meeting and all, but I can’t wait. My roster of authors works very very hard at their craft and I can’t wait to see what this author has come up with.
The Curious Secrets of Yesterday, by Namrata Patel
(As always, it’s an affiliate link!)
How’s that? Lots going on. Wasn’t I just complaining the other day that life was boring?
It’s these chilly mornings. I’m tellin’ ya. It’s the chilly mornings.
And a reminder: If you’re into what I’m doing here, feel free to buy me a bottle of fountain pen ink. Other ways to support me include buying my books, but also reading through services such as Kobo Plus or even your library apps! I get paid if you read that way, too, and it’s always good to support your local library. Plus, your tax money is underwriting the costs, and when else do you get such a great benefit from your tax dollars?
April 23, 2025
It’s just after eight in the morning and my house is 63 degrees right now. I left select windows and the skylights open all night, so all that nice cold air could flood in. It’s called cold trapping, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. The windows and skylights are closed and the house’s improved insulation should retain the cool, easing demand on my AC.
The next door neighbors really ought to learn this trick. I swear, they keep their house at 63, if not colder, all summer.
Their AC unit is right outside my bedroom window. So I get to listen to it all night long.
I worked outside yesterday afternoon again. More on Absolutely Alyssa, Book Seven in the Tales from the Sheep Farm series. Better use that link in the header and catch up! I’m on Book Seven and you’re on book… Which one again?
Speaking of catching up, I switched how my book is distributed to Kobo and get a report from the old distributor for Kobo Plus reads and… well, that was a year’s worth of reads. Thanks to everyone who’s been reading my books via Kobo Plus! That’s a nice chunk of change.
It’s a nice way to warm up after this cold trapping! 63 is a bit chilly!
Safe House is, yes, still on sale! Only seven more days, so you’re running out of time to take advantage of the sale price. As (almost) always, there’s a discount at my direct store!
Since the end of the month is in sight, it’s time to remind you to max out your loans at Libby and/or Hoopla. I know a number of indie writers who’d love for you to borrow their books from the library. I’m one of them.
But it’s a win-win-win. You get to try a new author for free, although I’m not a new author to you.
The author gets paid for the borrow. (Not every author!)
The library gets to brag about their circulation numbers. With libraries under fire by the government, it’s up to us to use them and protect them.
Hey! One of those eight manuscripts arrived!
Now to finish up what I’m working on and start that one… it’s nice to see these manuscripts arriving.
The Body in the Paddy Field by Nadishka Aloysius
(As always, this is an affiliate link)
Not cold trapping your house? Not one of those wonderful people reading my books via Kobo Plus? Maxed out your library loans? You can still support me by donating directly to my ko-fi. Easier than a monthly Patreon (or not, since you can’t set it and forget it), and all money goes to operational costs here at West of Mars. Lots of us small businesses are hurting right now, and I hate to say it, but I’m not immune.
April 22, 2025
It’s boring around here, and I’m struggling to bring you something pithy.
I ain’t got nothin’. Let’s get to it.
I guess I broke my writing into three sessions yesterday; it wasn’t intentional. The first, done on the back deck (I love the back deck), focused on a short I was challenged to write a year ago. I’ve been not struggling with it, but not giving it the time it needs and deserves, either.
The second and third writing sessions, one done on the back deck and the last inside, went back to what’ll be Tales from the Sheep Farm 7.
Safe House is still on sale! Grab it before the end of the month; you’ll see Taylor in future books. They also make appearances in the first two; they’re pretty important to things in my world, so spend some time with them.
Nothing new here, either. I’ve been keeping busy and, as always, learning new things that should make me a better editor.
I wasn’t kidding when I told you things around here were boring!
I Need a New Butt! by Dawn McMillan and illustrated by Ross Kinnaird
(Affiliate link)
Talk to yinz and y’all tomorrow. Maybe I’ll have something to say; there’s plenty to look forward to: the Bad Bitch Bazaar opens for the year on Sunday, and I’ll be there with the tent and authors Mary Walsh and Paige Staudt. If you’re local, stop in to see us!
And as always, if you’ve maxed out your book buying budget AND your loans at Hoopla, Libby, or whatever library app but still want to support the cause, buy me a bottle of fountain pen ink.
April 21, 2025
The Monday after the Bash…
The whole weekend adventure to Ashtabula was a lot of fun. From lunch with two author buddies to jumping in the car and heading up, picking a spot in the crowded room (I love crowded rooms because it means lots of authors and lots of readers), to getting to know some really awesome writers, and then driving home afterward… The Indie Author Bash was a fantastic time.
This was also the second time now I’ve had a tie for bestselling book, which means… time to set my sights on a three-way tie.
This weekend, I’ll be at the Bad Bitch Bazaar in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh. C’mon out and do your part! Three-way tie!
I’m still doing bits and pieces here and there. Part of it is because the long day Friday and then going out on Saturday with a different group of friends wiped me out.
Safe House is still on sale! Nine days left, and thanks to everyone who’s picked up a copy. I can’t wait to hear what you think. Do you agree with the review that “this is a book for our times” or not?
We’re now up to eight manuscripts I’m waiting on, and I’ve already had my first projected arrival date of the time when I’ll be moving my youngest.
If you’d like to stay abreast of my openings and anticipated bottlenecks, be sure to get on my editing newsletter. That’s about all I use it for. You’ll want the “West of Mars” newsletter, not the author one… for this purpose, anyway. I think I write great author newsletters. I give a lot of stuff away!
Something Cheeky, by Thien-Kim Lam
(affiliate link)
I’m glad to have a quiet week of editing work ahead of me. I’ll tell ya that; Monday after the Bash… I’m too young to be this tired!
Like what you see? Go and fill my ko-fi and help me cover operational expenses here at West of Mars. Be sure to pick up your copies of the Beta Readers Guides and the Writer’s Guide to Libraries!
April 18, 2025
oplus_0
I am STOKED about today. (I’m also considering pre-napping.)
Lunch with a couple of good author friends, and then I’m hitting the road to Ashtabula, Ohio for the Indie Author Bash, hosted by author Chelsea Banning and Pretty Good Books. I was a late addition to the roster of 50 authors, and grateful they had room to include me. And I get to meet Chelsea! We’ve been buddies on Threads for a bit now, and if you open a copy of her Of Crowns and Legends, you might see my name in it, depending on which edition you get. Might. Maybe. Go look for yourself.
So that brings us to the daily updates:
Not much to report. I’m talking to other editors, and we’re all agreeing that right now requires flexibility in our pricing and billing practices. The times are what they are, so let’s survive them together.
(And remember: Editors deserve living wages, just like every other person out there.)
I’m still waiting on those seven manuscripts… three have been promised imminently, so let’s see which arrives first. My money’s on the longest one.
Not much to say here, either. I got a bit of work done, but also was fighting a migraine. Spring allergies? The lovely scent of mushroom manure left by the landscapers as they correct the damage done by the contractors? I’m not sure, but it did go away quickly.
Safe House is still on sale! Grab your copy, and remember there’s a further discount if you buy it at my shop.
Island Queen, by Vanessa Riley
As always, links to Bookshop.org are affiliate links, and any pennies earn there go to operational expenses here at West of Mars.
If you like what you see and want to be more directly involved in that “editors deserve living wages” part, here’s my ko-fi. Or send a friend over for an edit.
And if you’re at the Indie Author Bash tonight, be sure to say hi!
April 17, 2025
oplus_0
It’s just a Thursday over here. I’m not a fan of Thursdays; they are always my hardest day of the week. And as we inch closer to the end of my renovations, an issue has cropped up, making me officially cranky.
Didn’t get a lot of work done yesterday; it was one of those nights. Might be contributing to my construction crankiness, or it might be the other way around.
Safe House is still on sale! $1.99 across all retailers. For those of you who’ve picked it up, I’m excited to hear what you think. It’s the most different book in the series so far.
I know the economics of the moment are catching up to a lot of us. I had a discussion yesterday with a long-time client, and if there was ever a moment for flexibility and grace, this is it, even though I’ve always tried to be flexible for my clients. I’m just needing to be extra bendy right now, but I think it’s the right thing to do. So I’m doing it.
Reach out if you need me.
Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy
(Affiliate link… you buy, I get a few pennies to put toward operational expenses.)
That’s it. Like I said, just a Thursday. Not very exciting.
Escape into a good book. We all need that!
April 16, 2025
Let’s just dive in.
Shortened work day for me today, as I’ve got a meeting in the city. It’ll be a fabulous meeting of the minds, I’m sure, but I’d still rather be at my desk, editing away. Lots to do… and yes, still waiting on that pile of manuscripts.
Worked on a couple different first drafts last night, one that shouldn’t be a first draft. It even has a title! For you who are keeping score, it’ll be Tales from the Sheep Farm 7, and hopefully a good entry point to the series. It’ll also feature a female protagonist again, and it’s someone you’ve already met (again).
Today’s the last day for the $1.99 sale of Populated at Kobo. Grab that before it’s gone!
Safe House remains $1.99 across all platforms except my store, where it’s cheaper. The link at the start of the line here will take you to the UBL; look for the Payhip logo, a blue background with a white heart with some designs on it.
The Collected Demo Tapes is still available only at my store! Grab your copy and experience all the stories, in order, uninterrupted.
Love in Bloom, by Lucy Eden
(This is an affiliate link, so your purchase will earn me a few pennies, all of which go to operating expenses around here.)
That’s it!
If you’re having a good time with the book of the day or the rest of these posts, buy my books, support my editing endeavors, or simply donate to my Ko-fi. Be sure to check out the guides at my shop, too. One’s the Beta Readers Guide, for authors and readers, and the other is the Writer’s Guide to Library Events. Pay what you will for those; even free is fine!
Now, excuse me while I go enjoy today’s meeting of the minds. It’s good to step away from one’s desk every now and then. Just wish it didn’t have to happen in the middle of a great edit!
April 15, 2025
Who expected to wake up to a stealth book publication? Not me!
But things came together yesterday — at last! — and I couldn’t see a reason to not put the Complete Demo Tapes out into the world, making it my 14th book publication. This completes the Trevolution series, although plenty of you actually have asked me what happens next in Trevor’s world. Sorry, gang. Time to close that chapter and move ahead. I will always love the covers Lakota Phillips made me for the Demo Tapes books, and watching her soar in her own painting career has been amazing, so I turned to the wonderful Rachel Bowdler for her help.
As a result, The Complete Demo Tapes will only be available at my online store. If I sell out the rest of the Trevolution print copies (right now, there’s one six-book set, one four-book set, and random numbers of Demo Tapes 1, Demo Tapes 2, and Trevor’s Song left) and y’all ask, I’ll put it into print and sell it in person.
Wasn’t a stealth book publication enough?
Populated is still on sale at Kobo! Tomorrow’s the last day, so get on that, if you haven’t already.
Safe House is also still on sale. All month long, as part of this promotion. (That’s two individual links, so click ’em both!)
Nothing new here. Waiting on seven different manuscripts. I take first in, first served but always save space if a client has a hard deadline.
The Scarlet Alchemist, by Kylie Lee Baker
(This is an affiliate link, so if you use it, I’ll get a few pennies.)
Reminder that if you’re having fun here, fill my ko-fi, hire me as your editor, buy and read (and, if you like, review) my books. I even gave you a stealth book publication to entice you! (No, that’s not why I did it; I did it to close out the project.)
April 14, 2025
Cover for Populated, written by Susan Helene Gottfried
This is why, as an editor, I don’t work on books that glorify abuse.
It’s a dream I’m living. Good times.
In situations like this, you learn to look for silver linings. An online friend taking a selfie with the copy of Maybe the Bird Will Rise, which they were about to go buy while at Blythe Books. A Sunday spent on my new back deck, sitting on my new porch furniture, debating opening the louvers on my new louvered roof.
Purring cats.
Reaching the end of one of my manuscripts in progress (the standalone!) and putting it aside to sit some more as I work on something else.
But also!
Populated is still on sale at Kobo for another two days. Grab it while it’s cheap!
Safe House is still on sale across all retailers. Grab that one while it’s cheap, too.
Not much new to say here… The number of manuscripts I’m waiting on hasn’t changed.
If you need me, I’m here. Come prepared to do the hard work. Or come already having done the hard work!
The Three Little Tardigrades, by Sandra Fay
That’s all I’ve got. Hope your weekend was better than mine, Chag Passover Sameach to those who aren’t sickened by matzah, and check back tomorrow for another book of the day.
Remember, if you’re jamming this series I’m doing, filling my ko-fi jar is always a great way to say thanks, if you don’t simply pick up one of my books. Anything you contribute to the jar goes to operational costs around here.
April 11, 2025
It’s the day before I released this short story… fourteen years ago. If you know why I used to release books on April 12, 412 day here in Pittsburgh, then you know today is the day before something most people view as significant.
On to the fun.
While you can’t buy Broken, featured in the image above, as a standalone story anymore, you CAN buy it in the Broken but Undaunted collection. See how it’s right there in the collection name? (Reminder: It’s cheaper at my direct store!)
I was deep in it last night, working on the standalone, when… my youngest called with a DOOZY of a story for me. That ended my writing for the night.
Yesterday, I wrote the back cover copy for the standalone… and for Book Six in the Tales from the Sheep Farm series. I’m pretty sure you can start the series with it, but if you want the fullest experience, get on my mailing list! That’s a hint.
Populated is still on sale at Kobo! Get your copy while you can.
And Safe House is also still on sale, across all platforms. And still a tiny bit cheaper at my own store.
Oh, wow. SO busy right now y’all. Lots to do, but of course room for new clients. Come prepared to work hard! I don’t work with clients who phone it in. Why? Because I don’t phone it in.
Rainbow Islands, by Devin Harnois
Look for me to be adding an affiliate link to Bookshop.org! Just telling you now…
So that’s it. I’m headed back to doing more Day Before stuff, not that there’s a lot to do. Instead of a cake this year, I’ll probably just make a mug cookie or brownie and call it good. (Nope, no Passover observations here. Something about Passover food makes me deathly ill. Leading theory is the short time matzah is baked, leaving the flour partially uncooked.)
April 10, 2025
My most overlooked collection of short stories is the PERFECT image for all the writing report I have for you!
I got a ton done yesterday; all the writing indeed! From touch-ups on a short story for the Books Books Books Event anthology to more fun with the standalone, yesterday was productive.
Thanks to the gang who stepped up when I put out a call for beta readers. I hope you’ll stick around and beta or ARC read for me in the future!
Populated is still on sale on Kobo for another week, so get it while you can!
Safe House is still on sale across all platforms, including my own store for even less. Buy it there and own it. I love Taylor’s story. It’s about hiding who you are until you can’t anymore; we’ve all been there.
I was working on a couple short stories for folks, and that’s what kicked me into gear with all the writing you saw above. Short work is always fun.
I do still have room this year for new clients! Make sure you have your newsletter magnets edited!
A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal
I’ve been handing out my Beta Reader’s Guide to my new beta readers… It’s designed to be for both authors, to know what to ask of their betas, and for betas (current or future) who’d like some guidance, so if you’re not using it, why not? Pay what you will; I just want it used. And while you’re there, grab a copy of A Writer’s Guide to Library Events. Again, pay what you will. Or just drop me a present in the form of cash. That works too and helps support operating expenses, including on the author side.
