The second book in the Blood Mark series is coming along with slow but steady progress. I discovered the outline wasn’t as strong as it needed to be, so I’m beefing it up, adding scenes, increasing the tension. A popular saying repeated in writing circles is that the writer’s job is to get the main character up a tree, and then once they are up there, throw rocks at them. At this stage, I’m throwing rocks at them.
I considered adding references to the pandemic but decided not to. Figured we’re all getting enough of that stress in our day-to-day real lives and don’t need more of it in our downtime. Besides, having the characters masked, socially distant, and staying home feels a little (a lot) boring.
Working Title
I’m still uncertain about a title. The working title is Ghost Mark, but I’m open to suggestions. If you’ve got one, jot it down in the comments below. If I use it, you’ll get credit in the book.
Last month I told you about becoming a bestselling author in three Amazon categories: New Adult and College Fantasy (Books), Ghost Suspense, and Occult Horror. The novelty of calling myself a bestselling author hasn’t worn off.
Now there are two more achievements to add to Blood Mark’s success. On January 12, it was short listed for the 2021 Chanticleer Paranormal Book Awards for Supernatural Fiction. And on January 5, Blood Mark placed 3rd on Go Indie Now’s 2021 books of the year.
Hidden Enemy
And if you haven’t yet, you’ve got to read the review for Hidden Enemy on Scribble’s Worth Book Reviews. I’ve read it a dozen times and it still makes me laugh. Julio Carlos’ enthusiasm is over the top. You can read more about Hidden Enemy here, where you’ll also find buy links and a downloadable PDF of the first chapter.
Successes like those keep me motivated. I can’t say it often enough: Thank you for your part in supporting my books, whether it’s recommending them to a friend, asking your local library to shelve them, or writing a review. Your support means the world to me.
What I’m Reading
On the reading front, I’ve just started Three Mages and a Margarita by Annette Marie. It was a recommendation from someone in the “Fans Of Urban Fantasy!” Facebook group.
I’m always on the hunt for books like mine, commonly referred to as comps (as in comparables) in the book world. If you’ve read a book that would fit on the bookshop shelf alongside mine, I’d love to know about it. Put the title/author in the comments below.
Until next time . . .
XO Jo-Anne
Throwing Stones Photo by Benjamin Davies on Unsplash
You’re so right, pandemic doesn’t need to be included in a story like yours. Maybe it shouldn’t be included in any story. Like you’re saying if the character just self-isolates and sits at home, what fun is that?
You personally are moving very fast on the writers’ scene, such an achievement: bestselling Amazon author! Just wow!
Wonderful news all the way.
Have a good weekend!
Thanks, Inese. I’m glad you agree about leaving the pandemic out of it. Enjoy your weekend as well.
Oh congratulations, Jo-Anne! A best-selling author – that’s so wonderful. And I jumped over to the review on Scribble – that is fantastic – I love the enthusiasm! Wishing you all the success you deserve 🙂
Thanks, Barb! I might have to frame that review.
I agree with not mentioning the pandemic. It could make the book dated quickly. I was playing with the idea myself and decided against it. Congrats on the best seller status!
Thanks, Darlene. I’m daring to hope we see the pandemic wane this year.
Congratulations on your book becoming a bestseller! Woo hoo! That’s an incredible feat given how many books are out there.
And I agree about not weaving in the pandemic. There’s so much being written about it now. Plus, who wants to be reminded of this dark time.
As for the title Ghost Mark, I’d come up with a title not so close to Blood Mark. My two cents! 😊
Thanks, Diana. Bestseller does feel pretty good! I’ll keep your thoughts in mind on the title front.
Congratulations on all the success you’ve had! It’s well deserved, and I like personally like Ghost Mark, but the question is, if you use a title similar to the first, you’re establishing a pattern that readers might come to expect. So, you’d need to think about how many titles using the word “Mark” can you come up with down the road? Just a thought.
You’ve identified the issue precisely. It makes me think a completely different title might be a better option.
Glad you’ve decided not to use the references to the pandemic. When it’s over, I doubt anyone will be thrilled to be reminded of it.
I like the title, Ghost Mark. It’s goes well with the first book.
You might come up with a better title, of course, but sometimes simple is best.
Thanks, Jasna. I’ll keep simple in mind as the suggestions come in. Cheers!
Fascinating post, Jo-Anne, and so full of information! I can’t wait to read the new book.
Thanks, Elinor.
Blood Less
Good one! Thanks for the suggestion.
I enjoyed this post, Jo-Anne, and look forward reading the next book in the Blood Mark series!
Thanks, Sue.