Roxy Boroughs Archives

Blood Mark has a new award. This one from the Eric Hoffer Awards, and I couldn’t be more proud.

When I submitted Blood Mark to a handful of contests, it was a leap of faith. Seeing how well it’s done, I’m so glad I put the book into the ring. It’s now earned seven awards! And it’s not over yet—Blood Mark is still in the running for a few awards that won’t be decided until later in the year. I’ll keep you posted.

New Book Title

First, thank you for your thoughts on the new book’s title. After much discussion, research, and consideration of your input, I’ve named the new book Ghost Mark. As you know, this has been its working title, but it also came up as one of your favourites in the feedback. And because it’s a good fit with Blood Mark and a good match for the book’s subject, I think we’ve nailed it. So, again, thank you!

Ghost Mark Update

I’m thrilled to tell you that the first draft is finished, the first run-through edit is done, and Ghost Mark is now out for the big-picture edit. Whew! When I get that feedback, I’ll incorporate it, and then it’s off to betas. Next up will be the copy editor.

And now that Ghost Mark is on its way, I’m considering a series title. Originally, I planned to use Blood Mark Series, but I’ve been told that repeating the first book’s title is a wasted opportunity to include additional search words to help readers find the books. My first choice for a series name is one Roxy Boroughs suggested (Thanks Roxy!): Dark Dreams. Each of the books would be A Dark Dreams Novel and/or part of the Dark Dreams Series. What do you think?

I’ve now turned my attention to the other pieces of the writing puzzle that make up a book: writing the acknowledgements, teasing out the back-of-the-book description, working with the cover designer, planning the release with publicist extraordinaire, Mickey Mikkelson of Creative Edge Publicity, etc.

One Last Thing

Today, June 2nd, Hidden Enemy is on sale for 99c. It’s the second standalone book in the Gift Legacy Series. You can get it from Amazon, Kobo, Nook, and everywhere else books are sold. Scribble’s Worth Reviews says: the second book starts off with a thrilling scene and heart-pumping narration! OHHHHH YEEEEEAHHHH! JP McLean knows how to grip us at once and make us curious in the first scenes. Awesome!

Until next time . . .

First Draft Complete

The first draft of Witness is done! Though I didn’t quite make the September 30 deadline I set for myself, it was close. I’ve now stepped away from the manuscript to let it steep. I’ll resist tinkering with the first draft as long as I can—a few weeks, a month or two if possible—so I can read it with fresh eyes when I’m ready for the first edit.

And if you’re wondering which name I chose for the psychiatrist in Witness, wonder no longer: I chose Reuben (my apologies to all the Reubens out there.) You might remember this character is shady and his name had to start with an “R”. Reuben has the bonus feature of a dual identity, Reuben AND Ben. Brilliant! Thanks for the suggestion.

An Invermere Interlude

Photo of Elinor Florence outdoors standing beside a life-size rusted metal-sculpture of a moose in Invermere BC — Elinor Florence and moose in Invermere BC

Though the first draft is done, the new book is a long way from done. Still, a completed first draft is an achievement worth celebrating. To that end, I took a short trip to Invermere. It was a writers’ retreat with Elinor Florence, author of Wildwood and Bird’s Eye View. Here she is with Rusty the Moose. I say writers’ retreat with tongue in cheek—very little writing happened. We did, however, enjoy an abundance of laughter, fine wine, and delicious meals.

We also toured local bookstores and libraries from Invermere to Canmore and points in between. I’m pleased to report that Secret Sky is now available at the Invermere library, Radium Hot Springs library, and it’s under consideration at the Canmore Library.

In addition, Café Books in Canmore is now carrying it. This must-see bookstore is larger than it looks, and if an enticing aroma makes your mouth water, it’s their in-store café! You’ve got to check it out.

While at the Radium Hot Springs Library, we took in a talk on Writing Romance by Roxy Boroughs and topped off the day by getting thoroughly wrinkled in the pool at Radium Hot Springs.

Banff

A highlight for me was a visit to the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. The old Canadian railway hotels have a special place in my heart. When I travel, I seek them out and wander their halls, enjoy a drink or a cup of tea, and soak up their majestic ambiance.

Vancouver Social

Prior to my Invermere interlude, students of Mark Dawson’s Self-publishing Formula (SPF) were invited to a Vancouver social at the Tap and Barrel downtown. It was a pleasure to meet James Blatch in person, having seen him on the show for more than a year now, and to meet one of their camera gurus, John Dyer. It was a terrific opportunity to connect with other SPF and Creative Academy peeps.

Short Story Giveaway

And finally, because the short story giveaways have been so popular, I wanted to let you know of another one. A Mysterious Case of the Strange includes FREE short stories in the mystery/suspense and science-fiction/fantasy genres.

My short story Ghost Crimes is in the mix. If you’re one of my VIP readers, you’ll have already received a download link for it. If not, download Ghost Crimes now and let me know what you think.

These short stories are a great way to test drive a new author. I’ve already downloaded six short stories (and I might go back for more).

Mountain header photo credit Kenny Sexton on Unsplash

If you’re looking for a binge read, check out Secret Sky, Book 1 of The Gift Legacy. Get your copy from Kindle with one click right here. And if kindle or ebooks aren’t your preference, click on the bookstore tab for other purchase options, or just click on the covers below.