July Recap | Full-Length Novels, BookSprout, Street Teams, and Beta Readering on the Horizon!

Hi, Sparrows!

July has been a whirlwind for me. I have no idea what to open with today, because everything’s kinda a big deal. Let’s do this in no particular order:

Brightened Shadows

While NaNo has been a fail overall, I have written the first few thousand words on the sequel to Darkened Light, and that’s super exciting! I feel like it’s been a long time coming (even though it kinda hasn’t), and it’s been great to be back with these characters.

It’s had to take a little backseat while I work through my editing jobs. July has been extremely kind on that front, but it also means that my own books have to wait. I’ve been focussing on Shadow in Ar’Sanciond, but I’ll get to that in a minute 🙂

Blood Wisp Trilogy

This is possibly the biggest change I’ve made all month–if you’re following me on Instagram, Facebook, and/or Twitter, you’ll already have seen it:

Originally, the Blood Wisp trilogy was going to be three novellas. One of my critique partners has pointed out that the three read more like one book rather than three individual ones, and she’s right!

So, what’s currently three novellas will become the first full-length novel, and there’ll be two full-length sequels after that. So, there’ll still be three books, but not quite as I planned 🙂

I’m afraid it’ll take longer because of that (I’m aiming for late 2020 now, so roughly a year later, but no promises–it’s way too early for that!), BUT you’ll also get more Michiko and Aza goodness, so that’ll be worth it 😉

Relics of Ar’Zac

There are a few bits here, so I’ll use sub-headings so you can skip the ones you don’t care about.

Rise of the Sparrows

In case you missed it:

I have a book trailer 😉

BookSprout

Wardens of Archos (Relics #2) is on BookSprout at the moment! There are only 20 copies available for download and review, so if you’d like to review it for free, get it while there are still copies.

My Sparrow Street Team is recruiting!

There are zero obligations, meaning you promote the books you want to promote without worrying about me kicking you off the list when you don’t promote something.

I provide images and links to make it super easy for you.

Take a look at the details and sign up here.

I do have a promotion coming up, but there’s another reason to sign up too:

Blood of the Dragon

This is now with my editor and she shouldn’t be much longer, which means it’s almost time for beta readers.

*totally doesn’t freak out at all*

*breathes into paper bag*

If you’ve read Rise of the Sparrows and Wardens of Archos and want to be a beta reader for the final book in this trilogy, sign up for my Sparrow Street Team and I’ll email you when it’s ready.

Shadow in Ar’Sanciond

This is almost with my editor for its line edit, which means I’ll need beta readers here soon too! You don’t need to have read the other books in the series to beta this one since it’s a prequel novella, so all the more reason to join my Street Team 😉

And that’s it for July! If you have any questions about my Street Team or want to tell me how your July has been, make a tea and leave a comment below <3


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Take me to the Welcome page.

July Goals | Camp NaNo fun!

Happy July, Sparrows!

I always feel energised when it’s warm and bright outside, which is just as well this month! I’m keeping my list short again, partly because it’s a busy month with two birthdays and one graduation but also because the few goals I have set are bigger ones and will take time.

There should be lots of progress ahead!

Brightened Shadows

As of this morning, my NaNo WIP sits at just over 2k 😀

I love being back with these characters and can’t wait to share a few first insights, but it’s a little early for that. For now, just know that it’s coming along well and the suffering is about to start 🙂

I will give you a small look behind the scenes later this month (around the 17th), so keep an eye out for that!

Relics of Ar’Zac

Blood of the Dragon

I’m making the last changes before it goes to my editor. I’m trying the program ProWriting Aid for it and it’s been an interesting experience so far!

Shadow in Ar’Sanciond

As soon as Blood of the Dragon is with my editor, I’ll go over it one last time before it can join it’s older sister on my editor’s laptop.

Once my editor has finished the line edits, I should have tentative release dates for you! I’m still on track for 2019 releases, but I don’t want to jinx it.

And that’s it! Not many goals as you can see, but what I do have will take up my whole month. What will you achieve in July?


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Take me to the Welcome page.

June Recap | Wattpad and NaNo changes

Happy end of June, Sparrows!

This has been such a crazy month–I posted three times since I posted my June goals!–which makes this recap quite exciting!

There’s a summary at the end, so you get all the good bits in one place.

Relics of Ar’Zac

Blood of the Dragon

I’m pleased to say that I finished adding chapters, which means I’ve finished the dreaded rewrites! There were two scenes more (I think) than I thought I’d add, so my word count has come along quite nicely.

It’s currently just over 80k, and I’ll add a few more during my last read-through. Everything needs to wrap up nicely.

Rise of the Sparrows

In case you missed it: the paperback is available again! *throws confetti*

But even more exciting than that, you can now read the prologue and the first six chapters for free on Wattpad!

My plan is to upload the first few chapters of every series starter I have now and will have in the future, so you can see if my books are for you before you buy. I might also post early looks into new WIPs, so it’s worth following me over there if you like those special sneak-peeks.

Darkened Light

I decided on a last-minute change to my Camp NaNo project last week–instead of starting the new Dreamer novella trilogy, I decided to finish the Darkened Light duology!

I announced the title of Book 2 earlier this week, and I’ve spent all week plotting and preparing for NaNo. It’ll be dark, Sparrows. Stock up on chocolate now and you might just have enough by the time it comes out.

My Scrivener index cards are ready. NaNo can come.

Dreamer

What’s going to happen with the Dreamer trilogy, you ask?

I have spent most of June plotting it and getting to know my characters, so when I come back to it (very likely once I’ve set the first draft of Brightened Shadows to proof) I’ll have a good head-start. I introduced Esta earlier this month and have a lot more to show you!

It was starting to feel a little forced and the plot had moved away from my original idea too much, so I think letting it simmer for a little longer is best for myself and the books.

It’ll probably be my NaNoWriMo project in November, so I’ve got time to sort it out.

To summarise…

Rise of the Sparrows is on Wattpad. (Prologue – Chapter 6)

The paperback of Rise of the Sparrows is available again.

I’ll be working on Brightened Shadows (Darkened Light #2) for Camp NaNo.

I introduced Esta Anderson, the MC of my new Dreamer trilogy.

And that about sums it up! What have you achieved this month? Make a tea and tell me about your achievements <3


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June Goals | Time to look ahead and PLOT

Happy June, Sparrows!

After an extremely busy first five months of 2019, I’m excited to calm things down a tiny bit. Don’t get me wrong, I’m working on several WIPs at once while also working as a freelance editor, but the pressure of important deadline after important deadline is over.

Rather than rushing to tick things off my to-do list, I can look ahead and plan for future releases. My little plotster heart is happy and excited to bring you new books.

(And refresh my self-care routine. Maker knows that thing needs work.)

I’m hoping to have fewer goals every month from now on but focus more on the ones I do have, so I can take larger steps towards fewer goals rather than baby steps towards lots of goals.

Here’s what I have for May June:

(perhaps stronger tea should be on this list since I apparently don’t know what month it is *ahem*)

Relics of Ar’Zac

(It’s just occurred to me that we won’t be seeing plans for this series for too much longer. I’m on track for publishing both of the below late this year, so after that it’s just the box set of all four books and then that’s it. Won’t that just feel weird? Let’s enjoy it while it lasts.)

Blood of the Dragon

Last week I’ve printed my chapter list (including every chapter’s POV, important events and plot twists, and possible changes and additions) and today, I’ll go over it to see where I can add chapters and expand what I already have.

Thanks to my critique partners’ notes, I have a few ideas and I’ve already added a bit, so just another 10-15k and I’ll be happy with the length.

I’m hoping to finish adding stuff next week. Then I’ll read over it all again (although, part of me is starting to wonder if I only want to do that because I don’t want to let go) and then it’ll be off to my editor.

I’ll be asking for beta readers before you know it 😉

Shadow in Ar’Sanciond

Not much to do here. I’ll read over it again, make it darker where I can, and then it’ll be ready for my editor. One or two more weeks, depending on when I’ll start, should do it.

Get ready, oh my editor.

Dreamer

This is the one I’m by far the most excited about, because it’s still so early that anything could happen.

I love this stage, it’s full of possibilities and magic <3

With Camp NaNo just around the corner, I need to get a move on too, so I have no reason to do anything but plot!

Feels good, Sparrows.

I’ve recently read a book on outlining and it’s given me all the ideas, so I can’t wait to try all these new techniques and make this plot the strongest I’ve written to date.

The Silence of Magic

I wasn’t planning on including this project today–or any time soon, to be honest–but you know what? It’s a massive project with months worth of world building and lore creation, so I might as well get started.

It won’t be a priority, but there’s no harm in doing a little plotting here and there, is there?

Exactly.

So, that’s my June–writing, reading, and lots of plotting. It’s shaping up to be my favourite month (never mind the most creative!) this year so far.

What are your goals for June? Make a tea and tell me all about it.


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May Recap | A little lost for words?

How was your May, Sparrows? As expected, mine was packed, and most of it was re-release related. Turns out, it was so packed I can’t even think of a good title–and that’s without having done everything I wanted!

But let’s focus on what did get done, hm?

Relics of Ar’Zac

Rise of the Sparrows

The re-release went ahead as planned (you can still grab it on offer until this Sunday!) and is underway!

There’s a little issue with the paperback so that’s not available again just yet, but I’m hoping to sort it within the next week or two–it depends on when my cover designers are back from their holiday.

Until then, I’m happy to say that the new eBook version is officially out and I’m tired and I’m ready to move on. This has been a long time coming. Who’d have thought I’d still be working on Book 1 three years after the original release date? The learning curve in this business is a bitch.

(I do love it, though <3 Yay for making mistakes and learning!)

A few things around the re-release took up more time than expected, especially the new onboarding sequence for my mailing list. Some of my other goals didn’t get quite as much attention as a result, but who cares? I re-released a book this month. I did good.

Blood of the Dragon

I haven’t added the new scenes and chapters yet, but I have applied all of my critique partners’ feedback. Doing that has already added quite a few words, so the remaining wordcount I need to add doesn’t look as daunting.

I’ve also messaged my editor about the line edit *ahem*

More on that next week 😉

Dreamer

I’ve started plotting and it’s my favourite thing in the world <3 I’ve got so much planned for this little trilogy, but it’s too early to share anything yet. I can leave a few small teasers though 😉

Dreamer will have:

A sassy cat spirit guide.

Vampires and magic.

A best-friend relationship.

An old bookstore.

Pain.

That’ll have to do until I can share more. July Camp NaNo is just around the corner, so it shouldn’t be too much longer 😉

How was your May? Make a tea, find some biscuits, and tell me what you’ve achieved <3


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May Goals | Beware, there’s A LOT of excitement ahead

Happy May, Sparrows!

I always like it when there’s variety between two consecutive months, but after April’s two-goal focus, May’s excitement may be a little too much for me!

Better make tea.

(Because caffeine calms, doesn’t it??)

Let’s just take a deep breath before we dive in… (I have a feeling I’ll be doing this a lot this month)

Relics of Ar’Zac

Rise of the Sparrows

My editor messaged me earlier this week and told me that she’s almost done with the proofread, so you know what that means? I’m officially re-releasing in May.

*deep breaths*

I’m especially excited about that because I originally released it in May 2016. Clearly, this is my month to get shit done.

With the re-release so soon, I have a ton of prep to do. My mailing list’s welcome sequence needs adjusting, ad copy and images need to be prepared, new reviews need to be collected,…

*deep breaths*

You’d think that’s enough for one month, but wait, there’s more!

Blood of the Dragon

Since the Blood Wisp trilogy is with critique partners now, I can finally finish editing this. Meaning, I’ve got last critique partner notes to apply and chapters to add. Like, at least 15k.

No biggie.

Then it’ll be as good as ready for my editor to work her line edit magic, and then I’ll be asking for beta readers before long.

*deep breaths getting shaky*

Shadow in Ar’Sanciond

All I need to do here is read through it again and make it darker wherever possible. Compared to the rest, this is quite relaxed. I might do it when I need a break from the other stuff *shrugs*

Dreamer

THE PLOTTING EXCITEMENT IS REEEEEAAAAAAL

*deep breaths* *uncontrollable bouncing*

I’ve been wanting to plot this for months, but I’ve been a good kitten and waited until it’s time.

Well, Sparrows, it’s time.

Dreamer (temp. title) 1-3 is gonna get plotted this month. Also next month. As long as it’s ready for Camp NaNo in July (yes, I’m aware I’ve only just finished the last Camp, why do you ask), I’ll be happy.

What will you achieve this month? Make a tea and tell me about your goals <3


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April Recap | Who kicked Nano’s butt? I DID

Hello, Sparrows!

April has been a powerhouse of progress for me.

Camp NaNo

I admit, part of me wasn’t convinced I’d edit all three novellas/182 pages this month, but guess what? I did!

The end even sneaked up on me, somehow. I realised last week Tuesday, 25 pages before the end, that the next step is sending it to critique partners–and I hadn’t drafted the email or asked for volunteers.

All that is done now. I’ve finished editing Blood Vow last week Wednesday, I’ve asked for and chosen my critique partner volunteers, and I’m sending it to them this week. I’m still waiting for a few to confirm, but other than that, it’s ready to go.

Rise of the Sparrows

My editor got her line edit changes back to me this month, and I’ve accepted them and sent it back to her for the final proofread.

I’ve also sent the new ARCs to my Sparrow Review Team and made it available on BookSprout.

Between that and NaNo progress, April has been one hell of a high-energy month!

(and then a very-low-energy month when post-NaNo fatigue hit me suddenly and violently)

See my May goals (later this week) for re-release details 😉

Excerpt

It’s been a while since I posted an excerpt, so it’s about time! This one is from Blood Wisp, and I think it sums up my MC Michiko’s feelings throughout quite nicely:

She no longer felt completely human, but she wasn’t a Mist demon, either. She was some kind of nameless monster, some new terror the archives would lock away to be forgotten, and no amount of chamomile tea would make that better.


How did April treat you? Make a tea and tell me all about it.


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April Goals | Hello, NaNo, My Old Friend <3

Happy April, Sparrows!

I have only two goals this month:

Camp NaNo

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! *happy sigh* I’m editing my Blood Wisp novella trilogy, and I’ve set a rather large goal of all 182 pages. When you consider that three of those are title pages, it’s really not that bad *ahem*

Because NaNo takes it out of the best of writers, I’ve set some rewards for myself as motivation:

If I make it through Blood Wisp, I get Wicca: A Modern Guide to Witchcraft and Magic by Harmony Nice.

If I make it through Blood Song, I get a new candle, because my lovely pistachio and lemon one is almost dead.

And if I make it through all three, I get… I’m still a little undecided on that, actually. I had some books written down, but I feel like it shouldn’t all be research.

Whether I manage to edit all three novellas or not isn’t important. I’ll make a ton of progress this month, and I’m excited for it.

If you’re doing NaNo this month, tell me if you’ve set yourself rewards for various milestones and what they are <3

Rise of the Sparrows

My editor told me she’ll finish the line edit this month, possibly as early as this week, so I’ve got a re-release to plan. I am doing NaNo, though (in case you didn’t notice–I’m not sure I mentioned it), so I’ll be happy to just apply her changes and send it back for the final proofread.

Since I’ve never re-published anything before–and because I’ve done a ton of research since my last release–I’m excited to see how it compares when I pull out ALL the stops.


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March Recap 2019 | My Book Babies Are Growing Up!

Can you believe Camp NaNo is only a few days away? :O I’m really excited to dive in, but for now I’ll behave and concentrate on March.

Maps

I decided to hold off on creating my new maps so I can create them alongside editing their books. I’ve made a rough (and I mean Rough, because I have no drawing skills) start on the map for Shadow in Ar’Sanciond, but Blood Wisp will have to wait.

Not for long, though, since it’s my NaNo project 😀 *flails because NaNo addiction*

Relics of Ar’Zac

Everything is slowly coming together, Sparrows. I’ve added two and a half new chapters to Shadow in Ar’Sanciond, and dare I say I made it even darker? I love how it connects with the main trilogy, but I also kind of hate myself for doing it. There are a lot of bits that need to match on both ends, especially two scenes which happen in the prequel novella and Blood of the Dragon, from two different POVs and at different moments in time.

So.

*ahem*

I’ve given myself a lot of work to do, but I hope you’ll love it when it’s ready. I’m relieved I’m editing both books at the same time. It gives me more freedoms than I would have had otherwise.

What’s left to do?

Not much on Shadow in Ar’Sanciond. I’ve applied all critique partner feedback, I’ve added the two chapters, so now I’ll just need to go over everything again in May (after NaNo, thank you), make sure everything still works as it should, make it a little darker where I can… and then it’ll be off to my editor for its line edit o.o

Blood of the Dragon has a little more left. I’ve applied quite a few critique partner notes this week alone, but I keep getting carried away where I see other areas I can work on. I do have several ideas for expansion, so that shouldn’t be a problem. And because I’m a hyper-organised control freak, I’ve created a Google Spreadsheet with what happens in every chapter, whether it needs anything added to it and what, whether I need to move it, and of course that’s all colour-coded, too <3

Also, my editor has informed me that she’s almost done with Rise of the Sparrows line edits, so that’s one to look forward to in April!

(This series always takes up the main chunk of these posts, doesn’t it? It’ll feel weird when they’re all published and out in the world and there’s nothing left to report </3 My babies are growing up X’C)

Camp NaNo

I declared my project the day it was possible to do so. I may have been stalking the website for a few days… *ahem*

I’ve prepared what I could, so I’m hoping for minimal distractions next month. I may need to stock up on tea, but all three novellas are in one Word doc and I’ve changed the font and colours, so hopefully that’ll help. 182 pages is possible in one month, right? Bear in mind that three of those are title pages, so really it’s 179.

Definitely not over-ambitious.

*adds all the tea to shopping list*

But more on that on Monday 🙂

How did your March go? Make a tea, get some biscuits, and tell me about your progress <3


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March Goals 2019 | Hello, Variety!

Happy March, Sparrows!

If you read my February update last week, you may have noticed that I’m excited March is here. If you haven’t, it’s because the first two months of 2019 were a bit busy and a tad stressful. March, however, promises an awful lot more variety!

Here’s what’s on my to-do list this month:

Maps

It’s been forever and an age since I’ve last drawn a map, but with edits on Shadow in Ar’Sanciond and the Blood Wisp trilogy just around the corner, I figured I’d better get a move on.

Now, I can’t draw and rely on my cartographer to make my sketches look pretty, so we’ll see how these turn out. Thank Kittens I don’t have to do the final versions myself!

If they aren’t as bad as I expect, I might even show them off here, but no promises.

Relics of Ar’Zac

With Rise of the Sparrows rewrites back with my editor, I can focus on Blood of the Dragon and Shadow in Ar’Sanciond. My critique partners have sent me feedback for both and I’ve had a bit of time to think as well, so I’ve got a few ideas on how to make both better now.

There’s a fair bit of work involved–especially with Dragon, which is much too short–but I’m excited to get started.

Camp NaNo

With Camp only a month away, I’ve been keeping an eye on my inbox for that email telling me I can sign up.

(I may have been overeager and checked on Friday.)

I’ll tackle first Blood Wisp edits, so that’s really more something for next month, I suppose? What can I say, I caught the bug early.

But there are some things I can do this month to prepare, like copy all three Scrivener novellas and put them into one Word document. Change the font and colours so I can get a fresh look at it. It’s been resting for a while now (especially Book 1, which I wrote during last year’s April Camp), so I’m hoping the break and different style will make editing it easier.

So, to summarise…

Draw some terrible map sketches, copy the last of my critique partners’ feedback, expand Blood of the Dragon, cut Shadow in Ar’Sanciond, and prepare for Camp NaNo.

Don’t think about how this isn’t quite half of my whole to-do list.

Easy!


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Sarina Langer