At the time of the writing and publishing of this post, the official first day of autumn is still a week or so away. But where I live, fall has started: rainy days, chilly nights, and some of the trees are starting to turn their colors. I love the “–ber” months – September, October, November, December. I’m a cold weather lover; and even though I spend more time indoors in the summer (hiding from the sun and the heat), I have trouble focusing on my writing (because of said heat). 

My brain wakes up in the autumn, and so far this month I’ve gotten more writing done that I did all of July and August combined. I’m on the home stretch (for real, finally) on the second book of The Light-Whisperers of Kalevala trilogy. I’m not sure if the book will be published by the end of the year, but I for sure will have at least finished the manuscript and be well into the editing and cover design phase. There will be some interior art (like in the first book); that’s already in process, so stay tuned to this blog and my social media for some sneak peaks sometime soon. 

And even though it’s only September, it’s not too early to start thinking about Christmas! It’s my favorite holiday, so I’m always thinking about it – but as a writer, it can be sort-of part of the job to think ahead about Christmas. Books make good Christmas gifts, after all, so many writers plan ahead to promote their books or even launch a new title in time for the holiday sales spike. 

As I mentioned above, the sequel to The Vanished Reindeer probably won’t be ready in time for Christmas sales (or, at least, that’s not my goal right now). I am, however, thinking about strategies to promote the books I have to gift-buyers who haven’t ready my stuff yet.  

I am also planning to release a Christmas/winter-themed ebook – a collection of magical, wintry short stories that can enjoyed any time during the holidays. That’s not ready for publication yet, either, but it will be available before Christmas, so stay tuned! 

Here’s to the “–ber” months and lots of books! 

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