It’s finally happened! Book three is here and available and just waiting for you! The trilogy is finally binge-able and I’m so so SOOOO excited to share it with you all!
I’m having all the feels over this. Letting go of these characters isn’t easy. Rennie will always have a piece of my heart, and I’m beyond grateful to be able to share her with so many.
To answer the question I’ve heard most, yes… this is the end of this series. For now at least. I still have ideas for some short stories, and may combine some into a novella at some point. But I’m excited to see what’s next. My creativity is already kicking in and leading my brain in new directions.
But first, Paper Dreams! It’s available now on Kindle and in paperback. Audio should be out at the end of the year, so stay tuned for that.
If you haven’t read the first two, you’ll definitely want to start there. Drawn In is book one, A Time Forgotten is book two, and now that you can binge the whole trilogy, there won’t be the annoying years-long wait!
I have several giveaways planned, books and some fun swag items too! So make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it! 😃
And you know what? I think I’m allowed to say that I am super proud of this book. It’s what I wanted the end of this story to be, and I’m so happy for you to read it too. So here we go.
Last night I officially uploaded my final files! My cover is in (complete with back copy & beautiful spine!), and the formatted, edited, and FINAL versions of both ebook and paperback are in Amazon’s capable hands.
It was a bit of a tense race there at the end. I’m using a new editing and formatting program, and I couldn’t get my files to show up properly in the paperback version. So very frustrating, especially knowing that time was running out! But in the end, it was a very simple fix and I’m so happy with how the end product looks! Can’t wait to get my proof copy in my hands next week!
If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve already seen two of my “teaser” quotes, or what I’m thinking of as my “vibe” quotes. I just want to give a small taste of Paper Dreams before it releases on August 2. So here are the first two, plus a third! Stay tuned for the next one tomorrow!
What vibes are you picking up? Any you connect with, or guesses on what the context of the quote might be?
The Kindle ebook is available for presale here, and the paperback will be available on August 2nd! (Amazon won’t allow presale for paperbacks from indie authors.) That is SO SOON, you guys! I can’t wait to share this book with you!!
Ready for a book three Paper Dreams update? I know I am!
Okay, so when I last updated you all, I had just handed off my ms to my beta readers. Since that time, I got some incredible notes back and have been working steadily on incorporating all the feedback that I decided worked for my story. That in itself is a process, let me tell ya. I have the absolute BEST beta readers, and you wouldn’t believe the amazing notes I got back. I got comments on character development and arcs, timing issues, plot holes and plot bunnies, notes about my new characters and new locations, suggestions for word choices and whether or not a particular reference worked… it was all SO GOOD.
And of course, some of their ideas sparked new ideas of my own (which is really quite magical when that happens organically like that. Highly recommend.). So I’ve been “done” several times over, but then on my evening commute or when I’m out walking my puppy, I’ll suddenly think, “Oh but wait! What if…” And I’m off to the races again.
But just last night, I finally decided I was at the point that Amie Kaufman calls “moving commas” and I called it quits. It is what it is, and it’s as good as I know how to make it. And I’m so so SO happy with the end result!
So I uploaded to Amazon to start the final process, and if all goes spectacularly and miraculously to plan, I’m looking at a release date of August 2nd! That is SO SOON, you guys! There are still a lot of pieces that have to fall into place before then, but I think I can do it. Stay tuned, there may be updates, but I feel confident enough to say it out loud now. August 2nd. There it is in print.
So if you’ll please join me in one giant collective Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!, now would be the appropriate time for that.
Now, let’s all cross our fingers and pray that I can do it!
PS – I keep promising some fun posts and giveaways, and they really are coming. My focus has been entirely on the editing and re-writing and formatting and BOOOOOK. But those other things are still in the works too. 😉
Now that the GORGEOUS book three cover has been revealed, it’s time for a little fun. This is a game I like to call “Terrible Titles.”
I requested some help from my Facebook and IG pages, and you readily replied! The two numbers I asked for correspond to chapter and page, and from there I just scrolled and pointed and came up with a total of 24 phrases, or with a little imagination, 24 alternate titles for book three, which is correctly titled Paper Dreams.
All of these are phrases used in book three, and oddly enough TWO of you chose the exact chapter/page combination where the actual titleappears! Crazy, right?
So here we go, just for fun… let’s take a look at what book three is NOT called.
The Pretty One – Jill T
Frozen in Time – Dana Y
Screaming a Truth – Liz L
Purple Glass – Stephanie L-R
Young and Impetuous – Tayler T
The Unknowns – Jamar B
Little Gems – Karin P
A Few Shortcuts – Becky H
An Unconventional Celebration – Vicki C
The Space Between Us – Maggie B
Time-Weirdness and World-Saving – Meghan L
Total Chaos – Heather H
Sweet Sentiment – Mia F
Straight to the Quick – Holly J
The Tiny Cabin – Kianna C
Watch Me – Riley P
A Great Diversion – Rod T
Kinda Cringey – Claudia B
A Simple Spectrum of Black and White – Nathan H
Obviously Not Okay – Shelby W
Streaks of Ash – Brianne M
No Plan, No Rehearsal – Linda C
Bits and Pieces of Dreams – Victoria B
Pretend Peace – Susan M
Hmmm… what do you think? Would any of these have made good titles? Which is your favourite? Or what kind of book does the title you submitted belong with? Got a few mysteries and romances brewing I think! Ha!
This was so fun—I love group participation posts! Thanks to those who submitted numbers, and for those who didn’t but read anyway!
Stay tuned for some more fun things and swag giveaways as we get closer and closer to a release date! Eeeee!!
This last weekend, I finally got to type THE END for Book Three! You guys, it felt so good.
Real talk here… I’ve really struggled with the last half of this book. I want it to be right, and I want the ending to be worth the wait. I want it to be good enough for YOU! And that’s a pretty big deal.
And so I’ve taken my time, and honestly stalled some along the way because it felt scary to end this journey. But, as I’m fond of saying, you can’t edit a blank page! So I finally did it, and I am SO happy with the results!
Don’t get too hasty now. I still have to edit and format and edit and send to my fabulous beta readers and edit and re-read and then edit. Oh and edit.
But we are CLOSE!
So to celebrate, I think it’s finally time to share this gorgeous cover with you all! My super talented and wonderful friend Leslie Willis has done all three book covers for me, and I could not be happier with them. And this one is perfect. And I can’t wait for you all to read the scene it goes with! 😍
So, are you ready? Hope so, because here is the cover for Paper Dreams, Book Three of the Paper Dreams Chronicles!
Paper Dreams
Isn’t it beautiful?? I absolutely love it. Thank you again Miss Leslie!! I’m so excited to share it at last!
If you’ve been waiting to read (or re-read) Drawn In (book one) and A Time Forgotten (book two), it’s go time! And don’t forget both are available on iTunes, Audible, and Amazon as audiobooks, performed by the incredible Almond Eastland.
Stay tuned for some more fun things and swag giveaways as we get closer. And of course, for the big pub date announcement!
I have super exciting news! Nope, not Book Three yet (but stay tuned… we’re so close!) But if you want to do a re-read, this is probably a great time to start! 😉
Orrrrr you could do a re-LISTEN! Because A Time Forgotten, Book Two of the Paper Dreams Chronicles is now available on audiobook!
Audio!
I was so so fortunate to once again be able to work with the ultra-talented Almond Eastland as narrator. She is a dream to work with, and brings so much fun and life to the characters. I can’t wait for you to hear!
So let’s do a giveaway! Just leave a comment wherever you’re seeing this post, and you’re entered! You’ll receive a code to download one copy of A Time Forgotten on Audible. Open to US and UK only.
A few months ago, I got to attend my niece’s wedding in my hometown of San Luis Obispo, CA. If you’ve read Drawn In, you’ll know that this is also the setting of the Paper Dreams Chronicles, so I thought it was a perfect opportunity to take you all on a little tour of some of the locations from the books!
We had a very short amount of time to play tourist, so I only have a few locales to share, but it was still so much fun, so I hope you enjoy it with me!
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa ( 📷: me)
First stop: the Mission! Mission Plaza is a sort of hub for downtown SLO and host to many seasonal events. The creek runs nearby, and the iconic fountain (next photo) is one of my favorite local stops.
In Drawn In, Rennie spends some time here pondering what it means to be a Traveler, has a run in with Seth, tells Maia some secrets, and has a second run-in of a more sinister nature.
The Fountain at Mission Plaza ( 📷: me)
The aforementioned fountain at Mission Plaza. I love the little Chumash Indian boy and the bears… they just make me happy!
Chinese Garden ( 📷: me)
Here is the entrance to the Chinese Garden and the lion statues which hold greater significance in A Time Forgotten.
Gazebo in the garden ( 📷: me)
And behind the bamboo is the gazebo within the Chinese Garden. The pond is drained right now, but it’s still so lovely.
Alex has something special planned for Rennie here in Drawn In. And unfortunately, so do the Enforcers.
Avila Beach and pier ( 📷: me)
This is not a great pic, but it had to be included anyway. Several chapters of Drawn In take place here… a bonfire, a few very important first meetings, and a literal dream come true. We visited just after dusk and it was chilly and dark, but still magical.
Bubblegum Alley ( 📷: me)
Why is this a thing? Why oh why? Haha! Well, I can’t fight it… Bubblegum Alley has been a part of downtown SLO since before my time, and it’s still as gross and iconic as ever. It gets a brief mention in Drawn In, but I just couldn’t bring myself to set an actual scene here!
Golden hills ( 📷: me)
Last one for this tour. This is actually on my brother’s property in north county, but I thought it was a great representation of the rolling hills and trees in the “golden” hills of SLO County. I think Rennie would love to climb this tree.
SLO Courthouse ( 📷: me)
And a bonus shot: the San Luis Courthouse. It actually does have a super brief mention in book one (it’s down the street from the library), but more significantly, if you’re following the Kristen Smart case (and the incredible YourOwnBackyard podcast by Chris Lambert), this is where the 22 days of preliminary hearings all took place, and where (God willing!) justice will finally be served when the trial of Paul and Ruben Flores begins in April 2022. Kristen has been gone for 25 years. It’s time for some justice for the Smart family!
Book Three is getting reeeeeally close to being done. I can feel it. I can taste it. And I’m so very excited to introduce it to you! Soon.
It’s this point in the process when I need a few reminders. I’m writing, I’m self-editing, and I’m rethinking every word, plot point, character, and life choice ever. Because that’s just how this works.
So I’m creating a Love List for my lovely work-in-progress. Just a simple list of things that I love about Book Three. Nothing fancy, and no spoilers. Just a list. Ready?
Trees & starlight
Dreams come true
Messy bun and sweatpants
Truth and lies and more truth (and more lies)
Pretty dresses
Date nights
Birthday waffles
New characters who changed the story
Promises and consequences
Time Pockets
Cabins & Kisses
Inappropriate Monty Python jokes
That’s probably enough for now. I really do love this one, and I can’t wait to share more soon. If you’re a writer, I highly recommend this exercise when you’re nearing the end of you work-in-progress. It feels rewarding in a way that’s hard to describe. Sort of a moment to pause and go, “Yep, I did this thing. And I still like it.”
Hi there! Just a quick update to say that Book Three is finally coming together, and I’m so happy with it! There are still a few chapters to finish up, and lots of editing to do, of course. But it finally feels like a Real Thing and not just this thing that stays locked inside my head.
So, to celebrate this happy feeling of Realness, I’ve decided that a few posts will be coming in the next few weeks (I use that term loosely, you know how I roll). You’ll see a Book Three Love List (which I did previously for Drawn In, and highly recommend doing for your own works-in-progress if you’re a writer!), and a cover release (which is gorgeous and I can’t wait to share with you!), and a few other fun tidbits.
First up, I decided to share a few lines from Book Three with you! No spoilers, no big plot points… just a tiny hint of what’s to come.
So last week, I put a post up on social asking for friends to submit three numbers. The first number between 1-24, second between 1-7, third between 1-150. (In hindsight, that last number should have been more like 1-70, but live and learn). I was only going to use a few responses, but these were fun so I’m using TWENTY responses. The first number is the chapter (I have 24 completed and in a state where this will work), second is page (these are Word doc pages, so I picked a number of pages most chapters have), and third is line number (150 was way too many… I don’t know what I was thinking. I had to fudge a few of the higher numbers so several leaked into the next page and whatnot, but it all worked out.)
There will be no context, just the line itself. If you have ideas of who is speaking or being spoken to, or what it might refer to, let me know. I’m curious if you have ideas! I’m putting the numbers chosen and first name of who submitted, in case you want to look up the one you sent in. So here we go! Sneak peek lines, chosen by YOU!
3, 7, 144 — Kiana C: “Just leveling the playing field a little.”
21, 6, 138 — Dana Y: I’m fairly certain I’m making a huge mistake.
22, 3, 15 — Ezra W: “I guess I don’t know what to think, except that we should get you out of this cold and into the cabin where it’s safe.”
7, 3, 74 — Steph H: “And where is dear old mumsy?”
14, 4, 44 — Brianne M: The smoke from the fire still permeates the air, giving it dimension and texture and a cough-inducing toxicity level.
5, 5, 55 — Shelby T: “Give her a second before you start rolling out the threats.”
5, 3, 48 — MIndy S: “I meant to tell him, but it’s been so long now, it feels weird.”
8, 4, 128 — Alisa G: I know I shouldn’t antagonize the big bully with the pistol, but I can’t seem to help myself.
23, 2, 147 — Susan M: The cadence of the steps is growing steadily louder, closer, faster.
7, 7, 7 — Karin P: “What kind of culture is left?”
14, 5, 113 — Dana C: One woman actually fainted.
24, 5, 75 — Victoria B: Too many secrets.
2, 1, 42 — Rod T: I reach for the handle, tears already forming in my eyes.
And that’s it! Thanks to all who submitted numbers. This was REALLY fun to get to go through and pick these out (with your help!) and see where they landed. And look, no spoilers! Whew!
There will be a few more fun posts in the coming weeks, including the big cover reveal, and another giveaway! (And a book two update next month! Any guesses what that might be??) But for now… back to writing!
Writing & Such 