First off, I’m sorry for the lack of check-ins lately. Last week, I visited my best friend in the Twin Cities, and this past weekend I was at my parents. I’ve been so focused on writing in my spare time I haven’t been good with checking.

And that brings me to my blogging decision. I know it’s important to keep ourselves out there and to continue to build community, but I’ve also got to have the time to write. Since Thriller Thursday is key to my brand, I’m going to focus on it and cut down on the rest of my blogging time. I’ll continue to check in once a week for Row80, but Mondays will only be author interviews, and if I don’t have one for the week, I won’t be posting.

I know some will say I need all the exposure I can get, but if I don’t have books to promote there isn’t much point in blogging. In this stage of my career, writing has got to be the key. If you guys haven’t already, check out this great article by Jane Friedman at Writer Unboxed on how writers in various stages of their careers need to approach building their platform.

As for the writing, the WIP is actually going well. I’ve gotten about 5000 words in the last ten days or so, and I’ve made all the changes I needed to for the first half of the book. I’m hoping to knock out several scenes in act 2 these weeks.

I can’t encourage you guys enough to try an outline if you’re a panster and having trouble with your plot. This new WIP is very complex, and taking the time to plan scene by scene has made a huge difference for me. I actually know what I’m going to write when I sit down at my computer.

I hope you’re all having a good Sunday – or Monday, depending on where you are. Check back tomorrow to hear author Reggie Ridgeway’s thoughts on publishing with a small press.