I didn’t realize how difficult it would be to jump out of the Lazarus City world and into the new world of The Sleep Diet (title may change…or not). Writing Lazarus City and the zombie attack that fell on Baltimore City came with ease. Dare I call it fun? Well, now I’m writing this speculative fiction about a company that makes big promises to people. Like, losing weight or growing stronger while you sleep. Would people really sign up for this? If so, what sort of people would they be? I’ve created three characters. They’re becoming as real to me as Shelby and Dean from Lazarus City, but they have so many more layers and complexities. Their goal is not simply to survive and uncover a conspiracy. They have families, jobs, dreams, and quirks far beyond my previous characters. 

In other words, this is hard. Not impossible, but harder than I thought. Is it scaring me? Oh, for sure. Absolutely. Will I keep pushing? Also, yes. Because this story needs to be told. Many of us go to great lengths to have our bodies look or perform in a certain way. This story will address these issues from three very different characters. I can’t wait to share more. My anticipated publication date is the summer of 2024. Stay tuned.

Here are writing goals for 2024:

1. Get Lazarus City into three indie bookstores (I have been approved for one already)
2. Run at least one promo every quarter for Lazarus City
3. Publish The Sleep Diet by this summer
4. Have The Sleep Gym fully drafted by the end of the year (this is book two in the series)
5. Create a short outline for the final book in the series
6. Find one more dedicated beta reader

What’s a beta reader? Generally, this is an avid reader or a published author who is comfortable reading a full-length manuscript and providing feedback. When I beta read, I provide in-line suggestions as I read and a one-page write-up of what’s working and what is not. I have three friends I’m doing this for now, and I’d like to add a fourth. I’ve been burned by beta readers before, so this process is tedious and nerve-wracking. 

Reflecting on my 2023 goals, I wanted to publish the last two books in the Lazarus City series, which I did! I also wanted to begin promoting my book on paid platforms. This was also a success!

Over 3,000 copies of Lazarus City were downloaded or purchased during my November promotion! That’s a huge number for me, and I’m very grateful.