Writing The Lines We Draw: Crafting Kyson and Livie's Story with Real-Life Inspiration
When I started writing The Lines We Draw, the second book in the Grand Mesa Men series, I knew it would be deeply personal. This story, centered around Kyson and Livie, is full of themes that resonate with me—love, loss, and the incredible bond between people and animals.
What Game Are You Playing in 2025?
On her recent Patreon, J.F. Penn posed a question that really made me stop and think: “What game are you playing in 2025?”
This couldn’t have come at a better time. For the past few days, I’d been toying with the idea of querying again. I queried Soul Jumper before making the decision to self-publish, and with 2025 marking the five-year anniversary of that choice, I thought, Why not try the process again?
But when J.F. Penn asked that question, it was like a lightbulb went off in my brain.
What game do I want to play in 2025?
What I’ve Learned (the Hard Way) in 5 Years as an Indie Author
As I approach the 5th anniversary of publishing my debut novel, Soul Jumper, I’ve been reflecting on the journey so far. Being an indie author has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, but it’s also been a steep learning curve. For every success, there have been a few missteps, and I want to share what I’ve learned in the hopes it helps others navigate this crazy, chaotic, and creative path.
Looking Ahead: My Plans for 2025
As 2024 comes to a close, I’ve been spending a lot of time reflecting on where I’ve been, where I am now, and where I want to go in the year ahead. If 2024 was about growth, 2025 will be about intention. Growth taught me so much—how to adapt, how to push through challenges, and how to balance the many facets of being an indie author and editor. Now, I’m ready to take those lessons and apply them with purpose to build the next chapter of my career.