Revised Book Cover for my
formerly entitled: 'Treasured Blood'.
So, after much thought and first impressions from others, I chose to forgo the former book cover to my Brother-Friendship Space-Opera story: Treasured Blood, as too many people were literally judging it based not only on the cover but the title. Since Kylan is androgynous in the story, people thought his depiction on the cover resembled a woman. As much as I love the illustration Asher did for the cover, I'm going to have to use it for other things. I cannot afford a new cover illustration as I'm in the process of retiring from my day job (more on that below) and will be taking a huge pay cut. Money will be tight, so I have to spend it where I can, when I can, and why.
The title 'Treasured Blood' (though from the same poem this current title 'A Menace Untamed' is from) was also misinterpreted and it simply wasn't a good mix for the marketing. Since the story is connected to something happening from my other hero, Blake Haden's, past, I chose to disband with that part of the poem and find a phrase within it that captures the story. This one 'A Menace Untamed' does exactly that.
I chose an outer space image because it does take place mostly in space. The second book in the series, formerly titled 'Eve of Destruction' will now be titled: "The Falls of Tapen'sha." Again a hint as to the mystery of what has befallen Kylan being connected to Blake's past. The story is about both of these young men and their brother-of-soul connection. It is also a mystery that Blake must find the answer to if he's going to figure out how to save Kylan from their enemies who wish to use the younger man's magick for their own agendas.
As for the story itself, I am in the process of revising the narrative to make it smoother, cleaner, less redundant in areas. I will say this: Learning the ways of script writing last year has really helped me in the revisions of my novel stories. I've been able to train my brain to quickly cut unnecessary words and to rearrange them in a less convoluted way when describing things. Also in the dialogue, I found some cringe-worthy sentences and verbiage that didn't need to be there. I'm on chapter 14 as of today, July 21st, 2018, and will hopefully be ready for the editor in a few weeks. If you are looking for editing or proof-reading services, I can highly guarantee the below link. I've had Jennifer edit a minor project for me before and she cuts deep. She has a Bachelor's in Creative Writing and minored in English, and she gives you fresh eyes for your material. Her website gives you all the information you need, including what she offers for the prices she charges, both on a proof-reading level as well as a thorough editing level. She offers sample editing first to see if you both will be a good fit. The website is clear, to the point, and she goes over a Non-Disclosure Agreement, too, so your material will be safe. She covers multiple genre's as well.
So that's the status on my 'Bromance' novel. Onto the scripts.
I am almost finished with the second-go-round with two of my three pilots. Both are Gay Romance. One is set in a medieval AU and the other in a paranormal, contemporary AU. If you think these are going to center around the sexual relationship between the main leads, though, you may be a bit disappointed. There will be that, but it's mostly about the connection of love between them, and how they must survive their journeys amidst those who wish to rip them apart. (BTW, I'm talking about both series, here. Although in the medieval one, there will be a slight twist.) What mysteries of their lives do they uncover and how do they survive enemies both in the physical and spiritual? It's about their love and what they'll do to protect each other and find the answers in the process. I write epic stories that are not sacrificed for the sake of sex. I've seen too much of that in books and media and I've got something else in mind. Wait for it... wait for it... wait for it.... 😁
The third script pilot is for a Bromance mini-series taking place within the UFO scenario. The first part is practically completed, but before I submit it for review, I need to get the other two-three parts done, the story completed. Where am I taking these boys and to what end will they reach? Once I get the rest of that story outlined and know where I want to go from point A to point Z, then we'll submit the first script for review.
Regarding my retirement: Last year I kept getting messages to get out of my day job. These messages went on for about 7 months. When I finally came to terms with the possibility of less income and yet more time to pursue my projects, I chose to go for it. The moment I did, the messages stopped. How did the messages come to me? Things over the Internet flashed by me, such as Tarot readings I did for myself, oracle readings, listening to others talk of their retirement, advertisings, books I was reading... everywhere I turned there seemed to be a slap in the face urging me to consider the idea.
Last year in February of 2017 I was waking up, and in the middle of waking and sleeping I heard the words loud and clear: "They'll look better on screen." I KNOW that wasn't me because I had chosen long before never to pursue script writing due to its limiting way of telling a story. My eyes shot open and I sat up. "Screenwriting? ME?????"
And within ten minutes of getting out of bed I found a business card to a script reviewer I'd met at a Jiffy Lube of all places some months before. I contacted her and she lives nearby. She's got a book out on scripts, which covers the ins and outs of what to put into your scripts before submitting them to producers. She's been in the business for over 30 years and is constantly up-to-date with the ever-changing formats for spec scripts. She's also able to tell you what will work and won't work from a production angle.
Extreme Screenwriting Is her book. Check it out.
Message after message after message. I've been hard at work ever since, and now as of this writing I have 10 weeks before official retirement begins. In the meantime I'm preparing my finances for the cut in pay by lowering expenses, and getting my car repaired and smogged now so I don't have to worry about paying for it later. And hopefully within two years I'll be submitting enough scripts to at least get a nibble if not an all-out chomp!
I'm also pursuing a YouTube channel as I am embracing my vision for Bromance and my Pagan path is constantly revealing new insights that I wish to share with others. Future video links will be posted here, so watch this space. (I've always wanted to say that! Heeeee!)
The Universe has directed me to this course, so I'm following it. What adventures await down the road? I've no idea, but I'm excited and things are falling into place. Follow your passion. If you find you keep going back to the same things over and over and over, ask yourself if maybe you shouldn't be pursuing those things full time? Be willing to let go of those things keeping you stuck, keeping you from moving forward. Will I be successful as a writer? I have no idea, I just know I'm going to follow this road wherever it leads. If you wish to join me, please hit the 'Follow' button on this blog, and embrace my passion for these visions. You may be inspired to pursue your own. I hope so. It's another reason why I'm putting myself out there and facing my fears.
More to come. Stay tuned.
Blessed Be and Ride The Stars.
-Janalyn
