Well, friend, it’s hard to believe, but *Release Day* for Blood Wolf has come and gone! In sticking with tradition, here I am to offer up my post-book postmortem.

So, how was it?

Let’s rank it as so, so, SO much better than the last one. Ahh, the fond memories of being so nasty sick that I couldn’t get out of bed to celebrate Born Wolf because, sadly, I am not a mighty wolf.

Actually, if I’m being honest: it was fabulous, but it was also a learning experience. What did I learn? Oh, I’m so glad you asked.

This was the second time I did a book release within a week of returning home from a vacation and here’s the lesson: NEVER AGAIN.

Sure, it was nice to be (mostly) done with things super early. You know what wasn’t much fun, though? Being rushed right up until we left for our vacation. And because I burned myself out beforehand, coming back from vacation was a lot harder than I was prepared for. I couldn’t get my business hat back on quite right. No blame at all, but some of that was also probably due to the fact that I had a lovely houseguest, who you know as OF, hanging around to help with release week. I can admit I wasn’t hyper-focused because I was still in vacation mode. I just wanted to hang out, man, not work my ass off.

And, if I’m continuing to be honest: it wasn’t exciting in the same way as the release day for Black Wolf, but that’s simply because it wasn’t my first book. I’m okay with that part. I think it’s good and natural. The excitement this time came from a far more confident place. The energy that first time was mostly nervous and edgy.

All in all, it was a pretty awesome day and I got to celebrate not just the publication of the third book in the Black Wolf Series, but also the publication of my third book in one calendar year.

The very best thing of all, though, is that according to the KDP dashboard: people are buying and reading all three of my books.

My books.

It’s almost impossible for me to slow down enough to truly celebrate personal achievements. As 2017 draws to a close and I continue looking ahead to the goals I have for 2018, I hope I’m able to grasp the concept–even for one moment–that I am achieving. I always feel like I can do more and be more. But I managed to publish my first three novels in 365 days. Even if I don’t always find it easy to feel proud of myself, I can understand that I did a thing and it was kinda cool.

So that’s it. Three books are solidly in the bag.

Which means, of course, I’m on to the next big thing: Book Four.

While we were on vacation, I managed to put a dent in my first Book Four notebook. Yep, I know I was supposed to be vacationing. I vacationed plenty. I also spent time with my imaginary friends. Don’t scold.

This week, I’m back in full-on author mode and focusing my efforts on outlining. I’d like to have my rough outline completed by the end of December. I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch.

Book Four started taking shape at the end of 2016. It’s going to be a tough one to write. I’m planning to take my time and let it happen as it happens. That’s hard for a person who prefers a rigid schedule, and it’s not to say I don’t have a schedule in mind. I’m just trying to be a little gentler on myself with this one.

Of course, as usual, it’s not actually going to be called “Book Four” (subscribers to my mailing list will learn the title and see the cover first, you know!).

I promised in my Born Wolf Release Day Postmortem post that Book Three would give the first glimpse into some of the real-world issues I planned to tackle, and I hope I delivered on that with Blood Wolf. I certainly intend to do my best as I continue to move forward.

Normally, this would be the point in the postmortem where I’d boldly post my latest goal. I can’t do that for Book Four.

But I do have another thing I’m working on.

I’m guessing I might need a little side project to relax with throughout the year, so I’ve got a line-up of erotic shorts in the works. My goal is to draft them all in December and then polish and publish one each month during 2018. They’ll be under a pen name (or several), but I’m sure I won’t be able to contain the secret around here. So, if you like a little of the naughtier scene, stick around!

It’s hard to believe I’ve wrapped my first year as a published author. I can’t wait to see where I am at this time in 2018! Either way, I know one thing: I hope you’re here then, friend. I like that you’re taking the journey with me.

Thanks for sticking around and giving me someone to write for. That’s the coolest part of all.