I’d like to think I can use the excuse of life getting in the way, but in reality, it really hasn’t. I’ve been writing. A lot. And also reading a lot. I think it’s the reading that’s been taking me away from the social aspect of being a self-published author. In fact, I don’t think I’ve been participating online in about a year! Yeah, that’s real good for brand recognition, lol. So bad, in fact, I quietly published a LitRPG and literally told no one about it. Ugh. That will be a later blog post.

I’m almost finished with the 5th book in the Rose Cross Academy series. I almost called it the “final book” but that’s not the case. Again, I’ve been writing a lot, and have come up with an extension to the series. Also, a side effect of reading too much. The next phase, so to speak, where the teens involved in the goings-on of my world graduate to the next year. Since certain things were stirred up in the “last” series, that leaves some loose ends to tie up in the next series.

So, once I get through the final battle, the inevitable fight between June and Elan and what happens after. I already have the “what happens after” written, now I’m just getting through the battle and making sure everyone gets a piece of the pie.

I’d like to plug a writing tool I’ve been using, though. It’s a free online site, and of course there is a paid portion. A bit of a back story. With NaNoWriMo shut down due to reasons, I didn’t know what would become of November. I write best with a goal and reward system, and having to meet a daily word count and getting badges along the way meant that November was always the months I pounded out the most work.

Since October last year, I’ve been participating in 4thewords, which is an online writing app similar to an RPG. You defeat monsters by writing, and you get prizes and rewards to do things like equip your character, build a house, and participate in forums. The whole goal-and-reward system is what keeps me writing, and what has allowed me to pound out a cool 180,000+ words since last October. I’ve started 2 new series and I’m on track to finish RCA #5 by the end of March. So, if you’re in need of a system to keep you writing and you like video games, check out 4thewords. If you wanna be friends, I’m QnFairyFarts.

My avatar on 4thewords

Alright, so I’m going to try to keep up with the blog posts and see if I can ease myself back into social media. It’s a toxic world in general to be chronically online, so I’m sticking with a post here and there to at least keep my presence alive and my sanity intact.

Happy writing!

– Rissa