Reading to the crowd at my first book signing event.

Gulp! Four friends just got an email with explicit instructions to be brutal. It's beta-reader time for the second book in my fantasy series. I'm hoping to have Book 2 out by February. Meanwhile you can buy a copy of Book One ni my series ... amazon.com/dp/B0H8R8Q58Y?spc…

See those two words at the bottom of the page? Those along with 94,960 others represent the rough draft of Book 2. I’ve got a little fixing to do this weekend, but otherwise my beta-readers should keep an eye on their inboxes. And I’m on track to publish in February or March.

Got stung by a wasp on my left thumb today. Ouch.

So, I've got three chapters left to write in book 2. Sitting at 80,000 words. Averaging about 2,900 words per chapter so, I'm thinking I end up at about 88,000 before editing (which will probably add about 1K to 2K words, not cut it down). Then more editing. Book 1 was 93,000.

My book has been out about six weeks. No real marketing ... yet. But my report on Amazon notes that in that time there have been more than 1,500 pages read on KU, which is about 4.4 people having read the book. Dear Mr. or Ms. Point Four: Are you going to finish it? Please?!?

So, if a middle-aged dude (clinging to the “middle”) writes a romance novel, should he use his own name or a pen name where that’s a female name? Asking for a “friend.”

Special delivery! Copies for beta readers. And one for me.

I am watching the little Amazon delivery icon of the car make its way to my house. I ordered a few copies of my book to give to beta readers ... and one copy for me. This is the oddest thing I've watched on a screen.

Who is this young lady holding my book? She is none other than my cover artist, Evelyn Dunning. Seeing hold a copy makes me so happy. Now I just need to finish book 2 so she can create the cover for the next book.

Next step for my book ... call local indy bookstores, art houses, etc. about selling my book at their stores. A local coffee shop said I should reach out to have an event ... but I'm not sure what kind of event to have. Just me talking about my book? About my publishing journey?

So ... my debut novel — book 1 of my YA fantasy series — is out. Got the "proof copy" today. All looks good. It's available on Amazon. Just can't believe this day is finally here. amazon.com/dp/B0H8R8Q58Y?spc…

So, all you #writinglife folks, when Amazon says my book will be ready in 72 hours, does it really take that long? … Asking for a friend.

I'm working on plotting for the 3rd book in my fantasy series. Unlike the 1st 2, there are multiple, parallel storylines. Each chapter has one of 3 close-third POVs. Plus there's a guy who tells us about his doings in first person, but he's this odd exception. This is harder.

Weekend vibes look suspiciously like weekday vibes when you’re Sir Pickles.

I belong to a writer's group #writerslife. Do you belong to a writer's group? What do you love about it? Have you ever belonged to one that didn't fit you?

Bryan Abreu ... finding new ways to make me cry. #astros, @astros.

World: Brian, I think you need coffee today. Me: Riiiight.