Hi Everyone,
Happy New Year! Hope you are well and safe, wherever you are. 2021 was a tough year for many of us, and we all hope things will turn around this year.
How was my 2021? Well, to be honest, my health problems escalated dramatically. The less said about that, the better. However, I managed to write a little every day and kept track of it on a spreadsheet. In total I produced 389,705 words over the course of the year, which is my best writing year yet.
Just a quick update on what I’m up to in 2022… There’s a lot of exciting stuff coming! I recently finished up at my day job, and that has given me a lot more time to focus on my writing and editing business. My ultimate goal this year is to get to the point where I’m making enough to support my family through my writing. It’s achievable, but there is a lot to do!
Newsletter
I will freely admit that I have neglected my newsletter in favour of social media. However, in 2022 I would like to change that. Last year a certain social media company briefly decided to break the timeline for my entire country while they were feuding with my government. Overnight I discovered the majority of my readers couldn’t access my page. The problem only lasted a few days, but it opened my eyes to the fact I can’t rely on social media as a platform to connect with my readers. I’m going to remedy this by building my mailing list and updating the newsletter more frequently. Soon the newsletter will be my primary means of keeping in touch with my readers and letting them know about new releases. Keep your eyes peeled – in the very near future I’m going to start offering a library of free content to people who sign up!
ASHES OF OLYMPUS Trilogy
I’m really proud of the trilogy, and thrilled that Book 3, The Seven Hills is now out in the world. I expect sales on the Ashes of Olympus books will only increase – a complete series is a lot easier to market than one in progress. Marketing the complete series will be a project throughout the year.
Even more exciting, the books will be released in audio this year, narrated by British actor Pieter Lawman! Recording is complete on the first book, and I’ll keep you posted as to the release date. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Pieter brings a Shakespearean gravitas to the story. It’s startling how many voices he creates, and how much depth he gives the story. Pieter absolutely nails the classical names and words throughout the story. He’s the ideal narrator, and I couldn’t be happier.
New series: REBEL DRUIDS
I’m currently hard at work writing a middle grade series, Rebel Druids! This one will be four short books. The first is finished, and I’m about one third through the second. At the moment, the plan is to release the first book late this year, and release one new instalment each quarter. I’ll reveal more in the coming months – can’t wait to share!
Editing work
In 2021 I had the privilege of doing paid editing work for a number of clients, and they all seem more than happy with my work! It is incredibly satisfying to help authors bring out the best in their work. Thus far I have mostly been relying on word of mouth, but will start marketing more over the next twelve months. I’m looking forward to working with new clients!
Super secretive stuff
At any given time, I have a lot of irons in a lot of fires… If any of the stuff I’m pitching pays off, I’ll be a very happy man. That’s all I can really say, for the time being. Apologies for vagueness.
And that’s it! It’s going to be a very busy year, but I’m looking forward to it.
Until next time,
Julian