It’s tough to write during the dog days of summer. Especially when you’re like me and don’t function well in the heat. I swear my next house will have central A/C and good insulation.

I’ve been doing a lot of quiet “behind the scenes” stuff when it comes to writing the past few weeks. Primarily, I’ve been outlining and editing while slowly working on the next Kin Wars book. Outlining is simultaneously easy (due to the established universe) and hard (for the same reason as mentioned before). Continuity within the Kin Wars has always been on point, and I don’t want to screw it up now.

With WINTERBORN nearing completion, I’m already outlining the final three books of the series. I already know how it’s all going to end, which is helpful. I work best when I know the ending and can work backwards from it. The final three books, starting with HAMMERFALL, are going to be epic.

I’ve been getting stories turned in from a few of the authors in the CHICKS IN TANK TOPS anthology. I’ve also had a few minor heart attacks when authors have forgotten they’d agreed to be in said anthology. I’m starting to understand why anthology editors, as a whole, tend to be a grumpy bunch. Fortunately, I think I’m still on track for turning in the anthology on time. If I am to have any reputation, turning books in to the publisher late is not the one I want.

What’ve you all been reading lately? I just finished my reread of Jim Butcher’s Codex Alera series. It holds up pretty well. One of the things I’ve noticed more since I put on an editor hat is story structure and pacing. Lots of authors have decent story structure, but they can’t pace for crap, and the story ends up dragging its butt across the lawn like a dog with worms. Poor pacing has been the death of many new authors novels.

Also, on a final note — congratulations to my friends Gerry and Branden on getting hitched yesterday! Sorry I couldn’t attend, but thanks for livestreaming it on Twitch.