As always, I’d like to begin this week’s progress report by thanking all of you awesome people who’ve followed, liked and/or commented on my blog!

Here are this week’s stats:

Words Edited This Week: 15,545

Words Edited So Far: 31,070

Last Chapter of Third Draft Completed: 10

Chapters To Go (subject to change): 9

Days Until March 31st Goal Date: 16

Thoughts?

This book is still trucking right along. I’m not sure what’s made it feel so much easier to write and deal with, but it has felt a lot smoother than Credence. Maybe it’s because I’ve done this before and I have a rhythm down? I’m not sure, but whatever it is, I’m grateful.

One thing I do feel like I’m still learning are the hard lessons about being a published author. When Credence first came out, I received many glowing reviews and only a few lukewarm ones. But it’s been out for two solid weeks today and as more people read it, there have been more varying reviews. This is not my first go-around with criticism, as I worked over the summer with an editor and a proofreader, as well as my beta readers before that. Hell, even I knew Credence wasn’t perfect. But I’ve had to learn the lesson that nothing can really prepare you for critical reviews, not when a story is so close to your heart. I fully accept them and I know not everyone will like my books, but it still stings to hear it. Which is why I’m stepping away from reading reviews LIKE I MEANT TO DO IN THE FIRST PLACE. I know where the weak spots are in Credence and I know that I still have a lot to learn as a writer. But I don’t think that means I have to read every single critique.

That said, if you read Credence and want to review it on Amazon or Goodreads, please do not hesitate to do so. And please do not sugar coat anything. I want readers to be honest and I want prospective readers to know what they’re getting into and be able to make a fair assessment before they commit to reading it.

Goals For The Coming Week

First, STOP READING REVIEWS, DELPHIA. Second, I’d like to edit chapters 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16. I’m off this Saturday to be on the Wrote Podcast (cue nerves and anxiousness), so I’ll have time to squeeze in an extra chapter.

Credence News

Credence continues to do well. My ranking has fallen a bit, as expected, but my ratings are still good (4.8 stars on Amazon and 4.19 on Goodreads). I’ve more-than-tripled my original royalty goal, which is awesome. I’m nearing 150 units, including paperbacks, ebooks, and Kindle Unlimited borrows. All in all, I’m still thrilled with how it’s doing!

Credence has also picked up a few more blog reviews since last week, including ones from Amy’s MM Romance Reviews, and two from My Fiction Nook (Sandra and Ky). I’m also going to be on the Wrote Podcast this weekend (episode will come out next Friday).

If you’d like purchase Credence – or borrow it with your Kindle Unlimited membership – you can do so HERE.

Note to Self

You’re not perfect. Your writing isn’t perfect. But that’s okay. Just keep trying, Phia.