The seals for the Foreword Indie Awards have arrived! Check it out! To those who supported the journey of getting The Seclusion out in the world, I couldn’t have done this without you!
Since the last couple updates have been all about crowdfunding, today I wanted to fill you in on what I’ve been working on.
Along with campaigning for book two, I’ve been, well, working on the actual book! So far, the manuscript sits at about 60K words, with a goal of ending up with a story around 85K to 90K.
I’ve recently taken a step back from writing to focus on outlining for a week or two before I continue. Anyone who knows me or my writing style knows this is not my strong suit. I’m more of a write whatever comes to mind and sort it all out later type. While this is cathartic, especially with a series such as this, it does tend to create more of a headache in the long run. Here’s to writers evolving!
I’ve been spending my spare time with books on structure, such as Save the Cat and Wired for Story, and it’s been incredibly helpful and eye-opening. I have also been going back and reading old emails, and referencing some of the advice received from my editor on book one. Hopefully this will all culminate in a solid jumping off point once the editorial process begins.
The story is developing nicely and I think you will all enjoy it. While Patch Collins is still the main protagonist in book two, we also get a glimpse of this world in the year 2090 from a few other perspectives. As promised, below is a short blurb for the book that hopefully will not spoil the story for those who have not read book one, but is also intriguing for those who have:
The year is 2090. America has alienated itself from the rest of the world, and Patch Collins once again finds herself in unfamiliar terrain as she continues to unfold the true history of a country she loves despite its shortcomings. With the help of a few familiar faces, and some new players, Patch will have to come face-to-face with those she fears the most, in her quest to open the eyes of a nation.
If you haven’t read book one, let me take a moment to emphasize that this series is for fans of books such as 1984, The Handmaid’s Tale, or Divergent, and draws from current events.
If that sounds up your alley and you are thinking of ordering a copy of The Seclusion, hang on a second. Let me reroute you.... check out the campaign for book two and note that every preorder comes with a free ebook of book one(or a paperback of you preorder three or more copies). There are also options for displaying your name in the back of the book, access to exclusive behind-the-scenes polls related to story development, and a personalized thank you in the acknowledgement section for top supporters.
I’m going to continue to campaign until the goal of 750 is reached, but I won’t lie that it’s emotionally draining and I would much rather be working on getting the story in your hands! The sooner the goal is met, the sooner production can begin. So please - tell your friends, neighbors, and random people you encounter on the street - and in the meantime I’ll be here working diligently to make this the best version of the story possible.
If you have any questions at all, I’m happy to answer them personally - you can email me at jacquicastle at gmail.com
Until next time,
Jacqui
The seals for the Foreword Indie Awards have arrived! Check it out! To those who supported the journey of getting The Seclusion out in the world, I couldn’t have done this without you!
Since the last couple updates have been all about crowdfunding, today I wanted to fill you in on what I’ve been working on.
Along with campaigning for book two, I’ve been, well, working on the actual book! So far, the manuscript sits at about 60K words, with a goal of ending up with a story around 85K to 90K.
I’ve recently taken a step back from writing to focus on outlining for a week or two before I continue. Anyone who knows me or my writing style knows this is not my strong suit. I’m more of a write whatever comes to mind and sort it all out later type. While this is cathartic, especially with a series such as this, it does tend to create more of a headache in the long run. Here’s to writers evolving!
I’ve been spending my spare time with books on structure, such as Save the Cat and Wired for Story, and it’s been incredibly helpful and eye-opening. I have also been going back and reading old emails, and referencing some of the advice received from my editor on book one. Hopefully this will all culminate in a solid jumping off point once the editorial process begins.
The story is developing nicely and I think you will all enjoy it. While Patch Collins is still the main protagonist in book two, we also get a glimpse of this world in the year 2090 from a few other perspectives. As promised, below is a short blurb for the book that hopefully will not spoil the story for those who have not read book one, but is also intriguing for those who have:
If you haven’t read book one, let me take a moment to emphasize that this series is for fans of books such as 1984, The Handmaid’s Tale, or Divergent, and draws from current events.
If that sounds up your alley and you are thinking of ordering a copy of The Seclusion, hang on a second. Let me reroute you.... check out the campaign for book two and note that every preorder comes with a free ebook of book one(or a paperback of you preorder three or more copies). There are also options for displaying your name in the back of the book, access to exclusive behind-the-scenes polls related to story development, and a personalized thank you in the acknowledgement section for top supporters.
I’m going to continue to campaign until the goal of 750 is reached, but I won’t lie that it’s emotionally draining and I would much rather be working on getting the story in your hands! The sooner the goal is met, the sooner production can begin. So please - tell your friends, neighbors, and random people you encounter on the street - and in the meantime I’ll be here working diligently to make this the best version of the story possible.
If you have any questions at all, I’m happy to answer them personally - you can email me at jacquicastle at gmail.com
Until next time,
Jacqui