What’s this? A second update in two days after months of silence? Just wanted to share that "Lena" has a new column today: 

http://bay-ata.com/sparked/blog/2016/07/26/should-i-finish-my-book/ 

Thanks to former student Patricia, the soul of wit (and brevity), who made us laugh with her letter about the self-doubt that sometimes creeps in and makes her want to give up (and burn her manuscript) because she is sure that none of the "real" authors with books on her shelves ever felt that way. If you’re a real writer (which of course you are), you know what she’s talking about. We certainly do. Sometimes it’s comforting just to know that others share your neuroses. 

This is actually familiar territory for us not just as writers (ie: personally) but because the protagonist of Sparked, Laurel Goodwin, is also an aspiring writer, who becomes seized with insecurity after her sophomore English teacher suggests that she’s not digging deep enough or writing to her potential. This silences her for a while, but later she uses this advice to unlock a gift she wasn’t aware that she possessed. I won’t give any more away, but suffice it to say: this topic is near and dear to Lena’s heart! 

Greetings fellow Pirates!!

Its been a while, I know. I’ve been working in overdrive at night to make sure I can get my manuscript into Inkshares’ hands by my self-imposed deadline of next month. They are so chill though, they really don’t give deadlines, just support. This is a wonderful platform, and I’m grateful to be member of it.

BUT I have something so amazing to show you. Last month I decided I wanted a change, and thought a new cover would be a good idea.  I enlisted a talented artist, Elizabeth Rupp, to design the book’s new cover. What do you think?

I think it looks amazing! Thank you Elizabeth!

So you ask, what does a dragon have to do with dinosaur paleontology? Pre-order The Pirates of Montana to find out!

No need for a fun dinosaur meme on this update. The Dragon Lizard will rise again!

Excelsior,

Erin