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Writer's pictureAzura Fontane

New Year, New Chapter



2023 is over!


Welcoming in a New Year is about reflection and looking ahead. As far as writing goes, this has been a very productive year. I finished editing my first full novel, ‘The Devil’s Contract,’ and got a good start on the illustrations and cover art for it, and I finished the first draft of my second book: ‘The Shadow’s Lament’. Next up, I have a third book to start writing, and a 4th to rewrite. As well as editing for number 2. I have no idea how far I will get in these endeavors for 2024, but my goal is to at least be nearly finished with the first draft of book three, and a good way into editing book two. My primary focus for 2024 is finishing up the art for book one, getting test readers to go over the drafted book, and maybe make some final changes to it, before investigating the wild and terrifying world of querying.


Others in the online community of amazingly talented writers I am blessed to be a member of are looking to do queries as well, and it is my hope that we will be able to support one another in the rather daunting task of putting our hearts out there, knowing we will get rejected (probably). I foresee a lot of encouragement as we work to keep our spirits up, and keep at it.


Todd McFarlane, the creator of Spawn, received rejection after rejection throughout his entire career. His story is one of perseverance, and resilience. He didn’t give up, not when he tried to break into a career no one seemed interested in letting him in to, and not during a fifteen year dry spell, so neither will I.


Every victory is built on a mountain of failures. Each rejection is an opportunity to keep going. Every failure is a chance to learn. As Michale Jordan said, “I’ve failed over and over again. And that is why I succeed.”


The world of publishing is changing, however, and so, while I intend to explore the option of traditional publishing, I will be looking at it with a cautious eye, asking the very simple question that may change my course entirely. “Does publishing with this company provide an opportunity for me to make more than they will take as their cut? Is it a smart business decision for me?” So even as I query, I will be analyzing the company to see if they are worth it to me, not just the other way around. I am the one with the product. If a company doesn’t bring a marketing platform to get it out there, maybe it isn’t the right thing for me. As such, it is possible I will end up going with a self publishing route, in the end.


I don’t know yet.


But I do know 2024 will be a big year for me, filled with exploration, learning, and determination to advance forward one way or another. I do not know what that will bring, but I am excited to find out.


So as the sun sets on 2023, I look to the future, ardent, cautious, and hopeful.



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