Writerly Update: We Have Movement

2025 Writing Update

Where did 2025 go?! I struggle to believe 2026 looms only two weeks away. While this year had its struggles, it has also served as a promising reset.

I am writing more: some in my Heritage Lost series (thank you, dear patient readers) and in writing exercises (super beneficial). This is a marked improvement compared to when my writing flowed like frozen molasses. “Legacy” crawls closer to the halfway mark to completion. It has taken some diversions. The outline kept distorting. It would encase me like mud, arresting momentum.

I’ve finally sat down and reassessed the outline, streamlining it and fixing the kinks. It looks great, and I am optimistic that I can pick up speed on “Legacy,” especially since I’m currently enjoying a much-needed vacation from the day job.

Honestly, I’ve been enjoying my time in Mina’s head. She is less closed off than Katya, who tends to bury her emotions. Though I’ve uncovered ways that Katya has rubbed off on Mina, which are sweet. I don’t want to overpromise, but I’m truly aiming for 2026 or bust for this next installment in the Heritage Verse.

As for Book 3, “Once Removed,” it is started, but is also percolating. Once “Legacy” is done, I will give it my full attention. I still have a lot of excitement for this project, which will answer many questions while opening new cans of worms. So many cans! It’ll be a fun time … maybe not for some characters …

This post is mainly to share that progress is happening. It’s just slower than I would like for any invested readers. I will not forsake you and your patience!

Check out my new updated planner for writers, by a writer. It features prompts and writing exercises to cultivate creativity. It is available on Amazon!

Hunting For Inspiration

Author Sarah Wright petting a cat at the Hemmingway Home and Museum.

Sometimes, muses prove invasive. I won’t lie. My word count isn’t where I would like it to be. I’ve still been writing, but I feel more like I’m wading through molasses than managing anything productive.

A spring trip to the Florida Keys brought a welcome respite. I honestly haven’t traveled on vacation in years, so it was just nice to escape Indiana for a while! In the Keys, I visited the Hemingway Home and Museum and met some new feline friends! It was also great to scratch off a literary landmark and learn more about Ernest Hemingway.

I admire his work ethic of getting up every morning and going to his study to write. That is one of my biggest goals at the moment: building a routine that will stick. It’s not easy, but I keep plodding ahead. To aid this effort, I’ve even created a little tool.

Creative Break

S.M. Wright holding a copy of "Chart a Year of Writing Abandon"

Like most writers, I LOVE stationery. Whether it’s pens, notecards, or planners, I’m here for it! So, I created a planner that I would like to use as an author.

The process stirred the muse, especially as I gathered inspiring quotes from famous authors (yes, including Hemingway) and some of their routines. The good news is that when I hit brick walls and stumble on my writing path, this planner will wait for me (for all writers). There are no wasted pages as long as you don’t fill them out for an entire year.

It’s not a magic bullet, but it is definitely an aid on the journey. For anyone interested in trying it out, it can be purchased on Amazon.

I will also have copies at Chaoticon in Laporte, Indiana. This pop culture convention will run from Sept. 13-14, at the Dunes Event Center. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For information, visit ChaoticEmpire.Shop

Young Love In A Galaxy Undone

As I work on “Legacy,” it’s been fun spending time with Mina. Her perspective differs from Katya’s, though I would say her guardian has rubbed off on her in some ways. Not that she’d like to admit it at the moment. Teens. 🙄

But really, that age difference has made “Legacy” so fresh for me as a writer. It’s enjoyable to write a character who is just starting their life and setting out on their own path — embarking on training, making youthful mistakes, and finding young love. “Legacy” will definitely have a more young adult flare (with a similar feel to “Ender’s Game”) given the age of most of the key characters. I look forward to introducing more of the new cast on the blog, just like I did Anna. I’m particularly attached to some of the older new cast members, such as Lieutenant Commander Das and Commander Foma. But the younger cast members are also great, though I will admit it can be tough juggling them all.

While we welcome new cast members, some familiar faces will also make appearances. Of course, Katya will still be present in her new role as a vice admiral in command of the Nakhimov, also nicknamed “The Nursery.” As expected, she isn’t commanding any front-line operations; her role currently is to share her Magistrate knowledge and train up Mramor’s fledgling military. Aleksandr and Zakhar also continue to play pivotal roles.

Finding writing momentum has been a challenge. I really long for my high school years when I could belt out a chapter in one go, but life is different now. I also had my outline shift. Something that was slated to occur later in the story actually happened earlier. This meant I had to pause and restructure the outline. I’ve completed this, and I now feel “Legacy” will become a 12-chapter story versus the originally planned 11-chapter story. Having fleshed out my notes and tweaked the outline, I hope that my writing pace will pick up. We’ll see!

I would love to have Mina’s story done before the end of the year. Being four chapters in (whether it’s 12 or 11 chapters total), I feel it is possible. It will just require dedication and a schedule.

Book III

“Once Removed” is started; however, I have paused work on it until “Legacy” is complete. While readers don’t have to read “Legacy” to enjoy “Once Removed,” “Legacy” does a great job of bridging the gap between “Descent” and “Once Removed.” It sets the playing field while providing character development for Mina and also foreshadowing what’s coming in Book III. In short, it enriches Book III.

Why Hello There!

It’s been quite a while. As I’ve previously hinted, my life remains pretty hectic since I’m pulling 50-60 hour work weeks. One of my biggest regrets of 2022 was not achieving any of my writing goals and really not cobbling together a functional writing (and marketing) schedule. But when you’re working two jobs, you just want to collapse and not think at the end of the day.

I’m still plugging away at “Legacy,” Mina’s story. And man! It has been fun to slip into her POV. She’s definitely a different lens than Katya, who is so serious and more grounded. Currently, Mina’s navigating her way through military life, a type of life she has always orbited around, but now she’s fully enmeshed in it. Given Mina’s current age (in addition to some of the other cast members), “Legacy” has more of a young adult feel about it, and there just might be some romance, which is rare for me as an author. It also establishes the lay of the land following the events of “Descent.” Let’s just say, it’s not all smooth sailing on Mramor. Or really anywhere.

Once complete, I plan on testing the waters of Kindle Vella. Have you used Kindle Vella as a writer or a reader? Share your experiences with me! If all goes well, I might also release the Oneiroi novel on Kindle Vella. Eventually, I will release both as physical books, but this will save me from having to purchase more ISBNs for a while. Those aren’t cheap.

“Once Removed” is started and fully plotted. I wish I had more time to work on it, as I can see it being one of my favorites. There are several scenes that I’m eager to write and to see readers’ responses to.

Hall Of Heroes Comic Con 2023

I will have a booth at the Hall of Heroes Comic Con in Elkhart, IN. The convention runs from 10-6 p.m. Saturday, March 4, and from 10-5 p.m. Sunday, March 5, at the Northern Indiana Event Center, 21565 Executive Pkwy, Elkhart, IN 46514. I’ll be at booth A24 (Far-Flung Press) in Artist Alley. Come, say hi! I’ll have copies of “Heritage Lost” and “Descent” available for purchase and possibly galaxies-in-a-bottle (or potion) necklaces.

It looks promising that author Kylie Betzner will join me once again at the booth. Kylie is known for her “The Six—Er—Seven Kingdoms” series, which is a comedic fantasy parody series. She also has an Arthurian parody book, too, which I highly recommend. I just adore Pig and Kay.

We will probably host another giveaway. You’ll find the details at our booth!

Until next time, cheers!

Meet the Cast: Anna Popova

[Periodically, I’ll share Meet the Character posts spotlighting some of the new characters who will be appearing in Legacy alongside Mina. I’m also currently working on a Meet the Characters page that will feature key players in the Heritage Verse]

Born in the Magistrate Era, Anna knows nothing of the before. She grew up without a family, whether through abandonment or death. By the time she was born, the Magistrate had abandoned its program of adopting Mramorian orphans off-world to Magistrate families. So instead, she was placed within the Magistrate’s social services in Old Imperiya, which were badly mismanaged by Alyypriliv, a revolutionary faction that maneuvered its way to the top of Mramor politics following Magistrate intervention.

Faced with food shortages and mistreatment, Anna fled the orphanage and found sympathy from a mechanic who offered her an apprenticeship at age 14. Now at 21, she’s joined the Mramorian Fleet to expel the Magistrate from her homeworld and displace Alyypriliv and their allies from power. She’s never forgotten the cruelty of her orphanage.

Popova serves as one of Mina’s flight team members and roommates.

Fun Character Fact: She is a hopeless romantic and has an extensive collection of romance books at home. The steamier, the better. If it’s way out there, she will buy it — in fact, she is a connoisseur of odd pairings.

Fun History Fact: Anna Popova shares her last name with Nadezhda Vasilveyna Popova, a famous Soviet Night Witch during WWII. She is not the only new character to feature a nod to the Night Witches. If you haven’t heard Sabaton’s song about them, what are you waiting for? For an overview of the 588th Night Bomber Regiment, Wikipedia gives you an overview.

A Long Awaited Update

“I’ve been given the distinguished duty of turning you first into soldiers. Then, perhaps even fighter pilots […] You were selected because of your willingness and your warm bodies. Nothing more.”

-Lt. Commander Foma Zima, “Legacy: A Heritage Verse Story”

So, it’s been a while since I last posted. I really wish I could say I dropped off the face of the Earth to get a lot of writing done; sadly, that’s not the case. I haven’t wholly slouched on the writing part, but it’s been a snail’s pace as I’ve been a little discouraged and still spread thin between the two jobs. But I still wanted to hop in and celebrate some accomplishments, no matter how small.

Impending Author Event

If you’d like to meet me, mark your calendars! I will be at North Webster Community Public Library at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27, for an author meet and greet, where I will share information about my writing process, books, and publishing route. Have questions? Ask them! I will also have copies of my books available for purchase at a discounted price. I hope to see you there!

“Legacy” Work Continues

Fans of the Heritage Lost Series’s Mina won’t want to miss “Legacy: A Heritage Verse Story.” This planned novella will solely be from her perspective and show her step onto her own path away from Katya to pursue becoming a fighter pilot, to strike back. This novella also serves as a bridge to Book III: “Once Removed,” though it is not required reading. However, I think readers who read it will find it enriches the reading experience of “Once Removed.”

This story is fully outlined, and a couple months ago, I broke out the tarot cards to really flesh out a sizeable number of new cast members (visit the above link to see how I use tarot cards for character development). I hope to introduce you to these characters soon, right here on my blog. Most are going to be characters within Mina’s flight team — maybe even a new love interest in the works.

In terms of writing, I’m just exiting chapter two and hope to pick up steam again. There is the possibility I will release this story first on Kindle Vella; however, I’m still researching that option. Would you like to see it there? Let me know! If you’re a fellow author who has used Kindle Vella, please let me know your experience.

“Once Removed” Update

“Once Removed,” Book III of the Heritage Lost Series, is also outlined, and I have started Chapter One and some select scenes. I’m eager to fully dive into “Once Removed.” Of all the entries, it is going to be the most emotionally hitting, I feel, for my characters.

It maintains the genealogy-themed naming convention I’ve been using for the Heritage Lost Series, with a few double meanings. The biggest and only one I will give away is the nod to Mramor and several other planets leaving the Magistrate. This is the story of what happens after they have removed themselves. Katya, Akakios, and Mina will serve as POV characters. Katya just might receive the information she was looking for in this entry.

Things are not slowing down life-wise as I had hoped, but I plodding forward, one word at a time.

Reflection And A Glance At What’s Ahead

2021 served as a year of change for me, starting on a low note by not receiving a dream job. However, a few months later, I landed another dream job, which I think has been dreamier. Because I’m a glutton for punishment, I’ve stayed on as a part-time editor for one publication at my previous employer.

Needless to say, I really didn’t have a life in 2021, but I’m making progress toward restoring some work/life balance. And despite circumstances, I accomplished a lot in 2021. I finished edits on Descent and brought it to Amazon as an e-book. (The paperback is still on its way after production delays.) While working toward publishing goals, I polished several outlines and launched a few new writing starts, including the next installments of the Heritage Lost Series.

I have hopes for 2022, especially once I restore my life balance.

Writing

My primary focus for 2022 is Legacy, which centers on Mina and will be from her point of view. I expect this story to be of novella length, and it will also serve as a story bridge to Book III, Once Removed, covering a time span where Katya really tries to mold Mramor’s training practices and unified the planet’s efforts.

In Legacy, Mina seeks to carve her own path, removed from Katya’s. She’s dead set on becoming a fighter pilot and finally striking back at the Magistrate. Alongside this goal, she navigates cultural differences as she integrates into the ranks of Old Imperiya. It doesn’t help that Katya has tasked her with being a bridge between Old Imperiya and recruits from other former countries. Given the levels of distrust and hatred between all the former countries, Mina comes to believe it’s an impossible endeavor.

It’s been fun to hop into Mina’s POV after spending 500-some pages with Katya in Descent. I really look forward to journeying with her as she grows and maybe experience another case of young love. I expect to carry her POV, alongside Katya’s and Akakios’s, into Once Removed.

More Reading

Another hope for 2022 is more reading. I haven’t been doing a lot of it (I think I only read eight books in 2021), but at least 2022 is off to a promising start since I’ve finished Carry On by Rainbow Rowell and March: Book One by John Lewis. I’m also super close to finishing My Life, My Love, My Legacy by Coretta Scott King.

Since the library has a new reading challenge, I’m definitely encouraged to reach at least 15 books by the end of September, especially after falling short of my 2021 reading goal. I must redeem myself!

Refresh Author Business Plan

My five-year author business plan is horribly out of date. After I finalize 2021 business-related matters, I’m going to sit down and create a new plan for 2022-2027. I also need to revisit and follow through with marketing plans, including lining up more reviews for my books.

StoryOrigin will hopefully make that last part easier since it’s added a review copy feature. So far, I really like how it functions. If you’d like to pick up a review copy, click either the Heritage Lost or Descent button — or both, even.

Click button to request review copy
Click to request a review copy

Win A Descent E-Book

Descent, Book 2 in the Heritage Lost Series, arrives Wednesday, Dec. 29. Like Heritage Lost, Kindle Unlimited readers can read it for free! Two lucky readers without Kindle Unlimited will also be able to read Descent for free, too!

Visit this link to enter your name and email address between now and Sunday, Dec. 26, for a chance to win. I will randomly select two winners on Monday, Dec. 27, and contact them that day as well. I will format the e-book to work on whatever e-reader the winners are using, whether Kindle, Nook, Kobo, etc.

While waiting for Descent‘s release, revisit Heritage Lost, sign up for my author newsletter to receive Heritage Lost‘s prequel novella for free, and finally, browse the Into the Heritage Verse blog series to learn fascinating facts about the species, organizations, and characters that call the universe home. During December, I will add new entries to the Into the Heritage Verse blog series, so stay tuned!

Plasovern leader Hedda Strom has fulfilled her promise for Sotiris, almost to a miraculous level silencing his genetic mutation. With this achievement, it now falls on former Magistrate captain Katya Cassius to pay the price, as Strom tolerates no freeloaders. However, the cost may be steeper than she’s willing to pay, requiring her to entirely turn against former comrades and her adoptive family in a campaign to destabilize the Magistrate.

While Katya struggles with her former loyalties, Mina has embraced Plasovern’s cause, threatening to tear their relationship asunder. Building tension within Plasovern and Mina’s push to join one of its cells forces Katya to pursue alternative routes to Strom—even risking her wrath.

As the Magistrate’s fringe space spirals into chaos and Sotiris’s medical needs limit options, Katya’s only recourse may be a return to her original homeworld, a place she fears for the truth it may hold.

Platforming Dabbles: The Struggle For Eyes Never Ends

Heritage Lost Book Trailer

Authors eternally seek ways to engage potential readers — the umpteenth social media account, newsletters, artwork galore, podcasts, video, etc. Some writers do well with a relatively tight platform, while others utilize quite a few avenues. There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to platforming. And speaking from experience, it can be incredibly hard to find one’s people.

Two years into being a published author, I still don’t feel like I’ve found my people. With its shifting algorithms, social media feels more like a void that I’m shouting into nowadays. But I still try to plug away at it and keep my ears open for potential opportunities.

Video has been on my radar, though I dread it. I’m not the most photogenic person, and when placed in front of a camera, my brain tends to shut off, tossing aside carefully considered responses. However, I did force myself from my comfort zone with digital readings in 2020. That is the way the digital world is moving: video.

Enter FilmForth

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

I was encouraged to pursue a short film for my book by a fellow vendor at Hall of Heroes Comic Con, who pointed out that it’s never been easier to do so with a cellphone. While I haven’t bolstered my courage for a short film, I did begin to browse video editors and available free stock video with the hope of doing book trailers.

This search led me to FilmForth, a video editor I still can’t believe is free. It is easy to use and allows for nitty-gritty editing. It offers many great effects and transitions, the ability to adjust and remove sound, picture-in-picture support, and so much more. The best part? By liking the software’s social media, you can remove the watermark. Heck yes!!!

Using it, I first created the Descent trailer below. The Heritage Lost trailer above was my second attempt and shows more playing around with the software. I also had to get more creative with it because the stock video was just not there. How can there be no toddler stock footage? I ended up mixing still photos, abstract videos, color clips to convey a rough overview of Heritage Lost.

The stock photos and video came from Pixabay, a fabulous resource! The Descent trailer music came from YouTube’s royalty-free library, while Heritage Lost used a royalty-free song from Pixabay (where I also found its sound effects).

FilmForth allows users to export projects in various sizes perfect for different types of social media and uses.

It is easily five stars with its price tag (free!), ease of use, and abilities. I knocked it down by half a star because it lags on projects (even small ones) with numerous layers. I would start exporting to review the video rather than use the in-software video previewer just to make sure text and sound effects were really where they should be. On the Heritage Lost video, I did experience one freeze, but it still saved in the background so I lost nothing.

All in all, if interested in video, test it out!

Descent Book Trailer

Beta readers wanted!

Descent arrives Dec. 29, 2021, but you can read it early by being a beta reader! Or you can pre-order your copy today, but clicking this link.

Beta readers are a major part of the writing process for most writers. They help catch issues with manuscript that a writer, far too close to it, might miss or not even consider. For the beta reader, they get to read a book before anyone else! It is a win-win situation for all parties involved.

With my second wave of revisions complete, I’m looking for speedy readers who can get through an approximately 148K book by the first week of November. I’ll be using the new StoryOrigin beta reader feature for Descent. Interested readers need only click the button below to request beta reader access. Haven’t read the first book, Heritage Lost? No worries! I’ve included a synopsis and character list in StoryOrigin to aid new readers to the series.

Continue reading “Beta readers wanted!”