Currently Writing: PROJECT DWC

 

If you've read my previous blog posts or follow me on social media then you may have already heard me reference Project DWC. This is what I'm calling my current work in progress. DWC is short for the actual series title, which I'm not ready to reveal yet!

I'd initially intended to write this as a multi-installment serial (short story-length installments), but as I've begun writing the first book I have very quickly realized the format will turn out different than I'd imagined. It's just playing out to make much more sense as a series of novels. Yes, a whole new story world! I'd also initially thought I'd be self-publishing it, which might still end up being the case. But now, I'm also toying with the idea of submitting it for traditional publishing (i.e.- querying it to a publisher). There are still so many decisions that will have to be made in terms of how this story will finally be brought to market, BUT that comes later. I have to finish writing it first! All this to say that: I'm very excited about this story. It's what I'm spending all of my creative writing time on. And while I'd love to share more about it with you all along the way, I also beg for your patience because it might be some time before you're actually able to read it. But, as I always do, I will keep you updated on my progress on the journey to publication!

If you've missed my previous mentions of this project, it's a new MM Dreampunk series with an Urban Fantasy setting and built upon the framework of magic and multiverses. And for those who have read the ROAM series; yes, it is connected to the ROAMverse and there may potentially be some cameos or references to that series at some point in this one. Fun easter eggs to look forward to in the future!

I'm reluctant to give anything too detailed about this series away yet, as I'm still working on the first draft. But here's a sneak peek of an inspiration board I created that contains glimpses of what to expect in terms of characters, mood, and atmosphere. Each row represents one of the main cast of characters from the first book in the series.

Progress Report: I've just finished drafting Act 1 and am about a third of the way through the first draft.

Let me know if there are any specific types of behind-the-scenes teasers you enjoy so that I can share them with you! I'm hoping to keep you updated on my progress monthly as I feel that this book may take some time to fully craft and cultivate into the robust story that I know it will be. I'd rather take my time and give it the care it deserves than rush through it to please the algorithm gods.

Also, if there are any certain types of blog topics that you'd prefer to read from me this year, let me know that as well! Whether it's deep dives into stories or characters, writing tips, or something entirely different!

Thanks for reading!

Your Writerly Friend,

❤ Dez

January Wrap-Up

This year started off strong! I feel like I was more busy in this one month than in the entirety of last year. I've had a lot of fun, but I'm also looking forward to a slightly more laid-back February.

First and foremost in January, SOMNISCOPE released! This is the second Dreampunk anthology I've participated in and my short story, Looped, is included. If you've yet to pick up a copy, this book contains short stories by 27 different Dreampunk authors! You can get your copy here.

I hit 10K words on my first draft of what I'm now calling Project DWC. This MM Dreampunk story is the first in a new series and I'm excited to share more with you soon!

I was very busy in January in multiple aspects of my life, including finally joining a Ghostbusters franchise! I'd tried to start one in my town nearly a decade ago without much luck and had given up. But all in good time, because someone else finally decided to start one and by sheer chance, our paths crossed and--long story short--I joined a group that is growing quickly! I've attended two events with them already, a Comic Con and a Table Top Con, and am looking forward to participating in more this year!

I also prepped for THREE art shows! All of these have taken place during this first week of February, but the time spent creating the art happened in December/January. I'll share more about these in next month's wrap-up post.

What I Read in January:

Odds & Ends:

For whatever reason, I watched the entire first season of the Jersey Shore for the first time (Snooki is my fav. lol). About to start S2! I'm back on a boba kick. I'm slowly getting back to posting about my vintage collections. And I became obsessed with connecting all of the literary references in Saltburn.

Here's to a slightly less busy, but hopefully still very productive, February!

Happy Reading!

❤ Dez

Current Work In Progress

 

I've been hard at work on The Dapper Detective (the sequel to The Dandy Medium)! It's coming along, I assure you! Out of all the books I've written, this one has taken me the longest to write. Partly, because I had some health issues slow me down. And partly, because I just want to make sure everything about it is as close to perfect as possible. I know you can never make a story perfect, but I have a vision for this one and where it might possibly lead in the future and I just want to make sure I get it right.

I'm currently working through the second draft (over halfway through it) and I already know I'll probably add several scenes before I call it complete and begin the editing process. I hate to attach deadlines/timelines to creative projects, especially knowing how quickly a health issue can throw you off course; so I won't give any solid release date yet but I will say that I'd love to have this out to you by October/November. I am certainly working very hard to try and make that happen!

Here's what you can expect:

🎩 Alfie & Sebastian return for another murder mystery!

🦇 The Crimson Bat Society takes a leading role!

🌙 A deeper dive into the lore of the Nótt Haven world!

🍄 Woodland Magic!

Another thing in the works is SOMNISCOPE: A Dreampunk Convergence, the anthology sequel to MIRRORMAZE. I have a short story entitled, Looped, which will be featured. You can see the full list of contributing authors HERE. Release date is TBD, but hoping for a late 2023 / early 2024 publication.

If you'd like to catch up on this anthology series, you can read my short story Thatcher Maugden and the Dream Witch in MIRRORMAZE.

🔮🔮🔮

Future Projects

Once I complete The Dapper Detective, I have several other projects I'm considering. It'll depend on my mood at the time; but in the future, you can look forward to these projects:

- The Dead Oaks: Omnibus

- A new Dreampunk series

- A Nótt Haven Spin-Off

There are other, more abstract at the moment, stories I would love to write as well. I really want to get some other LGBTQ books out there that aren't just M/M. I have few series ideas for F/F stories and I'm also tempted to test the waters of releasing a Kindle Vella series as well.

So, as you can see, I'm not lacking in ideas! Just the time to execute them all. 😅

Until then, if you haven't had a chance to read The Dandy Medium, it's available on Amazon!

Happy Reading!

❤ Dez

Author Life: New Books + New Routine

Hello, friends!

Because if you read my books then I definitely consider you a friend of mine. :)

Is it just me or did January last twice as long as it should have?? I was overwhelmed with "adulting" and constantly busy. On the bright side, I made a lot of progress on my writing projects and even found some time for my hobbies (which is always a great way to recharge the creativity well).

I'm still utilizing a daily planner which has helped to keep me on task and also helped in tracking what routines work best for me. I've come to realize that my optimum writing times are first thing in the morning and mid-afternoon, so I've been trying to write for at least two hours a day (broken into those time-frames). I would love to have written more each day but this month was just too packed with other things. Overall, I managed to write for approx. two hours a day at least three days a week. My goal for next month is to see if I can write for longer stretches and to increase that to around 4-5 days a week. I enjoy having weekends off to catch up on things around the house or just do something fun (Other than writing! Which is still great fun for me and why I have a hard time forcing myself to set it aside.) and give my brain a rest.

WIP UPDATES:

- I'm about 15% of the way into writing the M/M Contemporary Rom-Com novel and I'm thoroughly enjoying the process so far. I just know you'll love these characters. :) It is different not to be writing supernatural elements, though! But this story called to me so strongly that I just had to write it, even though it's outside of my Paranormal wheelhouse.

- As of now, DREAM WEAVER is still slated for a Spring release. However, the original publication date of March 9th might change. My publisher had to shuffle some titles around and I'm waiting to hear if mine will be moved or not. I'll let you know as soon as I know!

- Thatcher Maugden and the Dream Witch is finished and sent off to be included in the Dreampunk Anthology, Mirrormaze. More news on that as it comes.

- I finally sat down and outlined a short story prequel series about Grady Hunter! They will take place over the two decades prior to when he meets Ethan. I plan to make them very dark horror and very '90s/'00s. Depending on content guidelines, I might put them up on Wattpad; if not, then I'll find another platform. You know I will definitely shout from the rooftops when I'm ready to unleash the first one. ;)

To be directly informed about any new releases or sales, please visit www.dezschwartz.com and sign up for the newsletter. I only send them out once a month or if I have a new release/promotion, so you don't have to worry about being swamped with them.

Later this year, I'll start working on the final book in The Dead Oaks series. If you're a fan or interested in learning more about it, I'll be back on the blog next week to recap the series. Let me know if you have any questions you'd like answered!

Until next time,
♥ Dez 

Promotion Exp. 02/05/20