Author Life: Daily Routine

Getting back into the swing of things the past few days since I took some time off over the holidays to recharge.  Now that I'm back on track, here's what a typical weekday looks like for me:

7:00 A.M.
Wake up.  Dress for the day (includes styling hair and applying makeup); sometimes I'll listen to a podcast or one of my Spotify playlists while I do this.  Review daily planner.

8:00 A.M.
Make a cup of coffee.  Light a candle in my office (aka Writing Nook) and get to work.  I start by reviewing the last scene that I wrote and any notes I may have.  I usually try to write until lunch but sometimes I reach a point where I know more research or plotting will be necessary and then I'll transition to working on those aspects if needed.

11:00 A.M.
Make any notes needed for the next writing session.  Take a break for lunch.  During this time I'll also check any social media notifications and respond to emails.

NOON
Typically when I'll make any social media posts for the day, unless I have something that I want to post or be online for at a specific time of day.  I'll try to run any errands that I have for the day at this point.

1:00 P.M.
Our daughter is homeschooled so I typically check in with her to make sure she's on track and see if there are any areas that she needs extra help in (She's a teenager and her courses are online so she's pretty self-reliant but I make myself available the entire afternoon in case she needs tutoring or supervision for special projects.).  I'll usually get any basic house cleaning that needs to be done out of the way during this time as well.

2:00 P.M.
If everything is on track, I'll fix a second cup of coffee (or grab a Starbucks) and sit down to work on any "book biz" tasks that I have.  This includes marketing, promotion, site updates, etc.  If there's nothing of that nature for the day then I'll take some time to do some writing research.

3:00 P.M.
For the next two hours, I focus on any intensive cleaning/organizing that needs to be done or any other non-writing projects I may have.  Sometimes we'll do field trips or just go out for a fun activity.

5:00 P.M.
It's basically "Family Time" from here on out.  Occasionally, if everyone else is preoccupied, then I might get another hour of writing in during the evening but if I'm too tired then I'll just read a book or catch up on a show (My current favorite is Schitt's Creek).  

Before bed, I'll take a quick glance at what I have in my planner for the next day and add any final notes of story ideas that I've thought of so that I can refresh my memory the following morning.

And that's it!  My usual Monday-Friday routine.  Sometimes I'll write on the weekends but I mostly try to use those days for family activities and relaxing.  When I was working full-time, I was a "Weekend Warrior Writer" so I enjoy actually designating Saturday and Sunday for other things now.

NOTE: One big improvement in my schedule is no longer allowing myself to look at social media first thing in the morning.  I realized that I write better at the beginning of the day without having any outside emotional influences.  I have become so much more motivated with this simple change!  I definitely recommend not checking your notifications or reading any news until later in the day once you've already had a chance to make your day feel like it's been a productive one.

Your Busy Writer,
Dez

- Be sure to stay updated with special announcements and new releases through my newsletter!  You can sign up on the main page of my website.
- If you're interested in my daily life and writerly musings, you can also follow me Instagram and Twitter.

OUT NOW

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It's time to face your nightmares.

Soon To Be Released

- HUNTER (ROAM: Book Two), coming April 8, 2019 through NineStar Press.

2019 Vision & Goals

It's that time again!  We're all making promises to ourselves for the upcoming year that we can only hope we'll actually end up keeping.  I have a theme that I'd like to carry through 2019: Mindfulness. More on that in a minute.  First, let's revisit my goals for 2018 and see what I actually stuck to!

2018 WRITING GOALS: ACHIEVED

This was one of my best years as a writer since it saw the first publication of one of my books through a traditional publisher.  ROAM was released by NineStar Press in October and I signed the contract for the second book in the series to be released next year.  Prior to this, my books had been self-published.  I had also set forth to complete the second book in my YA series, THE DEAD OAKS, and succeeded in getting it out into the world.  I would say that I even went beyond my own expectations by managing to get halfway through the first draft of another novel.  Overall, I'm extremely proud of what I accomplished in this area in 2018.

2018 ART GOALS: ACHIEVED-ish(?)

I began this year intending to sell more art than the previous year through my Etsy and Redbubble shops, which I did.  A design that I created of "Call Me By Your Name" sold more than any other piece of art that I've produced in my entire life.  That being said, I don't think that what I accomplished overall was quite what I'd pictured at the beginning of the year nor was I left with the feelings that I'd intended to have.  So, while I was successful in my goal on paper, it has all left me thinking differently in a way that I will delve into more as I reveal my 2019 goals.

2018 PERSONAL GOALS: FAILED

Of course a writer would fail in this area!  Bring on the ROTFL emojis!  I was terrible at pretty much all of these goals.  Eat Healthy And Exercise: NOPE.  Learn To Relax: NOPE.  Not Push Myself So Hard: NOPE. Read At Least 20 Books: NOPE.  In fact, the only thing I did do right was go on the vacation that we had planned in advance; which I am insanely thankful for because I definitely needed to take a break and reset.  Hopefully, I'll do better this coming year to take time for my personal goals.  Now that I know I have an issue with that, I can make it a point to prioritize it.

Now that that's out of the way, here's what I'm feeling heading into 2019.  I stated that my theme is "mindfulness".  My intention with this is to have a constant reminder that I want to "act intentionally".  Everything that I put time and effort into should be of value to my overall life vision.  If it hurts it or doesn't fit it then I'm not wasting time on it.  A decluttering of the soul and mind, if you will.

2019 WRITING GOALS

A huge thing I'm looking forward to is the release of HUNTER through NineStar Press in the Spring.  My goals for this year are to finish writing the third (and final) book in the ROAM series and to write the next DEAD OAKS book.  After these, I hope to start working on a new novel.  I also have some ideas for short stories that I might release periodically throughout the year.  Two lofty goals are to attend some sort of convention (maybe...) and toy with the possibility of finding an agent.  This is a lot for one year, I know.  I hope to achieve at least two to three of these things.  Wish me luck!

2019 ART GOALS

NONE.  Zip.  Zilch.  Can't and won't be bothered.  Contrary to the picture above, I have no real art goals.  This doesn't mean that I won't create art.  I know myself better than that and I do have some little things that I'd like to work on.  I also have some new art interests other than just drawing that I'd like to explore but I'm viewing this area of my life as more of a "leisure" category this year that will probably morph and change quite a bit.  No need to place expectations here.

"Don't half ass two things.  Whole ass one thing."  Thanks, Parks & Recreation!  That quote has also been stuck in the back of my mind for quite a while more than I'd care to admit.  A big reason that I'm changing my attitude toward my approach with art is that I want to be able to mainly focus on my writing because that's where my passion lies!  Drawing is fun and a great way to defrag at the end of a day which is why I'm viewing it more as a hobby now. 

So, after I made this list, I realized there was no need for art goals starting out 2019.

2019 PERSONAL GOALS

Okay!  This area has to be more of a priority this year as I had mentioned.  I don't want to be a failure at it again. :)  I really will try to be healthier (*cringe face*) and I'll let myself have time to relax (even if I have to literally schedule it in); in conjunction, during that relaxation time, perhaps I'll actually manage to read 20 books.  A simple goal I have is to get the house organized from top to bottom; I'm sure that will take all year.

Another big goal is: Cultivate Healthy Friendships.  Some of you are great friends already and I plan on keeping you around, don't worry!  But that isn't the case for everyone in my life. . . Nor have I freed up enough time for some of you.  So, I want to focus only on the friendships that I have (and that have been seeking me out) which really add purposeful and positive value to my life.  Without getting too personal and wordy, I'll just say that my goal is to make time for the people that I think actually deserve that time.

Well, there you have it!  My 2019 vision.  Basically, I just want to write and chill and share worthwhile conversations with worthwhile people.  Hopefully that's not too hard to live up to.

Have you shared your goals for the new year?  If so, leave a link in the comments so I can check them out!

Have a Happy New Year!!

Mindfully Yours,
- Dez -

Top 5 Favorite Reads of 2018

Continuing a new tradition!  Last year, I shared my Top 5 Favorite Reads so I wanted to do the same again this year.  To be clear, these books did not have to be published in 2018; they are just stories that I read this year.  I've included links to their Goodreads pages in case you'd like to add them to your TBR lists.  Here goes!

5.  ACE OF SQUIDS by Elliot Cooper

It's surprising that this one made my list.  Not because I didn't expect it to be good.  Elliot Cooper is a fantastic author.  But because it was a short story that came free with a newsletter signup.  Nonetheless, the concept was right up my dark alley and I enjoyed it immensely.  Definitely go take the time to sign up so you can receive a copy.  The concept is very Lovecraftian but also calls out Lovecraft's racism by featuring a POC main character.  It's also great LGBTQ Paranormal representation.

4. THE ALCHEMIST by Paulo Coelho

Let me preface this by saying that I am decidedly non-religious.  When asked, I will usually just tell people that I'm a "free thinker".  I don't tend to like books with religious overtones.  However, I think I found this one engaging because it's a period drama told in a traditional older style that you don't see often anymore.  Coelho masterfully leads you through the character's journey and keeps you anticipating what will happen next.  I liked that it was nothing that I had expected it to be nor anything like everything else that I read this year.

3. ON WRITING: A MEMOIR OF THE CRAFT by Stephen King

I am so glad that I took the time to read this one.  I feel as though there are so many different blogs and resources online with random people telling you how you should be conducting yourself as a writer and my jaded side is very much, "Oh yeah?  Who even are you to tell me what to do?  What have you written to give you such credibility?"  That may sound terrible of me but I figure if they knew what they were talking about then maybe they'd be more well-known?  Send me hate mail on this if you wish. I will own my unpopular opinion.  Conversely, I will take advice from Stephen King who obviously knows a thing or two about the business of successfully writing books!  And he does give great advice in this book, even providing examples of his work.  I highly recommend this one for all writers looking to improve their craft.

2. THE STRINGS OF MURDER by Oscar de Muriel

This book.  THIS BOOK.  Oh my.  It was so good!  It had everything that I love about gothic Victorian stories.  As you can probably guess by the title, it's a murder mystery and involves one of my favorite things: supernatural violin history.  The main characters, at times, are as clever as Sherlock Holmes but they are not the compatible duo that Holmes and Watson were.  They can't stand each other and butt heads at every turn, which makes them a brilliant pairing in the end.  I was excited to learn it's the first in a series and I'm very much looking forward to reading the rest!

1. CALL ME BY YOUR NAME by Andre' Aciman

This was the first book that I read this year because I wanted to read it before I watched the film.  I love to compare/contrast movies to their books.  Obviously, both were insanely good as everyone already knows.  The book was incredibly powerful and so very well written.  I can easily see myself re-reading this multiple times.  It's such a beautifully crafted piece of literary art.  So much so, that nothing else that I read this year after it could knock it from the top spot.

So, there you go!  I hope you'll give some of these a read in 2019 or if you've already read them, I hope you liked them as much as I did.  What are your thoughts?  And, based on these, do you have any recommendations for books that I should read this coming year?

Yours With Her Nose In A Book,
- Dez -

The Julbock In Review

"The Julbock is equal parts adorable and sexy."
 ~
"Aubrey and Patrick are like the two sides of the holidays, the enthusiast and the skeptic."
~ 
  
While romances play a large role in the plots of my books, The Julbock is the only official Romance genre story that I've written so far (although, I am working on more).  As we head into the final few weeks of this holiday season and wrapping up our 2018 Reading Challenges, this short story provides a quick read at 26 pages.  Grab a cup of hot cocoa, find a cozy place, and dive into this magical M/M Yule hygge romance.

What You Can Expect:

• Dapper Reporter meets Boho Witch
• Adorable Yule Goat
• Holiday Festival
• Witchcraft in the Woods

Writing reviews for a living has trained Patrick Moon to internally criticize everything to the point where he rarely enjoys anything. That is until he takes on an extra assignment which whirlwinds him into the good graces of Aubrey Blackwood, a local craftsman and occult dealer. With the help of a rambunctious little goat and his - very tight knit - circle of friends, Aubrey opens Patrick's eyes to the magic of the world around him and shows him that the spirit of the holidays resides in your heart and not in your head.

As an added bonus, it contains some ROAM-related easter eggs. (Hey, wrong season!... 
Did I really just type that cheese?  *puts coal in own stocking*  I'll see myself out.)

If you've yet to read The Julbock, you can find it on Amazon (Kindle).  And if you have already read it then please consider leaving a review!  It's the best gift you can give an author.

Festively Yours,
Dez

- Be sure to stay updated with special announcements and new releases through my newsletter!  You can sign up on the main page of my website.
- If you're interested in my daily life and writerly musings, you can also follow me Instagram and Twitter.

OUT NOW

Amazon | B&N | NSP

It's time to face your nightmares.

Soon To Be Released

- HUNTER (ROAM, Book Two), coming April 2019 through NineStar Press.

Dacey Sinnett's ROAM Inspired Etsy Gift Guide

Welcome, delicious readers!  I've noticed a lot of holiday gift guides going around so I decided (was forced by my author) to create one especially for ROAM lovers!  These Etsy finds are unrelated to the book officially but I feel they would be fantastic casual references to incorporate into a readers home.  I'm generously offering to place them there myself if you'll invite me in...

(above) This Star Gazer Teacup & Saucer is ideal for Grady's go-to favorite, lemon balm and lavender, or any magical concoction Vivian might whip up to put you out of your misery.  Is that not the right choice of words?  Hmm...

Exhausted from nightmares of menacing monsters?  Try this Beaded Boho Dreamcatcher for a restful night!  Just beware of werehuahuas eager to share your bed.  They drool in their sleep and have fleas; or so I've been told.

It's important for all children of the night to be well versed in their moon phases.  This Moon Phase Wall Hanging is more than eye-catching aesthetic decor.  It's also a simple but effective educational tool.

I speak for all vampires when I say that we are easily lured in by fashionable holiday party guests.  Add this  Vampire Bat Bracelet to your seasonal crimson evening wear and you're sure to get a bite.

Ready to enhance your own dream magic?  Try a light massage of Mugwort Dream Oil before bed and see what new realms await you.

Have you spent half your life trying to hunt down a werewolf?  Look no further!  One has been caught for you.  This Werewolf In A Can may not satiate your thirst for vengeance but it is sure to be a howl with guests.

I hope you found something dreamy for your supernaturally-inclined friends or even for yourself.  Holiday shopping can be a lot of things but it doesn't have to be a nightmare...unless that's what you're going for.

Frightfully & Festively Yours,
~ D.S. ~

ROAM ~ Casting Fun

A few weeks back I posed the question, "If ROAM were a film, who would you cast to play each character?".  As promised, I've compiled your answers and included my own imaginary casting choices!

ETHAN ROAM

Logan Lerman - The number one suggestion from my long-time readers.  This is certainly to do with the fact that, early on, I made many mentions about how I'd love to see him in the role.  I'm happy that it stuck with so many of you!

Tom Holland - This suggestion came totally out of left field for me but now that you've put the idea in my head, I LOVE IT!  There are so many of Ethan's mannerisms and quirky expressions that I could imagine Tom pulling off brilliantly.

Darren Criss - Another one I never would have thought of!  I like this idea because you know he'd be able to pull off Ethan's musical prowess.  My only concern would be that he's outgrown the part by a few years.

Author Wild Card
Jeremy Shada - That's right!  I'm throwing in my votes as well.  As much as I initially loved the idea of Lerman, I think he falls under the same category as Criss in having outgrown the role now.  I follow Jeremy Shada online and I think he has such a vibrant and youthful energy and physically fits the part as well.  I could definitely see him as Ethan.

DR. GRADY HUNTER

Benedict Cumberbatch - Again, a favorite of my long-time readers for similar reasons but also, not surprisingly, suggested by new readers as well.  He was the top mentioned name for this part.

Jamie Dornan - Okay, guys.  Confession:  I have never seen any of the 50 Shades films.  I honestly have no clue what this guy's acting style is like.  I'll leave it up to you all to decide if he'd be a good fit for Grady or not.  Though, I can see why you'd think that simply from his hair and cheekbones.  :)

JJ Feild - JJ would make an adorable Grady.  I support this nomination.

Author Wild Card

Evan Williams - Let me tell you something.  I absolutely ADORE Evan Williams both as an actor and as a human being existing on this planet.  PUT HIM IN ALL THE THINGS!

DACEY SINNETT

Ezra Miller - WOW.  You guys really love you some Ezra Miller!  Everyone that gave a suggestion for Dacey suggested him.  Save for the one other vote.  lol  Look, I get it.  Ezra would be fabulous.  BUT, for me, I actually already have him in mind as a perfect casting of another of my characters (Wes from The Dead Oaks, for those curious).  I can still totally see it, though.

Timothee' Chalamet - I feel like this particular reader suggested this simply because they have a crush on Timothee' and that's perfectly acceptable.  The funny thing is, I can sort of see it working in both ROAM and The Revelation of Dacey Sinnett.  But since I have that special "Author Knowledge" of what's to come in the series... he doesn't quite fit the bill entirely for me.  Great actor, though.

Author Wild Card
Reeve Carney - Another throwback to the beginning.  I've long said Reeve would be my Dacey and I stand by that to this day.


These were the only characters that I received any responses about.  I do have my own ideas for the others but I might save those for a different post.  Thank you so much to everyone that took the time to send in your picks!  It was quite fun finding out all of your choices.

I may be biased (*smirk*) but I would definitely watch this film.  What do you think about these selections?  Have any more suggestions?  Also, someone please contact Netflix because we need to get this in motion.


Happy Reading!
- Dez -

NaNoWriMo 2018

(Equipped and ready!)

I participated in NaNoWriMo for the first time in 2016 when I wrote the first draft of HUNTER (scheduled for release April 2019 through NineStar Press) but missed out on joining in last year.  I've yet to determine if NaNoWriMo is really for me so I wanted to give it another try and it just so happened to be coming around right as I'm delving into writing the final book in the ROAM trilogy.  The timing is convenient and I'm hoping all of the fuss surrounding NaNoWriMo will help keep me on track.  My goal for November is to see how much writing I can actually accomplish during certain time frames of a day so that moving forward I will better know how to schedule my time and set personal deadlines for myself that I can realistically adhere to.

What Book Will I Be Writing?

As mentioned, I'll be working on the third ROAM book, DREAM WEAVER.  

What Prep Work Have I Done?

I have a general outline of the story and I've already written the first 1,500 words because laying down those intial lines is always the hardest part for me.  Like an artist with a fresh canvas; but thankfully writers have delete buttons if we don't like our first strokes.  I wanted to have this part down before November that way I would know exactly where I was jumping in at and I wouldn't waste time mulling over it.

I've also brushed up on my two previous stories and made a list of loose ends that I want to tie up.  With this being the final book in the main series, I need to try and give it as much closure as possible.

I'm looking forward to participating with the writing community surrounding NaNoWriMo and seeing how much I can accomplish.  If you're also planning to join in, let me know!

~ Dez ~


- Be sure to stay updated with special announcements and new releases through my newsletter!  You can sign up on the main page of my website.
- If you're interested in my daily life and writerly musings, you can also follow me Instagram and Twitter.

OUT NOW

Amazon | B&N | NSP

It's time to face your nightmares.

Soon To Be Released

- HUNTER (ROAM, Book Two), coming April 2019 through NineStar Press.