building

Wow, it’s been over two years since I posted on this site… sheesh.

2018 has been about building.

I’ve made a few posts on my personal site, www.lesleehare.net, but have mostly been focused on writing and becoming part of the community here in Pine Lake, Georgia. It’s quite lovely here.

I’m very encouraged by advice Jane Friedman gives in The Business Of Being A Writer, about what authors should focus on: building a platform, or writing?

She talked a bit about the value of brand and platform to some writers, but when I read that she thinks a fiction writer should focus on their craft, my heart swelled with relief! I was wondering how I was ever going do it all.

Crafting my writing? That’s something I can manage to build on, for sure.

On the publishing side, it was a thrill to get 21 Steps To Happiness out in the world and onto Amazon in October, and to participate in the authors’ booth at 2018 Pine LakeFest. Looking forward to doing it again next year!

Work continues on a series of Coloring Books that we hope to have out in the next few months. I want us to offer something unique and meaningful to this genre. Its market has exploded in the past couple years, and I’ve seen examples that range from captivating to crude. Hoping I can contribute to the finer end of the spectrum.

Here’s an example of one of the images – work in progress, of course.

I’m also excited about a new novel I’m working on thanks to the great folks and wonderful process at NaNoWriMo. It’ll take me a few months to edit Sophia Learns To Fly (working title), but once I’ve gotten it past the rough first draft stage, I’ll be shopping agents.

I’m happy with this quick cover study I threw together, and plan to do a more refined version with a watercolor image I’ll create.

With the holiday season upon us, I hope everyone is enjoying winter and time with loved ones.

Best wishes for a Happy New Year, too!