Out of a rut, but back in the groove really describes the past year. As a result, I’ve neglected posting any updates over the last few months because I’ve been either uninspired or really busy working! Working means not only writing, but simultaneously researching for the next books. Visiting the Michigan Museum of Horror in Monroe, MI provided a wealth of terrifying information and inspiration.
Out of the Rut
First off, I’ve written just over 30,000 words of my debut horror novel. Honestly, it’s not the progress I wanted. I was hoping to have it complete, (around 75,000 words), off to my editor, and published for Halloween. That didn’t happen. I hit a dry spell, had new ideas, and I guess sometimes life just gets in the way.
But this was a good thing! As I was outlining and reorganizing the plot structure for this first novel, something cool happened: I realized there’s way too much to fit into one book! There are more horrific stories that I think are worth telling. I decided to write three additional backstories that take place in different time periods spanning over a century! First will be a Civil War era witch story, next will be an Edwardian occult ghost story, and finally will be a late 20th century demonic serial killer story. They all connect to the book I’m writing now, and all take place in the fictional village of Melville, MI. I’m still figuring out the best way to release them so stay tuned.
I feel like I’m finally out of the rut and back in the groove!
New Genres, New Groove!
Getting back in the groove has meant not only back to work on horror, but exploring new genres. My wife and I have began co-writing children’s books! I love working on projects with her, we work great together! We’ve finished writing the first story, and have a few others in various stages of completion. I will begin illustrations this winter when I need a break from manuscripts.
I also published my first cookbook, Grill Unsalted in June, which is available on Amazon. Signed copies are also available on the Betzing Press website along wth my book of poetry, All Out of Seasons.
That’s all for now.
Thanks for reading,
Jason