Writing Update - Feb 21, 2025

Hey guys!

I figured I’d try something different this week and go more of a reflection based route. I’m taking out repeated info—I figured I’d try if you want that info, previous updates still have em!

As always, expect them every Friday along with a video talking about my reading and some other writing updates if that suits you better.

I like to be as transparent as possible in these. I’m excited for you all to be engaged with the world of Mercy—so here. we. go.

Primary Novel Update:

Book Two — Mercy: (Title to be announced) — is on the CHOPPING BLOCK.

More like a revising block… but you get it.

Current Word Count: 183,462 (~300 word difference)

Chapter 15/44 Revised

With Valentine’s Day, I spent the weekend not doing much work—but I was happy to return to the world of Mercy upon getting back from a weekend trip. If I haven’t discussed it before, this revision’s focus is on identifying key story elements that need implementation, better implementation, or need to be cut entirely.

My hope is to weed out storylines that are no longer relevant and refine the key story elements to ace the payoff for you! The second book closes the first arc of Mercy’s MAIN story—and yes I’m hoping to do an awesome chonker omnibus edition in the future of books one and two together.

As far as new plans regarding book one, (I forgot to mention this in my video) I haven’t heard anything back from Jeff Hayes and his team over at Soundbooth Theater. So I’m going to unturn a stone at Podium Audio to see if they can help, and otherwise I may have to narrate myself. But I’m going to try to take the work off my chest and get you guys a likely better performer than me (though I’m confident in my voice acting chops).

I also will be releasing initially in Paperback and E-Book. The ebook will be 0.99 for the first while, then up to 2.99 beyond that. And will be available in KU. My hope is to have a bunch of Advanced copies out for people to read so we can get some early traction and conversation about the book.

I would like to test a hardcover limited run of book one (refining the design of it and finishing getting 3-4 more art pieces by the artist who did my first) so that way I’ll order a bunch, or do pre-ordering either through here or a website by that time. Look to roughly 6 months post release for a picture filled, standard Hardcover with a pretty, shiny dust jacket. (Fingers crossed)

Abel, the author of ‘The Crimson Fire’, is helping me with my typography, typesetting, and spine design in the paperback and ebook of my advanced copies and official copies that will be on sale in July.

Patreon Chat:

I’d love to hear some thoughts on adding a 2-3 dollar tier where I’ll offer early looks at stuff which will likely be free to access later on.

My first art piece (I’m so excited about) will be partnering my release of the first 50 pages of the book here on Patreon. If you guys were interested in seeing them here next month, I plan on have a Tier created so I can make that happen.

I have a list of other ideas in the future (once I have more content to provide) where I’ll be able to offer live-chats, conversations, book clubs, art pieces, early copies, etc… for further Patreon Tiers. Let me know what yall think!

Anyways, see you guys next Friday!

P.S—in terms of E-Arcs for “non-reviewers”, Im going to choose to be more selective and lock it behind a Patreon Tier because of horror stories I’ve heard associated with handing them out. People who I’ve connected with already know they’re getting ARCS, but for other readers, I may add to one of my Tiers!

P.P(lol). S—if you’d consider being an alpha/beta reader for me, please let me know. I’m thinking of eventually making this a Paid Patreon tier situation—not too sure (let me know your thoughts).

Stay dangerous,

Chance