What a month this week has been! January is definitely January-ing hard at the moment. I’m muddling through it, but the verdict’s out on how much fun is being had. There have been some highs. I’ve sold over 100 copies of A Party to Murder, which is amazing!! This was one of the milestones I had set when I decided to pursue self-publishing, and I’m so happy and proud to have reached it so quickly. Thank you to everyone who supported my launch!

If you’re reading the book now, I hope you’re enjoying it. If you haven’t started it yet … don’t mind me, I’m just over here, (not so) patiently waiting. [Just kidding. No pressure. But, also, I’m dying, hah!]

Of course, now that I’d had one day with no sales at all, my brain is convinced that this is it, and that I’ll never sell another book. You know, typical debut author anxious BS. [I assume? I hope I’m not the only one who is constantly crashing out.] I’m distracting myself from it – or trying – by doing the first pass edits on the fantasy mystery novel I wrote back in September/October. I’m down in the weeds, and it’s slow-going. But I’ve also started getting the wheels in motion for my second release, which will be a follow-up (of sorts) to A Party to Murder. I’m aiming for early April, but it’s still a bit of a moving target.

My “reduce screen time” goal was … not goal-ing very well this week. I tried, and did not succeed as much as I would have liked. I did read a bit more than usual (for being in the middle of a writing/editing sprint) but I also still doom-scrolled a bit too. But … progress over perfection, right? Gonna keep chipping away at my screen time, a little bit every day.

The kids’ basketball season is in full swing now, which adds another layer of logistics to our daily routines that is taking some adjustment. I’m really missing the slow, quiet days of our holiday break right now. Sigh. At least we are moving ever closer to spring, which will hopefully bring a much-needed energy boost along with the shorter days and warmer temps. I’m hella sick of winter. With the holidays over, what exactly is winter bringing to the table? Nothing fun or exciting, that’s what.

If you’re got any tricks or “hacks” for making this time of year less bleak, do share them with the class, please and thank you!

Have a great weekend!

10 Comments on Friday Feels #30

  1. I finished A Party to Murder last night, and I loved it! I enjoyed the characters, even the ones I didn’t like, and I thought you did a great job making them realistic and not too stereotypical. I suspected everyone of being the killer at some point but wasn’t sure until the big reveal. This felt like a classic Agatha Christie house party mystery, without the convoluted plot that they can sometimes have. Don’t get me wrong, there were enough twists in A Party to Murder to keep it interesting and keep me engaged. I’m off to leave a 5-star review on Amazon!

    • Amazing!! Thank you so much for the review – I really appreciate the kind words. I’m THRILLED that you loved the book, and actually your experience is exactly what I was hoping to create for readers. Day made!!

  2. Hi Adina— I’m embarrassed to say that I don’t have a Kindle, and only read actual print books. Will you ever have paper version of your book? It is quite an accomplishment that you have gone so far with your writing, and I love a good mystery. Just from what you write in your blog, it is clear that you are a gifted writer. As your readership increases, I am hoping for a print version. Best and congratulations

  3. Add one more book sales to the list, I just ordered mine and can’t wait to read it!

  4. Once we get past 12/21 I tell myself I can make it through winter! The days are getting longer.