Well, we made it. The draft version of JP 2 is done and you all were amazing and passionate in your feedback as always. So what are the next steps? Before I answer that, let me say THANK YOU for reading book 1. It was really really successful in no small part because of your feedback and I am super flattered that you all though enough of my writing to spend the time giving feedback. So thank you.

Now, as promised, here's what you can expect going forward:

1. JP is now on Hiatus: Sorry, but it's necessary. Book 2 is officially in the deep edit phase. Then it goes into the copy edit, then proofread, then publish.

2. Publishing Timeline: I cannot emphasize enough that these are estimates, so no promises. I think we can probably get the ebook version of book 2 out in 3-5 months.

3. Audiobook Update: Unfortuantely, our narrator, Emily Woo Zeller, who did an AMAZING job on book 1, is unavailable until March. Nothing we can do, it happens sometimes. But the ebook is proceeding anyway.

4. What about book 3?: Book 3 is in the works, but on the backburner in priority right now. I'm actually working on book 3 of Invasion as well as a new IP, which I will talk about a bit lower. I don't have a timeline for book 3 right now. Sorry.

5. What's the difference between RR and published version of book 2?: A lot actually. 1st, the edited version has A LOT of fixes to the story. There are some big holes that need to be filled. Examples, improved time passing management, noble relationships, fewer POV changes and the ones that happen are more focused, and a bunch more. A lot of it comes from what you've said, and a lot from the editor. For those wondering, book 2 is 250K words in its current version. Book 1 was 213K. More value, right!

Before I go further, let me address the "elephant in the room" so to speak: Book 2 is darker than book 1. Well, yes. But before we get to that, I do want to offer the reminder that book 1 wasn't exactly a kids book. I don't write kids books. I write books for 16+ (not 18+ because I never add detailed sex scenes). My books have swearing, violence, blood and gore, and really strong emotional moments, sometimes joyous and sometimes painful. Book 1 had our MC at home, in a relatively safe environment, and she still faced ALL of those things I mentioned in the last sentence. Our MC moves away from the safety of a home into a world where bad things happens. And even in the sect, she is protected to a point (although it fails late in the story). The world of Jade Phoenix is not a nice place. Power rules and it is filled with people more powerful than her. Bad things happened, and bad things will continue to happen. I will still stick to my guns in that the world is dark. That said, I will also continue to try to balance it out with happy moments, friends, colleagues, allies, and yes, lovers (repeat, no sex scenes). Again, JP is not and will never be a kids book. None of my books are.

So, getting that out of the way: Oh mighty author (don't lie, I know that's what you call me in your mind), if you're not working on JP, what the heck are you doing with yourself?

Well, that goes back to question 4 above. I am doing two things. 1st, I'm working on book 3 of Invasion, my first series. And second, I'm working on a brand new piece of intellectual property (IP). I'll be posting it on RR soon and I'll provide an update here when that happens.

What is this super mysterious new IP, might author?

I'm so glad you asked, intrepid reader. It is a sci-fi LitRPG series. It takes place in the far future and the series is called, SOUL WARRIOR. It is currently in 1st draft and needs a lot of work, but I'll be posting as I can. My aim is 3 chapters per week, Mon/Wed/Fri, but we'll see. If it is popular, I'll even buck up and do a patreon. But only if it's popular.

Here's where you can find it: https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/58763/soul-warrior-a-futuristic-sci-fi-litrpg-series

I think that's all I have for you. So again, thank you SO MUCH for reading my stuff. I cannot tell you how much appreciate it. As always, I'll keep you updated as new comes out.

Thanks!

- Freedcats