Pookie: Blog

Quick note to let everyone know that I'm still alive and writing. I had a health scare last year that completely put me off any mood for writing. I'm working with Nick, my editor, to continue "Melissa's Secrets". At this point, I don't have a timeline for posting new chapters.

During this time, I'm reviewing the early chapters which cover the first eight months of the story. I've always felt I neglected this time period, especially fleshing out some of the characters which play important roles during the later chapters of Book 1. I will likely post updated chapters related to that before any new chapters.

I hate that I had to set the story aside for so long, but I hope the upcoming chapters will be worth the wait.

Pookie

It looks like early next week for posting. Thanks for your patience.

Pookie

Chapters 61-63 are close to finished. I hope to post chapter 61 before the end of September.

Thanks for being patient.

Pookie

I wish had better news as far as when the next chapter will be posted, but that isn't the case. I've been dealing with quite a few things that have severely interfered with my writing. Most of it has involved various illnesses with me and my kids. I hope all of that is behind me now!

However, I do hope to post chapter 58 of "Melissa's Secrets" during the first few weeks of January. Chapter 59 is in the works also. So hopefully it can be posted soon after that.

I know I owe a lot of people replies to their emails. Hopefully I can put a dent into those over the coming few weeks.

In the meantime, I wish a Happy Holidays to each of you. Be safe and well!

Best wishes!

Pookie

12/19/14

"Chapter 56 - Home Alone" and "Chapter 57 - Couples Night" have been posted.

These chapters cover the entire day of Monday, August 7. A lot goes on in both chapters. There is a potential "squick" where a male character is describing his bisexuality and certain experiences. While male bisexuality isn't new to the story, actual descriptions of sex between males is new.

There will be more of this in the future, so consider this fair warning for those who do not care to read that type of thing.

I also reposted a few other chapters:

Prologue - Continuity error fixed regarding when Melissa rejoined the cheer squad.

Cover - Reminder that some codes only apply briefly or aren't included to avoid spoilers. Also, bisexual applies to both males and females.

Cast of Characters - City name change from Salem to Albany. I've been attempting to stay away from real city/town names, and I goofed with the city name of the primary setting of the story! Ugh! There really is a tiny town in South Carolina named Salem.

Chapter 42 - Minor continuity fix involving Bradley's bisexuality and a typo.

Chapter 46 - Minor continuity fix involving when Jamie first met the Formons.

Chapter 54 - Additional narrative and dialogue added. I just wasn't happy with certain sections.

Chapter 55 - Same issue as in chapter 54.

When will chapter 58 be posted? Fuck if I know. Hopefully a lot sooner than the most recent. I do have time to write, but as the story moves along, there is a whole lot more continuity checking going on. That takes time. Remember, I hadn't originally planned to write this part of the story years back. While I did my best to avoid problems, a few small ones have popped up recently, such as the ones I've fixed with my reposts.

Also, I am an amateur writer. This is purely a hobby for me. I have no plans at all to go pro. When this becomes a "job", I'll just as quickly "retire". I do this purely for the fun of it. My kids and husband will always take priority when it comes to my time.

When I have a good idea of a date for the next chapter, I'll post it to my blog. It seems to frustrate everyone (including myself) when I post it's "coming soon" and "soon" quickly passes by.

I know I owe a bunch of people an email reply. I haven't forgotten you. And I do read your emails. They're very helpful in my understanding what you're getting out of each chapter. I VERY much appreciate them.

Again, I so very much appreciate all the hours my editor, Nick, puts into making this story such a pleasure for me to write. And I do mean hours. As in hours and hours. As far as I'm concerned, Nick is a pro.

At the moment, "Book 1" will run a total of seventy-seven chapters plus an epilogue. That is if I don't split anymore chapters like I've done recently. So count on more chapters than that.

Autumn is right around the corner. I hope everyone has enjoyed the summer, or vice versa if you live down under!

Stay well and have a fun weekend!

Pookie
9/20/14