Well, it's certainly been a long time since I've written on this blog! I'll blame myself before I'd even consider blaming anything else. I will say it is easier to blame outside influences, though! Since my last post, I've published 'The Voting Legacy' (The Voting Game Series: Book Two) That was fun to write, and surprisingly to me, I set it up for a third book! Even I surprise myself sometimes. I'll admit I did start a book three; however, I have put it on the back burner until I can come up with a solid way to continue and conclude this trilogy. I have an idea, but I'm not in love with it. Nowadays, I'm harder on myself than ever before. I want to deliver a good book. Gone are the days of rushing a book to publication. But that's for another post...
Anyways, I have some exciting news for you readers! Tonight, I will be finishing up my latest novel, titled, 'Primal Instincts'. I had a great time writing this story, and it came out really well. I'm looking forward to my revisions and edits so I can make it my best book yet. I won't go too much into it, but I will say there are shapeshifters! It's certainly something new for me!
I've also been coming up with multiple book ideas lately. It's weird. Ideas will come all at once and then not at all. I'm not sure what I do at the moment. Maybe I should start paying better attention to what I'm doing, eating, or drinking when the "muse" strikes? I've also been reading more books. I often would tell readers I did not like to read while I was writing. I never wanted to absorb (if one can do that) another author's style or voice. I have my own, unique 'Peter Gulgowski' voice. I don't want to sound like anyone other than myself. But, I've put aside that irrational fear and begun reading books--across a multitude of genres. I'm enjoying it, and it's good to be on the other side of the publishing business!
Part of my 2020 resolution was to really pick up my writing speed. I've seen it said from many other authors, including a new favorite of mine--Nora Roberts--that writing is about the three D's: Desire, Drive, and Discipline. I remind myself of these often as of late. Discipline is the one I'm working on now. Let's just say, it's a work in progress!
So, what's after 'Primal Instincts'? Well, I have enough story ideas to keep me writing non-stop through 2026 (when I turn 30!); however, next, I am heavily considering starting a new series. It would be a New Adult, Urban Fantasy set in a world of magic. I'm really excited about the concept. It would also be a trilogy. However, I also have 'Destiny' to write, which is the sequel to 'Awakening' that was published in 2018! Almost two years ago, already! I can hardly believe it! It's about time I revisit James, after leaving readers on a massive cliff-hanger (and one that some readers didn't quite appreciate, I might add. Even I regret ending the book where I did! But, I'll make it up to readers in 'Destiny'.)
I'm also thinking, not too seriously at this point, about returning to YouTube. I pulled my videos because I felt they weren't of high quality. Me rambling on for fifteen minutes just wasn't entertaining. I wasn't getting the views I hoped I'd get, and long story short, the effort just wasn't worth the results. Nowadays, I have to be very careful with how I spend my time. Plain and simple, I have other things I can do that are more productive and have better results. But don't worry, there are some really great YouTuber's out there, and if I did return, I'd want to bring something different to the table. At this point, I don't know what that would be.
2020 is going to be a big year for me. I'm moving into my own place. I will be making publishing more of a job and less of a hobby. I hope to get four books out this year; maybe one more for good measure. Going back to my three D's, I have the desire, I have the drive. Now, I just need that damned discipline!
Anyways, I best get back to my computer to finish up 'Primal Instincts'. My shapeshifters are waiting for me to find out what happens next so I can fill you guys in. Wish me luck!
My best,
Peter