Yes, it’s been a while since my last post. I have been down a rabbit-hole the past few months honing Gabrielle Rouge, which will be available on Kindle December 15^th and in print on January 15^th. A big WHEW on meeting my goal for completing this sequel to Gabrielle and the Rebels in 2023.

Here’s a synopsis:

Gabrielle March returns home to her beloved town of Lille, seeking peace and quiet after the untimely death of her father, war hero Simon March, and riots in Andwarf. However, Gabrielle’s mother and the local populace aren’t ready to accept a sixteen-year-old girl stepping into her father’s boots. Furthermore, Gabrielle has important secrets to keep—such as her role in overthrowing Andwarf’s governor and her growing affection for a handsome young blacksmith. Worse yet, Lille appears to be on the verge of invasion by Emperor Maximillian’s army. Can Gabrielle save her town?

The more time I spent at this all-consuming passion called Writing, the more I realize I have so much more to learn. Indie publishing comes with its own challenges—the biggest of which is deadlines. Since I don’t have an editor demanding the manuscript by a certain date, I have the option of tinkering, slashing, and adding, and then starting at Chapter One and doing all three again. Sure, the manuscript improves each time —especially when I realize it doesn’t require this character or that one (at least four got the axe in the latter stages) or more insight into Gabrielle’s feelings or thoughts is needed.

One writer who has influenced me of late is Dan Jones. I read both Essex Dogs and Wolves of Winter in 2023, two of my favourites. I learned a great deal from Jones about how to dust off the traditional view of historical events and make them feel contemporary. His characters are also incredibly lifelike and likeable. This series, set during the Hundred Years War, is Band of Brothers meets Rome (remember that mini-series?) Anyway, I had Dan Jones’ “world view” in mind as I crafted Gabrielle Rouge’s last few drafts.

In the process of commissioning a cover for Gabrielle Rouge, I asked the graphic artist to redo Gabrielle and the Rebels. The result is stunning!

The topic of book covers is something I’ll address at my talk on publishing/hybrid/self-publishing at the Estevan Public Library on February 8^th. I’m no expert, but I have some School of Hard Knocks experience.

My biggest takeaway from 2023: I need to do more outlining (plotting) and a lot less writing by the seat of my pants (pantsing). I’ll take at least a month to determine the nuts and bolts of The Outlaw Gabrielle, the final instalment in the Winds of Change series, before I write a single word. I’m committed to completing Book Three in 2024—a tall order indeed—but I think I can greatly reduce the amount of time spent moving events around (much like rearranging my living room furniture).

Dear Readers, thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog—and these books that keep me from going crazy with boredom. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and reactions to Gabrielle Rouge. 

In the meantime, have a Merry Christmas and a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!