This year has been complicated. In fact, right now, I’m waking up to the dawn of a new year in one time zone while it is still the previous year in the time zone where I actually live. I’m in between 2018 and 2019 and it’s an interesting time to look back and also to look forward, I think.
Matthew has been talking to me about what drives me. His perspective is valuable to me, not just because of who he is to me as a partner but also because he can observe objectively and provide shrewd insight.
We both agree that I am driven to continually accomplish and achieve, so much so that I run myself ragged. With every story, every deadline, I think if I can just finish this or hit that deadline, I’ll be happy. But then I immediately dive toward the next goal, writing the next story and hitting the next deadline. Where was the happy?
I agree with Matthew that I need to celebrate more. Savor. Be happy about what I’ve accomplished.
What did I do in 2018?
- Moved from Phoenix to Seattle
- released Total Bravery
- turned in Fierce Justice
- turned in Forever Strong
- released Siren’s Calling
- signed a 4 book deal with Sourcebooks
- recorded 20 Minute Delay with Gail Carriger
- featured author at Coastal Magic Convention
- survived pneumonia, again
- panelist at RWA national conference
- survived medical challenges
- instructor and staff on the Writing Excuses workshop and retreat cruise
- panelist at Emerald City Writers Conference
- featured author at Fresh Fiction Readers ‘n Rita’s
There’s more, though those are the highlights. Every book has an entire cycle of draft/edit/revision involved. Every convention or conference has preparation.
I also did all of this in parallel to my day job. I did this while Matthew was away on orders. I managed to keep Corbin and myself fed and in reasonably good health. I even improved both our physical fitness levels. I faced depression and anxiety, learned to recognize what they were doing to me, and am taking steps to navigate through.
That’s awesome. Looking back on 2018, it was a lot of accomplishments in the face of a number of challenges behind the scenes and I did some great things.
Looking forward?
I have hopes and dreams. I have ambition.
I want my writing career list to be more focused on actual writing.
I am exploring new genres.
I am trying to remember to celebrate with each accomplishment and enjoy each burst of happiness as I go.
Play Find the Piper at the RWA National Conference in Denver, CO on July 18-21! I’m delighted to be attending the Romance Writers of America annual conference this year and looking forward to such a fantastic gathering of great minds. We all share a love of romance, a passion for the written word, and drive to achieve in this very tough industry.
This specific conference is always a huge learning opportunity for me, both for writing craft and for the business of writing. There are panels and workshops on both topics presented by fellow authors I respect. There are round table discussions on current issues. And there are ad hoc discussions in every corner, every seating area, most definitely at every bar in and surrounding the conference hotel.
We’re together and sharing experiences, thoughts, and ideas. We’re sharing perspectives.
I get so much out of this conference and I love meeting the readers, bloggers, librarians, and other book lovers who attend and share their perspectives too.
Here’s where you can find me:
Thu
10AM Carina Press Open House and Author Signing
11AM Grand Central Book Signing
3:50PM Writing When Your Routine Is Disrupted
Sat
9:50AM Powering Up Productivity: Project Planning for Writers
3-5PM “Readers for Life” Literacy Autographing
** Free & Open to Public
More details on the RWA annual conference here:
https://www.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=538
Can’t attend in person? I’ll have random FB Lives from me and other authors via my FB page throughout the week!
Piper J DrakeI am happy to announce a new series, The Missing, from Sourcebooks coming in 2019!
Here’s the announcement posted in Publisher’s Marketplace:
Piper Drake’s THE MISSING series, about a diverse group determined to find the lost men, women, and children who slipped through society’s cracks, to Mary Altman at Sourcebooks Casablanca, in a nice deal, in a four-book deal, for publication in fall 2019, by Courtney Miller-Callihan at Handspun Literary (world).
The Missing
I’m very excited to write this series and also incredibly happy to be coordinating with my editor at Sourcebooks. Ever since I met her, I’ve been hoping timing and the right project would coincide for us to work together. And here we are!
This series will kick off with a novella to introduce readers to my premise, a couple of my main characters, and the main themes of The Missing. Then there will be at least three full length, single title novels.
For those who’ve loved my other books for the heart-warming canine characters, stick with me. While The Missing does not feature working dogs, I will definitely have some distinctive canine personalities to herd the humans in the right direction. 😉
What about the True Heroes?
There are two more books still coming in the True Heroes series, both currently scheduled for release in 2019. Trust me, I’d love to write even more. We’ll see what the future brings, but the best way to let my publisher know you want more (of my books or any author’s books) is to buy the books as they release. Don’t wait for the series to complete.
That’s a long time to wait!
It is, but I will do my best it make it worth it. In the meantime, the best way to get the latest news on any of my books, get sneak peeks or draft snippets, and the most up to date intel before I mention it anywhere else online is through my newsletter. If you enjoy quotes and snippets, also consider liking/joining my FB page and reader group.
The Romance Reviews (TRR) is celebrating their 7th anniversary with games and giveaways in a month-long event!
I’m participating with a giveaway of ABSOLUTE TRUST.
Pop over to TRR and check out the quiz questions and giveaways throughout the celebration. There’s book cover matching, hangman games, and of Q&A to play and win.
Good luck!
Pretty much everyone has social media nowadays and that includes bloggers, businesses, freelancers and, of course, authors. Many of which are using tools like https://nitreo.com/instagram-growth-service to increase their audience and reach in order to become more successful. But, it can be very challenging to grow an initial following so be have decided to close out the year on Twitter by sharing a few Piper Tips on social media for authors looking to build their brand/platform in the coming year. There are many new marketing opportunities to be explored as social media expands into the world of influencing and advertising. Something like mobile performance marketing is becoming increasingly common due to its suitability to the platform. When it comes to social media, content needs to be eye-catching and fast-paced to get people’s attention. I’ve captured a few more tools you can use in a Twitter Moment for reference.
Finding our way on the internet and in social media is always a work in progress. I’m continually learning too. I hope these tips are helpful.
