Lilly Avalon Monthly Writing Update #4 for August 2020

Every month I share an update about what I'm writing in my Monthly Writing Update!

Here's the latest for the month of August.

If you look at my July update, my main goals were to finish preparations for my upcoming releases in The Risqué Series, to write a Christmas novella, and to outline a new series.

Have I accomplished this?

As far as preparations for my upcoming releases, yes, I definitely accomplished this. I put together all my posts and sent out emails to everyone who is sharing.

When it comes to writing a novella or outlining a series, not so much. The thing is, I wasn't feeling the novella. I tried to start writing it, but it just wasn't flowing so I set it aside for the time being. The new series I'm still dabbling in, but haven't really put much effort into other than outlining a prequel.

Instead, I started writing something different. It's a story idea I had ages ago that I brought back recently when I was debating on what to write next. I had typed up a sort of outline in June/July, but figured I'd actually write it after the Christmas novella. Turns out, the inspiration for this new story is much stronger. One night when I couldn't fall asleep, I pulled up the doc on my phone and typed up 180 words for the first chapter. It just... happened. Since then, I've managed to write over 2000 more in it and it's on track to be likely my next release if all continues to go well.

Am I on track?

For my new releases, definitely. I have some last-minute things that still need to be done like scheduling newsletters, but for the most part, everything is on track.

Even though I didn't get to the projects I originally planned on doing, I still made progress on a new project which seems to be working out much better. So I traded one plan for another that shows more promise.

Goals for September

Well, September holds two more releases for me, which is exciting and nerve-wracking. I'm ready for it, though. A large portion of what needs to be done is done, and everything else is manageable.

I also hope to get more accomplished with writing this new project. I don't know how much of it I'll be able to do given the fact that I have two releases, but I'm going to get as much writing in as possible. I have a low goal in mind for September (333 words a day/10k in 30 days), but I feel if I put forth the effort I can handle it. I'm hoping to participate in several writing sprints because those generally give me the motivation I need to accomplish my word count goals.

Other than that... Stay safe, wear a mask, and take care!

Lilly Avalon Monthly Writing Update #3 for July 2020

Every month I share an update about what I'm writing in my Monthly Writing Update!
Here's the latest for the month of July.

If you look at my June update, my main goals were to take care of edits and formatting on all three books in The Risqué Series, deciding on which story to write next, and set up my Kanban Board.

Have I accomplished this?

YES! I received my edits earlier than expected, so I was able to take care of that. Plus, I learned how to format, which was a load off my mind. Now I can handle all formatting going forward. I was also able to outline my next story, which I think will be a fun one to write (a Christmas novella). My Kanban Board took a little longer than expected to set up, but it's done and I've accomplished quite a lot on it so far, and we're only 1/3 of the way through the quarter.

Am I on track?

Pretty much! I allowed more than enough time to accomplish my goals of edits before the final versions were due on Amazon and Smashwords. That provided me with plenty of room to learn to format (and redo formatting a few times because I kept needing to fix one more issue, lol). While I was waiting for edits I finished up my outline for the Christmas novella. I may have to expand the outline a bit so that future writing sprints are more efficient, but it's a solid outline for now.

Goals for August

Now that The Risqué Series is ready for release, all that's left for August for the series is preparing for release. I have most of my graphics designed and ready to go, just need to make maybe a few more per book in the series.

I would like to utilize some of my free time in between with some word sprints for my Christmas novella. My goal is to have that written by the end of September, if not sooner. Also, I'd like to work on outlining a new series that I'd like to publish next year. I already have a lot of the first book (and the prequel) figured out in my head. I just need to get it written down. This is a series I'm extremely excited for because it's one I've wanted to write for a long time, but I simply didn't have a clue how to tackle it until now.

In the meantime, please stay safe out there! Take care and I love you all!

Cover Reveal for The Risqué Series!

It's cover reveal day! You're not only getting ONE cover... but THREE new covers for my upcoming trio of books in The Risqué Series.

I can't tell you how excited I am to share these with you finally. I've been sitting on them for months. All three covers were designed by me!

Let's not delay this any longer and get right to the covers...

In 3...


2...


1...

Desiring the Dancer
Releasing on August 31, 2020

Carlie Coleman is not looking forward to her stepsister’s bachelorette party.

It was supposed to be a simple affair with a small group of Valerie’s closest friends at their parents’ beach house. Instead, the guests have tripled, there’s a fancy caterer, and at some point there will be strippers.

It’s going to be a disaster… until she meets the cute waiter.

Aiden Carter is sweet and she’s smitten. They can’t stop staring at each other from across the room. Their mutual attraction is undeniable. Before the night is over, she discovers something else.

The cute waiter is also the entertainment.

Preorder:
Amazon | B&N | Apple Books | Kobo | Smashwords

Enticing the Escort
Releasing on September 14, 2020

Goldie Rivers needs a date… and fast.

She isn’t showing up to another wedding by herself. The incessant questions about why she’s still single, not to mention the men who won’t leave her alone when they find that out. What’s a girl to do?

Hire an escort, of course.

Gavin Pruitt is sexy, confident, and definitely not coming home with her tonight. He’s only there to keep the questions and other men at bay. His company proves far more tempting than she could have predicted, things heat up.

Will Goldie be able to fight it or will she give in?

Preorder:
Amazon | B&N | Apple Books | Kobo | Smashwords

Seducing the Star
Releasing on September 28, 2020

Maggie Bloom doesn’t know why she’s at this party.

Recently dumped by her serious boyfriend, she would much rather be ringing in the new year at home in her pajamas. If she were there, she wouldn’t have to worry about the dreaded midnight kiss. She has to figure out what to do and time is running out.

Enter Phoenix Westbrook.

He’s sexy, he’s nice… and he’s a porn star? This information may have initially come as a shock, but just makes the idea of kissing him all the more tempting. They make a pact to share a kiss at midnight, no strings attached.

They didn’t count on the kiss leading them to other things.

Preorder:
Amazon | B&N | Apple Books | Kobo | Smashwords

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All three novellas in The Risqué Series are going to be only $0.99 each! That means you can get the whole series for less than $3, less than a cup of fancy coffee.

I'm so excited to share this series with you. It's taken me months of writing and revising and kicking myself in the butt to keep going, but these books are almost here. Thank you for being patient with me as I get back on track.

Lilly Avalon Monthly Writing Update #2 for June 2020

Every month I share an update about what I'm writing in my Monthly Writing Update!
Here's the latest for the month of June.

If you look at my May update, my main goals were to finish revisions on Enticing the Escort and Seducing the Star so that I can get it off to my editor. I also mentioned outlining a new story to publish by the end of the year.

Have I accomplished this? 

Both Enticing the Escort and Seducing the Star have been revised, sent to a beta, and sent to my editor!

The "deadlines" I gave myself were moved forward a bit. Seducing the Star took longer because my husband ended up being off work for a week starting the day I expected to finish revisions. It was only delayed by a few days, but still had me a bit nervous, especially since I wasn't adding as many words as I'd hoped to.

As far as outlining a new story goes, the story I originally had in mind to write (that needed research) wasn't going to work out this year. It's not that I couldn't write it; it's that I didn't feel it was the right time to. This story is important and I wouldn't want it to slip under the radar.

Why would it slip under the radar?

In 2016 during November, there was an overall decline in book sales. Authors have attributed this decline to it being a United States Presidential election year. Since 2020 is yet another US Presidential Election Year, and November was the month I intended to publish this book, I'd rather wait on it until there's a better time. This story means a lot to me and is one I've had in mind to write for years now. I would hate to publish it and nobody know that it's there. I'm more than happy to delay that one for a year to make sure it's not only researched and written properly, but will be available when it won't be overshadowed by what's happening in the world (which is very serious business, especially this year).

Instead of this story, I'm debating on a couple other stories. One is a Christmas novella and the other is a contemporary romance novel. If I choose the Christmas novella, I'll be aiming to publish in December. However, if that story doesn't get written in time, I'll switch my focus to the contemporary romance for 2021.

Am I on track?

Yes and no. Yes, because I did finish revisions in a reasonable amount of time, even though it was slightly later than anticipated. No, because I was hoping to have the stories in my editors hands right after. Instead, I opted for a beta reader in between to have an extra set of eyes on the stories. I feel this was the right choice because I want The Risqué Series to be the best it can be. This trio of novellas going to my editor two weeks after I intended will be a good thing. I did move the release dates back, but those were more or less tentative to begin with.

Goals for July

The biggest goal will be to read over and implement edits from my editor on all three novellas. Once I have those complete, it'll be time to format and upload final drafts to Amazon and Smashwords. Also, it'll be ready to go for ARC readers! I'm not sure when I'll be receiving the edits back from my editor, so I'm just going to make July "edits month". Ha! Outside of that, I'll be deciding on which story to write next and begin an actual outline.

July begins the start of the 3rd quarter of 2020, so I'll be redoing my Kanban board to cover what I'd like to accomplish for July, August, and September. Before this month ends I need to come up with my quarterly goals. Wish me luck!

In the meantime, please stay safe out there! Take care and I love you all!

Sign Ups are OPEN for the Cover Reveal for The Risqué Series!

Hello lovelies!

The Risqué Series  is coming soon! With revisions almost complete, more and more information about the series will be coming your way.

Right now, I need your help... by signing up to reveal the covers!

That's right, all three covers of The Risqué Series  will be getting revealed on June 30th. You'll be seeing the covers for Desiring the Dancer, Enticing the Escort, and Seducing the Star  at the end of this month.

If you're a blogger or a bookstagrammer, I would love to have you be part of the cover reveal!

Sign Up for The Risqué Series Cover Reveal

I'm also looking for ARC readers! If you're able to read one, two, or all three books, fill out the form below.

Sign Up for The Risqué Series ARCs

The Risqué Series will be getting release dates VERY soon. I also have blurbs that I think are almost ready to share as well. Be on the lookout here and my social media for everything!


In the meantime, take care of yourselves, stay safe, and stay healthy!