It's been a bit since I've blogged because I'm presently writing TWO books. Yes, I know, lots of authors juggle books frequently, but I generally do them one at a time. This period right here - this is an exception. There is a single reason for this: my muse is in hyperdrive but my bank account is not. That's why I'm presently writing Vlad's Story (A Forbidden Forever) and part 2 of Adam and Evan's Story (Scandalizing Duty from my "Seducing The Guardian" series).
My bank account is also the reason I've backtracked from a prior position. I've re-enrolled all my books in Kindle Unlimited, making them presently exclusive to Amazon. While this drives Mr. Duck mad to some extent - he puts up with me. (Maybe I should name him Saint Duck?) The fact is, like almost (I'd say "all" but nearly nothing is always true) so, like ALMOST all self-published authors, most of my income is from Amazon. Despite that, I don't like the exclusivity and therefore bailed after one term in Amazon's Kindle Unlimited program. I've backtracked because in reviewing the books, I see that I made MUCH more money in KU than out of it. I think a lot of that is because KU offers the opportunity for promotion - like giving away "leading" books in a series free for a certain number of days a month. If I do that, then readers are more likely to buy the other books in that series. It adds a lot to the bank account. Because we're presently bailing out of credit card debt and the baby duck will start college in the fall - the bank account matters. I apologize if you read books on another device and - I hate to sound like a shill for Amazon but - I suggest you download the Kindle App for whatever device you use and buy your books at Amazon. There's not another place on the planet that equals Amazon's selection.
Above, I mentioned how my unpredictable and often insane ways torment Mr. Duck. I know they do, but he puts up with me because he's probably AFRAID of what I'd do if he tried to leave. (Parts of him might make it.) Seriously, I ADORE my hubby and although there are a billion and one reasons why - you only have to look around this website to get a good look at one of them. Mr. Duck has put in a LOT of work to revamp the site. Not only have his efforts made QA a thing of great beauty, Google now thinks so too because it's mobile friendly. With everyone reading so much on phones, tablets, etc., QA needs to be easy on all those eyes, and Mr. Duck's efforts have made that happen. It's why he's my favorite digital delight and the best technical wizard on the planet - IMHO, anyway.
As I also said a bit ago, my baby duck is getting ready to do the most unbaby-type thing: yes, QA readers, the SAM duck is about to graduate from high school. On June 4th, he'll be wearing that black robe and the funny hat and walking across the stage. Watching the baby duck change his tassel from one side to the other will be his proud parents, his elder brother (the Zack duck), his proud grandparents, and possibly his proud Aunt Jen. It's a workday, so Aunt Jen may not be able to make it, but she'll be with us in spirit. We might've had a bigger crew but we only get 8 tickets. Although his insane-duck-Mother will be prouder than proud, I do expect to shed more than a few tears. It's not that I don't want him to grow up and become the BEST HISTORY TEACHER ON THE PLANET but - he's doing it too fast!! He needs to go back, start Kindergarten and do it one more time. After 12 more years, I might, MIGHT be ready for him to graduate -- or so senile that I wouldn't notice.
It's a busy time at the duck pond, but hopefully, there will soon be a new Mary Anne Graham book and a new Olivia Outlaw book. Before that, we'll have a graduated duck named Sam and Mr. Duck will have earned several new Sainthood badges. After all, post-graduation, the Sam duck is flying to NY State to spend a month or so with elder duck Zack. During that time, Mr. Duck will get ALL my attention and all my worry. Come to think of it, maybe Mr. Duck should earn more than Sainthood badges. Hmm.....I'll have to see what kind of special reward I can come up with for the King of Duckland.
In the meantime - read a lot, love a lot and DEMAND happy endings!!