Dusting off the Blog Again .2

Welp, it's been a while, two years actually.

Happy New Year!

I'm trying a few different things right now. One of them is using TikTok to reach my audience. The other is reestablishing another writing plan along with some different tools. The biggest thing? Keep writing.

Trying Something New!

I love TikTok, and lately I've realized I've been using it more or less as a resource. I have a Collection for MM Books, one for MM Clips, another for Exercise, home things, music, and more. Let's just say that if you're going to dip your feet into TikTok, you can immediately curate your FYP, or For You Page. For me, I got rid of the political garbage and basically anything that doesn't make me happy. My hubby has all the unhappy ones on his TikTok. There's no need for there to be two of us.

A few weeks ago, I was scrolling through my MM collection and noticed how many authors have TikTok accounts. As I often do, I went to the Gay & MM Author Network to get a feel for how it was working out for others and got some great advice. Many said to use it as a way to network with Booktokers, individuals with TikTok accounts devoted to sharing books they enjoy. I have a few favorites there that I've followed, and I've added their suggestions to my TBR list. I was advised to use it to connect with my readers because many of our MM readers are on TikTok. It's a quick way for them to see what we're doing. Others said to get some videos out there. I've actually posted two book videos, which is totally crazy to me. Take a look!

https://www.tiktok.com/@deja.black.mm.wri/video/7598819326057008398?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7599320328179664414

https://www.tiktok.com/@deja.black.mm.wri/video/7595776980369378615?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7599320328179664414

Can't access them because you don't have TikTok, see below:

I used Canva for mine, which you can complete with little frustration. Okay, I tried one day, took a day to reset, and the second day I got it. It takes a little patience, but I've been happy with the outcome.

I've gotten a few likes, which are very cool, and a pretty good number of views. Okay, good for me since I'm new to this. I've also shared some books I'm reading, which adds to the engagement. I love reading, and I love knowing what other people are reading, too. So honestly, I'm just enjoying the community of mm booktokers.

I'll continue making videos and engaging, see if that helps increase my book exposure and readership. And I'm having fun.

Check me out on there. Let's try something new together.

https://www.tiktok.com/@deja.black.mm.wri?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Revisiting My Writing Schedule

Though my kiddos are older, they still have needs. Track meets, doctor appointments, and all things mom, I made the terrible decision of thinking I could write at night when I came back from the gym. Do you know what's waiting for me as soon as I sit down to type? My kids. And let's not forget my mate who's ready to chat. Suddenly, they have needs that only I can address. So, I'm back to writing in the morning. I've been asked about what that looks like. So I'm up at 5:30 to write, 6:30 to get kids up, out by 7:30. I work from 8-4, try to go to the gym, but with track season, that may happen at home instead. Then we're home, where I try to do the writer engagement part of life in between family requests.

Now, what has helped some is that I purchased a Samsung tablet and a portable keyboard. I hate carrying my laptop. It's heavy, and I had to get a new one since the old one was damaged. I like the tablet. I use Onedrive which syncs my writing, and I got a backpack small enough to carry my purse innards as well as my writing tools. I take that to the track meets, hair appointments, and doctor appointments, and am able to get some writing done in between.

https://www.tiktok.com/@deja.black.mm.wri/photo/7594938696739147021?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7599320328179664414

What Am I Writing?

Currently, my WIP is the second book in the Children of the Sun series. Don't know it? Here's the first one.

A traveling nurse who doesn’t mind a little fun. A griffin who’s not playing around.

Gentry Red Redmond gave up on finding a mate. It turns out the one he needed just didn’t come in the package he was used to hunting. Sebastian Del Marco, a traveling nurse, wants to be loved, but he’s afraid to trust. Instead of relationships, he’s been willing to accept just having fun. Once Red realizes Sebastian is just the mate he needs, can he convince Sebastian to take a chance on love?

Well, I'm writing the story of Jacobi, Red's brother. I'm on the epilogue now. Once it's finished, I have to go through the whole thing. This is the first draft, and no first draft is perfect. Want to see my inspo pics for it? Hang on a bit. They're in here somewhere.

The first image is Jacobi. He's a griffin, and the second is Kaito, his human. Saw them, and it was kismet.

I'm working hard, an hour a day. I'll figure out publishing later. I'm looking into Kindle Unlimited. Still researching. I'll let you know how that goes.

For now, we write.