My original plan to release The Phoenix and the Ant: Ancestral Cries by late January or February has had to shift a bit. Life has been far busier than I anticipated; editing with a toddler is definitely not the same as writing during infant naptimes! It seems toddlers have a knack for being alert right when you think you’ll get something done.
Another challenge has been my energy levels—I’ve been sick more over the past couple of months than I usually am in a whole year, which hasn’t helped my productivity. But I want this book to be everything it deserves, so I’m focusing on quality over speed. Most of my beta readers have provided thoughtful feedback, which has been invaluable (and if anyone else is interested in joining, I’m always open to more beta readers). I’ll use these insights in my next round of edits before final formatting and one last check to make sure it’s polished.
On the bright side, I’m excited to share that I should have the commissioned artwork soon! Also, more readers have picked up The Phoenix and the Ant, and so far, the responses have been overwhelmingly positive. That’s always a boost for any writer.
Thanks for following along on this journey! Take care and stay well.
SMVLTRUDEAU 