I know I've mentioned it in and around the blogosphere, but since I've sorely neglected my blog, I figured I'd toss up a quick post here where the info won't get too buried by my other ramblings and general updates. So, in answer to when in the good lord above's name is book 2 going to be released, all I can tell you at this point is this spring. I wish I could be more specific, however that's the best I can do at the moment. TOFitS is still with a couple of beta readers who I really want to hear from before seriously getting into the nitty-gritty of the editing process, and from there, formatting needs to be done and cover art—my personal demon-monkey that lives in my nightmares—needs to be completed before I can even officially send out ARCs.
Oh and one other thing HAS to happen before I can publish The Other Fish in the Sea... Shark Bait needs its new cover art done.
Yes, that's right. Shark Bait is getting a facelift. It's been no secret that while it was fun in an adolescently cute way, I was never really in love with what I came up for cover art wise for Shark Bait. I'm also aware that many readers who absolutely adored SB initially passed on it based on the cover, so I've gone back to the drawing board, so to speak, and hopefully with the help of a talented and dear friend, we can give the books in the Grab Your Pole series a new look that will be more relatable to the story and the series as a whole while still maintaining a smidgeon of youthful innocence. I've heard and read countless reviews praise Shark Bait for its YA-ishness and humor, but the reality is, deep down these books are about coming of age and love, and we're all aware that love inherently lends itself to drama as does growing up. So, my goal is to have the covers represent that truth with a simplicity that isn't bogged down with anything that might misrepresent the story inside, if that makes sense. :-p We'll all have to wait and see if what is being developed accomplishes that goal or not. I'm praying it does, because I seriously don't think I can take another nightmare where cover art is hunting me down like a dog wanting to tear my throat out with its teeth. (<---No lie. I've had that nightmare. Twice.)
Also, before I publish book 2, I want to have book 3 as close to ready for release as humanly possible so that you guys don't have to wait another 6-9 months for it. You may all thank me for that whenever it pleases you, but I will ask that you keep in mind after you finish The Other Fish in the Sea, you don't have wait for what seems like forever for the next book with your only other option in the interim being plotting a very public and very painful death for me.
So, that's where we are, and for your understanding, patience, and endless support, I thank you.
You're the best. :-*
—Jenn
