From First Draft to Editor: A Leap of Faith into the Unknown

There is a specific kind of adrenaline that only an author understands—the moment you hit "send" on a completed manuscript. Today, I did just that. I’ve officially handed over the draft and the blurb for my latest book to my editor, marking exactly one month and one day since the first word hit the page.

To say this journey has been a "blast" would be an understatement. I’ve loved every single second of the process. The writing flowed with an energy I haven't felt in a long time, but now the work leaves my hands and enters those of the man tasked with making it fit for public consumption.

A New Direction

Despite the joy of the process, I have to admit to a few butterflies. I’m feeling a little more nervous this time around, and for a good reason: this book is a huge departure for me. While the story is firmly rooted in the Safe Haven universe that many of you know, it takes a completely new slant on that world. It’s a creative risk, a pivot from my usual lane, and an experiment in storytelling that has been truly unequivocal for me. Writing this has opened my mind to all sorts of wild possibilities for future projects, proving that even familiar universes have hidden corners left to explore.

What Comes Next?

Now, the waiting game begins. As my editor dives into the red ink, I’m left with that lingering writer’s anxiety: Hopefully, I haven't screwed things up too much! Ultimately, my biggest goal is for the finished product to resonate with you. I poured my heart into this "new slant," and I truly hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Stay tuned for more updates as we move closer to release!