K K Ness is having Twins!!

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Jokes – kind of…

We have some exciting news here at K K Ness in that the other half of the operation is finally coming on board!  By this we mean that K K Ness is no longer a single author, but in fact a pair of identical twins working on multiple creative works.

Big K has convinced Little K to write the stories that have been on her brainpan for years, and as such, watch this space for updates on her upcoming series about spaceborne treasure hunters.  As we go we’ll let you know what we’re up to, what inspires us and what amuses us.

We’re also big on competing against each other to see who can write the most, so watch this space. We’ve got at least two more books set to hit the shelves for 2017.

K K

Visioner Update

I’ve had a number of people ask me when Visioner, Book 2 of the Shifter War, is coming out. I initially said (full of certainty and on a writer’s high) that it would be out this month. But it’ll be next month. Most likely mid-August. Sorry!

I’m disappointed with myself over the delay, but I’d rather get Visioner right than rush to meet an arbitrary deadline I set for myself. I love the story and how the relationship between Danil and Hafryn has grown, and I’m excited to send the book out into the world.

So bear with me folks. It’ll be out in 6 weeks!

On a different note, I managed almost two weeks of news-free life before I caved. We live in strange and confounding times, and two weeks can be a lifetime of missed knowledge. Although now I find myself back to sleepless nights and shaking my fist at the stars.

Time for some herbal tea, I think. And then back to writing!

K

Embargos and puppies

I’m on a news embargo at the moment. Like many people, I’m struggling to understand the craziness of the world, what with right-wing crackpots as leaders, climate change deniers with too much power, and the continued decimation of human rights. So I’m going news-free for a few weeks (if I can control myself).

Hopefully this embargo can clear up some headspace for some pretty heavy redrafting in my near future. Visioner is coming along well but it still needs work, and uni starts up again in a few weeks. I’m feeling the time crunch.

To add to this, I’ve been a wee bit distracted lately by a new addition to the household. Horus is a mischievous pup who at five months is already bigger than Sheldon. They’re great friends, but wow are they rowdy together. Particularly under my desk, which for some reason is their designated place for play fighting.

Lucky they’re cute.

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Update: the redraft

I really hold to the notion that your first ideas are generally not your best, particularly when it comes to creative projects. Which is why I have no hesitation when it comes to seismic redrafts.

My first drafts are always a mess. I never show them to anyone, because they’re rambling, nonsensical and unwieldy. My second draft is where things start to make sense, where I shed a large number of ideas from the first draft and insert new ones that work much better and leave me buzzing with happiness.

This time around, I’ve hit a snag. I’ve had a false start with the redraft, meaning that weeks of work are being put aside and I’m kinda/sorta starting over. Danil and Hafryn are taking over my life, but I love them so I really don’t mind. And the new ideas mean they’re getting into more mischief than ever.

I know I’ll hit my July publication deadline, but the pressure is on!

Pumped up pomodoro

It’s been a bit of a balancing act today between redrafting Visioner and working on a uni essay (I finish my degree at the end of the year and I have no idea what to do with it once I’m done – anyone else ever have that problem? Seriously, I’m in my thirties. I should have figured this out by now).

The one thing that has kept me on track has been the good ole pomodoro method. I do three sessions of redrafting before swapping to the essay. Admittedly, I can only do a 13min sesh before I fling myself from the desk seeking a 5min break. It’s been steady progress of 13min/5min, 13min/5min, 13min/5min and then swap (for hours). But progress is happening. Today’s redrafted scenes took an unexpected twist that will have interesting results later on, and the essay might eventually make sense.

Progress is progress!

As a side note, Messenger is on sale on the US Amazon site for $0.99 until Sunday. Huge thanks to the folk who have already taken advantage of the sale. And please give a review if you’re feeling inclined. We authors thrive on reviews 🙂

Meteor Shower

So the Lyrids meteor shower is happening at the moment, and despite the 23rd being the best night to check it out, I decided to set my alarm for 2am to catch a few falling stars.

I dragged out two deck chairs – one for me, one for my dog. It was a beautiful clear night, a little chill, and I was hopeful of seeing a few streaking lights between the gum trees. My dog and I snuggled under a shared blanket…and promptly fell asleep.

I’m sure the falling stars were beautiful.