I haven’t talked about my writing much lately. (Then again, I haven’t been blogging regularly at all. I’m trying to change that, to start chatting with y’all again. Not going to guarantee a weekly basis, but that’s kind of what I’m shooting for.)

I am still writing! Have been for much of the year. My word count is about 2000 words a day. When I have time, I do 3000. Haven’t been pushing in this area, just enjoying myself.

I’ve been writing a lot of cozy, recently. I’m currently in the last third of a cozy fantasy novel. It’s about 73K at this point. Or at least the front story is. I’m writing this novel in the same way as I wrote “A Dragon’s Guide to Killing Gods (And Other Lies)”, which is, with the “front” story about the characters, then lots of very silly pieces that are “back” story.

The novel is called “Chocolate Gems” and is about a Dwarf who, despite her heritage and her family’s insistence, doesn’t like faceting gemstones and crafting jewelry.

Her true passion? Chocolate.

To prove to both herself and her family, she joins baking contests.

If any of you watch the “Baking Championship” franchise, such as “The Holiday Baking Championship” or “The Halloween Baking Championship,” you’re going to recognize some of the judges. Namely, Nancy Fuller, Carla Hall, and Duff Goldman. Carla is the Elf of course, Nancy is Human, and Duff is a Dwarf.

I HAVE HAD SO MUCH FUN, Y’ALL.

I’m writing the next contest that my main character is in, and again, so much fun with the judges. This second one has Bobby Flay (as a snooty Elf, of course), Jason Smith (flamboyant Human who says things such as, “As happy as a Dwarf with a new beard oil”), and Sunny Anderson as a Dwarf, who says things like, “Cake pops ain’t chocolates [Bobby].” (She actually uses the name I have in the book for the character. But if you’ve watched BBQ Brawl, you’ll get the reference, where she says, “Fried rice ain’t BBQ, Bobby.”

It’s silly and funny and it makes me laugh so much. And honestly? That’s what I need at this point. A funny story with funny writing and joy, because that will bring me to the writing computer more effectively than discipline, every time.

As for what’s coming out, the next cozy fantasy book will come out in November. “Ice & Berries,” about an Elf who makes her way in the world. And snow cones!

In March, the next installment of the Water Witch mysteries is coming out, “Witch Mirror?.” It’s about a catfisher, because I watched a reality TV show all about exposing those people who catfish unsuspecting victims on the internet while I was with my niece and got inspired.

As for the next project…I’m still thinking. There are SO MANY series that I’ve started that I want to finish. And I think I want to write a couple of those before starting a new series. But there is also a new series kind of poking at me. So we’ll see.

And I guess that’s it for now.

What are you working on currently? Or for the readers out there, what are you reading?