Writing Projects

In The Works

A comic day in the life of an author.

New writing projects are in the works.

This is where to stay up-to-date on progress with Richelle's new manuscripts, cover designs, audiobooks, etc. There is always something more to do in a writer's busy life! Presently, Richelle is editing and revamping a new paranormal adventure story—with a touch of romance. The title for this book is Phantom's Veil: A Search for Spells. The cover art is complete for paperback, hardcover, and e-book versions. All of the work needed to create a finished book takes time, so progress is charted here on line graphs for you to see. Feel free to stop by periodically for updates.
New Stories | NEW projects | NEW cover designS | New Releases
Phantom's Veil: A Search for Spells - A paranormal adventure with a touch of romance starring Gwen De Troyes and Daniel Benwick. Together, this gifted pair confronts the challenge of deciphering ancient Mayan heiroglyphs in hopes of fulfilling a mission dire enough to threaten humanity.
23%
Grin and Bear It - Another 365 days of original adages, poems, and short stories to motivate, uplift, and inspire.
37%
Aquarius - A fantasy romance that takes place in the ocean's depths. Safire Morgan is terrified of water. For Aquarius, the sea is his life.
14%
"A book is a portal into a new world, a different life, a fresh purpose, an altered way of thinking."
"Breathing life into new, unique, fascinating characters is one of the greatest enjoyments of writing."

My steps for writing a book:

Step 1 in book writing: Dream up a complete story. Photo shows author, REGoodrich looking dreamily outward, thinking about a storyline.
Step One
Dream Up the Story
Imagine the complete story and take detailed notes. Before I begin writing, I want to understand my characters, their motivations, the challenges they will face, and how the story will ultimately end.
Step 2 in book writing: Write a first draft of your story. Photo shows author, REGoodrich looking down as she writes a rough-drafted storyline.
Step Two
Write the First Draft
Write the story from beginning to end. I often begin by writing the final chapter because I want to love the ending. Then I return to chapter one and write toward that already-determined conclusion.
Step 3 in book writing: Read through and make changes. Photo shows author, REGoodrich reading the first draft of a written manuscript.
Step Three
Review and Revise
Read through the entire manuscript and identify areas that need improvement. I revise the story based on these observations, creating my second draft.
Step 4 in book writing: Read through again and make changes. Photo shows author, REGoodrich reading the second draft of a written manuscript.
Step Four
Review and Revise Again
Read through the manuscript a second time, looking for additional ways to strengthen the story. These revisions become my third draft.
Step 5 in book writing: Give 3rd draft to beta readers. Photo shows author, REGoodrich with big eyes awaiting comments & edit suggestions from beta readers.
Step Five
Consult Beta Readers
Send the third draft to trusted beta readers for feedback. While they read the manuscript and make notes, I conduct another review of my own and create a fourth draft.
Step 6 in book writing: Create ideas for a book cover. Photo shows author, REGoodrich with a finger at her cheek, thinking about book cover ideas.
Step Six
Develop Cover Ideas
Brainstorm possible designs for the book cover. I narrow my ideas down to a few promising concepts and ask others for their opinions.
Step 7 in book writing: Examine notes from beta readers. Photo shows author, REGoodrich reading through edit suggestions from beta readers.
Step Seven
Apply Reader Feedback
Carefully examine the beta readers’ comments and suggestions. I make the changes that will improve the manuscript while remaining true to my vision for the story. These revisions create my fifth draft.
Step 8 in book writing: Final edit with spellcheck and grammar software. Photo shows author, REGoodrich looking up from her editing work.
Step Eight

Complete the Final Edit

Perform a thorough edit using spelling and grammar software. I also carefully check the manuscript for errors, awkward wording, and inconsistencies. This polished version becomes my sixth draft.
Step 9 in book writing: Create a book cover. Picture of the cover design for "The Tarishe Curse" and the stages of coloring in the main character's picture.
Step Nine
Create the Book Cover
Turn the chosen cover concept into a finished design. Using Photoshop, I modify my original artwork and combine it with AI-generated elements. I work with layers, shadows, highlights, colors, and fonts to create the final cover.
Step 10 in book writing: Resize book cover for Kindle, paperback, and hardcover. Picture shows "The Tarishe Curse" cover on hardcover, paperback, and Kindle.
Step Ten
Format Final Cover
Resize and format the final design for each edition of the book. I create separate covers that meet the specifications for the Kindle, paperback, and hardcover versions.
Step 11 in book writing: Upload on publishing site(s) and approve final draft. Photo shows author, REGoodrich with a smile and a thumbs up.
Step Eleven

Upload and Approve Book

Upload the finished manuscript and cover files to the appropriate online publishing platforms. I carefully review the digital proofs and approve the final version for publication.
Step 12 in book writing: Create an audio version of your book. Photo shows author, REGoodrich at a book signing party. She is signing a copy of her book.
Step Twelve

Produce an Audiobook

Create an audiobook edition and make it available for purchase. Once every version of the book has been published, the promotional work begins!
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