Mariella Hunt

December 8 was my planned release day for The Sea King as an eBook. It was a happy coincidence that my proof copy of the paperback arrived that very same day.

While it’s still not yet available to purchase as a paperback, I’ve been having fun carrying the book with me, reading the chapters with interest, as if I was not the very person who wrote them. It was the same when The Sea Rose was published earlier this year: I was fascinated by the sight of my own work on paper.

I struggled to read The Sea Rose when, a couple of weeks ago, I was checking for discrepancies. It isn’t a new situation, because–ideally–artists improve at their craft. It can be a struggle to enjoy their past works with the constant chiming of the Inner Editor.

If The Sea Rose had not already been published, I would be tempted to rewrite it, when every artist must accept that at some point we must move on and start a new thing.

That makes two books that I’ve published this year. I’ve also published about one hundred Vella episodes, for which I am grateful. I think that Vella, despite being a different platform with different kinds of readers, has been helping me improve generally at this good craft.

It’s taught me that stories can be incredibly flexible. When they need to be short, they can be short; when they must be longer, skilled artistic sight will show us where more detail can be added.

Next year, I want to publish a short story collection. I’ve written four of them already, and the only reason I’ve put it off is because I’m considering adding a fifth. I want to write some novellas that are not related to this series, because it is good for the writing muscle to move past a comfort zone.

I also want to write book 3. This is a big deal for me, because I’ve never made it to book 3 in any of my past series! I’m excited to see how my craft will have improved by the time it is finished.

I also plan to keep this blog more active. I’ll be talking about my writing plans, the books I read, and sharing bits of writing advice. I would love to meet more people here. Are you a writer or a reader? Comment and introduce yourself!