Silence finally broken… Update time
October 28, 2025 / K.I.S.
I haven’t done a blog post in ages—but to be fair, I have been much more active on other platforms, as well as having started a full-time job in another country, so I’ll pretend that makes it less of an issue.
Time has become an increasingly strained commodity under the circumstances, and so I’ve been trying to use it more effectively and efficiently. Unfortunately, keeping a regular schedule or sticking to a clear structure has never been one of my strong suits; I’m a more arbitrary, mood-driven creature, particularly when it comes to creative projects. This is doubly unfortunate, as writing and self-publishing require a more in-depth understanding and consistent application of plans and strategies to be successul.
Things like a writing plan, marketing strategy, advance reviews, and overarching publishing schedule are the order of the day. Meanwhile, I’m happiest when my chaotic inner nerd is unleashed, creating word-worlds in the wee hours, unfettered by adulting constraints like ‘to do’ lists, meal times, or work hours. Hence, I might be doomed, but at least I’ll be relatively happy along the way (if I get to write, that is).
Currently, I’m in the process of finishing my first draft of The Trials of Ata—the sequel to The Assays of Ata—and I’m fortunate to have a week-long midterm break in which to do it. Naturally, that means that I, as a mood-driven procrastinator, have been assiduously cleaning my apartment, meal-prepping, and doing the washing. I’ve also changed my bedding. So, I’m all set to write my epic fantasy. Yay!
With regard to “The Separation of Briin”, I’ve had the tremendous privilege of working with the inimitable Lizbe Coetzee to redesign my self-made cover, and her work looks absolutely amazing:
Speaking of covers, I have to sort out an apparent issue with Amazon (for some reason, they keep putting third-party book sellers’ landing pages for Assays before mine, which isn’t good, as they look shoddy and people think my book still has the old cover). Thus far, I’ve contacted Amazon three times regarding this issue, and of the two times they’ve responded, I’ve received two different solutions to this problem (and apparently, both are wrong). Thank goodness I take screenshots of all the chats with their representatives so there’s a record. Hoping to sort this issue this week too.
On a very positive note, I’ve commissioned character art in anticipation of the eventual publication of Trials in December. The AMAZINGLY talented Gaia Rubini (@gaiarart on IG) will be illustrating 11 characters from Assays, and even though I can’t wait for the final versions, I am absolutely loving being part of the process.
Also, I have been arranging book parcels for the reviewers who agreed to read and review Assays in August; unfortunately, there have been delays in getting print copies of my book, as well as issues with the delivery of book prize stickers. I had intended to send the parcels mid-September, but we’re now at the end of October, and will probably only be sending the packages early-November. Not great, but c’est la vie.
On the social media front, I’m quite proud, as I ran a book giveaway on TikTok upon reaching 1000 followers at the beginning of September, and in a month, gained another 500 followers as well as sending book parcels to the 10 winners of the book giveaway. It was a really rewarding experience, as well as being mutually (bookishly) beneficial.
The best part of my week, which bears mentioning, was an author information session arranged by my friend, Nerike, at a local school here in Doha, where I was able to speak to students about Assays and Separation, as well as my writing process (such as it is). It was genuinely enjoyable, and the students were absolutely lovely (and full of questions!).
To conclude this (now very lengthy) update: I’ve had mountains of grading (particularly English essays) impede my personal reading enthusiasm, thereby triggering a reading slump, I’m in the process of having the cover of Trials designed by the talented Lizbe Coetzee, and I’m planning on sending out ARCs for Trials at the end of November. As they say: the best laid plans of mice and men… But hopefully, most of my writerly aims will be achieved without too much hassle or delay.
May your coffee be strong, your seat soft, and your book unputdownable.
K.I.S.
