T. N. Thackston

An Aspiring Author's Journey in Writing & Self-Publishing

[tnthackstonwriting]

Hopeful Goals for 2023!

I hope everyone has had an amazing new year so far. I feel I've come into 2023 refreshed. I'm refocused on my goals and both my mental and physical health.

With that said, I thought it would be good to set goals for this year. A timeline I can hold myself accountable to- A doable timeline.

Here are the goals for this year on the road to getting Red Glass and Shadow published!

January-February: Finish world building

March-April: Learn to digitally draw for book graphics

May-June: Create outline for Book 2 (for continuity when editing)

July: Read other books to refresh the mind before editing

August-October: Section edit my manuscript & send to friends/beta readers for feedback

November-December: Find a freelance editor & create cover graphics

[tnthackstonwriting]

WIP Update: Red Glass and Shadow - Continuity & World Building

I don't know why I'm like this.

I don't. I really don't.

The draft of my book is complete. Now, in my weird little brain, it makes sense to go back and look through my world building/character documents. Just to update them and ensure there is solid continuity when I edit.

It makes sense. It does.

The characters have changed from when I originally envisioned them before starting my outline. I planned them out then and even changed them from how they were in 2015, but they took on a life of their own as the words came out. The world grew on it's own. I was only going to focus on Hunters and Vampires, but now I have a full ensemble and realms that form a Court. Quotes for each society. A Glossary of terms.

Updating my old documents and organizing them is essential before editing, especially when planning a series.

With that said- I'm kicking myself. My brain is in overload. So many details I'm working through. So many new documents created!

When does magic work? When does it fail?

All side characters must have a backstory or they aren't worth naming.

Quatrains. Prophecies. Poems. Songs. Dances. Family Trees. Lore.

Oh, that's good advice on how to show not tell.

It's all feeling a bit tedious. I had fun daydreaming and creating all of it, but now I have to put it in words- and make those words make sense.

We're getting there though! After this update, I'm taking a break to learn how to digitally draw items for my book. That will be a good time. Something new and creative. Something to learn to refresh the brain. Then it's on to editing Red Glass and Shadow, and starting the outline for Book 2.

No rest for the wicked.

So... Why do I do this to myself? *Screams to the writing Gods* Because I fucking love it!

Writing Progress from September 15th:

Outlining:

Book 1 - 98 pages - 58,279 words - Detailed and complete

Book 2 - 14 pages - 8,406 words - Shorthanded outline

Book 3 - 9 pages - 7,310 words - Shorthanded outline

Book 4 - 8 pages - 6,168 words - Shorthanded outline

Character Details & World Building - 26 pages - 13,191 words Future Plot Points/Ideas/Quotes/Reminders/Poems - 29 pages - 22,319 words Main Story - 272 pages - 141,101 words Total - 456 pages - 256,774 words

Writing Progress Now:

Character Profiles:

Main Characters: 35 pages - 18,942 words

Hunter Secondary Characters: 5 pages - 2,232 words

Supernatural Secondary Characters: 12 pages - 6,345 words

Villain Characters: 7 pages - 3,167 words

World Building:

Series Glossary: WIP

Chaos Family Tree: 1 page

Triad Family Tree: 1 page

Hunter Society: 4 pages - 1,277 words WIP

Supernatural Society: 7 pages - 3,477 words WIP

Outlining:

Red Glass and Shadow: 99 pages - 59,122 words - Detailed and complete

Book 2: 15 pages - 9,305 words - Shorthanded outline

Book 3: 10 pages - 8,687 words - Shorthanded outline

Book 4: 10 pages - 8,288 words - Shorthanded outline

Future Prequels/Sequels/Novellas: 2 pages - 571 words - Ideas jotted down

Writing Reminders/Quick References: 13 pages - 3,654 words Red Glass and Shadow First Draft - 266 pages - 141,115 words Total - 487 pages - 266,182 words

[tnthackstonwriting]

Story Time: Mindset Validation

I just had the most validating moment…  

LitJoy Crate is opening a special edition pre-order for The Folk of Air Series by Holly Black- Have I ever read it? No. Am I going to buy the special edition set despite having never read it? Yes. Do I have immediate plans to read it? Also no. Like most books on my shelf. I'll get to it eventually, and I can't help that I like pretty things. I’ve seen enough on The Cruel Prince to know that I will love the story and enjoy the author. 

But that’s not the point of this post.

Anyways… Annotations from the author are a special feature of this set. One was teased as a preview, and it shook me- Like the FBI agent monitoring what books I mention before seeing a targeted ad on my feed.

It said:

“A wise individual once told me that first books were about introducing characters and second books were about introducing the world.”  

Red Glass & Shadow has always been planned as a series. Ever since I’ve started it I’ve always said the first book is the intro to the characters and the second is when we start to get to the meat of the overall story and deep dive into the world.

It truly feels like I’m on the right track. I may not be perfect, but at least there’s a method to the madness. 

Also… Just another excuse to buy this set.

*whispers* Spoiler: It's already purchased.

[tnthackstonwriting]

WIP Update: Red Glass and Shadow - Draft Complete!

I've been crying all night. I was typing and realized, "After this sentence, I'm finished with my draft."

It was a wild moment for me. I have never finished a draft before. Never gotten this deep into a WIP.

After overcoming so many feelings of self-doubt- fearing I'm not able to do this- thinking I'm not good enough- and my story exists.

It is no longer a blank page. No longer a fear. No longer just an idea.

It. Is. Real.

I've told it to myself and now I can perfect and edit. I feel accomplished and so proud of myself.

Writing Progress from June 23rd:

Outlining:

Book 1 - 94 pages - 55,710 words - Detailed and complete

Book 2 - 14 pages - 8,382 words - Shorthanded outline

Book 3 - 9 pages - 7,059 words - Shorthanded outline

Book 4 - 7 pages - 6,022 words - Shorthanded outline

Character Details & World Building - 26 pages - 13,116 words

Future Plot Points/Ideas/Quotes/Reminders/Poems - 28 pages - 21,865 words

Main Story - 200 pages - 105,696 words

Total - 378 pages - 217,850 words

Writing Progress Now:

Outlining:

Book 1 - 98 pages - 58,279 words - Detailed and complete

Book 2 - 14 pages - 8,406 words - Shorthanded outline

Book 3 - 9 pages - 7,310 words - Shorthanded outline

Book 4 - 8 pages - 6,168 words - Shorthanded outline

Character Details & World Building - 26 pages - 13,191 words

Future Plot Points/Ideas/Quotes/Reminders/Poems - 29 pages - 22,319 words

Main Story - 272 pages - 141,101 words

Total - 456 pages - 256,774 words

[tnthackstonwriting]

In the past week, on completely separate occasions, five people have stopped to ask me about my phone case.

Why you ask?

I commissioned a wonderful and talented artist awhile ago to create the three main characters from my Red Glass and Shadow series (aka my WIP). Gage, Nyx, and Sebastian!

I loved the Sebastian commission so much that I put the image on a phone case for myself! He is certainly eye catching- Everyone that has asked strikes up a conversation wondering if it’s an anime or video game character. I say "Nope. I write in my spare time, and this is one of the characters I created. My male lead." I then of course explain that an artist helped bring him to life but he’s from my work and my character vision boards/profiles.

From there, they are wildly interested! People I never thought would care- let alone be impressed. Executives from work loving that Sebastian's a vampire. Strangers thinking he's a handsome guy. Coworkers. Cousins. Who is he? What's his name? What exactly do you mean by shadow powers and the incarnation of darkness?

It's been wild, and I must say it feels amazing to proudly speak on what I’ve created. Trying not to downplay it or self-deprecate. So encouraging as I work towards finishing my draft. Around three more weeks and it should be done!

With that being said. I think it's time. Time to finally post my commissioned pieces by BishiCentral on Etsy. Or maybe I'll be a tease and only post Sebastian this time!

I present to you...*drumroll please*

Sebastian Keres! Our tragic, morally gray, male lead!

Please note that this commission piece is for my personal use ONLY. No one may repost without my permission. Thus the watermarks. I'm fiercely protective of my characters and my work. When the time comes, these commissions will be used for marketing purposes for my novels and will never be posted without a watermark or a character quote on them. Please keep this in mind as I brave sharing my work and vision with you.

[tnthackstonwriting]

WIP Update: Red Glass and Shadow

*Cue the Tangled soundtrack* And at last I see the liiight!

Truly, I am so close to getting this draft done. I need to prune and edit, but it's always easier than looking at a blank page.

We are 200 Word Doc pages in with 105k word in my main story.

Words cannot express how proud and excited I am to be this close to bringing Red Glass and Shadow (my current working title) to life!

So here is my update!

Writing Progress from April 11th:

Outlining:

Book 1 - 70 pages - 40,899 words - Detailed and complete

Book 2 - 14 pages - 8,144 words - Shorthanded outline

Book 3 - 9 pages - 6,999 words - Shorthanded outline

Book 4 - 7 pages - 5,792 words - Shorthanded outline

Character Details & World Building - 26 pages - 13,116 words

Future Plot Points/Ideas/Quotes/Reminders/Poems - 28 pages - 21,303 words

Main Story - 167 pages - 87,885 words

Total - 321 pages - 184,138 words

Writing Progress Now:

Outlining:

Book 1 - 94 pages - 55,710 words - Detailed and complete

Book 2 - 14 pages - 8,382 words - Shorthanded outline

Book 3 - 9 pages - 7,059 words - Shorthanded outline

Book 4 - 7 pages - 6,022 words - Shorthanded outline

Character Details & World Building - 26 pages - 13,116 words

Future Plot Points/Ideas/Quotes/Reminders/Poems - 28 pages - 21,865 words

Main Story - 200 pages - 105,696 words

Total - 378 pages - 217,850 words

[tnthackstonwriting]

WIP Update: Almost there!

It's been awhile since my last writing update, and I am happy to say that my first draft is 3/4 complete!

I was hoping to have the draft finished by now, but progress is progress- and I have been working on it every night. With a full-time job, side hustle, my grandmother moving in, and my dog getting a tumor removed, I think that's pretty solid! Side note: My dog is going to be fine! They got it all! Huzzah!

Anyways, here is my update!

Writing Progress from January 6th:

Outlining:

Book 1 - 55 pages - 31,351 words - Detailed and complete

Book 2 - 13 pages - 7,896 words - Shorthanded outline

Book 3 - 8 pages - 6,348 words - Shorthanded outline

Book 4 - 7 pages - 5,233 words - Shorthanded outline

Character Details & World Building - 24 pages - 12,090 words

Future Plot Points/Ideas/Quotes/Reminders/Poems - 25 pages - 19,288 words

Main Story - 100 pages - 51,203 words

Total - 232 pages - 133,409 words

Writing Progress Now:

Outlining:

Book 1 - 70 pages - 40,899 words - Detailed and complete

Book 2 - 14 pages - 8,144 words - Shorthanded outline

Book 3 - 9 pages - 6,999 words - Shorthanded outline

Book 4 - 7 pages - 5,792 words - Shorthanded outline

Character Details & World Building - 26 pages - 13,116 words

Future Plot Points/Ideas/Quotes/Reminders/Poems - 28 pages - 21,303 words

Main Story - 167 pages - 87,885 words

Total - 321 pages - 184,138 words

[tnthackstonwriting]

Me: *enjoying a peaceful day, looking forward to my weekend writing, and being proud I'm more than halfway through my draft*

Instagram Post on My Explore Page: Shadows- Vampires- Similar Male Lead Name-

Me: *throws my kimchi* FUCK.

Also Me: *curls up and depression naps as the imposter syndrome creeps in*

Really though- It's hard not to have similar themes when writing a supernatural romantasy. Great minds think alike. Need to remind myself that no one can create my story like I can. I'm what makes it unique.

[tnthackstonwriting]

WIP Update: First 100 Pages Finished!

It has happened- I have gone farther with this WIP than any other before it.

I have completed the first 100 pages of my first draft!

These are Word Doc pages, so they would likely translate to 120 pages when formatted into a book.

I'm thrilled.

The goal was to get the first draft finished by the end of 2021, but I'm happy with the progress I've made. I also rewrote the first 39 pages of the main story to fit my new outline.

Again, this is the farthest I've every gone with any WIP. I'd say we're exclusive now... *haughty anime laugh*

I've even gotten over the urge to edit as I go and get the words down. And let me tell ya, that's huge for me.

With all that said- Here is the progress update:

Writing Progress from October 9th:

Outlining:

Book 1 - 46 pages - 26,046 words - Detailed and complete

Book 2 - 13 pages - 7,530 words - Shorthanded outline

Book 3 - 8 pages - 6,189 words - Shorthanded outline

Book 4 - 6 pages - 4,770 words - Shorthanded outline

Character Details & World Building - 20 pages - 10,423 words

Future Plot Points/Ideas/Quotes/Reminders/Poems - 23 pages - 17,866 words

Main Story - 39 pages - 23,546 words

Total - 155 pages - 96,370 words

Writing Progress Now:

Outlining:

Book 1 - 55 pages - 31,351 words - Detailed and complete

Book 2 - 13 pages - 7,896 words - Shorthanded outline

Book 3 - 8 pages - 6,348 words - Shorthanded outline

Book 4 - 7 pages - 5,233 words - Shorthanded outline

Character Details & World Building - 24 pages - 12,090 words

Future Plot Points/Ideas/Quotes/Reminders/Poems - 25 pages - 19,288 words

Main Story - 100 pages - 51,203 words

Total - 232 pages - 133,409 words

[tnthackstonwriting]

"My characters and I need therapy." - Me, Today

[tnthackstonwriting]

WIP Update: Outline Finished. No Excuses.

I've done it.

I've finished the extensive outline to my work in progress.

I've read through it- edited- and read through it again. I'm finally happy with it. I've set the major points, jotted down some fun quotes, set tones, sprinkled some foreshadowing, and tried to cover plot holes that may arise.

No more excuses. Its time to finish my first draft- Though, my outline is so detailed it could be considered a bare-bones/shorthanded first draft.

I'm hoping this will keep me on track and help things flow on the page. I usually get stuck, but I don't have to figure anything out now- its all there!

It. Is. Time!

Writing Progress from August 21st:

Outlining:

Book 1 - 38 pages - 21,021 words - Detailed and still in progress

Book 2 - 13 pages - 7,314 words - Shorthanded outline

Book 3 - 7 pages - 5,285 words - Shorthanded outline

Book 4 - 6 pages - 4,616 words - Shorthanded outline

Character Details & World Building - 20 pages - 10,273 words

Future Plot Points/Ideas/Quotes/Reminders/Poems - 22 pages - 16,341 words

Main Story - 39 pages - 23,546 words - Not sure how I went from 44 pages to 39, but we cool.

Total - 145 pages - 88,396 words

Writing Progress Now:

Outlining:

Book 1 - 46 pages - 26,046 words - Detailed and complete

Book 2 - 13 pages - 7,530 words - Shorthanded outline

Book 3 - 8 pages - 6,189 words - Shorthanded outline

Book 4 - 6 pages - 4,770 words - Shorthanded outline

Character Details & World Building - 20 pages - 10,423 words

Future Plot Points/Ideas/Quotes/Reminders/Poems - 23 pages - 17,866 words

Main Story - 39 pages - 23,546 words

Total - 155 pages - 96,370 words

[tnthackstonwriting]

True Origin of My WIP: A Roleplay!

Dear Reader,

Let's talk about how my current work in progress originated. It is all inspired by a... ROLEPLAY!

No. Not that kind of roleplay. Though the thought of that makes me- *drools*

This was the type of roleplay where I created characters and wrote a story with a friend online. Yes, I am that nerdy. No, I'm not sorry. I roleplayed for the escapism- and it kept me sane from 2015 to 2017 (The Dark Era) and then through 2020.

Back in 2015, I created a character profile online. Me being me, it had to be a morally grey, strong female lead that was a far cry from most protagonists in YA. She basically does everything I wish I could- unapologetically.

I paired up with my online friend and he gave me a few "starters" to get the RP going. We then decided on... Hunter x Vampire.

And thus, my WIP was born.

It has evolved since then. Even though my friend and I were "advanced literate" roleplayers, the story needed more world building, plot/character consistency, a less toxic male lead, and fewer "filler episodes".

There may be a few scenes from the original roleplay (so very few), but I've changed almost everything. Names, backstories, world lore, how the plot progresses and ends. The only thing that has really remained consistent are the first names of my main characters: Sebastian & Nyx.

Anyways, I hope you enjoyed the story on how my WIP was loosely inspired. I felt silly writing this, but I thought it was a fun anecdote. It also gave some hints to my WIP at the most basic of levels.

[tnthackstonwriting]

WIP Update

Me: I feel like I've done nothing. It has been months. I'm stuck in outlining. I've had so many lulls doubting myself. I've made no progress! I don't know why I'm even updating my blog!

*sits down to track progress*

Writing Progress from July:

Outlining - 44 pages - Detailed in how to get from point A to point B w/ dialogue ideas

Character Details & World Building - 26 pages

Future Plot Points/Books - 20 pages

Main Story - 44 pages

Total - 134 pages

Writing Progress Now:

Outlining:

Book 1 - 38 pages - 21,021 words - Detailed and still in progress

Book 2 - 13 pages - 7,314 words - Shorthanded outline

Book 3 - 7 pages - 5,285 words - Shorthanded outline

Book 4 - 6 pages - 4.616 words - Shorthanded outline

Character Details & World Building - 20 pages - 10,273 words

Future Plot Points/Ideas/Quotes/Reminders/Poems - 22 pages - 16,341 words

Main Story - 39 pages - 23,546 words - Not sure how I went from 44 pages to 39, but we cool.

Total - 145 pages - 88,396 words

Me: Oh- Well DAYUM! Look at me... I guess I did make some progress. I just need to keep on trying. Any progress is progress. *pats self on back*

[tnthackstonwriting]

Little Reminders:

Not to disparage another's work-

BUT if this person has the courage to put this out into the world, and people actually like it- I can put my romantasy out there.

I think I'm good to go.

[tnthackstonwriting]

Let’s Begin...

Dear reader,

This is the beginning of my writing journey, but it is my first post in documenting this. Hopefully, this blog will help other writers or anyone with a dream.

I’ve always enjoyed writing. Likely because the worlds I created, though dark and devastating, were better than my own. My characters, though flawed, were always people I wished I had in my life.

They come to me to me in dreams, speaking to me like I’m channeling them. Who knows? Maybe I am... Maybe they needed someone to get their stories out there. 

But this story... This story is special. 

My current work in progress has been around since 2015- during one of the darkest eras of my life. One day I will tell everyone about that era, but for now I focus on the characters that helped me through it. 

I woke up every day and my only solace was the world I would escape to- the lovers and friendship I created. I owe it to them to finish their story for how they helped me. Perhaps they will help someone else. 

I may not be the best writer, but I write for me and my characters. I am determined to finish this and self-publish.

Writing Progress:

Outlining - 44 pages - Detailed in how to get from point A to point B w/ dialogue ideas

Character Details & World Building - 26 pages

Future Plot Points/Books - 20 pages - Four books planned w/ one novella

Main Story - 44 pages - On pause until I hash out a few outlining details. Sounds a bit like YA, but I’m writing an Adult novel. I’m an adult- I like adult themes and promoting a healthy view on sex.