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2025/10/29 Learning, Writing, and Wrestling with Book 3
Lessons from the Query Trenches
An interesting thread on X this week gave me some valuable insight into my query letter struggles. An agent highlighted a common mistake in submission letters. One I've been making myself.
The Thread:
My initial reaction (the question marks in my reply) might have seemed defensive, but I was genuinely processing the feedback. I'm always listening and thinking about what industry professionals share. She made some important points that I'm taking to heart as I refine my approach.
Book 4: A Standalone Complete!
I officially finished Book 4 this week, and it's written as a standalone novel. You don't need to read the Sword & Shield series to enjoy it, though it enriches the overall universe if you do.
The Harry Potter Inspiration
I thought a lot about Harry Potter while crafting this book. A school of magic naturally creates its own lore and world-building, just as Diagon Alley exists separately from Hogwarts, or how wizarding London operates parallel to the muggle world. Book 4 has those parallel arcs while telling a complete, self-contained story.
A More Adult Journey
Fair warning: Book 4 gets spicy in a few scenes. This is a more mature story. I take Joshua into an entirely different world where he experiences things he's never encountered before, pushing him (and the narrative) into new territory.
Book 3: The Finale Awaits
Completing Book 4 actually helped me solve the climax for Book 3. When I looked at my document recently, I realized it's been months since I touched it. Now I need to pick up at the big climax and push through to the ending.
The Editing Journey
Book 3 is hungry for a major edit. Here's where it stands:
✅ Draft complete
✅ Rewrite complete (pending the ending)
🔄 Deep dive edit in progress
I cut a lot from the draft to the rewrite, really focusing on Joshua's massive character journey. Sometimes you have to strip away to find the heart of the story.
Current Project Status:
Book 1: Tale of the Four Winds - Final polish + new cover (December launch)
Book 2: The Witch and the Necromancer - Editing in progress (December launch)
Book 3: Climax and finale needed, then deep edit
Book 4: Complete standalone draft ✓
Read more at: scottkay.me
#IndieAuthor #AmWriting #WritingCommunity #FantasyBooks #AuthorLife #WritingProcess #BookBlog #WIP
2025/10/23 Blinded by Books
A Major Milestone: Book 4 Complete (Maybe?)
I think I finished Book 4 today. I wrote what feels like an epic ending, but only time—and beta readers—will tell if it lands the way I hope.
Here's the interesting part: Book 4 (technically Book 2.5 in the timeline) wasn't just about finishing another story. Writing it helped me crack the climax for Book 3. Sometimes you have to write around a problem to solve it.
The Publishing Pipeline
Books 1 and 2 are complete and waiting in the wings. Both need final editing passes, and Book 1 (Tale of the Four Winds) is getting a new cover before launch at the beginning of December.
The Indie Author Reality
Book sales as an #indieauthor have been... okay. Nothing to write home about, but steady. My time splits three ways: writing, working, and house projects. I've deliberately chosen to prioritize writing over socializing—which is both good and bad, depending on the day.
Book 2 Progress Check
I reviewed the entire manuscript for The Witch and the Necromancer today and found more little issues than expected. I thought editing was further along, but that's on me. The good news? I edit quickly while reading, so it's just a matter of buckling down and doing the work.
The Book 1 Dilemma
I originally asked someone else to edit Book 1 because I felt too close to it. But maybe enough time has passed that I can tackle it myself now. Or should I finish Book 3 first? I only have the final scene left to write.
Decisions, decisions.
Today's Writing Stats:
Book 4: Complete draft ✓
Book 3: One scene remaining
Book 2: Editing in progress
Book 1: Awaiting final polish + new cover
Relevant Links:
My Website: scottkay.me
Preorder info coming soon!
#WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #AmWriting #FantasyBooks #AuthorLife #WritersOfInstagram #BookBlog #WIP
2025/10/21 Good Morning World
I'm excited to launch this blog as a way to keep you updated on my journey as an author and share what's coming next in the universe you've been exploring.
Where We Stand
As mentioned on the HOME page, I've written four complete books in this universe, with a fifth taking shape in my mind. Books 1-3 form one complete story arc, while the working title School of Magic stands alone, though it originated from Book 2 of the Sword and Shield Series.
Why School of Magic Became Its Own Story
In The Witch and the Necromancer (Book 2), Chapter 2 grew into something much larger than anticipated. The story was too expansive to fit within that book without derailing the main arc. I made the choice to leave readers with a cliffhanger—a gap in time that explores a separate, transformative experience for Josh and his character development.
Without revealing too much, Book 2 takes your heroes (including Caleb in his own unique way) on a massive journey of growth.
The Fifth Book: Short Stories
The fifth installment will be a collection of short stories expanding on characters from the Sword and Shield Series. One of my favorites explores the changelings—beings we only glimpse in Book 1, learn more about in Book 2, and grow closer to in Book 3. Their story is a frightening tale of survival and identity.
Coming Soon
Book 2 is nearly here! Preorders will be available soon, so stay tuned for updates.
2025/10/20 Updates coming to Tale of the Four Winds
Book 1 Updates: New Edits and Cover Reveal
I'm currently working through some light edits on Book 1 to refine the writing and enhance the reading experience. Along with these updates, I'm introducing a new cover design.
Why the Cover Change?
While I love the current cover, it's beautiful and atmospheric, it focuses on a relatively minor element of the story: the old willow tree in front of the building that houses a tree spirit. This lovely detail, captured brilliantly by the artist, appears only briefly in the narrative.
The new cover takes a more direct approach, showcasing the heroes and the central conflicts they face throughout the book. It better represents what readers will experience in the story.
Sneak Peek
I'll be sharing the new cover below soon—stay tuned!
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