04/21/2022

April 21, 2022 —

Well, Penny Novel #1 is developing nicely. Writing through it has felt like a breath of fresh air for my creative mind; I'm Loving the process and can hardly wait to see what happens next!

[Updated November 2022!]

And now, the pitch:

Penny Blackfox has been happy living with her new family. Since escaping the streets in 17th century London, life has been good, but when a friend tells her that kids she once lived with have been disappearing, her future will never be the same. The Duff brothers, dangerous rivals who have taken over during her absence, are destroying everything she stood for. The very next day, Penny discovers her friend unconscious in the street. His only offense was standing up for a girl named Rina, whom the Duffs have been trying to capture by whatever means necessary. After saving him, she must discover what they’re up to before it’s too late. Penny is the only one who can help, but can she even make a difference after being gone so long? Time to open up that old treasure chest full of tricks by her bed once again...
More to come! -K. M. Plum | the Author

11/01/2021

November 01, 2021 - "NaNoWriMo & A Brighter Future!!!"

Wow, it's been such a long time since my last post. Let's catch up!

So, do you remember in April of 2020, how I wrote about my Draguntome sequel, but then never posted another update? I want to apologize to those of you who saw it back then. I think I speak for everyone when I say that no one expected what was coming in the Spring of 2020. Covid happened, and lot's of political stuff that need not be reiterated beyond the confines of this little gray box. I think you'll agree when I say that life hasn't been easy. However, I'm eager to start the next chapter, and I think everyone would be onboard for that! :)

But first, really quickly, here are some things that've changed -

Draguntome #1 has been unpublished. It wasn't an easy call to make, but I never saw any traction gains from marketing and writing efforts related to the Draguntome series. I have made considerable progress on Book 2, but it is far from complete and, now, so is Book 1! It never really became what I hoped it would, so later I want to go back and take another look, and possibly rewrite the whole thing! We'll see what happens. 

Now, onto more exciting news! I've grown a lot since Spring 2020, and am ready to start my next project, the Penny Novels! I have joined the NaNoWriMo 2021 writing challenge to get a jump-start. Penny Novels will be released through traditional publishing. I will, of course, explore all possible avenues for publication when the time comes, however I want Penny Novels to hit the shelves at local book retailers as soon as possible.

Penny Novel #1, the 30-second blurb:

While listening to a storyteller in the street, Penny, [Short for "Penelope"], witnesses an angry mob chase someone from the crowd. Upon meeting the victim, an orphan girl who is the same age as she, Penny learns that the girl has been living on her own for months without a home. Penny must learn how she can help her new friend survive 17th century London as it becomes increasingly marred by war, famine, and plague.

Penny will meet many interesting individuals who, together, will have a profound affect on how history plays out in this new Middle-Grade, Historical-Fiction series. 

I think it'll be fun to explore some of the most impactful events in human history from the perspective of kids in a way that will help them better understand 21st century problems as it directly impacts their lives. Penny will reassure readers that we as a society have faced many challenges for thousands of years, and no matter what happens, love and hope will shine above all else.

I look forward to sharing Penny's journey with you!

-K. M. Plum | the Author

04/23/2020

April 23, 2020 - "Promos for Draguntome: The Heir Revealed, (#2)"

"Draguntome: The Heir Revealed" is just around the corner, and I'm currently in the process of setting up multiple promos in preparation for the big event. There will be several ARC reviews on Amazon, Goodreads and various sites, also traffic should be inbound from BookFunnel promo sales and giveaways, and from various other sources. This campaign is an orchestrated effort involving many different parties, so get ready for some really interesting developments over the next few months.

For those who are visiting the site from one of these sources, feel free to contact me at info(at)kmplum(dot)com for any questions you might have! Thanks for everything, and I'm very much looking forward to what comes next!

-K. M. Plum | the Author

03/24/2020

March 24, 2020 - "Draguntome Updates"

Consistent progress is the best indicator of continued success! I've been working on book 2 of the Draguntome series for some time now and have finally passed 25% completion! It's usually at this point that the story really takes off, and there are definitely some interesting things coming... So stay tuned!

Recently, I've been thinking a lot more about creative marketing strategies as well, since I've finally reached a place where all core services that will be provided for Draguntome Insiders and related marketing campaigns have gone live! Onsite sales, promotional marketing for the Draguntome series, and the ability to setup and maintain a private Readers List for the sake of providing news, updates and special opportunities for loyal readers are fully operational! It's taken a ton of learning and heaps of hard work, but it'll be worth it in the end.

Let's go ladies and gents!

-K. M. Plum

 

11/11/2019

November 11, 2019 - "Tulsa Pop Culture Expo"

Well, there comes a time in every person's life where innumerable efforts spanning over an indeterminate period of time come together for a single, dynamic climax that makes a profound impact on their future. It's an event that shuts the door on one season while unlocking the path to an entirely new chapter in life. For some, that may be the promotion they've been working toward most of their adulthood. For others, it might be that age-old, not entirely inappropriately titled 'Mid-life Crisis.' For me, it comes in the form of engaging with my city in an effective, meaningful way that will stay with me forever. Allow me to introduce the Tulsa Pop Culture Expo!

It is one of the city's biggest events all year and will be showcasing some of the greatest celebrities in the world! Not to mention it's put on by Tulsa Pop Kids; An awesome, local organization that has have been promoting literacy for kids through pop culture and entertainment, officially, since 2017.

Draguntome Insiders will have a booth at Woodland Hills Mall on the second floor during the Tulsa Pop Expo where we will be engaging with everyone we can about how to self-publish, building our subscribers list, and also providing a free copy of "Draguntome: Heir Of The Forsaken" for everyone who signs up!

It's going to be a great weekend!

-K. M. Plum

07/28/2019

July 27, 2019 - "Loss and (Kinda) Re-Gain?"

So it's been a long time coming since my last post and so much has happened. I definitely owe you an explanation albeit a minuscule gesture of a token rather than a truly redeeming prize for such superhuman patience!

Several months ago I sat in front of the same familiar, stunningly-brilliant retina screen I had several hundred times before. From my right hand tipped a beautiful, expertly-brewed cup of steaming, black juice of the gods to deliver the perfect sip for that very moment. Feeling quite satisfied and ready to begin the next bout of a long series of sessions I had been happily speeding through as I developed and grew my newest, most favorite novel, I decided that it was a good idea to set the mug upon the appropriately-titled coffee table with just enough triumphant force to send the most delicate, expertly-aimed splash of fragrant, delectable liquid skittering over the keyboard of the single most important instrument in my entire writer's arsenal; Right into the air vents below the screen on the opposite side.

A year later, now wielding a brand-new quill of sorts in the form of a custom-built PC by yours truly, I'm finally ready to take up the mantle once again. Has it been a long, painfully dry season for my creative prowess and self dignity? Yes indeed it has. It's good to be back.

-K. M. Plum

03/13/2018

Mar 13, 2018 - "Hello, Spring!"

So, writing has been slow lately. My biggest challenge has been to try to figure out how and when I can set time aside to devote solely to writing. Not an easy task when life is washing over you in several huge waves. But alas, the show must go on!

Recent developments include a new title for book two and a noticeable change to how I'm approaching young Kalos' story. The official title of Draguntome, book 2 is "The Heir Unveiled" and will read more like a sequel to "The Heir Forsaken" than previously anticipated. This means a few different things for you, all of which are good!

1. Book 2 is now more of a sequel to book 1 than a continuation of a long arc.
2. Instead of Kalos' story being a 5 part arc, it will be condensed to achieve a more harmonious, more exciting reading experience.
3. With better clarity comes more focus and I now believe that I have figured out exactly how this arc of the Draguntome series is going to play out all the way to the last chapter of Kalos' adventure!

Huzzah!

-K. M. Plum

01/05/2018

Jan 05, 2018 - "Happy New Year!"

I've been super busy lately. Like really, really super busy. Kudos to anyone who has taken on the monumental task of working full time while doggedly striving to get a writing career going. I find myself working harder than I ever have before in my life!

Okay, rant/over. It's time to start a new marketing campaign. Heir Of The Forsaken is in the best condition it has ever been in, and it's time to really get the reviews up... While currently working on book 2... Amongst many other things. Let's just say it'll definitely be worth it in the end!

En guarde, world!

-K. M. Plum

12/11/2017

Dec 11, 2017 - "Christmas 2017 Insights"

So, I've been learning a lot about a lot for a long time and I've come to the realization that subpar is status quo is uncool is not Draguntome!

My latest challenge for myself has been to read through the entire first installment and viciously mark anything that needs to be changed or adapted; And I disallowed myself from even taking notes for Book 2 until the deed was done!

Well, I succeeded, and the jump in overall quality will be huge.

Now, I want to send a massive shout out to three people in particular who have provided awesome reviews for "Heir Of The Forsaken"-

Ashley - http://bookishcreature.com/

C. E. Clayton - https://www.ceclayton.com/

Daccari Buchelli - https://fantasybooks411.com/

Check out their sites, visit their GoodReads.com profiles, go right now and let them know that I sent you!

They've given some really great insights and helped sow seeds in my mind about the level of content I want to be known for. Kudos all around. :)

More to come!

-K. M. Plum

09/20/2017

Sep 20, 2017 - "The journey continues..."

Book 2 is on the way and it's progressing smoothly! 

What would you do if you found yourself in a strange place with terrible injuries and you couldn't even remember why? Sounds tough, right? And that's just the beginning!

Let's see what happens now! ;)

-K. M. Plum