What’s new?
- starlakestories
- Mar 31
- 4 min read
“Extra! Extra! Read all about it!”
I wanted to take a moment to share a little peek behind the scenes of what I’ve been working on lately, because there’s been a lot happening over here at Star Lake Stories.
A Fresh New Look:
One of the biggest updates is that I gave my website a little refresh!
It feels more like me now. When I first created my website, I was in a rush to make sure I had a place where people could purchase and learn about my first published book. I enjoyed creating my site and put a lot of thought into it, but I wasn’t able to refine it to my liking, and it ended up getting very cluttered with information and my ever-growing vision. I also found it very difficult to write about myself, which... is still hard, but I feel like I’ve gotten better at it.
If you haven’t visited in a while, I’d love for you to take a peek. I have added book reviews, a look into the books I am working on, more about what inspires me, and an events page to post special events you won’t want to miss.
Other Stories in the Works:
Other stories in the works? Yes! You read that right!
Here are other stories quietly growing behind the scenes:
Dino Disco and the Day After
These are still in their early stages, but it’s been really fun letting new ideas come to life without pressure, just creativity and curiosity leading the way. You can now check these projects out on my website to read the story summary! You can find them on my Book & Shop tab on my website, or by clicking the link and scrolling to the bottom of that page.
Attending Critique Group Sessions:
I’ve been attending writing groups more consistently, and I can’t even explain how much this has helped me. There’s something really powerful about being in a room (or circle) with people who understand the creative process, the doubts, the excitement, the messy middle of it all.
I attended two critique sessions for my next book, A Woven Friendship, and while those can feel extremely vulnerable, they’ve helped shape my story in such an important way! I am very happy with how the story has unfolded, thanks to the thoughtful guidance of others in this space. I have even involved my fifth grader to see what catches her attention and to focus on the parts she loves as a young reader.
Progress on My Next Book:
After those critiques, I’ve been working on updating my manuscript, refining, adjusting, and really listening to what the story is asking for while capturing children’s attention. After completing the fifth draft of The Woven Friendship...this story is still in progress, but I feel like I’m stepping into the next phase with more clarity and intention while seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. And that feels really good.
My next steps are:
Refining some last details.
Meeting with my illustrator.
Send my manuscript, along with some rough draft illustrations, to beta readers.
If you are interested in being a beta reader volunteer for me, stay tuned or send me a message!
A Little Dream in the Works:
Something I’m really excited about…
I’ll be meeting with Happy Trails Book Cafe this Saturday! We’ve started talking about a potential read-aloud event for The Many Different Dragons.
Nothing is officially set just yet, but even the possibility of sharing my book in a space like that feels incredibly special. I’ll definitely keep you updated as things unfold.
Check them out @happytrailsbookcafe and give them a follow on Instagram!
Growing My Community:
Another exciting step, I recently joined the League of Utah Writers! Specifically, the Utah Kid Lit Chapter and the Write On, St. George Chapter. I’m really looking forward to learning, connecting, and continuing to grow alongside other writers. Community has been such a meaningful part of this writing journey for me, and this feels like another step in the right direction.
You can check their website out to see what the League of Utah Writers is all about!
Looking Ahead:
There’s a lot still unfolding, a lot still unknown, but that’s part of the magic, isn’t it?
Right now, I’m just focused on:
Showing up.
Creating.
Learning.
Trusting the process.
Doing things that make me happy...like writing and creating.
Thank you for being here and following along with me. It truly means more than you know.
If you liked what you read here, you can join my newsletter by visiting the home page on my website, where it says “email subscription” to get updates, new blog posts, behind-the-scenes peeks into my own books, and occasional freebies.
With stardust and wonder,
Torrey Lynn Sullivan
Star Lake Stories
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