Drafting Done!

[Cat vs chicken from book 1 of Doomimals by my niece, Ghostelle]

I set out to complete my first draft of the first nine books in my chapter book series Doomimals (about three kids and their super pets protecting the world from the evil Dog of War) plus a bonus book.  I also set out to have my teenage son complete the first three books in his spin-off series, Just Us Chickens (about zany super chickens, which reads like Captain Underpants), a backstory for one of those characters, and the first book in another spin-off series, Keylime Python (about a swashbuckling, world-traveling snake).  

I've been blogging about these all summer.  We finished the last draft a few days ago, just in time for the end of summer vacation.  In other words, between the two of us, we've written 15 separate books (less the two I had drafted before) in one summer.  I'd say that's fairly good, even if they're short chapter books (10-13,000 words long).  .  

[One of my illustrations from Just Us Chickens.)

From there, I need to prepare this entire children's chapter book collection for readers like you as well as children 7-12.  This entails illustrations (I'm almost done illustrating my son's books, while my niece has completed illustrations for book 1 of my series and has started book 2), major revision for consistency, increased humor and heart, line editing, etc.  

I want to make sure it is consistently fun, funny, and compelling.  I want it to appeal to kids in the target age group as well as older kids and/or adults who enjoy sci fi/fantasy.  I'd like to make sure it could be read by a hi-lo readership, kids who want to read fun and engaging material but whose reading level is not all that high.  I'm not sure if I'll be able to achieve all of this, but I will do my best.  I'll keep you posted as we get things done.