Little Update

I'm afraid today's post is just an update in regards to WIP's and release, folks.

She-Wolf has gone through one round of edits - I have been told I could receive the second set this week - so I'm pretty certain will be done and dusted by the end of March. Cranberry Blood will be sent to my editor as soon as she is finished. I'm aiming to have the first two books in The Blood Series re-released in August. I'm feeling good about August, not that I am pinpointing and exact date, not until at least one round of edits has been done on Cranberry. So stay tuned.

I just got my first lot of edits for Stepping Stones, my sweet contemporary romance. It was contracted with Bono books (Decadent Publishing) at the beginning of the year. I'm looking forward to getting stuck in and getting this book sorted for re-release - book was previously published with Noble Romance Publishing. A release date has yet to be assigned.

My WIP for Decadent Publishing Beyond Fairytale Series has a beginning! No title, but a beginning lol Yay! I sat down and hammered it out yesterday. I will be reading over it again as I have the very bad habit of doing that before continuing with any book, but I'm feeling good about it at the moment. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Once the WIP is done and submitted my focus will then turn to Blood Book 2 as was the original plan.

So, two sets of edits to get through this following fortnight, and then I will be diving back in to my WIP. How are you spending the remainder of your March?

And Happy St Patrick's Day!!

WIP Progress

Firstly, as part of Read an eBook week, from March 2nd - 8th, my fairytale retelling, Razel Dazzle is FREE on Smashwords. All you have to do is enter the coupon code RW100 at the checkout.

So, if you're a fan of Rapunzel and like sexy, modern, fairytale retellings, hop on over to Smashwords and get your FREE copy today! - http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/371656

Secondly, I am super sorry for not posting last Monday. I kinda forgot and didn't remember until Wednesday, but was completely blank in the topic department, not that I can say I'm thriving with interesting information today, but at least I'm posting this week.

So a fortnight ago I was rambling on about how I'm not a planner - which is still very true - and how I was going to dive into this project and go with the flow . . . yeah, it didn't go as well as I though it would. Turns out that as well as being lazy, my muse is also being a complete pain in the ass lately. I really don't know what I have done to tick her off so much, but hey, she's stuck with me so she will have to get over herself.

So, no planning and no going with the flow, which is very frustrating and lead to me doing the only other thing I could do in this situation; leave what I had and just let it all stew in its own juice. I really didn't think it would stew and also believed it would probably take me weeks to come up with something, but surprisingly one part of the story revealed itself while I was dusting, and then I very small idea fluttered in my head two days later followed by a light bulb moment and . . . BAM! I have a story.

I realize how bad it sounds for me to kinda say that, but two weeks ago I was throwing ideas all over the place and not liking what I came up with, but the story plot I now have, oh I'm happy, I really am. The characters have already introduced themselves to me, and slowly things are starting to piece together. I started writing yesterday, but don't feel a 100% happy with the way I have started the story, despite the fact I know how it opens, but that's okay, all I have to do is play until I am happy. The point is after much fretting - which I was doing for many reasons, all of which I have pointed out in past posts and wont go into again out of fear of sounding like a parrot - I have started, and it feels so good to start a new story after such a rough and slow year of writing.

I have my playlist which consists mostly of songs from Florence and the Machine; they just fit the mood of the story and characters, love that! I have rough notes. I love my characters even the baddie. I'm excited. It's nice to be excited every once in a while, don't you think?

Hope you've all had a fab Monday, and that the next two weeks are lovely for you all. I won't be posting next Monday, because I will be away visiting family. So, have fun and hopefully in two weeks I have something more interesting to share with you. ;-P

I am not a planner

I am not a planner. Now, when I say a planner I mean to the extent that I have every single detail mapped out on a project. I know a lot of authors who do plan, and sure, plans change as you dive into a world and start writing a story, but a lot of writers have guidelines . . . I am a very bad improviser.

Usually, I will get an idea in the form of a scene. One of the characters will come to me; they are vivid, and bold, and they give me a segment to wet my appetite. I know the general details on them, but that’s it. I pretty much dive right on in and figure it out as I go.

So far this silly approach of mine has worked, but with my latest WIP I find I am somewhat torn. I’m going in to the realms of fantasy, and I am creating a whole new world. I’m sure a lot of writers may have already taken this adventure in one particular genre or another, but this is new to me; fantasy, and creating an entire universe from scratch is very new to me.

I’m excited – of course I am – because this world is one that I have had hidden in my slush pile folder for the last seven years, but I will admit I am a little overwhelmed; there feels like there is too much to know and create in such a short amount of time.

My plan was to solely concentrate on my Blood Series this year. I have finished reading through She-Wolf – which is with my editor – and Cranberry Blood, and I was originally going to dive right in to planning the next book, but then I saw the most fabulous submission call, and I just couldn’t ignore it.

Decadent Publishing have a new series called “Beyond Fairytales,” where the author is assigned a Grimm tale and has to re-vamp it in their chosen genre.

Now, I could have ignored it, but I was too intrigued. I also could have made things very easy for myself and picked a genre I had already played in before, but when I got my assigned tale I just knew I had to go fantasy with it. I usually don’t apply for things that have a time limit, for many reasons which I won’t go in to, and because if I don’t make it I will kick myself. But still, I found myself signing up any way. So, needless to say this project is a huge challenge for me.

Jumping back to feeling excited . . . I am. I have snips. I have already met four of the characters they are an interesting bunch. I have a very rough sketch of how the world is and the inhabitants you will find there. I know magic is going to play a huge part, and I have been lucky enough to get a tale where I could really do anything with it . . .

Now I’m stuck. Not in a way where I am clueless, because despite the fact that I don’t plan I have had to do the above. I have had to figure some details out; write some guidelines. After I drew my map of the world – yes, I actually drew a map. It’s rough, but it’s a start – I found myself sitting there and thinking, “well, I can’t do any more than this until I get inside this world and see where I am lead.”

So, it is now time for me to get my panster-ness on and see what these characters want to show me. I have no idea what’s going to happen. I will openly admit that since Fantasy is new to me that I have no idea if I can pull it off successfully, but I am going to damn well try, and naturally, I will keep you updated with my progress. J

For those of you who have read the Blood Series and are waiting for the next book, I will definitely be working on that next, and I plan to have She-Wolf and Cranberry Blood re-released by this summer, 2014.

Wish me luck! 

I suck, so here's a sneak peek at "Let Me In."

I suck. Yesterday my shift was changed and by the time I got home I had a million things to do, which lead to brain meltdown. So . . . I kinda forgot to post. Many apologies.

Now due to the lovely fact that I have to be up at 4:30am tomorrow I am keeping this post simple and sharing an unedited excerpt from my WIP "Let Me In." This is the project I started in October - which I think I have mentioned in a previous post - and I am slowly adding word to it at every opportunity I get.

So, it's in the very early stages, subject to change, so on so forth. Enjoy, and I hope you all have a lovely week.

~ * ~

Excerpt from Chapter One:

Paige rolled the tumbler between her thumb and index finger. “And this extra shot”-she waggled her finely plucked eyebrows-“a purposely chosen sweet cherry is to, Lia. May tonight be filled with some sexy fun, all of which will propel you in to a tomorrow full of some sort of renewed hope rather than regret.”

“Thanks, I guess.”

Following her direction I lifted the shot glass – the last of six – and knocked the sweet liquid back. My eyelids fluttered as the final hit of “liquid courage” ran down my throat and heated my insides to another degree. A shudder ran the length of my spine, and with one slow and deep breath, I shook off my previous tension.

The bang of glass on wood forced my focus back to the ladies sitting around me.

“Right, you know the rules girls; peruse the crowd and find yourself a man.” Paige lifted her fingers and pointed to her eyes. “Make eye contact, and if he gives you a smile, a “come hither,” or basically eye fucks you; you get your ass over there and tell him he is going home with you tonight.” She pulled ten dollars from her cleavage and placed it on the table. “If he is susceptible to that fabulous idea, then whoever is unlucky tonight gets to keep your ten dollars for another couple of rounds and a cab ride home.”

“All is fair in love and war, baby.” Michaela stood up and threw a ten dollar note on to the table. “And that blond is mine, all mine. Wish him luck, ladies, because he is going to need his strength tonight.”

We watched with amusement as Michaela prowled toward the blond. A coy smile curled his lips as she pushed up against him and whispered in his ear. Her hand landed on his chest, lingering, before she pulled away and walked into the crowd. A sultry glance over her shoulder, and the blond handed his beer bottle to his mate and followed without hesitation.

“God, she makes it look so easy,” Cindy commented with a shake of her head.

“It is that easy.” Paige leant across the table. “The main reason people come to clubs is because they want to hook up with someone for the night.”

“Silly me, I was always under the impression the point of a club was to come dancing and have fun.” I replied.

She cocked her head to the side. “Oh sweetie, you are not that naive. And playing dumb is not going to get you out of the game.” Paige glanced over her shoulder. “So, on that note, who is the lucky guy going to be?”

“No idea.” I shrugged, and looked out at the mass of bodies crowding the club. “This may take me a while.”

“Oh, I’m in no hurry for you to pick.” She twisted round, and draped one leg over the other. “I have a backup plan in the form of the sexy ass bartender.” She folded her arms and shot me a smile. “So, I’m good to wait.”

“Remind me again, how does putting myself out there to be used for one night actually help my self-esteem?”

“This isn’t about self esteem. This is about fun; sexy, dirty, orgasmic fun.”

“Oh, so I have fun and then continue to feel like crap once it is over? Right, now I remember why this is a really idiotic game.”

“Just pick or I will pick for you.”

“Go ahead and pick. I’m not going up to some stranger and saying, “hey baby, wanna get in my panties, so I can feel like shit in the morning.”

“Now, the first part might actually work. Just stop talking after the word panties, push your tits together, and bat your eyelashes. Simple.”

Grabbing the twenty dollars from the table, I stood up. “I’m getting a drink. Anyone who isn’t interested in feeling cheap in the morning want one?”

Cindy raised her hand. I glanced at Loretta who nodded.

“You use to be fun.” Paige sighed, and stood up. “Shaun has really-”

“Done enough. So, please stop reminding me.” The words felt like gravel in my mouth as I bit them out. Twisting round, my shoulder met with a solid wall of muscle. Stumbling to a halt, I looked up and an apology died on my tongue. Amber eyes looked down at me from the sexiest face I had ever seen in my life; high cheekbones, a roman nose, and a fine layer of hair covered a well angled jaw. His skin was the richest tone of copper, and his dark hair fell back in waves and stopped just under his ears.

“Sorry.” The words fell from my lips too silent for the stranger to have heard me, but his lips twisted at the corners.

His large hand came to rest on the small of my back, his fingertips hot, and rough against my bare skin. He leaned in, pressing his mouth to my ear. “It was my fault entirely.” His breath skated down my neck causing goosebumps to rise over every inch of my flesh A shudder racked down my spine. “And I’m happy to take the blame.”

My mouth watered at the scent of his spicy cologne. A blush claimed my entire body as he pulled a breath away and gazed down at me. His focus slipped further, resting on my breasts which felt restricted in the idiotic and binding dress.

“Have a drink with me.”

My mouth fell open. Amusement stretched across his face.

“I-er-” seemed to have lost the ability to form a coherent sentence all of a sudden. Embarrassment caused my skin to flush a shade darker. I was standing in front of possibly the sexiest man I had ever laid my eyes on, and I was acting like a bumbling idiot. The floor really needed to open up and swallow me within the next ten seconds.

“She would love too.”

My focus swung to Paige who appeared beside us. She placed her hand on my shoulder and gave me a gentle squeeze. “She likes white wine.”

“I do?” I looked back at the man. “I mean, yes, I-I do. And I would love too. Have a drink, with you.” Nervous laughter bubbled in my throat as I gave him a polite smile. “Thank you.”

“It would be my pleasure.” He slipped his hand from my back and nodded. “I shall be right back.”

The stranger turned and I found myself angling my head to the side in order to admire his fine form. And boy what a form he had. Built in the upper area, solid shoulders, broad hips, well built thighs, and an ass that any sane woman would want to chew on.

I shook my head and looked at Paige. “What the hell just happened?” 

She slipped her arm round my waist. “You hit the jackpot, Sweetie. And I am so fucking jealous.”

“I can’t have a drink with him.”

Her brow furrowed. “Why?”

“I-I don’t know him. I don’t even know his name.”

“And that would be why you’re having a drink, because daddy likes what he sees, baby, and by the way he was looking at you I think he plans to take you home and do wicked things to you with those hands of his.”

Shivers ran down my spine at the idea of his hands all over my body. The small of my back still burned from the heat of his palm. “I-I can’t?”

“Are you seriously telling me that you wouldn’t want to wrap your legs around that” - she pointed to the stranger - “and let him take you for the ride of your life and every damn way you can think of? Are you seriously going to tell me that you aren’t interested in finding out what that yummy mouth of his can do?”

My core clenched at the ideas. Needless to say my body was as hungry for the answers to those questions as Paige was, but . . . . I had been with Shaun for six years; it had been a long time since I got naked in front of another guy, let alone sleep with one.

“If you say you’re not interested then single women everywhere will like drop dead from universal shock. I mean, that is a man, Lia. A wicked, sexy, man of every woman’s fantasies, kind of man. And he asked you to have a drink with him.”

“But why me?”

“Who cares why? The man is smoking hot.”

I twisted round so he was out of my line of view. “Paige, I’m so out of practice with this shit.”

She cupped my cheek and stared me in the eyes. “Let him lead. All you have to do is follow. That is how simple this is.” She grabbed my bag from the table and handed it to me. “Go. Have a drink. Have fun. Have sex, and then call me tomorrow because I want to know every dirty little detail.”

I glanced over my shoulder.

“Forget about that dickhead, Shaun. Just go have fun.” She turned me round by the shoulders and gave me a gentle push. “You deserve some fun.” 

~ * ~

And let me tell you, she has fun. Life changing with major consequences kinda fun, but fun nevertheless. ;-P

Hope you enjoyed that little tease. I know I mentioned that I would fill this weeks post with jokes, but hopefully you will forgive the lack of cheese, because I could always throw them at you next week. ;-D

Expert turned Novice

Okay, I’ve never really been an expert at writing. I’m still learning as I go, but I’ve been feeling like a right novice the last couple of days. You see, I started two projects in October, managed to get a decent 4k done on both of them . . . and then my hours went up at work, it was Christmas and then New Year . . . then I quit my job because I was offered a better one. . . .

Life invaded my space, zapped my energy and stole my attention. That diva.

Yes, I know that outside of my head there is a world where my family and friends live, where jobs happen because bills need to be paid, but it has been so horrible not writing. I sat down last night and said, “hey, I know I have to work. I know there will be days where I am tired, and not motivated. I know I have friends and a family, and general things to do, but enough is enough. I need to write.”

I have never been quite about my dry periods. I don’t mean to whine about them, and I really hope I don’t come across that I am. Its just frustration that has to come out, but I have felt rather lost these last few months; like part of me is disappearing.

So, the other day I woke up and said to hell with the cleaning and the laundry and everything else. Writing is my top priority, before anything else. It’s my passion, what I love and what I enjoy spending my time doing. And guess what, I managed to get 1.5k written on one of my projects. I know it doesn’t seem a lot, but I was very happy that I had managed it.

Then I re-read it all and realized it was no good. It didn’t sound right, or flow well.

I feel like I’m starting all over again. As a writer you are continually growing, and improving with each story you write, but I honestly felt like an absolute novice who really had no idea what she was doing.  I don’t know if any other writer has this problem when they have had a dry patch, but if you have, how the heck do you snap out of it?

I mean, I spent last month editing my co-authored project – which my writing partner and I have decided to self-publish, so more on that when I have news – but editing is so very different from starting fresh.

Needless to say I deleted everything I wrote and did it again, and then I tweaked and moved, and continued in this very slow manner for two days until everything clicked in to place. The funny thing is I only have another 1,000 words to write and then I’m done, and it will be time to edit. *Head desk*It feels good to be writing again, though. So damn good. And I have to say that I’m very excited about cracking on with my next project, but it is a longer story which is why I decided to wait. It made more sense to get the shorter story done and dusted first.

The current project is a short story titled, “Truth or Dare?” It’s not plot heavy, just something sexy and fun, and it involves tequila shots and a game that turns serious for two of the players. ;-P

The next project is a paranormal novella titled, “Let Me In.” I’m not sure at the moment if it will be longer and end up being a novel, or if it will be three novella’s. I haven’t got that far in to the planning, because well, I’m a punster. Ha. But it’s a dark paranormal about the dangers of falling in to bed with strange sinful men. :-D

So, I have 1k to go. I plan to have “Truth or Dare?” finished this week, edited, and submitted. Surely I can do that? *Gets on knees and prays, “Please let everyone leave me alone for a week. Amen.”*

Happy Easter!

Firstly, I would just like to point out that Dianna's short story "Happy Anniversary" has been nominated for "Best Indie Short Romance." So, if you could head on over to - http://indieromanceconvention.blogspot.co.uk/ - and vote for her that would be fab. Also, you can get a copy of this sexy little story for free on Amazon, which you just have to go do now, because it is delicious.

~ * ~

I can't believe it is April already. Time seems to be slipping away at an alarming rate, even more so now that we have lost an extra hours sleep. Boo! Although, I have to admit I am looking forward to sunshine and some heat - insert laughter - because I am seriously done with winter.

So, my Easter weekend has been spent Spring cleaning and eating chocolate and a range of other naughty things. Not much excitement I'm afraid so I decided I would share an unedited excerpt from the project I am currently working on. Please be kind because I really mean unedited in the sense of "haven't checked for mistakes what so ever."

This is from my current WIP titled "Let Me In" which is a little story about the consequences of jumping into bed with a demon. ;-P I hope you enjoy!

~ * ~

“Remind me again, how does putting myself out there to be used for one night actually help my self-esteem?”

“This isn’t about self esteem. This is about fun; sexy, dirty, fun.”

“Oh, so I have fun and then continue to feel like crap once it is over? Right, now I remember why this is a really idiotic game.”

“Just pick or I will pick for you.”

“Go ahead and pick. I’m not going up to some stranger and saying, “hey baby, wanna get in my panties, so I can feel like shit in the morning.”

“Now, the first part might actually work. Just stop talking after the word pants, push your tits together, and bat your eyelashes. Simple.”

Grabbing the twenty dollars from the table, I stood up. “I’m getting a drink. Anyone who isn’t interested in feeling cheap in the morning want one?”

Cindy raised her hand. I glanced at Loretta who nodded.

“You use to be fun.” Paige sighed, and stood up. “Shaun has really-”

“Done enough. So, please stop reminding me.” The words felt like gravel in my mouth as I bit them out. Twisting round, my shoulder met with a solid wall of muscle. Stumbling to a halt, I looked up and an apology died on my tongue. Amber eyes looked down at me from the sexiest face I had ever seen in my life; sharp cheekbones accompanied by a jaw that had been made for nibbling. His ink black hair stopped just under his ears, the strands curved out at the bottom.

“Sorry.” The words fell from my lips too silent for the stranger to have heard me, but his lips twisted at the corners.

His large hand came to rest on the small of my back, and he leaned in, pressing his mouth to my ear. “It was my fault entirely.” His breath skated down my neck causing goosebumps to rise over every inch of my skin. A shudder racked down my spine. “And I’m happy to take the blame.”

~ * ~

Happy Easter! I hope you all had a lovely weekend. :-D

2012 in a nutshell

Well, it’s New Years Eve. Another year has flown by and we are heading in to the next. The speed in which time is flying scares me in a lot of ways, but at the same time I find myself curious about what the future holds for me; both professionally and personally.

So, I’m afraid this is a little bit of a look back post from me today. I’m looking back and noting the good things that happened in 2012, because if there is one thing I have realised this year it is that I pay too much attention to the negative, but then, I guess we all do. It’s easier for us to focus on the bad things and brush the good ones under the rug.

2011 ended on a semi-bad note in the personal department, but that situation smothered my energy to write for a good chunk of that year. So at the beginning of 2012 I threw myself in to the idea I had been playing around with the year before; Generation Breed Series. Yes, I started the year writing the first two interlocking stories to my new series and I find that I may start 2013 the same way, but hopefully this time I will be finishing it.

This year has been full of inspiration for me. I have had a ton of ideas for new stories, which I have had to log away in my journal. I love getting ideas but the only downside is I can’t write fast enough to get them all on paper and finished. Not that I am complaining. I would rather have a variety of plots to pick from once current projects are finished then be stuck.

I also manage to write two books; On the Rocks, my dark erotic paranormal f/f novella which was contracted and published by Decadent Publishing. And my first erotic thriller novella which is currently titled “Creak,” which was contracted later this year with Secret Cravings Publishing’s. I actually received the edits for this book last week and have been informed it will be released in January 2013 – a good start to the year, if you ask me.

I had three books published this year; the most recent being “On the Rocks.” My first sweet contemporary romance, “Stepping Stones,” was released with Noble Romance Publishing. I love the cover, and can’t wait to hear what readers think of the story. And in the summer “Cranberry Blood,” Book 1 in The Blood Series was released. So far readers have liked the book, which I am very happy about since this book was the first I wrote . . . and then rewrote to get the version you can purchase. It’s a long story, but let’s just say, this is an important book to me for a few reasons.

Since getting my day job in August I haven’t gotten a lot of writing done. Something that I keep kicking myself about, but in looking at all the above I feel proud that I managed to finish and share those above works with you all. Another lesson I have only just recently learnt – and I am sure this will sound familiar from some of my other posts – but I need to stop comparing myself to a) other authors and how much they are able to write in zed amount of time with zed amount of responsibilities. But most importantly I need to b) stop comparing my completed projects for this year with what I completed in 2011, or 2010. Stuff changes and I won’t always be able to write as much as I want, or I will. I just need to be thankful that I still write and find the time, energy, and/of inspiration to do what I love. I am thankful for that. I just need to learn to relax. Sounds like a possible resolution for 2013, huh?

Most importantly, 2012 has brought me new friends. The authors I have met this year have helped me feel less alone. I know that may sound insane, but being an author is a very isolating job. Sure, we have characters to keep us entertained and occupied. Sure, we have family members and friends we still see and talk too, but sometimes it is good to be able to talk to someone else about writing. There is only so much my family and friends can take of me talking about plots and characters.

So I want to say a big thank you to all the authors I have connected with this year; especially, my co-blogger, Dianna Hardy. Dianna has been a huge support this year. She is a very talented writer, hard worker, and an awesome person. Thanks, hun. :-)

Lastly, I have gained new readers this year as well as some wonderful reviews. I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has purchased/read any/all of my books. It means the world to me that you have taken the chance and “picked” up one of my books. I hope that you have enjoyed my stories and will continue to.

This year has been good, and I have high hopes that 2013 will be even better. So, I guess the only thing left to say is Happy New Year. Have a wonderful night!

My 2013 plan

With us getting closer to Christmas - as in it is 2 weeks tomorrow. Yay! - I keep hearing the same comment from both customers and family in concern to a number of things; such as diets, career decisions etc. "Start in the new year. Wait until after Christmas."

What is it about the new year that makes us so excited? What is it about the beginning of the year that makes us hopeful, and ready to start a fresh?

Well, clearly it is because it is a brand new year, because it's another twelve months worth of possibilities.

It seems a little in sane really. It's just another year filled with the same months, but then again it is another year in our lives, and who knows what will happen?

I suppose I am a little early with this post since there is still three years until we roll into 2013 - where has the year gone? - but since the end of the year is looming I find myself naturally having to make plans in regards to projects next year. Feeling positive about work and how much I will - hopefully - complete and achieve.

The plan as it stands at the moment is as follows:

I plan to have my short contemporary erotic story "Truth or Dare?" finished by the end of this month so I can edit it and submit it in January.

My first erotic thriller novella has been contracted with Secret Cravings Publishing and will be released early 2013; either February or April. More news on that when I have it.

I'm hoping to have a clearer idea of the length of my other WIP "Let Me In," so that I can finish it - as I have 5k already - and get that edited and submitted early 2013.

But my biggest goal for next year is to self-publish the two interlocking books that will be kick starting my new series, "Generation-Breed."

This series is a bit of a genre mash-up and I don't know where it will land at the moment. It is a futuristic dystopian series with splashes of paranormal, and a superhero feel. I'm very excited about this series, and I can't wait to share it with you. I have already started these books. I will admit I've hit a wall, but I am determined to get through it because I love the world, and I love my main characters. And I think you ladies will like Christopher, and a lot. ;-P I don't have a date for it yet, but I'm hoping to have both books published before August 2013.

Last but not least, I hope to have Book 2 in The Blood Series written, and hopefully completed. The book is currently untitled, but I have already started planning, and I look forward to the progression of Heather and Brendan's adventure.

So, that is hopefully what I will accomplish next year.

What are your plans? What do you wish to achieve next year? Is there anything you're looking forward too?

Juggling

I'm not the type of writer who can juggle projects, and the reason for that being that when my attention is torn between so many stories I find it hard to sit down and get them finished. Naturally, when you start writing a story you want to follow it through from the beginning and right to the end. If you have more then one project, which means a variety of characters, and different plots . . . well, it's going to get confusing, isn't it? Characters might start sounding the same, which you can't have. Plots may collide and get ruined . . . Juggling isn't the best idea, or at least it isn't for me.

In saying that I am very envious of the writers who are able to juggle projects. In reading interviews and talking to these writers I have heard them say the same thing "it keeps their minds active and ideas fresh."

Envious. Envious. Envious.

I find myself on a daily basis comparing myself to other writers. I wonder why writing comes so easy to them when I go through phases where I am so stuck I want to bang my head against a wall. In these moments I often find it shocking that I have managed to complete eight books. At least the fact that I have is a sign that I will get out of these phases, eventually.

I don't know how other writers deal with dry patches, which is what I am having, because I refuse to say it is writers block. I know for a fact it isn't that. I want to write. I'm itching to, but at the current moment I find myself torn between which project I should work on. And isn't that just ridiculous? I'm torn between which of my projects to work on. You would think it would be easy, but for some reason it isn't. I suppose the fact that I am a panster, and a very bad one at that, doesn't help.

So, I thought to myself if I'm going to be torn anyway, and at the moment little to no writing has happened due to this - and the fact that I was playing catch-up, but I finally have a handle on that - why the heck shouldn't I juggle projects? Why shouldn't I do a little work on each of them each week until either one of them grabs me by the throat and demands I write, or I end up finishing a couple of stories at once. Either way I will be writing and finishing some new material, which I really want to do, because despite the fact I am finding it difficult to settle on the projects my muse is still showing me new story ideas. Great ideas that I would love to work on, but can't since I have books to write that are a priority at the moment.

My muse is a pain in the ass. Not that I'm complaining, because it is better to have ideas, write them down, and save them for later, than to never have any. It's just my typical luck that she wants to feed me when I am full.

Well, wish me luck. I have no idea if this is going to work for me, but I have to try something.

How do you cope when you have patches where you're either a) stuck with a story, b) can't write for a particular reason, or c) basically kicking yourself because compared to other authors you're rather rubbish?

Small side project(s)

So, this post is a little late. Mainly because I wasn't a hundred percent sure what I wanted to blog about today. This last week has been rather slow. I've had a cold, which hasn't been fun, and I've been feeling a little eh today. Not sure why, but hey, what can you do? Tomorrow is another day.

Last Monday I mentioned a small side project that snuck up on me. I'm still in the early stages with it and don't have any excerpt that I'm happy with to actually share, but I can tell you that it features an Incubus. Oh yeah, sexy demon time. ;-p

A little inspiration found with the help of google images.

The story is going to be short, and in two parts: part one: Let me in, and part two: Let me stay. I can't see either story being longer than about 4/5k and that is basically because they are more on the dark erotic side. No happily ever afters, well, at least not in a romantic sense any way.

I'm actually enjoying how sexy and uncomplicated this little number is. The story hasn't got a heavy plot. It's interesting without being complicated, and it's sort of refreshing from everything else I have written to date.

Unfortunately, I find it rather difficult to write more than one story at a time, but I kinda get why some writers take breaks from bigger projects to do a little something on the side. Snaps the knots which are so easily created sometimes when planning bigger books.

But yeah, I'm creating my own brand of Incubus and a way in which his kind work. Although, his victim may soon regret locking eyes with him in a crowded room. Sex is fun, but if you're not careful, it can be deadly.

*Cue evil laughter*

Hopefully by next week I will have a tasty excerpt that I can share. :-)

Sneaky side project!

Following on from last Monday's post . . .

You may remember I mentioned that I need a spark to pop in my head to get me to concentrate one projects?

Well, every now and again when I am trying to concentrate on particular projects I suddenly find myself hit in the head with a new idea. Is that a bad thing? No, not at all, but it is bad when I suddenly want to write this new story and therefore continue to ignore the project I am trying to concentrate on. It's very annoying.

It happened with She-Wolf. Don't get me wrong I love the stories, and characters, and had a seriously awesome time writing the story, but I was in the middle of writing my sweet contemporary novel "Stepping Stones," which is to be released sometime soon.

Obviously, I eventually got around to continuing and finishing Stepping Stones, but this situation - and I am sure it happens to many authors - is very frustrating, because it causes fractures in concentration. But it does make me wonder if "there is a time" for particular projects. Are certain ones supposed to come first?

That sounds like an insane question since I am in charge of what I write and the order I write these stories in . .  then again, no I'm not. My crazy muse is in charge, and she is all over the place that it does surprise me that I can actually finish projects sometimes.

But has this actually happened to anyone else? Have you been trying to concentrate on a project and been side tracked from it; and a few times?

I mean, the project I'm trying to work on is two interlocking stories of a new series. I plan to self-publish this series, and I love it, but I have been working on it for a year now. I started planning this book last Spring, but I kept tossing plots etc. in the bin because I didn't like them. I finally had the plot idea and everything in place by the end of the year, and started writing the two stories at the same time at the beginning of this year, and then I hit a wall. So, I backed off . . . and got hit with two other ideas, which I just dived into and finished. O_o

Now I am back to concentrating on this particular project - and I have ordered my cover. My god, I am so excited to see what it looks like!! - trying to get my head back in the game, and "bam" sneaky side project jumps on me. Thankfully it isn't a big story idea. It will be a short story, but grrrrr! Why does my muse do this to me?

Am I a little crazy, or is this making sense? Do you authors get sneaky little side projects creeping up on you that you suddenly have to write?

P.S. I know it sounds like I'm moaning, and I guess I am in a way, but I'm not ungrateful for any ideas that come to me, or for being able to sit and write with no problems. I just get very frustrated when I desperately want to finish a project and I'm having trouble, and I don't know why I am. Grrr, very annoying.

The lull before the storm

I am happiest when I am busy. Well, perhaps the word isn't happy, but I like being busy even if I have my stressful moments.

The first five months of 2012 seemed to have rolled by. I mean, seriously, it's going to be Christmas again in six months. As crazy as it sounds I measure my years by Christmas, and damn, it's going to be here in no time.

Any way, in a lot of ways the first five months of this year have been slow, but in a good way. The slight lull has given me a chance to look at ideas I've had and I've managed to pad them out a little more so there are actual stories there. I have managed to work a little on a new series - which I've had to put on the back-burner at the moment - and figure out the world etc. which I'm happy about. I've also managed to write a novella for one anthology and a short story for another. The novella was accepted, which I'm excited about - news when I have it. But sadly the short story was rejected, but I'm actually cool with that, because I felt that there was more to the story then the world limit would allow. Plus, I felt my story was a little too twisted for this particular anthology. So, silver lining to every cloud.

So, even though, during those 5 months I didn't feel overly busy, looking at all that I realise I was, but now the storm clouds are rolling in and I am having to look at my very loose writing schedule and tighten it up.

As you know my dark sensual paranormal romance, Cranberry Blood, is being released on July 2nd. The edits are done on that and I am eagerly awaiting my cover while I write blog posts and interview for the two weeks worth of promo I'm organising.

I found out the other day off my lovely editor that my sweet contemporary romance, Stepping Stones, is actually being released on August 6th with Noble Romance. So eek, I'm going through the manuscript to this shorter novel at the moment. As soon as my two hectic weeks of Promo are over for Cranberry, I have to start again and organise some promo for Stepping Stones. *pulls hair out* I actually enjoy promo, though, so I'm cool with that.

During all that madness, I am hoping to extend the short story I mentioned above, which should hopefully only take me a couple of days. *Fingers crossed* Then I plan to start the next book in The Blood Series, which is currently untitled, followed by Book 2 in The Overseers Series: The Keeper.

*Takes a deep breath then exhales*

Needles to say I am going to be very busy and I am super excited about it. I know, I'm somewhat crazy. :-D But I refuse to believe I'm the only one who loves to be run off her feet. Do you prefer to be busy?

I'm going to leave you with the blurb for my upcoming August 6th release, Stepping Stones, which is the first sweet romance I have written. I don't know if it will be the last. I don't like to say never when it comes to genres, so we shall have to wait and see.

~ * ~

Stepping Stones Blurb:

There's nothing like a wedding to bring the family together....

And if it wasn't her baby sister’s wedding, Margaret West wouldn't be returning home at all.

Why else would she go back after six years knowing full well that she has people to face, and explanations to give?

If her parents interrogation isn't bad enough, the fact that she has to be civil to her foster brother, Adrian, is. Best friends since childhood, they haven't spoken since he went to America... The day before Margaret was supposed to be getting married.

And to make matters worse, her ex-fiancé, William, is the Reverend who will be conducting her sister’s wedding ceremony!

All want an answer from her, and they aren't taking no as one of them. Why did she run in the first place? Why has she been so angry with, Adrian? Why didn't she marry, William?

Margaret isn't even sure she knows the real reasons any more.

Coming August 6th 2012 from Noble Romance Publishing.

Peek at my WIP

So damn, I basically forgot to post. Many apologies I've had a crazy type of day.

I thought I'd keep it straight forward and give you an except to my back-burner project. Why is it a back-burner project? It's the first book in a new series. *Hangs head* I seem incapable of writing stand-alone books. I already have two series (The Blood Series & The Overseers Series) and I have just contracted a YA trilogy (Black Water) so as you can imagine it would probably be a great idea for me to at least wrap one series up before I begin another.

But, in saying that I love the world. I love the characters. I love the story. I just have to work on it a bit at a time when I have the time, but I think my readers might like it. Naturally, I would love to know what you think.

Just so you know the excerpt is coming from a rough, unedited version. So it is what it is and could possibly change. And on that note, please enjoy chapter one of my WIP.

~ * ~

Charged

Chapter One

Boston Water Front

Gallery

November 2125

At the sound of a distinct buzz echoing throughout the entire building; I sighed and lifted my foot from the pedal of my pottery table.

The rain was beating against my windows, and the gray clouds seemed to have swallowed the entire sky. A crystal warning that a storm was already brewing. A warning that I wouldn't be going to the market today after all and that I was going to get a headache. Great.

Again my room filled with the buzz of the doorbell.

I quickly wiped my hands on a ragged towel and stood up, making my way across the upper studio to the stairway. I took my time walking down the staircase, only rushing when I heard the doorbell for the third time, as well as a heavy thud against the gallery door.

Retrieving the keys from my pocket, I unlocked the ground stairwell door, stepping through to the gallery. The room was cold, more so than usual due to the bad weather, but since I was closed on Sundays, heating the room seemed pointless.

Pulling the door shut behind me, I walked over to the window situation near the entrance. Peaking through the beige blinds, I saw the familiar form of Detective Green standing outside the main door. I sighed. Just the man I wanted to see on my day off, not.

The collar of his black coat guarded his neck from the falling rain; the stiff material framing the grim expression on his face as he got up close to the stained glass, trying hard to see inside.

With a muffled curse, I backed away from the window, and dipped my hand inside my apron pocket. I retrieved, and pulled on my thick pair of gray rubber gloves, before switching on the lights to the gallery. The faint pop of the circuit sounded, and the ground floor quickly flooded with soft white light.

The annoying buzz of the doorbell echoed throughout the long hall, for the fourth time.

"Open up Delaney, this is important." Detective Green stated, with yet another heavy knock on wood.

Everything was important to him, but then he was a cop after all; they really had no examples for comparison.

Walking over to the inner doors I quickly unlocked them, and pulled one open for him. "It's Sunday. I'm closed."

"I'm not here to browse." He answered, and walked past me. His focus completely fixed on scanning the shop floor.

I pinched the bridge of my nose, taking a deep breath as a headache started to prick at my temples. "Somehow I doubt this is a social call."

Another minute passed before he finally turned and faced me. His grey eyes locked on to me as if he had found the culprit he was searching the gallery for. His narrow lips were pulled down at the corners, a sure fire indication he was in his usual chipper mood. His ink black hair was soaked due to the vast downfall of rain; stray strands were stuck to his square forehead, allowing droplets of water to crawl down his flushed cheeks.

"It isn't." He reached inside his coat and pulled out a large, brown envelope.

"You know, I should probably be offended at the fact you never come and see me for a simple talk, Marcus." Watching that I didn't step on the small puddles of water he had walked in; I shut the door and slid the bolt into place.

"I don't think we would have much to talk about, Delaney."

That much was obvious.

Walking straight past him, I headed toward my office. "Since you have brought me a present I should ask if you received the one I left at the station for you this morning."

"Yes." A slight expected pause. "Thank you."