January

It’s going to be an amazing year. I hope all of you have the same feeling.


Already everything is different and it’s still January. My beloved editor at EC is moving on to new opportunities. I’m so happy for her yet so sad for me. There is no doubt my new editor will be an absolutely wonderful person. I’m afraid of her already. LOL

Another thing different about this year is my one resolution. I resolve to NOT do anything icky. That means I will refuse when I don’t want to do something. No more polite agreement when I simply detest “helping” with something, or “just fixing” something, or “handling that little thing” for someone else.

In the revolt against doing anything icky, I have actively set about fighting for my writing time. I know that sound odd to most people. Not having an out of the home job, every other person in my world assumes I have scads of time to do things for them.

So working hard at making my world different.

Here is what’s happening right now.

Any Price is at EC for editing

I am finishing a manuscript this week, it is not part of a previous series. My CP has to read it and be very firm with me about what needs fixing. That takes us a month. Then I’ll be submitting to a different publisher. Scary!!

I will then be working on Blind Fire, a Ghost Unit book. If all goes well and the muse dances across my keys with total abandon I’ll have it ready for EC by late spring.

You do realize, all of the above is subject to change…LOL

Gail

Doing well, just not publishing

Thank you for your concern, I am honored that you’ve enjoyed my books. My publishing career is currently on hold but I keep the blog up so there is some method to contact me if you wish.

Again, I’m honored that you’ve enjoyed the work.
God BlessGail

Thank you for your Concern!!

I am happy to say all is as well as it can be. This has been a difficult winter for so many in the U.S., my family included.

I know everyone wants to hear I have a busy release schedule this year but I can't give you that news. My style of writing has changed and I'm a bit unsure how it will be received. I know, you can't tell me until you read it and well, that means I have to get it out there. LOL. I hear you.

I have a contract with EC on Wicked Beast, but no release date, beyond that I'll have to let you know.

Thank you again.
Gail

Editing, editing, editing!

We all know I’m a special project with the editing, I adore my critique partner and her sharp eye. The woman wears a cape and tights, red of course. She’s my hero. My EC editor, Mary Moran, walks on water in her spare time.

Three manuscripts in the editing process is a formula for insanity. Just so ya know.

With everyone else I’m watching the east coast. You guys be safe. Tropical storms/hurricanes, I don’t like them. Living in South Miami through Hurricane Andrew was enough for me.

MORE

Okay, I have failed again. It’s impossible for me to write a short story.

Good news is I’ve been offered contract on two manuscripts. Bad news is they want more in both manuscripts. Yayyyy! And more waiting for release date.

So there you have it. I’m excited. I love both worlds and am happy to stay in them a bit longer.

Its good to be a dreamer.

We all know I’m an escape artist. Stepping into another world in my mind is something I perfected long ago. It has always come in handy as a way to escape stress. Seriously. Finding that others like going to that other world with me was surprising.

The point is, the next three weeks are filled with stress for me. Should have a great book out of it. LOL

For those of you asking about Blind Fire, I’m not done with it yet. Some books take longer to write. I don’t know why. For me, the pace of a book is unique to that book. There is one manuscript that took me five years to write. Twice I’ve written a book in a week. Most of my other work has taken six to nine months to write. Still, that's short and I wonder if those books would have been better had I let them sit after finishing and then gone back to them. Actually, I’m sure they would have been better, which is why I don’t read my own books after publish.

Right now I have three completed manuscript waiting for word from various publishing people. It’s been a long time since my last release, sorry. If I wrote faster the story would be garbage and you’d hate it. This does not mean stop asking for what you want. It's encouraging to hear what you're waiting for.

Another update. The JAMIE’S CHERUB world will shortly have a sequel. Currently it has a prequel, but the story stands alone. It’s one of the completed manuscripts. There will be another prequel and then the big book in which you'll realize you’ve read two prequels already. You ask, why did I write them this way? The best answer is, this is how they speak to me.

No one ever said my muse was a good scheduler. Don't tell him I said that.

Yikes!

I'm panicking. I can count the days of school left on my fingers. This kind of simple math used to be the cause of such rejoicing but now all I can think of is, "get the book done!"

When summer rolls around its time to be mommy first and writer second. I'm seriously considering my mother's advice from earlier today. I was going on about how I have to get this book done before school is out and she looked at me blankly and said. "Here's your ending. There was an explosion. The end."

Okay, maybe you had to be there, but it was funny.

I'm working on the next Ghost Unit book. The first draft is a little over half done and if I can get it to three quarters done I'll be freaking happy. First draft is a bare-bones story but it's much easier to add texture to the story in small bites of time than it is to get the first draft done. A manuscript has to go through at least three or four versions before I let anyone read it. Then it takes at least two versions with the critique partner before I feel it can see the light of day. Hence the panic.

Family obligations always cut into writing time as well. This time it's a sad one, another funeral to attend.

I'm also sad to say that I won't be able to attend the Lori Foster event this year. I've been lucky to go the last two years and can't tell you how much fun it is. If there is one event that only death keeps you from, this is it.

Oh well, enough of the moping around. Back to writing.

What was I thinking??

Writing can be a tricky business. To write believable characters the author draws on real life experiences with a variety of people. Most of the people in my books are a combination of many people I have known or observed. Only once have I let a character be entirely one person I know in real life. I asked permission and let the preson preread everything.

The problem arises when people I soooooooo did not think of when writing the book think I used them for a character. Insist on it. Are emphatic about it and spend long periods of time trying to get me to see that I was writing about them and I must admit it.

Without fail this is a person I can’t tell the truth too. I can deny and deflect, but I can’t actually say, “I hate heroines who are too stupid to live. Therefore I can never use you as pattern!” Or in a male’s case. “Heroes are strong men, alpha personalities. I don’t know how to write an omega hero. You have nothing to worry about. You will never show up as a lead in my books.”

The only good thing about these people is they make great secondary, idiot characters. I have yet to pattern a villain after one of these irritating individuals. The reason for that is a hero does not kill a person just because they are irritating. However, I’m beginning to rethink that.

A hero could have done it in his past, right? Just shot someone to shut them up? No? Oh, well. I guess I’ll need another villain to do it.

Writing is wonderful outlet. All that frustration can be thrown under the buss in the next manuscript. LOL

These two make me laugh

From an unnamed manuscript. Hows this for an opening? LOL


"Seeking: Dark Hero, dragonslayer, warrior, paranormal experience a plus. Politically incorrect attitudes required. Prince Charming need not apply. Shiny armor and clean white horse indicate lack of experience, refer to Prince Charming’s directive. Serious applications only, high reward for high risk. Contact Damsels in Distress, P.O. Box 42, Centerville, Ohio. Please include most recent conquered foe in resume." Jules read aloud.

"I don't think you should have listed dragonslayer. If there are dragons they've got to be an endangered species, you know?" Jules commented as she surveyed Meredith's add in the Columbus Tribune.

"Like it matters," Meredith said bitterly. "It's a joke. Seemed like a good idea at 3 a.m. Newspapers shouldn't let people pay online after a certain hour at night. Hitting the send button is too easy."

"Well, advertising for a hero in the Columbus Tribune is a little pointless. Maybe if you'd sent it to the Stars & Stripes or perhaps a New York paper it might've made more sense." Jules closed the newspaper and set it beside her coffee cup.

Both women were silent a few minutes. Sitting at a patio table outside the Old Lace Coffee Shop, they presented an unusual picture. It went far beyond simply being a blonde and a brunette. Meredith, with her pale blonde hair pulled back in a firmly controlled bun, pristine white blouse buttoned all the way up her long neck and midcalf length skirt sat across from Jules. Brunette Jules with her spiky hair, leather vest and threadbare jeans stuffed into biker boots.

"It was a gesture. You know me, I'd like to believe those kind of man really exist but I'm not an actual idiot. Even if I was at one time, life experience has straightened me out. The hero never shows up in the nick of time, there is no Calvary coming over the hill and if a woman wants saving she had better damn well do it herself."

Fear the silence

I am a very poor example of how to wait to hear from agents and editors gracefully. Just saying, it’s hard for me to concentrate on anything while waiting. I'd actually rather get a quick and easy rejection than this echoing silence. But there is a character who draws me away from the worry.

I’m working on the next Unit book. Charlie is such a smooth player. He’s the type of man who makes me listen to slow Jazz drifting through sultry shadows. He is the rain on a tropic night, shrouding the world in welcome steam. He knows when to be hard and when to be smart, and never think for one moment that he’s not both. Quiet is the only warning one gets when he’s about to bring the storm.

Erotic Romance- not just for women

Okay, in romance, especially erotic romance, the book is supposed to appeal to woman. However, there are quite a number of men who’ve read my work, but very few of them contact me directly. They like to have the little woman tell me they enjoyed the work. The few who do write are strangely uniform in their response.

There seems to be a “man law” about responding to erotic romance. It’s not really porn and that is a slippery slope. Enjoying porn is good. Enjoying an emotionally complicated love scene must be handled with an alpha attitude and therefore avoid any appearance of non-manliness. Oh, and another thing, manliness means there is no such thing as TMI on how many times the equipment responded to the sex, because that was exactly how … well, you get the picture.

I have to thank everyone who has ever written me in response to reading one of my books. Especially the males who enjoyed it “completely”. My work is done. LOL

Sculpting words

The words can fall in random fashion. They jerk and stop, sometimes they spill all over the place and make a mess. Words can flow with the grace of pirouetting angels skating on silver ice. They can plunder the heart of a reader with ruthless disregard and sometimes they are painfully backwards with ugly bumps and fumbling meanings.

Words are nothing special and they are the wings of imagination. Everyone uses them, reads them, and writes them. They are common property to crude and elite.

What makes a writer? Does a writer craft them? Control them?

I think a writer sculpts them. For me, there are always too many. Beautiful writing is clean and fast. It moves with muscular grace that is irresistible.

Random thoughts at three eleven a.m. The cat and I are discussing rain, writing and the art of loving what one does.

Writers Contract with Readers

"Contract Between Writer and Reader is this: I, the Writer, agree to tell you, the Reader, a lie, hereinafter referred to as a story. You, the Reader, agree to suspend your disbelief in this falsehood until the end of the story, OR until I, the Writer, drop the cake."

The above comes from this talented writer's blog. Really great post.
http://rolanni.livejournal.com/334368.html

I love the simplicity. Add anything to this and it's just messing with everyone.

I should explain

I'm seeking an agent because …um…what if it all works out?!!

Here is how it started.

Last year I’m at the fun filled Lori Foster Get Together Conference. Prior to the event two professional friends give me a hard time about not scheduling pitch sessions with the agent and editor attending. I repent my shy ways and at the last minute find it’s to late to sign up for the editor, but there is an opening for the agent.

I have an agent appointment. I’m panicking. Author friend and the delightful readers we share lock me in a room with them and we do a group pitch-brainstorming thing. Perhaps two hours later (it seemed longer) I have a pitch, thanks to my pals.

Next day I’m waiting for my turn with the agent. Of course my loyal buddies are there for moral support, or to make sure I don’t cut and run. The editor’s assistant comes out and states the editor will be done with her appointments early, would anyone else like so sign up since she has so much extra time?

I hear –“Scary Editor is so good at rejecting, she needs a few more victims to fill the time slot.” My friend, the author, grabs my shoulders and shoves me at the assistant saying, “She wants an appointment!”

Remember, I haven’t even stumbled through my first ever pitch to the agent yet. Now my name is on Scary Editor list too.

First ever pitch goes reasonably well. Apparently I was speaking English. Nice agent nodded and stuff. Then she asked me for a query and partial.

Whew!!!

Not two minutes later I’m sitting in front of Scary Editor. I do my pitch. She seems to understand the words. She asks me a few questions and the last question is: “Is the manuscript done?” I nod and give her the word count. Scary Editor then made a huge mistake and asked me to send her the manuscript. So I help her out by correcting her. “You mean a synopsis and first three chapters.”

The amazing Cindy Hwang of Berkley smiles at me a little pitifully and says. “No. I asked for the full manuscript.”

I have no clear recollection of saying goodbye to her. I hope I didn’t just get up and drift out in a daze. First pitch to an editor and she wants the FULL!

The manuscript is sent. I know it takes forever to hear accept or reject. I’m thinking if the worst happens and she wants my book, which is one of a three book series, I really should have an agent.

There ya have it. I’m seeking representation. The world of NY Publishing is a completely different predator than the e-pub beast and I’m fresh meat. Not so much in the yummy steak way. More the idiot who has lost track of the herd and is easy pickings, way.

Wait, those are both the same thing. See what I mean.

I'm special

I have been very blessed in how wonderfully well received my work has been in the e-book romance world. I suppose it would be honest to say readers have spoiled me. (Not that anyone needs to quit said spoiling) Can’t tell you how remarkable my critique partners are. I have the most amazing editor who is both ruthless and adorable. I know, hard to do but she makes it work.

As you can see, my obsession with writing meets with positive support, constructive critique and miraculous editing. I’m grateful to each person involved. Then readers take the time to let me know they enjoy the book and I’m seriously humbled by that.

You might wonder why I’m listing my blessings. I’m trying to be very nice about saying the old school print publishing world is wicked harsh. So glad I didn’t start there.

Could be I’m simply a "challenged" query writer. In fact, most likely. Learning that skill set is critical. Me must find the “special” class. Dem agent peoples does no not play.

Well, counting ones blessings is always a good idea. If there were no challenges there would be no thrill in success.

hand me a fan!

Have to say, this Wicked Beast is making me crazy. In a good way. Had to take a break from writing because... um... well, we will not discus exactly why, but daymmmm I need a fan.

One thing about Voice Recognition Software that I didn't expect, it makes a book longer. It's so easy to get the words on the page that an author can let the book take off. I had planed for WICKED BEAST to be Novel size. Now I'm thinking it might have to push past that.

Hope everyone has a good weekend.

It's scaring me now

I've been using voice recognition for two days and have done more work than I accomplished the last two weeks. It's sort of addictive. The truth is, I can talk faster than the computer can type. Often I'm a whole sentence ahead of it. Even having to go back and correct things it didn't understand doesn't take as much time as typing used to.

Where will it lead? How did I write a book without it? OMG, Sarah is making me an ubber geek. It's all her fault and I loved her for it.

I told another author about it this morning and she's so excited. You people are in for it now, we can write books almost as fast as you can read them. How scary is that?

A little help from my friends

This week I was talking to an author friend, Sarah McCarty, marveling at how she accomplished so much writing in what seems like so little time. Good friend that she is, she told me her secret. She uses the latest thing in voice recognition, enabling her to dictate instead of type. Obviously, talking is faster than typing.

So went to the Internet to research voice recognition. I was disappointed to learn that the program Sarah uses does not have a Windows Vista version. Luckily I read down to the next paragraph of that review and discovered Vista has voice recognition built in. The ability to chat with my computer had been mine for almost a year and I didn’t know it.

Wally World supplied a headset and yesterday my computer and I started getting acquainted. It’s a new skill, I still talk really slow but it’s faster than typeing. For me, the really cool thing about it is, the computer knows how to spell way better than I do. The program on Vista does not have punctuation suggestions, I have to put in my own, but who cares? I’m talking and the words appear on the screen, I love it.

I’m hoping to develop the skill Sarah has mastered and be able to dictate more easily than typing. It will certainly go faster which would increase production. Well, we’ll see what happens. I’m having a lot of fun learning.

Why didn't I think of that????

A dear friend, who I now consider BRILLIENT, made the most amazing suggestion to my last post. She was sensitive to the fact that her logical solution might highlight a certain “void” in my mental process. Translation = She emailed me so I wouldn’t look like an idiot.

Her suggestion was to have a person who writes reviews, and does it well, read my book and help me with writing the synopsis. (hand to forehead) BRILLIENT!

Um, I do dat next time.

Unfortunately, I’ve already sent my efforts to the agent.

Reviewing a book is such a distinct talent and I’ve always marveled at the skill. There is no question, I don’t have that ability. If I could tell the story on one page, I probably wouldn’t write 160 pages.

I was Lucky!

I submitted my first manuscript to Ellora's Cave long enough ago that I didn’t have to write a query letter or an outline and they still read the thing. I know, amazing. The deal is, I didn’t learn an important skill. Query letter and interesting synopsis.

I’ve tried. My editor, all bow to Goddess of the Corned, finally told me she has to ignore my synopsis because I make such a mess of them. If she reads it she’s sure she’ll hate the story. Then reading the book she finds something completely different. LOL

I will confess that I’ve never had a manuscript refused, yet. Goes to show how bad I am at synopsis. Even though my editor is sure she’ll hate the story before she starts reading it, I manage to change her mind with the manuscript. Talk about digging a hole to climb out of.

Here is where my problem begins. So I was amazingly asked to submit a full manuscript the first time I pitched a New York publishing house editor. Yikes. Now I have to figure out how to write a query letter to get an agent. If I get a response from an agent, they want a synopsis along with a partial. Dang it!

I’ve been struggling with the mysterious query letter and elusive synopsis. The only conclusion I’ve come up with is, query letter equals the writer flashing the agent. It’s distinctly uncomfortable for the flasher. The flash recipient is understandably jaded. They get flashed all day long.

(head to desk, repeat until knowledge enters) The more I read about this skill the less I know about it. So again, luck is going to play a huge part in getting anyone to read this manuscript. Please, I don’t recommend relying on luck. Some of us are just reduced to it.