New Year, New Book, New Read

I never make resolutions. Of course I tried many years ago, but after a few weeks all my good intentions would fade away as February came into view. What I did do this year was create a set of writing goals, which I shared here. Goals I know how to deal with. I'm an HR professional, after all. Resolutions don't seem to carry the same weight in my mind. There isn't enough guilt attached to a resolution. Guilt is a super motivator for me.

So, one of my goals was to begin a new book. The first book in a series of four. I've never written a series before. In order to organize my thoughts, I developed detailed character profiles for the first and fourth book and summary profiles for the second and third books. Unlike my first two manuscripts, I feel like I know my hero and heroine better this time around. I have to imagine that this will create depth and richness to my characters early on in the books. We'll see.

Starting a new book is both exciting and terrifying. I love starting a new project. It rejuvenates my spirit, stimulates my mental juices, and gives me something new to look forward to - The End.

So, after several weeks of research, I can sit down today and begin writing again. Why so much research, you ask? Well, I stepped away from the Regency era and tiptoed into Victoria's reign. New words, new costumes, new technologies. But I'm ready now to begin, especially after a writer friend of mind reminded me not to get bogged down by the research. You can always go back for the little details, she said.

Another goal of mine is to read more. Between my full-time job, a new house, a new puppy, a neglected husband, and writing part-time, I had little time for one of my greatest loves - reading. Where I used to read 3 books a week, I'm now scrambling to read one book a month. Nonsense, I say!!

I'm starting out the year strong, though. I just finished one book and now I'm moving on to another. I'm really enjoying Kresley Cole's newest release Kiss of a Demon King. Kresley's heroine is so evil. Love it!!

Great Advice

What does a writer do when she's finished writing a nearly 400 page story? My multi-published friends unanimously agree that I should take a break from the manuscript before jumping into the editing process. A two week hiatus will give your brain time to rejuvenate, time to look at the story with new eyes, they said.

Of course, being the skeptic I am, I did not immediately buy into this theory when I heard it for the first time last year. However, having read the blasted manuscript more times than I can count, I was in desperate need for a mini vacation from the thing.

So I took a break, but continued to write. I'd established a routine, you see, and my internal clock kept screaming at me "It's time to write!" Since I'm highly motivated by guilt, even self-imposed, I wrote and completed a short story in two weeks.

I submitted the story to The Wild Rose Press soon after and held His Secret Desire in my hands three months later. As near as I can tell, I experienced every step of the publishing process that an author would with a full book--editor's letter, revisions, galleys, cover, marketing, and a finished e-book to admire. The editor I worked with was wonderful and she snuffed out all my unfounded fears, which I will be forever grateful.

I plan on writing another short story while I wait for the details of my newly completed manuscript to fade and I can look at it with fresh, excited eyes again.

The moral of this post? Listen to your published friends. They are wise as well as wonderful.

A Soggy Chicagoland

For two and a half miserable days, Chicago's been under siege by Mother Nature's dripping hands. Although I have been spared a floating basement, others have not. As I type, the remnants of Hurricane Ike have settled over the area. No hurricane force winds here, though. No, Ike has gentled to a mere trickle while visiting Illinois, but he's no less destructive--cresting rivers, closed expressways, flooded homes, power outages, and more.

However, in my neighborhood, I hear only the gentle patter of rain outside my office window. A soothing melody perfect for writing. Between an unusual weather pattern and Ike, I've had 2.5 days to catch up on email, update my website and blog, and finish my current manuscript. Oh, and play with my puppy and cuddle up with my husband before a flickering fire.

So, where some have found utter devastation, one writer was fortunate enough to enjoy a pleasant and peaceful writing weekend. My heart goes out to all those who are fighting to save their homes or have lost their homes to Mother Nature's fury.