Waiting Game

Today they are supposed to contact the finalists in the FAB (Finally a Bride) contest. So while every wrong number and junk e-mail has been making my heart race, I decided to send queries, which made me queasy. No one likes rejection. I'm not going to cry at being rejected. I don't get upset when people critique my work. I invite second and third and fourth opinions. They do help. But each time I send out a query, I double check to make sure everything is right. As I press the send button, I want to squeeze my eyes shut and flinch away from the computer. Of course, my e-mail likes to make sure I want to send the message which makes me question myself for another minute before pressing go.

I know that Fallen is ready. I'm taking one more go through it tonight. I feel a lot more confident in it than my first attempt novel, Dragon's Heart. I still love Dragon's Heart and Jack. I've noticed a theme of grief in my novels which I think after Forsaken is done I'll need to pull away from for a while. Maybe I'll go for something a little more playful next time. Some of the Angel series are a little lighter and there are a few time travels that should be fun to write. Okay, I feel better now. I closed my e-mail program and will be leaving the house shortly. Of course, I'll be frantically checking e-mail and voicemail when I get home, but until then I should have a little peace.

Busy, busy

I'm working on revisions to Fallen so I'm holding off on Forbidden for a little. Things are going well. I'm feeling much better than last week, but still have a bit of a cold. I did write last week but didn't post any new numbers. I can't emphasize the importance of critique partners enough. Mine just got back to me with some really good insight and of course, some really good compliments too. So I'm off to work, work, work.

No I'm Not Dead

Though with this head cold I feel like I should be. I've been working on the agent hunt. I've used the resources available to me agencyquery.com and agency blogs and websites. I've narrowed it down to six agents for the first run and then when they reject me, I mean fight over me, I'll figure out who to send it to next for the remainder of my list. Do I know who will be the best agent for me? No. Can I tell from a website? No. I guess I just live and learn. Here's the thing I do know. I will not be posting my rejections on this blog except in passing. I know some people have been burnt by that and I don't intend to become one of them. Besides I began this blog to inspire myself. So I won't be listing my six agents or who wants me and who doesn't, but I will let you know if I land one. I'm all about celebrating. Oh, that scene from below. Yeah, it got cut. I think Breann was trying to rear her very nicely shaped head into the picture, but what this book needs is a softer woman.

Forsaken

New words: 866
Total words: 10,247
Kaitlin: confused by her lack of memory
Caleb: A very guilt ridden Fallen Angel
Eli: Still a bit high and mighty Angel
What stage of grief we are in: Heading toward Anger
Random sampling of text:“Do you have a name?”
When he just stared at her, she thought maybe he was hard of hearing or maybe she spoke to fast.
Enunciating, slower and louder, she said, “Do you have a name?”

Writing My Brain's Out

Forsaken

New words: 5,563
Total words: 9,373
Kaitlin: became a hunter
Caleb: Fallen Angel
Eli: Angel
What stage of grief we are in: Heading toward Anger
Random sampling of text: He seemed shocked, but quickly covered it up. “Can I get you anything?”
“You. In my bed.”

Emotional Drain

A man by any other name. Lamech wasn't working for me, so his new name is Eli. This story is coming at me in technicolor. I've worked out a basic plot, but no scenes. I worked out scenes before Fallen, but this one . . . it feels okay not to have the scenes already. If I get to a point where I can't figure out what goes next or a section goes too fast, I'll rethink my strategy.


Forsaken

New words: 2999
Total words: 3810
Kaitlin: Not a hunter, but is about to receive her calling
Caleb: Fallen Angel
Eli: Angel
What stage of grief we are in: You know that wooden feeling you get, about there
Random sampling of text: Must be a coping mechanism. Without the angels, the gleaming white coffins at the front of the room would be the only thing to focus on. One large, the other small.

Fun, Fiction Rule of Thumb

A New Start

Someone's been whispering in my ear. Actually two or three someones, but these just happened along at the right time. It's a risk to write this one as it's in the same vein as Fallen and if Fallen isn't marketable, this one won't be either. However, when you're walking around the grocery store and little bits of story are being fed to you, you've got to do what's right. So meet Kaitlin, Caleb, and Lamech. No it's not going to be a three way. I don't do that type of story. :)

So a decision must be made for the extra line. Breann's & Jude's was things that got beat up today. Hannah's and Jack's was number of kisses. I don't know fully how this story is going to play out. So for now we'll try something new.

Forsaken

New words: 811
Total words: 811
Kaitlin: Not a hunter, but is about to receive her calling
Caleb: Fallen Angel
Lamech: Angel
What stage of grief we are in: Denial
Random sampling of text: His words made no sense like he spoke a foreign language. He couldn’t be speaking about Derek. He had the wrong address, surely. She would tell him if only she could get her tongue and mouth to move again.