Rachel Rossano's Blog, page 26
January 25, 2012
Creating a Button
Okay, I have been doing this writing/indie publishing/blogging/web promotion stuff for ... um ... years. My point is I should know my way around most of this web stuff. I am an indie author after all, a do-it-yourself-er of many skills.
Well, I would be the first to tell you I don't know squat and am usually figuring out things at the last minute. This would be a perfect example of the last minute scramble. Somebody wanted to list my blog on their website. (Hurray! Free promotion!) Then they asked me for my button. *panicked scramble* (I didn't have one created or on hand.) She used my latest book cover as an alternative.
To help you avoid doing the same thing as I did (cramming at the last minute to learn something), I am going to share with you my resource. Last night I created this...
It is my first blog button. If you would like to learn how to create your own, I would love to share my resource and give back a bit in exchange for the help I received.
Here is the tutorial -
http://oikology101.blogspot.com/2008/09/make-your-own-button-for-your-blogger.html
If you have a blog or website of your own, I would appreciate if you would spread the word about mine. Grab the code for the button in the column on the right and share the fun. :)
Happy blogging and reading,
Rachel Rossano
Well, I would be the first to tell you I don't know squat and am usually figuring out things at the last minute. This would be a perfect example of the last minute scramble. Somebody wanted to list my blog on their website. (Hurray! Free promotion!) Then they asked me for my button. *panicked scramble* (I didn't have one created or on hand.) She used my latest book cover as an alternative.
To help you avoid doing the same thing as I did (cramming at the last minute to learn something), I am going to share with you my resource. Last night I created this...
It is my first blog button. If you would like to learn how to create your own, I would love to share my resource and give back a bit in exchange for the help I received.
Here is the tutorial -
http://oikology101.blogspot.com/2008/09/make-your-own-button-for-your-blogger.html
If you have a blog or website of your own, I would appreciate if you would spread the word about mine. Grab the code for the button in the column on the right and share the fun. :)
Happy blogging and reading,
Rachel Rossano
January 21, 2012
Sweet Saturday Sample
Welcome back to Sweet Saturday Samples. Here is more Word and Deed for your Saturday. For more samples, please click here.
~~~
Catching my forearm, he pulled me to the wall. I knew I should resist, but I didn't want to. We huddled, hidden from the rest of the garden by the thick limbs and needle-heavy branches of a pine. With barely space for the two of us to stand, my nose came level with the lacings on his jerkin. I lifted my chin to look up into his face. The scents of evergreen and leather filled my senses.
"We are worried for your safety, my maid."
"You and Silvanticus?"
The blue of his eye deepened. "Aye. Be careful. Stay aware of your surroundings, bar the door to the garden when not without, and only eat what Ealdine serves you." He slid his hand from my arm to my waist and pulled me a half step closer. Any farther and I would hurt my neck to look at him. "Promise me?" he urged, a strange tone to his voice.
"I will."
Instead of releasing me, he studied me as though to assess my earnestness.
Heart beat quickened, but not from fear, I returned his scrutiny. My hands rested on his chest, trapped between us. The steady thump of his heart beneath them assured me I wasn't dreaming this. A war broke out betwixt the desire to press closer to him and the reality I was another's by law.
"I am betrothed to Silvanticus." The words were more of a reluctant reminder to me than rebuke for him.
~~~
Blurb -
Death or an arranged marriage, Verity refuses to accept the choices.
Verity Favian's father dies unexpectedly. Her half-brother, Verdon, lays claim to all their father left behind: title, castle, and her. Verdon cannot touch the land set aside for her dowry so he offers her hand for sale to the highest bidder. Lord Silvanticus, a man renowned for his military power and close ties to the king, makes the winning bid. Despite the rumors of Silvanticus' madness and cruelty, Verdon accepts.
Verdon locks her away in a tower. She is not sure if he seeks to prevent her from fleeing the marriage or spreading the truth only she seems willing to speak: Verdon killed their father. Either way, her time is running out.
Word and Deed now available on Amazon for 99 cents
~~~
Catching my forearm, he pulled me to the wall. I knew I should resist, but I didn't want to. We huddled, hidden from the rest of the garden by the thick limbs and needle-heavy branches of a pine. With barely space for the two of us to stand, my nose came level with the lacings on his jerkin. I lifted my chin to look up into his face. The scents of evergreen and leather filled my senses.
"We are worried for your safety, my maid."
"You and Silvanticus?"
The blue of his eye deepened. "Aye. Be careful. Stay aware of your surroundings, bar the door to the garden when not without, and only eat what Ealdine serves you." He slid his hand from my arm to my waist and pulled me a half step closer. Any farther and I would hurt my neck to look at him. "Promise me?" he urged, a strange tone to his voice.
"I will."
Instead of releasing me, he studied me as though to assess my earnestness.
Heart beat quickened, but not from fear, I returned his scrutiny. My hands rested on his chest, trapped between us. The steady thump of his heart beneath them assured me I wasn't dreaming this. A war broke out betwixt the desire to press closer to him and the reality I was another's by law.
"I am betrothed to Silvanticus." The words were more of a reluctant reminder to me than rebuke for him.
~~~
Blurb -
Death or an arranged marriage, Verity refuses to accept the choices.
Verity Favian's father dies unexpectedly. Her half-brother, Verdon, lays claim to all their father left behind: title, castle, and her. Verdon cannot touch the land set aside for her dowry so he offers her hand for sale to the highest bidder. Lord Silvanticus, a man renowned for his military power and close ties to the king, makes the winning bid. Despite the rumors of Silvanticus' madness and cruelty, Verdon accepts.
Verdon locks her away in a tower. She is not sure if he seeks to prevent her from fleeing the marriage or spreading the truth only she seems willing to speak: Verdon killed their father. Either way, her time is running out.
Word and Deed now available on Amazon for 99 cents
January 19, 2012
A Wonderful Review for The Crown of Anavrea
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The Crown of Anavrea is in the spotlight today. Not only did I mention it in my Nosey interview, but it is featured on Tifferz Book Review today. Stop over and read her take on the first book of the Theodoric Saga.
Tifferz keeps a great blog. I recommend you poke around. You might discover a new author. :)
The Crown of Anavrea is in the spotlight today. Not only did I mention it in my Nosey interview, but it is featured on Tifferz Book Review today. Stop over and read her take on the first book of the Theodoric Saga.
Tifferz keeps a great blog. I recommend you poke around. You might discover a new author. :)
I. B. Nosey Interview
I have been interviewed by I. B. Nosey of Gum Drop Island.He asked all kinds of unusual questions about The Crown of Anavrea.I drop some hints about the sequel, The King of Anavrea.Stop over for a bit of fun and laughter.I think you will enjoy it. :)
January 17, 2012
A Glimpse at the Editing Process
I have a rare chance for you today. My new editor, Ranee Clark has posted a section of Word and Deed's first draft along with her comments. Below is the finished product.
This is a great opportunity for you to see the transition from rough work to polished work. Please drop over to Ranee's blog and say hi. :)
- Rachel Rossano
The finished section of Word and Deed:
Chapter One
"You are weak, Verdon. You kill like a woman!" I glared at my half-brother.
His narrow shoulders tensed. A hush fell over our late father's great hall. The dog lying before the hearth groaned loudly.
Sick with anger and helplessness, I gloried in his reaction. He condemned me to a living death, marriage to a man some considered unsettled. Still I could evoke fire in my frigid sibling. I knew his soft places where the words would sting most. Rage prodded me on.
"Your mother would writhe in her grave if she saw the slovenly murderer she brought forth. It would be better for her if you never lived."
"Hush, Verity, hush." My old nurse's hands trembled where they gripped my arm. Ealdine served more as a companion now that I reached adulthood.
She had good reason to cower. My cheek still stung from Verdon's last loss of composure. Wisdom urged me to let go of the burning emotion in my gut. Yet the anger demanded I rant or sob.
I refused to give Verdon the satisfaction of tears.
His fingers closed on the hilt of our father's sword. My sword. Our father promised it to me, yet Verdon refused me even that. I unleashed the final blow.
"Our father would rise up and call you coward for this act. Selling me to a mad man will not silence my tongue."
The impact of his fist snapped my head back. I welcomed the pain. It grounded the anger, distracting me from the agony in my chest that began with our father's death. The grief ached with every breath those moments I missed him most. I was helpless without Father's protection, a fact never more clear than now.
Another blow, this time behind my right ear, rocked my sense of the earth. The crack of my skull on the stone echoed, preceding searing pain. A fog blanketed my senses. The hand I lifted to my scalp came away red.
"Foolish move, Ravenridge." Sir Hirion's face wavered above me. I blinked, but he remained out of focus.
"Lord Silvaticus paid for a living bride, not a corpse. If you wish to remain in Silvaticus' favor, she should be well and whole when he arrives."
"A fortnight is time enough for her to heal. I have not left a lasting mark on her features, only her head. He will see nothing amiss. Now lock her in the tower. I grow weary of her lies."
Rough hands lifted me from the floor. Ealdine's pleas for caution grew distant as my senses finally faded.
~~~~~
Dust and taste of mold assaulted my tongue. The convulsion of my sneeze morphed into a cry of agony. I ached as though trampled by a horse.
"Hush, love, calm." Cool hands touched my face and then stroked my wrists. "Hush. The pain will pass."
"I …" My attempt to speak grated my throat raw. Unbidden tears pricked at my eyes. I would not cry. "Wat …"
A cool, wet rim pressed to my mouth. I drank. The fluid tasted ill. I would have spit, but I needed the moisture.
"It rained last night, and I didn't have a clean vessel. Your brother allowed you water, but not enough," Ealdine explained. She offered the cup again. I drank with gratitude. Once my thirst was quenched, I pushed it away.
"I was foolish."
"Child, words spoken in anger are rarely wise."
"The apology will hurt my pride thrice the agony of my headache."
"Humility takes strength to cultivate." She spoke the words of my sire.
"Aye."
I opened my eyes slowly. The light, filtered through the lattice over the window, pierced my eyes. I grimaced up at the wooden ceiling beams.
"The tower again?" I croaked. Only three months ago I stared up at these beams. Then I gave little thought to my surroundings, too ill with grief to care. Father newly dead, Verdon, drunk with power, banished me and my whetted tongue.
Then his marriage plans gained me the reprieve. Dangling like a lure before all the rich and powerful nobles, I had smiled and kept my tongue silent. Lords and knights alike evaluated me with bored or lecherous features. They placed a price on my hand, womb, and inheritance. Apparently, the last was the crucial attribute to my new lord and master.
Lord Silvaticus purchased me without bothering to lay eyes on me. He witnessed instead the perfection of my land and coveted the strategic value of the cliffs on the southern coast. He wished to build a fortress. Hardly a flattering decision.
I dreamed like any other maid of a mate who loved me in word and deed. The hope poisoned by my brother's greed died with the betrothal announcement. I was now the property of Lord Silvanticus, a man with a heart of ice. All he had to do was come claim me.
"Your brother decreed you are to speak with none but me until your husband comes to claim you. I am only to attend you three hours each day." Ealdine fussed with my bandage. My head still throbbed, further reminder to keep my temper before Verdon.
"Did he ban the garden?"
"Nay, you are allowed exercise within the walls, but the gate has been barred from without."
"He wishes me to crave human contact."
Verdon also knew the chinks in my armor. After the previous confinement, I sought contact, conversation, and interaction with others.
"If he wished that, he would have denied you me also." Ealdine stroked my forehead, hands soft with age. "Now sleep. You need rest."
My skull pulsed in rhythm with my heartbeat. I closed my eyes and attempted to sleep. I would write my apology in the morn.
-----
Available on Amazon for 99 cents
This is a great opportunity for you to see the transition from rough work to polished work. Please drop over to Ranee's blog and say hi. :)
- Rachel Rossano
The finished section of Word and Deed:
Chapter One"You are weak, Verdon. You kill like a woman!" I glared at my half-brother.
His narrow shoulders tensed. A hush fell over our late father's great hall. The dog lying before the hearth groaned loudly.
Sick with anger and helplessness, I gloried in his reaction. He condemned me to a living death, marriage to a man some considered unsettled. Still I could evoke fire in my frigid sibling. I knew his soft places where the words would sting most. Rage prodded me on.
"Your mother would writhe in her grave if she saw the slovenly murderer she brought forth. It would be better for her if you never lived."
"Hush, Verity, hush." My old nurse's hands trembled where they gripped my arm. Ealdine served more as a companion now that I reached adulthood.
She had good reason to cower. My cheek still stung from Verdon's last loss of composure. Wisdom urged me to let go of the burning emotion in my gut. Yet the anger demanded I rant or sob.
I refused to give Verdon the satisfaction of tears.
His fingers closed on the hilt of our father's sword. My sword. Our father promised it to me, yet Verdon refused me even that. I unleashed the final blow.
"Our father would rise up and call you coward for this act. Selling me to a mad man will not silence my tongue."
The impact of his fist snapped my head back. I welcomed the pain. It grounded the anger, distracting me from the agony in my chest that began with our father's death. The grief ached with every breath those moments I missed him most. I was helpless without Father's protection, a fact never more clear than now.
Another blow, this time behind my right ear, rocked my sense of the earth. The crack of my skull on the stone echoed, preceding searing pain. A fog blanketed my senses. The hand I lifted to my scalp came away red.
"Foolish move, Ravenridge." Sir Hirion's face wavered above me. I blinked, but he remained out of focus.
"Lord Silvaticus paid for a living bride, not a corpse. If you wish to remain in Silvaticus' favor, she should be well and whole when he arrives."
"A fortnight is time enough for her to heal. I have not left a lasting mark on her features, only her head. He will see nothing amiss. Now lock her in the tower. I grow weary of her lies."
Rough hands lifted me from the floor. Ealdine's pleas for caution grew distant as my senses finally faded.
~~~~~
Dust and taste of mold assaulted my tongue. The convulsion of my sneeze morphed into a cry of agony. I ached as though trampled by a horse.
"Hush, love, calm." Cool hands touched my face and then stroked my wrists. "Hush. The pain will pass."
"I …" My attempt to speak grated my throat raw. Unbidden tears pricked at my eyes. I would not cry. "Wat …"
A cool, wet rim pressed to my mouth. I drank. The fluid tasted ill. I would have spit, but I needed the moisture.
"It rained last night, and I didn't have a clean vessel. Your brother allowed you water, but not enough," Ealdine explained. She offered the cup again. I drank with gratitude. Once my thirst was quenched, I pushed it away.
"I was foolish."
"Child, words spoken in anger are rarely wise."
"The apology will hurt my pride thrice the agony of my headache."
"Humility takes strength to cultivate." She spoke the words of my sire.
"Aye."
I opened my eyes slowly. The light, filtered through the lattice over the window, pierced my eyes. I grimaced up at the wooden ceiling beams.
"The tower again?" I croaked. Only three months ago I stared up at these beams. Then I gave little thought to my surroundings, too ill with grief to care. Father newly dead, Verdon, drunk with power, banished me and my whetted tongue.
Then his marriage plans gained me the reprieve. Dangling like a lure before all the rich and powerful nobles, I had smiled and kept my tongue silent. Lords and knights alike evaluated me with bored or lecherous features. They placed a price on my hand, womb, and inheritance. Apparently, the last was the crucial attribute to my new lord and master.
Lord Silvaticus purchased me without bothering to lay eyes on me. He witnessed instead the perfection of my land and coveted the strategic value of the cliffs on the southern coast. He wished to build a fortress. Hardly a flattering decision.
I dreamed like any other maid of a mate who loved me in word and deed. The hope poisoned by my brother's greed died with the betrothal announcement. I was now the property of Lord Silvanticus, a man with a heart of ice. All he had to do was come claim me.
"Your brother decreed you are to speak with none but me until your husband comes to claim you. I am only to attend you three hours each day." Ealdine fussed with my bandage. My head still throbbed, further reminder to keep my temper before Verdon.
"Did he ban the garden?"
"Nay, you are allowed exercise within the walls, but the gate has been barred from without."
"He wishes me to crave human contact."
Verdon also knew the chinks in my armor. After the previous confinement, I sought contact, conversation, and interaction with others.
"If he wished that, he would have denied you me also." Ealdine stroked my forehead, hands soft with age. "Now sleep. You need rest."
My skull pulsed in rhythm with my heartbeat. I closed my eyes and attempted to sleep. I would write my apology in the morn.
-----
Available on Amazon for 99 cents
January 14, 2012
Sweet Saturday Samples - Word and Deed
Welcome to my Sweet Saturday Sample post. To catch some more samples go here.
Thank you for stopping by. This has been a big week for me. I added another year to my age and I released a new short story. For Sweet Saturday Sample regulars, you might recognize the title. The cover and the heroine's name changed, but in essence the story remains the same.
Now for a new sample of Word and Deed.
~~~
"You are weak, Verdon. You kill like a woman!" I glared at my half-brother.
His narrow shoulders tensed. A hush fell over our late father's great hall. The dog lying before the hearth groaned loudly.
Sick with anger and helplessness, I gloried in his reaction. He condemned me to a living death, marriage to a man some considered unsettled. Still I could evoke fire in my frigid sibling. I knew his soft places where the words would sting most. Rage prodded me on.
"Your mother would writhe in her grave if she saw the slovenly murderer she brought forth. It would be better for her if you never lived."
"Hush, Verity, hush." My old nurse's hands trembled where they gripped my arm. Ealdine served more as a companion now that I reached adulthood.
She had good reason to cower. My cheek still stung from Verdon's last loss of composure. Wisdom urged me to let go of the burning emotion in my gut. Yet the anger demanded I rant or sob.
~~~
Only 99 cents!
Available on Amazonand Smashwords
Blurb -
Death or an arranged marriage, Verity refuses to accept the choices.
Verity Favian's father dies unexpectedly. Her half-brother, Verdon, lays claim to all their father left behind: title, castle, and her. Verdon cannot touch the land set aside for her dowry so he offers her hand for sale to the highest bidder. Lord Silvanticus, a man renowned for his military power and close ties to the king, makes the winning bid. Despite the rumors of Silvanticus' madness and cruelty, Verdon accepts.
Verdon locks her away in a tower. She is not sure if he seeks to prevent her from fleeing the marriage or spreading the truth only she seems willing to speak: Verdon killed their father. Either way, her time is running out.
For more Sweet Samples click here.
Thank you for stopping by. This has been a big week for me. I added another year to my age and I released a new short story. For Sweet Saturday Sample regulars, you might recognize the title. The cover and the heroine's name changed, but in essence the story remains the same.
Now for a new sample of Word and Deed.
~~~
"You are weak, Verdon. You kill like a woman!" I glared at my half-brother.His narrow shoulders tensed. A hush fell over our late father's great hall. The dog lying before the hearth groaned loudly.
Sick with anger and helplessness, I gloried in his reaction. He condemned me to a living death, marriage to a man some considered unsettled. Still I could evoke fire in my frigid sibling. I knew his soft places where the words would sting most. Rage prodded me on.
"Your mother would writhe in her grave if she saw the slovenly murderer she brought forth. It would be better for her if you never lived."
"Hush, Verity, hush." My old nurse's hands trembled where they gripped my arm. Ealdine served more as a companion now that I reached adulthood.
She had good reason to cower. My cheek still stung from Verdon's last loss of composure. Wisdom urged me to let go of the burning emotion in my gut. Yet the anger demanded I rant or sob.
~~~
Only 99 cents!
Available on Amazonand Smashwords
Blurb -
Death or an arranged marriage, Verity refuses to accept the choices.
Verity Favian's father dies unexpectedly. Her half-brother, Verdon, lays claim to all their father left behind: title, castle, and her. Verdon cannot touch the land set aside for her dowry so he offers her hand for sale to the highest bidder. Lord Silvanticus, a man renowned for his military power and close ties to the king, makes the winning bid. Despite the rumors of Silvanticus' madness and cruelty, Verdon accepts.
Verdon locks her away in a tower. She is not sure if he seeks to prevent her from fleeing the marriage or spreading the truth only she seems willing to speak: Verdon killed their father. Either way, her time is running out.
For more Sweet Samples click here.
January 13, 2012
Word and Deed's Book Trailer
As promised, here is Word and Deed's book trailer. I hope you enjoy it.
It is available on Amazon for 99 cents.Also, if you don't have a Kindle or not a fan of Amazon, it is available on Smashwords in multiple formats.
January 12, 2012
Publishing News and Update!
Whew, what a day!
Since my last update only a week ago my writing life has been full. Perhaps it is to make up for the holidays. So, on to the announcements. Be warned this is a long post. Please bare with me.
I am publishing Word and Deed!
At this very moment, the e-book publishing machine is working on the conversions and details.
Blurb -
Death or an arranged marriage, Verity refuses to accept the choices.
Verity Favian's father dies unexpectedly. Her half-brother, Verdon, lays claim to all their father left behind: title, castle, and her. Verdon cannot touch the land set aside for her dowry so he offers her hand for sale to the highest bidder. Lord Silvanticus, a man renowned for his military power and close ties to the king, makes the winning bid. Despite the rumors of Silvanticus' madness and cruelty, Verdon accepts.
Verdon locks her away in a tower. She is not sure if he seeks to prevent her from fleeing the marriage or spreading the truth only she seems willing to speak: Verdon killed their father. Either way, her time is running out.
Word and Deed will be available on Amazon and Smashwords for 99 cents.
For those of you who are print-only readers, I feel for you. I tried to figure out a way to make it fiscally possible to bring this one to you in print for a reasonable price. Alas, I was not about to find a way. However, there is hope. I am working away on the story from the Opening Line Contest and the Name that Character Contest. Brielle is shaping up to be a perfect paring for Verity. Once that Duty (Brielle's story) is finished and polished, I intend to release the two of them in print together.
In promotion and free stuff arena Ranee S. Clark has graciously hosted some of my flash fiction on her blog. Feel free to hop over there and enjoy a short piece of my writing called Blonde Stranger . I would also like to sing Ranee's praises. She is a wonderful editor and works for very reasonable fees. If you are a writer, I would recommend you stop over on her basic editing services page while you are on her blog.
In my book trailer and cover creation arena
I polished off two covers (one is the Word and Deed cover above) and two trailers this week.
The first book trailer was for a client, the lovely Joyce DiPastena and her novel Loyalty's Web. I recommend the book highly and hope you check it out if you are a historical romance reader. It is sweet, clean (no smut or such) and very well written.
For my other video from this week, Word and Deed's book trailer, you will need to come back tomorrow. This post is too long as it is. Also, on Saturday, the Sweet Saturday Samples return with an excerpt from Word and Deed. Also, stay tuned for Release Party news. I haven't decided what to do, but I intend to celebrate somehow. :)
Thanks for your patience.
~ Rachel Rossano
What did you think of the book trailer?
Since my last update only a week ago my writing life has been full. Perhaps it is to make up for the holidays. So, on to the announcements. Be warned this is a long post. Please bare with me.
I am publishing Word and Deed!
At this very moment, the e-book publishing machine is working on the conversions and details.Blurb -
Death or an arranged marriage, Verity refuses to accept the choices.
Verity Favian's father dies unexpectedly. Her half-brother, Verdon, lays claim to all their father left behind: title, castle, and her. Verdon cannot touch the land set aside for her dowry so he offers her hand for sale to the highest bidder. Lord Silvanticus, a man renowned for his military power and close ties to the king, makes the winning bid. Despite the rumors of Silvanticus' madness and cruelty, Verdon accepts.
Verdon locks her away in a tower. She is not sure if he seeks to prevent her from fleeing the marriage or spreading the truth only she seems willing to speak: Verdon killed their father. Either way, her time is running out.
Word and Deed will be available on Amazon and Smashwords for 99 cents.
For those of you who are print-only readers, I feel for you. I tried to figure out a way to make it fiscally possible to bring this one to you in print for a reasonable price. Alas, I was not about to find a way. However, there is hope. I am working away on the story from the Opening Line Contest and the Name that Character Contest. Brielle is shaping up to be a perfect paring for Verity. Once that Duty (Brielle's story) is finished and polished, I intend to release the two of them in print together.
In promotion and free stuff arena Ranee S. Clark has graciously hosted some of my flash fiction on her blog. Feel free to hop over there and enjoy a short piece of my writing called Blonde Stranger . I would also like to sing Ranee's praises. She is a wonderful editor and works for very reasonable fees. If you are a writer, I would recommend you stop over on her basic editing services page while you are on her blog.
In my book trailer and cover creation arena
I polished off two covers (one is the Word and Deed cover above) and two trailers this week.
The first book trailer was for a client, the lovely Joyce DiPastena and her novel Loyalty's Web. I recommend the book highly and hope you check it out if you are a historical romance reader. It is sweet, clean (no smut or such) and very well written.
For my other video from this week, Word and Deed's book trailer, you will need to come back tomorrow. This post is too long as it is. Also, on Saturday, the Sweet Saturday Samples return with an excerpt from Word and Deed. Also, stay tuned for Release Party news. I haven't decided what to do, but I intend to celebrate somehow. :)
Thanks for your patience.
~ Rachel Rossano
What did you think of the book trailer?
January 10, 2012
January 5, 2012
Old and New Plans for 2012
I am finally grabbing a few moments to record my writing goals for 2012. These lists inspire and excite me, but they also keep me grounded. Besides, I hope you like knowing what is on my agenda for the year.
Word & Deed - (short story, Medieval, romance, mystery, suspense) This one is in editing. I am halfway through the first round of hubby edits, then it is off to the editor. Once the final draft is polished, only a few steps will remain before release. I already have the cover and book trailer close to completion.
Diaspora - (short story, science fiction, prequel to Exchange, romance) This one awaits editing. Cover and book trailer are also close to completion but the editing is waiting until W&D and hubby's schooling is done (April). I am plannning on trying to move it along faster, but we shall see. I already have a lot on my plate.
The King of Anavrea - (novel, sequel to The Crown of Anavrea, romance, fantasy, intrigue, politics) In editing I have barely begun. Part of the problem has been solved, now the issue is time to spend on it. Don't worry, Lirth is pestering me. She wants to talk and I want to catch it on the page. Ireic waits patiently, but I fear his patience is reaching its limit. I want this one to hit shelves by the end of the year.
Wren Romany - (fantasy, adventure, romance, Medieval-ish, part of The Romany Epistles) I am almost ready to send this one to the editor. Yeah! Do I hear cheering? :) I need to finish my read through first. I am not as in control of when this one will hit shelves, but I am optimistic that it will make great strides in that direction before the end of the year. I am beginning to contemplate cover ideas for it and all the other Romany novels. :)
Duty - (short story, adventure, romance, Medieval, set in the world of The Theodoric Saga, started out as an opening line competition) Brielle has gained her name and three chapters (4,125 words). I have plotted out seven more scenes up to the climax. As per usual, even I don't know the ending. What I do know is there are two villains. Romance, betrayal, and resolution will come and hopefully Brielle and you (the reader) will fall in love with the hero, Lord Irvaine along the way. So, my goal for the year for this one is to get it written. I will be elated if I get into print too by year end. Don't worry, Abigail, I shall finish. :)
The White Bear - (contemporary retelling of East of the Sun West of the Moon, romance, inspirational) This one simply needs to get written.
Ethan & Mariah - (Regency, romance, historical, mystery) Their story is another one of those I need to pick up and write. They keep haunting me.
Projects for others - I have to read/edit Justin and Aiden for Charissa Lees. I have three book trailers lined up for Joyce DiPastena. I hope to have the first finished before the end of the month (hopefully sooner).
Promotion - The ever looming task that most authors fear, me included. Yet it must be done. :)
Unwritten ideas floating about my head -
In another prequel for Exchange, Myah & Ruhan struggle to conceive a child while relations between the Diaspora and the Earthwarders strain beneath rumors of selective murder on Earth of those carrying the mutated gene, the Diaspora Gene.
Then there is the sequel to Exchange, Ramend's story. That one is a bit fuzzier, but I am looking forward to finding a woman to knock Ramend off his overconfident feet. She is out there, I just haven't found her yet. :)
I still need to write at least one, possibly two more flash fiction bits to finish off Svhen's story from Blond Stranger and Tragedy .
It looks like it is going to be a very full year. :) I look forward to sharing it with you all.
Which projects are you most eager to read and why?
Word & Deed - (short story, Medieval, romance, mystery, suspense) This one is in editing. I am halfway through the first round of hubby edits, then it is off to the editor. Once the final draft is polished, only a few steps will remain before release. I already have the cover and book trailer close to completion.
Diaspora - (short story, science fiction, prequel to Exchange, romance) This one awaits editing. Cover and book trailer are also close to completion but the editing is waiting until W&D and hubby's schooling is done (April). I am plannning on trying to move it along faster, but we shall see. I already have a lot on my plate.
The King of Anavrea - (novel, sequel to The Crown of Anavrea, romance, fantasy, intrigue, politics) In editing I have barely begun. Part of the problem has been solved, now the issue is time to spend on it. Don't worry, Lirth is pestering me. She wants to talk and I want to catch it on the page. Ireic waits patiently, but I fear his patience is reaching its limit. I want this one to hit shelves by the end of the year.
Wren Romany - (fantasy, adventure, romance, Medieval-ish, part of The Romany Epistles) I am almost ready to send this one to the editor. Yeah! Do I hear cheering? :) I need to finish my read through first. I am not as in control of when this one will hit shelves, but I am optimistic that it will make great strides in that direction before the end of the year. I am beginning to contemplate cover ideas for it and all the other Romany novels. :)
Duty - (short story, adventure, romance, Medieval, set in the world of The Theodoric Saga, started out as an opening line competition) Brielle has gained her name and three chapters (4,125 words). I have plotted out seven more scenes up to the climax. As per usual, even I don't know the ending. What I do know is there are two villains. Romance, betrayal, and resolution will come and hopefully Brielle and you (the reader) will fall in love with the hero, Lord Irvaine along the way. So, my goal for the year for this one is to get it written. I will be elated if I get into print too by year end. Don't worry, Abigail, I shall finish. :)
The White Bear - (contemporary retelling of East of the Sun West of the Moon, romance, inspirational) This one simply needs to get written.
Ethan & Mariah - (Regency, romance, historical, mystery) Their story is another one of those I need to pick up and write. They keep haunting me.
Projects for others - I have to read/edit Justin and Aiden for Charissa Lees. I have three book trailers lined up for Joyce DiPastena. I hope to have the first finished before the end of the month (hopefully sooner).
Promotion - The ever looming task that most authors fear, me included. Yet it must be done. :)
Unwritten ideas floating about my head -
In another prequel for Exchange, Myah & Ruhan struggle to conceive a child while relations between the Diaspora and the Earthwarders strain beneath rumors of selective murder on Earth of those carrying the mutated gene, the Diaspora Gene.
Then there is the sequel to Exchange, Ramend's story. That one is a bit fuzzier, but I am looking forward to finding a woman to knock Ramend off his overconfident feet. She is out there, I just haven't found her yet. :)
I still need to write at least one, possibly two more flash fiction bits to finish off Svhen's story from Blond Stranger and Tragedy .
It looks like it is going to be a very full year. :) I look forward to sharing it with you all.
Which projects are you most eager to read and why?
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