H.L. Day's Blog, page 8
February 15, 2018
Refuge - the tricky sci-fi book.
Book 4 finally has a name: Refuge.
And it will be out in a couple of months.
I wrote this at the same time as writing Kept in the Dark. Well, more precisely, I wrote Kept in the Dark every time I struggled to write Refuge.
It's my first book which is anything other than contemporary. It's the first book I've written with the definite intention of writing a sequel, or possibly a trilogy. I don't count the fact that I'm sure Paul from A Temporary Situation will eventually get his own story. It's my longest book at 92 500 words and its probably the one I'm most proud of (so far).
So, it goes to the editor tomorrow. I can't wait to get this one out and see what people think of it.
And it will be out in a couple of months.
I wrote this at the same time as writing Kept in the Dark. Well, more precisely, I wrote Kept in the Dark every time I struggled to write Refuge.
It's my first book which is anything other than contemporary. It's the first book I've written with the definite intention of writing a sequel, or possibly a trilogy. I don't count the fact that I'm sure Paul from A Temporary Situation will eventually get his own story. It's my longest book at 92 500 words and its probably the one I'm most proud of (so far).
So, it goes to the editor tomorrow. I can't wait to get this one out and see what people think of it.
February 12, 2018
Kept in the Dark available now.
Available now on Amazon.
Blurb
Struggling actor Dean, only escorts occasionally to pay the bills. So, his first instinct on being offered a job with a strange set of conditions is to turn it down. No date. Don’t switch the lights on. Don’t touch him. I mean, what’s that all about? What’s the man trying to hide? Dean certainly doesn’t expect sex with a faceless stranger to spark so much passion inside him. It’s just business though, right? He can put a stop to it whenever he wants.
When Dean meets Justin—a scarred, ex-army soldier unlucky in love. Dean’s given a chance at a proper relationship. He can see past the scars to the man underneath. He’s everything Dean could possibly wish for in a boyfriend: kind, caring and sweet. All Dean needs to do is be honest. Easy, right? But, Justin’s holding back and Dean can’t work out why. But whatever it is, it’s enough to give him second thoughts.
They both have secrets which could shatter their fledgling relationship. After all, secrets have a nasty habit of coming out eventually. The question is when they do, will they be able to piece their relationship back together? Or will they be left with nothing but memories of bad decisions and the promise of the love they could have had, if only they’d both been honest and fought harder.
Amazon links - well 4 of them anyway
UK:https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B079RJD2Z...
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079RJD2ZB/...
Aus: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B079RJD2...
Can: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B079RJD2ZB/r...
Blurb
Struggling actor Dean, only escorts occasionally to pay the bills. So, his first instinct on being offered a job with a strange set of conditions is to turn it down. No date. Don’t switch the lights on. Don’t touch him. I mean, what’s that all about? What’s the man trying to hide? Dean certainly doesn’t expect sex with a faceless stranger to spark so much passion inside him. It’s just business though, right? He can put a stop to it whenever he wants.
When Dean meets Justin—a scarred, ex-army soldier unlucky in love. Dean’s given a chance at a proper relationship. He can see past the scars to the man underneath. He’s everything Dean could possibly wish for in a boyfriend: kind, caring and sweet. All Dean needs to do is be honest. Easy, right? But, Justin’s holding back and Dean can’t work out why. But whatever it is, it’s enough to give him second thoughts.
They both have secrets which could shatter their fledgling relationship. After all, secrets have a nasty habit of coming out eventually. The question is when they do, will they be able to piece their relationship back together? Or will they be left with nothing but memories of bad decisions and the promise of the love they could have had, if only they’d both been honest and fought harder.
Amazon links - well 4 of them anyway
UK:https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B079RJD2Z...
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079RJD2ZB/...
Aus: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B079RJD2...
Can: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B079RJD2ZB/r...
December 15, 2017
Book 3. Where I am with it.
As I said in my previous post, I had signed a contract with Loose id to publish my 3rd book, which consequently fell through when they announced they were closing next May.
I've decided after lots of research (it's the teacher in me. I'll always look before I leap.) to go down the self-publishing route with this book. I can always return to a publisher later, but hopefully if it works out, I won't have to. Which will mean no more long waits for publishers to say yay or nay. It will mean I will need to find beta reader(s) for future books as nobody wants to pay to get a book edited if the story is not right, but one step at a time.
I found an independent editor who has worked on other mm romance books and its currently with her for the first round of edits. I'm expecting it back either just before or after xmas. It will then need to go back for a 2nd round of edits. It's currently titled Kept in the Dark, which I can't see me changing. The title has a double meaning for the book. I've got a proofer in mind for when the edits are finished and I've made a rather lovely cover for it. Another reason not to change the title. I can't share a blurb as I haven't written one yet. It's going to be a tricky blurb to write so I keep putting it off. All being well, I'm hoping it will be available late January/Early February.
Book 4 meanwhile (my first non-contemporary) is nearly finished save a couple of chapters and extensive self-editing. It's a lot longer than book 3- already at 81 389 words and I tend to add words rather than take them away when I'm editing. So, I dread to think how long its going to end up being.
I've decided after lots of research (it's the teacher in me. I'll always look before I leap.) to go down the self-publishing route with this book. I can always return to a publisher later, but hopefully if it works out, I won't have to. Which will mean no more long waits for publishers to say yay or nay. It will mean I will need to find beta reader(s) for future books as nobody wants to pay to get a book edited if the story is not right, but one step at a time.
I found an independent editor who has worked on other mm romance books and its currently with her for the first round of edits. I'm expecting it back either just before or after xmas. It will then need to go back for a 2nd round of edits. It's currently titled Kept in the Dark, which I can't see me changing. The title has a double meaning for the book. I've got a proofer in mind for when the edits are finished and I've made a rather lovely cover for it. Another reason not to change the title. I can't share a blurb as I haven't written one yet. It's going to be a tricky blurb to write so I keep putting it off. All being well, I'm hoping it will be available late January/Early February.
Book 4 meanwhile (my first non-contemporary) is nearly finished save a couple of chapters and extensive self-editing. It's a lot longer than book 3- already at 81 389 words and I tend to add words rather than take them away when I'm editing. So, I dread to think how long its going to end up being.
December 5, 2017
Yay and Oh, no!
So, last week was a bit of a roller-coaster. I'd been waiting nearly six weeks to hear back from my publisher about my 3rd book that I'd submitted. A couple of days before it would have been exactly six weeks, I gave in and e-mailed my editor (no-one wants to nag), only to discover the offer and contract had somehow managed to go into my spam folder and had been sat there for 3 days.
But, yay...contract received and I could finally get going on that 3rd book without there being such a horrendous gap like there was between books 1 and 2. I, of course got the contract sorted as quickly as I could and posted. After all, its got to get all the way from the UK to the USA.
Next few days were interesting, washing machine broke. Not a huge issue, I rent so it's up to the estate agent to sort out. But, still a pain having to wait in for workmen that don't show up.
Finally got that sorted and then woke up to the news via FB on Saturday morning, that my publisher Loose id had announced they were winding down and closing in May 2018. Basically, that meant after waiting six weeks, within the space of 4 days, that nice, new sparkling contract was null and void. It was a shock, but not exactly a surprise. I've read enough details from other authors over the last couple of years to know that publishing houses are finding it increasingly difficult to compete with Amazon. At least Loose id are going about it the right way and winding down meaning that authors will still continue to get paid and have enough notice to work out what they're going to do with their books once they're homeless next May. It's quite sad that A Temporary Situation will have only been out 8 months in May and will already be homeless.
Spent most of Saturday (and Sunday) researching the possibility of self publishing and trying to get my head around what it involves. I could send my manuscript to another publisher but that would mean another wait of 4-6 weeks. I do feel the need to unload about all my self publishing research but I think I'll save that for another post. I've probably rambled enough for one day.
But, yay...contract received and I could finally get going on that 3rd book without there being such a horrendous gap like there was between books 1 and 2. I, of course got the contract sorted as quickly as I could and posted. After all, its got to get all the way from the UK to the USA.
Next few days were interesting, washing machine broke. Not a huge issue, I rent so it's up to the estate agent to sort out. But, still a pain having to wait in for workmen that don't show up.
Finally got that sorted and then woke up to the news via FB on Saturday morning, that my publisher Loose id had announced they were winding down and closing in May 2018. Basically, that meant after waiting six weeks, within the space of 4 days, that nice, new sparkling contract was null and void. It was a shock, but not exactly a surprise. I've read enough details from other authors over the last couple of years to know that publishing houses are finding it increasingly difficult to compete with Amazon. At least Loose id are going about it the right way and winding down meaning that authors will still continue to get paid and have enough notice to work out what they're going to do with their books once they're homeless next May. It's quite sad that A Temporary Situation will have only been out 8 months in May and will already be homeless.
Spent most of Saturday (and Sunday) researching the possibility of self publishing and trying to get my head around what it involves. I could send my manuscript to another publisher but that would mean another wait of 4-6 weeks. I do feel the need to unload about all my self publishing research but I think I'll save that for another post. I've probably rambled enough for one day.
November 3, 2017
Random Musings
I was meant to be writing something here regularly. As it's been over a month, I should write something but hmm...what.
I could start with an update, I guess.
3rd shorter book is finished and with my editor so I'm currently waiting to hear whether it's been accepted. Book 4 is at 68k and is by far the most difficult one I've written for a few reasons: it's the first one that's not just contemporary, it's post apocalyptic sci-fi, which I've realised is quite difficult to mix with romance. Who has time for romance when you're trying to survive.? Plus I messed about with the chronology at the beginning of book. I have also written 10k of book 5 which is going to be a lighter, comedic book for all those people who enjoyed A Temporary Situation. Not sure how long that one is going to be. Some books I plot, some books I don't plot at all and some books I write the first half and then suddenly decide to plot. I probably shouldn't admit to that, but there you go. Book 5 has lots of dogs in so I'm having to try and keep a record of names, dog breeds and characteristics. So, no plotting but I have a dog database. Think I may have things back to front there.
I have more time to write at the moment as I've taken a few months break from teaching so the plan is to get as much done as possible before Christmas.
Enough random musings for one day.
I need to learn how to put images into this. Anyone help me there?
I could start with an update, I guess.
3rd shorter book is finished and with my editor so I'm currently waiting to hear whether it's been accepted. Book 4 is at 68k and is by far the most difficult one I've written for a few reasons: it's the first one that's not just contemporary, it's post apocalyptic sci-fi, which I've realised is quite difficult to mix with romance. Who has time for romance when you're trying to survive.? Plus I messed about with the chronology at the beginning of book. I have also written 10k of book 5 which is going to be a lighter, comedic book for all those people who enjoyed A Temporary Situation. Not sure how long that one is going to be. Some books I plot, some books I don't plot at all and some books I write the first half and then suddenly decide to plot. I probably shouldn't admit to that, but there you go. Book 5 has lots of dogs in so I'm having to try and keep a record of names, dog breeds and characteristics. So, no plotting but I have a dog database. Think I may have things back to front there.
I have more time to write at the moment as I've taken a few months break from teaching so the plan is to get as much done as possible before Christmas.
Enough random musings for one day.
I need to learn how to put images into this. Anyone help me there?
September 30, 2017
Facebook and Twitter links
I do have an author Facebook. Feel free to friend me on there.
Not sure how to provide a link. Going to try and provide one and hope it works. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
If not, search my name.
I've finally gotten around to starting a Twitter but it's basically work in progress at the moment with no followers :(
https://twitter.com/HLDAY100
Anyway feel free to add me or follow...or not!
Not sure how to provide a link. Going to try and provide one and hope it works. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
If not, search my name.
I've finally gotten around to starting a Twitter but it's basically work in progress at the moment with no followers :(
https://twitter.com/HLDAY100
Anyway feel free to add me or follow...or not!
September 25, 2017
Current books in progress
I've decided to try and write something on here regularly. Let's see how long I can keep that up :/
There was a gap of a year and nine months between my first book being released and my second one. I'm really hoping that it won't be quite so long this time.
I'm working on two books at the moment. The first is a shorter one-short for me anyway. I'm only expecting it to be about 55k rather than my usual 80k+ It's already on 49k so I only have a couple of chapters left to write. But, I find ending the book the most difficult bit so it's all gone a bit slow and tortuous. This one's contemporary again with a bit of an escort trope.
The second is a bit more adventurous. I want to try and experiment with other genres so it has a heavy dose of sci-fi. I love reading post apocalyptic stories so I've tried to bring that into my writing. It's already at 55k but I anticipate it being another 80k one. I'm currently trying to avoid writing this one to get the first one finished and sent off to a publisher.
In the background, there's a shorter Christmas story clamouring to be told and a fantasy type prince and soldier story. Oh, and I plotted a historical story ages ago, but I'm beginning to wonder if that will ever see the light of day.
Too many books to write! Not enough time!
There was a gap of a year and nine months between my first book being released and my second one. I'm really hoping that it won't be quite so long this time.
I'm working on two books at the moment. The first is a shorter one-short for me anyway. I'm only expecting it to be about 55k rather than my usual 80k+ It's already on 49k so I only have a couple of chapters left to write. But, I find ending the book the most difficult bit so it's all gone a bit slow and tortuous. This one's contemporary again with a bit of an escort trope.
The second is a bit more adventurous. I want to try and experiment with other genres so it has a heavy dose of sci-fi. I love reading post apocalyptic stories so I've tried to bring that into my writing. It's already at 55k but I anticipate it being another 80k one. I'm currently trying to avoid writing this one to get the first one finished and sent off to a publisher.
In the background, there's a shorter Christmas story clamouring to be told and a fantasy type prince and soldier story. Oh, and I plotted a historical story ages ago, but I'm beginning to wonder if that will ever see the light of day.
Too many books to write! Not enough time!
September 24, 2017
Huge favour to ask to those people leaving great ratings.
Firstly, a big thank you to anyone who has read my book already. And a future thank you to anyone who hasn't yet read it but is going to.
If you didn't read my first one, you might want to give that one a try.
Warning: Michael takes a bit more time to warm up to but I think he comes good in the end. Although, I may be biased. But, you'll love Sam-everyone does.
UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Time-Change-...
US https://www.amazon.com/Time-Change-H-...
Loose id http://www.loose-id.com/time-for-a-ch...
Now to the favour part. Some people on here have already left some great ratings. As a new author, I really struggle to get reviews on Amazon. If possible, and if you've got 2 minutes, could you possibly leave a review on Amazon. And when I say review it could literally be the star rating and a couple of words as I don't think it lets you leave a rating without saying anything. I'm not expecting you to leave a long in depth review. I'm pretty (okay extremely) bad at that myself.
I would really appreciate it. Also, if anyone's got any questions, talk to me on here. I don't bite and promise I will respond.
If you didn't read my first one, you might want to give that one a try.
Warning: Michael takes a bit more time to warm up to but I think he comes good in the end. Although, I may be biased. But, you'll love Sam-everyone does.
UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Time-Change-...
US https://www.amazon.com/Time-Change-H-...
Loose id http://www.loose-id.com/time-for-a-ch...
Now to the favour part. Some people on here have already left some great ratings. As a new author, I really struggle to get reviews on Amazon. If possible, and if you've got 2 minutes, could you possibly leave a review on Amazon. And when I say review it could literally be the star rating and a couple of words as I don't think it lets you leave a rating without saying anything. I'm not expecting you to leave a long in depth review. I'm pretty (okay extremely) bad at that myself.
I would really appreciate it. Also, if anyone's got any questions, talk to me on here. I don't bite and promise I will respond.
September 20, 2017
Now available on Amazon
A Temporary Situation can now be purchased from Amazon. I know a lot of people find it much easier to download straight onto a kindle.
Links below.
UK site https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B075RLPXG...
US site https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075RLPXG7/...
If you do read it, please leave me a review. I'm eager to see what people think.
Links below.
UK site https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B075RLPXG...
US site https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075RLPXG7/...
If you do read it, please leave me a review. I'm eager to see what people think.
September 19, 2017
New book out today!
Yay finally! New book is released today. Currently only available from the publisher here.
http://www.loose-id.com/a-temporary-s...
It should pop up on Amazon soon.
Contains a lot more humour than the previous one. I've missed Tristan (one of the main characters) since finishing writing the book. I've been trying to think where my inspiration came from for him. I think a large dose was Dean from Supernatural. Certainly the love of eating could have come from him.
If you do read it, let me know what you think, good or bad. Crosses fingers that the former outweighs the latter.
http://www.loose-id.com/a-temporary-s...
It should pop up on Amazon soon.
Contains a lot more humour than the previous one. I've missed Tristan (one of the main characters) since finishing writing the book. I've been trying to think where my inspiration came from for him. I think a large dose was Dean from Supernatural. Certainly the love of eating could have come from him.
If you do read it, let me know what you think, good or bad. Crosses fingers that the former outweighs the latter.
