Amy Ruttan's Blog, page 7
May 4, 2011
MayNoWriMo First Day Status report, 3rd day in.
Yes, I started MayNoWriMo a bit late. I started on the 3rd instead of the first, but I swear to you I have a good reason, wisdom teeth. I had three pulled under general anesthetic on April 28th. They were impacted and my mouth is still full of stitches. So May 1st and 2nd I was still suffering from pain and my painkillers made me want to sleep most of the day and night away.
May 3rd was the first day I felt somewhat like my old self, and I managed to squeak out 2140 words, roughly. Sacrament (Incarnate's sequel) book two in my Portal Keeper series is now sitting at a lovely 7500 words.
I'll tell you, I've been struggling with this sequel. Trying to find a way to build up the world and recovering from the massive edits on Incarnate which darn near killed me. The edits were worth it, but I needed a couple months away from Cia and her world.
Then end of April, it hit me. I knew basically how I wanted Sacrament to go. I had the ending written, but I didn't know how to get from Point A to B. On a sunny day, on a lovely road trip to Goderich Sacrament unfolded and I made my DH stop at the local Dollarama where I purchased a pad of paper and a pen. While we had a picnic on the shores of Lake Huron, before heading to my inlaws I scribbled out the synopsis.
If I keep at the rate of going 2500 words a day I should have 50k done in a month, which is the minimum for the first draft.
My favorite line from last night's writing session: My penchant was for wild demon princes apparently.
Here's hoping for another 2500 words tonight.
Are you participating in MayNoWriMo?
May 3rd was the first day I felt somewhat like my old self, and I managed to squeak out 2140 words, roughly. Sacrament (Incarnate's sequel) book two in my Portal Keeper series is now sitting at a lovely 7500 words.
I'll tell you, I've been struggling with this sequel. Trying to find a way to build up the world and recovering from the massive edits on Incarnate which darn near killed me. The edits were worth it, but I needed a couple months away from Cia and her world.
Then end of April, it hit me. I knew basically how I wanted Sacrament to go. I had the ending written, but I didn't know how to get from Point A to B. On a sunny day, on a lovely road trip to Goderich Sacrament unfolded and I made my DH stop at the local Dollarama where I purchased a pad of paper and a pen. While we had a picnic on the shores of Lake Huron, before heading to my inlaws I scribbled out the synopsis.
If I keep at the rate of going 2500 words a day I should have 50k done in a month, which is the minimum for the first draft.
My favorite line from last night's writing session: My penchant was for wild demon princes apparently.
Here's hoping for another 2500 words tonight.
Are you participating in MayNoWriMo?
May 3, 2011
New Cover
I have been pretty blessed with fantastic cover artists and covers.
This one is going on my list of favorites. It's for my late summer release LAIRD'S RETURN from Eternal Press.
It's a Scottish historical romance, and I think the caption says it all "Try as he might he can't leave his past behind..."
I'm participating in MayNoWriMo and I plan to write at least 50k this month. May 1 and 2nd were a bust for me because I had wisdom teeth pulled on April 28th and was still recovering. My mouth is still full of stitches, but for the most part I'm no longer as drowsy.
Onwards and upwards.
This one is going on my list of favorites. It's for my late summer release LAIRD'S RETURN from Eternal Press.
It's a Scottish historical romance, and I think the caption says it all "Try as he might he can't leave his past behind..."
I'm participating in MayNoWriMo and I plan to write at least 50k this month. May 1 and 2nd were a bust for me because I had wisdom teeth pulled on April 28th and was still recovering. My mouth is still full of stitches, but for the most part I'm no longer as drowsy.
Onwards and upwards.
April 26, 2011
INCARNATE
I'm able to show you the cover for INCARNATE which is coming out from Samhain Publishing July 5, 2011 under my alter ego's name A.C. Ruttan.
Isn't it gorgeous. Kanaxa did it and I couldn't be more thrilled.
Below is the blurb:
For an innocent man, she'll go to her grave. Again.
The Portal Keepers, Book 1
Cia is serving her sentence in the Canadian Arctic, guarding one of the many portals that seal off Earth from Heaven and Hell. She doesn't mind the cold. What she does mind? Someone's bumping off other Incarnates, the dual-souled beings who hold the Apocalypse at bay. And she's next on the list.
Worse, she learns the prime suspect is Arthur, her ex. Arthur is many things, but despite their history, he's no murderer. Cia has only thirty days to find him and prove it before the Wrath is unleashed to mete out justice.
It's no relief when he shows up in her truck's headlights on the side of the ice road. He stirs turmoil between her volatile old soul and the younger one that keeps it in line. Worse, he shows all the signs of turning into a demon.
The closer they get to Yellowknife, the more rogue demons pour out of Hell, dragging with them a past she thought would never haunt her again. Another murder, and the elders prepare to summon the Wrath ahead of schedule. A move that will, literally, let all Hell break loose. Unless Cia makes a soul-tearing choice.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Product Warnings
Ice, frigid temperatures, lots of Poutine consuming and a mention of blubber. Many demons were harmed in the writing of this book, but the polar bear really is okay.
I'm working hard on book two tentatively titled Sacrament.
Isn't it gorgeous. Kanaxa did it and I couldn't be more thrilled.
Below is the blurb:
For an innocent man, she'll go to her grave. Again.
The Portal Keepers, Book 1
Cia is serving her sentence in the Canadian Arctic, guarding one of the many portals that seal off Earth from Heaven and Hell. She doesn't mind the cold. What she does mind? Someone's bumping off other Incarnates, the dual-souled beings who hold the Apocalypse at bay. And she's next on the list.
Worse, she learns the prime suspect is Arthur, her ex. Arthur is many things, but despite their history, he's no murderer. Cia has only thirty days to find him and prove it before the Wrath is unleashed to mete out justice.
It's no relief when he shows up in her truck's headlights on the side of the ice road. He stirs turmoil between her volatile old soul and the younger one that keeps it in line. Worse, he shows all the signs of turning into a demon.
The closer they get to Yellowknife, the more rogue demons pour out of Hell, dragging with them a past she thought would never haunt her again. Another murder, and the elders prepare to summon the Wrath ahead of schedule. A move that will, literally, let all Hell break loose. Unless Cia makes a soul-tearing choice.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Product Warnings
Ice, frigid temperatures, lots of Poutine consuming and a mention of blubber. Many demons were harmed in the writing of this book, but the polar bear really is okay.
I'm working hard on book two tentatively titled Sacrament.
April 22, 2011
Romance Trading Cards, they're coming!
I saw something about Romance Trading Cards on one of the loops I lurk at, and I was curious. So I sought out more information and found out all I could about Romance Trading Cards. What fun!
I was looking for something fun to give away at Ellora's Cave Romanticon in the fall, and this is definitely a fun thing. So I'm making up Romance Trading Cards and will be handing them out in Akron.
Here's a copy of the first one I've made:
I was looking for something fun to give away at Ellora's Cave Romanticon in the fall, and this is definitely a fun thing. So I'm making up Romance Trading Cards and will be handing them out in Akron.
Here's a copy of the first one I've made:
April 20, 2011
Release Day
Almost escaped me. I've been crazy busy. The kids are involved in activities this summer and the start ups are starting. Sumo is in Karate, Boo starts soccer and is in Guiding ... which I am a leader. Oy.
I can't believe the month is almost over, and with it brings the standalone sequel to Gladiator's Revenge, GLADIATOR'S ATONEMENT.
Here's the blurb:
When Eratos gains his freedom from his violent master he has only one thing on his mind—atonement. He chases his former master Thelonius back to Antioch, and a ghost from his past emerges from the shadows, none other than his master's wife—a woman who hates the man as much as Eratos does.
Helena detests her husband, but thankfully he is never home and doesn't desire her. Now he has returned home to lick his wounds and Helena wonders what has him so nervous. When she spies a shadow lurking she is thrilled Eratos has returned and realizes why her husband is fearful.
Helena decides to get her own revenge on the man who destroyed her life, and to finally taste ecstasy in the arms of Eratos, the man who stirred her dormant passions long ago. Eratos has thought only of Helena from the moment he first saw her, and having her under his former master's nose sounds like sweet revenge indeed.
But Thelonius stands in their way, a man who they both want dead.
April 1, 2011
Happy April!
No, I won't be posting anything April Foolish today. I'm not fond of the day, probably because I'm usually the dupee rather than the duper ... errr whatever. LOL! I got the cover for INCARNATE my Samhain Publishing release this summer, but alas I can't share it's goodness with you until it's approved... let's just say I cried. Literally bawled like a baby. It's PERFECT. Incarnate is being release under my alter ego A.C. Ruttan. I also had a wonderful review for MALE ORDER at Sizzling Hot Books the other day. Thank you ladies! They are delightful over there, we had a bit of discussion about the "inspiration" for Male Order. I also participated in a Radio Interview with Desmond Haas, but it went live when I was out of town for my husband's grandmother's funeral. So you can check it out here. I'm still playing catchup from said funeral. I'm working on my newsletter as we speak! I'm so glad Spring is here and that April is here, besides April bringing dental surgery. Boo! How are you?
March 20, 2011
Make Tomorrow Yours
Today our family lost a special lady. Today was also her birthday, so she went out in a special way. Not many people die on the day they were born. She was 95 and she had spunk and gumption right up to the end before she drifted off, peacefully back to heaven.
I was going through some pictures of my kids with their great-grandma and my hubby with her, as it was his grandmother (mine have long since departed this world), and I found a book of poems she wrote. It was never published, she just printed them out for her family. A couple were published in the local paper up in Clinton/Londesboro called the Focus. I thought I would share one with you, one that was unpublished and I thought was fitting. Like she was speaking to me when I randomly opened the page to it.
Make Tomorrow Yours
By Susan Elizabeth "Beth" Knox, circa 2003
This is the first day of the rest of your life,
It's your day to make it whatever you wish.
Have breakfast, forget about yesterday's pie.
Tomorrow is not yet in your dish.
See the sun in its glory in the sky,
Or rain, maybe thunder, humidity or wind.
Birds sing their song;
At the feeder they fight.
The phone rings, a voice says, "What's on your mind?"
Let's go for a drive;
We'll be back before night.
The golden grain just ready to combine.
Corn stands tall, a gorgeous lush green.
Is there anything more beautiful than nature?
As you drive through the country magic is seen.
With varieties of flowers out there you are smitten,
Lawns with a carpet of green a magnificent sigh.
Children romping with puppies or kittens.
Mom and Dad relaxing at the edge of night.
If you choose to be thankful that you are alive,
Your day will be rewarded with splendor.
When the sun goes to rest and quietness arrives,
Then you drift into slumber behind a closed door.
You make tomorrow what you want it to be--
Because it's out there for you and me.
Rest in peace Great-Grandma. Though I only knew you for ten years, it was a pleasure and an honor.
I was going through some pictures of my kids with their great-grandma and my hubby with her, as it was his grandmother (mine have long since departed this world), and I found a book of poems she wrote. It was never published, she just printed them out for her family. A couple were published in the local paper up in Clinton/Londesboro called the Focus. I thought I would share one with you, one that was unpublished and I thought was fitting. Like she was speaking to me when I randomly opened the page to it.
Make Tomorrow Yours
By Susan Elizabeth "Beth" Knox, circa 2003
This is the first day of the rest of your life,
It's your day to make it whatever you wish.
Have breakfast, forget about yesterday's pie.
Tomorrow is not yet in your dish.
See the sun in its glory in the sky,
Or rain, maybe thunder, humidity or wind.
Birds sing their song;
At the feeder they fight.
The phone rings, a voice says, "What's on your mind?"
Let's go for a drive;
We'll be back before night.
The golden grain just ready to combine.
Corn stands tall, a gorgeous lush green.
Is there anything more beautiful than nature?
As you drive through the country magic is seen.
With varieties of flowers out there you are smitten,
Lawns with a carpet of green a magnificent sigh.
Children romping with puppies or kittens.
Mom and Dad relaxing at the edge of night.
If you choose to be thankful that you are alive,
Your day will be rewarded with splendor.
When the sun goes to rest and quietness arrives,
Then you drift into slumber behind a closed door.
You make tomorrow what you want it to be--
Because it's out there for you and me.
Rest in peace Great-Grandma. Though I only knew you for ten years, it was a pleasure and an honor.
March 16, 2011
New Release
WOOT! The day just escaped me, but today my Quickie MALE ORDER was released from Ellora's Cave.
I've been pretty quiet, I had a bit of health scare, but I'm OK as I can be. I've been diagnosed with Crohn's. I had been so ill and in pain for a month. They searched for everything from pregnancy (ACK!!!) to cancer(double ACK).
I am feeling much better since I started eating low residue, which means basically keeping away from fiber, soda, fats. I have to seed and peel all of my fruits and veggies. I haven't had broccoli in forever. Regardless, it was totally worth it and I have been losing baby weight ... not the rapid weight from starving. Crohn's doesn't allow your body to absorb anything. Your bowels are damaged and you become malnourished. Some with Crohn's end up with countless surgery as strictures form. Luckily I wasn't that bad and I quickly changed, because I want to avoid surgery and pain.
And the plus side, my kids are really enjoying the new meals. They absolutely gobbled up Chicken & Eggplant Parmesan.
Anyways, that's where I'm at. I hope you all enjoy Male Order.
March 4, 2011
March ... really?
I can't believe it's March ... and the fact we're already 4 days in. YIKES.
I have been crazy busy. I have a new joint blog I share with Anya Richards called Uninhibited History
I also sold a Scottish historical romance to Eternal Press. WOOT!
I have five releases out this year. The first of the five MALE ORDER is coming out on March 16th, 2011 from Ellora's Cave.
And that's about it in a nutshell ... for now. How are you doing?
I have been crazy busy. I have a new joint blog I share with Anya Richards called Uninhibited History
I also sold a Scottish historical romance to Eternal Press. WOOT!
I have five releases out this year. The first of the five MALE ORDER is coming out on March 16th, 2011 from Ellora's Cave.
And that's about it in a nutshell ... for now. How are you doing?
February 19, 2011
New Sale
I am absolutely thrilled I sold a novella to Ellora's Cave under their Blush line. Blush is sensual romance, it was once known as Cerridwen Press. This is my second Blush book. My first was my historical romance Fox's Bride, and this is a historical romance as well, only this one takes place 1919 at the world famous Brookland's race track in England.
Here is the unofficial blurb for BENTLEY GAL:
Superstar of the Brooklands racing circuit, David Garr, makes all the ladies swoon. Too bad he's actually a lady too.
George left the States to escape prohibition and his broken heart. He vowed never to trust a woman again, until he meets his sponsor's fiancée who captivates him. Though he knows he shouldn't pursue her, he can't help himself.
Davina Wentworth should be happy, she has it all—money, a gorgeous fiancé, but ever since her brother's death the good life is not enough. Dressing as a man and racing under the name David Garr gives her the thrill she needs; until George Dyson becomes her number one rival, both on track and off.
She only ever felt alive behind the wheel of her Bentley, until he crashed through the barriers of her heart.
As soon as I have more info I'll let you know!
Here is the unofficial blurb for BENTLEY GAL:
Superstar of the Brooklands racing circuit, David Garr, makes all the ladies swoon. Too bad he's actually a lady too.
George left the States to escape prohibition and his broken heart. He vowed never to trust a woman again, until he meets his sponsor's fiancée who captivates him. Though he knows he shouldn't pursue her, he can't help himself.
Davina Wentworth should be happy, she has it all—money, a gorgeous fiancé, but ever since her brother's death the good life is not enough. Dressing as a man and racing under the name David Garr gives her the thrill she needs; until George Dyson becomes her number one rival, both on track and off.
She only ever felt alive behind the wheel of her Bentley, until he crashed through the barriers of her heart.
As soon as I have more info I'll let you know!
