Sara Brookes's Blog, page 34
February 10, 2012
First Submission Series – Stacey Kennedy
For the month of February, I've asked a few authors to come share their experience the first time they submitted a manuscript to a publisher and/or agent–regardless of what the outcome was. Now it's time for the flat out awesome Stacey Kennedy to share her experience with you. 
First Submission Series:
February 1: Emily Cale
February 7: Gina Gordon w/ Giveaway
~*~
I'm really excited to be here at Sara's place. Well, because she is the best critique partner a girl could have, but I suppose I should get to it and chat about my first experience of submitting a novel.
I should start by saying that I never had dreams of becoming an author. In fact, I didn't even know I could write. I guess now looking back I can see little hints that this was going to be what I did when I grew up. I always did really well in my English classes and the short stories I had to write got awesome grades. But I didn't have the itch to become an author at any point in my life and actually went to college to be a law clerk.
It wasn't until I had my daughter, gave up my career to become a stay at home mom did the desire appear. I had read an obscene amount of books in the first year of my daughter's life because she napped so much that it gave me a lot of free time. Through all those stories, an idea came to me and that was the life of Nexi Jones.
So I just decided one day to write her story. I honestly didn't think anything would come of it. I was really just writing for fun. But when I finished the story, I got to thinking that it was kinda neat. And after I let a few of my friends and family read it—which was horribly terrifying—they all agreed that it wasn't bad. LOL! After I got the green light, I jumped in and learned everything I could about the publishing industry.
After hours and hours of research, I decided to send the story to a round of agents first and see what happened. I sent out five query letters and honestly didn't expect anything to come of it, but a 'are you kidding me? This story sucks!".
One of the agents on my list that I thought I'd make a good match with responded to me in a half an hour after I sent out the query letter. Yes, a half an hour! I was so shocked and thrilled considering I read that it took weeks before they responded. It was one of those, holy crap moments because the agency was at the top of my list and represented one of my favorite authors.
Then, I panicked. My heart raced at the idea of sending her a proposal. I read my sample chapters twenty times before I hit that send button. Even after I hit it, I read the chapters some more.
It's a totally nail biting, think you're going to vomit, stalking your inbox type of moments. It took her two months to read the chapters and when I saw her email in my inbox, I was scared out of my wits to open it.
While, she didn't offer representation, she did give me some of the greatest advice I've ever had as author. Her message to me was powerful and uplifting. While, some might think a rejection means, oh crap, I suck. I had the opposite effect. This was honestly the moment that I realized that I was better at writing then I thought I was. I walked away from that rejection feeling a whole lot more confident than I did going into my first query letters.
And it made me smart to what I needed to do next. My grammar needed work and I needed to restructure the story because in all honesty I had zero experience in writing a novel. I hadn't taken a workshop or even knew any other writers. And her advice is what made Nexi's first book into The Willow. I seriously cannot thank her enough for the positive rejection letter she sent and the advice she gave.
It made me work harder, get it right and best off all, it didn't make me want to give up. And that I think is what your first manuscript submission should be all about. If you get a rejection and if they offer advice, think on it, you might discover they are right. Or you might be one of those lucky ones that gets an offer to represent right away.
Things from that moment have only continued to move upward! So yes….my first manuscript submission and rejection is one of those experiences that I'll never forget.
If you're getting ready to send off that first query, GOOD LUCK! I wish you all the best and always keep that chin up. It only takes one "yes" to see your dreams come true!
~*~
Stacey Kennedy's novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and even give a good chuckle every now and again. But within the stories you'll find fast paced action, life threatening moments and a big bad villain that needs to be destroyed. Her urban fantasy/paranormal and erotic romance series have hit Amazon Kindle and All Romance Ebooks Bestseller lists. If she isn't plugging away at her next novel, tending to her two little ones, she's got her nose deep in a good book. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband.
Be sure to drop her a line at www.staceykennedy.com , she loves to hear from her readers.
February 7, 2012
First Submission Series – Gina Gordon (w/ Giveaway)
For the month of February, I've asked some authors to share their experience the first time they submitted a manuscript–regardless of the outcome. Today we have the very talented, Gina Gordon. She's got a giveaway too, so be sure to read through and leave a comment to be entered!
First Submission Series:
February 1: Emily Cale
~*~
How I Popped My Submission Cherry
My call came unexpectedly. My call came quickly.
And it is NOT supposed to be like that.
After a year of diligently writing for publication I decided to take the plunge. I would submit a manuscript….and then just sit back and wait for my rejection. I needed to build up my tolerance after all.
I polished my story. I researched publishers and then hit send. I remember being nervous, excited and wanting to throw up all at the same time.
About six hours later I got an e-mail from the acquisitions editor at Breathless Press telling me they wanted to publish my story. I squeed. I cried. And after my husband and I had way too many drinks, the news had finally sunk in.
This first story was the first step in my journey. It paved the way to where I am today. Looking back, boy did it stink. LOL It's amazing how much you grow as a writer with every manuscript you finish.
Although my first attempt was lucky, many rejections followed. Rejection comes with the territory. So for those of you who aren't yet published, you better grow a thick skin. You're going to need it. But with rejection, comes knowledge and the more you learn, the better your writing gets.
The best piece of advice you'll ever get, from anyone, not just from me, is don't give up. Whether your first attempt at submission is lucky or…not so much. Don't give up. Keep after your dream. If you want it bad enough, it'll come true.
So tell me, what publisher popped your submission cherry? If you leave a comment, you'll be entered to win ebook copies of all 3 novellas in my Bare Naked Designs series.
~*~
Gina loves spinning contemporary tales of knee-bending first kisses, unconditional love and super-hot sex scenes. She loves all things cupcakes and is addicted to Starbucks. Gina lives in Toronto, Canada with her husband and lovable dog. For more information on Gina and her books, visit: www.ginagordon.net
February 5, 2012
Guest Post: Carrie Ann Ryan
Taking another pause in the First Submission Series, I am very pleased to have the fantastic Carrie Ann Ryan here today, promoting her newest release. Not only is she sharing her approach to writing a story, but she's also got a giveaway and Chapter One of A Taste for a Mate, her new release.
~*~
Plotting is my Friend
You scoff. But it's true. I'm a plotter. And I'm okay with that. For those of you who are pansters – I don't know how you do it, but go for it. I need my outlines and storyboards. You just don't understand. I LOVE being organized. (Well, at least in my writing…)
When I first come up with a story idea, I ask myself if it will be a series or not. I know that's weird, but it's my brain LOL. As a reader, I usually only read series. That's because I hate giving up a whole new world after just one book. So when I write, I tend to write in series form.
And I'm okay with that.
So far I have three series plotted out – and I'm just starting. The Redwood Pack is about a family of werewolves and the mates the meet and the evil they face. It's a seven book series because I had seven Jamenson siblings yelling in my head. A Taste for a Mate is book 2 in the series and is out TODAY! Jasper is the hero and was actually the quietest in my mind, but he didn't turn out that way once I wrote him down. His mate Willow really changes for me as time moved on and I like her even more.
The second series is called the Dante's Circle series and is about a group of seven ordinary friends and what happens when they meet their supernatural loves of their lives and find out that nobody is just ordinary.
My third series is a secret. *evil laugh* But I'm already having fun with it. J
But back to plotting. I plot the characters first. Who are they? What do they look like in my head? And what order will I write them. This helps me place little "Easter eggs" in previous books for myself and readers. Then I plot the series out. In which I decide what big events happen in each book. Like is there a *gasp* death or a fire or something big. Pretty much what big thing needs to happen to get the overall plot line that weaves through books 2-7 moving.
Then I outline the books. O_o I plot the chapters with one or two sentences with what will that chapter be about. This usually takes me the longest because in all actuality, I'm writing a whole book summary. Then I go back and add more in to the each chapter so each chapter is detailed.
It's not set in stone though. I combine chapters, add more or even *gasp* delete them, as I go on. But I know where I'm going the whole time. I need it.
I need plotting. I love knowing where I'm going to make sure I don't forget something and that the story is told how my characters and I want it - not just what I happened to want that day. It works for me. But it doesn't have to work for everyone. However I love being able to say – yes – there is another book coming out after A Taste for a Mate. It's called Trinity Bound, and then there are four more books after that in just this series.
Do you plot? Or are you a panster?
If you're a reader – do you care? LOL Or do you just want to read the final product and enjoy yourself. (As a reader I fall into this category)
Thanks so much for having me Sara!
And one commenter will win a signed bookmark so please be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you.
A Taste for a Mate Blurb
Jasper Jamenson's only responsibility to being the Beta of the Redwood Pack, second son of the Alpha, is to protect the Pack from themselves and the human world. After a century of selfless service, his brother's new found mating forced him into taking a good look into his life. He isn't sure he wants a mate, but fate may have other ideas.
Willow Delton is a skinny, bakery owner – the type most woman love to hate. Being without family, she finds herself alone to the Greek god with green eyes who saunters into her bakery every morning. Her desire to follow him, to be with him, overrides every rational sense she possessed.
Jasper and Willow are drawn together, despite every nuisance that works against them. But evil beyond even Jasper's supernatural compensation will make war against him, by going after the only thing in his eternal life he desires – Willow. Is Willow's heart enough to overcome Jasper's soul to save her life? A fight he cannot win, but to save her life – he must.
Buy Links
An Alpha's Path
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/an-alphas-path-carrie-ann-ryan/1107828923
~*~
Chapter 1
The scent of cinnamon and sugar danced on the air as Willow Delton heaved opened the heavy oven door to remove her prized cinnamon rolls. The plump, buttery pastries were baked to perfection, and she set them on the counter to cool. The only thing missing was her thick and creamy frosting, but that would have to wait.
Willow stood back and stared around her commercial grade kitchen. She'd started her bakery from scratch, and it had grown into a successful, albeit small, business. Incredible, really. She'd never thought the day would arrive when she finally had a place to call her own. She was right where she wanted to be. Her favorite part of the day was being able to meet one-on-one with her customers. She loved the looks on their faces when they bit into her temptations, that look of ecstasy not seen on this side of the bedroom door that flashed across their eyes.
Of course, that particular look as the result of a man was long absent from Willow's face. Too excruciatingly long.
She stood back and closed her eyes, conjuring the memory of her mystery man's face. The image that filled her mind made her forget the lack of human contact. The thought of his deep, husky voice tickled her spine whenever he spoke. Green eyes caught her in his web with only a glance. She'd fallen for a stranger and didn't even know his name. He'd come into her store every morning and ordered a cinnamon roll and coffee with only a few words. Then he 'd pay cash before lifting up the corner of his mouth in a semblance of a smile and walking out of her store. Was it strange she worried he'd keep walking and never return?
A bell's tinkle pulled Willow from her reverie and self-pity. As she turned to greet her customer, her heart leapt to her throat. Him. Her mysterious fantasy man. As she tried to regain her senses, she took all of him in. He had to be one of the tallest men she'd ever seen, easily over six and a half feet. The tight black T-shirt he wore hugged his biceps and cut into his muscular physique, while his broad shoulders stretched and strained the seams. His body tapered down to a narrow waist and hips as they met his thighs. His long legs she wanted to grip, encased in worn jeans lead to work boots. Hmm, construction perhaps? She glanced back up his body to his striking face.
He wasn't beautiful, but he did have a face most women would dream about. A strong jaw and cheekbones gave him an aura of strength, the kind of strength that would be protective. His hair was midnight black and long enough to brush his shoulders, however, today, a band held it back, showcasing his face more. He studied her, his green eyes calm and calculating. Willow let out a surprised gasp at the sexual heat radiating from him. Could she possibly be imagining things?
****
Jasper Jamenson fought himself as he walked into the bakery that morning. This would be the seventh week in a row he'd come here, every day but Sunday. And that was only because the damn store was closed. As good as the cinnamon rolls were, and they were little tastes of heaven, it was the woman behind the counter that brought him there every morning.
Following a particularly bad night in the forest on a hunt, Jasper had been pissed and hungry. Another wolf had tried to play a dominant game, forcing Jasper to hurt him. The stench of the other's defeat had remained on him, only angering Jasper that much more. The scent of the morning's freshly baked goods pulled him through the quaint and welcoming door, and the slender goddess who served him brought thoughts of a different form of servicing to mind.
Slightly above average in height – he would guess about five foot seven – she was the perfect height to settle against his body. For someone who owned and operated a bakery, she was as skinny as a rail. However, if he looked close enough he could see the telltale signs possible of curves. And with just a little bit of his help and pampering she would gain some well-needed cushion. No matter what, she'd look amazing underneath him. Her long, light brown hair curled in a bun on the top of her head. His fingers ached to pull out the pins and watch it tumble down her back. Hazel eyes sought him and begged for his protection. Damn, he was willing.
Her look made the wolf within him perk up and growl.
"Mate? I want her". His wolf paced beneath the surface of his skin, calculating the best way to quickly claim their mate.
What his wolf spoke of was a possibility. There were only a few women in the world through time that carried the scent to signal the potential mating. Unlike his brother Kade, who had met two women recently that carried the scent, Jasper had never in his one-hundred and three years come across a woman who brought forth the mating urge. However, if all encounters were like this one, Jasper didn't know how others walked away. The urge rode him hard and he fought his wolf for control if only for a moment, something that hadn't happened since he was a pup.
He mentally spoke to his wolf. "We are not ready for a mate. And a human no less. She knows nothing of us. If, and that is a big if, we chose her to be our mate, we will have to go slowly into this. I don't want us to scare her. But she is beautiful, no"
His wolf growled in response.
"Do you want to scare her away? Let's get to know her first, see if she is a good match, other than that incredible cinnamon scent. I'll talk to Adam and find out everything I can about her. I am the Beta; I cannot put my Pack in jeopardy."
God, he really sucked at this. This time he needed to put on his big wolf panties and actually ask her out.
"Then we could mark her."
He snorted at his wolf. Yeah, that was taking it slow.
Jasper shook himself from his inner thoughts and looked into those hazel eyes. The spot of flour on her cheek begged for his hand to brush it way. He fought the urge. No need to freak her out. Her chest moved slowly, her small breasts rising and falling. The cinnamon scent of her filled his nostrils and he took a deep breath, the aroma going straight to his cock. The slight gasp that escaped from her kissable lips almost broke his control, and he fisted his hands to regain it.
"Good morning." His voice lowered an octave and became a growl. He cleared his throat and started again. "I come here every morning and I don't think I ever gave you my name. Let me rectify that." He closed the distance between them so only the counter separated them. "I'm Jasper Jamenson. It's a pleasure to meet you." He held out his hand in hopes of touching her skin.
Willow blinked up at him and seemed at a loss for words. Her lips opened slightly, begging him to lean down and taste her.
"Uh… yeah… I'm Willow Delton." She shook her head, gave him a small smile and placed her slender hand in his. He'd been right – her skin was incredibly soft and made him want to take a bite.
"Yes, I know, you own this place." He gave her hand a squeeze and released her.
"So, Jasper, do you want your usual?" The sound of his name on her lips hardened his cock. Without waiting for him to respond, she turned back to her work-table to ice her cinnamon rolls.
"Sounds good." He watched as her hands moved swiftly and confidently across the baking sheets. "What time do you get off?"
"Smooth, Romeo. Why don't you just ask her to bend over the work table for you?"
Ignoring his wolf Jasper continued, "I thought that we could grab a bite to eat tonight and go see to the arts fest they have running in town."
Oh dear Lord. Why didn't he ease into this?
"Oh, are you asking me out on a date?" She wrinkled her brow and looked utterly confused at the prospect.
"Yes, I am. I've been in here for over a month every morning, and as much as I love your food, I had an ulterior motive."
Surprise flashed across her face before her eyes lit up with excitement. "I've never been to the arts fest in town. I didn't want to go by myself and didn't have anyone to go with me." Her mouth snapped shut at her revealing statement.
Laughing quietly, he shook his head. "So what time do you get off?"
"You really need to stop putting it like that; it gives me ideas." Again, he ignored his wolf's sarcasm.
"I close at four and should be done cleaning up by five. It's only me here today so it's going to take me an hour to close."
"What do you say I come back at six and we go to dinner from here?"
Her smile almost blinded him as she nodded before taking off her apron. "Okay. Sounds good. Here's your breakfast." She handed him his black coffee and a small brown bag with a pink logo.
Taking everything from her hands, he set them down along with the cash to pay for it. Giving into temptation he leaned over the counter to brush the flour from her cheek.
She jumped and a flash of alarm raced across her face.
Chuckling under his breath, he reassured her. "Just some flour. I'll see you at six, Willow." He grabbed his breakfast and walked to the door, taking one last look behind him at the woman who was his mate. He was one lucky bastard.
Whistling a jaunty tune, he walked toward his Jeep, unconcerned and happy while leaving his mate to do her work. The hairs on the back of his neck lifted, and his wolf came to attention. The street was empty but for a few people; nothing looked out of place. Jasper took a deep breath but didn't detect another presence. With one last look toward his slender brunette, he shrugged off the uneasy feeling and continued to his Jeep.
~*~
Carrie Ann Ryan is a paranormal and contemporary romance author. After spending too much time behind a lab bench, she decided to dive into the romance world and find her werewolf mate – even if its just in her books. Happy endings are always near – even if you have to get over the challenges of falling in love first.
Her first book, An Alpha's Path, is the first in her Redwood Pack series. She's also an avid reader and lover of romance and fiction novels. She love meeting new authors and new worlds. Any recommendations you have are appreciated. Carrie Ann lives in New England with her husband and two kittens.
Carrie Ann loves hearing from readers. You can find her at:
Website
Blog
Facebook Author Page
Facebook Friend
Goodreads
Twitter: @CarrieAnnRyan
Six Sentence Sunday – 2/5
Taking a pause in the February First Submission series to do Six Sentence Sunday. Not sure what that is? Scroll down to find out. But first, how about six sentences from the book I just finished the 1st draft on? This is from Command, Ryan's book (yes, it finally has a viable title! ) and is related to Hardware.
"Walk to the treeline, you'll find a well-worn path there—follow it. You'll know when to stop." Beth nodded and started to move away, but Ryan touched her arm to stop her. "Naked by the time I arrive, understood?"
Her eyes glinted in the soft light of morning. "Yes, Master."
For those new to this, the rules are simple:
1) pick a project – a current Work in Progress, contracted work or even something readers can buy if you're published
2) pick six sentences
3) post 'em on Sunday
See? Easy. Want to play? See the site for information on how to do just that: http://sixsunday.com
If you have a Twitter account, you can add the hashtag #sixsunday to your tweets when you tweet a link to your Six Sentence Sunday post. If you're a writer (regardless of published/unpublished status) come join us!
February 1, 2012
First Submission Series – Emily Cale
For the month of February, I've asked a few authors to come share their experience the first time they submitted a manuscript to a publisher–regardless of what the outcome was. I suspect we're in for an interesting array of stories. First up, is the amazing Emily Cale!
~*~
When Sara asked for first submission stories, I was really excited. Mostly, though, this was because I love to hear other people's. I have made a lot of mistakes sending out submissions, but my first time actually didn't have any of these issues (you'll have to beg for the other stories).
I sent out my first real query letter in June 2010 for a Western novella titled Tamed. I managed to time my submissions so that I would be spending the majority of my wait time working overseas. When I'm there, I only have access to internet for eight hours a day (in the middle of the night in the US), have no smart phone, and actually spend very few hours in front of my computer. Every morning I'd wake up, go in to the office, and wade through the 100+ emails I received every night to see if a response had come through.
Nothing happened. The initial response time passed and I managed to grab a wi-fi signal one night to nudge the acquisition editor and then go to sleep. When I got in the next morning, I saw two emails from the publisher. I actually debated not opening either of them. I started with the one I'd received first. It was an apology for getting behind on responses and a statement that she would read my story right that minute. Lucky for me, I didn't have to get that email in real time. I think I would have died in the process. The second was her actual response. I had to read it at least 10 times before I figured out they were offering me a contract.
I somehow caught my husband on email before he went to bed and got him to call me so I could tell him the good news. In the middle-of-nowhere there are very few ways to celebrate, so I got to eat the half-melted Twix bar that I'd been saving for a special occasion.
Mistakes I've made since then: Spelled an editor's name wrong, subbed a partial when the full wasn't done, followed up on a query before time was technically up, forgotten to mention something was a multiple submission and sent the wrong file.
Yeah, all of that.
Public Display of Affection
After a heartbreaking end to her relationship with her girlfriend, Lucy Stark is looking to try something more adventurous. She turns to Madame Eve's 1Night Stand service to help her find the perfect woman to push her boundaries and introduce her to the more daring side of a sexual encounter.
Samantha Taylor's helped more than one woman explore her sexuality, but Lucy's the first to really get to her. Keeping her walls up and the women she dates from getting inside is a skill she's managed to master. After one night of unbridled passion, she has to decide whether to give up her hard exterior or let the woman of her dreams slip away.
Buy Link: Decadent Publishing
January 29, 2012
Six Sentence Sunday – 1/29
I've been steadily chipping away at this current work and am in the home stretch. It finally has a title too! But…I'm not sharing just yet. I never make it a secret I love to write tortured heroes. And Ryan, a tenant at the warehouse Sanctuary (which was first introduced in Hardware), is no exception. Six more from Ryan's book.
Ryan started to sing a stripped down and raw song—the sort he poured his utter soul into because it meant the most to him. He drew the entire crowd with his raspy voice as he sang of love and loss. About mistakes and long forgotten memories. But most importantly, he sang about heartbreak.
He knew all eyes were on him as his powerful voice sang vocals that tore him apart.
It was cathartic—a cleansing of his soul—and very much overdue.
For those new to this, the rules are simple:
1) pick a project – a current Work in Progress, contracted work or even something readers can buy if you're published
2) pick six sentences
3) post 'em on Sunday
See? Easy. Want to play? See the site for information on how to do just that: http://sixsunday.com
If you have a Twitter account, you can add the hashtag #sixsunday to your tweets when you tweet a link to your Six Sentence Sunday post. If you're a writer (regardless of published/unpublished status) come join us!
January 22, 2012
Six Sentence Sunday – 1/22
Thought I'd share six sentences from a book I'm currently working on. This is Ryan's book for those of you familiar with Hardware. I keep flipping on the title, so it's not settled quite yet. I'm in the last quarter of the book, nearly finished, so I'll have to decide soon. Ah well, enjoy.
Beth gave a soft sigh as she fanned her hand, pressing it against his chest. The contact was so simple, yet intensely intimate.
Ryan gloried in the moment, cradling her while she drifted along in subspace. He wouldn't rush her out of it because he knew the intoxicating effect was a hard thing to pull away from. Instead, he dragged her closer, checking her breathing and pupils. Satisfied, he fit her head under his chin and leaned against the wall—perfectly at peace for the first time in forever.
For those new to this, the rules are simple:
1) pick a project – a current Work in Progress, contracted work or even something readers can buy if you're published
2) pick six sentences
3) post 'em on Sunday
See? Easy. Want to play? See the site for information on how to do just that: http://sixsunday.com
If you have a Twitter account, you can add the hashtag #sixsunday to your tweets when you tweet a link to your Six Sentence Sunday post. If you're a writer (regardless of published/unpublished status) come join us!
January 16, 2012
Time to Open the Virtual Champagne and Party!
Yipee!! Today is the CyberLaunch for my m/m paranormal erotic romance Hard as Stone over at Author Island. Come on over and leave a comment for your change to win a $15.00 Amazon gift certificate AND winner's choice of one of my backlist books.
January 15, 2012
Six Sentence Sunday – 1/15
It's been a while since I offered up something indicative of the genre I write, erotic romance (read: something hot and dirty). So, I give you six sentences from Chasing Sin, a m/m/f erotic romance I just sent off to my critique partner for a looksee. WARNING: Adult language, adult themes and yeah, every other adult warning you can think of. It's my brain, what do you expect, hello? 
Kate stood on tip-toe, reaching around Tripp's leg to pull Snyder's mouth to hers. He grunted in surprise, one of his hands lifting to the back of her neck to drag her closer. She nipped at his bottom lip, sucking on his tongue when he slid it into her mouth. Dropping her hand, she caressed the firm curve of his ass and was delighted to discover he continued to keep pace fucking Tripp while he kissed her.
She didn't think it was possible, but she became even wetter at the thought of the picture the three of them made, spread out on her kitchen counter giving into their desperate need for one another. Anxious to have more contact, she walked her fingers over Tripp's abdomen and wrapped her hand around his cock.
For those new to this, the rules are simple:
1) pick a project – a current Work in Progress, contracted work or even something readers can buy if you're published
2) pick six sentences
3) post 'em on Sunday
See? Easy. Want to play? See the site for information on how to do just that: http://sixsunday.com
If you have a Twitter account, you can add the hashtag #sixsunday to your tweets when you tweet a link to your Six Sentence Sunday post. If you're a writer (regardless of published/unpublished status) come join us!
January 10, 2012
State of Sara – 1/10
It's been a while since I've done one of these, so I thought I'd take some time to do one. Nothing new on the release front, which, in a way, is a sigh of relief as I had two releases last month. Nice break is nice. But my definition of the word "break" doesn't always mean what it does for everyone else. *g* I've been hard at work on a few different things:
* an untitled contemporary erotic romance (BDSM). This is Ryan's book. For those unfamiliar with Ryan, he made a brief appearance in Hardware. Like Hardware, the female lead in this book is also a geek. She games (a fact that pleases Allison to no end) and is Gatlin Falls' newest radio personality with an affinity for hard driving rock music. If you missed it, I posted a sneak peek over at The Romance Studio's New Years Party – just scroll down a little past the Hardware excerpt. http://trsparties.com/index.php/featured-releases/2644-hardware-a-sneak-peek-of-a-work-in-progress-adult-excerpt-sara-brookes
* an untitled futuristic erotic romance (D/s). This is a project I'm working on that I'm not a liberty to discuss just yet, but I've just about finished the first draft, just one or two key scenes to go. This one has a word count target I'm desperately trying to stay under. I actually think I'm going to go over, but its easier sometimes to cut and remove. I should finish up this first draft this week.
* Chasing Sin, a contemporary erotic romance (m/m/f menage). The first draft of this one is done, it's in week three of sitting on my hard drive percolating. Which means as soon as I finish the first draft of the futuristic I mentioned above, I'll dive into personal edits on this one. This one about three storm chasers whose lives take a turn after surviving a close encounter with a tornado in America's Heartland. I gave a sneak peek of this one as well at The Romance Studio's New Years Party – same deal, just scroll down after the excerpt. http://trsparties.com/index.php/featured-releases/2681-hard-as-stone-a-sneak-peek-mm-adult-excerpts-sara-brookes
* an untitled contemporary erotic romance (BDSM). This is Adam's book. For those unfamiliar with Adam, he is a close friend of Dalton and made a brief appearance in Ragged Edge. When Dalton left Second Circle, Adam took over one of his duties–instructor.
The CyberLaunch for Hard as Stone will be held on Monday, January 16. I'll be giving away an Amazon gift card so be sure to swing by on Monday!
So that's what is hot on my plate at the moment. While I've bought a ton of books to read lately, I have some judging packets that need my attention first. So, for the next few months, I'll be reading those instead of anything in my TBR pile. Though, in the meantime, I have no doubt that pile will continue to grow. One day, I expect it shall consume the room it is stacked in. Not that I'm complaining.
