J.R. Pearse Nelson's Blog, page 17
June 20, 2013
Children of the Sidhe Teaser
(…or "why I love picmonkey.com." Seriously. It's addictive.)
June 19, 2013
Final ROW80 Update for Spring 2013
It's already time to sum up my spring progress as the Round of Words in 80 Days challenge wraps up the spring round.
Here were my goals for April through June:
1) Revise and publish Flight, the third Children of the Sidhe novella
2) Write an average of 500 words per day on the second Foulweather Twins novel
How did I do?
For the good news, there's my progress on Goal #1. Flight will be out next week! So, yay!
For the less than stellar news….I wrote about 15,000 words of the second Foulweather Twins novel this spring. That's not great. If I'd written 500 words each day of the challenge, I could have completed the draft -- but it was not to be. I still have about 20k to write. I'm just about to the 40k mark.
I'm looking forward to hopping around tonight and seeing how everyone else is doing as they finish the round.
Have a great week!
Here were my goals for April through June:
1) Revise and publish Flight, the third Children of the Sidhe novella
2) Write an average of 500 words per day on the second Foulweather Twins novel
How did I do?
For the good news, there's my progress on Goal #1. Flight will be out next week! So, yay!
For the less than stellar news….I wrote about 15,000 words of the second Foulweather Twins novel this spring. That's not great. If I'd written 500 words each day of the challenge, I could have completed the draft -- but it was not to be. I still have about 20k to write. I'm just about to the 40k mark.
I'm looking forward to hopping around tonight and seeing how everyone else is doing as they finish the round.
Have a great week!
June 17, 2013
Flight Cover Reveal! (And a Bonus -- Free Books!!)
Flight, the third novella in my Children of the Sidhe paranormal romance series, will be out June 26th! Here's the cover!! Whee!! I love it sooooo much! Thanks to Tishia at Paragraphic Designs for designing all of my covers. :)
The BONUS!!
A description and excerpt from Flight appear below, but first -- I have two FREE books to offer you! The first two Children of the Sidhe novellas, Tribute and Vessel, are FREE today and tomorrow on Amazon! Take me up on this opportunity to catch up with my fae-filled paranormal romance series, before the release of Flight on June 26th.
Flight
Nathan Jeffries doesn’t entirely understand his affinity for hawks, until he finds he can shift into one. Fae blood is to blame for his good looks and luck with the ladies – but now that luck has turned. Nathan is on an Otherworld assassin’s hit list, and the only person stepping forward to help him just may be playing for the other side in the Sidhe Blood Wars.
Tessa Anndrais isn’t sure where she stands. When Abarta – the assassin – threatens to reveal a family secret, she’s determined to protect her own. She’s never approved of thinning Sidhe blood by mixing with humans. Yet she finds herself watching Nathan, the half-human son of the Lord of the Skies, with enough approval to keep her warm all through the night.
Children of the Sidhe
The Sidhe dwindle. Slow to breed and quick to war, the ages have worn away their numbers. An old enemy threatens Otherworld, fearsome in numbers and in newfound magic. The Sidhe’s unloved part-human children strewn about the mortal world are suddenly their greatest source of hope.
Excerpt:
“Who told you this?” Tessa Anndrais shoved back the hood of her satiny lavender cloak. It pooled opulently around her shoulders, highlighting her halo of white-blond hair. Her sapphire eyes sparkled. “I could make you my slave for such slander.”
Using that sort of magic drained her for days, not to mention the idea of controlling another’s mind gave her the shivers after her recent ordeal, but she didn’t have to tell Abarta that. He was known as the Trickster for a reason. He was also wickedly beautiful, though she’d never admit her guilty attraction to the bad boy causing such trouble among the Sidhe – especially now that he’d introduced blackmail into their relationship. The ridiculous Sidhe libido could be a nuisance at times, and this was one of them.
Abarta smiled, his full lips parting to show his teeth. “I didn’t come here to share with you, Tessa. I was told your magic and knowledge are worth your troublesome penchant for independence. You will serve me now.” Shadows slithered swiftly from between the trees. Inky darkness seeped into the clearing where Abarta had insisted she meet him, filling the air until the shadows stamped out view of what lay beyond. Darkness closed in, so close she could smell its dank, putrid stench.
“Creepy effect, but I’m not so easily fooled by illusion.” Tessa held out a hand and closed her fist, tight. The shadows retreated in a heartbeat, and a nearby bird sang a bright note of thanks, which was answered by another shrill call. It was her turn to smile. “Tell me why I shouldn’t take you to the Sidhe Authority right now.”
“Easy. You don’t want to betray me. I’ve made arrangements in case I am harmed, go missing, or otherwise say the word. Do you take me for a fool? Besides, I’ve had third-party confirmation. Without my protection, your brother’s secret will get out.”
Tessa stood her ground, but her mind reeled. They’d been so careful, but apparently someone had found her family’s secret despite all their efforts to hide it. She weighed her options. She could go along with his blackmail for the time being, or at least play along to keep her family safe. She didn’t exactly disagree with his cause. She had no love for the humans. He needed a spy, and she had to admit she was well placed to get the information he was after.
But Tessa hated putting herself in another manipulative man’s power. Until recently, she’d had a good deal of faith in the Sidhe – faith that her people were wise, and while not always kind, they had a nobility that other races could only hope to emulate. Tessa’s recent lover, Bertran, had challenged those notions completely. When the opportunity to perpetuate the Blood Wars arose, he’d used her, to the extent of taking control over her body and using her as a puppet in his schemes. She’d trusted him, or at least enjoyed him, and her faith had been sorely tested. She didn’t want another man to have power over her. Not now.
Abarta seemed to read her thoughts about her ex-lover. “Tell Mikhail you need to know what’s going on after what happened with Bertran. He’ll sympathize. Tell him you want to help. Find out everything the Sidhe Authority knows about the half-humans, and bring that information to me.”
“If I help you, and you succeed, then you’ll tell me everything you know of your so-called third party.” Tessa would never be stupid enough to play along without asking for something that made it worth her while. Abarta the Trickster – with him any bargain must be worded with exceeding care. Give and take were each a part of the game.
“Making deals, making deals. You’re not exactly in the position, Tessa. Mikhail’s secrets–”
“I’ll help you,” Tessa snarled, her patience officially at an end. “But if you leak a word of that, you’ll wish you’d never heard it. You’ll wish eternally for an end to the pain I will subject you to.”
Abarta bowed his head, but she could still see his smile. “I hear you, and your self-righteousness is music to my ears.”
Tessa watched him resolutely. “What about the third party?” she pressed.
“I apologize. I cannot speak of them. Is there another prize you wish to ask?”
Tessa noted how he twined his fingers together as he asked the question. Abarta the fidgeter? What was it he didn’t want her to know? “If I help you, and you succeed, then you’ll leave my family alone for all time.”
“Done,” Abarta smiled as he gazed straight into her eyes, and Tessa stomach sank. That was too easy, and she already dreaded the bargain she’d been forced to make.
These half-humans were important somehow – obviously more important in the scheme of things than her own blood, if Abarta was so willing to trade for the chance to slaughter them.
Mikhail’s secret taunted at the edge of her thoughts, but she refused to think on that. He’d made his mistakes, but he was her brother, and she’d always looked out for him. And I’m not about to stop now, Tessa thought, setting her jaw.
“Return here when I call.” He gestured around the glade amid the Middleworld forest, where he’d directed her for this meeting. “You may go now,” Abarta told her.
Tessa scowled at him. Who was he to order her around? “I will return as my duties allow after I receive your call.”
“You’re a librarian. Is your schedule that full?”
“My rank is Curator of the Texts, and I’ll not justify my availability to you. As my duties allow.”
“Why are you still arguing with me? Get out of here.”
Tessa had wondered the same thing, but she wasn’t about to lose an argument with Abarta. He would fear her, or Mikhail’s secret was lost.
###
The BONUS!!
A description and excerpt from Flight appear below, but first -- I have two FREE books to offer you! The first two Children of the Sidhe novellas, Tribute and Vessel, are FREE today and tomorrow on Amazon! Take me up on this opportunity to catch up with my fae-filled paranormal romance series, before the release of Flight on June 26th.
Flight
Nathan Jeffries doesn’t entirely understand his affinity for hawks, until he finds he can shift into one. Fae blood is to blame for his good looks and luck with the ladies – but now that luck has turned. Nathan is on an Otherworld assassin’s hit list, and the only person stepping forward to help him just may be playing for the other side in the Sidhe Blood Wars.
Tessa Anndrais isn’t sure where she stands. When Abarta – the assassin – threatens to reveal a family secret, she’s determined to protect her own. She’s never approved of thinning Sidhe blood by mixing with humans. Yet she finds herself watching Nathan, the half-human son of the Lord of the Skies, with enough approval to keep her warm all through the night.
Children of the Sidhe
The Sidhe dwindle. Slow to breed and quick to war, the ages have worn away their numbers. An old enemy threatens Otherworld, fearsome in numbers and in newfound magic. The Sidhe’s unloved part-human children strewn about the mortal world are suddenly their greatest source of hope.
Excerpt:
“Who told you this?” Tessa Anndrais shoved back the hood of her satiny lavender cloak. It pooled opulently around her shoulders, highlighting her halo of white-blond hair. Her sapphire eyes sparkled. “I could make you my slave for such slander.”
Using that sort of magic drained her for days, not to mention the idea of controlling another’s mind gave her the shivers after her recent ordeal, but she didn’t have to tell Abarta that. He was known as the Trickster for a reason. He was also wickedly beautiful, though she’d never admit her guilty attraction to the bad boy causing such trouble among the Sidhe – especially now that he’d introduced blackmail into their relationship. The ridiculous Sidhe libido could be a nuisance at times, and this was one of them.
Abarta smiled, his full lips parting to show his teeth. “I didn’t come here to share with you, Tessa. I was told your magic and knowledge are worth your troublesome penchant for independence. You will serve me now.” Shadows slithered swiftly from between the trees. Inky darkness seeped into the clearing where Abarta had insisted she meet him, filling the air until the shadows stamped out view of what lay beyond. Darkness closed in, so close she could smell its dank, putrid stench.
“Creepy effect, but I’m not so easily fooled by illusion.” Tessa held out a hand and closed her fist, tight. The shadows retreated in a heartbeat, and a nearby bird sang a bright note of thanks, which was answered by another shrill call. It was her turn to smile. “Tell me why I shouldn’t take you to the Sidhe Authority right now.”
“Easy. You don’t want to betray me. I’ve made arrangements in case I am harmed, go missing, or otherwise say the word. Do you take me for a fool? Besides, I’ve had third-party confirmation. Without my protection, your brother’s secret will get out.”
Tessa stood her ground, but her mind reeled. They’d been so careful, but apparently someone had found her family’s secret despite all their efforts to hide it. She weighed her options. She could go along with his blackmail for the time being, or at least play along to keep her family safe. She didn’t exactly disagree with his cause. She had no love for the humans. He needed a spy, and she had to admit she was well placed to get the information he was after.
But Tessa hated putting herself in another manipulative man’s power. Until recently, she’d had a good deal of faith in the Sidhe – faith that her people were wise, and while not always kind, they had a nobility that other races could only hope to emulate. Tessa’s recent lover, Bertran, had challenged those notions completely. When the opportunity to perpetuate the Blood Wars arose, he’d used her, to the extent of taking control over her body and using her as a puppet in his schemes. She’d trusted him, or at least enjoyed him, and her faith had been sorely tested. She didn’t want another man to have power over her. Not now.
Abarta seemed to read her thoughts about her ex-lover. “Tell Mikhail you need to know what’s going on after what happened with Bertran. He’ll sympathize. Tell him you want to help. Find out everything the Sidhe Authority knows about the half-humans, and bring that information to me.”
“If I help you, and you succeed, then you’ll tell me everything you know of your so-called third party.” Tessa would never be stupid enough to play along without asking for something that made it worth her while. Abarta the Trickster – with him any bargain must be worded with exceeding care. Give and take were each a part of the game.
“Making deals, making deals. You’re not exactly in the position, Tessa. Mikhail’s secrets–”
“I’ll help you,” Tessa snarled, her patience officially at an end. “But if you leak a word of that, you’ll wish you’d never heard it. You’ll wish eternally for an end to the pain I will subject you to.”
Abarta bowed his head, but she could still see his smile. “I hear you, and your self-righteousness is music to my ears.”
Tessa watched him resolutely. “What about the third party?” she pressed.
“I apologize. I cannot speak of them. Is there another prize you wish to ask?”
Tessa noted how he twined his fingers together as he asked the question. Abarta the fidgeter? What was it he didn’t want her to know? “If I help you, and you succeed, then you’ll leave my family alone for all time.”
“Done,” Abarta smiled as he gazed straight into her eyes, and Tessa stomach sank. That was too easy, and she already dreaded the bargain she’d been forced to make.
These half-humans were important somehow – obviously more important in the scheme of things than her own blood, if Abarta was so willing to trade for the chance to slaughter them.
Mikhail’s secret taunted at the edge of her thoughts, but she refused to think on that. He’d made his mistakes, but he was her brother, and she’d always looked out for him. And I’m not about to stop now, Tessa thought, setting her jaw.
“Return here when I call.” He gestured around the glade amid the Middleworld forest, where he’d directed her for this meeting. “You may go now,” Abarta told her.
Tessa scowled at him. Who was he to order her around? “I will return as my duties allow after I receive your call.”
“You’re a librarian. Is your schedule that full?”
“My rank is Curator of the Texts, and I’ll not justify my availability to you. As my duties allow.”
“Why are you still arguing with me? Get out of here.”
Tessa had wondered the same thing, but she wasn’t about to lose an argument with Abarta. He would fear her, or Mikhail’s secret was lost.
###
June 14, 2013
Blog Tour Hosts Needed
I'll be doing multiple promotions over the next month as I release my fourth book, Flight. I'd love to hop around to different blogs for related events between June 17th and mid-July. If you're interested in hosting a cover reveal, author interview, or other promotion for my paranormal romance series, please get in touch by emailing me at jrpearsenelson@gmail.com, or messaging me on Facebook or Twitter, or leaving a comment below. And thanks!
June 13, 2013
Now That's A Work In Progress!
Here's a shot of my kitchen table earlier today. Who slaughtered that outline with purple ink?!?
Um, yeah. That was me. :)
Remaining outline of Chaos Calling, Foulweather Twins, # 2.
Um, yeah. That was me. :)
Remaining outline of Chaos Calling, Foulweather Twins, # 2.June 12, 2013
Indie Life: I'm Still A New Author…In Two Genres
Welcome to Indie Life! This is a chance for indie authors to post about being an independent author, find each other, offer support, encouragement, news, helpful hints. We're posting the second Wednesday of every month. To join us, go here.
This month I'd like to talk about the benefits and drawbacks of publishing in multiple genres, as well as my general sense of author "newness," though I'm coming up on two years since publishing my first book.
One major benefit of being an indie author is that there's nothing tying you to producing work in a single genre. You make that decision. For myself, I've published two novellas in my Children of the Sidhe paranormal romance series, and the first book in my Foulweather Twins fantasy series. I made the decision to publish simultaneously in both genres. (I was of sound mind at the time, if you're wondering. Ha!) I wouldn't have it any other way, but I think it's important to realize both how far I've come, and how far I have left to go to be the author I want to be.
I'm truly in love with both of the series I've introduced. Sequels are in the works in both cases. It just happens that my series are in different genres. In my mind, that's both good and not so good. It's good because I'm showing my versatility. I don't read just one type of fiction. I read pretty much anything that includes a touch of fantasy, and even non-fantasy fiction (on occasion). Why would I write just one type of fantasy? Over time, I'll build a library of both paranormal romance and fantasy…and I'll probably sneak in other odd-ball works.
So, why is it bad to be in multiple genres? Well -- I wouldn't go so far as to say it's bad. Look back, I didn't say bad. I said "not so good." Fine distinction, that. :)
Writing in multiple genres can be a negative when you're unknown. There. I said it. I believe over time it will become far more positive than negative. But for now I have to work on building, fostering, networking; with two distinct audiences. There's probably going to be some crossover, but I'm not sure how much. In the meantime, it takes me longer to get books out in each genre because of my work in the other genre, and with only three books out I can't keep a reader engaged for very long to build that relationship that will keep them coming back. For readers who are only looking for PNR, I have two titles (three, very soon!). For fantasy readers, or young readers, I have exactly one title.
A few months ago, I would have said that in ten years I'll have more fantasy titles than paranormal romance. I'm not so sure now. Why would I want to predict what all of those years will bring? That's the joy of this ride -- figuring it out as we go. One thing that made me question that assumption, that I'm more of a fantasy author than a paranormal romance author, is that I've conceptualized a new PNR series. No groaning, people! I'm not writing it yet. I won't start until both the Children of the Sidhe series and the Foulweather Twin series are DONE. I'm not that crazy. But the point is, I have new ideas for PNR. Exciting ideas!
Some questions for you, fellow indies: Where do you stand on publishing in multiple genres (mostly positive, or mostly negative)? When does the newbie shine start to rub off an author? Is this a real condition, or is it all about perception? In ten years, will I actually feel experienced, or is that even possible with the constantly morphing landscape of publishing (and life)?
Remember to check out the other Indie Life posts; this is a blog hop!
This month I'd like to talk about the benefits and drawbacks of publishing in multiple genres, as well as my general sense of author "newness," though I'm coming up on two years since publishing my first book.
One major benefit of being an indie author is that there's nothing tying you to producing work in a single genre. You make that decision. For myself, I've published two novellas in my Children of the Sidhe paranormal romance series, and the first book in my Foulweather Twins fantasy series. I made the decision to publish simultaneously in both genres. (I was of sound mind at the time, if you're wondering. Ha!) I wouldn't have it any other way, but I think it's important to realize both how far I've come, and how far I have left to go to be the author I want to be.
I'm truly in love with both of the series I've introduced. Sequels are in the works in both cases. It just happens that my series are in different genres. In my mind, that's both good and not so good. It's good because I'm showing my versatility. I don't read just one type of fiction. I read pretty much anything that includes a touch of fantasy, and even non-fantasy fiction (on occasion). Why would I write just one type of fantasy? Over time, I'll build a library of both paranormal romance and fantasy…and I'll probably sneak in other odd-ball works.
So, why is it bad to be in multiple genres? Well -- I wouldn't go so far as to say it's bad. Look back, I didn't say bad. I said "not so good." Fine distinction, that. :)
Writing in multiple genres can be a negative when you're unknown. There. I said it. I believe over time it will become far more positive than negative. But for now I have to work on building, fostering, networking; with two distinct audiences. There's probably going to be some crossover, but I'm not sure how much. In the meantime, it takes me longer to get books out in each genre because of my work in the other genre, and with only three books out I can't keep a reader engaged for very long to build that relationship that will keep them coming back. For readers who are only looking for PNR, I have two titles (three, very soon!). For fantasy readers, or young readers, I have exactly one title.
A few months ago, I would have said that in ten years I'll have more fantasy titles than paranormal romance. I'm not so sure now. Why would I want to predict what all of those years will bring? That's the joy of this ride -- figuring it out as we go. One thing that made me question that assumption, that I'm more of a fantasy author than a paranormal romance author, is that I've conceptualized a new PNR series. No groaning, people! I'm not writing it yet. I won't start until both the Children of the Sidhe series and the Foulweather Twin series are DONE. I'm not that crazy. But the point is, I have new ideas for PNR. Exciting ideas!
Some questions for you, fellow indies: Where do you stand on publishing in multiple genres (mostly positive, or mostly negative)? When does the newbie shine start to rub off an author? Is this a real condition, or is it all about perception? In ten years, will I actually feel experienced, or is that even possible with the constantly morphing landscape of publishing (and life)?
Remember to check out the other Indie Life posts; this is a blog hop!
June 11, 2013
Mid-Week Update: Taking Joy in the Process
That's a goal I'm going to live by in coming months. Life is full to brimming over, and J.R. needs some play time this summer, too! But the reason I write is because I LOVE IT. So I will keep on churning out the words, and no doubt keep surprising myself. I'm just laying off the pressure a bit, to take more joy in the process.
So…that means I'm taking back a previously stated goal of 1,000 words a day to finish the draft of the second Foulweather Twins book in June. Instead, I'm back to my stand by 500 words a day, a level that doesn't leave me stressed and grumpy. :)
I'll still be publishing Flight (Children of the Sidhe, Novella 3) as soon as it's ready -- most likely by the end of the month. And I'll edit Descent (Children of the Sidhe, Novella 4) as I find the time, hoping for an early fall release.
Now for a little update on my progress this week:
Sunday - 700 words
Monday (took a vacation day!) - 900 words
Tuesday - 200 words
ROWers, I've taken part in this writing community since the third round of 2011. Two full years. In recent days, when I hit something of a breaking point and realized I was asking too much of me, I considered skipping the summer round this year. I haven't decided yet whether I'll post at all on writing progress (barring major stuff) during the summer. I'll be pondering that decision over the next couple of weeks. No matter what I decide, it's not like I'll completely disappear. I'll likely pop in and haunt your blogs more if I'm not under the gun myself for a couple months. :)
So…that means I'm taking back a previously stated goal of 1,000 words a day to finish the draft of the second Foulweather Twins book in June. Instead, I'm back to my stand by 500 words a day, a level that doesn't leave me stressed and grumpy. :)
I'll still be publishing Flight (Children of the Sidhe, Novella 3) as soon as it's ready -- most likely by the end of the month. And I'll edit Descent (Children of the Sidhe, Novella 4) as I find the time, hoping for an early fall release.
Now for a little update on my progress this week:
Sunday - 700 words
Monday (took a vacation day!) - 900 words
Tuesday - 200 words
ROWers, I've taken part in this writing community since the third round of 2011. Two full years. In recent days, when I hit something of a breaking point and realized I was asking too much of me, I considered skipping the summer round this year. I haven't decided yet whether I'll post at all on writing progress (barring major stuff) during the summer. I'll be pondering that decision over the next couple of weeks. No matter what I decide, it's not like I'll completely disappear. I'll likely pop in and haunt your blogs more if I'm not under the gun myself for a couple months. :)
June 9, 2013
Sunday Update: Re-balancing My Priorities
My last update was titled "Juggler is an Apt Description." So of course now I have little to report. That doesn't mean I dropped all the balls, but they seem to be hovering in an anti-gravity zone where not much occurs.
Instead of 1,000 words a day, I've written about 1,500 words all week. But I won't be down about it.
I've realized I need to rebalance where I'm spending my extra minutes. When I start to be too snippy with my kids, too distracted to keep up with the housework, and all around out of sync with my values, I know I MUST rebalance. That's a point I reached this week.
Is 1,000 words a day just too high a goal for me? Because that's when things started to get out of whack -- when I decided I needed to finish drafting the next novel, while working on publishing one novella and editing another….Too many projects, and too high of goals for each one makes J.R. an unhappy writer. And I mean to be a happy writer, happy wife, happy mom, happy ME!
Best of luck reaching your goals in the coming week. And for goodness sake, let's have some FUN!
Instead of 1,000 words a day, I've written about 1,500 words all week. But I won't be down about it.
I've realized I need to rebalance where I'm spending my extra minutes. When I start to be too snippy with my kids, too distracted to keep up with the housework, and all around out of sync with my values, I know I MUST rebalance. That's a point I reached this week.
Is 1,000 words a day just too high a goal for me? Because that's when things started to get out of whack -- when I decided I needed to finish drafting the next novel, while working on publishing one novella and editing another….Too many projects, and too high of goals for each one makes J.R. an unhappy writer. And I mean to be a happy writer, happy wife, happy mom, happy ME!
Best of luck reaching your goals in the coming week. And for goodness sake, let's have some FUN!
June 7, 2013
Feds Want to End Wolf Protections, Plus a Fascinating Post on Wolves & Society
Earlier today, the U.S. federal government moved to end most remaining protections for gray wolves in the lower 48 states. Here's the AP News report.
Fantasy author Tracy Falbe had a fascinating post on her blog today about Michigan wolves. She uses a current controversy in her state to examine humanity's relationship and fascination with wolves and the idea of wolves.
Many of you are into paranormals, like werewolves, but how much time do you spend thinking about the real deal? More than 6,000 wolves run wild over the Northern Rockies and the western Great Lakes. My own state has close to 50 verified wolves…and if you've ever seen the vast tracts of wilderness here, that statement would probably make you sad, like it does me.
In Oregon, we have a complex relationship with wolves, much as Tracy says is the case in Michigan. I completely agree with her that these animals are a symbol of freedom, and they touch us. They are at once familiar, with their similarities to man's best friend, and frightening in their wildness. We yearn to know they're out there, because in their freedom they show us freedom is possible…and yet we also feel the need to protect ourselves (and our property) from them.
Photo from National Geographic
Fantasy author Tracy Falbe had a fascinating post on her blog today about Michigan wolves. She uses a current controversy in her state to examine humanity's relationship and fascination with wolves and the idea of wolves.
Many of you are into paranormals, like werewolves, but how much time do you spend thinking about the real deal? More than 6,000 wolves run wild over the Northern Rockies and the western Great Lakes. My own state has close to 50 verified wolves…and if you've ever seen the vast tracts of wilderness here, that statement would probably make you sad, like it does me.
In Oregon, we have a complex relationship with wolves, much as Tracy says is the case in Michigan. I completely agree with her that these animals are a symbol of freedom, and they touch us. They are at once familiar, with their similarities to man's best friend, and frightening in their wildness. We yearn to know they're out there, because in their freedom they show us freedom is possible…and yet we also feel the need to protect ourselves (and our property) from them.
Photo from National Geographic
May 29, 2013
Mid-Week Update: Juggler Is an Apt Description
It's been about ten days since I updated on my writing progress. After a very slow start last week, with just 600 words accomplished between Monday and Thursday, I went crazy on my novel Chaos Calling last weekend. My folks took the kids overnight on Friday, so I had some time on my hands. I wrote 1,600 words Friday night, and 2,200 words on Saturday. Sunday I added another 600 words. Tuesday I wrote 800 words. I need to produce about 7,000 words a week to finish this draft in June. But I'm making great progress, and having a lot of fun.
In other news, Brooke tells me her read of Flight (Children of the Sidhe, #3) was very smooth, and she'll be giving me her suggested changes this week. I should have it to beta readers in early June. A cover shall be coming shortly. Finally a cover featuring a man!
I've printed a copy of Descent (Children of the Sidhe, #4), so when I'm in the mood to edit on paper, or take a project out of the house to a coffee shop or something, that's what I'll be working on. In fact, I might take it with me when we go to Sunriver next weekend. My mom-in-law will have the kids Saturday night, while we stay a half-hour south in Sunriver. Hubby is currently reading The Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss -- who is one of my favorite authors and 100% absorbing. I could write Chaos Calling, or I could edit Descent…or maybe a little of both.
The paperback of Queen Witch is also hanging out there. I need to make a couple of changes, which might result in another proof. I've just left it sitting there for a bunch of weeks now. Bad, bad me!! I will tackle the next step with that soon.
Have a great week, ROWers!!
In other news, Brooke tells me her read of Flight (Children of the Sidhe, #3) was very smooth, and she'll be giving me her suggested changes this week. I should have it to beta readers in early June. A cover shall be coming shortly. Finally a cover featuring a man!
I've printed a copy of Descent (Children of the Sidhe, #4), so when I'm in the mood to edit on paper, or take a project out of the house to a coffee shop or something, that's what I'll be working on. In fact, I might take it with me when we go to Sunriver next weekend. My mom-in-law will have the kids Saturday night, while we stay a half-hour south in Sunriver. Hubby is currently reading The Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss -- who is one of my favorite authors and 100% absorbing. I could write Chaos Calling, or I could edit Descent…or maybe a little of both.
The paperback of Queen Witch is also hanging out there. I need to make a couple of changes, which might result in another proof. I've just left it sitting there for a bunch of weeks now. Bad, bad me!! I will tackle the next step with that soon.
Have a great week, ROWers!!
