Christi Snow's Blog, page 36
September 23, 2014
Where THROUGH THE VEIL came from…
But my awesome PA fixed this one now, so I’m reposting this here.
Where did THROUGH THE VEIL come from?
I don’t know if you’ve heard, but I have a new book coming out this week and it’s not my normal type of book…
Paranormal Dystopian Romantic Suspense…Through the Veil is NOT my normal genre. So many of you may ask…where exactly did it come from?
There’s a story there…
Through the Veil may be my 9th release, but it was actually started way, way early in my writing career…right after I finished Operation: Endgame. (my first release)
The story began as a 30 minute writing prompt in my local writing group. That prompt was “crossing a bridge” and we were given 30 minutes to get a scene on the page. For the most part, besides fixing the technical aspects of the writing, the basic framework of that scene is still completely intact in the book as it is now.
Here’s that scene…
Crouched behind the
rock, gasping for air, Lori surveyed the decrepit bridge below swinging eerily
over the deep gorge. Measured at a mile deep, the quarter-mile wide gorge was
edged by stone cliffs with even more treacherous looking rocks jutting out from
the bottom of it. Would that old, worn out, rickety structure support her? No
one had been able to use it for eighteen years.
Pressing the bullet
wound at her side to stem the flow of blood, she glanced behind her, trying to
ignore the pain that sizzled along every nerve ending. She hadn’t heard her
pursuers for several hours, but that didn’t mean they weren’t nearby.
A bead of sweat rolled
down her spine as she glanced at the bridge again. It had been built decades
ago, a few years after the gorge had suddenly appeared. And, damn, that gorge
looked scarily deep right now.
The only reason Lori
even knew about this bridge was because her family came here for vacation a year
before the Veil appeared. The riskiness of climbing this bridge so far above
the ground became the highlight of her trip back then. She’d been nine years
old at the time and it remained as one of her best memories of time with her
family, a family that disappeared from existence ten months later.
Now this bridge
featured as both her nightmare and salvation. If she stayed on this side of the
gorge, the men after her would kill her—or worse, imprison her again. She’d rather
die than spend any more time as a lab rat. And with the blood oozing from her
side, that remained a very good possibility. Survival meant she could come back
and help the Others escape, too.
Gritting her teeth,
Lori stood and crept down the hill. The closer she got the more flimsy the
bridge appeared. It was simply a foot bridge made of wood and rope, suspended
across the gorge. The irony of the situation didn’t pass by her. They only
wanted her for her gift. She counted on her ability to manipulate space to save
her life now.
But she had to
escape. If that meant using every last drop of energy she had, she would.
She let go of her
side and sucked in a breath to focus her concentration. Grasping the rough
ropes, she took her first step onto the bridge. It shifted slightly under her
weight with a creaking sound which reverberated through the quiet of the
surrounding forest. It was as if nature held its breath to see if she would
survive this. The swaying bridge took more effort from the muscles of her core.
She hissed at the added pain and fought off the black spots encroaching on her
vision.
Glancing behind her,
she didn’t see any movement except the leaves rustling on the trees. Looking
forward again, she tried to peer through the Veil to the other side. She had
about fifty feet of bridge before she hit the wall of fog. Slowly, she edged
her feet across the rough wood, stepping gingerly to avoid falling through the
rotted boards. The farther out she crept, the more the bridge swayed over the
huge expanse. She couldn’t look down. Her breath came out in gasps as she inched
across.
Finally, she reached
the Veil. She reached forward with a hand, and could feel the semi-transparent
barrier like a huge wall in front of her. She closed her eyes and gave a silent
prayer this would work.
“She’s on the
bridge!”
Lori swung around. Men
in camouflage holding guns poured out of the forest behind her. Damn. This was
her final chance. She closed her eyes and faced the Veil again. Using every
ounce of energy she could pour into it, she focused on creating a hole big
enough she could climb through it. Finally, the energy moved and the wall
shifted. She scrambled through the invisible hole she created.
Once through, she
let go of the energy to seal the wall back up and not a moment too soon, as the
energy reverberated under the hail of bullets striking it. But she couldn’t see
or hear the men on the other side anymore. The fog had enveloped her. She held onto
the rope supports and felt her way across the rest of the bridge on wobbly
knees.
She’d made it
through. Falling wasn’t an option now.
When the solid
ground of the other side met her feet, she collapsed in exhaustion and relief.
She lay there gasping and trying to find energy to stand. Manipulating the Veil
had taken everything she had. The darkness was slipping over her consciousness
when strong arms lifted her up.
The fog still surrounded
them, but that didn’t keep her from seeing the gorgeous, scowling, concerned face
of the man holding her against his naked chest or the dark purple wings at his
back.
About two months after I wrote that scene I took a fast-writing workshop and wrote 35,000 words in 7 days that centered on that original scene. I did that without any sort of plotting or planning whatsoever…not the way I normally write.
Through the Veil is now around 76,000 words and it took me over two years to straighten out the hot mess that I began with. I never doubted the story, but this is a whole new world filled with winged Warriors, tortured/talented Others, and two whole new civilizations. And it’s the start of an 8-book series. So there was a lot that I had to sort out. I think I’ve done that now and am thrilled that Through the Veil is releasing NEXT WEEK! I honestly wondered if this day would ever come…LOL!
Through the Veil Story Description:
58 years ago
a gorge opened up from Mobile, AL to Quebec City, Canada to split the United
States into the Western States (WS) and the Eastern States (ES).
40 years
later, a fog rolled in on the WS that they called the Veil. Within twelve hours
it formed an impenetrable wall between the two sides.
It’s been 18
years since anyone has known what’s happening on the other side of the Veil.
Now, Lori,
an Other, in a desperate attempt at escape from the ES’s torture and
experimentation, has crossed the Veil and found a world beyond belief.
Marcus is a
Warrior, but when Lori collapses at his feet wounded and exhausted, he knows he
has to protect her. But seeing that she’s the first person he’s seen in 18
years without wings, he’s worried about what her appearance means for his
people and the world they’ve created since the Veil fell.
Two new
societies: one built on a respect for the natural order of nature and the
world, the other built on mistrust and corruption. Can they learn to co-exist
once again?
The book releases September 25, 2014,
but you can preorder it now on Amazon.
Here are the Amazon.com buy links.
$2.99
ebook
$12.99
print book
Where THROUGH THE VEIL came from...
But my awesome PA fixed this one now, so I'm reposting this here.
Where did THROUGH THE VEIL come from?
I don't know if you've heard, but I have a new book coming out this week and it's not my normal type of book...
Paranormal Dystopian Romantic Suspense…Through the Veil is NOT my normal genre. So many of you may ask…where exactly did it come from?
There’s a story there…
Through the Veil may be my 9th release, but it was actually started way, way early in my writing career…right after I finished Operation: Endgame. (my first release)
The story began as a 30 minute writing prompt in my local writing group. That prompt was “crossing a bridge” and we were given 30 minutes to get a scene on the page. For the most part, besides fixing the technical aspects of the writing, the basic framework of that scene is still completely intact in the book as it is now.
Here’s that scene…
Crouched behind the
rock, gasping for air, Lori surveyed the decrepit bridge below swinging eerily
over the deep gorge. Measured at a mile deep, the quarter-mile wide gorge was
edged by stone cliffs with even more treacherous looking rocks jutting out from
the bottom of it. Would that old, worn out, rickety structure support her? No
one had been able to use it for eighteen years.
Pressing the bullet
wound at her side to stem the flow of blood, she glanced behind her, trying to
ignore the pain that sizzled along every nerve ending. She hadn’t heard her
pursuers for several hours, but that didn’t mean they weren’t nearby.
A bead of sweat rolled
down her spine as she glanced at the bridge again. It had been built decades
ago, a few years after the gorge had suddenly appeared. And, damn, that gorge
looked scarily deep right now.
The only reason Lori
even knew about this bridge was because her family came here for vacation a year
before the Veil appeared. The riskiness of climbing this bridge so far above
the ground became the highlight of her trip back then. She’d been nine years
old at the time and it remained as one of her best memories of time with her
family, a family that disappeared from existence ten months later.
Now this bridge
featured as both her nightmare and salvation. If she stayed on this side of the
gorge, the men after her would kill her—or worse, imprison her again. She’d rather
die than spend any more time as a lab rat. And with the blood oozing from her
side, that remained a very good possibility. Survival meant she could come back
and help the Others escape, too.
Gritting her teeth,
Lori stood and crept down the hill. The closer she got the more flimsy the
bridge appeared. It was simply a foot bridge made of wood and rope, suspended
across the gorge. The irony of the situation didn’t pass by her. They only
wanted her for her gift. She counted on her ability to manipulate space to save
her life now.
But she had to
escape. If that meant using every last drop of energy she had, she would.
She let go of her
side and sucked in a breath to focus her concentration. Grasping the rough
ropes, she took her first step onto the bridge. It shifted slightly under her
weight with a creaking sound which reverberated through the quiet of the
surrounding forest. It was as if nature held its breath to see if she would
survive this. The swaying bridge took more effort from the muscles of her core.
She hissed at the added pain and fought off the black spots encroaching on her
vision.
Glancing behind her,
she didn’t see any movement except the leaves rustling on the trees. Looking
forward again, she tried to peer through the Veil to the other side. She had
about fifty feet of bridge before she hit the wall of fog. Slowly, she edged
her feet across the rough wood, stepping gingerly to avoid falling through the
rotted boards. The farther out she crept, the more the bridge swayed over the
huge expanse. She couldn’t look down. Her breath came out in gasps as she inched
across.
Finally, she reached
the Veil. She reached forward with a hand, and could feel the semi-transparent
barrier like a huge wall in front of her. She closed her eyes and gave a silent
prayer this would work.
“She’s on the
bridge!”
Lori swung around. Men
in camouflage holding guns poured out of the forest behind her. Damn. This was
her final chance. She closed her eyes and faced the Veil again. Using every
ounce of energy she could pour into it, she focused on creating a hole big
enough she could climb through it. Finally, the energy moved and the wall
shifted. She scrambled through the invisible hole she created.
Once through, she
let go of the energy to seal the wall back up and not a moment too soon, as the
energy reverberated under the hail of bullets striking it. But she couldn’t see
or hear the men on the other side anymore. The fog had enveloped her. She held onto
the rope supports and felt her way across the rest of the bridge on wobbly
knees.
She’d made it
through. Falling wasn’t an option now.
When the solid
ground of the other side met her feet, she collapsed in exhaustion and relief.
She lay there gasping and trying to find energy to stand. Manipulating the Veil
had taken everything she had. The darkness was slipping over her consciousness
when strong arms lifted her up.
The fog still surrounded
them, but that didn’t keep her from seeing the gorgeous, scowling, concerned face
of the man holding her against his naked chest or the dark purple wings at his
back.
About two months after I wrote that scene I took a fast-writing workshop and wrote 35,000 words in 7 days that centered on that original scene. I did that without any sort of plotting or planning whatsoever…not the way I normally write.
Through the Veil is now around 76,000 words and it took me over two years to straighten out the hot mess that I began with. I never doubted the story, but this is a whole new world filled with winged Warriors, tortured/talented Others, and two whole new civilizations. And it’s the start of an 8-book series. So there was a lot that I had to sort out. I think I’ve done that now and am thrilled that Through the Veil is releasing NEXT WEEK! I honestly wondered if this day would ever come…LOL!
Through the Veil Story Description:
58 years ago
a gorge opened up from Mobile, AL to Quebec City, Canada to split the United
States into the Western States (WS) and the Eastern States (ES).
40 years
later, a fog rolled in on the WS that they called the Veil. Within twelve hours
it formed an impenetrable wall between the two sides.
It’s been 18
years since anyone has known what’s happening on the other side of the Veil.
Now, Lori,
an Other, in a desperate attempt at escape from the ES’s torture and
experimentation, has crossed the Veil and found a world beyond belief.
Marcus is a
Warrior, but when Lori collapses at his feet wounded and exhausted, he knows he
has to protect her. But seeing that she’s the first person he’s seen in 18
years without wings, he’s worried about what her appearance means for his
people and the world they’ve created since the Veil fell.
Two new
societies: one built on a respect for the natural order of nature and the
world, the other built on mistrust and corruption. Can they learn to co-exist
once again?
The book releases September 25, 2014,
but you can preorder it now on Amazon.
Here are the Amazon.com buy links.
$2.99
ebook
$12.99
print book
August 23, 2014
Sneak Peek Sunday with Through the Veil
The rules are simple. Post 6 paragraphs of a published work or a WIP. That’s it!
Here are 6 exciting paragraphs from Through the Veil, a paranormal dystopian romance out in September (but available for pre-order!)
Here’s the Set-up!
After escaping a horrendous captivity and torture in the Eastern States, Lori finds herself in the Western States where humans have evolved. Surrounded by winged people, she isn’t sure who she can trust. So far they’ve helped her, but she’s felt secure before and been wrong. The only thing she believes anymore is that she has four friends that she has to go back and rescue before there’s nothing left to save.
6 Paragraphs from Through the Veil
Marcus gritted his teeth. It seemed he felt the electricity flowing between them, too, and wasn’t happy about it. “Someone shot you. I promise you, we’re not going to hurt you. You’re safe here, but you won’t be if you leave, especially since night is falling. There are creatures here that are extremely dangerous.” Still holding her to his chest, he turned to the other two. “In fact, we all need to head to the trees before it gets much later.”
She gazed at Marcus in disbelief. “What do you mean by head to the trees?” she stuttered out. “Fly?” Even she could hear the fear in her voice. Show no weakness. She knew better.
The smile he gave her appeared absolutely decadent. Even though it didn’t make it up to his sad eyes, it still made her stomach flutter. Why did he affect her this way? Was it just because it had been so long since she’d been around a man without threat of torture? What did that say about her?
No weakness. This man represented danger. She had no idea what they planned for her. All she knew is that she couldn’t trust or be tempted by him. Hadn’t the last six years taught her anything?
“The wings aren’t just for decoration,” he said.
She glanced at his huge wings again and realized exactly what he meant. “Oh holy hell, you can fly?” She felt her eyes go wide in shock, but she couldn’t help it. These people flew?
To be released Sept. 25, 2014.
Available for Pre-order on Amazon
Blurb for Through the Veil…
58 years ago a gorge opened up from Mobile, AL to Quebec City, Canada to split the United States into the Western States (WS) and the Eastern States (ES).
40 years later a fog rolled in on the WS that they called the Veil. Within twelve hours it formed an impenetrable wall between the two sides.
It’s been 18 years since anyone has known what’s happening on the other side of the Veil.
Now, Lori, an Other, in a desperate attempt at escape from the ES’s torture and experimentation, has crossed the Veil and found a world beyond belief.
Marcus is a Warrior, but when Lori collapses at his feet wounded and exhausted, he knows he has to protect her. But seeing that she’s the first person he’s seen in 18 years without wings, he’s worried about what her appearance means for his people and the world they’ve created since the Veil fell.
Two new societies: one built on a respect for the natural order of nature and the world, the other built on mistrust and corruption. Can they learn to co-exist once again?
For more great Sneak Peek Sunday offerings, use the linky list or click here: Sneak Peek Sunday
Powered by Linky Tools
Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list…
Sneak Peek Sunday with Through the Veil
The rules are simple. Post 6 paragraphs of a published work or a WIP. That's it!
Here are 6 exciting paragraphs from Through the Veil, a paranormal dystopian romance out in September (but available for pre-order!)
Here's the Set-up!
After escaping a horrendous captivity and torture in the Eastern States, Lori finds herself in the Western States where humans have evolved. Surrounded by winged people, she isn't sure who she can trust. So far they've helped her, but she's felt secure before and been wrong. The only thing she believes anymore is that she has four friends that she has to go back and rescue before there's nothing left to save.
6 Paragraphs from Through the Veil
Marcus gritted his teeth. It seemed he felt the electricity flowing between them, too, and wasn’t happy about it. “Someone shot you. I promise you, we’re not going to hurt you. You’re safe here, but you won’t be if you leave, especially since night is falling. There are creatures here that are extremely dangerous.” Still holding her to his chest, he turned to the other two. “In fact, we all need to head to the trees before it gets much later.”
She gazed at Marcus in disbelief. “What do you mean by head to the trees?” she stuttered out. “Fly?” Even she could hear the fear in her voice. Show no weakness. She knew better.
The smile he gave her appeared absolutely decadent. Even though it didn’t make it up to his sad eyes, it still made her stomach flutter. Why did he affect her this way? Was it just because it had been so long since she’d been around a man without threat of torture? What did that say about her?
No weakness. This man represented danger. She had no idea what they planned for her. All she knew is that she couldn’t trust or be tempted by him. Hadn’t the last six years taught her anything?
“The wings aren’t just for decoration,” he said.
She glanced at his huge wings again and realized exactly what he meant. “Oh holy hell, you can fly?” She felt her eyes go wide in shock, but she couldn’t help it. These people flew?
To be released Sept. 25, 2014.
Available for Pre-order on Amazon
Blurb for Through the Veil...
58 years ago a gorge opened up from Mobile, AL to Quebec City, Canada to split the United States into the Western States (WS) and the Eastern States (ES).
40 years later a fog rolled in on the WS that they called the Veil. Within twelve hours it formed an impenetrable wall between the two sides.
It’s been 18 years since anyone has known what’s happening on the other side of the Veil.
Now, Lori, an Other, in a desperate attempt at escape from the ES’s torture and experimentation, has crossed the Veil and found a world beyond belief.
Marcus is a Warrior, but when Lori collapses at his feet wounded and exhausted, he knows he has to protect her. But seeing that she’s the first person he’s seen in 18 years without wings, he’s worried about what her appearance means for his people and the world they’ve created since the Veil fell.
Two new societies: one built on a respect for the natural order of nature and the world, the other built on mistrust and corruption. Can they learn to co-exist once again?
For more great Sneak Peek Sunday offerings, use the linky list or click here: Sneak Peek Sunday
Powered by Linky Tools
Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list...
August 20, 2014
Releasing Sept 25 and up for Pre-order!
This book has been a labor of love for me the last two years and I am so freaking excited that it’s almost time to have it in your hands…just a few more weeks. My beta readers and proofreader have been raving about it. If you all like it even half as much as they have, then we’re gonna be good! ;o)
Between now and the release date, I’ll be sharing more about how this story came to be, but in the meantime, here’s the story description and the Amazon pre-order link.
By the way, this is a new genre for me, if you couldn’t tell by the cover. I classify it as Paranormal Dystopian Romantic Suspense…how about that for a mouthful? It has the same levels of romance, adventure, and humor that my normal books have…in addition to a super-sexy group of winged Warriors and some Others who need their help desperately. They all just happen to live in a world that has diverged from ours. Basically it’s set 58 years into the future after something world-changing has happened to the earth.
Through the Veil Story Description:
58 years ago a gorge opened up from Mobile, AL to Quebec City, Canada to split the United States into the Western States (WS) and the Eastern States (ES).
40 years later, a fog rolled in on the WS that they called the Veil. Within twelve hours it formed an impenetrable wall between the two sides.
It’s been 18 years since anyone has known what’s happening on the other side of the Veil.
Now, Lori, an Other, in a desperate attempt at escape from the ES’s torture and experimentation, has crossed the Veil and found a world beyond belief.
Marcus is a Warrior, but when Lori collapses at his feet wounded and exhausted, he knows he has to protect her. But seeing that she’s the first person he’s seen in 18 years without wings, he’s worried about what her appearance means for his people and the world they’ve created since the Veil fell.
Two new societies: one built on a respect for the natural order of nature and the world, the other built on mistrust and corruption. Can they learn to co-exist once again?
This book releases Sept 25th,
but you can pre-order it through Amazon now.
Only $2.99
Releasing Sept 25 and up for Pre-order!
This book has been a labor of love for me the last two years and I am so freaking excited that it's almost time to have it in your hands...just a few more weeks. My beta readers and proofreader have been raving about it. If you all like it even half as much as they have, then we're gonna be good! ;o)
Between now and the release date, I'll be sharing more about how this story came to be, but in the meantime, here's the story description and the Amazon pre-order link.
By the way, this is a new genre for me, if you couldn't tell by the cover. I classify it as Paranormal Dystopian Romantic Suspense...how about that for a mouthful? It has the same levels of romance, adventure, and humor that my normal books have...in addition to a super-sexy group of winged Warriors and some Others who need their help desperately. They all just happen to live in a world that has diverged from ours. Basically it's set 58 years into the future after something world-changing has happened to the earth.
Through the Veil Story Description:
58 years ago a gorge opened up from Mobile, AL to Quebec City, Canada to split the United States into the Western States (WS) and the Eastern States (ES).
40 years later, a fog rolled in on the WS that they called the Veil. Within twelve hours it formed an impenetrable wall between the two sides.
It’s been 18 years since anyone has known what’s happening on the other side of the Veil.
Now, Lori, an Other, in a desperate attempt at escape from the ES’s torture and experimentation, has crossed the Veil and found a world beyond belief.
Marcus is a Warrior, but when Lori collapses at his feet wounded and exhausted, he knows he has to protect her. But seeing that she’s the first person he’s seen in 18 years without wings, he’s worried about what her appearance means for his people and the world they’ve created since the Veil fell.
Two new societies: one built on a respect for the natural order of nature and the world, the other built on mistrust and corruption. Can they learn to co-exist once again?
This book releases Sept 25th,
but you can pre-order it through Amazon now.
Only $2.99
July 14, 2014
The Downside of Self-publishing…and a new release update.
Hi, all. By now you all are used to my few-and-far-between blog updates, right?? 
)
So, that title. First, let me just state for the record that I absolutely love that I chose to self-publish. It was, without a doubt, one of the best decisions of my life. But that being said, there is a downside to self-publishing…no absolute deadlines. I choose what I work on and when I work on it.
Up until now, I have enforced my planned release dates (for the most part), but that was putting a lot of pressure on everyone who works on my team…graphic designer, editors, beta readers, formatter, proofreader, and ME. So, at the urging of one of my editors, I relaxed those deadlines…a LOT.
Right now, we are seeing the result of that relaxation…yeah, probably not the best choice for ME. I have nothing ready to release. I need deadlines. Because without them, I don’t work on the things I don’t want to work on…i.e. the two books that are done and in the polishing stage. They just flat-out need some hard work from ME and I’d rather not. (It’s much more fun to write all new words than fix the words I’ve already written.)
So, for those of you that have been emailing and messaging me…thank you. This post is for you. This is going to be a FULL update (read that to mean…this blog post will be a short novella itself because I am working…and juggling a LOT of different projects right now and will tell you where they all stand in the publishing process.)
1. THROUGH the VEIL
This book…I love this book, but I also hate this book. LOL. This book was my second big writing project (at least out of the ones that will actually be published…lol.) I adore the story and this book sets the stage for 7 other books. So it’s important that I get it right.
When I wrote it, my writing ability SUCKED and I wrote the first 35,000 words in 7 days. Yeah, it sucked big-time and it took a LONG time to fix it. Easily, I have read and revised this book 75-100 times over the last two years. I don’t care how much you love a book, that’s too much. So yeah, the thought of opening up this file gives me hives now.
But it is good. Both my editors have read it and told me so. My beta readers have read it and gushed overwhelmingly about how much they loved it. It’s even been through the first round of edits (almost…I still have about 40 of those pages left to do.)
So what’s the hold-up? After my editor finished the first round of edits on it, she sent me suggestions of little things to make it stronger…three pages worth. Yeah, watch me curl into a little ball and sob on the ground.
And I agree with most of her suggestions. The book will be stronger after I make them, but I don’t wanna work on this book any longer.
That’s on me.
I’m sorry. You should have had this book by now. I want you to have this book. Seriously, this story…I adore it. But right now I just have to find the strength to suck it up and dive deeply into it again and do ANOTHER ROUND of revisions.
Soon, I promise. As it stands now, I’m hoping this book will be released by the end of August, but the first of September is probably more realistic.
2. MUDFLAP UNDERCOVER
Another book where I’m burying my head in the sand and ignoring the file sitting there staring at me. The book is written. It’s so bad right now, I can’t even get through a complete read-through on it.
So, yeah, this one is gonna be seriously delayed. I think the book is set-up right…the correct events happen in it. The suspense story line is good, but the entire book feels shallow to read it. It needs a lot more depth between Mudflap and Shanae added to the story.
In my defense, this is the first time I’ve written a second book featuring a couple who are already somewhat settled and in love. My hat’s off to authors who write stories about couples over and over. It’s really hard to keep that level of intrigue with love with an established couple. But I have faith that I’ll be able to fix it. I’m just not willing to release it as it is. You all deserve better. Just give me time on that one.
3. What I’m writing right now…
July is a CampNaNoWriMo month….50,000 words in 31 days.
This I’m excited about. I am writing on two different books right now simultaneously. I know. Who does that? Right now, I do and I am so excited about both of these books. Neither were in my writing schedule. They just came up, so again, this will slightly alter my schedule some.
SECRET PROJECT
The first is something completely new for my writing…an erotica BDSM cowboy story. I love my story. It’s chock-full of angst and emotion and a seriously wounded heroine who’s a dominatrix. Yeah, I’m having a ton of fun with this one. There will definitely be more information to come on it. Right now it has 20,000 words written on it. I foresee another 20-30k to go.
PHOTO OP SERENDIPITY
This story is pure inspiration. I follow a gorgeous model, Storm Bailey, on Facebook. He posted a couple of pictures from his photo shoot with Shana Kruse from Kruse Images & Photography. This story came entirely from those photos with Meghan Johnson.
It is another romantic suspense story with some twists in it that I’m so excited about. It’s still early days in the writing of it. I have 7000 written right now, but the story is flying out of my brain so I don’t think it will take too long to write it once I settle into it. I’m pretty sure this will be a full-length novel, but we’ll see.
My cover designer, the talented Amanda Matthews, has the photos I bought from the photo shoot and is working on the cover right now. So, maybe fairly soon, I will have a blurb and cover reveal to share with you.
4. Books still to come…
RIGHT BY YOUR SIDE
The first Martin Ranch book. This is supposed to be my next scheduled write. It is started…a couple thousand words and this one starts with a huge burst of adrenaline. I am super-excited about this story. I just have to get all my ducks in a row before I truly start to sit down and work on it. The original release date was supposed to be this fall. It might still make that, but probably not. I would say at this point, that this one will be pushed back to a 2015 release date.
SNOWCROFT SAFEHOUSE
Did you catch what I just did there? That’s the first time I’ve told anyone the title of book #2 of the Men of Snowcroft series. My cover designer, the talented Amanda Matthews, sent me the cover of this one Friday. I literally squealed when I opened the file. It’s so PERFECT for this amazing story. I can’t wait to write this one.
Right now it’s slated for a Jan, 2015 release. I’m hoping to stick with that, because I’m really desperate to write this story…it’s another one that I just LOVE! But because that release is still a ways away, I think I’m gonna sit on the cover and blurb for now. ) Come on, you can be patient. It’s worth the wait, I promise.
So, that’s where I’m at with all my current WIP’s. The upcoming tentative release schedule is as follows:
Through the Veil Sept, 2014
Mudflap Undercover Fall, 2014
Secret Sexy Cowboy Project Fall, 2014 (tentative)
Photo Op Serendipity Nov, 2014
Snowcroft Safehouse Jan, 2015
Right By Your Side Winter, 2015
And this blog post hit 1400 words. Can I count that as my writing for today?? Hehe, no, I didn’t think so.
The Downside of Self-publishing...and a new release update.
So, that title. First, let me just state for the record that I absolutely love that I chose to self-publish. It was, without a doubt, one of the best decisions of my life. But that being said, there is a downside to self-publishing…no absolute deadlines. I choose what I work on and when I work on it.
Up until now, I have enforced my planned release dates (for the most part), but that was putting a lot of pressure on everyone who works on my team…graphic designer, editors, beta readers, formatter, proofreader, and ME. So, at the urging of one of my editors, I relaxed those deadlines…a LOT.
Right now, we are seeing the result of that relaxation…yeah, probably not the best choice for ME. I have nothing ready to release. I need deadlines. Because without them, I don’t work on the things I don’t want to work on…i.e. the two books that are done and in the polishing stage. They just flat-out need some hard work from ME and I’d rather not. (It’s much more fun to write all new words than fix the words I’ve already written.)
So, for those of you that have been emailing and messaging me…thank you. This post is for you. This is going to be a FULL update (read that to mean…this blog post will be a short novella itself because I am working…and juggling a LOT of different projects right now and will tell you where they all stand in the publishing process.)
1. THROUGH the VEIL
This book…I love this book, but I also hate this book. LOL. This book was my second big writing project (at least out of the ones that will actually be published…lol.) I adore the story and this book sets the stage for 7 other books. So it’s important that I get it right.
When I wrote it, my writing ability SUCKED and I wrote the first 35,000 words in 7 days. Yeah, it sucked big-time and it took a LONG time to fix it. Easily, I have read and revised this book 75-100 times over the last two years. I don’t care how much you love a book, that’s too much. So yeah, the thought of opening up this file gives me hives now.
But it is good. Both my editors have read it and told me so. My beta readers have read it and gushed overwhelmingly about how much they loved it. It’s even been through the first round of edits (almost…I still have about 40 of those pages left to do.)
So what’s the hold-up? After my editor finished the first round of edits on it, she sent me suggestions of little things to make it stronger…three pages worth. Yeah, watch me curl into a little ball and sob on the ground.
And I agree with most of her suggestions. The book will be stronger after I make them, but I don’t wanna work on this book any longer.
That’s on me.
I’m sorry. You should have had this book by now. I want you to have this book. Seriously, this story…I adore it. But right now I just have to find the strength to suck it up and dive deeply into it again and do ANOTHER ROUND of revisions.
Soon, I promise. As it stands now, I’m hoping this book will be released by the end of August, but the first of September is probably more realistic.
2. MUDFLAP UNDERCOVER
Another book where I’m burying my head in the sand and ignoring the file sitting there staring at me. The book is written. It’s so bad right now, I can’t even get through a complete read-through on it.
So, yeah, this one is gonna be seriously delayed. I think the book is set-up right…the correct events happen in it. The suspense story line is good, but the entire book feels shallow to read it. It needs a lot more depth between Mudflap and Shanae added to the story.
In my defense, this is the first time I’ve written a second book featuring a couple who are already somewhat settled and in love. My hat’s off to authors who write stories about couples over and over. It’s really hard to keep that level of intrigue with love with an established couple. But I have faith that I’ll be able to fix it. I’m just not willing to release it as it is. You all deserve better. Just give me time on that one.
3. What I’m writing right now…
July is a CampNaNoWriMo month….50,000 words in 31 days.
This I’m excited about. I am writing on two different books right now simultaneously. I know. Who does that? Right now, I do and I am so excited about both of these books. Neither were in my writing schedule. They just came up, so again, this will slightly alter my schedule some.
SECRET PROJECT
The first is something completely new for my writing…an erotica BDSM cowboy story. I love my story. It’s chock-full of angst and emotion and a seriously wounded heroine who’s a dominatrix. Yeah, I’m having a ton of fun with this one. There will definitely be more information to come on it. Right now it has 20,000 words written on it. I foresee another 20-30k to go.
PHOTO OP SERENDIPITY
This story is pure inspiration. I follow a gorgeous model, Storm Bailey, on Facebook. He posted a couple of pictures from his photo shoot with Shana Kruse from Kruse Images & Photography. This story came entirely from those photos with Meghan Johnson.
It is another romantic suspense story with some twists in it that I’m so excited about. It’s still early days in the writing of it. I have 7000 written right now, but the story is flying out of my brain so I don’t think it will take too long to write it once I settle into it. I’m pretty sure this will be a full-length novel, but we’ll see.
My cover designer, the talented Amanda Matthews, has the photos I bought from the photo shoot and is working on the cover right now. So, maybe fairly soon, I will have a blurb and cover reveal to share with you.
4. Books still to come…
RIGHT BY YOUR SIDE
The first Martin Ranch book. This is supposed to be my next scheduled write. It is started…a couple thousand words and this one starts with a huge burst of adrenaline. I am super-excited about this story. I just have to get all my ducks in a row before I truly start to sit down and work on it. The original release date was supposed to be this fall. It might still make that, but probably not. I would say at this point, that this one will be pushed back to a 2015 release date.
SNOWCROFT SAFEHOUSE
Did you catch what I just did there? That’s the first time I’ve told anyone the title of book #2 of the Men of Snowcroft series. My cover designer, the talented Amanda Matthews, sent me the cover of this one Friday. I literally squealed when I opened the file. It’s so PERFECT for this amazing story. I can’t wait to write this one.
Right now it’s slated for a Jan, 2015 release. I’m hoping to stick with that, because I’m really desperate to write this story…it’s another one that I just LOVE! But because that release is still a ways away, I think I’m gonna sit on the cover and blurb for now. :o) Come on, you can be patient. It’s worth the wait, I promise.
So, that’s where I’m at with all my current WIP’s. The upcoming tentative release schedule is as follows:
Through the Veil Sept, 2014
Mudflap Undercover Fall, 2014
Secret Sexy Cowboy Project Fall, 2014 (tentative)
Photo Op Serendipity Nov, 2014
Snowcroft Safehouse Jan, 2015
Right By Your Side Winter, 2015
And this blog post hit 1400 words. Can I count that as my writing for today?? Hehe, no, I didn’t think so.
June 30, 2014
SPECIAL….When the Mission Ends Trilogy Bundle SALE
You know when I first hired my graphic designer for my covers,
she was given one instruction and basic guidance…
My covers had to work with the Top Off Tuesday meme from my Smitten with Reading review blog.
She has ALWAYS stepped up to the challenge for me and this time I got to use a gorgeous photo from Kruse Images & Photography of a true active-duty Air Force hottie, Frederick Wingate. So perfect for these stories!
For the 4th, I created a
special limited-time e-book bundle of my
When the Mission Ends Trilogy
(the original three books and novellas featuring the Robertson family)
The bundle is available NOW!
(e-book for a limited time only)
Cover Designer: Amanda Matthews (AM Design Studios)
Cover Photo: Shauna Kruse (Kruse Images & Photography)
Cover Model: Frederick Wingate
**Details about the bundle**
It contains 3 full-length novels and 1 novella:
Operation: Endgame
Operation: Endeavor
Operation: Endurance
bonus novella…Before the Mission Begins
(NONE of these books are new…this is a re-release bundle…but it is the first time the novella is available in PRINT if you’re buying a print copy)
Buy Links:
(will only be available in kindle format for a limited time)
$3.99
which is 60% off the original price for these books
$20.99
(remember this is 3 FULL-LENGTH books and a novella)
This is a special, limited-time release of the When the Mission Ends trilogy e-book bundle…
(3 full-length books + 1 novella).
The military has always been a way of life for the three Robertson siblings: older brother, Colton and twins, Chris and Cassie. Colton and Chris went into the Air Force as pilots and Cassie is a military history professor at Texas Tech University. But when Chris’s jet is shot down in a horrible mission gone wrong, it throws their entire world into disarray—affecting not only their lives, but also the lives of their friends.
What happens after that mission ends and they have to find a new focus for living?
Operation: Endgame
It’s been six months.
Six months since Jake Madsen let Chris Robertson die.
Six months since the passion between Jake and Cassie, Chris’ sister, stepped over the line.
But now Cassie’s being stalked and it’s time for Jake to swallow his guilt, grief, and lust so he can save her life, even if it’s a life without him. He owes it to his dead friend and he owes it to Cassie. He’s fallen in love with her, but she doesn’t have to know that for him to keep her safe.
Operation: Endeavor
Colton Robertson left his career in the Air Force…
… to come home and help his family heal. Unfortunately, his reception was not quite what he’d hoped for and he ended up as roommate to hippy dippy yoga instructor Penelope Pruitt.
Penelope has spent her life under the restrictive thumb of her parents and she doesn’t want to do the same with the straight-laced, serious Colton. But when it becomes apparent that Penelope’s life is in danger, Colton won’t settle for anyone else protecting Penelope besides him.
Opposites attract and that’s definitely the case with Colton and Penelope. On the surface, they don’t have anything in common, but as the sparks fly and the danger ramps up, their passion is inevitable.
Operation: Endurance
They had a single night of passion before he deployed on a risky mission.
18 hours on a mission gone very wrong was all it took to shatter all their hopes and dreams.
The hero:
He survived 6 months of captivity and torture, kept alive by dreams of her.
The heroine:
She thought he was dead and moved on only to have her world fall apart once again.
Two people who have been hurt more than any two people should ever have to suffer. Can they find redemption and healing with each other or will another threat shatter what’s left of them?
A tortured hero.
A grieving heroine.
A serial rapist who won’t give up.
Warning: This book features graphic sexual violence which some readers could find disturbing.
Before the Mission Begins
Before his mission began, he went home. 24 hours to say goodbye to his twin sister.
Instead he found her. A girl that was nothing like the one he thought he knew.
They have 24 hours. 24 hours before he deploys on an extremely dangerous mission. 24 hours together in a freak West Texas snowstorm. 24 hours that will have to get them both through the awful next year.
When the resident good-girl decides to take on the visiting bad-boy, 24 hours is all it takes to change their lives forever.
This is the story of the 24 hours that no one knew ever occurred…until now.
SPECIAL....When the Mission Ends Trilogy Bundle SALE
You know when I first hired my graphic designer for my covers,
she was given one instruction and basic guidance...
My covers had to work with the Top Off Tuesday meme from my Smitten with Reading review blog.
She has ALWAYS stepped up to the challenge for me and this time I got to use a gorgeous photo from Kruse Images & Photography of a true active-duty Air Force hottie, Frederick Wingate. So perfect for these stories!
For the 4th, I created a
special limited-time e-book bundle of my
When the Mission Ends Trilogy
(the original three books and novellas featuring the Robertson family)
The bundle is available NOW!
(e-book for a limited time only)
Cover Designer: Amanda Matthews (AM Design Studios)
Cover Photo: Shauna Kruse (Kruse Images & Photography)
Cover Model: Frederick Wingate
**Details about the bundle**
It contains 3 full-length novels and 1 novella:
Operation: Endgame
Operation: Endeavor
Operation: Endurance
bonus novella...Before the Mission Begins
(NONE of these books are new...this is a re-release bundle...but it is the first time the novella is available in PRINT if you're buying a print copy)
Buy Links:
(will only be available in kindle format for a limited time)
$3.99
which is 60% off the original price for these books
$20.99
(remember this is 3 FULL-LENGTH books and a novella)
This is a special, limited-time release of the When the Mission Ends trilogy e-book bundle...
(3 full-length books + 1 novella).
The military has always been a way of life for the three Robertson siblings: older brother, Colton and twins, Chris and Cassie. Colton and Chris went into the Air Force as pilots and Cassie is a military history professor at Texas Tech University. But when Chris’s jet is shot down in a horrible mission gone wrong, it throws their entire world into disarray—affecting not only their lives, but also the lives of their friends.
What happens after that mission ends and they have to find a new focus for living?
Operation: Endgame
It’s been six months.
Six months since Jake Madsen let Chris Robertson die.
Six months since the passion between Jake and Cassie, Chris’ sister, stepped over the line.
But now Cassie’s being stalked and it’s time for Jake to swallow his guilt, grief, and lust so he can save her life, even if it’s a life without him. He owes it to his dead friend and he owes it to Cassie. He’s fallen in love with her, but she doesn’t have to know that for him to keep her safe.
Operation: Endeavor
Colton Robertson left his career in the Air Force…
… to come home and help his family heal. Unfortunately, his reception was not quite what he’d hoped for and he ended up as roommate to hippy dippy yoga instructor Penelope Pruitt.
Penelope has spent her life under the restrictive thumb of her parents and she doesn’t want to do the same with the straight-laced, serious Colton. But when it becomes apparent that Penelope’s life is in danger, Colton won’t settle for anyone else protecting Penelope besides him.
Opposites attract and that’s definitely the case with Colton and Penelope. On the surface, they don’t have anything in common, but as the sparks fly and the danger ramps up, their passion is inevitable.
Operation: Endurance
They had a single night of passion before he deployed on a risky mission.
18 hours on a mission gone very wrong was all it took to shatter all their hopes and dreams.
The hero:
He survived 6 months of captivity and torture, kept alive by dreams of her.
The heroine:
She thought he was dead and moved on only to have her world fall apart once again.
Two people who have been hurt more than any two people should ever have to suffer. Can they find redemption and healing with each other or will another threat shatter what’s left of them?
A tortured hero.
A grieving heroine.
A serial rapist who won’t give up.
Warning: This book features graphic sexual violence which some readers could find disturbing.
Before the Mission Begins
Before his mission began, he went home. 24 hours to say goodbye to his twin sister.
Instead he found her. A girl that was nothing like the one he thought he knew.
They have 24 hours. 24 hours before he deploys on an extremely dangerous mission. 24 hours together in a freak West Texas snowstorm. 24 hours that will have to get them both through the awful next year.
When the resident good-girl decides to take on the visiting bad-boy, 24 hours is all it takes to change their lives forever.
This is the story of the 24 hours that no one knew ever occurred…until now.
