Distance viewing

About a month ago, I showed you guys a succulent plant that I'd gotten at a plant swap, not knowing what it was.  It sent up a three-foot tall spike, which was when I showed it to you.  As I thought, it flattened out into a leaf, and I wanted to pass it on along with a better look at the leaves at the bottom.  I've still no idea what it is, but it clearly has a goal.  And speaking of goals . . .

As some of you know, I've been working almost a year developing several ideas for what comes after the Hollows.  I wanted the next series to be something that could hold my attention for another five years, something fabulously new for me in not just needing new writing techniques, but characters, and yet still be able to pull on my current writing strengths.  I spent the summer writing up several novellas for the upcoming Harrison Anthology (September 2012) presenting my editor with more than a synopsis, but actual characters and flavors of new worlds.  Then, not being satisfied or sufficiently sparked, I balked from writing that last Hollows book when the time came and took the winter off and actually wrote an entire novel by the seat of my pants, giving my writing methods and thought processes a much needed shake up.

I've been pretty closed-lipped about this "NaNo" book, but did show it to my agent to get his opinion on how strong it is.  (sly smirky smile)  And now I'm going to become utterly silent on the matter, but it has allowed me to turn my thoughts firmly back to the Hollows, and the ideas are again flowing.  (OMGosh, are they flowing . . .)  It's much easier for me to relax and write the last bits of the Hollows now that I know what's going to come next.  Yes the NaNo book needs a massive rewrite, but it is in the cabinet of awesomeness, and there it will stay as the last pieces come drifting in over the next year or so.  I do so love giving myself the gift of the luxury of time.

And I've gotten some good news from my editor about the Harrison Anthology.  I forgot to ask her if I can release the title, but I've seen the prelim artwork (Wow) and now know it is going to be a massive edition with ALL of the shorts and novellas.  Every single one of them.  I am so pleased.  I was sure that they wouldn't all fit.  (Doing the happy dance!)

Happy Valentines day, by the way.  Guy and I will be watching the last half of the dog show tonight.  Yay!