Growling At My Computer

It has been a struggle to get the words on the screen today.  My mind is just a blank and it doesn't help that I'm heading into the climax of the story.  I think this means that there's going to be some heavy revisions when this one is done.

I don't have much to report today.  It was my blog day over at Supernatural Underground, so if you want more of my rambling then head on over to see my holiday post.  Don't worry. There isn't a lot of me, but there are a few funny videos to help get you through the day.

Bah! Humbug!

That's all I've got.  The rain has stopped after three days but the skies remain gray.  The dog is sleeping in my office and my O.H. is cursing at his video game.  Yep, it's just another normal day at chez Drake.

Look Over There

Okay, so I'm not talking much over here today, because I did my monthly blog post over there: Supernatural Underground.  For my monthly blog post, I gave a little insight as to how and where the new Tattoo Artist series was conceived (get your mind out of the gutter!).  I'll be giving more gory details later on how it was born.

In the meantime, I finished the rough draft of the first short story on Sunday.  I was aiming for 15,000 words and I finished with more than 23,000 words.  Yeah, well, I can't write short.  Today was spent staring at the wall ... er... I mean trying to plot out the second story.  I've got probably one chapter mapped out, which isn't too good since I need about eight chapters.  But I think we'll get to meet one of Gage's ex-girlfriends in this story. **rubs hands together** Gonna be interesting, I think.

Now, for dinner and a little more plotting and scheming.

Two of Me

Sometimes I wish there were two of me. A third version of me wouldn't be bad either to take care of the house cleaning, but I could make due with two versions of me. I am currently working on two separate book proposals for my editor, who appears to be looking forward to seeing both. Unfortunately, I can't work on both at the same time. As I make progress on one project, my mind thinks back to the second proposal that has not had any progress made for a few days. So I switch, and then the other feels neglected. I need two of me.

At the moment, the first book proposal needs only the completion of some sample chapters. However, I am having some trouble finding a good breaking point. I am really enjoying writing this book and I don't want to stop. As I look at the outline, I think I am nearing a good point, but it's going to take a few more days.

The second book proposal needs a synopsis (yuck) and the completion of the sample chapters. This one is another case of not knowing when to stop. I really like writing this book too and I'm not sure the breaking point. I also need to give it a thorough review before sending it on.

My fingers are currently crossed that I will have it all completed before the end of next week. I would like my editor to have full week to look at everything before the Thanksgiving holiday so we can potentially start talking about the next step forward in writing.

Regardless of what is decided, I am using the first project for my NaNoWriMo book. I have been keeping up with the daily writing goal so far and even staying slightly ahead. I am hoping to make some extra progress today considering the copyedits for BURN THE NIGHT arrive in two weeks. I will probably have to put the project aside so I can complete the copyedits on time.

If I am have learned anything, November is always a busy month for me.

As a side note, I have posted my monthly blog entry over at Supernatural Underground today. Pop by and check it out!

Supernatural Sightings and Signings

It's going to be a busy, busy day so I'm going to try to keep today's post short by pointing you in various directions -- isn't that nice of me?

First, I've got a blog posting over at Supernatural Underground today talking about the importance of setting in a novel. If that's not incentive enough to check it out, I'm also giving away signed copies of Unbound and Nightwalker to one lucky winner. Hurry! The contest ends at midnight!

In other news, I'm going to be in Maryland in July for a signing. Turn the Page bookstore is celebrating its 15th anniversary on Saturday, July 10. I will be signing books along with Nora Roberts/JD Robb, Mary Blayney, Lorretta Chase, Donna Kauffman, Diane Whiteside, Austin Gisriel, and Katrina Shelley. The signing is running from 12 -2 pm. There Are Rules!

They will start to pass out tickets by 10 am on the day of the signing for your place in line. Only 1 ticket per person and be present. (you cannot get tickets for others) We stop giving out tickets at the advertised ending time.

Please do not block the entrances of our neighboring businesses when lining up for your tickets.

CHANGE IN SIGNING POLICY:
While we understand readers' enthusiasm to get cherished copies of an author's older books signed, we regret it's no longer possible to allow people to bring books from home.

Also, as a reminder/update:

Are you going to be in the Orlando, Florida area at the end of July? Come see me at the Romance Writers of America signing at the Walt Disney World Resort Swan and Dolphin Hotels.

I will be signing books on Wednesday, July 28 from 530 - 730 pm at the "Readers for Life" Literacy Autographing.

I will also be signing books on Friday, July 30 from 945 - 1115pm at the Avon Book Signing.

Also, I am still attending the San Diego ComicCon at the end of July. No events have been confirmed yet, but if you can find me, I'll sign. :)

All right, now it's time to get started on the revisions for Book 6!

A Little Bit of Everywhere

I feel like I'm a little bit of everywhere on the Internet today and it all seemed to pop up unexpectedly, but in a very good way. I don't have much to report at the moment. Writing didn't go as well as I had hoped yesterday due to some regular maintenance issues that I had been avoiding. I did get some words down on paper and a chapter completed, but I was hoping to hit a higher word count for the day. Oh well, there's always today. I'm hoping to make up for some lost ground today.

Just a reminder that time is ticking away for my contest. Just scroll down and leave a comment in Monday's blog entry for a chance to win an e-ARC of my next book Pray for Dawn and Pamela Palmer's Rapture Untamed.

In the meantime, I leave you with some links.

I did a short interview over at Romance Blog By Avon, which is run by my sister publisher Avon. Stop by to check out the interview and win a chance for a copy of Nightwalker!

I have a new entry over at Fangs Fur & Fey if you are interested. It's a little motivation to keep you going when you hit a hard spot in the writing process.

And finally, there's a new group in town and you don't want to miss out! If you use Facebook, you'll want to "Friend" the Supernatural Underground. This is a group of HarperCollins authors that write paranormal and urban fantasy. This is a wild and crazy group that will be discussing books, writing, pop culture, and all kinds of topics. You don't want to miss out on the fun.