Sorry about the unexpected silence. Life reared its ugly head and took a chunk out of my bottom. I've recovered and able to sit at my desk with some comfort once again. Halloween was a barrel of fun with costumes, a party, and handing candy out to trick-or-treaters. We still have too much candy left in the house, which might explain why I'm eating warm cranberry bread and pretzel M&M's with my Mountain Dew for breakfast. Really, there are times when I think I need a babysitter because I can't be left on my own to make healthy decisions.
In the land of general updates on my stuff: the rest of the Dark Days series are being turned into audio books. So, if you know anyone who would like the series but prefers audiobooks, give them a heads up! I don't have any release dates yet but I'll post links and dates as soon as I hear them. Also, it looks like the final Dark Days novella is going to be released next year. In addition, my publisher is going to be releasing the novella that I wrote for the
Unbound anthology as a stand-alone e-book. To add to the fun, 2012 will bring the release of two novellas and the first full novel for my new Tattoo Artist series.
Of course, I've got to finish writing those two novellas.
The first book has been handed in and is traveling along the editing trail. The first novella is nearly done. It was supposed to be around 15,000 words. Well, I passed that point and we're looking at another two chapters before it's over. So, it's probably going to be a little over 20,000 words before I'm done. When you're used to writing books that are approximately 115,000 words, writing "short" can prove to be really freaking hard. I could easily triple the length of the current story and I find myself constantly reining in my imagination for the sake of length.
I've got the beginnings of an idea for the second story. I know that it's supposed to focus on how Trixie got hired at Asylum by Gage. The rest is wide open. I'm using these short stories as an opportunity to get readers acquainted with the characters and the new world that the series will be centered in. I'm thinking of introducing Gage's old girlfriend in the second story. Hmmmm.....
Anyway, the important thing is that it is currently
NaNoWriMo (aka National Novel Writing Month). Last year, I tried to participate but it didn't go so well. Edits popped in and other things popped up, making it hard to time when I'm going to write a book. For some reason, I'm usually not writing new content in November. Most books seem to be written during the winter and spring for me.
This year, I'm trying something new. The goal of NaNoWriMo is to write 50,000 words during a month of November on a new book. I've got several projects that are rolling through in November so my plan is to write a cumulative 50,000 words over three projects: novella #1, novella #2, and book #2. On November 1, I completed 2,850 words, putting me on the path to success. Yesterday, I had personal issues that kept me from the computer but I'm back today and ready to make up for lost ground.
If you've ever dreamed of writing a book, now is the time to jump in. Push those excuses aside and open a blank page on that computer. Just start typing those ideas. Worry about form later. That's what revisions are for.
And if you need a writing buddy, I can be found on
NaNoWriMo.
Also, if you're in the Cincinnati area, I am hoping to participate in the Write-In at
Altiora Coffee from 2-4 pm on Saturday, November 5. It is located at:
5034 Old Taylor Mill Road Taylor Mill, KY 41015 . In other words, I'll be sucking down coffee and frowning at my laptop for two hours, but if you stop by, I'll be happy to chat and sign books.
I think that covers it for now. I'm hoping to be back on a normal blogging schedule once again. I'm not expecting more intrusions from life, but, well, you know how that goes.
This is your chance to stop by, get a signed book, and ask me any burning questions that you might have about Gage, Bronx, Trixie, Gideon, Chang, and the rest of the Low Town crew. I would also be happy to answer any lingering questions you might have about the Dark Days Series.
