New Year, new book…new attitude
Meet Jake. He’s my new secret weapon in the fight against writer’s block and the dastardly first draft. Along with my new muse (I never name them, because that would just be creepy), this next book should be a breeze to knock out. My old muse was great, but as a SEAL he was getting really restless and bored, so I’ve sent him back to the Teams where he’s happiest. Besides, my new muse is very…inspiring 😉 *Fans self*
He’s a PJ, because I have a huge fan-girl crush on all PJs, and he’s real easy on the eyes. He’s kind of quiet, but steady, and hangs around to offer suggestions when I need them. When I get tired from slashing Jake through the vines and tangles of the first draft, my PJ takes over and blazes the trail for me. Sigh. Is that romantic or what? And it doesn’t hurt that he has really nice arms, too.
This next book is tentatively titled Crash and Burn, and is the second in my Bagram Special Ops series. I’m thinking it should be the AFSOC series instead, since all the heroes are Air Force Special Operations, but we’ll see. This book features Ryan, a CCT (combat controller, which I will highlight in later posts), and Candace, a Spectre gunship pilot. I’ve got plenty of conflict to work with, and there’s no shortage of sparks between these two. He annoys the ever living hell out of her, and loves every second of it.
My writing resolution for this year was not to start drafting until I had an entire scene outline laid out for a book. Otherwise I’ll grind to a halt and wind up languishing around the halfway point. Not this time, and hopefully never again. I’ve already got my working outline done, and all I have to do now is flesh out the scenes a bit more before I start the draft. I guess I did cheat a little, because I’ve already written one of the closing scenes in tribute to my late grandmother. Believe me, she was such a character in life that I had to include her in one of my books, and Ryan is in for the surprise of his life when he meets her.
My PJ is sharpening Jake for me now, so after I flesh out my outline, we’re off into the jungle together. I’ll be in very good hands 😉 Looking forward to it!
Relentless Release Date
Just got word from my editor that Relentless (book 4 of my series) will be released on July 9th of this year. That’s less than two months after No Turning Back comes out! At this rate, I’m willing to bet the fifth and final book, Absolution, will be out in the fall. Wow, I’d better start cranking out the next few books, or 2011 might be a little lean:)
You can see Vancouver’s gorgeous and distinctive skyline in the background of this cover. The book is set downtown, actually at the building with the white sails in the foreground (Canada Place). Of course it’s also partially set in my lovely town of White Rock, which is in the southern suburbs of the city. What can I say? I love where I live. Better brace yourselves though, because this and the next book are pretty, um…hot. *clears throat*
A Lesson In Perspective
This weekend I got a hard lesson in perspective, and it was sorely needed. My mother-in-law was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer, and over the past week things have deteriorated at a faster rate than we had expected. My husband’s whole family and all the grandkids went to the hospital to visit her yesterday. Under the circumstances she’s doing pretty well, but her pain level is starting to increase. And I guess you’ve got to understand my hubby’s family. They all have an extremely strong faith in God, but they’re a little odd sometimes. As an example, my hubby is the first born and considers it his job to be the prankster of the family. He wanted to get his mom a card that said Have a nice trip. He couldn’t find one (thank God), so he went in and said it to her instead, and added she should pack a bathing suit since it’s hot where she’s going 🙂 They all laughed hysterically while my sister-in-law and I shook our heads. Gallows humor, I guess.
Anyway, this weekend I also started sending out queries to agents for my newest manuscript, so now I’m kind of on pins and needles and bracing for the rejections that are part of the querying process. Last night my MIL asked about my latest book, and I told her all about it and that I was shopping for an agent. When we left her sitting in her robe in her hospital bed, I had a huge knot in my throat because I know it’s only going to get worse for her from here out. I don’t want her to suffer, and I don’t want her family to have to watch it happen. I’ve lost loved ones to cancer and it’s always a wrenching experience.
Last night’s visit was a pointed reminder to me about what’s really important in life. First, our health, which we take for granted as much as we do our freedom and sometimes our loved ones. I’m extremely lucky to have my health, two healthy boys, and a husband that loves me. Those are the important things. When you look at it like that, everything else kind of fades away into the background. Having my books published by a NY house would be nice, but it’s not that important in the grand scheme of things. I need to remember that, and I need to be consciously grateful every day for all that I do have.
So for all of you out there struggling to attain your writing dreams, don’t give up, but make sure you put the rejections into perspective.
Done. Mostly.
Well, I’m done the first round of edits for Turbulence and it feels great. I’m going to put it aside for a day or two before looking at it again–or so I tell myself. I’ve been busy with Board meetings and sick children in the past couple of days, but I’m going to start plotting the second book of the series soon.
As an added treat, I received my certificate and silver pendant for my Laurel Wreath win back in November with Out of Her League. It’s hanging from my neck right now, and I think I’ll keep it on for a long while. Every time I get discouraged about writing or start to doubt myself, I’m going to look down at it for a boost.
Hope everyone had a great New Year’s!