RWA Day 1

It's been a very messy day with signing clothes (red kimono and cream colored silk shirt with chinese frog closures somewhat like Keepers of the Flame) left in a friend's closet so signed in a purple embroidered blouse I wear a lot and the brown trousers...things completely misplaced, my credit card stopped since I don't use it much and it was suspected it was stolen, I had to verify ten different things and all my purchases.

And wonderful: I met Kristin Ramsdell (hope I'm not brain dead on this and I spelled her name right), who named Heart Thief as one of the top 5 romances of 2003 and JUST gave me a STARRED review (of many reviews in the genre, it had a STAR) in Library Journal. Whew.... Someone dropped off a magazine with a german review for Sorceress of Faith which I think is called Sorceress of Lladrana...met up with old friends and new roomie, and editor who has read a lot of Echoes In The Dark and has some specific questions (sigh) and a bookseller who said she thought Echoes In The Dark was coming out in March...so it might have been put back without telling me yet. Had a shot but pithy talk with Mary Jo Putney, and passing talk with Chris Feehan. (Yeah, name dropping here), and met Linnea Sinclair and set up a dinner date with her, and so on and so forth.

I'm tired and my feet hurt and I realized when unpacking that though my suitcase is full of clothes, they don't seem to be the right ones...

Well, the party is continuing, so I may wander over to see the Squires.

May you enjoy your friends today.

Robin

RWA Am

I ran into a bunch of Colorado Romance Writer ladies last night and had an expensive exquisite dinner here in the restaurant attached to the hotel. This am I got up early and trundled down to the hall bath (also miniscule) and stood under the dribbling water and went and got registered and got my conference package.

Now to get my stuff together and move across the street. One of my friends will let me store my things in the room until it's time for me to check in and she gave me her room card. I now have my computer bag, my purse, my jacket, my box of books, my suitcase and my conference bag (a minchy thing not up to previous conference bags, of a bright blue that I will use for my taxes this year).

I've been so concentrated on the books that I didn't sign up in time for activities I now want to attend, (though I didn't realize the FF&P thing wouldn't be open at the door).

Just occurred to me that I need to get the blouse I'm wearing tonight out of the suitcase. I'm still tired.

May you have a lovely day.
Robin

In SF

I am in San Francisco staying at the Mosser in a single room that is about as big as my office. The bathroom is next door. The cost is $135/night, but is across the street from the Marriott. My box of books for the signing is here. Whew.

There is jackhammering going on, the note on the elevator says it is City of SF working on the sidewalk this week. Joy.

The room had an odd smell that I, being from the dry mountain & plains and not of the Victorian era (which the hotel is), couldn't identify. It now smells like Poison perfume.

I am sitting straight legged on my bed that looks like a 3/4, futon like, and it's a little Japanese like (or if you take away the plain wooden frames, slats, fake flower arrangement, probably quite boarding house like). The fan is going and there is a little radiator mounted on the wall.

I paid AT&T 9.99 for the day, 'cause I love you folks so....

Anyway, that's it, 'cause I want to get out and walk over to the Marriott across the street and see what's happening. Oh, and get my box from downstairs. And peek in the bathroom.

Robin

Avery and HP and Corel, Oh My

Well, Hp informed me that their printer is incompatible with Wordperfect and that's why they won't print business cards or labels. Avery said the printer is bad because it won't print in word, either. Hp guy was on the phone with a sometimes VERY irate me because all I WANT TO DO IS PRINT business cards.

tough...I've worked on this all yesterday and all this am, and have found a work-around, but was literally on the phone with the hp guy 2+ hours. Terrible.

So I'm hot and whiny and since we USED all the sheets of business cards I bought trying to figure out the problem, I have to get more.

This all came about when my calendar person said that the firm she is now using will not do anything but jan-dec calendars and nothing other than the book cover can go on. Like, why bother? So I'll have to find another printer who will do July-August calendars, and maybe add my website on the front or back, if you know of one, let me know.

Anyway, house is a wreck, not packed, and I'd better get some sophisticat for Tommy.

Going now, maybe can write tomorrow.
May you not have anyone shouting in your ear. (I did apologize, but when he deleted my document I got irate).

Robin

No Rum or Coke, but Diet Cherry Pepsi

Yes, sometimes I dose myself to get through the work or the emotions or the day. I am trying to be very careful of my alcohol intake because I know a lot of writers go that way. In any event, it didn't even occur to me until about day 3 of the revision process to have some rum (put away at the beginning of the month when the book was done). But you need a sharp mind for revisions, for me, rum is when the looming deadline hits and I wonder if I can finish the book. To blur the world a little for the creative muse to stagger through.

Caffine, on the other hand, is very necessary. Especially to keep going during the long days that I try to do my revisions in. So I had some tea from the local shop. Some called Very Strong Black Tea, and it is. Some good Assam, and my standard Diet Cherry Pepsi, which I ran out of on day 4. Doesn't sound long, right, only 4 days for revision (though I did a few hours before then), but it seemed like an eternity. I don't think I could have faced a day 5 in a row... anyway, I was down to contemplating walking to the local liquor store for cold diet coke.

Choose your poisons carefully. Use only as much as you need (that's a slogan ALL over Denver this year about water, we are 6 1/2 inches low on rainfall this year, my yard looks like straw. I'm going to have little brother come and backhoe it up). Put them away when the job is done, or make sure you change your customs so you don't associate them with writing.

That said, I am out of my Very Strong Black Tea.....

May you be reasonable today.
Robin

Crashing

The night after I finished revising Echoes In The Dark (and getting caught up with all my mailing, including books to the RWA Conference since Harlequin seems not to have any to donate), I went to bed early, woke up early Friday am at 4, wired for all the things I have to do for RWA.

I went down and opened up the house, put on the fans, snoozed on the sofa, smiling, smiling, smiling. The book was done, later I went upstairs and slept til the cats roused me wanting more food at 8.

The moral of this story is that you don't always know how much this kind of work will take out of you.

May you enjoy your rest.
Robin

Tannun's Questions About Fams and Celta

All right, I will answer these as I please and continue until I'm tired, then answer more later...

You said it was ok so here goes!

I love your Fams, other authors have had these type of animal/human partnerships: McCaffrey's Pern and Lackey's Valdemar come to mind. What makes your's unique I feel are a couple of things; they have real personality, and those personalities are more consistent with their animal natures. The scene in Heart Thief when D'SilverFir's fam'puppy piddles on the rug is simply perfect. IF a puppy could talk, you know that's exactly what he would say. I guess you can tell I like the Fam's

That said. How did Fam's come about, where they created (DNA manipulated) by Celtan's or evolve once they arrived on the planet?
I think that question would hit on the people themselves. Are Celtan's abilities a funcion of evolution, I know they were predisposed to have the abilities from their exodus of earth, so was it as simple as breeding for their abilities?

MOST OF THE PEOPLE AND FAMS EVOLVED WITH PSI POWER. THE FIRSTFAMILIES COLONISTS HAD STRONG PSI POWER AND SO DID SOME OF THE CREW. THE STARSHIPS WERE GENERATION SHIPS AND SOME OF THE CREW EVOLVED DURING THAT TIME (AS DID SHIPS' CATS). SINCE THEN BOTH HUMAN AND ANIMALS HAVE BRED FOR FLAIR, AND I BELIEVE THERE IS SOMETHING IN THE ATMOSPHERE THAT ENHANCES IT. ALSO, THE MUTATIONS ARE SPEEDING UP, WITH FLAIR BECOMING STRONGER IN THE CHILDREN.

Are there evil fam's? It seems likely, I've known some cat's that were real demons! IN fact we had a bunny when I was a child that would guard our back gate, the one we had to use to get to school, and would attack us every morning on our way. Let me tell you, there is nothing more embarrassing than running from a bunny at 8 in the morning and not escaping fast enough. Bunny urine really smells. And the damn thing would spray it all over you if you didn't run fast enough!

WOW, BUNNY URINE. EWWWW. SO FAR THE MOST EVIL FAM I'VE HAD WAS BLACK PIERRE IN HEART DUEL WHO WAS A CHAPERONE AND SNITCH. IN THE UPCOMING HEART FATE I HAVE A VERY TOUGH DOG WHO LATER BECOMES A FAM, BUT IS MENACING IN THE BEGINNING. I'LL LET WHETHER FAMS ARE EVIL BE DETERMINED BY THE STORY. SO FAR NO REALLY *MEAN* FAMS. (AND EVIL IS SUCH A BLACK WORD FOR ME, MOST OF THE FAMS ARE SELF-INTERESTED AND HAVE THEIR OWN AGENDA, LIKE THE MAGICAL SHAPESHIFTERS IN THE SUMMONING SERIES).

How many earth animal breeds were tranplanted on Celta? You've given personality and intelligence so far to benign animals, we know there are cat's, foxes, horses, and what appears to be bunnies. I'm not sure why include 'pet type' animals in transport and not livestock, but did only domesticated animals make the trip, no lions and tigers and bears?

THE STARSHIP *NUADA'S SWORD* HAS A COMPLETE GENOME OF ALL TERRAN ANIMALS (DNA FOR CLONING OR DEVELOPING). SOME OTHER ANIMAL TYPES WERE "RAISED" AND LET LOOSE ON CELTA, MOST DIED, LIKE ELEPHANTS. THERE ARE LLAMAS OUT THERE.... THE USEFUL SORTS.

I SEE BOTH CELTA AND EARTH HAVING A PREVIOUS COMMON HERITAGE (OTHERWISE THERE COULDN'T BE HYBRIDS AND THERE ARE) WAY, WAY, WAY BACK.


Which is YOUR favorite Fam? I've mentioned the puppy from Heart Thief, and I think he has to be mine so far.
SINCE ALL MINE ARE REALLY BASED ON MY PETS, THAT'S A DIFFICULT QUESTION. WHICHEVER ONE HASN'T PEEVED ME TODAY.

I know this is rather punish, but the Clover's seem to be moving from mid-house status to great house, any chance you could use bee's as a D'Clover's fam? They have a hive mind, why not give it intelligence? And they would make great spies! A new Fam type as they encompass their new house status.

I DON'T KNOW, BEES' HEADS ARE REALLY LITTLE FOR BRAINS...

What exactly is the government of Celta? You've mentioned the council, who exactly are the members? Can a house status fall so much they lose their council seat? Is membership locked to a specific number and specific houses? Can the council be expanded as more houses achieve great house status? Is there any representitive type government for mid and lower houses, or are they disinfranchised?

OK, THIS MAY NOT BE TOTALLY THOUGHT THROUGH, BUT HERE GOES. THE COMMONERS HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL, THE FIRSTFAMILIES HAVE A COUNCIL, THE NOBLES ALSO HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL. I THINK IF YOU ARE OF THE 25 FIRSTFAMILIES YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE A SEAT UNLESS YOU DO SOMETHING THAT WILL GET YOUR FAMILY WIPED OUT OR YOU DIE OUT. THIS IS NOT NECESSARILY TRUE IF YOU ARE A NOBLE (AND SINCE POLITICS BORES ME ABOUT ALL YOU WILL EVER SEE IS WHAT WENT ON DURING HEART DANCE). IF YOU ARE A NOBLE, YOU NEED TO CONVINCE OTHER NOBLES THAT YOU'D DO A GOOD JOB ON THE COUNCIL. OF COURSE THERE IS ALSO A BUREAUCRACY.

Does Celta have a constitution? Do Celtan's consider themselves a colony from earth, or refugee's?

I HADN'T THOUGHT ABOUT A CONSTITUTION, BUT I'D SAY YES. THEY HAVE SOME STRINGENT LAWS THAT ALL MUST OBEY (MAYBE TABLETS....) CELTAN'S CONSIDER THEMSELVES THEIR OWN PEOPLE. I HAVEN'T THOUGHT OF ONE CELTAN WHO WOULD LIKE TO RETURN TO EARTH (SHOULD THEY BE ABLE TO FIND IT), THEY WOULD NOT ACCEPT ANY EARTH INTERFERENCE. IT'S BEEN 400+ YEARS SO I DON'T THINK THEY BELIEVE THEY ARE REFUGEES. PERSONALLY, I BELIEVE REFUGEES WOULD ALWAYS WANT TO RETURN IF THINGS GOT BETTER, THIS IS NOT HOW CELTANS THINK.

Do Fam's have governments and politics? And do they police fam's that break fam laws?
NO. NO LAWS. LIKE THE SUMMONING SERIES, THEY HAVE STATUS, BUT IT'S NOT SOMETHING HUMANS CAN TOTALLY UNDERSTAND.

House Sentience was a great addition, much less impersonal than computer AI, but how did the colonists know to create house hearts? Each heart is hidden well and in the most protected area of their homes, so the Celtan's didn't just stumble across them by accident, they built for them. Perhaps it's like Scarborough's series and their empathic ablities recognized the planets ability for self awareness and fostered it?
I HADN'T THOUGHT OF THAT, BUT I THINK OF THE HOUSEHEART AS ALSO A SANCTUARY, A BOMBSHELTER, A VAULT, AND THE CENTER OF THE COMPUTERS THAT EVOLVED INTO HOUSE SENTIENCE. SINCE THEN, AGAIN, A HOUSE CAN EVOLVE -- MORE ABOUT THE TURQUOISE HOUSE IN A COUPLE OF MONTHS.

And it raises an interesting question. Celtan's seem to be more certain and aware of life after death, they know the wheel of life exists, so if Houses are a new life form, do they have souls, and will those that die recycle?
HMMM. I THINK THAT HOUSES WITH SENTIENCE ARE VERY, VERY LONG-LIVED AND THE CELTANS VALUE THEM TO THE POINT THAT THEY WILL WORK HARD TO TRANSFER A NEW FAMILY TO A OLD HOUSE. I BELIEVE I SAID SOMETHING LIKE THIS IN HEART THIEF, AND, AGAIN, THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT THIS IN HEART FATE...YOU SEEM TO BE ANTICIPATING ME!

Houses seem to take on the personality of their occupants, can a house become evil or insane?
YES, WAIT FOR HEART FATE.

Is there anything that can be done to 'adjust' their personality
YES, IF THE OWNERS' AGREE

Do Celtan's even have the right to try in the case of an evil house? Does sentience impart the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?
YES, BUT HOUSES ARE HELD TO SOME AI STANDARDS, USUALLY UNABLE TO HARM THEIR OWNERS EXCEPT FOR SELF PRESERVATION.

Are fam's and house's responsible for their own actions? If they do evil, commit crimes, can they be held accountable?
AGAIN THE EVIL WORD AND I DON'T HAVE FAMS THAT ARE EVIL. BUT YES, SHOULD A FAM COMMIT MURDER FOR THE JOY OF IT (AND I DON'T SEE THIS HAPPENING), THE FAM WOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE, AND THE HUMAN WOULD PROBABLY BE CONSIDERED WARPED, TOO, SO THERE WOULD BE A DEEP INVESTIGATION.

Can you tell I like the Heart books just a bit more then the Protector's? Which series do you like better?
BOTH ARE DIFFERENT AND BOTH FULFILL ME A LOT.

Did you publish short stories when you began writing, or did you jump feet first into the novel format right away?
I TRIED A COUPLE OF SHORT STORIES A LONG TIME BEFORE I WROTE NOVELS. THEY WERE NEVER PUBLISHED.

If you could be a character in any novel, NOT your own what novel would that be?
MOST CHARACTERS IN NOVELS SUFFER TOO MUCH FOR ME.

Which of the Heart abilites would you most like to have? I'm not counting those that seem to cross house lines like teleportation, but those unique to a house.
I LIKE TELEPORTATION AND ANIMAL HEALING.

There seems to be an apprenticeship process on Celta, but is there formal schooling?
BOTH. THERE IS SOME FORMAL SCHOOLING (GROVESTUDY) WITH GROUPS USUALLY OF THE SAME CLASS. THERE IS ALSO APPRENTICESHIP OF LIKE MINDED INDIVIDUALS TO OTHERS OF THE SAME TALENT/FLAIR.

And with talents being so unique to each house can they be taught in a formalized setting? GENERAL SKILLS CAN BE TAUGHT, GROUNDING, MEDITATION, STANDARD SPELLS, DISCIPLINE, ETC.

Do you get a new pet each time you write a new novel?
NO, I USUALLY GET PETS THEN WRITE NOVELS.

May you all enjoy questions today.
Robin

The Revision Has Landed (on Editor's Desk)

Actually landed in her assistant's email, who has downloaded it and printed out the pages after chapter 19. I think I am brain dead. Now to do all the other things I must before I leave for RWA on Tuesday.

I DID address every single one of my editor's 21 letter comments and most of her comments on my ms. I didn't change about 3 things. We'll see if I changed enough to make her happy (and approve payment for the book).

So, that's done.
May you have a fulfilling day.
Robin

Before Work, Trusting Yourself

Cooler today and I'm not quite as grumpy, though don't usually get the grouch-me until later in the pm. Lately the temp in the main part of the house has topped out at 83, with up here in the office significantly higher. I've been writing early down in the dining room (which only looks as if a minor explosion has occurred). The low temp in the house downstairs the last couple of days has been 81. Considering outside has ranged from 95-97, I've been fairly lucky.

Today I've already gotten the temp down to 78, which, like, is better than 81. Dingo LOVES the outdoors and would stay out all the time if I let him. His microchip is now registered and his name is printed on his collar along with my phone no.

I am going to bathe, then go downstairs and work. The problem is still thorny, but I am trusting that when I get to the keyboard, it will work itself out. I have some phrases in mind that should help. ;)

That's my advice. Trust yourself....and don't delay writing because you're not sure how to do something. Words on the page are easier to fix than a blank page. I've considered changing a couple of minor scenes, but I simply don't have the time, so I'll let that thought go. I wish I'd had longer to craft this book, but it's a good book all the same (at least mentor says so, but she likes lots of action).

May you enjoy your work and trust yourself today.
Robin

Grumbles

It's been hot and the revisions have been brain-squeezing. So I stopped at 260 yesterday when I ran into a problem that needed to be addressed with a few additions, am now at about 470 and letting the mind think about a rather big issue and how to handle it in the minimum amount of words. Hope, of course, to finish tomorrow.

Meanwhile I am completely snowed under by other commitments I made when thinking this week would be free. Ha ha. Not to mention doing very minimal for RWA. Just heard that though I am flying in on Tuesday and leaving Sunday, I only have the hotel room with roomie from Wednesday - Saturday. So I'm at one hotel on Tuesday and a different one on Saturday night. Spent about an hour doing that.

One thing I REALLY want to see is Grace Cathedral. It was what started my interest in labyrinths (which I've used in my books). So maybe when I'm messing around Saturday, I'll go there. Shrugs.

Anyway, exercise, catsitting, dinner....maybe.

May your days go smoothly.
Robin

Working...working...working

I printed out the 3 pages of revision notes for Echoes in the Dark and am working on them, gave myself Sunday afternoon to rest. One request bothered me so much I was up last week in the middle of the night working on it, and I think I've gotten the worst handled by adding a couple of brief scenes. We'll see, due before RWA, that means before I leave Tuesday am next week.

I am loathe to say how long it will take to do, since I usually underestimate.

Sigh.

May you have a productive day.

Heart Proposals Finally Submitted!

Well, I've been talking about Heart Change and Heart Journey for a while now and I finally got my act together, wrote out a brief synopsis today (after thinking about it for months and modified from a not-so-brief synopsis that raised more questions than it answered), did some last fiddling with the chapters and sent them out this evening.

Working for yourself means you often work on Sunday....

May you enjoy your free time.
Robin

Author vs. Story

I'm reading an older book by an author I like (new to me). I've usually liked her work. But I've met her and I don't particularly care for her as a person.

Most of the time if the author has personally impressed me unfavorably, I give up her work...and I think that sometimes readers do this, too, which makes me cringe when I recall my less than brilliant words or mood or complete gauchness. I hope I haven't truly alienated anyone.

Just sort of a musing. Let me know what you think.
Robin

Ideas

Ideas are a penny a gross. I had a friend in the business but a new writer say last time we met "Don't tell anyone this idea I had." She made a face because she knows that's a standard worry of amateur writers, but she meant it, too.

It was a lovely idea, and I don't know how long it would take her to write it, but I could write it faster. If I wanted it. I don't. As I've said before, one basic idea (or pic) could be given to a roomful of writers and everyone would write a different story. The theme of this particular story that my friend has is not one that I agree with, so I won't do it. I would never use this idea of hers in a million years because I'm not interested in writing that particular plot, either. OTOH, if she gets it done, it's sufficiently interesting that I'd read it -- after she's put in all the research.

I have a lot of ideas of my own...some proposals that weren't picked up and I may never get back to or will be changed for something new. Ideas that are my own that I can get excited about.

And, really, most story ideas have been done and we're just looking at permutations.

The one really, truly wonderful idea that I think changed the genre (paranormal romance) and was unique and brilliant was that of Christine Feehan's Carpathians. Fabulous idea regarding vampires, dead vs. undead, and Lifemates, (which I read after I already had HeartMate out). That was truly genius -- having the Carpathians lose the ability to see colors (lose the acuity of their senses) or experience emotions as they pass through the ages, then when they meet their lifemate everything comes rushing back. Awesome idea that only Christine could have written.

So, as for ideas...I've been reading a lot of different contests' entries and there are some that are interesting, but...they aren't mine, I might enjoy reading them, but never writing them.

Again, those people who think a published author (or other writer) would steal their idea mark themselves as amateurs. We have our own ideas that we love.

May you enjoy your imagination today,
Robin

Map

All right, I'm getting hit from all directions lately, RMFW conference stuff, RWA conference stuff, 3 contests I'm judging, Denvention, Luna book maps and revisions (which I've been mulling over), and my own deep need to get the Heart books out.

So for today I have a map that may appear in the front of Echoes In The Dark.

May you know where you're going and your priorities today.
Robin

New READ on Website -- Echoes In The Dark

July website update is done. There's a new READ, a cut scene from Echoes In The Dark, contest this month (7-15 - 8-15) is an ARC of Heart Fate.

Enjoy, and yes, I am still up, the problem with heat and caffine..

May you stay cool today.
Robin

Meetings

One of the reasons I go to Romance Writers' of America's National Conference (leaving 2 weeks from today), is to meet with my editor(s) and agent. My mentor has a daughter in the Bronx, so she goes to NY, but I prefer RWA.

Since I was concentrating on the book, I'm scrambling to get appointments which makes me sigh. Anyway, the tips for today is that you DO need face time with the people you work with. It's important. Especially your agent, to make sure you'll get along.

Otherwise, I haven't done much. I got an email with some detailed revisions for Echoes of the Dark, and the ms. will arrive tomorrow. Ideas are spinning in my brain.

So may you enjoy your day/evening/night.

Robin

Heart Journey

Well, the pages/chapter for Heart Journey are/is done and now I'm noodling around with the synopsis and realizing that I can't plot worth a damn. I've got it out to my critique group and spoken with my mentor a couple of times (and will be taking her advice). The suspense part is going to take a real back seat on the book, I think.

We'll see. I just need to put something together that will hang together. Urgh.

Anyway, it's hot. The cats are co-existing.

May you find a cool niche in every sense of the word.
Robin

Always Read Your Contracts

Advice for the day, always read your contracts whether or not you have an agent.

May you enjoy your day.
Robin

Not Getting Bored Yet

Didn't do much of anything yesterday, slept, answered some email, did an interview. Exercised today and played on City of Heroes, LOVE designing costumes and I have a guy that I'm thinking about as a book character. Maybe I'll put him up for shock value and you can let me know if he works for you.

Now I have to drag my reluctant feet down to a friend's house where I am catsitting Scary Crazy Cat Who Hates Me Because I Catsit Her. This is the one who screams and carries on when I do the needle diabetes thing. Sigh. A whole week.

Anyway, better now then later since I have a playdate with a friend and the pda is whining the alarm.

Dingo has a collar with a bell that he hates, he does speed bursts from here to there so we can't find him (ha, ha). Tommy doesn't like him. Sigh.

That's the fascinating things going on at Casa Owens. I did do my authors note.
May the day have no unpleasant duties for you.
Robin

Dingo

Dingo has joined our household. I think. At least he's here...creeping around corners, running away from me. I'm letting him get used to us at his rate, I believe that's the best way to do this. He's a plump, muscular cat.

That's the report.
Robin

Why I started writing

This is in reply to a comment. Like many writers I always wrote or told myself stories. I started some writing projects throughout the years but didn't seriously start writing until a relationship crashed, which freed my creativity and time.

I took a creative writing course at a local "free" university from my mentor, Cassie Miles, and started what became my first book: The Token, a contemporary paranormal romance. It will never be published, and I still have the first draft of the complete book which I did without any input. Pitiful indeed. I made all the beginning writer mistakes from starting with a dream to head-hopping Points Of View to masses of characters...

My fourth full manuscript, HeartMate, was my first published book. I'd written Regency era historicals (with and without paranormal) and no one was buying my work (mostly because I had a bad agent who wasn't sending it out), so I wrote HeartMate for fun.

It took me 8-9 years to get published, I don't like to count.

For me, Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers taught me to write and my first allegiance will always be to RMFW (mentor's group). I have done some online critiquing, but prefer in person.

I think that's enough...there are some other interviews I've done out there and I have one for a local newsletter to answer.

May you enjoy your creative outlet today.
Robin

What do you want in an Author's Note -- Echoes In The Dark

I've been asked to write a wrap-up series Author's Note for Echoes In The Dark and my mind is too crowded with the books. What would YOU like to see in it?

Thanks,
Robin

DONE!

So, Echoes In The Dark is really, really done, came in at 597 pages, 137,907 words, hard copy has been mailed, .rtf copy emailed. If it came out today the way I sent it I would be pleased.

I am hoping that production will be a lot easier this time than with Keepers Of The Flames because it shouldn't have to be cut any further, I hope.

Of course, if I'd had a full book to tell Raine's story, the last two books might have been around 500 pages instead of 628 and 597 (ms pages). I'd also wanted to explore Luthan and Koz a bit more.

I hope people won't be too upset at who dies...

And now I think I'll go take a nap, or catch up on email, or play City of Heroes....

Robin

Fast note

I am down to 602 pages from 664. Whew. Coupla good bits cut, some awkwardness. The battle was messed up so I think I've got it together, but will revise. I haven't looked at the first 5 chapters yet. But the book is in good enough shape that I don't anticipate any copy edit problems, if I get a good editor. Two of my friends have gotten the copy editor from hell, so I know she's floating around out there, hired by my publisher.

This won't make it in on Monday because Denver is a hick town and has no Sunday overnight delivery. If I want something in by Monday I have to send it by Saturday at 5pm. Eeeeeeeeeeee. Berkley knows this so all my due dates are Tuesday with them.

The thing my mentor mentioned most (alliteration) in my first chapter was that everyone was smiling and they all meant something different. Obviously that technique did not work for her. Maybe I'll save it as an illustration for here, but I'll go back and fix. She mentioned using a twinkle in the eye. I've just been cutting smiling in the later pages.

Also, I need to set up the entire story better --- story goal -- so I'll do that later today.

Still have 100 pages to transcribe corrections to, but I think I've done the last big cuts. Pretty sure I can get down to 600 or less just by tightening. There are a couple of things I need to add in the battle/aftermath pages too. Out by 7pm tomorrow if the printer doesn't take 3 hours like it did last time. I have a new intake roller I can change if cleaning didn't work...

That's it, expected at brunch.

smooches, and may you have a lovely day, robin

Daily Report

Well, I started very late today, only worked about 7 hours, and did 120 pages worth revising until I came across a paragraph that made no sense at all....

Anyway, I DID cut a little thread that Mentor thought was "a little creepy" and not needed (creepy in a eeewww relationship way), and another scene that, again, Mentor didn't think was needed. That was about 8 pages I think, not so much. And either I was fading or some of the book was Very All Right, because I started and know I managed cutting about a line a page, but the last few scenes I read weren't marked at all...until I got to the strange paragraph.

So, that's that.

May you have sweet dreams and a lovely day.
robin

Echoes In The Dark

My mentor says she likes this one the best of the series....

Robin