Friday Writing Update

The Watchtower Series: Sympathy for the Demon (book four)

Revisions for book four are done. Now is edits and other things I wanted to add in. As it stands now, this book is 57k. Not bad, one of my longer books. I just hope I haven’t made it boring. Will have cover-art for it soon too, so if you’re signed up to the newsletter, look for something from me in the next couple of weeks.

Oh, and did I mention I have cover art for it? Thanks to Calista Taylor for the awesome job! Those of you who get the email will see a special sneak peek, and I plan on doing a whole cover reveal soon.

 

Omens and Portends (book five)

I put this on hold until I’ve finished book four. There are some things going on in this book that I have to include, and I need to make sure the stage is set in book four first.

 

The Saints of Belvedere Road (Side novel)

I’ve gone through the first three chapters. So far, so good.

 

The Carriers

I have several more entries on this sketched out. It’s a good think I’m posting a part every couple of weeks, with everything else I’ve got going, some days I forget to work on this.

 

Steampunk Series: Gutterchilde

Okay, I know I said I wasn’t going to work on this, but I can’t help myself. Idea’s for this series were coming at me from all angle! How could I ignore them? So, I’m thinking there will be eight books in this series and I’ve found a name for it; The Clockwork Glyphs Series. It should make clear that this is a combination of paranormal and Steampunk. The big problem is that I have to re-write the entire first three chapters. The premise I originally had, won’t work with this revised storyline. I can keep some, but certain romantic interests will have to be changed. I would LOVE to get this first book revamped and maybe published next year.

 

So how is your writing coming along?

Friday Writing Update

I started a new writing schedule. Instead of working on three different WIPs, I’m focusing my energy on the paranormal series. My goal is to get three books out this year, three in 2014 and the final in 2015. This would end the series and allow me to focus on the others. I don’t feel I wasted time working on THE POSSESSION OF MERCY MOREAU or GUTTERCHILDE, just the opposite. It helped me to focus my writing and find the story, but working three different genre’s is a little taxing.

The first book is now free and I’m already in the top 100 for its categories on Amazon’s free books. As of this morning, here were the stats:

Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,987 Free in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Free in Kindle Store)

#29 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Horror > Occult

#62 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Fantasy > Paranormal

Sweet!

The Watchtower Series: Sympathy for the Demon (book four)

I’ve booked the editor for the second week of April. Hopefully, I should have this ready before that, but you know me. I’m hoping for a May 1 release date. Wow, it’s been almost a year since I put out my last book!

 

Omens and Portends (book five)

The first draft of this is coming along slowly. It’s hard to write the fifth book, when I’m not too sure how the fourth is going. Right now, I’m doing about 500 words a day on it. I’d like to have it out by September 1. That would give me five months between books.

 

The Saints of Belvedere Road (Side novel)

The best thing about this book is, that it’s already written. I’ve edited the first chapter and as there are only twelve, if I do one per weekend it’ll be ready in plenty of time. I’m thinking of a winter release for this one.

 

Blog Mini-Series; The Carriers

I’ve got a couple more parts written out for this, so I’m ahead of myself, which is always a good thing. I originally wanted it to be about 1k per part, but I’m learning that sometimes the word count is not the important part. I am trying to keep it short, that was the whole point of writing this.

Friday Writing Update

It’s been an odd sort of writing week, the last few weeks. It seems as though all my WIP’s want attention, even the ones I haven’t looked at in years! Maybe it’s because of some recent developments. See, a few months back I subbed The Watchtower to Hydra, the new Random House/Penguin imprint. They were looking for previously published works so I thought what the hell! I did hear from them right away wanting to look at the full MS, but found out earlier last week it wasn’t what they were looking for. Ah well. That’s when these older stories started poking at me; making me interested in them again.

The Watchtower Series: Sympathy for the Demon (new title)

Slowly this is coming along. I’d like to have a nice chunk of it done by the end of the month. I’m going to push for an April/May release date. I’ve put another chapter in, so we’re up to thirteen, and there’s a good chance it could be over 50k.

Also, as of the beginning of February, I’ve put the first book in this series THE WATCHTOWER for free. Period. I know, I’ve gone back and forth on this, but I’ll have a fourth book out soon, not to mention the other ones I plan on putting out this year, so I can afford to put one free. Anyway, I’m just waiting for Amazon to change the price. In the meantime, if you have a Kindle and want to read it, download it from Smashwords.

 

Script: Marked

I finished the revisions on this and sent it out to two people I know who write scripts. I got some excellent feedback from the first person, and I’m waiting on the second person. So far, apart from the tech stuff and some minor plot holes, things look good!

 

NEW PROJECT ALERT!!!

Erotic Anthology: The Brie Diaries

Now that my first erotic short story is down (due to Oysters and Chocolate closing), I’ve been working on a whole series of short stories with Brie and her husband. So far, I have one story done and I’m working on the second. I think there will be six, but we’ll see.

Gothic Fairy Tales

After watching a trailer for Witch Hunters, I went online and did some research on old fairy tales.  I came across some obscure ones, and an idea came to me; to re-write a couple and see what they’re like. Of course I would give credit to the original writer, and if I were to publish them I would have to look up rights and that sort of thing, but that’s a way off. Some of these stories are hundreds of years old.

Blog Mini Series- The Carriers

I’ve had this idea floating around in my head for a while, and originally it was going to be in script form, but a few nights ago, I started writing some of it out and next thing I knew, I had about a thousand words. It was a nice opening scene, and the thought struck me, what if I did a mini-series; a scene of around 1k every couple of weeks? I worked out a breakdown for twelve  installments, and starting Tuesday I will post the first one. Mind you, I haven’t forgotten about Teaser Tuesday. The Carriers will run in between, and yes, I’m copyrighting each post.

 

So how is your writing coming along?

Friday Writing Update

The Watchtower Series: Sympathy for the Demon (new title)

I’ve been focused on this story more than the others. Creating a revisions schedule is proving to be more difficult that I first thought. I want to get this book out, but I also want to get the others done as well.

I’ve already added an extra chapter to this book. I’m wondering if this will push the book into the novel category. All the other ones have been under 50k.

 

Script: Marked

I’m done! I finished the revisions on this just today! I think it’s a stronger story than the previous version, especially when it comes to the dialogue. I put some interesting twists in the plot, I’m just wondering if maybe they’re too much. Anyway, I know someone on Twitter who looks over scripts and he said he would take a look. I know it’s not up to snuff when it comes to the formatting and presentation, and I still have to write out a treatment, but it’s done!

So, now to pick another script idea to work on. I have a few contemporary ideas that I jotted down. Maybe a change from genre fiction would do me some good. That’s all I’ve ever written. Also, I’m thinking about having another pen name. Just to keep things separate.

 

So how is your writing coming? Any good news on your projects?

Friday Writing Update

The Watchtower Series: Sympathy for the Demon (new title)

I’ve finished the revisions to the first five chapters. So far, the revisions put the new word count at just over 16k, with the overall word count at 44k. I crunched some number and figured out that I’ve added over 7k so far. Wow, this could be the longest book to date.

Gothic Fiction Series: The Possession of Mercy Moreau

I have begun the revision to this story. I don’t look forward to the re-structure, but it’s my own fault. I think though, it’ll be a stronger story for it. More conflict. I’ll probably have to do a couple passes with this one, but we’ll see. Hopefully there won’t be that much to rip apart.

 

Paranormal Steampunk Series: Gutterchilde

Did not finish the first draft of this by December 21. Didn’t even finish by January 1. I tried to write through the holidays but it was next to impossible. If you did, my hat off to you. I don’t know how you did it.

The New Year brought some new titles for the rest of the books. So here are the working titles of all eight (yes, I said eight) Steampunk novels in the series;

1. Gutterchilde

2. Wulfven

3. Fendora

4. Bonesucker

5. Stonebreaker

6. Wormonger

7. Rokowen

8. Apocalyde

3, 4, and 5 are iffy, I’m not sure if I’ll keep them or not but for now they’re fine. The other titles hint at the content of the story, so they stay.

So how is your writing coming? Did you write over the holidays or like me, just leave it?

Friday Writing Update

The Watchtower Series: Tales of the Demon

No update.

 

Gothic Fiction Series: The Possession of Mercy Moreau

And…we’re done! Finished. Put to bed. HA! The first draft of this novel is complete! Fourteen chapters with a word count of just over 51k. I’m hoping to bump it up to 55k when I do revisions.

This story has evolved since I started writing it. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not. Who am I kidding, of course it’s a good thing! When I start the revisions in January, I’ll have to look at a whole structure revamp. Timelines for certain events are going to be changed, but the meat of the story will remain the same.

 

Paranormal Steampunk Series: Gutterchild

With just one week left, I’m trying to finish this first draft before December 21^st, so I’m writing like a madwoman. I finished chapter 12 today, and only have two more to go! Could be do-able.

 

So how have the last couple weeks been for your writing?

Friday Writing Update

The Watchtower Series: Tales of the Demon

Revisions, revisions. I haven’t read any of this; I just wrote and kept going, so reading the first few chapters again and I’m like ‘….Okay” What the hell was I thinking? Names have to be changed, and scenes have to be taken out, lowering my word count. Mind you, I’m just in the first few chapters. I’m pretty sure whatever I take out will be replaced with better being put in. Like I’ve said before, I’m not in any rush to put this out. I want it to be the best I can do.

I’m getting proofs for the print version for OF COVENS AND PACKS. I hope the purple is just as rich in print as it looks on the ebook version. I’ve heard some people say darker colours don’t show up well. I’m also at a loss as to how to price it. People keep saying check out other books like it and what they’re priced at, but anything I find in the paranormal category is all romance. Ugh, I don’t know.

 

Gothic Fiction Series: The Possession of Mercy Moreau

I finished chapter twelve this week. One more chapter and I’m done. DONE! Do you hear me?? DONE! That means this story will be finished before the holidays. Sweet! I wasn’t planning on getting a lot done come December 21 anyway. So far, it’s still thirteen chapters and it should clock in at over 50k. This is the first draft too, so that may rise, which is a good thing. I want to send it out to Indie publishing and many of them have a word count requirement of at least 50k.

 

Paranormal Steampunk Series: Gutterchild

I’ve finished chapter eight this week and added another chapter. Going into more detail has shown me more of the story, and it’s making me love it so much more. It’s up to eighteen now. I’m still toying with the idea of breaking this one book into two. Considering how much story I’ve got now (40k) and I’m only half way through, it might be a good idea. I’ve also added another book to the series as well, making five in the series. If I break the first into two, there will be six altogether. Then of course, there is the spin off books.

Ugh….

 

Script: Marked

I have to tell you. I’ve been working on my dark scifi scrip again. I was really upset because it’s a good idea, but I was stuck for the longest time. I got a lot of help from the wonderful Goatposse for helping me flesh out the plot problem. YOU GUYS ROCK!! Anyway, I’m really loving this project again and I’ve added it to my roster. Congratulate me, I’m going to have writer burnout sooner than expected now.

 

So how have the last couple weeks been for your writing?

Friday Writing Update

This is going to be short and sweet; I got no writing done. Nope. Not one new word on any of my WIPs. The reason? WFC, new Sims 3 expansion pack, the cold weather, my injured eyeball…the list goes on and on. Sure, I don’t have a job outside the house, but like I told Husband, just because I’m home all day doesn’t mean I want to write/do housework all day, every day. My Muse has been poking at me for the last few days, so Monday I’ll get back into the groove again, but for now, let me leave you with a visual. Compliments of Muse.

I tell ya, when she inspires, she inspires.

 

Friday Writing Update

The Watchtower Series: Tales of the Demon

I’ve started the revision stage. There are 37 pages so far and if I revise two pages per day (excluding weekends and the four days I’ll be in Toronto), barring days I fall into procrastination mode I should have the revised WIP done around the beginning of December.  Hopefully by then I should have enough money to pay for the cover and editor.

I realized earlier this week there is one more book to write before I publish the first of two side novels. The first side novel THE SAINTS OF BELVEDERE ROAD was written several years ago and as my skills have improved since then I need to go through it and tighten it up in places and connect it more to the series. For those of you who critiqued it when it was up in The Online Writers Workshop, you’ll already know the plot.

I still haven’t put OF COVENS AND PACKS out in print yet. Again, it has to do with funds. I was hoping to take a few with me to Toronto, but looks like that’s not going to happen. Ah well. Maybe when my next payment from Smashwords comes in I’ll have enough.

 

Gothic Fiction Series: The Possession of Mercy Moreau

I changed the plot a bit and it rejuvenated the story. It’s a bit of a twist, and I’m hoping I can pull it off and lead the reader into thinking something that isn’t true. A red herring, if you will. I’m really excited about it, and this new idea fits perfectly. No need to do any major re-writes.  The best thing about this new plot idea, is that it made the story exciting for me again.

 

Paranormal Steampunk Series: Gutterchild

The more I work on this story, the longer it gets. It isn’t plot bunnies jumping up, it’s just so much happens that I’m afraid of leaving a scene out and then something not making any sense later on. I have a feeling this is going to be closer to a 100k novel than an 80k. That would make it the longest novel I’ve ever written. Right now it’s 23k and I’ve just started chapter 6, and there are seventeen chapters outlined so far. That will increase as I keep writing. I’m not one for really long books, and I could cut this first one into two if it gets too long. That way I could focus on establishing certain relationships instead of it feeling brushed over.

Actually, that’s a good idea considering the romantic entanglements in this novel. Great, I just added a new book to this series. I don’t know, we’ll see.

 

So how have the last couple weeks been for your writing?

Friday Writing Update

The Watchtower Series: Tales of the Demon
The first draft of this book is done. Twelve chapters with a word count of 37,331. That total surprised me. I wasn’t expecting the first draft to be so much. This book could easily go over 40k. Monday (or Tuesday) I’ll start on the revision draft. I’ve set this book release date for the new year. With everything else I’ve got going I think that would be a good estimated date.

Gothic Fiction Series: The Possession of Mercy Moreau
Another chapter finished. Slowly but surely this novel is progressing. I’ve got the majority of the plot done; the MC now realises something is seriously wrong but hasn’t decided whether or not she’s going to do anything. She is, I just haven’t written it yet.

Paranormal Steampunk Series: Gutterchild
The more I work on this story, the longer it gets. It isn’t plot bunnies jumping up, it’s just so much happens that I’m afraid of leaving a scene out and then something not making any sense later on. I have a feeling this is going to be closer to a 100k novel than an 80k. That would make it the longest novel I’ve ever written. Right now it’s 23k and I’ve just started chapter 6, and there are seventeen chapters outlined so far. That will increase as I keep writing. I’m not one for really long books, and I could cut this first one into two if it gets too long. That way I could focus on establishing certain relationships instead of it feeling brushed over.

Actually, that’s a good idea considering the romantic entanglements in this novel. Great, I just added a new book to this series. I don’t know, we’ll see.

So how have the last couple weeks been for your writing?