Flirty Friday

I'm a little behind as of late. It happens. A lot.

I'm still pluggin' away at the menage story. I'm honestly one love scene short of being done. It's kinda fun, but kinda sad. I don't really want to let go of the characters. I'll get it done, though.

What's next on the hit parade?

Good question.

I want to help Megan get her story done. It's with a CP and getting there, but not quite ready. So that's a challenge. But I won't give up and I won't let her give up either.

Next for me? Three things. I think.

One - Gypsy, Todd, and Allan's story. They still won't tell me what they want to do. As soon as I think I know, they change the game. Brats.

Two - Rhett's story. So far I know one thing. That's it. Brat.

Three - Felicity's story. I know quite a bit for her. She's probably next on the line, but she may prove to be a brat, too. We'll see.

Oh crud. There's a four. Well...depending upon how the submission goes. I turned in Tucker and Megan's story. That's the infamous 6 year old manuscript. I love that story and didn't want to let it languish. But Janine and Eric want their story. They've waited nearly six years, too. So I guess they are due.

And a five...sheesh. Berto and Remi would like to tell their story. Which might be a bit difficult since they are already together and like one person. Double brats.

Looks like I need to get my plot bunnies in gear.

But...want a little snippet of the reunion story? This is unedited, so it may be a bit rough. Bear with me. Macy's going back to her 15 year high school reunion at Mason Senior High School. She's equally excited and scared to see her high school crush, Tanner Connolly. At the same time, she's with her two best guy friends, the wonderful Berto and Remi. This is when they enter the building and sign in.

As Macy stepped up to the folding table, Remi wrapped his arm around her waist. “I’d like to sign in with my ravishing date, Macy Shibley and my life partner, Berto Katz.”

Faith’s eyes widened as her brows knotted together. She elbowed her best friend and partner in tormenting crime, Jill Mickelson. Biting back a grin, Jill turned the registration book towards Berto and folded her hands. “It’s great to see you. We all wondered if you three would be a modern couple.” Jill snorted and rolled her eyes. “You were always ahead of your time.”

Macy opened her mouth to correct Jill when Remi patted her shoulder. “Thank you, Jill, honey. We thought we’d let Macy out to get some air. We shelter her so.”
“Oh.” This time, Jill’s jaw dropped. “I meant—”

“If we keep her locked up for too long, she gets cranky and I have to get out the whips.” Elbowing Macy forward, Berto nodded. “Bye, girls.”

Once inside the spacious auditorium, Macy plugged her ears. The song playing on the stereo system echoed off the walls and rattled her brain. The fog from the DJ stand clouded the room, making it hard to see more than twenty feet from her face. Grief, she hoped she didn’t trip into the rows of seats.

“I’ll be right back.” Remi planted a kiss on her cheek and one on his lover’s before disappearing into the throng of dancers.

Berto wrapped his arm around Macy once more. “He’s a dork sometimes, but he’s the love of my life. I’m glad you made us go on that date.”

“You’re welcome, but that little comment was childish.” She rolled her eyes. “Whips? I think she choked on her gum.” She ducked in close and spoke in his ear. “But I loved every moment. Next time say something about using the bondage bed. She’ll pass out.”

Enjoy!!

What the? Wednesday...The Scariness of Submission

Submission. I know where your mind went. In some ways, you're right. There's a little of that in this post. And there's a little of a different kind of submission.

I'm working my heart out on a couple stories right now. One has to do with a menage. Yup. That one. Still not done with it. Not always a good thing. It's due by the end of the month. So if I want to sub it, then I need to get my buns in gear. That one has some fun submission and some yummy manlove. Yes. Megan convinced me to write some more m/m/f. And I liked it.

And then there's this other story. I've got a story I subbed last summer. Pitched it in person and everything. Needless to say, it was given a R&R. Revise and Resubmit. That would've been fine, had I not oh, I don't know...let it sit for more than a month. I worked my tail feathers off on it and then passed it on to a CP. Problem is, she kinda forgot about it...between forgetting about it and then finding out it was really not in shape...I haven't bothered to resubmit it. It's not that I don't want to. Far from that. I'd LOVE to resub it. I just didn't realize how bad off it was when I'd subbed it in the first place.

Hence my scared-y-cat-ness. I get all excited when a story is close to being ready but the queasiness that accompanies actually submitting...strikes every time.

Ugh.

I've got a sub in right now. It's a favorite of mine. So if it gets shot down, I'll be honest, it'll be a bit painful. Why? It's the polished and rewritten version of my very first MS. I call it the 6YOMS (6 year old manuscript). We'll see. And have fingers crossed.

You ever experienced the "I really need to ralph because I sent in a sub" feeling? Share your story. I'm all ears. Or eyes. Whatever. Let me know.

And Don't Forget to Check out These Awesome Authors: Megan Slayer, Kealie Shay, Menagerie Authors, Jessica Jarman, Devon Rhodes, Ashley Ladd, Linda McMaken, Cheryl Dragon, Marianne Arkins, Anne Rainey, KA Mitchell, Mychael Black, and Jenika Snow!

Friday Flirts

I'm sitting here jamming to old Billy Joel tunes and working on revisions/edits/WIP's... Yeah, I'm a busy girl. Megan came over for a while to work on her WIP. I looked it over and I think once she gets this particular pivotal scene done, she'll be pretty good to go. Me? Not so much. I chattered with C for a while, too. She teased me about having one too many irons in the fire and setting the bar a bit high. Duh. I don't know what to do with myself if the bar isn't way over my head and more or less out of reach. Story of my life.

In the planning stages:
Rhett's part of You'll Think of Me. He's still in the rough stages. I mean, I know what he wants to do, but I want to put him in a situation he thinks he can't handle. I mentioned something to him about twins. He was receptive...I don't think he has any idea *how* I want him to end up with said twins. Hee hee.

In the works:
Still chugging away on the NASCAR story. I have the lawyerly parts done and right. The rest needs to come into focus.

In revision:
I have two here. I sent What Might Have Been to the CP, got it back and have one scene to finish. I *think* I have a handle on it, but as I know all too well, my having a handle on things isn't always what I think it is.
Also, I'm working hard on the resub. I spoke about that one yesterday, so not much to report as of right now. But hey, I feel a lot better about it than I did on Wednesday. Will it be the fresh, original, creative thing my editor expects? I have no freaking idea...and I'm scared it won't live up to standards.

In edits:
I should be getting the first round edits on Careless Whisper. I always get the feeling of dread knowing the edits are coming. Why? Cuz...I do. I dunno.

Releasing Monday:
Tangled Up releases from Total-E-Bound. Grab your copy!

Back to the grindstone, plus the song changed. Yes, I'm listening to a-ha and I like it.

And Don't Forget to Check out These Awesome Authors: Megan Slayer, Kealie Shay, Menagerie Authors, Jessica Jarman, Devon Rhodes, Ashley Ladd, Linda McMaken, Cheryl Dragon, Marianne Arkins, Anne Rainey, KA Mitchell, Mychael Black, and Jenika Snow!

Monday Moans

Ever have to admit your deepest fears? I mean, admit to the one thing that will knock you down and it may not be possible to get back up?

I was listening to the radio and "Learning How to Bend" came on. Naturally, I had to crank it up. I'm a man's man, but I do have a softer side. And really, the song is more about working with your partner rather than against. I then found the Gary Allan cd I love and blasted "Just Got Back from Hell". Made me feel a little better.

Oh, you're probably wondering who I am. Sorry. Deputy Marlon Cross. I work at the Jarvis County Sheriff's department in Ohio. I love my job and a certain woman.

But back to my fear. I love being a cop. It's in my blood. It's who I am. I can't begin to imagine not being on the beat, not keeping people safe, and not serving and protecting. But Wendi asked me a ton of questions (aggravating if you ask me), but she asked me a ton of questions and one of them had to do with my greatest accomplishments. Duh, being on the force. I am a cop. That was an easy question. Then she wanted to know about my greatest disappointment and my worst fear. Well, those were harder.

I don't like to admit I'm scared. Imagine being in a situation where a suspect has a gun drawn. You can't show fear. Not at all. So do I have moments when I'm scared? Yes. I won't go into the moment of fear and disappointment, but I came damned close to losing my job. I've said, I'm defined by my job. When things happened that put it in jeopardy, fuck yeah, I was scared. What would I do with myself? Being a bouncer is fun for a month or two, but not long term.

I'd be totally lost.

(*Sigh*)

I'm going to take off for now. I'm not really feeling too talkative all the sudden. I'm sorry this was a downer post. I'll call Logan or maybe Ryan to come over and chatter. They know how to work a room.

Later.

Wendi told me to put this on at the end:
And Don't Forget to Check out These Awesome Authors: Megan Slayer, Kealie Shay, Menagerie Authors, Jessica Jarman, Devon Rhodes, Ashley Ladd, Linda McMaken, Marianne Arkins, Anne Rainey, KA Mitchell, Mychael Black, and Jenika Snow!

Friday Flirts

Ah, it's that time of the week again. Friday Flirts. YAY!

Yeah, I'm actually pretty excited about it. I have a ton of work in progress, but I decided there were a couple things that needed said. Yessir.

First: Tangled Up came back for first edits. Not too bad which made my day. Turned back and waiting for second round.

Farmer. Oh, how I had high hopes for you, dear story. But there also comes a time when one has to step back and say, yanno, this just isn't working. (Doesn't hurt if one has this blugeoned over one's head more than once by a very tenderhearted, but honest CP). So on the shelf you go.

I decided since he went on the shelf, one of my shelved stories was coming back out. Last year, I penned a tale of high school reunion. Seeing as my 15 yr is coming up soon, I thought it was a great story. Is it? No clue. I put it in the hands of a couple CPs. We'll see. (Fingers crossed it doesn't suck.)

Jade/Marlon have been submitted. And that's all I'm gonna say about them.

That's all for now. I have to get working on a couple other WIP's. The characters get cranky when they think they've been ignored. (Which, in their minds, is often.)

Friday Flirts

I know, most of you are out shopping. Well, I'm not. I'm not one for the crowds, being shoved to get a cheap tv or parking out in BFE. I can't see the point in sitting in the snow/wind/rain/cold just to be the first in line for an iPad.

But that's just me.

I'd rather do my shopping online or later or (if I had my way) way early. Yes, I'm one of those irritating people who has their shopping done by Halloween. (If I don't, I chafe. Really.)

So, because I'm a derelict and forgot to mention my NEW RELEASE on RELEASE DAY. (Long story...needless to say, it was forgotten in the shuffle of life).

Get your copy of You'll Think of Me.
Not only did I get a fantastic cover, but at a little over $5, it's a steal (but don't really steal it - cuz that was another hurdle from this week).

Cade is one of my favorite characters and it's a story near and dear to my heart.

The man of her dreams finally came home from the war, but is he still the man she remembers or have his demons changed him forever?

Melanie Roberts loved her best friend more than she could ever imagine, and for longer than she wants to admit. Though once lovers, she's resigned herself to being no more than his best friend and roommate. On the eve of his return from deployment in Iraq, in order to keep her heart from breaking, she decides she's moving on—after one last sexy night.

Cade Nicholson has come to a decision. As he comes home damaged in both body and soul from his latest deployment, all he wants is to find comfort in Melanie's arms. Unsure and unsteady in expressing his love to the only woman to hold his heart, he has to find a way to convince her of his true feelings.

Can two best friends overcome their demons to prove their love for one another before past decisions come back to haunt them and it’s too late?

Reader Advisory: This book contains anal and outdoor sex.

Get your copy today!

And in other news:
Remember me talking about Please Remember Me? For all of you who read Cass and Logan's story (Right Where I Need to Be), well, PRM which is Marlon and Jade's story, is back from the CP and **I think** all the kinks are worked out. I'm writing the synopsis little by little (since they are so not fun) and hoping to have it to editor within two weeks. Am I scared? Heck yeah. Submissions are never my strong point. Stomach ends up in knots and I'm scared the editor will hate it (even after the CP's, beta readers, and everyone else whose helped in the revision/polish process has given it the go-ahead.)

So wish me luck and grab a copy of You'll Think of Me.

Ta for now! (I've got a synopsis to write.)

Friday Flirts! A New Contract!

Remember the Ghost story I talked about? Heck, Ryan stopped by already to chatter about it (he loves to chatter). Well, with a little love, care, and lots of polish, I sent it in. I gave up talking about what I've subbed because, well, I hate redacting and I hate getting my own hopes up. So even tho I let him chatter, I really didn't say I'd subbed it.

My editor loved my concept and the story and contracted it! Careless Whisper will come out late February 2011. Cool, ain't it? I'm stoked. Squee!

Thank You Thursday

I have a couple of thank-you's today.

First of all, when a writer writes a book, there are more than a couple people who help that process along. For one, the author has a critique partner who will go through said book/novella/short story to make sure it flows, has no spelling errors, huge plot holes, and those darned telly spots where you know what's happening, but you can't really see it. I have to tell you, I have a couple of CP's and if you've read my blog before, you know I am thankful for each and every one of them.

Another person who is invaluable in the creation of a book is the editor. I know--what if you aren't lucky enough to get the book to publication because said editor doesn't want it. I'll give you a bit of insight. Editors, no matter how crushing it seems at the time, would rather accept your work instead of rejectig. Most editors are authors, too. They know how it feels to have a story kicked back because they've been there. One thing I've found that we, as authors, tend to forget when the dreaded rejection letter comes, is that generally, if you have a great story, but there are a couple of issues, the editor--especially if they LIKE the story--will tell you what to fix and how to improve. Now you're probably wondering why I think that is so great. If they see potential and they took the time to tell you what's wrong, either they are really nice people, or they really want to see you succeed with the story.

I'm thankful my editor at Total-E-Bound is great to work with. Yes, she's turned down my stories before, but she tells me, if you fix this, it'll make the story stronger/tighter/better, without decimating my voice. So thanks JB!

Another person who is vital to bringing a book to fruition is the cover artist. I have been extremely lucky to have beautiful covers. And being a self proclaimed cover snob--I tend to purchase new authors based on blurb and then cover. If the cover doesn't arrest me, I may overlook a really great book. Yeah, I want to look at those hunky half nekkid man chests. So I am super thankful that I've been lucky enough to have covers that, I think, will arrest the reader.

So the next time you shop for the next great e-book--I hope you choose one of mine, but I understand if you don't--take time to mentally thank the others who helped to get that book to you.

Flirty Friday

Today's the day of the week where I decided to share a little of the in-progress stuff I have going on.

I turned in the submission for Arran's story, Tanged Up. This (I think), is the final story in the group. I could be convinced to do one more, but it all depends on response. If I'm asked to write a story for one of the secondary characters, I'll give her her story.

So what's on the horizon?

In My Immortal, my PI has a sister who is screaming for her own story. It just so happens that she decided to finally TELL me her story. When I get five minutes to sit down and write it, I think it'll be a good story.

Do you remember my story You'll Think of Me? It's one of my Air Force stories. It was picked up by Total-E-Bound and should come out this November. There is a wise-cracking secondary character named Rhett. I've had plenty of people ask me for his story because they loved him and wanted to know what he's up to. Well, fear not. Rhett is as talkative as Gypsy, but he's not quite so joyous right now about how things are playing out. I think he'll be happy in the long run, but he can't have everything he wants--right now.

I am going back to my farmer and getting him in shape. Funny how every time I think he's ready to go to a publisher, it's not quite right. It will be. (I hope.)

And one of these moments I am going to get back to my reunion story. Tanner and Macy really want me to give them their say. Ah, but that means bugging the CP, too. :)

I also have an idea for a menage story for this spring. Music and threesomes. We'll see. I can't tell you everything.

So there's the flirts. You know things are in the works and coming together.

New Contract for Must Be Doing Something Right!

Just wanted to tell you all since I finally got said contract in my hot little hands, Total-E-Bound contracted the follow-up to Learning How to Bend, entitled, Must Be Doing Something Right. This is the story of Courteney and Nate (who shows up in LHTB). I got a tentative release date of late June.

I'm psyched.

I also sent in my farmer (now 40k) for resubmission and vampire (42k) is currently with and editor under first consideration.

Wish me luck.

Toodles.

So I Have This Story...

You may nor may not remember me talking about my farmer story. I subbed him and then got a reality check that knocked me on my behind.

BUT

I realized that the story I thought was SO GREAT... was really hiding within a huge story that was more junk and fluff than anything.

So what did I do?

Well, I cut the thing down. You see, I had a wonderful CP tell me, hey, this is written like a short story, but it's a full... what if you cut it down a bit? At first, I blanched. Cut my masterpiece down? Blasphemy! I had three other CPs look at the story and tell me it was ready to sub... um, not quite.

I thought about it a bit... yeah, it really did need cut down. Soooooo I went through with the proverbial red pen. I have no idea how much I chopped off, but I know it lost 6 chapters at least. We'll see. Among other things I did to make it better, was I had my Dh who hates to read (Romance is like asking him to eat his foot) to read it. And yes, he's found things in the slash-and-burn version that needed help, but he's also good at being blunt and honest. Funny, he's never worried about hacking my ego to bits BUT it helps. Really.

So I plan to send it to my trusted CP and then once it goes through her inspection, then I"ll resub it. At least the editor said, yeah it needs help, but send it back, I'll be happy to check it out again.

So back to my bat cave.

Toodles.

Now What Do You Do?

Okay, so the manuscript wasn't quite what the editor wanted. She's asked you to resubmit after you've worked "really hard". I know it's an ego crush to hear your baby isn't good enough.

But think about it this way: no one really gets it right on the first try.

Where would scientists be without experiments? Where would dancers be without practice? Do you really think actors just walk on set and get the scene in one take every time?

Ummm, no.

There are some out there who think writing is a get rich quick scheme. I hate to break it to you... it's not. Yes, there are writers out there who sell LOTS of books and there are those who make the NYTimes Bestseller list. They have also worked their behinds off to get there. And the book on the list, more than likely isn't their first ever book.

Now I'll be honest, there are some who do strike it rich on the first book. I'd be willing to bet that that book wasn't their first foray into writing. Many writers start out BLOGGING, writing articles for the newspaper, or in freelance journalism. In other words, they wrote before they wrote.

So back to the resubmission... I've been there a few times myself. It is frustrating, but if you get past the frustration and personal pain of rejection, you'll find that the changes are things that will HELP the work.

Are you worried that the editor will change the flavor of your work? Or change your voice? It might, but I doubt it. Your book will sound like the voice you gave it if you stay in command of the manuscript. A good editor will keep what you have built and help you to build on that foundation to make the work stronger. I promise.

Well, enough of my soapbox for today... I need to find some eye candy.

Toodles.

Here Comes the Big R - Rejection - But You Can Learn From It and Move On to Better Things

You've sent your best work to an editor. They can say one of three things: 1. Yes, we'd like to contract the manuscript, 2. the story is great, but please fix the aforementioned things and resubmit, or 3. thank you for your submission, but it's not what we are looking for/contracting at this time.

The first one is fabulous.

The second one... well, it hurts, but you have the option to resubmit.

The third one... yeah, that one hurts.

As a fellow writer, I can tell you I've felt the high of the first one, the tumult of the second one, and the sting of the third one firsthand.

If you get a rejection or suggestion for a resubmission, don't freak out. I know that sounds like the impossible. It's not. Trust me.

I always allow myself the time to wallow in pity. You almost need it. Your ego probably took a serious hit.

With a rejection, many companies won't tell you what was wrong with the MS, but some will. Those who do, take heed and READ, really read what they have to say. Chances are, the things they point out will sink you with any other editor. These are the big things, like telling not showing, too much passive voice, lack of details, too many details.

With an invitation to resubmit, most of the time the editor will tell you what the issues were and some will suggest how to fix them. If they ask for a resub, then you have something going for you in the story that they want to work with - they see the diamond in the rough. There is no guarantee that they will accept the work once you rework it, but you have that second chance you don't have with a simple rejection.

When I've resubmitted, I try to strike while the fire is hot, but that doesn't mean you can't take your time and do the reworking right. And yes, I've resubmitted and had the second go-round rejected.

One thing: don't automatically resubmit without doing changes. The editors do touch base with the head editor.

Another thing: don't shut down because the editor didn't want it. What one editor loves will be the bane of another editor's existence. What he/she might take on one day might be the thing she's sick of the next day. If you give up and let your bruised ego take over before you get a chance to really look at the comments, you're shortchanging yourself.

I always go back with a clear head and read what the editor says. When upset, the comments may seem overwhelming and personal, but when read in the light of a new day might make perfect sense - kind of an "oh, duh, that did need changed".

Last thing for now - even the multi-published authors get rejected once in a while. It's true. The editors don't have it out for you, but today might not be the day for your story. Who knows... tomorrow's hot hit might have to do with your story and you'll have it made.

Never give up.

Toodles.

Okay, so now you have the novel written - what do you do?

You have this great story written and can't wait to share it with the world. You should share it. It's probably a fabulous story, but I might hazard a word of caution:

Find a critique partner.

Sounds easy... doesn't it? Not really. I mean this in the best of ways, but your first draft, no matter who you are, is never perfect. Neither is your sixth or seventh. There will always be little tweaks.

But that aside, you want someone to look over your work. Who should critique your work? Not your best friend and not your mom. As much as they love you, they love you and their opinions have a good possibility of being towards the nice side. Okay, okay, so that sounds snarky. What I mean is, your mom should love whatever you do because she's your mom. Your best friend may tell you your work is great and really mean that its good with room for improvement, but because they don't want to hurt your feelings, they may color their comments accordingly.

That being said, your best friend may also be the bluntly honest point of view you need. If so, that's great, but you can always use another opinion. Would you believe even the editors sometimes use another person to look at your work? It's true. Why? Because what they may think is fab, may be with a little help. The second and third person may see things that will make the work smoother or (in my case) find the big one (that one mistake that's a big killer to the story, like that she had one piercing in her left brow in chapter three and then later in chapter ten you put it in her right brow... oops!).

Critique partners want to see you succeed, but they also want to help you make your work shine. It may make your stomach churn to read that your "baby" isn't the best you think it is, but when you make the changes and it BECOMES the story is should be, well, that's a heady feeling.

But enough of my soapbox. I'll touch on the importance of editors later. And yes, IMHO, editors are VERY necessary.

Toodles.