I blinked and it’s Monday again. Wow! So my weekend–Friday Wizard and I went to the movies and saw Mother’s Day. It had a couple funny moments but I’d wait for it on Netflix. Not really a spectacular movie. Then we had an early dinner and I came home to a revision letter from my editor on Savaged Dreams. Okay guys, get ready with your I told you so’s. First, there’s a lot of work to do on the book, that’s a given. The reason I hire Sasha to edit my books is that she’s tough but all her comments and suggestions are truly about developing the story and telling it in the best way possible. So this is an 18 point revision letter, definitely not for the faint of heart 
But, the best part is right up front in the letter when Sasha says: “First, I have to tell you…I think this has the potential to be the best book(s) we’ve worked on together. You have a really great story here, fascinating characters, dramatic back story for each character that’ll hook readers” I love that so much! Especially since Sasha says exactly what she means. She went on to talk about being excited to read the next two books, confirming my decision to make this a three book series. I struggled so much with that and now feel validated. Sasha is my toughest critic–exactly as she should be.
However, before I tackle that, I’m going to try to get a little more done on this novella. After my Month of Darkness where I just couldn’t write, I’m connecting to these characters and want to get a very, very rough draft done. Then when I go back to revise, I’ll know the heart of the book.
I’m not going to give any release dates yet, all this is taking time, and as usual, I’m giving it my all.
Now I’m going to touch on something else. Many of your might have seen Elizabeth York’s FB posts about a reader who was buying and returning her books to Amazon, then sent Elizabeth a message, essentially demanding free books. This kind of stuff happens. You can see the original post here and then it devolves into something uglier here . I’m sure all of us have crossed paths with people like this (NOT Elizabeth! I don’t even know her, but I hear she’s lovely. I mean the woman demanding free books), and it’s very sad. But what I wanted to say is that most readers are nothing like this, and for that I am profoundly grateful. So thank you guys just for being you! Your support means so much to me, and to every single author I know.
And as a side note, I’m not signing petitions and getting into the battle about returns on Amazon. That is a whole separate issue. It’s my view that returns are a cost of doing business. We need to remember that most readers are not abusing the system. And that a few rotten apples will always abuse the system. That’s the simply reality. I’m not going to push to make things more difficult for the majority of readers who might return a book for a genuine reason. Additionally, Amazon is a business too. The run their business the way they see fit, just as I run mine as I see fit. There are people out there who strongly disagree with my choice to have two of my books available for free (at the time I’m posting this blog and subject to change at any time). But it’s my business, and I can choose my marketing strategies.
And I think that’s enough of my rambling for this Monday! So how was your weekend?
May 2nd, 2016 at 9:50 am · Link
YAYAYAYYAY. Yes, I told you so. Cant wait to read everything. And ugh on the readers. I suspect I have a few who buy, read, and return. *shrugs* At least no one has demanded free books.
As for my weekend, I wrote almost 10K words on NIGHT MOVES. I need to finish the first draft today or tomorrow. I’m close and REALLY need to get off the internet and get to work.
That said, the story is really coming together. It’s not as dark as the first book in the series, but the love scene is a full chapter so…
That was my weekend. Work. But I have announcements soon and then all the push will make sense, except I’m staring in the mirror and wondering if I’m a masochist.
Okay, three more blogs and then I’m working. Seriously!
May 2nd, 2016 at 11:21 am · Link
Silver, thanks on the book. It’s changed so much since we talked at National but I’m excited.
WOW on your 10K this weekend! That’s awesome! I hope your off the internet and finishing up as I type this.
I can’t wait for your announcement :-)!
May 2nd, 2016 at 2:46 pm · Link
Yay for Savaged Dreams! And yay for leaving the Month of Darkness behind you. And, yes, we told you so. =op
I caught a whiff on FB of something strange happening – people commenting or posting about readers returning books. I hadn’t heard directly about this writer, though. The nerve of some people astounds me. I agree with you on the return thing, though. It’s part of doing business. That particular reader? They probably need a poke in the eye. Some people. Ugh. Not sure why anyone is singling out Amazon. Don’t all the distributors have a similar return policy? Haven’t they had something like that since the whole ‘reserve against returns’ thing first hit publishing contracts? :shrug:
The weekend here was good. Quiet. We went fishing on Friday, which was fun and relaxing us time. It was good to step away from the computers and life for an afternoon. Got my edits back on Fertile Ground last night, so I’ll be working on those. The Kid is coming for a visit the 7th – 13th. Busy getting ready for her arrival and trying to get all my stuffs done so I can spend more time with her while she’s here. =o)
May 2nd, 2016 at 3:16 pm · Link
What fantastic news on SAVAGED DREAMS! I know you have edits and stuff to do but what a glowing endorsement for this trilogy (it is 3 books, right ;)?).
So you have tons of work all lined up. I’m so glad you shared how you plan and write with us. Until then, I always wondered how authors who write multiple books at once keep it all straight.
Sorry the movie wasn’t all that good. I heard a reviewer on Sat. pan it big time. I guess Julia’s wigs was a mess.
My bisque was SO yummy. It was damp/rainy and rather cool so it was a perfect night for the lobster bisque. Hubs has asked me why I don’t make it at home. I’ve told him it would take “special” away from the dish.
Have a wonderful week :)!
May 2nd, 2016 at 6:30 pm · Link
B.E., yep, you’re correct that publishers hold reserves against returns in that publishers hold. There were some big battles over that too. But it is pretty standard operating procedure.
I think I saw your fishing post on FB — you threw all the fish back, right? Sounds relaxing.
Now you can tackle the edits, and hopefully get all that cleared before your daughter gets there. Either way, once your kid is home, forget work and enjoy her!
May 2nd, 2016 at 6:34 pm · Link
Viki, thanks. There will be three books for Justice and Liza, yes: Savaged Dreams, Savaged Vows and Savaged Devotion. Right now we’re working on the first one, lathough i do have the second one partially drafted.
Shifting between projects is really hard for me. (Silver does it really well!) However this novella I’m working on is loosely connected, so I’m kind of in the same world which makes it a little easier. But i still do better focusing on one project at a time.
So happy to hear your Lobster Bisque was yummy, and it sounded like even the weather cooperated to create the right atmosphere
And I’m with you–some things are meant to be enjoyed when all the work in shopping, prepping and cleanup is done by someone else!
May 2nd, 2016 at 9:12 pm · Link
We didn’t catch enough good-sized ones to make a meal, so we let them go. It was very relaxing and a nice afternoon with Hubs. =o)