*blows off the cobwebs*

Yes, it’s been quiet around these here parts, but I have been busy. This time last week, I was in beautiful Snowdonia, Wales, on a short break which included hiking, white water rafting and zip-lining. All after running the Great South Run on the 26th October.

 

It’s safe to say, I don’t see myself being a four-book-a-year author any time soon. I think I’m going to struggle to make it two. But there are things in the works.

In August, Dreamspinner Press accepted a 50,000 word novella just three weeks after my submission. Dormant Heart, a contemporary male/male romance, has been through its third and final round of edits, ready for proofing. The cover and blurb are on their way. I should be looking at a February 2016 release.

For National Novel Writing Month I’m doing a semi-cheat. At the beginning of this year I wrote a novel which didn’t quite work, with a working title of The Crimesmith. I loved the characters and the world and didn’t want to abandon them completely. After months of thought (and a whole other novella), I worked out what needed to be done. I’ve been able to salvage some scenes, maybe about 10,000 words worth, and as I said, I have the characters and the world. Now all that’s left for me to do is write Dante and Lucas their new story. I’m planning on November being that month.

On top of that, I also have the beginnings of a female/female story (about 18,000 words and a solid plan), which I aim to finish writing at the beginning of 2016.

I’ve read a lot of books and articles, on plotting and pantsing, on writing many thousands of words a day, on writing a novel in two weeks. I’ve tried every method I’ve read about, and not one of them exactly works for me. What does seem to work is letting the idea sit for six months. I think about my characters, I make a tentative plan, I write 10,000 words, usually within a couple of weeks. Then I let it sit. I let the characters and their story solidify in my mind. I research. I write notes. And months later, I write the rest of the story.

I have three stories at various stages of simmer. One of those should be written before the end of the year. Which leaves the other two for next year. If that works, I’ll be happy. And amazed.