Book progress

I had a heck of a week last week! I got myself to the midpoint of the draft of my next book. I already had 2 chapters written, but still...halfway...In one week. I impressed myself. =:)

I think the key to this has been having a thorough synopsis and a friend (Hi, Denise) who calls me every morning and simply says, "Stick to the synopsis."

Writers have a tendency to always believe a book can be better than the synopsis. Even when the editor gushes with praise over said synopsis. And if that isn't bad enough characters frequently want to take over the story.

It takes a strong consitution to sit down and say, Today I will stick to my synopsis, when you're not only arguing with your instincts; you're also arguing with the darned characters!

And, of course, the PERFECT idea for a new series popped into my head this morning. I jotted only a few quick notes because I seriously do not have time to figure out the story arch for the first book, let alone come up with stories for the second two books and a story arch for the series itself.

So it was a day today. Wrestling myself into submission on the book and dragging myself away from playing with the new idea which would have been tons more fun (I just know it.)

And all this happened while I made Chinese food for my son (frozen, from a neat little bag), washed dishes, did laundry, scrubbed the floors, fed the cats and did 35minutes on the treadmill.

susan

Can I do it?

I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to write a 3-book mini series for Harlequin Romance next year. The books are incredibly emotional, but also sort of funny.

Books 1 and 2 are in, but book 3 needs to be in by October 31. Six weeks. That's actually my normal turnaround time.

But I decided to challenge myself and see if I can get it done in a month. I wrote a great synopsis, revised it according to my editor's comments and broke it down into chapters.

So can I do it? Can I do a book in a month.

I guess we'll see!

In other good news my friend Barbara Wallace and I will be the guests of the Border's blog on Thanksgiving! That's easy enough to remember.

Barb talks a bit about being a first time author, but we're looking for great Christmas Miracle stories to get us all in the mood to enjoy the holiday season.

I don't know about you all, but my family bakes and paints sugar cookies for my mom's Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. There's shopping to be done. A cookie exchange and this year my son has suggested we sponsor a family.

So Christmas starts on Thanksgiving for me. If you're free or even find yourself with a few minutes on your hands on Thanksgiving, join Barbara and me.

Oh...by the way...we're giving away four books!

I'll post a reminder about a week before!

Until then, wish me luck on my book-in-a-month adventure!

susan

Slow week

We had a great trip to Vegas, managing to get some fun in between the work. I only lost $80. And I had some fantastic food in some great buffets. The Golden Nugget is a great hotel. 2 Starbucks! All the slot machines you can play. And a hop, skip and a jump away from Freemont Street Experience which is unbelievable!

But this has been an odd week. Not only did I write a blog promoting the Christmas 2-for-1 I have coming out in November with the delightful Barbara Wallace, but also it's cold.

Waiting for a response from my editor so I can get rolling on my new book, I decided to go grocery shopping. I drove to my favorite store and began loading up the cart, but before I knew it I was gathering Thanksgiving foods! I bought my cranberry sause and sweet potatoes! Extra Miracle Whip for macaroni salad. And frozen bread for pizza roll appetizers. Not to mention cherry pie filling! OY!

As I was checking out I asked myself what the heck am I doing? What month is it anyway? LOL!!! Imagine my chagrin when I realized it was only September. :P

All this breezy, wet weather also makes me wish I was about to start a Christmas book.

But, though it's not a Christmas book that I'm about to write, it is a fun book. The last book in a series of books about three brothers. I love to do series because I feel like I really get to know the characters, but the last book is always sad, like saying goodbye to friends.

So here's hoping I hear from my editor tomorrow, stay out of grocery stores, and get on with my work!

Till next week
susan

Heading for Vegas!

My friends, Deb Mullins and Jenna Kernan and I are headed for Vegas tomorrow. I'll set out today so I can spend the night at my son's because my flight is early. But this time tomorrow I'll be over a southwestern state, headed for paradise.

Unfortunately, this isn't just a pleasure trip. Though we do intend to hit a slot machine and laze around the pool, we're actually going for "plot group".

I've never belonged to a plot group before. Usually I run my ideas by my friend Denise and my editor only. This is a system that worked for many books, so why mess with perfection?

Well, I'm going to dip my toe in single titles. I got a fantastic idea for a series and every time I get it to a certain point my knees start to knock. It's uncharted territory for me.

So I'm joining forces with my friends to brainstorm ideas, probably solidify the characters and plot, and hopefully add single title writer to my resume!

Wish us luck.

And hope we have some fun too. I've got $40 just burning a hole in my pocket, begging for a slot machine!

susan

Happy Labor Day

I am sitting here in a state of shock realizing that technically we are at the end of summer. Oh, sure. We'll still have hot weather. But the kids are in school. The leaves are changing colors. And nobody's going to be swimming anymore.

I'm a big fan of fall, but this year just went by too quickly. My mother tells me that having years fly by is one of the first signs of old age. Here I thought it was forgetting where I put my purse.

I think having years race by is God's way of reminding us that time is precious. Especially time with our friends and family.

We're having a swim party at my sister Tammy's. And you better believe I won't waste a minute. This time next year Lainie and Owen won't be toddlers anymore. They'll be little kids. Maddie won't be toothless. Older kids will graduate. Even older nieces and nephews will have 21st birthday parties. Some will get married. Others will have kids.

It all seems to whiz by in the blink of an eye...so tomorrow I won't worry how fat my thighs are. I'll want to live in the moment. Take some pix. Maybe write a journal entry.

Because it really does all go by too fast.

s