Gearing Up for NaNo

It's not like preparing for a marathon or a run. I don't sit at home and see how fast I can type in an hour or how many coherent words I can write in a day.

No, but I am working to clear my head of other projects so I can focus on this one.

Currently, I'm finishing edits on a book in order to shoot it off to my editor. I'm writing a few blog posts so I don't leave everyone hanging for a month. Basically, getting out the words now before I need to horde them for my NaNo.

I also like to make sure my music playlist is current or at least reflects the mood I hope to achieve with the book. However, sometimes the music creates a mind of its own with my writing, as you may already know. Certain songs feel one way and then another.

You may want to stock up on the writing snacks and coffee. Or whatever you drink to get by. If you have to pull a late night to meet your word total for the day, caffeine is your friend. I'm lucky this year as I'll be writing in the day, as along as the baby cooperates (which she's not today!).

I've asked this before, but are you a first time NaNo-er? If not, what do you do right before you write? Any tips?

Good luck!

Cover Reveal!

I'm not sure about you, but I've had a full weekend. Dinner with friends on two different nights (both were tapas, too), cleaned the house (that wasn't fun) and cooked a great meal on Sunday. Then, my publisher sent me mock-ups for Queen Mean, Book 3 in the Honey Creek Royalty series.

I couldn't have asked for a better cover. Seriously. 

This book was a bit hard to narrow down what the cover should show. You want to entice but not give too much away. You want to have some similarity with the other books without looking the same. Each of the books can stand alone. It's like getting a new hair cut. You want to look different but not so much no one recognizes you.

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

NaNoWrimo begins in 7 days!

I love how the NaNoWrimo website has a counter reminding participants when it begins. Honestly, how could we forget.

Like last year, I'm participating. Yikes! I know. What am I thinking? Didn't I just have a baby? Am I not in the process of some major work for TMP? Have I lost my mind?

Absolutely yes to all questions.

I can't help it. There's something about signing up and committing myself to this event that motivates me. And this year, I've roped a good writer bestie into trying it again. *looks at Julie Anne Lindsey*

Whatever happened to my NaNo from last year, you ask. Well, nothing except it's gathering computer dust. But don't worry. I have plans for that novel that time hasn't allowed me to finish it up yet.

What's going to make this year different? Easy. I've signed a contract stating that I will have a finished manuscript that will be ready for edits next year. Double Yikes!

Never fear because I'm not. Unlike last year, I've outlined (gasps) this novel out which is something I never do. Ever!

But the main reason I'm jazzed to participate this year is because I love the creative process of writing. I love throwing my words to paper and seeing what happens and lately I haven't allowed myself any writing time. I've been busy editing books due out this year and next.

Oh yeah, and there was that pregnancy thing which sucked my creative juices!

Are you doing NaNo this year? If so, how are you feeling? Is it your first time? Or are you an old pro and can offer some tips for those of us still figuring it all out.

I'd love to hear from you. I also hope to keep you current on my progress. And sent me a message or leave me one and let us know how you're doing. After all, we could all use a little encouragement during those days in the middle when the end seems so far away.

Book Nibbles

Long time, no see. To kick off my return, I've got Meant To Be by Karen Stivali on Book Nibbles today.

Sometimes you’re already committed to the wrong person when fate finally brings you the right one.

When NYU professor Daniel Gardner’s career-obsessed wife convinces him to move to the suburbs, he hopes it’s a first step toward starting the family he longs to have. Instead of domestic bliss he finds his neighbor, Marienne Valeti. She loves her freelance design job, but must contend with a growing sense of isolation created by her husband’s indifference. A penchant for good books, bad movies, and Marienne’s to-die-for brownies sparks a powerful bond between them. Passion simmers, but they resist its lure, surrendering only in the seclusion of their minds. Their friendship helps them weather every hardship, from divorce to widowhood, leaving them both secretly wondering if it can survive a first kiss.

My couple of cents:

I will admit that I'm not much for Women's Fiction. To be honest, I don't think I've ever tried reading one but I've heard nothing but wonderful things about Karen's first Women's Fiction novel. As a writer, I love it when another writer steps out of their normal genre and tries something new. I will be adding this book to my TBR list for sure, along with some of her other titles. 

Here's a link to a review from Karen's recent blog tour. 

Prince Charming has arrived!

No, I don't mean this Prince Charming.

Although, he is quit fetching!

I mean, this Prince Charming!

Book 2 from my Honey Creek Royalty series is here! *shakes pom poms*

Break-ups are never easy, and Sarah O’Connor finds her hard truth from a note. Furious with the delivery and lack of reasoning, she’s forced to carry on with her life, but Josh’s timing couldn’t have been worse. The Ohio State High School Cheerleading competition is around the corner, and instead of focusing on a monumental win, she’s overwhelmed with the recent heartbreak, jealous when she sees him with a new girl, and confused by lingering feelings of taking him back.

Enter Adrian Beale, a face from her past. Soon, she’s more conflicted because while she knows she needs to move on, making Adrian an ideal candidate, Josh won’t go away.

She decides to put both boys aside to focus on winning state, but when she witnesses an scandalous situation, can she erase what she’s seen, or will the images plague her performance? Can Sarah move on from an old love to a new one, and will she carry her squad to victory? 

Like with my other HC stories, I really enjoyed bringing this one to life. To me, the story feels real. I mean, who hasn't been dumped? In fact, what are the many ways you've been dumped? Note? Text message? Voice mail? 

The idea behind this story actually happened to me and while I didn't react like Sarah did, I wanted to. I'd love to hear about some of your worst break-ups. Did you get even? Or do you believe in Karma and the offender will get what's coming to them. 

To get your copy of Prince Charming, either visit Smashwords which has all e-formats available or Amazon. Uploads to Barnes and Noble takes a few days longer.