It Takes A Village

When I was younger I read two to three romance novels a week. Before I started to read a romance novel I would check out the dedication page. I was always surprised at how many people an author would thank. Sure, you had the occasional one-liner - this is for my mom - but I didn't see that very often. Instead the author thanked their editor, their friends, their cover artist, their baby daddy. Good Lord. Well, now that I'm on the flip side, I understand.

After I produce what I think is a very clean, brilliant manuscript, I'm surprised at what I don't catch. Simple mistakes that would scream at me from another author's book, but passes me by in my own. I think one of my favorite mistakes - and it will always remain so - is when I had my heroine jump onto an esophagus. Yes...you read that right. An esophagus. Hmmm...my editor says. Don't you mean sarcophagus? (Yeah, they were in a cemetery, and no, the heroine didn't jump on the hero's throat.) There's also times a plot issue will arise, and how I miss things like that is beyond me. It's so evident to others, but after engrossing myself in the story for so long I tend to miss these nagging little problems until someone else points them out.

I send my books to my friends for a 'fresh pair of eyes.' I send my books to my mom, who always finds a few problems here and there. Then my book goes to my editor, and we make a few passes over it. Then it goes to a line editor, who also has a fresh eye to catch things. The cover artist gives me a great cover, so she has a hand in the process as well. You never want to forget to thank a person who has had a hand in producing the book. Yes, there's always the dedication that focuses on one person who has stood out from the rest - but I always thank my editor, because she alone really digs in and makes the book shine.

Editing can be a daunting process, and it differs from book to book. I've had some easy edits, and some WTF-were-you-thinking-when-you-wrote-this edits. But when the edits are finished, the result is better than...okay, maybe not, but you get my point. Some authors love the editing process and others not so much. My favorite part of the process is starting a book, wondering where it will take me while I get to know my characters. The editing process can seem like...I don't know...work? lol You have to be on your game while editing so you don't miss anything - which you inevitably do. That's why we have editors.

Suffice to say I'm nearly finished with my edits on Heaven Sent. The editing process is humbling, exciting, and at times, tiring. But when you have the finished product in your hand it's exhilarating...and it propels you into your next book.

Heaven Sent will be released sometime this summer. When I get the cover and release date I'll spread the word...trust me. Promo...now that's a whole other blog entry.

Edits, Revisions and a new WIP

I really should learn to complete one task before I move on to another. I received my edits for Heaven Sent, which will be releasing from Liquid Silver Books sometime this summer. I'm also doing revisions on Samael, a follow-up story to Azazel. This is Jade's story, and I have a few kinks to work out.

My new WIP is Naberius, and I've put it to the side while I finish up my edits on the other two manuscripts. Naberius is about a fallen angel who is determined to save his daughter from becoming a Nephilim at the onset of puberty. He'll do anything to keep her from turning, even face the fires of the Abyss. The heroine, Adira, has never had to think about anyone but herself. She knows what she wants out of life, and she'll stop at nothing to attain it. She's an assassin with the Alliance - a group of elite vampires who keep their kind in check. She is assigned to determine what Naberius is doing in secret. Vampires have sent in complaints about a demon who has been attacking vampires in the Los Angeles area, but not killing them. Strange activities have been reported, and somehow it's all connected with Naberius. When she learns the truth behind the attacks she must decide between keeping everything she has ever worked for, or accepting everything she's ever dreamed about.

Other than that I've been enjoying the warm temps the last few days. :) I can't wait for spring to arrive. It's been a looonnnggg winter.

That First Sentence

This trigger happy cat has nothing on me today.

This one is for the writers out there. Today I started a Fast Draft with the goal of writing one chapter a day for the next two weeks. For the first time I decided to plot the book out before I sat down to write it. I have my notes for chapter one in front of me, and I have a scene worksheet that describes my intended setting, characters and goals for the scene. With everything organized, and my cup of coffee by my side, I opened up Microsoft Word to begin the first chapter.

It took me ten minutes to come up with my opening line - and I'm still not sure I'm in love with it. When I pick up a book I'm always drawn to those awesome first lines that really grab me. I think MaryJanice Davidson had a first line that went something like this - "The day I died started off bad and only got worse from there."

How can you not love that first line? It raises all kinds of questions and it's funny as well. Mine? Not so much. But I'm attempting to write a chapter a day so I can't exactly sit here and play with one line for the rest of the day. So I moved on.

My question is, what kind of first line attracts you? If the first scene doesn't grab your attention how long will you keep reading before you decide the book is not for you? Do you remember a first line that hooked you right then and there?

Articles on the future of ebooks

I can't tell you how many people look at me in a strange, confused way when I tell them that my books are ebooks. "What in the hell is an ebook?" Then I explain to them that they can only download my book onto their computer (I don't mention any devices like the Kindle at first because if they don't know what an ebook is, I highly doubt they own a kindle.) I do eventually start chatting with them about the special devices they can use so they can take their ebooks with them anywhere they go. It doesn't matter what I say, or how well I sell it, eighty percent of the time the person I'm talking to says they just have to have that book in their hand.

Well, why not have numerous books in your hand?

The Kindle holds over 200 titles. It also has wireless technology so you can download books from the back of a taxi or when you're waiting in a doctor's office. Now, I'm not going to do a whole blog post on the wonders of the Kindle and how it's simple and easy to download books and magazines to the device. I want to give you an idea of what's out there. Last little note on the Kindle, it's currently $359.00 at Amazon right now - it's also currently sold out.

The Sony PRS-700BC Reader Digital Book is another wireless device you can use to read your favorite ebooks or magazines. This is listed at $399.00 on Amazon and it's in stock. This is a little of what they have to say about the product :

Imagine holding a library of books conveniently in one hand. Begin a new chapter with the PRS-700BC Reader Digital Book. Boasting an impressive 6.0-inch, touch screen display, this Reader uses paper-like E Ink technology which makes it easier to read, even in bright-light situations. In addition to a built-in light, there's an interactive touch screen that lets you turn pages with the slide of a finger or activate the bookmark. You can also create annotations with a virtual keyboard, highlight text with a stylus pen, search for text in your digital book, and easily adjust the font size. A faster processor gives you quicker response times when opening content or turning pages. Ideal for travelers or people who like to read while on the go, the PRS-700BC holds approximately 320 digital books. - Go HERE to read all of the description.

So, what's in store for the future of ebooks? Forbes.com has a great article on the future of ebooks. The article covers new technology for electronic readers. Some ebook readers have backlights and other great add-ons. What I covered above is only the beginning.

So, if you haven't checked out the devices associated with ebooks, the above links are a great start. Here's a few other links to articles that might give you a better idea on what an ebook is, and what the future may bring.

TeleRead : Bring the Ebooks Home - Ex-eReader employee on the past and future of ebooks.

BusinessWeek - The Future of Ebooks - Software and consumer-electronics giants as well as some investors are joining the publishing world for the rise of e-books. First stop: higher ed

Planet Ebook - The Possible Future of eBooks and Print Publishers.

Pocket PC Thoughts - The Future of Ebooks.

First Review For Asmodeus

Here's a snippet ~ Paranormal Romance has a new champion and her name is Dawn McClure! I’m delighted to say that ASMODEUS was every bit the five star novel I’ve come to expect from this incredible new author. I loved everything from her characters to the enthralling paranormal setting she's created. Believe me when I say Asmodeus is a must read for romance fans everywhere! ~ Crave More Romance

Click HERE to read the whole review.

I'm busy writing Ronove right now and keeping up with emails. It's a warm 45 degrees here in Michigan today, so that's good! Especially considering it was -4 the other day.

Azazel Reviewed by Joyfully Reviewed

Azazel is a demon of the First Angelic Revolt and Lucifer’s top assassin. Luc has sent him to retrieve a group of souls who escaped from the pits of Hell. Alexia is a vampire and one of the best vampire assassins of the Alliance.

Azazel has tracked the souls to Alexia’s friend and fellow assassin Kelsey. “Partner” is a foreign word to both of them but Alexia refuses to stay behind when Azazel hunts the souls. There are a lot of firsts for Alexia and Azazel in this fight. The one that may destroy them is love though.

Nothing beats a good demon and vampire story except a good demon and vampire story with romance and sex. Azazel’s storyline is as engaging as Azazel and Alexia’s tumultuous relationship. Along with its dark and well written plot, Azazel has a very sensual romance. Azazel is a dark, handsome, warrior and Alexia totally kicks ass. She’s a fighter through and through. Every once in a while her vulnerability shows through. They make an amazing team both in battle and in bed. ~ reviewed by Nannette

Link to Review.

My Hero ~ Thank You

I spend so much time writing about fictional heroes, I thought I would focus on a real hero today. Mine.

I met my husband, Tor, when we were both 19 years old. I was in the Navy, he was in the Marine Corps, and we were both stationed in Italy. Right off the bat I knew he was the one. No one can convince me that love at first sight doesn't exist. I'm originally from the city, and here was this man standing before me in jeans, big worn boots, and a flannel shirt - looking just like the Brawny man. You could have described him just like a hero out of a book...large shoulders, broad chest, square jaw...so handsome. Within ten minutes he asked me on a date.

Since we were in Italy there were numerous wonderful restaurants to choose from. He chose to take me to a place called Tony's...where I had been before. In fact, all of the members of the military went there on a regular basis. I knew the owner Tony by name because I frequented there. That Tor took me to Tony's let me know two things about him instantly - One, he was grounded. He wasn't trying to impress me. And two, he was a man who enjoyed the familiar. My interest in him grew. Of course I messed up the date by trying to pay my share at the end of the meal. Tor was insulted...and he still talks about my insistence on paying to this day. I promised he could pay for our next date, and with a wink he said that would work.

We were married in Italy less than a year later. Within that time he had gone to Bosnia, and during those months I realized just how much I loved him. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Through letters I came to know the sensitive side of him. Many romance readers go for the alpha male - but we want a little beta in there. We want our hero to have a sensitive side - a side that perhaps only we can see. He had both. I've kept all the letters he's written over the years, and I read them every now and then. (There are even a few poems in there, but he'll deny that. The beta in him will write them to me, the alpha tells me to keep them to myself.)

We've been married over ten years and during that time he's been sent to Iraq and Afghanistan. As strong as I like to think I am, I was a mess during those deployments. While stationed in Iraq he trained Iraqi's to become police officers. He wasn't stationed on a base...he was in the middle of no where with little protection other than the eleven or so Marines with him. I couldn't watch CNN because I was afraid I would hear of a Marine detachment getting harmed. At the time that was all that was on CNN.

He's the strongest man I know. There isn't a thing he can't fix on a car or in the house...at the same time he knows how to separate the laundry and fix a delicious chicken and dumplings meal. If you ask our two daughters who makes eggs the best, they'll say he does, hands down. Cheesy eggs happen to be 'the' thing to eat on weekends in this house. :)

While I struggled to get published he was always there telling me I could do it. He believed in me even as I framed my rejection letters and put them on my office wall with tears in my eyes. He sat in the bookstore with me as I read through magazines and books on the industry, picking and choosing which books I wanted to purchase. He footed the bill for RWA Nationals when both of us knew the money was needed elsewhere. He was there to pick me up and twirl me around when I finally got the email that offered contract.

I wanted to write this as a thank you to the man who completes me in every way.

If I can get my heroes to be half the man he is, then I've done a damn fine job.