On Tuesday I’m leaving for New York and Thrillerfest. I’m bringing my oldest two kids (13 and 15) and my mom. They’re returning to California the following Sunday, and I’m heading first to Boston to sign and have fun with my friend Hank Phillipi Ryan (details below) and then going to RWA in Washington DC. It seemed asinine to fly 3,000 back home then turn around and fly back to the east coast. Though, financially, it’s about the same for two extra nights in a hotel and cross-country air fare. But it would probably kill me. I’m turning forty this year, after all. No longer a spring chicken. (hee hee.)
But before then, I have a three day weekend, I need to pack, get my dry cleaning done, get my hair cut and colored, and finish a book. And I’m not talking about reading–it’s ORIGINAL SIN, the first book in my Seven Deadly Sins series.
This was the book I thought I’d have all the time in the world to write. Months. Nope. Publication date was moved up to February 2010. No wiggle room. The good news, I’ve been thinking about this story for six years and know my characters and the premise. The bad news, I’ve been thinking about this story for six years and know my characters and the premise . . . and the story does not want to end. It’s launching a series, which means I have to be cognizant of the set-up; build my world so I don’t write myself into a corner in book three; completely resolve the one story while still leaving enough questions to entice the reader to continue the series. And while I know my characters, I was never in their heads before I started writing the book, and suddenly they’re doing things I don’t understand. Which is not conducive to smooth, quick writing. I have several wonderful sub-plots related to the villain (the demon Envy) and I’m juggling them, but it’s taking time to resolve PLUS to keep the tension for the final show down. Which I haven’t *quite* figured out how it’s going to work.
So this is a quickie blog, apologies. But I have three important things to mention:
First, I’m guest blogging at Romancing the Blog today about opening paragraphs and author voice. I used Toni McGee Causey’s incredible GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE GUNS to show the strength of character and command of the story Toni has for this book. Which leads me to . . .
Second, Toni’s second Bobbie Faye book GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE GUNS went on sale Tuesday. Woo hoo! Go out and get it if you haven’t read it. It’s so worth it.
And finally, my Boston signing with Hank Phillipi Ryan:
Hosted by: MURDER UNDERBONES
When: Tuesday, July 14 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Where: Redbones, 55 Summer Street, Somerville MA
Food, drinks, Hank and me!
I assume Somerville is in or near Boston, otherwise I’m more than a little geography challenged 🙂
So: buy Toni’s book. Read my RTB blog. And if you’re on the east coast, come see me in Boston!