I finished chapter 4 of Season of Mists and now that I have intregrated a new character, Amelia will arrive into the plot once more and Molly as well. I am looking forward to bringing the servant girl into the limelight. Her spunky, take no drama attitude is totally new to me as a writer so developing her will be an absolute pleasure.

I had my dad look at chapter 4 and he wanted me to turn the vampires into demons to bring in the Christian plot line. Well, we all have our POV.

I used to believe writing a novel was the most challenging part of being a writer. The countless hours I put into writing, outline, day dreaming and researching a plot consumed my thoughts entirely after my daughter went to bed. When I would drive to see my Dad or sister, I would have an hour to scheme and come up with twists or smooth out the rough spots int he plot. However, now I am forced to learn an entirely new concept…waiting.

For those of you who have gone through the writing process or are currently doing so, you might say, “Well, what about the query process?”

For any new writers, the query is, without a doubt, the most important thing you will ever write. What about a manuscript? It’s a step above that. Why, you ask? Because you could have an amazing story but no agent will touch it unless you can dazzle them with a well-written query. So, it is crucial.

So anyway, back to my previous thought.  The query process is easier to stomach because even while you’re waiting for a response for an agent, you can easily fill your time with searching out other agents or editing your manuscript. Once you have an agent and they are finding a publisher, there is nothing an author can do but relax and start a new project.  So, like usual, I sit on my anxiety, come up with new plot ideas, and wait for my beta readers to get back to me.

Ahoy and well met my fine friends!

We have our second book signing scheduled for my young adult pirate novel

Date: April 10th, 2010

Location: The Pirate Ship Restaurant, 495 Greenbrae Drive, Reno, NV.

I am looking for a beta reader or two to help me with Season of Mists. Someone interested in helping out would read the chapters ( and I would love to return the favor) and give opinions, critiques and ideas.

Thanks!

I have added the updated version of Season of Mists and you can read the Prologue and Chapter One under the Season of Mists tab. I hope you enjoy.

Please enjoy.

Season of Mists is really starting to turn into something amazing. I sat down and wrote out notes and a tentative outline for the plot. Now, I have an idea where I’m going. As a writer, that feeling is a blessing and one that comes with a price. Recently, I have been trying to control my life. My husband’s job is threatened, our stability in our current residency is shaky…all this is driving me to realize that when we plan, God laughs. I am stressing over not being able to write and yet I am holding onto the reigns so tightly that I’m choking myself.

Shannon Dittemore’s words of relying on God soothed the raw edges of my frayed emotions. I had the pleasure of reading her Prologue and Chapter 1 of Celestial Eyes.  The read was smooth and even though the genre isn’t one I normally indulge in, the style pulled me in immediately.

At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread; and you shall know that I am the Lord your God.–Exodus 16:12

After losing steam with my Season of Mists plot, I am currently working on merging it with The Veiled. Adding the paranormal aspect into the plot is proving to be a challenge but not a bad one.  Many of my friends online have stated that it is hard to see Amelia in this world and it is, but she will be one of those characters who must grow into her role. I enjoy characters like that. Recently, I picked up The Season by Sarah MacLean and was disappointed when all three MC (main charaters) were  strong willed. One – ok, but three all at once made the plot too modern and pulled me out. I will keep on reading it, but not really that excited about it.

Originally, Amelia was going to be 15 years old but making her two years older allows the romance aspect to be a lot more approachable. In the Victorian era, girls younger than her were being auctioned off to older men, since younger ones did not have the means to marry early. I used “auctioned” loosely, although the concept is there.

So, the section for The Veiled will now be a prologue. I haven’t updated this site with the new versions, but it’s coming.

Thank you to everyone who joined me at the Pirate Ship Restaurant for the first reading and signing of Hoist the Colors. The beer was good and food delicious. Thank you to Serena and Jerry Wagner for allowing us to come aboard!

I am currently looking for a new location to do another reading and signing before April.

So far, my husband and I are enjoying our lazy Sunday afternoon. After the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Virginia City and standing out in the sub-freezing temperatures, a day indoors is exactly what the doctor has ordered. Besides a bit of breakfast and maybe gardening if the day improves, our plans are non-existent.

Again, thank you to everyone who came down to hear Chapter 3 at the Pirate Ship.

March 13th (7:00-8:00pm)- The Pirate Ship Restaurant

495 Greenbrae Drive
Sparks, NV 89431-3136
(775) 331-7203

for more information visit PiratesHarbor.net

April 18th (3:00-3:30pm) – Grassroots Books

660 E. Grove Street
Reno, NV 89502
(775) 828.BOOK

for more information visit PiratesHarbor.net

Liz Scott over at DeviantArt.com created a lovely picture of Amelia Holloway for my story Season of Mists.