Nunc dimittis

[dancinghorse]

And another one bites the dust--two weeks before deadline, no less. New book for Tor (volume II of The War of the Rose) is done, e-copy sent to Editor Who Must Be Obeyed, hardcopy will be delivered tomorrow. And in the pixilated state known as novelendititis, I've outlined and made notes for volume III, because boy howdy, did that last left turn throw the whole thing off the rails. Lucky for me, the new track is much nicer, punchier, and (most important) more fun.

And oh my, that worm. Cold-drake, actually. It ate my plot and spat it out all shiny and different.

Next up: a very late historical fantasy for Tor, the Queen of the Amazons prequel. I ground to a halt on it three years ago, but thanks to the education I've had from l'editrice at LUNA and all the practice I've had writing kickass romantic fantasy, this time I think I can do it up proper.

More snakes. That seems to be the theme these days.

But first, a day off.

Comments

[larryhammer]

Yay delivery!

---L.

[lagilman]

Congrats!


And.. early? *looks at unfinished manuscript, looks at calender with big red mark coming e'er closer* I'm jealous.

[windrose.livejournal.com]

Go you!

[drakos-inferno.livejournal.com]

the speed at which you pump out these novels astounds me. it seems like yesterday you were talking about Shattered Dance. What is your average book-count per year?


- Sean

[sartorias.livejournal.com]

Wowzers, you have been on a roll eh?

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

I would like to write one a year. In the real world, where book advances are in free-fall and making a go of it is harder every year, I write however many I have to to keep the bills paid. This year will be four all told, though it's really more like 3.5. SD was a bit late, but this one being early balances out. Next one needs to be done by August, then the one after that is due December 31st but effectively needs to be done before Thanksgiving . Writing through the holidays is hell.

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

It's that or a shit job. This pays better. So...

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

Two weeks early. The last one was three weeks late (and has been cursed ever since), one before that four months late and threw my budget for a loop and then some. I am Bound And Determined to be early with deadlines this year. By yiminy.

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

Not to mention being a whole lot more fun. I'm actually enjoying this lot--they're all different, they're all kickass in various ways, and I'm feeling quite lively and eager to chase the next set of characters around the next hairpain turn.

[electricland.livejournal.com]

Yahoo! Congratulations!

[sartorias.livejournal.com]

Hooo yeah.

[sfmarty.livejournal.com]

Yahooo on finishing!

I am in the middle of hell May. Will surface soon.

I came across a letter from you with piccys of Caarma and Hilary as a kitten. Sept 1996. So cute.

[monder.livejournal.com]

YAY YOU!!!!!!

[smoemeth.livejournal.com]

Yay!!

More snakes, sure. Just please ghod don't put them on any planes.

[rethought.livejournal.com]

*waves the 'hurrah' flag*

Eep, snakes. I hope they stay away from the horses.
I wonder if Scotland got in on that 'no snakes' thing that Ireland supposedly has... I've not seen any since I moved here, but that's not saying much.

[heleninwales.livejournal.com]

Scotland has the usual British snakes: the grass snake (totally harmless) and the adder (mostly harmless). I've actually seen an adder in Scotland. It was basking in the sun on a heather-clad mountain.

But they're not dangerous unless one is frail, elderly, very young or have a heart complaint. And as long as you don't step or sit on them, they won't bite, preferring to flee if given warning.

[heleninwales.livejournal.com]

two weeks before deadline

Hurrah for beating deadlines! That's such a lovely feeling -- one I seldom get to feel, I must admit. Well done you!

[rethought.livejournal.com]

Ah, fair enough. I've pretty much stayed indoors writing since I got here. Must venture out during the summer!

[heleninwales.livejournal.com]

I can recommend getting out into the Scottish countryside if you have the chance -- even without the lure of snake spotting. *g* Lots of beautiful mountains, lochs and historic castles to visit.

[rethought.livejournal.com]

*nods* It's been fun to explore the city, but I'd like to get out. We're going to need a car, I don't fancy biking into the Highlands. :)

[green-knight.livejournal.com]

Hey, it's *allowed* to enjoy yourself at work!

Congratulations on your early delivery, characters who are alive, and plentiful ideas.

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

Gracias. We are having fun. We hope this continues.

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

Awwww. Pooka was just a bump in Carrma's tummy then. And Hillary looked like a little white rat.

Good luck getting through Hell Month.

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

SNAKES ON PLANES!!!!!!!!!!

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

Thenkyew. I was so late for so many last year, I seriously need to mend my ways. So far so good.

[xianghua.livejournal.com]

dear god, I thought that was a giant LLAMA for a second. *snicker* Great icon.

[xianghua.livejournal.com]

Congrats!

I broke chapter 10 this week- furthest I've ever gotten on a novel-length story. I've promised myself if I finish this one, I'm going to splurge and pay you (or somebody, if you're not doing critiquing at that point) to take a look at it. :)

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

Congratulations! Chapter 10 has always been my crucial chapter: if I get that far, I'll finish it. That's when the book comes alive and starts writing itself.

Not planning to stop the mentoring biz any time soon, so bring it on! I'll look forward to it. :)