The State of Me

I have the final read-through of Wicked 3 (Christian’s story) to do, and then it’s off to the publisher to wait its release date (June 28th!). I always get a little down after I finish a story. I’m not really sure why. Probably because I spent months ‘inside their head and world’ and when they’re not there anymore, its like I lost a friend. I don’t have them there with me daily and the loss is kind of personal. Sounds crazy, right? Lol I’m sure it’s the same for readers though. It is for me, especially when I find that ONE book that wraps me up inside a world I don’t want to let go of. When you get to the last page and get that sense of loss because there’s no more. Those characters you came to care for are no longer there and no matter how much you think about them, you know that what you have is all you’re going to get. It’s the same with writing. Once the story is told, you have no choice but to put them out of your mind and move one. Easier for some, not so much for me. That’s why it takes me so long to get another story started. I have a grieving process. When a book is done, I immerse myself in other worlds to try and let go of my characters. I’m almost there. Good thing too. I have a lot on my plate yet for the rest of the year. Wicked 4 (Mick’s story) has to be finished and this years Christmas story, both of which have been started. There are less than 15 pages of both but it’s a start. Better than nothing, I always say. So, for the remainder of the year? Wicked 4, … Keep Reading!

1st Round Edits

I’m starting the first round of edits on Wicked 3. It’s been penciled in for a June 28th release date, which means I have to get moving! I have a month to get it all shiny and squeaky-clean. I’ve already started on Mick’s story, the last book in this series. I have loved every minute of playing with the 4 guys in this band but I have a testy Warlord who has been whispering in my ear for months now. He wants to play and who am I to deny him? Besides, I’m more than ready to play with him too. *evil grin* All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

Gaining Ground

After the many starts, deletes and re-starts of Wicked 3, the muse has finally sunk his teeth in and starting getting it right. I’ve barreled through the sorry this week, finally hitting the ‘50 page’ mark. We’re halfway through now. I’m averaging anywhere from 7-10 pages a day so I’m thinking the first draft will be finished this time next week. I’ll jump right into Wicked 4, Mick’s story, to try and clear my head of Christian’s story. It’s always good to let a story go ‘cold’ in your head before trying to do a second draft on it. If it’s too fresh, you just don’t see things clearly and end up leaving the not so good parts in. I’m not sure when Wicked 3 will be released. I’m hoping I can have it all cleaned up, sent off for edits and have it back for a June release. Keep your fingers crossed that it works out that way. All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

Plodding along…

HOME: After a hair-pulling week of bookkeeping, I FINALLY got my taxes done! Yay! I’m the worlds biggest procrastinator, as many of you know, and even something as important as my taxes get left to the last minute. LOL 2 days left to spare but they’re gone now. Pheww! WORK: I’ve had to trash all 8,000+ words of Christian’s story (Wicked3) and start from scratch. The storyline just wasn’t working. Well, that’s not true. It was working. It would have just ended up being a mini-novel and we can’t have that. These are short stories, after all so, I’ve re-plotted the entire thing, going in a completely different direction. Side effect of this? I will miss my targeted release date of May 2009. Bummer, I know. No one wants this done more than me. I love writing about these guys but I have a slight case of ADHD, I think, so I’m ready to play in other sandboxes! Hehehe. I have a warlord waiting on me and I sooo want to play with him. *wink* Anyway, I’m still writing on Wicked 3 and hope to get it done soon. Then on the Mick’s story, which will be an easy write. He whispers to me daily and I have to force myself not to give in to him. He’s desperate for attention. Just like a man, isn’t it? All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

Personal Favorite!

It’s cool and rainy here today, despite it being April, and this type of weather makes me think of cold nights and great comfort food. One of our favorites is Taco Soup, which I’m preparing for supper tonight. I thought I’d share the recipe with you. It’s a great, slow cook meal and perfect cool days. Taco Soup2 lbs. Ground beef1 medium onion, chopped2 cans Mexican style tomatoes (Ro-Tel) chopped (you want hot chilies in the tomatoes!)1 (15oz.) can pinto beans with jalapeno pepper1 (15oz.) can pinto beans (plain)1 can Ranch style beans1 (16oz.) can whole kernel corn1 tsp. Salt2 tsp. Pepper1 (1oz.) pkg. Ranch dressing mix1 (1 ¼ oz.) pkg. Taco seasoning mix GarnishesShredded Cheddar CheeseTortilla ChipsSour cream In a large skillet, brown beef and onions; drain excess fat. Add all other ingredients (*Do not drain any of the cans. You’ll need the juices for the soup) except cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour. Top soup bowls off with cheese and sour cream and serve with tortilla chips. Serves 10. This soup can be frozen for later. Personal notes: In this part of the country it’s hard to find pinto with jalapeno peppers so, I just use regular canned pinots for that as well. Also, I prepare this is a slow cooker instead of on the stove. I brown my beef and onions and throw everything into the crock-pot and let it cook all day on low. Enjoy! All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

Wicked: Leather and Lace

Out Now! New contemporary romance ebook by Lily Graison… Wicked: Leather and LaceRoxy Carlisle is on a mission. She’s been in lust with Luke Harris, lead guitarist for the band Wicked, for two years. When her best friend, Holly, hooks up with the bands lead singer, and asks her to tag along to New York with her to meet the band, Roxy couldn’t pack her bags fast enough. The chance to meet Luke in person was a dream come true. Even better if her ultimate fantasy of finding herself in his bed were to happen. One way or another, she was determined to have him. That is, if Holly’s hair-brained idea of playing hard to get doesn’t backfire in her face. Luke Harris loves women and they love him. All he ever has to do is speak and they fall all over themselves to be the lucky lady of the night. That all changes when a feisty brunette comes barreling into his life and changes all the rules. She’s immune to his usual charm, or so it seems, but something in her eyes tells him otherwise. Has Luke finally met a woman he can’t seduce? Can Roxy follow her plan and not give in when Luke sets his sights on her? When sex is all you’re after, can you walk away when your heart demands more? Price: $2.99 Buy now or read an excerpt at Alinar Publishing Also available at Fictionwise.Com and on Amazon’s Kindle! All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

Excerpt: Wicked: Leather and Lace [Wicked series Book 2]

I have an excerpt today for Wicked 2. Roxy finally gets a small taste of Luke! ———- Roxy made her way to the bar wanting to kick her own ass every step of the way. Where was her `go get `em’ attitude when she needed it? That little blonde wasn’t anything to get worked up over, yet just sitting there watching her cuddle up with Luke was enough to cause thoughts of violence to override clear judgment. She wanted to hurt her. Bad. But really, who could blame her? She’d do the exact same thing given her position. It was the fact that she wasn’t in that position that stung. Sighing heavily, she stopped at the bar, waiting several minutes until the bartender spotted her before ordering. “Tequila. Make it a double.” “Make that two.” Roxy turned her head at the sound of Luke’s voice and barely kept the smile on her face from making her look insane. Had he followed her? She looked back at the table, noticing the blonde still sitting there, her attention now centered on Mick. So, she was one of those, was she? “Is Mick going to give your girlfriend back before the night is over?” she said, motioning to the table with a tilt of her head. Luke glanced back over his shoulder, smiling as he turned and faced Roxy again. “I’m growing rather bored of blondes. I’m in the mood for… brunettes tonight,” he said, lifting a strand of her hair and rubbing it between his fingers. She locked eyes with him, her pulse quickening when he leaned forward and smelled her hair. Roxy smiled, glancing away from him when the bartender placed their drinks in front of them. Luke said something to the man behind the bar and Roxy wasn’t at all … Keep Reading!