I have the story page finished for WICKED: JADE BUTTERFLY and have posted a really LONG excerpt for it. You can find it over on my website. Follow this [[LINK]] to the goodies!
The story will be available at Alinar Publishing on June 28th!
I have the story page finished for WICKED: JADE BUTTERFLY and have posted a really LONG excerpt for it. You can find it over on my website. Follow this [[LINK]] to the goodies!
The story will be available at Alinar Publishing on June 28th!
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, due for release in September. The Christmas story (for December) and I think I’ll finish that 60-page ‘paranormal/shifter’ story I’ve been playing with forever. Of course, I have a fairy/fantasy story, a dragon that has begged to tell his story, my fierce Warlord and a couple of vampires. My plate is full. Now, if I’d just get out of my funk and start writing! Wish me luck.
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*
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.
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?
Taco Soup
2 lbs. Ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cans Mexican style tomatoes (Ro-Tel) chopped (you want hot chilies in the tomatoes!)
1 (15oz.) can pinto beans with jalapeno pepper
1 (15oz.) can pinto beans (plain)
1 can Ranch style beans
1 (16oz.) can whole kernel corn
1 tsp. Salt
2 tsp. Pepper
1 (1oz.) pkg. Ranch dressing mix
1 (1 ¼ oz.) pkg. Taco seasoning mix
Garnishes
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Tortilla Chips
Sour 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!
I’ve been procrastinating again but I have actual work to show for it. Check out the new book trailer I made tongiht for the Wicked Series!
Out Now! New contemporary romance ebook by Lily Graison…
Wicked: Leather and Lace
Roxy 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!