This and That

I’ve fallen behind on blogging again. No surprise there, but I had a good reason this time. My husband and I took a vacation. The first in 5 years, to be exact. We spent a week at the beach with NO kids. I did nothing for an entire week but lay on the beach and read. I read 3 1/2 novels, got toasty brown and came home feeling relaxed and refreshed. So much so, I finally finsihed my edits on book #1!! Which, I can now say, is a rewrite of my first published title, A Touch of Heaven. I chose not to renew my contract through the publisher who had it. It needed a new life. So now it has been rewritten, got a snazzy new cover and will be available November 18th as a FREE READ through Alinar Publishing.

Destined Hearts is now is round 1 of edits. It’s due for release February 24th, 2008 through Alinar also. And I have a new story just chomping at the bit to be written. I’m resisting the temptation to mess with it. I have too much work with edits to start getting distracted. Lord knows it takes me forever to write a book. My need for ‘perfection’ is a major problem, not to mention time. I’ve been getting up 3 hours early just to work on my books. I work night shift so when I get home from work, I barely have the ability to check emails. I’m bleary eyed typing this – it IS nearly 2am and my bed is calling. I’ll try to update again soon. I’m shooting for every Sunday so we’ll see how that works.

All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

Book #1 almost done

The edits for book #1 of the two I’m currently editing is almost done. I’ve just printed it off and need to do a final read through and make the last minute changes. Once I have that done and sent off, I’ll let you know what it is and where its going.

Destined Hearts is in a holding pattern at the moment. I’m more concerned with getting #1 finsihed before jumping too heavily into this books edits. It’s a huge book with tons of work needed in order to get it readable. Plus, I think the ending was too rushed. I may need to rewrite that last few chapters and knowing me – this means adding several. I can’t ever seem to do anything simple. It’s always over the top.

I’ve been scarce for a while now but with work, the end of summer and edits, there just isn’t enough time in the day. I’ll try to make more of an effort to update the blog once a week. Don’t hold me to it though. LOL

All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

Edits a-go-go

Two post in one week. I must be feverish!

I’m neck deep in edits. I normally HATE editing. It’s grueling and in no way fun but I love it this go around. Why, you ask? Well, it’s so nice to actually have something TO edit! I’ve been struggling with my story for…well, a long time. I never thought I would finsih it. For the longest time it looked to be one of those stories that just sat, collecting dust until it was forgotten completly.

I’m actually working on two stories at once. Yes, crazy, but when one tries to drag me down, I just switch to the other. I honestly believe I’m ADHD. I can’t seem to stay focused on one task for long. If I have something else to occupy my time, I’m there. Hopefully I can keep this schedule up when I head back to work on Monday.

The first story is Destined Hearts. The ‘labor of love’ I mentioned a few days ago. The first 13 chapters of it were written 4 years ago. I’ve learned a lot about writing since then so you can imagine the shape those chapters are in. It’s almost like completly rewritting the story. But that’s okay. It needs it and like I said, editing is a piece of cake to me now. The book will be finished and I can celebrate once all is said and done.

The second story is actually an old story. I’m rewriting pieces of it that I don’t like, adding things I thought of after the fact and cleaning it up. I’ve been wanting to do it for ages now so I finally just decided…why not? It should be ready soon and then I’ll tell you what it is and what I have planned for it.

I’ve been out of the writing ‘groove’ for a while now. So long that my family has forgotten what it means when I say, “I’m working.” They just look at me like my head spun around in circles before whining again about whatever it is that brought them to me in the first place. I’ve had more interuptions today than any other. I can’t understand why my ‘alone’ time bothers them so. It must. They won’t let me have it. I guess I need to put up a huge “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door and lock it for a few hours. I’ll need better headphones. Heaven knows they’ll be pounding on the door when that happens.

All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

Happy 4th!

It’s been forever and a day since I’ve update. I apologize to the handful of you who still check the blog.

I’ve been crazy busy this summer. Work is–well, it’s work. 40 hours a week is 40 hours less time I have to write. It’s taken it’s toll on me but it’s vacation time! A time to relax, play and get work done. It’s paid off. I just finished the first draft of Destined Hearts. This story has taken me 4 years to write. It was a true labor of love but it’s finished, for now. I’ll give it another look in a few weeks and start the editing process. The release will be months away but it’s feel SO good to finally have something at this stage. It’s been a long time. Too long.

I hope everyone’s 4th is filled with friends, good food and plenty of fun. Be safe and I’ll be back soon!

All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

I’m still here and writing

I’m not sure what it was that finally ‘clicked’ on this story, but boy am I glad it did. Destined Hearts has been haunting me for close to 4 years now. I opened it last Sunday evening, re-read the last couple of chapters and BOOM…the characters finally started talking to me. I sat down and wrote every thing they whispered and before I went to bed I had a complete outline AND 2 additional chapters. It’s officially Sunday again and I’ve added 13,691 words to the manuscript. That’s probably more than I’ve written in the last six months. Sad, but true. I have 7 more scenes to write and I’ll finally be finished.

Just saying the word ‘finished’ makes me smile. This story has been a true labor of love. Its the first original I ever tried to write. It may be why I’ve slaved over it for so long. I wanted it to happen for many reasons. I’m just glad its all coming together for me. I feel like I’ve accomplished my goal even though I haven’t written ‘The End’ yet. I know exactly how the story will play out and that’s more than I knew 2 weeks ago. Just having the ‘road map’ in front of me is a blessing. I’ve always been a ‘fly by the seat of my pants’ kind of writer. I know where I’m going, just not how I’m going to get there. It’s always worked in the past but with this story, it didn’t. That’s probably why its sat dormant on my computer for so long. Those characters needed guidance where most of my others tell me where their going.

I’m in the home stretch now and the end is in sight. It’s a feeling I could get use to.

All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

Jumping off the deep end…

I’ve taken the plunge. Of course, I’m not sure if I’ll sink or swim but there’s no harm in trying, right?

I’ve started writing my first mystery. Sure it’s still paranormal and I’ve spent more time plotting than anything but hopefully it’ll all pan out in the end. This is actually the first story I’ve felt passionate about in a while. I’m not sure if I should be happy about that or sad. I have so many stories started that I was passionate about as well — but they all fizzled and died a slow agonizing death. This one I’m hopping won’t meet the same fate.

The rate at which I’m getting things published, it looks like one a year for me. Tis truely sad. I know. I’m a slow writer in case any of you hadn’t figured out by now. My internal editor won’t be quiet long enough for me to get 2 pages worth of work done before she’s standing over my shoulder with her red pen scribbling up the pages. I haven’t figured out a way to shut her up. I see something wrong and I can’t move forward until its fixed. It’s truely a disease, one that is slowly killing me. I blame it on my ‘writing roots’. If any of you didn’t know, I started testing my writing skills with fanfiction. (Yes, I know how the world views it but to each their own, I suppose) In that form of writing, most stories are written chapter for chapter and posted as you go along. The need to get that one solidary chapter in its best form is why I find it so hard to write anything now. Instead of spending hours and hours editing, fixing and prettying up something as I go, I’m now forced to just plunge ahead and write crap and THEN come back and fix it. I can’t get my brain wrapped around the concept of letting the crap stay. You can go back and fix it when it’s all said and done. Of course, saying that is easier than actually doing it. I’ve been writing and publishing work since 2002. That’s a long time to do something one way only to try and rework my brain into another way of thinking. Hopefully I’ll get it eventually. I’m trying so that’s all anyone can ask for, right?

All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

New eBook Release

It’s finally available! Something Old, Something New is finally available from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid. My story shares space with author L. Bohmer’s “The Other Woman” in Torrid Teasers Volume 20.
Excerpt from Something Old, Something New
Chapter 1

“You can’t marry him.”

The sound of his voice was startling in the stillness of the room and Liz turned, glancing behind her. Jason Lowery stood there, staring at her, his face full of mischief. The infuriating smirk she hated so much curved his lips, showing his perfect white teeth. She rolled her eyes before shaking her head. “Are you insane? You can’t be in here.”
“Why not?” he asked before turning and shutting the door behind him.
“Uh, because no one is suppose to see the bride before the wedding, that’s why.”
He laughed, leaning against the door and shoving his hands into his pants pockets. “Well, if I thought for a minute you were seriously going to go through with this, then I might follow all the rules. Besides, the groom isn’t supposed to see the bride before the wedding. I don’t remember anything about best friends.”
The dark suit he wore made him appear even more gorgeous than usual. Liz couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen him dressed like this. Jeans and T-shirts were his usual attire. Just being near him today put tempting thoughts of betrayal in her mind. She stared out the window, determined to ignore how delicious he looked. Crossing her arms over her chest, she muttered, “Fine. What do you want?”
“Now is that any way to greet the only person who cared enough to come all the way up here to witness this spectacle?”
“It’s not a spectacle,” she defended, turning her head slightly to look at him.
“Says you.” Jason laughed. “They have violins playing and doves just waiting to be released. It’s stupid, if you ask me. I hope those damn birds shit all over the place.”
“It’s not stupid—and could you be any more crude?” she asked hatefully. “For your information, Mr. Too-Dumb-To-Know-Any-Better, its classy, something your pea-brain could never comprehend. Now stop making fun of my wedding and tell me what you want.”
“I want you to not marry that asshole,” he replied calmly.
“He’s not an asshole.”
“Says you.”
Liz turned toward him, scowling, narrowing her eyes. “Don’t do this, Jason. Not now. You’ve already given me your opinion. Revisiting the fight from last week isn’t going to accomplish anything, except to piss me off again.”
“Well, if I remember correctly, the fight last week resulted in the best blowjob of my life.” He grinned. “I’m up for a repeat performance if you are.”
Liz clenched her fists at her sides and tried not to raise her voice. “It’s not going to happen. Your twisted idea of foreplay isn’t going to work anymore. I’m through fighting with you”
“Aw, come on Lizzy.” He chuckled, lowering his lashes suggestively and licking his lips. “Your breasts always do this little heaving thing when you get mad. Don’t disappoint me now, when they’re looking so ripe and luscious.”
“God, you’re such a pig.”
“Oink, oink.”
Sighing, Liz glanced at his smiling face and shook her head. “You know, I really don’t have time for this. Will you please just get to the point? I have a wedding to prepare for.”
Jason’s grin dissolved and he exhaled a long breath. “Fine. We’ll skip the small talk then,” he said seriously. “He doesn’t love you, Liz. Not like I do. You don’t belong here. The city isn’t for you.”
“Good lord, not again,” she whined, rubbing her temples when they started to throb. “Jason, we’ve been over this a hundred times already. I’ve been stuck on that damn farm long enough. I want out. I have no life there. Why can’t you just be happy for me?”
“Because I know you,” he whispered softly. “You’ll be miserable here.”
“No, I’ll finally have something here!” Liz hissed as loudly as she dared. “Just look at this place.” She glanced around the room, taking in the pristine white furnishings and the antiques gracing every sleek surface. The ornate gardens she could see from the window were the perfect spot for her wedding. “Everything I’ve ever wanted is here, Jason. A big house, beautiful clothes and a man who has more money than I could ever spend.”
“So, you’re just in it for the money?”
Her cheeks reddened as her temper flared. “Don’t you dare judge me.”
“Why not?” Jason spat. “If you’re going to act like a gold-digging bitch, I might as well treat you like one.”
“You bastard! Get out of here. I don’t need you.”
She turned from him, back to the full-length mirror, and admired the dress she’d picked out from one of those chic bridal magazines. He stood by the door unmoving. She tried to ignore him and the pain his words caused.
She knew what her marriage to David looked like to everyone back home, but she didn’t care. They didn’t have to live her life, she did. So what if they thought badly of her? It’s not like she would ever have to see any of them again. Hell, Jason had been the only person who even bothered to make the trip to the city—even if the only reason he did was to try and stop her.
Everything was perfect. Her life had finally started going the way she’d envisioned it all those years ago and she’d be damned if Jason would ruin things after she had worked so hard to get herself here. She sighed, trying to erase her darkened mood, as she studied her reflection.
Her long, golden tresses were pinned securely to the back of her head with small flowers tucked within the strands. She had spent the better half of the morning getting fussed over by her own private hairdresser. She was treated like royalty here. Her blue eyes sparkled, but the slight blush to her cheeks increased the more she mused over Jason’s words. How dare he make her feel like shit!
“Why him, Liz?” Jason finally asked, his voice strained. “Is it because I don’t have his money? Wealth won’t make you happy.”
“And you can?” she mocked sarcastically. “You’re just an ignorant farm boy, Jason. You don’t know anything about what it takes to make me happy.”
“You’re not in love with him.”
“And how do you know that?” she snapped.
He stared at her reflection, meeting her gaze with deep longing. “Because…I can see it every time you look at me.”
Liz’s features softened at his words. She wished, yet again, he wasn’t right. “Maybe love isn’t every thing, Jason.”
“You know that’s not true.” He pushed his weight off the door and moved slowly across the room toward her.
Liz’s heart nearly beat through her chest watching his progression in the mirror. His jet-black hair appeared almost blue in the light from the windows. Those high cheekbones and deep green eyes gave him a look straight from the pages of some high fashion magazine. He appeared more at home in the big city than she did. Just seeing him like this…caused a nervous tremble in the pit of her stomach.
Jason had to be the most beautiful man she’d ever seen, and yes, she loved him, but love wasn’t enough—not for her.
She wanted more than wide-open fields and the dirty back roads of Lincoln County, no matter how much she loved him. Her dreams were full of bright lights and fine things. She couldn’t get those things at home. Living in a small, one-stop-light town with its dull scenery, wasn’t for her. Lack of entertainment had always made her long for something else and getting out of there had been her dream since age ten.
Of course, getting over Jason Lowery would take time, but a determined soul always won, right? Being in love didn’t make you happy. People got married all the time and weren’t in love and if they could do it, so could she.
Focusing her eyes on Jason’s face in the mirror, his intense expression sent a chill up her spine. She’d seen that look so many times she’d memorized it. It caused her knees to go weak.
He stopped behind her. His fingers brushed against the back of her arm and the tingles spread through her limbs in an instant.
“He will never love you like I do, Lizzy.”
The words were whispered across her cheek. The warmth of his breath was a slow tickle against her skin, before his lips danced across her flesh to rest on the sensitive area just below her ear.
Liz’s eyes closed. Her breathing increased as every thought left her…except the way he made her feel. That instant lust…the rush of heat as it swam through her body, leaving her dizzy.
To read more, Purchase the eBook!
All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison

Christmas Greetings

The shopping is done, the cooking started and now we just wait for the big day. I love Christmas but all the hustle and bustle of shopping, trying to remember everyone on my lists and getting to Grandma’s house on time is just nerve racking. I’d love to be able to sit back and enjoy being with my family without the pressure of getting that perfect gift or wondering if someone will be disappointed with what they recieved. As much as I love it…I’ll be glad when its all over with! lol

I’d like to take just a minute to thank everyone for your support this past year and for making one of my dreams come true. Without you, writing wouldn’t be nearly as fun. Hearing that my stories are enjoyed is why continue to try. Enjoy the time with your family and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year. See you in 2007!

Lily

All material &copy2005-2012 to Lily Graison