I don’t know if I can say sold really because the publisher doesn’t pay advances, but earlier this week, Steve and I signed a contract with Astraea Press (www.astraeapress.com) for the publication of Sword & Illusion! The editor said her reader couldn’t put it down and even said it was better than The Hobbit or Lord of the Rings!

I am sure that’s a little over the top, but at least she liked it!

I’m so excited about this!

I’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Life is getting exciting here but a little baffling at the same time.

Last March, and I may have blogged about this, I went to the Jambalaya Jubilee conference in Houma, LA. It’s a small conference held in a public library, and this was the second time I went.

This year I pitched Sword & Illusion to agent Cherry Weiner. She told me it was too long and I should cut about 29,000 words. (Yikes!) When that was done, I was to email her.

Well, Monday I did just that. I had spent hours cutting words from my book. I cut out several characters and, for a lot of writerly reasons, ignored that Attack of the Queen had ever been written. Ms. Weiner told me to “think series,” which was something I already was, and again, for those writerly reasons, I’ve chosen to make Sword & Illusion the first book of the series.

It will mean that the story that was told in Attack will move to later in the series and possibly will change appearance. I have promised my best friend (and inspiration for Adazzra) that eventually she will get her husband and children back. At this point, I’m not sure how that will all happen, however.

When I was first writing the book – We’ve been calling it S&I at home, but that’s going to be confusing because all of the books will be Sword & something beginning with I – I had seen it as the second book, so deciding to make it the first one meant that a lot of things changed, and everything was possible.

I was assuming Attack would be the second book, now titled Sword & Inferno, but events in Illusion make it necessary to deal with some things before I can get to Adazzra’s world and save it from the Vlaad.

My husband and I went through a list of I words to come up with some other titles. He doesn’t think Sword & Immunocytochemistries is a good title. However, right now I think book two will be Sword & Infidel due to how Illusion ended.

Now I’m faced with writing a book I have no plot for yet. I think this must be what successful writers face. I have never written a book that I didn’t have a story in mind for before I ever sat down.

However, it occurred to me this morning that people like Rachel Caine, Jim Butcher and Alyssa Day, who have long series of books with the same characters or related ones, probably don’t know all their plots before they begin. Heck, my friend Jo also pitched to Cherry at the conference and had synopses for three books requested and she had only written one and a half. She didn’t even know the plot of book three.

But she does now.

So, if I’m going to be a successful fantasy author, I need to be ready to figure out a plot from the ground up.

I’m excited but scared, too.

Do you know about Rebecca Black? She is this young girl whose mother paid $4,000 to a vanity video/music producer so Rebecca could record and make a video for this song called “Friday.”

You can’t see the video anymore on YouTube, but it went viral because a lot of people think it’s the worst song ever and it got millions of hits with people going to see if they agreed. The song was even featured on Glee which blew me away.

My family was talking about this and I said, “Oh, yeah, cuz she’s getting rich off this. Crying all the way to the bank.” The single was released and according to Wikipedia sold 40,000 copies.

Then my husband asked a very interesting question. He asked how I would feel if Fabric of Faith (my inspirational romance which was published in 2004 and is still available although I haven’t seen any royalties for four or five years) sold a million copies because people thought it was the worst book ever written?

Well, at first I wanted to say, “Sure, cool, fine.” However, the more I think about it, the more I wonder if it’s not better the way things are now.

I mean, I want a publishing career, not just one bestseller. I want fans who wait breathlessly for my next book. I don’t know if that will ever happen, but if my book was a bestseller because people thought it was so terrible, wouldn’t that ruin my chances to actually sell something else?

I don’t know, but I wouldn’t want to risk it.

I don’t think I would.

But the checks would still cash, right?

SWORD & ILLUSION IS DONE!

Okay, now that the cheering and celebration is done, a little disclaimer.

The book, first draft was finished about 3 or so years ago and it went through a massive edti/rewrite/set aside period that included my husband reading the whole book and making comments. Then I went through the whole book again and found a MAJOR plot problem at the end that I sort of knew was there but had put it out of my head saying, “oh, it’ll be okay. No one will notice.”

Of course, they would and it messed up the great ending I’d wanted.

So, we had a big brainstorming session which led to major plot changes/fixes/etc.

So, that led to major rewriting and getting to a point where I edited and fixed each chapter individually and then he would read it and “declare” it finished.

THEN a month or so ago, I got to about the halfway point and had over 90,000 words declared finished or nearly so. We talked about cutting the book in half as it had come to a point that felt like an ending. Not to the whole story, but to that part of it.

When I decided to do that, it required a few more chapters/scenes to tie up a few ends and put a period on that part of the story, so that’s what I’ve been working on.

Last night, I packaged it all up (all chapters in one document run through spell and grammar checker) and handed it off to him.

He did tell me that he found a few minor problems in the first chapter, but when he’s done with it, I’ll take one last run through and start sending queries to agents.

I am getting my rights back to Attack of the Queen as that’s the first book in the series and while I love that Wings published it, I think I’m ready to move my career in a different direction.

Yay for me!

Current book – writing: Sword & Illusion
Number of chapters declared DONE – Thirteen
Number of chapters waiting for Beloved’s final read – Two (Fifteen and Seventeen)
Chapter that is done but not “declared” finished – Fourteen
Chapter working on – Sixteen
Current book – reading – Welcome Home: Our Family’s Journey to Extreme Joy – almost finished and will have a review when I am
Next book to read – Poison Study

As you saw with my last entry, my daughter and I have become big library addicts. I spent this morning putting some books on hold. I love that I can do that from my home computer!!

When my husband got back from ArmadilloCon, he told me that the editors, agents and authors there said that Young Adult (YA) is expected to be the next big trend in books, something that I’ve been suspecting for some time.

To that end, I’ve been plotting out an idea I have for a YA fantasy novel. This may be a book that Honor Cummings writes with my husband. (Honor is the name I write fantasy under, so don’t be confused!)

Anyway, I’ve decided to try reading some YA fantasy novels for research. I looked up a list on Amazon and found a bunch of books.

Since moderation is not my best quality, I forced myself to limit my list to one page, so here it is. I don’t claim that these are the best or anything. Just a page of teen fantasies I plan to read:

1 Aurelia by Anne Osterlund – on hold at the library
2 .Alanna: The First Adventure (Song of the Lioness, Book 1) by Tamora Pierce –- on hold at the library
In the Hand of the Goddess (The Song of the Lioness) by Tamora Pierce – on hold at the library
The Woman Who Rides Like a Man (The Song of the Lioness) by Tamora Pierce – on hold at the library
Lioness Rampant (The Song of the Lioness) by Tamora Pierce – on hold at the library
Cast in Shadow (The Chronicles of Elantra, Book 1) by Michelle Sagara
Cast in Courtlight (Chronicles of Elantra, Book 2) by Michelle Sagara – on hold at the library
Cast in Secret (Chronicles of Elantra, Book 3) by Michelle Sagara
Cast in Fury (Chronicles of Elantra, Book 4) by Michelle Sagara
Cast in Silence (The Chronicles of Elantra) by Michelle Sagara
A Great and Terrible Beauty (The Gemma Doyle Trilogy) by Libba Bray
Rebel Angels (The Gemma Doyle Trilogy Book #2) by Libba Bray
The Sweet Far Thing (The Gemma Doyle Trilogy) by Libba Bray
Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beastt by Robin Mckinley – on hold at the library
Sunshine by Robin Mckinley (although I don’t know if this is YA) – on hold at the library
The Door in the Hedge by Robin Mckinley
The Blue Sword by Robin Mckinley – on hold at the library
The Hero and the Crown by Robin Mckinley – on hold at the library
The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin Mckinley – on hold at the library
Deerskin by Robin Mckinley
Rose Daughter by Robin Mckinley –- on hold at the library
Spindle’s End by Robin Mckinley -– on hold at the library
Dragonhaven by Robin Mckinley – on hold at the library
Chalice by Robin Mckinley – on hold at the library

If you know anything about these books or have any other suggestions, leave a comment and let me know! Thanks!

It’s a holiday weekend here in the U.S., so let’s keep today’s question simple–What are you reading? Anything special? Any particularly juicy summer reading?

Right now, I’m reading Knock Off (A Finley Anderson Tanner Mystery) by Rhonda Pollero.

Other books in my to be read pile right now are:

1. Convicted of Love by Jo Templeton – a friend of mine and critique partner.

2. Summer Knight (The Dresden Files, Book 4) by Jim Butcher. The Girl has read all of them in this series (so far) and has been bugging me to finish them so she can talk to me about them. Oh, and so has my brother.

3. Figure 8 by Tammy Riviere, another friend.

4. The Manolo Matrix by Julie Kenner.

5. Eclipse (The Twilight Saga, Book 3) by Stephanie Meyer. Another series the Girl got me hooked on.

6. Come Back, My Love by Sylvia Rochester, another friend.

7. The Prada Paradox by Julie Kenner.

8. Death Masks (The Dresden Files, Book 5) by Jim Butcher.

9. Choice Makers by Eleanor Cocreham, another friend.

10. Real Vampires Have Curves (Glory St. Claire, Book 1) by Gerry Bartlett.

11. Real Vampires Live Large (Glory St. Claire, Book 2) by Gerry Bartlett.

12. Cranford (The World’s Classics) by Elizabeth Gaskell. I watched the program on Masterpiece of this book and I enjoyed it. Very different from what I usually read, but I’m eager to see what it’s like.

13. Marked (House of Night, Book 1) by P. C. and Kristin Cast.

Okay, maybe not clamor as such, but recently, I’ve begun to wonder if God is trying to tell me something.

I know God is always trying to tell me something! If there is anyone on this earth that needs to be told “something” by our Creator, it’s certainly me! I’m probably the slowest person to learn lessons.

However, today, I’m thinking more about in terms of my writing. In January 2004, my book Fabric of Faith was published by Wings Press. My friends in PA had a booksigning for me and one of them even started reading her Bible again after reading the book, so I’m humbled and pleased by the reception of this book.

To be honest, I don’t believe it’s the best book I could write, but God has used it for His glory and that’s all I need.

However, about a year or so ago, a friend here in Baton Rouge bought a bunch of copies to give out to friends and family for Christmas, even though she hadn’t read it yet. When she did, she asked if I was going to write another book about these characters.

I hadn’t considered doing that. This is a story God gave me and I feel it’s finished.  I’m in the middle of writing the sequel to Attack of the Queen, a book that screamed for a sequel.

Now, a friend of my daughter’s has read Fabric a second time and she’s been sending me messages via my Facebook page asking me to write another book about these characters. AND a woman who bought Fabric at a booksigning sent me a note saying she loved it and is letting all her friends read it and wants to be informed with I publish something else.

Granted, that last one isn’t a “clamor” but I’m wondering if I should think about a sequel. I’m in the middle of this book and have several I need to work on. Do I really want to revisit Mary Grace and Chance?

I don’t know. I prayed about it last night and I can think of some things I do with them, now that I’ve matured in my writing.

I never wanted to disrupt their happy little family before, but now I realize that I might have to make things tough on them to write another story for them.

Do any of you that have read Fabric of Faith (is there anyone out there?) want more about these people? Do you generally want to read more about characters you like?

If you’re a writer, have you ever faced the idea of writing a sequel when you hadn’t planned on it?

I will say this is kinda one of my writing dreams:  to have fans ask more more.

I’m a little late in getting this post written, but I wanted to be sure to let all my readers know about two very good books I read recently.

On Sparrow Hill by Maureen Long is the second book in her series, The Oak Leaves. I will admit that I didn’t read the first one when Ms. Long was gracious enough to add me to her “influencers” list and I got my copy of On Sparrow Hill directly from the publisher, but even so, I had no trouble enjoying this book thoroughly. I could tell there was a story before this one, but rather than making me feel I was missing something, it made me want to read the first one, just to see how they fit together.

The back cover says:

As the commercial manager for Quentin Hollinworth’s family estate, Rebecca Seabrooke is focused on just two things: making hers the most successful historic home in the country and forgetting the childhood crush shes had on Quentin since her father worked as his family’s valet. After all, they don’t exactly run in the same social circles.

But when she and Quentin uncover letters in the family vault written over 150 years ago by Berrie Hamilton, one of Quentin’s ancestors, Rebecca discovers that Quentin isn’t the only one with a legacy to appreciate. Only Berrie’s words can prepare Rebecca for the dramatic turn her life is about to take.

Ms. Long skillfully weaves the stories of the past and the present together, using Berrie’s letters to seque into Berrie’s point of view. An inherited disability affects both the past and the present and the letters help Rebecca not only advise a new friend on faith and trust but help her see that Quentin’s social standing and the gossip of tabloids need not be obstacles to happiness.

This is a lovely, special book for anyone who loves romance, family and stories of faith tested and faith triumphant.

______________________________________________

The next book I want to bring to your attention is Lethal Deception  by Lynette Eason.

Cassidy McKnight, daughter of an ambassador who is deeply involved in fighting against the crime of human trafficking, is kidnapped in South America, where she went to claim guardianship of the daughter of two missionary friends who were killed. Cassidy’s father hires Gabe Sinclair, a former SEAL with a secret in his past that concerns Cassidy’s brother.

Gabe rescues Cassidy and brings her and the toddler, Alexis, home and plans to go back to his own life. However, the danger to Cassidy isn’t over even after her kidnapper in South America is behind bars. Someone is still trying to kill Cassidy and possibly Lexie. Gabe can’t let that happen and his feelings for Cassidy war with this desire to keep his secret hidden.Is he willing to risk her disdain to tell the truth or will he let his renewed faith in God carry him through whatever happens?

Lethal Deception is an exciting book, but also one that will touch your heart. Cassidy and Gabe’s interaction with Lexie is priceless and the twists in the story will keep you reading. Just when you think you know all the answers, something new pops up and makes you ask yourself how you missed those clues.

I have a blog roll that I try to peruse every day. Don’t usually get through all of them, but I try. However, near the top of my list is a place called SF Signal. It’s a roundup of all that’s happening (at least all the author finds) in the worlds of science fiction and fantasy, whether it’s books, films or on TV.

Today he mentioned this post  by David Louis Edelman and I love it. If you’re looking for ways to help your favorite author, and surely you are because the more successful he/she is, the more books he/she will be able to write, check out some of this suggestions. My favorite:

…write about the author on your own site(s) and link to the author’s website. Got a blog or a website? It may seem like a no-brainer to write reviews of your author’s favorite works. But linking to the author’s website helps in a number of other, less visible ways: with Technorati ratings, with Google rankings, with Alexa rankings, etc. Not to mention having your favorite author’s name linked on your site is a constant tickler to your web visitors, who may be inclined to purchase something on your recommendation, but who might not always remember the name of the author you recommended.

This is a great way to get people going to your favorite author’s site and if he/she is anything like me, he/she checks the number of hits the site gets several times a week. It’s a great day when my site gets more hits than the day before! I’m always looking to see what brought people here and I try to make my content more reader friendly.

Check out Mr. Edelman’s post and let me know if you try any of this suggestions!