That feeling when you write the final sentence of your first draft.
Here’s a peek at what I’ve been doing on PRINCE OF HONOR, the first book in my shape-shifter “House of Terriot Foursome.” (The one that was supposed to be a novella but came in at 468 pages and 94K. I guess that ship has sailed . . .) It’s noble sacrifice time, and no one does it better than a former bad girl out to prove herself to her good man ...
Until that moment, Syl didn’t realize how tightly she’d been hanging onto Cale’s assurances that they’d be close by. She sank into the truth that she was truly and terribly alone like deep, dark waters, with no welcoming shore in sight.Here it was. She’d planned this chance for a noble act that would wipe the slate of her sins clean. She could either sink or swim.She started paddling.
* * *
“It’s not your fault, it’s mine.”
Turow took no reassurance from his king’s somber claim because it wasn’t about fault, it was about fact. Sylvia was gone and by now, James probably had her.“Your brother isn’t known for having a gentle hand.”Had her and was going to hurt her.
Well, I have to step away from the manuscript to do some final proofing for my part in the 9- author PARANORMAL ATTRACTIONS boxed set that will be available for pre-order May 23! A dirty job . . . And then do a last day push for the sale on my Touch of Midnight vampire series books 1 and 2 (MIDNIGHT KISS just .99 and MIDNIGHT TEMPTATION $1.99!). I’m over on the Bell Bridge Books blog talking about resurrecting a series if you have time to pay a visit.
How’s your writing going?
How’s your writing going?
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The plot is definitely thickening with this new danger identified. And congratulations on finishing your draft. You posted this to the right people, who understand your joy!
ReplyDeleteHalf the fun is celebrating each other's victories! Thanks, Ed!
DeleteSounds like the time for a hero to step forward! :-)
ReplyDeleteHappy day--finishing the first draft!
He's So got this, Teresa! Thanks!!
DeleteCongratulations on your milestone, Nancy. May you editing go well!
ReplyDeleteWell, at least she's paddling! The brother sounds like a barrel of laughs - not!
Thanks, Kim. My poor heroine, not in a great spot and swimming upstream.
DeleteCongratulations on your milestone, Nancy. May you editing go well!
ReplyDeleteWell, at least she's paddling! The brother sounds like a barrel of laughs - not!
Sounds interesting and mine is through the edit to the beta readers to see what they think. I hadn't used a beta reader until last summer-- mainly because I didn't have any. The two I have now though don't write and don't normally read in the genre of my new series which is paranormal contemporary suspense. So this should be interesting whether they take to it. I told them if they reach a point they don't like it or can't go on, just give me the point in the story. Useful info :). I hope the first of these will be out the end of this month *fingers crossed*
ReplyDeleteI've been lucky to find some great Beta readers. They all bring something different to the party. That's the next step.
DeleteSounds like she has her work cut out for her- paddle, paddle!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on finishing the draft!
Thanks, Christina! She's paddling as fast as she can. Sometimes that's the best any of us can do!
DeleteI'm hoping Turow is going to come to the rescue somehow!
ReplyDeleteI released a new book in April and one in May, and the next one is coming out in June. Currently working on revising the first draft of the book for Fall. No rest for the wicked! Or is it weary? Or both!
How do you know if you're coming or going?
DeleteGreat feeling, isn't it, when you finish the first draft? Especially if it is a long book.
ReplyDeleteIt's a horrible feeling when you realise that you are all alone, as Syl has done. As she rightly says, she can sink or swim, and she doesn't sound as though she plans to give up. Keep paddling Sylvia.
Giving up isn't in her vocabulary!
DeleteIntriguing snippet -- to see both sides of what's going on.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on finishing the first draft -- keep paddling! :-)
Thanks, Cara!!
DeleteGreat metaphors and descriptions here, Nancy. Just from this short excerpt it's easy to care about Sylvia.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marcia. Turning a villain into a heroine ... talk about paddling upstream!
DeleteAmazing snippet! Loved everything about it, especially the end. Congrats on finishing the draft! I think we all feel the same as the Jensen Ackles GIF. Also, excellent choice. ;)
ReplyDeleteEVERYTHING is better with Jensen!! Thanks, Amy!!
DeleteTalk about an overachiever on steroids! LOL! Wonderful snippet! Love metaphors and thematic imagery. Few writers do it well these days. Great series. Failed novella! Boo-hoo for you! Woohoo for your readers!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dr. E! You know me . . . Go Long!!
DeleteBetter go and find her quickly then.
ReplyDeleteHe'd better . . . otherwise this book will turn out to be a two-parter!
DeleteCongrats on finishing first draft. Always a good moment.
ReplyDeleteFabulous excerpt.
Thanks, Daryl!! Now, if I only had time to bask in the moment . . .
DeleteI'm the same way with my drafts--try to let it sit and end up going back through it for the first of many times. Loved this snippet and your beautiful word play, but that last sentence gave me the chills. Looking forward to reading more.
ReplyDelete~Joyce Scarbrough
Thanks, Joyce!! I just can't leave things alone.
DeleteShe could either sink or swim - so she started paddling - LOVE IT!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Victoria. Art imitating life . . .
Delete