A Brand New Year!!

It's the last day of 2008 and I'm thinking ahead to a brand new year. But first, I thought I should review my writing goals for 2008 and see how much I accomplished. Here are a few of the goals I did make.

• cut scenes from my Civil War time travel romance, Erin's Rebel


• sent the query to The Wild Rose Press


• got a request for a partial, then the full


• signed contract for Erin's Rebel and it will be a July 2009 release!


• entered my other CW romance, formerly titled Katie Rose in contests


• completed line edits for Katie Rose


• after changing the title to Confederate Rose, gave it a final proofread and sent the query and synposis to my editor & got a request for the full


• signed contract for Confederate Rose


• wrote short story for Civil War romance anthology called Angel of My Dreams


• submitted AMD to editor


• signed contract for AMD!


• outlined science fiction romance titled Moons of Cynara


• started first draft of Moons


• started outlining short Civil War Christmas story for historical romance anthology

I've got a good start on that first draft. By today's count, my word total is 36,525. I'm almost at the midway point. And although I started the outline on the short story, I haven't yet finished. But otherwise, I think I accomplished a great deal in 2008. Now, to figure out what I'd like to accomplish in 2009.

Trying to Get Back in Gear

The holidays aren't over yet, but I haven't been doing much writing over the last few weeks. The reason wasn't entirely Christmas though. The galley for Confederate Rose came in and I had to proofread it and mark mistakes. I just turned that in today and started back on the Civil War Christmas story I'd started outlining. I put in 2 1/2 hours on it this afternoon and feel like I'm back into the story. I still want to try to finish the outline this week, so I can start on the first draft after the holidays. I'll see how it goes.

Merry Christmas!!

Just want to wish a merry and peaceful Christmas to all my readers who celebrate and happy holidays for all!!

Free Christmas Story!

My free Civil War Christmas romance, A Kiss Under the Mistletoe, has just been released from The Wild Rose Press.

Samantha Harrison is preparing for her wedding day. Trouble is, she’s marrying the wrong man. The man she loves and whose child she carries, has disappeared months ago in battle in the last days of the American Civil War. On Christmas Eve, Doug Mitchell shows up at her door only to learn she’s marrying another man in two days.

To get your free download, visit the TWRP site at: http://thewildrosepress.com/ and click on FREE READS. If you don't have an account there, you'll have to set one up, but the story is completely free. You can also check out all the other free reads at the site.

This Just Isn't Working!

This month I thought I'd try something I haven't done before. I seem to have no trouble writing a first draft or outline one story, while doing edits on another. So, since I have two new projects I'm trying to work on at once, I thought I could write a first draft for one and outline another.

But it just doesn't seem to be working. Could be that the creative part of my brain just can't create two stories at once. Once I'm done working on my first draft, I just can't seem to switch to the outline. So, for now, I've decided to work on the first draft on weekdays and outline on the weekends.

Don't know if it'll work, but it's worth a try.

Blogging at Slip Into Something Victorian

Forgot to tell everyone that I posted a blog on Slip Into Something Victorian about period photography. Click the link to view: http://slipintosomethingvictorian.wordpress.com

December Goals

A little late, but here goes.

1) Get my word count for the first draft of my science fiction romance up to 40,000 words by the end of the month.

Since my word count now stands at 26, 673, I only have 13, 327 words left to go.

2) Complete the outline for a short American Civil War Christmas story by the end of the month.

I've already gotten a start on this one too.

And my contracted edits are out of the way, so I don't see any problems in completing these two goals. I'll let you know how I did and also list my 2009 goals at the end of December.

November Goals Update!

Well, seems I've outdone myself on this one, despite tons of distractions this month. My goal was to complete the first 20,000 words of the first draft for my new sci-fi romance story. And by November 30th, my total word count ended up at 21,568.

A great start!

Release Day for Erin's Rebel!

I finally got it. My release day for Erin's Rebel is officially set for July 17, 2009. I am so excited, because it will be released in both digital and print on the same day. So, it's time for an excerpt. Hope you enjoy.

Erin's Rebel

Time Travel Romance

The Wild Rose Press

Blurb: Philadelphia newspaper reporter, Erin Branigan, is engaged to marry an up-and-coming lawyer, but dreams of a man from the past, a Civil War captain, change her plans and start her on a journey beyond time. After a car accident, Erin wakes to find herself living in the 1860s in a Confederate army camp.Captain Will Montgomery, the man of her dreams, is now a flesh and blood Rebel soldier who sets her soul aflame. But the Irish beauty holds a secret he needs to unravel before he can place his trust in her.Can she correct a mistake made long ago that caused his death and denied her the love she was meant to have? Or is she doomed to live out her life with nothing but regret?

Excerpt

"Ma'am," someone called, startling her. "I'm mighty pleased to see you're up."

She turned in the direction of the deep voice. Am I dreaming? She licked her dry lips as she stared into the dark eyes that had haunted her dreams.

"Ma'am? You look a might peaked."

As he moved closer, her knees turned to jelly. Strong, hard-muscled arms embraced her, offering support. Her head spun. She lifted a hand to stop the motion and encountered wool, a double row of metal buttons and a rock-hard chest. The enticing aroma of sandalwood mixed with a musky, masculine scent, plus a tinge of wood smoke invaded her senses. Had she hit her head harder than she'd thought?

She gazed at his lightly tanned face. Firm lips tilted upward slightly at the corners surrounded by a thin chocolate-colored mustache curving into a neatly-trimmed beard covering only his chin. Thick, dark hair brushed his collar and curled from beneath a broad-brimmed black hat. Her pulse raced as she leaned against his long, solid frame. Night after night in her dreams she'd run her hands through those curls.

"How can you be here?" she murmured.

"Pardon me, ma'am?"

"I don't understand." She tried to wrench from his grasp, but he gathered her close, lifting her into his arms. "What are you doing?"

To read the opening chapters, click here: http://susanmacatee.com/erinsrebel.html

Blogging about Time Travel

I'm blogging about time travel romances over at Slip Into Something Victorian. Click the link and tell me what time period you'd like to visit. http://slipintosomethingvictorian.wordpress.com

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Wishing a Happy Thanksgiving to all my American readers. I know there's not a whole lot to be thankful for this year, but try to focus on the positives in your life, at least for this one day. Aside from cooking that turkey, I have a rather relaxing day planned. No company, just my husband and three sons. I'm taking today off from writing projects, too. I already surpassed my November goal anyway. More on that later. Whatever free time I have when not cooking, will be spent reading a good book.

Just give thanks for what you have and hopefully things will get better for all of us soon.

Another TWRP contract!!

I just sent off my fourth contract with The Wild Rose Press. This one's for my short story titled Angel of My Dreams, which will be part of an American Civil War romance anthology.

I'm really excited about this one, because members of my critique group have written the other stories.

I've talked about this story before, but to give a reminder, this one's about a present day Civil War reenactor, who falls in love with the ghost of a Civil War nurse.

Blogging at Slip Into Something Victorian

I've just finished my first post at our new wordpress blog version of Slip Into Something Victorian. The subject - Civil War amputations. If you'd like to check it out here's the link: http://slipintosomethingvictorian.wordpress.com

Working On Something New

I've started the first draft of my first ever science fiction romance this week and have already completed the first 6030 words.

After writing historical and paranormal/historical, writing sci-fi just feels like fun. That's not to say I'll stop writing those other genres, because they were a lot of fun too. It's just that switching my gears brings out a fresh feeling to my writing.

What do all of you out there think about switching genres? Do you think it's a good thing for writers to stretch their wings?

November Goals

About time I post my writing goals for November. Since I'm in the middle of galley proofs and edits for Erin's Rebel and Confederate Rose, I'm only listing one goal for this month.

1) Start first draft of my new science fiction romance, Moons of Cynara.
My goal is to write the first 20,000 words this month.

Be back at the end of the month to let you know how I did.

Monthly Goals

Well, I managed to meet my October goals, one by a hair.

1) Edit, proofread and submit Sweet Redemption, my new vampire story.
I've done this and am just waiting to hear back from my editor.

2) Finish outline for Moons of Cynara, my first science fiction romance.
Also finished. I actually didn't finish until November 1st, but it's close enough.

Be back with my November goals.

Winner of My Halloween Contest

Today, I'm announcing the winner of my Halloween contest on Dayana Knight's blog. And the winner is ... ta, da! ... Sarabelle! You'll be receiving a $10.00 TWRP gift certificate.

Sarabelle, contact me at susanmacatee@aol.com and I'll forward your prize.

Congratulations!!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween Blog

I just posted a new blog on Slip Into Something Victorian on the origins of Halloween in America. I've also included some cool History Channel links to get you all in the Halloween mood.

Check it out at: http://slipintosomethingvictorian.com/

A New Excerpt - Confederate Rose

Just for fun, I thought I'd post an excerpt from my newly contracted manuscript, Confederate Rose.

Confederate Rose

Historical Romance

The Wild Rose Press

Blurb: Disguised as a man to serve with her husband as a soldier in the Confederate Army, Irish immigrant, Katie Rose O'Reilly, vows to remain in the ranks and seek revenge on Yankees after her husband is killed at Sharpsburg. As she's transporting mail from Richmond back to camp, a stranger startles her, causing her to fall and almost drown in a swollen stream.

Southerner Alexander Hart, a Yankee spy, saves Katie from drowning, then nurses her through a resulting fever. He must keep his identity secret from the beautiful Rebel soldier even as he finds himself falling in love with her.

Katie falls in love with the caring gentlemen stranger, only to later discover he's the enemy. Heartbroken, she turns him in to the Confederates, but then questions her goals and beliefs. Is it possible to put aside her quest for revenge to save the man she loves?

Excerpt:

"What? Are you telling me you were kissing him?" His blood heated at the thought of her moving on to another man.

"I was tryin' to escape."

"By kissing him?"

"Aye." Anger flashed in her eyes. "And it was working until you came along and hit the poor lad."

He grasped her forearm and pulled her from the guardhouse. They couldn't stay here debating. "Come on, we've got to get out of camp. I fear I've compromised my cover."

"But what about Nate?" she protested. "You may have killed him."

Sighing, Alex knelt and felt for a pulse. The lad's breathing was regular, his pulse steady. "Reckon he'll be out for awhile, but aside from a nasty headache and some bruising, he should be all right." He rose and glanced into the guardhouse. "They’ll reckon you clobbered him when he came for your dinner plate." He caught her worried gaze. "Now, let's skedaddle."

She nodded, but eyed him again. "Why are you dressed as a priest?"

"It's a disguise. I'm ministering to the Rebel soldiers." His eyes roved to the white vee of her bosom. "Button your shirt before we go. We don’t want to attract any more attention."

Confederate Rose, coming soon from The Wild Rose Press.

Halloween Contest!!!

I'm guest blogging on Dayana Knight's blog today about my love of vampires and would like to invite everyone to join me over there. And I'm also having a contest.

Here's the link: http://dayanaknight.blogspot.com/

Eternity Waits Now On Sale!

For the entire month of October, The Wild Rose Press is discounting all their paranormal romances. You can now purchase Eternity Waits for only $1.35.

If you haven't already read it, here's the link to purchase.

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=177_136&products_id=787&zenid=ca141a8a033bba99f014b055634890ce

And here's an excerpt:

Eternity Waits

The Wild Rose Press

Black Rosette

North of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

July 1, 1863

Caleb Weathers tensed at a rustle behind him. He swung his Enfield rifle in the general direction. A hoot, followed by the flutter of large wings left him staring into the wide-eyed gaze of a Barn owl. When the bird took flight, he breathed a sigh of relief. The scent of pine and fetid soil calmed him a bit.

The thickness of the forest made him all too aware of how vulnerable he was to attack despite the weight of his weapon. Caleb sensed a presence behind him. He broke into a sweat and the hairs on the nape of his neck rose. He whirled and aimed the barrel at the form that appeared out of nowhere.

"Who are you?" he asked. "Where'd ya come from?"

The woman smiled. Blood-red lips and luminous blue eyes captured his gaze. Her raven hair glinted in the moonlight.

"I am Alexandra." Her low, throaty voice held a guttural accent.

What is a beautiful woman doing in camp alone in the dead of night? She couldn't be up to any good. And yet, as he watched her, a thrill of anticipation raced through him. Something about her seemed familiar. A memory he couldn't quite reach.

He swallowed. "You'd best skedaddle, ma'am. You can't come through camp without a pass."

"I came for you, my darling." With one fluid motion, she moved closer.

He cocked his rifle. "Stop right there."

Her exquisite lips drew into a pout. "I would never harm you, Dimitri."

At the sound of the name an eerie sensation swept over him."Who the hell is Dimitri?" he asked. "My name's Caleb."

October Writing Goals

Okay, figured out what I want to accomplish writing-wise for the month of October.

1) Edit, proofread and submit my short vampire story, Sweet Redemption.

2) Finally finish the outline for my full-length science fiction romance.

I think I can work both these projects in among the work I have to do with all my contracted stories. So, we'll see how I do.

End of the Month Already

Well, I checked out my writing goals, or should I say goal, for this month. I wanted to try to finish up the outline for my science fiction romance. But, I didn't get it done.

I don't feel bad, though, because it was other writing obligations that got in the way. And did I accomplish a lot.

I got through the galley of Erin's Rebel and found quite a few boo-boos we missed during edits, so those are now being fixed. I also got a contract for Confederate Rose and filled out all the manuscript and author forms for that.

I also completed my anthology story and submitted that. I wrote a very short Civil War Christmas story that I submitted to TWRP as a free read and I finished revisions on my newest vampire story.

So, although I didn't complete my stated goal, I accomplished a great deal writing-wise. Maybe I'll get that outline done in October.

Brand New Cover

This one's for my new Civil War romance, Confederate Rose, an upcoming release from The Wild Rose Press.

Nicola Martinez did the cover. Isn't it beautiful!

A New Review for Eternity Waits!!

I just got a new review for my short vampire romance story, Eternity Waits, available now from The Wild Rose Press. This one's from Simply Romance Reviews.

I'll quote a few lines: "Susan Macatee takes the eternal search for love, mixes it with some vampires and war, and tosses in some reincarnation to top things off. This is a very short read but all in all enjoyable. I look forward to seeing more from Ms. Macatee."

To read the full review, click here.

Galley Corrections Are Turned In

Galley corrections are in for Erin's Rebel and are my eyes crossed!
Hopefully, I caught all those little boo-boos that got through editing.

To read the first chapter and part of the second of Erin's Rebel, my time travel romance, click here.

Next announcement for ER will be the release date.

Another Contract!!!

It's official. I've just been offered another contract, this time for Confederate Rose from The Wild Rose Press. This will be my third contract with them and I am so excited!


I'll even get to work with the same editor who I worked with on Erin's Rebel.

Here's the blurb for Confederate Rose and I'll post an unedited excerpt later.

Disguised as a man to serve with her husband as a soldier in the Confederate Army, Irish immigrant, Katie Rose O'Reilly, vows to remain in the ranks and seek revenge on Yankees after her husband is killed at Sharpsburg. As she's transporting mail from Richmond back to camp, a stranger startles her, causing her to fall and almost drown in a swollen stream.

Southerner, Alexander Hart, a Yankee spy, saves Katie from drowning, then nurses her through a resulting fever. He must keep his identity secret from the feisty and beautiful Rebel soldier even as he finds himself falling in love with her.

Katie falls in love with the caring gentleman stranger, only to later discover he's the enemy. Heartbroken, she turns him in to the Confederates, but then questions her goals and beliefs. Is is possible to put her quest for revenge aside to save the man she loves?

September Goals

Haven't posted my September goals yet, mainly because I can't figure out what I want to do.

Currently I'm waiting on the galley for Erin's Rebel. When that comes in, my main goal will of course be to get that done so I can get my release date.

I'm also waiting for word on two full-length manuscripts I've submitted to The Wild Rose Press.

Meanwhile, I'm waiting for critiques from my group on the last chapters of my anthology story and I'm purposely waiting before I start revisions to the first draft of my new vampire story.

A lot of waiting!

So, the only project I'm not stuck waiting on right now is the outline for my new science fiction romance. For now, my goal will be to complete the outline by the end of this month, if nothing more urgent comes in.

August Is Over Already?

I can't believe this month is over.

Time to see how I did with my August goals.

1) Finish revisions on outline of Sweet Redemption and write first draft.

Since SR is a short story of about 70 pages, I was able to get this one in. I just wrote the ending of the first draft on Wednesday. Now, I'll let the story sit for a little while.

2) Go over anthology story again.

I did a final revision and edit of my anthology story and now my critique partners are going over it.

3) Complete proofread of Cassidy's War.

This is my full-length young adult that was formerly published as Under the Guns. I finished the proofread and got a request for the full. Now, I'm waiting to hear back on it.

So, I think I deserve a few days of R and R. But I did do some updating on my website. If you'd like to see the results click the link: http://susanmacatee.com/News.html

Tuesday Ten at Slip Into Something Victorian

I posted the Tuesday Ten today on facts about Victorian clothing over at Slip Into Something Victorian.

http://somethingvictorianblog.blogspot.com/

Erin's Rebel Excerpt

Since I've turned in my final edits for Erin's Rebel, my Civil War time travel romance, in to my editor, thought I'd whet everyone's appetites with an excerpt.

Erin's Rebel

Time Travel Romance

The Wild Rose Press - American Rose

The sound of her name on his lips made her skin tingle. She tore the paper off the package. At the sight of the brooch, her breath caught.

"Do you like it?" he asked anxiously. "I had it made just for you."

Eyeing him, she had a hard time finding her voice. This was Erin O'Connell's brooch, the very one that had sent her back in time. It shone in her hands, new and unworn from time and wear.

What did this mean? She must be following Erin O'Connell's footsteps. As far as she knew her being here hadn't changed anything. Will was still destined to die this year.

"I didn't mean to upset you, Erin. If you don't want the brooch--"

"No." She clasped the pin against her chest as the meaning of his gift sank in. "It just means so much to me."

His look of concern softened into a lopsided grin. "I'm happy you feel that way."

"Thank you, Will." She slipped the brooch into the pocket of her wrapper, then stood on her toes, lifting her arms to circle his neck. She kissed his cheek, inhaling his musky scent.

His mouth was on hers, hot and urgent. The softness of his moustache and chin beard tickled her lips. She opened to him, her tongue slipping inside to taste him thoroughly. He groaned, pressing the length of his body against her.
___

Hope you all enjoyed. Keep you posted on further developments.

Things Are Finally Slowing Down

Wow! I finally have time to think of something beside my work. After juggling several clients for months in my home business, I actually have no work in at all.

I'm also in wait mode on several of my writing projects. Erin's Rebel is finished! Just waiting on the galleys. All I have left to do when they come in is proofread for mistakes.

And a few of my other projects I've been switching between are also in wait mode now.

I've decided to use all this free time to finally start writing the first draft of my new vampire story, Sweet Redemption. This one will be longer then Eternity Waits, but still a short story. Like Eternity Waits, it takes place during the Civil War. An ex-Catholic priest turned Union infantry captain is attacked by a vampire. He must save his soul from the vampire, as well as a beautiful Southern widow, who takes him in when he collapses across her back stoop. I'm having fun writing the new scenes. I'm trying to get myself out of edit mode though, to keep the words flowing. I've outlined the entire story scene by scene and am following it as I write the first draft.

If things go on as they are, I'll have no trouble completing the first draft by the end of the month.

August Goals

Finally figured out my August goals.

First and foremost, I have to complete final edits for Erin's Rebel, but I'm almost finished. So, here they are:

1) Finish revisions on the outline for my new vampire story, Sweet Redemption and write the first draft.
Since this is a short story I should have no trouble completing the first draft by month's end.

2) Go over my anthology story, Angel of My Dreams, again.
I already did one revision, so will mostly be doing final edits.


3) Complete proofread of Cassidy's War.
The editor is reading the first three chapters, and I'm almost finished proofreading the remainder of the manuscript.


So, I think I should be able to complete these goals by the end of the month, especially if my home typing business continues in a lull. Frees up that much more time for writing.

My Blurb Won Third Place

My blurb for Confederate Rose won third place in The Wild Rose Press blurb contest. Here's the link if you'd like to take a look.

http://americanroseblurb.blogspot.com

My Goals for July

I checked over the goals I'd set for July and have gotten them all done early.

1) Revise anthology story.
Done.

2) Proofread Confederate Rose.
Done.

3) Complete self-edits for Cassidy's War.
Done and I've sent the query and synopsis to The Wild Rose Press, gotten a request for the opening chapters and sent them out.

So, next up I'll be listing my goals for August.

Haven't Blogged In a While

I've been neglecting my blog. I've been so lost in edits on all my projects, I haven't had much time for anything else.

But I now have a break in Erin's Rebel edits. And I've completed self-editing both Confederate Rose and Cassidy's War. I think I need a break.

Since I've completed all my projects for the month of July, I think I'm going to start reviewing the outline for my new short vampire story, Sweet Redemption, next week. I'm beginning to like the idea of switching off between long and short projects.

My plan is to write the first draft of that story in August. So, why not get a jump start?

Extra Time On My Hands

Well, after months of nothing but work and balancing clients, my home business has finally eased up. I had nothing to do today, but work on my own writing projects.

So, what did I do? I watched a baseball game.

I did manage to get some proofreading done on Confederate Rose. Keep finding little things I want to change. But I'm getting to the point where I may be changing things back and forth.

Time to stop fiddling with it and get that query out. I hope to have that ready to go by the end of this month.

Blogging at Slip Into Something Victorian

I'm blogging today over at Slip Into Something Victorian about the anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg.


Join me there: http://slipintosomethingvictorian.com/

My July Goals

It's getting more complicated. I have so many projects in the works, I've decided to concentrate on a few this month.

1) Revise my anthology story. This is the one I've titled Angel of My Dreams. It's a Civil War ghost story.

I finished the first draft mid-June and decided to take a break away from it before I start revisions. It shouldn't be too hard because I used an outline and it's a short story. So, I'm going to get the revisions finished by the end of the month.

2) Proofread Confederate Rose.
I actually started on this, but ended up doing more editing. I really want to get this story done and send out a query. I already have a synopsis written, since I'd been entering it in contests that required one.

So, I want to get the proofreading and query written by month's end.

3) Complete edits for Cassidy's War.
This is my young adult out-of-print book formerly called Under the Guns. I decided to re-title it before approaching another publisher. I'm about halfway through edits and am really getting caught up in the story. I haven't read it in a long time.

I want to get the book completely self-edited by month's end.

So, there are my writing goals for July.

Goals for June

Since we're nearing the end of June, I thought I should review the goals I made at the beginning of the month.

My only goal was to complete the first draft of my Civil War anthology story, Angel of My Dreams. That's finished and waiting for revision.


Despite all my computer problems, I'm pleased that I've also kept up with the edits for Erin's Rebel. I have until July 14 to complete those. And I also finally started self-editing my young adult out-0f-print book, Under the Guns. I've retitled it Cassidy's War and am almost halfway through editing the manuscript.


I'm also getting ready to proofread Confederate Rose. My critique group still has few more chapters to go over, but I thought I could at least start on the proofreading.


I'll be back next with my goals for July.

Been Neglecting the Blog

I've been neglecting my blog lately, but I had a good reason. I spent last weekend camping on a Amish farm in Lancaster County in Pennsylvania Dutch Country.


I had nothing to do but socialize and read, just for enjoyment. No computer, TV, mail or my three sons and their endless laundry. Just me, my husband and two great books.

The one I finished while there was Nicole McCaffrey's The Model Man, from The Wild Rose Press. I don't usually read contemporary romance, but Nic is a friend of mine and who can resist a romance between a romance writer and a male cover model? Yum.


And Nic didn't disappoint.


The other book I started is science fiction by Elizabeth Moon. It's called Marque and Reprisal. I read and loved the first book in this series. There was no romance in the first one, but I loved Moon's lead character, Kylara Vatta. She's such a strong female and captain of her own ship.


I'm not quite halfway through this one, but enjoying it immensely.


Beside the books, I had such a relaxing three days in the heart of Amish farmland with Amish children and young people constantly going past our campsite, and nothing to do but relax.


Ahh!


Now, I just have to get myself back in gear.

What's In a Title?

I've just changed the title of my new Civil War novel again. This is the one about the woman Confederate soldier and the Yankee spy.


When I first started entering it in contests, I titled it Irish Rose, and won a contest under that title. But then I found out Nora Roberts had a book by that title and decided I needed to change it.


I settled on Katie Rose, because that's the main character's name and stuck with that, but now I'm at the point where the manuscript is nearly complete. My critique group is still reading chapters, but I want to start proofreading the opening chapters to get it ready for sale.

But, I went online and discovered a couple of young adult novels have the exact same title and a few romance novels have similar titles.


So, I've decided to make another change. I made a list of possible titles and sent them to my critique group. After all, they've read a great deal of the story and know what it's about.

And the vote was unanimous. My new title is Confederate Rose.


My next announcement for this story will be the completion, which hopefully will be soon.

Yay! Computer Problems Fixed!

After three very long weeks, I finally have my computer back in working order. I'm still in the process of putting all my files back in, but have the ones I'm currently working on installed.

It feels so good to have my own computer back, after doing all my work on my husband's.

How do all of you deal with the inevitable challenges of computer glitches and breakdowns?

What's Up For June?

Haven't worked out my goals for June yet. Computer problems are still hanging around. Hopefully, they'll be worked out soon.

But I do have one project I want to complete this month. I'm writing the first draft of a new short story for an anthology of Civil War romances. I've just started and have already completed over 2000 words.

My goal is to complete the first draft by the end of June.

I also have to start the next round of edits for Erin's Rebel, but I have until July 14th to complete those.

Despite Computer Problems ...

In spite of not having a working computer since Mother's Day, I've actually managed to complete both my May goals.

1) Finish outline for my short vampire story.
Done and put away to gel.

2) Complete edits for Katie Rose.
Also done and put away, except for the chapter my critique group's just gone over.

While the computer problems did hold me back a bit, I'm feeling good that it didn't get in the way of those goals.

Now, I've got to come up with some goals for June.

Blogging at Slip Into Something Victorian

Blogging today at Slip Into Something Victorian about the Victorian origins of Memorial Day.

http://slipintosomethingvictorian.com/

Pulled In a New Direction

Well, I'm still working on my husband's computer, while mine sits gathering dust. I've completed the outline for my new short vampire story and have set it aside to gel.

I'm also working on those edits for Katie Rose. I'm getting near the end, and think I'll meet my end of the month deadline if nothing else happens to set me back.

I've also been approached by my critique group into writing a new short story for a Civil War romance anthology. Despite my plate being full, I just couldn't resist such a project.

I'm devoting this weekend to at least get a start on an outline for this new story.

Come Monday, I plan to get back to Katie Rose, but the diversion from editing will keep me fresh.

Technology - Arrrgh!

My brand new computer went down this week. It was only six months old.

Fortunately, it's not the end of the world. I had all my stuff backed up. So, I'm back to working on my husband's computer until mine gets fixed.

Since my old computer didn't have internet access, I was used to doing all that on his anyway. And since my new computer has MS Word instead of WordPerfect, I don't have to convert my files the way I used too.

So, all in all, I guess I can deal with this. It won't stop me from getting work done. But now I can't use my new laser printer, plus I've grown used to my new computer. I'll be glad when it's up and working once again.

Blogger's Updated

I just found Blogger did an update and I can do more things with my blog.

Time to play.

I just changed my links for my short story and review so you can just click on the picture and go right into the site. How cool!

I'll have to experiment more to see what else I can do, but I like it!

Goals for May

Writing goals, that is.

And here they are:

1) I want to complete the outline for my short vampire story, then put it away to gel for a bit before I start the first draft.

2) I want to start line edits on Katie Rose and, hopefully, complete them by the end of the month.

That's it for May. Let you know how I did.

Blogging Today at Slip Into Something Victorian

I'm over at Slip Into Something Victorian blog today talking about my Civil War weekend. My husband and I spent last weekend in camp for the 28th Pennsylvania's annual Civil War encampment.






To get a peek into the life of a reenactor, visit: http://slipintosomethingvictorian.com

Hope to see you all there.

April Goals?

Hmm.

It's April 30th, so I thought I'd better go over those goals I made at the start of the month.

I've been buried in edits for Erin's Rebel, added to that the excitement of the past few weeks with the release of Eternity Waits and all the promo that went with that. I also had my first Civil War reenactment of the season this past weekend. So, I don't think I completed all my writing goals, but I didn't do so bad.

1) Complete revisions for Katie Rose.
This one I did manage to complete. Now, after a short break, my plan is to start line edits in May.

2) Complete outline for my new vampire story.
I didn't complete this one, but I have a lot done. Since it's another short story, there aren't that many scenes, so the outline is really shaping up. It's fun to work on something new after all the revising and editing on the other stories.

3) Start first draft.
Well, I didn't get to that. Want to get the outline finished first. But I do have a title for my new story. I'm calling it, Sweep Redemption.

The hero is a Civil War Union captain who was once a Catholic priest, but left the church. Now he's being stalked by a vampire and he needs the help of a Southern widow to fight the vampire off.

Let me know if you like the title.

My First Ever Review!

I just got my first ever review. It was for my new release, Eternity Waits. Three and a half books out of five from The Long and Short of It.

Here's the link: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2008/04/review-eternity-waits.html

Eternity Waits Is Out!

Today's the day! My short vampire romance story, Eternity Waits, is a new release on The Wild Rose Press site. I'm so excited, it's hard to think.

Here's the final excerpt and a link to purchase.

Eternity Waits
Black Rosette, Sensual

Excerpt #3

Alexandra Ivanov gazed with longing at the tall, manly soldier before her. His musky, masculine scent caused her to shiver with desire. Sandy-colored hair fell in waves on both sides of his tanned face. Alexandra had spied him on her forays through the outskirts of the army camp. Each time she'd seen him, he'd been alone, but she'd waited until tonight to approach him.

Since the war began, she'd not lacked for fresh blood. These lonely, young soldiers, so far from home, were all to willing to allow a strange, loose woman to wrap her arms around them. The army blamed the deaths on a vicious, nocturnal animal roaming the woods at night.

But this man carried the essence of her long-lost love. Alexandra felt drawn to him, like to no other. Centuries ago, she'd lost the one and only man she'd ever truly loved.

She moved closer to the soldier, his long, lean-muscled form not unlike Dimitri's. He gulped, but lowered his rifle and didn't back away.

"Why are you here?" He clawed absently at his collar while his gaze locked on hers.

Heat swept through her at the sight of his throbbing pulse. Although hungry, she wouldn't take too much from him. She didn't wish to kill him. Yet.

To purchase your copy of Eternity Waits, click here.

I've Been Tagged!

Nicole McCaffrey just tagged me and, although she says it's fun, it doesn't seem like much fun to me.

The rules:

1) Link back to the person who tagged you. 2) Post the rules on your blog. 3) Write six things about yourself. 4) Tag six people at the end of your post by posting links to their blogsites. 5) Let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their site. 6) And let your tagger know when your entry is up.

Now I have to post six random things about myself.

Yech!

1. I was always good at math and worked as a bookkeeper for 13 years. I finally burned out and now hate to balance my checkbook.

2. I'm a big science fiction fan. Although I read tons of sci-fi books and stories as a teenager, the original Star Trek series was what got me started. I've even been to a Star Trek convention.

3. I'm also a big vampire and paranormal fan. I was hooked on the daytime soap Dark Shadows back in grade school. For years, I've wanted to write a vampire story and when I finally did, I couldn't sell it and stuck it in a drawer for 4 years.

4. My husband always wanted a girl, but when I popped out our third son, I told him, "Three strikes ... you're out!"

5. I never had any interest in baseball, until after my sons started playing little league. At first I always made sure I had a book with me, but soon decided I had to learn the rules of the game and show some support to keep my boys happy. Now, even though they're all grown up and don't play anymore, I've discovered all those hunky big league players. I'm now a die-hard Philadelphia Phillies fan.

6. I'm running out of things ... let's see ... now that I'm finding more and more time to devote to writing, I'm happier than I've ever been in my whole life.

Well, there's my random facts, but who do I have left to tag.

I choose:

1. Bess McBride

Mainly because she's already linked to my blog. Nic already got everyone else and I don't know anybody else well enough to tag, so I guess that's it.

And the Winner Is ...

Ashley Ladd is the winner of the $10.00 gift certificate for The Wild Rose Press!

Send me an email at susanmacatee@aol.com to claim your prize. I want to be sure I have your correct email address before I forward the certificate to you.

Congratulations!

And thanks to everyone else who entered. I've enjoyed reading all your posts.

Time For Another Excerpt

Eternity Waits come out next Wednesday. Yay!

I've waited so long for a new release. Can't believe it's so close.

Here's another excerpt to whet your appetite:

Eternity Waits

North of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
July 1, 1863

Caleb Weathers tensed at a rustle behind him. He swung his Enfield rifle in the general direction. A hoot, followed by the rustle of large wings left him staring into the wide-eyed gaze of a Barn owl. When the bird took flight, he breathed a sigh of relief. The scents of pine and fetid soil calmed him a bit.

The thickness of the forest made him all to aware of how vulnerable he was to attack despite the weight of his weapon. Caleb sensed a presence behind him. He broke into a sweat and the hairs on the nape of his neck rose. He whirled and aimed the barrel of his rifle at the form that appeared out of nowhere.

"Who are you?" he asked. "Where'd ya come from?"

The woman smiled. Blood-red lips and luminous blue eyes captured his gaze. Her raven hair glinted in the moonlight.

"I am Alexandra." Her low, throaty voice held a guttural accent.

What is a beautiful woman doing in camp alone in the dead of night? She couldn't be up to any good. And yet, as he watched her, a thrill of anticipation raced through him. Something about her seemed familiar. A memory he couldn't quite reach.

He swallowed. "You'd best skedaddle, ma'am. You can't come through camp without a pass."

"I can for you, my darling." With one fluid motion, she moved closer.

He cocked his rifle. "Stop right there."

Her exquisite lips drew into a pout. "I would never harm you, Dimitri."

At the sound of the name an eerie sensation swept over him.

"Who the hell is Dimitri?" he asked. "My name's Caleb."

No Blog Ideas

I know I should be posting a new blog about now, but can't seem to come up with any ideas.

I guess I've been too intensly involved in my characters' lives to come up for air. I did finish my revision for Katie Rose, one of my April goals. I'll put Katie and company aside for a few weeks before I start final line edits.

I'm also deeply into my outline for my new vampire story. I even came up with a title, Sweet Redemption.

Right now my brain's so fuzzed, I can't think of anything beyond my works in progress.

Signing off for now.

Distractions, Distractions ...

Now that I have to spend more time on promo, because I've finally got something new to promote, I have to spend more time online than ever before. And that leads to lots of distractions that can easily waste my writing time.

The biggest is email. I'm now a member of 5 large email loops that I try to keep up with as much as I can, but just reading all the posts could take me a day and a half.

My strategy to deal with this is to take turns paying visits to the major promo loops I've joined. Sometimes it's hard to keep all of them straight. I've decided not to start actively promoting on the new loops until I actually have something available to buy. It's too easy to forget that great excerpt after a few days, if you can't buy or put in on a wish list immediately.

Also, I'm trying to keep up the social aspect of replying to others on my loops, but it gets harder every day.

I try to stay offline until late in the morning, when I'll take a quick peek at my email, then stay off for the entire afternoon, coming back on after dinner.

So far, it seems to be working and I'm able to get some writing and edits done each day.

How does everyone else deal with promo and email eating into writing time?

Blogging at Slip Into Something Victorian

I'm doing the Tuesday Ten over at Slip Into Something Victorian today. The subject: Victorians & Vampires.

Hope you'll join me at: http://slipintosomethingvictorian.com

Making Time for a New Project

Since I have to get edits done on my contracted book and I also want to finish the revisions on Katie Rose, I've been having a hard time figuring out how to fit my newer projects into an already busy week.

My solution was to make time on the weekend and work exclusively on the outline for my new, short vampire story. After splitting my writing time this week on edits for Erin's Rebel and revisions for Katie Rose, I spent my whole morning today working on my new outline and doing some needed research for that story.

The result was a needed break from editing and revising already written projects and focusing on something brand new. It really frees up my mind and I'll feel fresher on Monday when I get back to those edits.

How do all of you manage working on multiple projects?

April Goals

Happy April Fool's Day!

I've got my April writing goals figured out.

In addition to the edits for Erin's Rebel I have to complete by May 1st, here are the goals for my other writing projects for this month:

1) Complete the revisions for Katie Rose.

2) Complete the outline for a new short vampire story.

3) Start first draft of that story. I'd like to write at least three pages per day.

I'll post at the end of the month how I did.

And remember, anyone who comments on this post will be entered in my contest to win a $10.00 gift certificate for The Wild Rose Press. Scroll down for details.

Contest Starts Today!

Here's your chance to win a $10.00 gift certificate for The Wild Rose Press!

Just leave a comment on any of my blog posts between today and April 19th and you'll be entered in a drawing to win.

The winner will be announced here on April 21st, two days before the release of Eternity Waits. So, if you leave a comment, be sure to check back to see if you won.

Here's the blurb and excerpt for Eternity Waits again:

Alexandra Ivanov has wandered the night alone for the past three hundred years. The only man she truly loved had been taken from her on a bloody battlefield centuries ago. Now she finds herself drawn to Caleb Weathers, a virile soldier who sets her heart racing.

Caleb, a Confederate soldier stationed in Gettysburg in 1863, is intrigued by the beautiful, exotic woman who calls him by the name Dimitri. When she touches him, she sets his body on fire. But is she the devil in disguise?

Excerpt:

Alexandra rose from the cave where she'd slept and stretched luxuriously. The moon beckoned, a pale, silver glow. He awaited her.

Her mind called out to him. Dimitri.

And he answered her. Alexandra, lyubof, come to me.

A chill raced down her spine as she thought of her lost love. How could it be him? Was it possible for the soul to be reborn in a different body? Her mere existence proved stranger things possible. Was she deluding herself? The young American couldn't possibly be Dimitri. But she'd felt his presence since the first time she'd come upon Caleb guarding the outposts of the Rebel camp. She watched him from the shadows, his body taut, on alert. He stared at her, then lowered his gun and reached for her.

She moved toward him, a question in her eyes.

"Dimitri, my Dimitri," she murmured into his ear. Their lips met. She took his mouth greedily. Memories of Dimitri lying beside her, his body entwined with hers, sent her passion soaring. She slid her lips along his throat.

End of the Month Already?

I just realized it's the end of March. Time to recheck those March goals.

I wasn't sure how much I would actually accomplish this month, since my second set of edits came in for Erin's Rebel. I'd decided when they came in, I'd clear the decks of my other projects.

And I'm not complaining. I've waited a long time to get something new published, so it feels good to have a contracted book. I figure when these edits are complete, I'll have four works in progress to get back to.

And, looking over my goals for the month, I actually didn't do so bad.
1) Enter Katie Rose in the Romance Through the Ages Contest.
Done

2) Make a clean printout of Katie Rose so I can start revisions.
Did this too, and am nearly at the end. I do have to insert a few scenes and just have to figure out where they'll fit best in the story.

3) Work out the outline for a new short vampire story.
I started on this, but had to put it aside. I do hope to spend a little time on it this weekend, though.

So, surprisingly, I got more accomplished than I thought.
Next, I'll come up with some April goals, keeping those ER edits in mind.

I'm Having a Contest!

In honor of the release of Eternity Waits on April 23rd, I'm having two separate contests here and on my website: http://susanmacatee.com

Prizes for both will be a $10.00 gift certificate for The Wild Rose Press.

The contest for both locations starts on March 31, 2008. And it's easy. All you have to do is leave a comment on any one of my blogs from March 31 to April 19th. So, be sure to come back and pay a visit.

And if you enter my website contest, too, you'll have a chance to win another $10.00 gift certifcate.

Details for my website contest are at: http://susanmacatee.com/News.html

Guest Blogging Today

I've been invited to guest blog today on Title Magic. I'll be talking about the five years it took me to get my time travel romance, Erin's Rebel ,published and the many detours I had to take to realize my dream of having the book of my heart in print.

Hope to see you all there: http://www.titlemagic.blogspot.com

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

I want to wish all my readers a Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Enjoy!

New Victorian Blog

Just posted a new blog on Slip Into Something Victorian on 1860s cosmetics.

See you all there: http://slipintosomethingvictorian.com

Joined Another Group

I got an invite from my friend, Cynthia Owens to join another writer-reader group, called Romance Book Junction.

Here's my page: http://romancebookjunction.ning.com/profile/SusanMacatee

I'd like you to take a look and if you think you'd like to join, just click Sign In and use my name for your invite.

I'd love to see you there.

Promotion

Now that I have a story coming out next month and a book under contract, I've decided I have to start stepping up my promotion efforts.

I already have my website, www.susanmacatee.com and this blog, along with my group Victorian blog, Slip Into Something Victorian slipintosomethingvictorian.com, but I've been investigating more sites where I can be visible to readers.

One I just joined is a new site called Writers and Readers of Distinctive Fiction. I've set up a page at: http://romancewriterandreader.ning.com/profile/SusanMacatee
I've also decided that to keep my promotion from interfering with my writing, I'd keep early evening hours to work on promotion.

We'll see how it goes.

How does everyone else handle working in time for promotion?

Stuck in Edit Mode

Besides working through edits on my contracted story, I've been revising my new Civil War romance, Katie Rose, all week.

I turned in my first edits of Erin's Rebel last Friday and while waiting for my editor to send the next set, I thought I'd get as far with the KR revisions as I can. I've gone through roughly 100 pages of revisions over the week, and I'd already polished up the opening chapters for a couple of contests, so I don't have that much more to revise.

Maybe I can actually get the revision done before the edits for the other manuscript come in.

If not, I'll at least have a big head start.

Release Date!!

I got the release date for Eternity Waits just last night.

It'll be a digital release from The Wild Rose Press on April 23rd.

In honor of my impending release, I'm posting the excerpt I promised.

Excerpt for Eternity Waits
Black Rosette, sensual

Alexandra rose from the cave where she'd slept and stretched luxuriously. The moon beckoned, a pale, silver glow. He awaited her.

Her mind called out to him. Dimitri.

And he answered her. Alexandra, lyubof, come to me.

A chill raced down her spine as she thought of her lost love. How could it be him? Was it possible for the soul to be reborn in a different body? Her mere existence proved stranger things possible. Was she deluding herself? The young American couldn't possibly be Dimitri. But she'd felt his presence since the first time she'd come upon Caleb guarding the outposts of the Rebel camp. She watched him from the shadows, his body taut, on alert. He stared at her, then lowered his gun and reached for her.

She moved toward him, a question in her eyes.

"Dimitri, my Dimitri," she murmured into his ear. Their lips met. She took his mouth greedily. Memories of Dimitri lying beside her, his body entwined with hers, sent her passion soaring. She slid her lips along his throat.

Blurb for Eternity Waits

Well, we've completed work on the final galley for Eternity Waits. Now I'm waiting for my editor to get back with a release date.

In the meantime, I thought I'd post the official blurb to wet the appetite.

Alexandra Ivanov has wandered the night alone for the past three hundred years. The only man she truly loved had been taken from her on a bloody battlefield centuries ago. Now she finds herself drawn to Caleb Weathers, a virile soldier who sets her heart racing.

Caleb, a Confederate soldier stationed in Gettysburg in 1863, is intrigued by the beautiful, exotic woman who calls him by the name Dimitri. When she touches him, she sets his body on fire. But is she the devil in disguise?

Next I'll post an excerpt.

March Goals

It's leap day and time to post my goals for March.

I've decided to go easy on myself this month, but I did complete the workshop I was taking all of last month and I just turned in my edits for Erin's Rebel to my editor. She told me she'll get back to me in about two weeks.

That gives me two solid weeks to work on my new writing projects.

So, what I want to try to accomplish this month:

1) Enter Katie Rose in my chapter's Romance Through the Ages Contest.
Mainly to support my chapter. I entered Erin's Rebel in this contest twice and didn't final either time. But since I'm allowed to enter even though I have a contracted book, I thought I'd give it a try. It would be nice to at least final and would get attention for my new Civil War story.

2) After polishing up those opening chapters for the contest, I want to make a clean printout of Katie Rose and start on my revisions for the entire manuscript. Maybe I'll even have time to complete them, if not I'll get a good start.

3) I worked out the bare bones of a new short vampire story in the workshop I just finished. I'd like to work out an outline for it this month.

I've decided to leave my sci-fi outline sit for now, so I can complete my revisions and whatever edits I have to do on Erin's Rebel. I'll get back to it eventually.

So, let's see what I can accomplish this month.

What Happened with those February Goals?

Since it's nearly the end of the month, I thought I should go over my goals to see how I did.

This month has been crazy, I completed rewrites and edits on Eternity Waits--and just received the final galley--sold Erin's Rebel and have just started edits on that.

Had lots of excitement with cover art, too, and needed to fit in updates on my blog and website to reflect my great news.

Finally getting published brings on a lot of new work, but it's all worth it. But as a result, I didn't get much work completed on my original February goals.

The first goal was to complete that sci-fi outline. Well, I did complete a basic summary outline and made a start on the detailed outline, so I guess that's something. The main thing is, the outline will be there when I can get back to it. And it's always a help to have the basic plot and character motivations in front of you, rather than starting a story completely from scratch.

As for the revisions to Katie Rose, I haven't had the chance to do a complete read-through yet, but have revised a couple of chapters for my critique group. Once I finish the preliminary edits for Erin's Rebel--they're due on Monday--I'll get to work on that read-through and get started on revisions.

So, although I didn't meet my goals for this month, I've been able to get at least some work done on each project. I'll try to post my March goals before the first of the month.

Blog On Slip Into Something Victorian

I have a new blog up on Slip Into Something Victorian on Victorian hair jewlery. This was an important plot point in Erin's Rebel.

A Victorian brooch containing a lock of the hero's hair was the catalyst that sent the heroine, Erin, back through time.

Here's the link: http://slipintosomethingvictorian.com

Another Great Cover!

The Wild Rose Press did it again.

Here's my cover art for my Civil War time travel romance, Erin's Rebel.

Isn't it fantastic?

WICKED WOMAN

Every once in a while, I like to do a review of one of the great books I've read. I just finished reading Denise Eagan's WICKED WOMAN.If you haven't yet read this book, you're in for a treat.

The story's set in Victorian era Boston. The heroine, Morgan, is the daughter of an English Earl and has run away to escape an arranged marriage to a man she doesn't love.

She marries a sailor, who dies. She then quickly goes through two more marriages, both to men who also die. The last husband, who she lived with in Philadephia, abused her. Trying to avoid an attack, she hits him on the head with a statue and he dies. Afraid she'll be charged with murder, she flees to Boston and earns the reputation as the 'Wicked Widow of Philadelphia'.

The hero, Ward Montgomery, is a ship captain. He catches Morgan breaking into his office to steal food and recognizes her as the widow of two of the sailors who'd served under him. He takes pity on her, a girl of twenty-one, takes her to his home and feeds her. He hopes to lend aid by finding employment for her.

She suggests he take her on as his mistress. He doesn't know about her aristocratic background and sets her up with a house. And a sensuous adventure begins.

Morgan is a young woman with a strict upbringing in England, who now longs to experience all the wicked delights she's had to repress. She's young and reckless, but very believable. Ward is a society bachelor, who isn't ready to settle down with a proper wife. He delights in Morgan's nonconformity, until he finds out she's the daughter of an Earl.

This book is fast paced, Victorian-set romance, and a real page turner. If it weren't for time constraints, I never would have put it down. When I did have to put it aside, I looked for every opportunity to pick it up again.

My rating: 5 stars out of 5. And it's going on my keeper shelf.

Fantastic News!!!

I just got another contract from The Wild Rose Press for my full-length Civil War time travel romance, Erin's Rebel.

I've been submitting and entering this story in contests for the past five years, went through a major revision starting at the plot level, and received another rejection for it last fall.

I am so thrilled that everyone will now have a chance to read Erin and Will's story.

Here's a short blurb to wet your appetite: Philadelphia newspaper reporter, Erin Branigan, is engaged to marry an up-and-coming lawyer, but dreams of a man from the past, a Civil War captain, change her plans and start her on a journey beyond time. After a car accident, Erin wakes to find herself living in the 1860s in a Confederate army camp. The man of her dreams is now a flesh and blood Rebel soldier who sets her soul aflame. Can she correct a mistake made long ago that caused his death and denied her the love she was meant to have? A love that lives beyond time?

I'll keep you all apprised as this project moves along.

My Cover for Eternity Waits

Here's my cover for my short vampire story, Eternity Waits, coming soon to The Wild Rose Press.

Isn't it gorgeous?

Rejection

Just got my first rejection today for a partial I'd sent out after the holidays for Katie Rose .

They said my story didn't dazzle them. I got annoyed for about two seconds, then decided I really didn't care. Rejection wasn't going to ruin my day. I just filed the letter away and marked that publisher off on my itinerary sheet.

I think I've finally developed that thick writer's skin where I can put rejection in perspective. That publisher didn't like my story, but one day I'll find the one who'll love it as much as I do.

How do you all handle rejection?

February Goals

I'll make my February writing goals short.

The reason is, I'm taking an online workhop on Plotting via Character Motivation this month and want to be able to fully participate. I plan to use the workshop to help plot out my sci-fi romance, Moons of Cynara.

So here are this month's writing goals:

1) Complete (finally) outline for Moons of Cynara.
I'll use the workshop to move this plot along.

2) Start revisions for Katie Rose, my historical romance.
I've already revised and polished the opening chapters, sent partials and entered the Sheila contest, but most of the remaining chapters are still in first draft stage.

I'm sending chapters of this story to my critique group, so have started going over a few chapters, but noticed I started a subplot thread that I think I may have dropped in later chapters.

So, these are the two goals I want to concentrate on for this month.

What Happened to January!

This past month just flew by. Seems like it was just Christmas!

I realized it's time to review my January goals and see how I did.

1) Send out partials for Katie Rose.
I got them out and actually got the reply postcard back for one already.

2) Complete Moons of Cynara outline.
Well, I stalled out on this one, although I did make some progress. This month I'm taking a workshop on Character motivation and plot development, so that should movtivate me to get moving on this project. Hopefully, I can get the outline done by the end of February.

3) Prepare and enter Katie Rose in a late January contest.
Done! I entered the opening chapters and synopsis in the Valley Forge Romance Writers Sheila Contest.

4) Cut scenes for my time travel romance, Erin's Rebel.
Not only did I cut those scenes to bring the manuscript page count down, but I sent a query with synopsis, got a request for the first three chapters, then the request for the full from The Wild Rose Press. It's currently under consideration there. So, although I faltered on the outline goal, I got way ahead on this one.

Guess I didn't do so bad.

And February's a short month. I'll see what new goals I can come up with.

Blogging At Slip Into Something Victorian

I'm blogging over at Slip Into Something Victorian today. The blog's about my husband's search to find a Civil War soldier ancestor and the interesting results.

Here's the link: http://slipintosomethingvictorian.com

Starting Something New

I've finally found the time to get started on the outline for my sci-fi romance. For now, I'm using the title Moons of Cynara.

The love story is between two members of Earth military who are sent to the planet to prevent a war between Earth colonists and hostile aliens.

Although it's a lot of work--I have to create an entire world--I'm having fun working on a brand new project. My other stories are all either going through revisions or edits, and I'm waiting for responses from a few publishers.

So, I'm going to spend as much time in my new world as I can and see where my imagination takes me.

It's My Birthday and I'll Blog If I Want To

Today's my birthday. I won't say which one.

Another year gone by and I'm feeling really good about it. After years of writing, submitting, taking workshops and studying my craft, I've got a contract for my first romance. Eternity Waits, a short vampire story, will be released by The Wild Rose Press.

Although I've been published in the past, it's been quite a while since I've sold anything new. So, this year feels like a turning point for me.

Besides Eternity Waits, my Civil War time travel, Erin's Rebel, is currently under consideration by the same publisher.

I've just gone through my first round edits for my short story and feel like all the work and rejections I've dealt with in the past were worth it.

I think 2008 is going to be my year.

Feeling Good!

Here we are in mid-January and I just realized I've met all of my goals for the month but one.

I sent out my partials for Katie Rose, my historical romance, and already received the reply card from one of the publishers.

I cut scenes in Erin's Rebel, so it would meet my target publisher's guidelines, sent the query and synopsis, got a request for the first three chapters, and now they have the full under consideration.

Yeah, way ahead on that goal!

I sent out my contest entry for Katie Rose yesterday, well ahead of the January 31st dealine.

So, all that's left is that outline. I spent an hour world-building today. I would have done it yesterday, but my editor wanted me to get the manuscript information sheet in for my short vampire story, Eternity Waits, so the cover artist can start working on the cover and the marketing department can start planning how to promote my story.

A cover for my short story! Can't wait to see it!

Working It Out

While writing and promoting my writing are very important daily activities, the most important thing I do each day is spend an hour working out.

My morning workout consists of 25 minutes on a stationery bike, the last 5 minutes is my cool down. I spend the next 10 minutes stretching, then I alternate between one of two workout tapes that include exercises with small hand weights for my upper body, lower body exercises and abdominal workout.

I do this every day during the week to give me energy to get through the day, keep me healthy and keep those extra calories from creeping up on me.

No matter how much else I have to do, I always make time for my workout.

New Blog on Slip Into Something Victorian

I just posted a new blog on Slip Into Something Victorian.

Since most of my stories so far are set during the Civil War, I talked about the different weapons used during the war and how the war advanced the technology used both in weapons and in warfare.

By commenting there you also have a chance to win a gift basket.

Click on Slip Into Something Victorian and check it out.

January Goals

I posted my writing goals for 2008, but I haven't yet posted my goals for January.

Here they are:

1) Send out partials for my Civil War romance, Katie Rose.

2) Complete outline for Moons of Cynara, my sci-fi romance.

3) Prepare and enter Katie Rose in a late January contest.

4) Cut scenes from my time travel romance, Erin's Rebel.

I'll let you know by the end of this month how I did.