Attack on Osceola, Missouri

Join me today at Slip Into Something Victorian where I'm talking about what happened in the American Civil War 150 years ago on this date.

A new contract!

I'm having trouble again with my blog, but wanted to announce my newest contract with The Wild Rose Press. My Civil War romance, Cole's Promise, will be part of TWRP's new 'Love Letters' series. I'm really excited with this newest contract.

I'll post the blurb when I get this all sorted out, but for now, you can view the blurb at my website on my books page. Scroll all the way down.

And the war goes on...

Over at http://slipintosomethingvictorian.wordpress.com/, I'm discussing the sentiments of the day five months into the American Civil War.

Galleys are in!

Finally got to the galley stage with Cassidy's War. Now, I'm just one step away from seeing the finished product.

I proofread the first 50 pages today and am really excited about getting a release date by next month. Then I can start planning book promotion.

Talking about the battle of Hatteras

I'm over at Slip Into Something Victorian today talking about the American Civil War battle at Hatteras, North Carolina, occurring nearly 150 years ago today.

Feeling better every day

I've progressed from walking with crutches to using a cane to get around. As a result, I can do a little more, but still nothing like my normal daily routine. But it does give me more time to write.

Since I'm waiting on the copyeditor to go over my novel and have submitted my novella and am waiting on a reply, I'm spending my time writing short magazine stories. I've completed the first draft of one and am putting that aside for a week before edits, proofread and submission.

I have two more short stories outlined, so will likely start writing one of them while I wait for the galley of Cassidy's War and an answer to my novella submission.

Having a list of projects to work on sure keeps the ball rolling. Otherwise the waiting can eat you up.

How do you other writers handle the wait period?

Spies in Washington!

I'm posting over at Slip Into Something Victorian today on the story in The Boston Daily Advertiser on August 12, 1861, on the subject of spies in Washington, D.C. during the Civil War.

Final edits are in

I completed final edits for my American Victorian romance, Cassidy's War. Next come galleys, then I'll get an official release date.

I'm excited about finishing up this project and seeing my latest book finally in print. I'll be sure to keep everyone posted on new developments.

Run in with a boxer...

...a dog, that is.

Talk about freak accidents!

Last Wednesday I was with my dog, Chase, and a few of his friends at the playground across the street from my house. A normal morning of running and playing together. Just as we were getting ready to leave, a new friend arrived, a husky. Of course, we had to let the dogs run around for just a few minutes more.

That's when I was talking to the owner of Butch, a 90 pound boxer, one of the friendliest dogs you could meet. I looked up to see Butch barreling right towards me and couldn't back up in time. He apparently couldn't change course either and rammed right into my left knee, knocking me onto my right side.

The dog's owner helped me up, but I couldn't put any weight on the knee. In the emergency room, they originally thought it was likely a tendon pull or tear at the worst, but xrays showed the break.

After sending me home in a full leg brace and crutches, I went to see the orhthopedic doctor on Thursday and learned I needed surgery to repair it, but it likely would just be one screw to hold the broken bone in place.

Ended up to be a metal plate and two screws. I'm home now, still in the leg brace and crutches and have to wait a few weeks to have xrays before I can attempt to put weight on it.

Goes to show how an accident can hit you at any time. I'm just glad the surgery is out of the way and I can now move forward. And best yet, this actually gives me more time to write, since I'm unable to care for the dog and do household chores.

Have to look on the positive side.

Weekly excerpt at Slip Into Something Victorian

I'm posting an excerpt from my Civil War Christmas story over at Slip Into Something Victorian today. Sort of a Christmas in July theme.

This excerpt is from the historical Christmas anthology, An American Rose Christmas.

At Slip Into Something Victorian today

And I'm talking about the first major battle of the American Civil War, First Bull Run or First Manassas, depending which side you were on.

Find out at Slip Into Something Victorian how local civilians added to the legend of this historic battle.

A week to revive

Since my husband was on vacation last week, we took a trip to Gettysburg, PA. We've visited the town several times in the past, both for reenactments, and just to do the tour and take in the Civil War atmosphere. This trip we wanted to visit the new museum, but we also did another tour of the battlefield. We stopped at Little Round Top and Devil's Den and spent a night walking the sidewalks of the town and visiting a few of the shops.

Oh, and of course we had to visit our favorite ice cream shop. Love that butter pecan! Ummm!

I also took a week away from writing. And now, I'm ready to jump back in, refreshed and ready to start revising and editing my new Civil War novella, Cole's Promise.

Redefining goals

On New Year’s Eve, I posted a list of writing goals that I wanted to accomplish over 2011. Since it’s now about mid-year, I thought I’d review that list to see what I’ve accomplished so far, what I still have to do, and what goals I’m putting aside to make room for unexpected projects that have cropped up.

Here are the original goals, with notes on my progress.

2011 Writing Goals

* Proofread and submit novel, Cassidy’s War – complete – This novel has been contracted by The Wild Rose Press and I’ve just completed the second set of edits.

* List at least 6 or 7 ideas for short stories for True Romance and True Confession magazines – complete

* Write and submit stories – complete – sold all but one story which I’ve submitted elsewhere after learning True Romance has temporarily suspended publication and am awaiting reply.

* Finish first draft of time travel novella – complete

* Revise, edit, polish and submit – will start in the fall

* Outline series of science fiction romance novellas based on novel I put aside – have decided to temporarily put this project aside, because I was invited to write an historical novella for a new series my publisher is putting out. I’ve written the first draft and now have to revise, edit, polish and submit by mid-August.

* Plot out first novella – put aside

* Write first draft for first novella – put aside


In addition, I was given reversion of rights for my paranormal, Civil War novella, Angel of My Dreams, part of the Civil War romance anthology, Northern Roses and Southern Belles. I plan to re-title the story, revise to lengthen it, then resubmit elsewhere.

So, I’ve accomplished a lot, changed a few goals along the way and taken on a few new projects. I’ll see how I do by the end of December.

A German American regiment

Blog post at Slip Into Something Victorian today on a regiment formed by German Americans early in the American Civil War.

Finished edits...finished story...

Just sent the second round of edits for Cassidy's War back to my editor. And I also completed the first draft of my new Civil War set novella, Cole's Promise.

And next week I'm off to vacation in Gettysburg. I've been working hard on both projects and am looking forward to a much needed break. When I return, I'll re-read Cole's Promise and start making revision notes.

In the meantime, I'll start fooling around with a blurb for the novella.

And if you scroll down, you'll see my beautiful cover for my American Victorian post-Civil War romance novel, Cassidy's War.

Want to show off my brand new cover!

Here's the official book cover for my upcoming American Victorian romance, Cassidy's War, set five years after the Civil War. This will be my third novel with The Wild Rose Press and my seventh release with them overall. How do you like it?

Blurb:

The Civil War is over, but Cassidy’s War is just beginning.

Cassidy Stuart longs to attend medical school. Her training under her physician father and her time serving as a nurse during the war, have only increased her desire to be a real physician with a practice of her own. When the man who’d left her at the altar five years before, returns, she’s determined not to let him upset the plans she’s set for herself.

Unknown to his former fiancée and her family, George Masters is now a Pinkerton agent sent to investigate a physician now living in George’s former hometown. When he finds Cassidy hasn’t married, he hopes he can have another chance with her, but can’t reveal his real reason for returning, at least not until his mission is accomplished.

Can love be rekindled with a doctor bent on revenge against them both?

Unedited excerpt:

After settling her on the wicker settee, he sat beside her, enveloping her hand and rubbing it between his large, warm ones. His sandalwood and male scent invited her to lean into his warmth, but she held herself rigid, her emotions on guard.

She had so many questions she wanted answered, like where he’d been all these years and how he made his living.

“Cassie, I know you must hate me for leaving you.”

She narrowed her gaze. “It’s hard to think kindly on someone who leaves you, no matter what the reason. I know you were hurting, but we could have made a life together. Healed each other.”

He shook his head. “I would’ve held you back.”

“From what?”

“Well...you’re a doctor. That was your dream when I returned from prison camp.”

“And look what a fine mess I’ve made of that.” She bowed her head, studying his hand wrapped around hers. His warm touch sent tingles straight to her core. But what was he doing here? Did he really come back for her, or had something or someone else drawn him to Burkeville?

“George, what’s the real reason you’re here?” She held her breath, hoping for the answer she wanted to hear.

He withdrew his hand from hers, taking his warmth with it. “I thought I should come back and check on Pa.” His dark gaze settled on her. “I didn’t reckon you’d ever want to see me again, especially after the disaster I made of my life—and yours.”

She leaned back. “George, you’re wearing fine clothing, telling us about your adventures in New York and California.” She shook her head. “Doesn’t sound to me like your life’s a mess.”

He chewed his lower lip. “I haven’t told you all of it. After I left you, I wandered for a long time. I’m not really clear on all of it, because half the time I was so drunk I didn’t know who or where I was.”

Cassidy stood. “Well, I have to say, you look none the worse for wear after all you’ve been through.”

“Cassie, I...” George grinned, lifting his thumbs to the lapels of his coat. “I always had a knack for poker. Cleaned out many fellow soldiers during the war.”

“Are you telling me you’re a professional gambler?”

He grimaced, dropping his gaze. “I’m not the type of man a physician should associate with. To tell the truth, I figured you’d already forgotten me. I expected to find you with a husband and children by now.”

“There’s no one else, George, if that’s what you’re getting at. Since you left, I haven’t exactly had a slew of suitors at my door.” She eyed him, not sure why she’d told him.

I don't yet have a release date for Cassidy's War, but you can find my other books complete with excerpts and blurbs at my website: www.susanmacatee.com

Post about George Armstrong Custer

I’m at Slip Into Something Victorian today blogging about George Armstrong Custer.

Weekly excerpt at Slip Into Something Victorian

I'm posting the opening of my short Civil War vampire story, Eternity Waits, over at Slip Into Something Victorian today.

Battle of Big Bethel

I'm blogging over at Slip Into Something Victorian today about the Civil War battle of Big Bethel, 150 years ago today.

Redid my website today

I had some spare hours this afternoon and decided it was time to re-do my website. I didn't change much, but did add new buy links for all my books.

Check it out at Susan Macatee.

Next set of edits are in

Round two of edits for Cassidy's War are now in. I have until July 6th to finish them up, so have only done a quick look over of what I have to do.

I'll be busy, since I'm still trying to write the first draft of a new novella, but I'm certain I can fit it all in without getting stressed.

I hope to have a cover for the book to show you soon.

Civil War timeline post

I'm over at Slip Into Something Victorian http://www.slipintosomethingvictorian.wordpress.com/ today with my latest Civil War timeline post for 150 years ago, on May 27, 1861.

Blogspot Woes

I haven't posted to my blogspot blog since the network went down. Even after it came back up, I haven't been able to do any post editing, or add links and photos. Still can't. Can't seem to get any help either.

Anyone else on blogger still having this problem?

Sneak Peek at Cassidy's War

I'm giving the first peek at an unedited excerpt from my newly contracted post-Civil War romance, Cassidy's War over at Slip Into Something Victorian  http://slipintosomethingvictorian.wordpress.com/ today.

Blogging about the occupation of Baltimore by Federal troops

Join me at Slip Into Something Victorian http://slipintosomethingvictorian.wordpress.com/, where I'm blogging about the Federal occupation of Baltimore 150 years ago today.

Edits are done!

I just finished up the edits for Cassidy's War. They're not due until Monday, but I plan to do a brief look over tomorrow of the entire manuscript, then take the weekend off and send it to my editor first thing Monday.

Feels good to be through the first set of edits.

Progress Report

Been busy with edits for Cassidy's War and haven't had much time to post blogs, but I wanted to post a progress report.

I'm halfway through edits, with two weeks left to go, so think I'm doing very well. I'm also making real headway with the plotting out of my new Civil War set novella and hope to finish soon, so I can start writing the first draft.

I also have two short stories I plan to give final edits and submit this week to True Romance magazine.

In the meantime, I'll leave you with the blurb for Cassidy's War.

The Civil War is over, but Cassidy’s War is just beginning.


Cassidy Stuart longs to attend medical school. Her training under her physician father and her time serving as a nurse during the war, have only increased her desire to be a real physician with a practice of her own. When the man who’d left her at the altar five years before, returns, she’s determined not to let him upset the plans she’s set for herself.

Unknown to his former fiancée and her family, George Masters is now a Pinkerton agent sent to investigate a physician now living in George’s former hometown. When he finds Cassidy hasn’t married, he hopes he can have another chance with her, but can’t reveal his real reason for returning, at least not until his mission is accomplished.

Can love be rekindled with a doctor bent on revenge against them both?

Later, I'll post a few unedited excerpts from the novel.

Very productive week in writing

I'm happy to say I've completed the first 100 pages of edits on my newly contracted novel, Cassidy's War. Fortunately, since I've already gone through two revision requests with this manuscript, these mostly seem to be line edits and I have three weeks to finish up.

I also completed the first draft of a short magazine romance story. I'm putting that aside for a week before doing edits and polishing a bit before submitting.

Besides all that, I researched, wrote and posted a history blog at Slip Into Something Victorian on the Baltimore Raid at the start of the American Civil War.

I think the contracted edits are helping to get me right into my writing tasks. Before the contract, I'd sometimes have a hard time deciding which project I wanted to work on, since I always seem to have several in the works. While trying to decide, I'd waste time checking email and websites, instead of writing during my scheduled writing time.

Hopefully, I can get even more organized now. No fooling around when you have to complete edits on a deadline that's not self-imposed.

150 years ago

Come join me at Slip Into Something Victorian for my second Civil War timeline post. I'm talking about the Baltimore Riot at the start of the Civil War when the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment was attacked by an angry mob.

Edits are in!

I got the first round of edits for Cassidy's War on Monday. I was worried that I'd have to push my other projects aside to work on them, but figured if I can edit 20 pages per day, I'll meet my deadline with a couple of days to spare.

I did most of the work on this book pre-contract when I did two full editor requested revisions, so I'm hoping most of the work is already done. I'm hoping to complete the first 100 pages by Friday.

So, I should have time to complete the first draft on a short contemporary story that's nearly done, as well as plot out a new Civil War set novella.

Having solid deadlines somehow makes me feel more productive and efficient.

Not only did I complete the first 40 pages of edits, but I researched and wrote a Civil War blog for Slip Into Something Victorian that will be up on Friday and wrote another 500 words on my short story.

It might be because, now I have a deadline for the edits, I'm getting right to work instead of fooling around online or checking emails.

I'm at Caroline Clemmens blog today

I'm talking about the 150th Civil War anniversary again, plus info on all my Civil War set books and stories.

Join me at http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/ and tell me what you think of stories set in this period of conflict.

And the winner is...

Vonnie Davis is the winner of my contest and I’ll be sending her a copy of Confederate Rose once I hear back from her! A big thanks to everyone who commented.

Win a copy of Confederate Rose!

I'm doing the Weekly Excerpt post today at Slip Into Something Victorian. If you leave a comment, you'll be entered to win either, an autographed print copy of Confederate Rose, or if you live outside the U.S., an e-book copy.

The War Begins!

I'm over at Slip Into Something Victorian today talking about the big American Civil War anniversary and how the war began. I'll also give you a sneak peek at my newest upcoming contest.

Awesome news!!!

I just signed and mailed back the contract for my post-Civil War romance, Cassidy's War. If you've read my past posts, you'll know it's taken a lot of work and determination to get this book published. After finishing the first draft in the summer of 2009, I went through three revisions and three submissions before getting a 'yes'.

Here's the blurb:


The Civil War is over, but Cassidy’s War is just beginning.

Cassidy Stuart longs to attend medical school. Her training under her physician father and her time serving as a nurse during the war, have only increased her desire to be a real physician with a practice of her own. When the man who’d left her at the altar five years before, returns, she’s determined not to let him upset the plans she’s set for herself.


Unknown to his former fiancée and her family, George Masters is now a Pinkerton agent sent to investigate a physician now living in George’s former hometown. When he finds Cassidy hasn’t married, he hopes he can have another chance with her, but can’t reveal his real reason for returning, at least not until his mission is accomplished.

Can love be rekindled with a doctor bent on revenge against them both?


This story was based on a book I had published years ago called "Under the Guns". It was a young adult coming of age story set during the American Civil War that is currenly out-of-print. This new story takes those characters a few years ahead into their adult years.
 
I'll post more on the contract details as they occur.

Finished first draft!

The first draft of my time travel novella is finished...so, I'm putting it aside until at least June.

Now, my problem is deciding which project to work on next. I have a partially written short story, another one I want to go over one last time...and I've started plotting out a new novella that will be set during the Civil War.

I think the hardest part of writing, for me, is finishing a project, then deciding what to work on next. Finishing a project seems like letting go, even if it's only a first draft that I'll be revising later. And with so many projects in the works to choose from, picking one to get back to is the hardest task of all.

Final installment of Victorians in Disguise

I'm over at Slip Into Something Victorian today with my final post on 'Victorians in Disguise'.

Had a slow down over the past week, but plan to get back on track

Had an unexpected job to take care of over the past week, but now that's finished and I want to get back to producing words for my time travel novella. Have about three chapters left to write and am officially at a word count of 28,426. My projected word count was 30,000, so I'm pretty much where I want to be.

Hopefully, I can get this draft finished without any more interruptions. I plan to print the entire draft out and put it aside for at least a month or two before starting revisions.

For now, I've decided to stick with the title of 'Thoroughly Modern Amanda'.

I'm at two places today

I'm over at Lady Scribes today talking about my Civil War romances and some of the new projects I'm working on.

And I've posted about another Victorian in Disguise, Sarah Emma Edmonds, over at Slip Into Something Victorian.

Come see what vampires and the Civil War have in common

Only in my imagination, of course.

Check out my post at Slip Into Something Victorian today for an excerpt from my Civil War vampire novella, Sweet Redemption.

Victorians in Disguise - Part IV

Today I'm back at Slip Into Something Victorian continuing my series on Victorians in Disguise. But now, I'm focusing on the women who disguised themselves during the Civil War.

Over at Slip Into Something Victorian today

I'm at Slip Into Something Victorian today with another weekly excerpt from my paranormal novella, Angel of My Dreams, part of the Civil War romance anthology, Northern Roses and Southern Belles.

Next month we'll find out if our EPIC finalist anthology is a winner in the romance anthology category.

Over at Victoria Gray's blog today

I'm at Victoria Gray's blog posting about why I write Civil War romances. Stop by and say hi!

Another Victorian in Disguise

Have another post up on Slip Into Something Victorian about a Civil War officer in disguise. Check to see who's up this week.

Guest Author: Victoria Gray

Today, I'd like to welcome Victoria Gray to my blog. She's a fellow author who also writes American Civil War romances. I've read her marvelous Civil War romance, Destiny, and, although I haven't had the chance to read it yet, already have her new release, Angel in My Arms, installed on my Nook. After reading the blurb and a few excerpts, I look forward to a great read from this new book as well. It's about spies. A subject I find fascinating.


Tell us about your stories, Victoria.

Thanks, Susan, for having me as a guest today. Like you, I have a fondness for the Civil War era. Growing up in Virginia, I was surrounded by historical landmarks. From Jamestown, the site of the first permanent English colony, to the battlefields of Yorktown where the American Revolution was won to Appomattox, where General Lee surrendered to General Grant on Palm Sunday, 1865, a sense of history surrounds you. Even so, I grew up without knowing the role women played in the war. I was fascinated to learn of women disguising themselves as men to join the troops in battle. But what intrigued me most was the role women played as spies and how effective they were at gleaning information for both sides of the conflict.

Spies…the word brings to mind images of James Bond and gadgets…but an eccentric middle-aged woman? Suppose her odd behavior was nothing more than a cover for a shrewd mind and ingenious schemes, a means for a spy to disarm the people she’s deceiving without ever using a weapon – Elizabeth Van Lew, a Richmond spinster known as Crazy Bet, did just that. A devoted abolitionist, Crazy Bet funneled information to Union generals, much of which was gathered during her frequent visits to Richmond’s Libby Prison. Using food to bribe her way inside the prison, she provided small comforts and books to Federal prisoners while she gleaned bits and pieces of information about Confederate activity. Elizabeth Van Lew’s story inspired Angel in My Arms, the story of Amanda Emerson, a beautiful Union spy working under the leadership of Richmond matron “Crazy Betsy” Kincaid, and Steve Dunham, the Union officer she recruits for a suicide mission.

A rake with a girl in every town and a twinkle in his eye, Steve’s facing a noose when a sable-haired beauty and a crazy matron engineer his escape from jail. There's a catch - Amanda needs him to break into Libby Prison to rescue a notorious double agent who may or may not be on the side of the Union. He’s trading one noose for another, but Steve can’t resist her spirit and her gentleness. He’ll possess her love – if he lives long enough.

The rugged soldier she recruits for her plan looks more like a Viking warrior than a disciplined officer, but Amanda’s drawn to Steve’s courage and tenderness.  As  the danger  surrounding them thickens, every moment he’s with her jeopardizes their lives, but they discover a passionate love that’s worth the risk.

Steve Dunham, the hero of Angel in My Arms, was introduced in an earlier novel, Destiny. When I wrote Destiny, I knew I wanted to give Steve his own love story. Throw in a gang of gun-runners who specialize in stolen military weapons, a nest of beautiful spies, a heroic Confederate officer whose ties with Steve go back to their Army service in the western territories, and a villain with a thirst for revenge, and you've got a plot that isn't your mother's Civil War romance.

Here’s an Excerpt:

Amanda closed her eyes and savored his possession. How could anything feel as good as his lips against hers? With his arms wrapped tight around her, she felt as though nothing could penetrate the tender shield of his embrace.


Wanting him was wrong. He was little more than a stranger. A man she’d teamed with for a mission. He was supposed to be nothing more.


But he’d filled her heart.


His handsome face captivated her all the more for its tiny imperfections. A small scar on his chin. The small bump at the bridge of his nose that told the tale of a long-ago break. Another scar, much more recent, on his jaw that looked to be the result of a man’s ring connecting with his flesh and bone.


He was a warrior. Her warrior. Fierce. Tender. Courageous. Protective.


“You’re so beautiful, Mandy.” His lips trailed the column of her throat.


She nestled against his broad chest. He smelled like bay rum and pine and leather. She’d never realized how tantalizing the scents could be. Mingled with his natural essence, the blend of aromas touched something deep and primal within her. She couldn’t resist the scent. Or him.


He took her hands in his. A sly smile curved his mouth as he studied her. “Such sweet temptation. The question is where to begin.”


She’d wasn’t an innocent, but she’d never experienced the heat of a man’s gaze drinking her in as though she were a fine wine to be savored. When Steve looked at her, she felt wanted.


Desired.


Loved.


Ridiculous. He couldn’t possibly love her.


But he hungered for her touch. That would have to be enough. After all, she didn’t love him.


Keep telling yourself that, Mandy.


She couldn’t love a man she barely knew.


Even if she longed for his scent. For his touch. For the moment when he’d claim her.


Even if she prayed he’d come to his senses and leave her before the rebels captured him and dragged him away to prison. Or a noose.

To learn more about Angel in My Arms, please visit my website, http://www.victoriagrayromance.com/ and my blog, http://www.victoriagrayromance.blogspot.com/ . Angel in My Arms is now available in print and as an eBook from The Wild Rose Press, http://www.thewildrosepress.com/ .

Got a contract!

Already signed and sent off a contract for one of the short stories I sent to True Romance magazine, so now I'm down to two submissions out. But this contract really energized me. I'm really in the zone writing the first draft of my time travel novella. Latest word count is 8499.

I've decided to stick to my original title of Thoroughly Modern Amanda. I thought about changing it, but the title seems to fit the story.

I'm also psyched because author Victoria Gray is going to be a guest on my blog next week. Her first novel, Destiny, is a Civil War romance and a great read out with The Wild Rose Press. I also have her new book, Angel in My Arms, on my Nook. I'll be reading that soon.

So, be sure to stop back February 9th to learn all about Victoria and her Civil War set romances.

Back to work on my time travel novella

I just polished up a new short story and sent it off on Monday. Now, I've got three submissions out at once. Yay! Haven't had that many out for a long while.

Now, I'm back to the time travel novella I had to stop work on a while back to finish up my novel. I had to go back and finish up the plot outline, but now it's done. Today I moved around the opening scenes and  wrote an additional 1131 words. I want to keep moving forward until I finish the first draft.

This novella is an offshoot of my Civil War time travel romance, Erin's Rebel. But the novella takes place 20 years after the war. The hero and heroine of Erin's Rebel are the parents of the novella's heroine, the hero is from our time.

It's fun to work on a piece taken from an existing story. My latest novel is too. Characters and situations already exist from the original story, so it's sort of like moving forward through time and seeing the characters grow.

At Slip Into Something Victorian

I'm over at Slip Into Something Victorian today with another post on a famous Victorian in disguise.

Ack! Thought I was farther along with that novella

In going over my partially completed time travel novella, I found that although I'd written the first three scenes, I'd only plotted out the first eight scenes. So, before I resume writing, I have to go back and plot out the second half of the story.

I'd thought I'd finished that, so was a little disappointed, but I'll finish plotting, then get back to writing the first draft.

That's what happens when I leave a project midway through.

Finished another story!

I just completed the first draft of a short story today. I printed it out and put it in a folder to edit and polish up later. I'll probably give it another look-over next week.

Tomorrow, I'm going to reaquaint myself with my time travel novella. I'm still not sure what I want to title this one yet. It's based on my Civil War time travel romance, Erin's Rebel, but takes place after the war.

I was writing the first draft but stopped to get the revisions done for Cassidy's War. I'll look over what I did so far and try to get back into the swing of the story.

Getting back into the swing of things

After months of revision, edits and two proofreadings of my novel, I wondered if I could get back to actual writing--on something new--after sending Cassidy's War off to my editor.

I did do a little bit of writing during that time, however, on a short story I also submitted just last week. But mostly, I've been immersed in working on an already written novel.

So, after sending off my manuscript, I wrote down six new ideas for short stories--my second writing goal for the new year. The following day, I picked one idea, came up with a title for the story, then made notes. I took the weekend off and was wondering if I could get right back into writing new words for a brand new story.

I'm pleased that once I set up the file, the words for this new story flowed and I wrote 1043 words today. I hope to pick up where I stopped off tomorrow and tack on another 1000 words.

This is the reason why I don't stop writing between projects. I firmly believe taking that break hurts my creativity. A day or two is fine, but no longer.
  

Weekly Excerpts at Slip Into Something Victorian

At my group blog, Slip Into Something Victorian, we're starting a Saturday Excerpt post featuring all of our published books, as well as contracted and even unpublished works.

Today I'm featuring a new excerpt from my Civil War time travel romance, Erin's Rebel. And come back every Saturday to view a new excerpt post from of one the Scandalous Victorians.

Victorians in Disguise

My new post is up over at Slip Into Something Victorian today. I'm talking about the disguise a prominent Victorian wore, or at least was rumored to wear.

First goal of 2011 accomplished!

I just sent off my new novel, Cassidy's War, to my editor. And I've already started on the second goal to list 6 or 7 ideas for short stories. Just one more idea and I'll be there.

I think I'm on a roll!

The holidays are over...time to get back to work

In truth, I never stopped working, just slowed down a bit.

I'm at the final stage with my novel, Cassidy's War. I'm part-way through a proofread of the print version of the novel, then it's off to my editor. I'm eager to finish this up, so I can get back to work on my time travel novella.

Here's the new blurb for Cassidy's War. My revision changed the story a bit.

The Civil War is over, but Cassidy's war is just beginning.

Cassidy Stuart longs to attend medical school. Her training under her physician father and her time serving as a nurse during the war, have only increased her desire to be a real physician with a practice of her own. When the man who'd left her at the altar five years before returns, she's determined not to let him upset the plans she's set for herself.

Unknown to his former fiancee and her family, George Masters is now a Pinkerton agent sent to investigate a physician now living in George's former hometown. When he finds Cassidy hasn't married, he hopes he can have another chance with her, but can't reveal his real reason for returning, at least not until his mission is accomplished.


Can love be rekindled with a doctor bent on revenge against them both?

Once I send this out, I can cross out my first goal of 2011. Won't that be a great start to the year?