A Saturday morning quickie

Yeah, ya'll can go ahead and take that title any way you want to. ; )

I just wanted to let you know that I've been getting all of your Name Raine's 6th Book entries. I normally respond to each and every one, but there have been so many entries (and I'm so swamped writing), that I haven't responded. Sorry. But I thought that you would rather have a book stay on deadline than a personal response. Love you, mean it. : )

We've only had about five inches of snow here and no ice, so losing power shouldn't be a problem. So I'll be posting a Talon snippet on time on Monday morning.

Going back to frenzied writing,
Lisa

Book promo goodies & where to get them

Today, I'm talking about promo stuff: postcards, magnets, bookmarks, nifty novelities, etc. Though first, I have to bow down to my "author mentor/mom" SciFi Romance author extraordinaire Linnea Sinclair. She taught me all about where to get good, cheap, and sometimes free book promo stuff. I don't know what I'd have done without her. : )

Tops on my list is VistaPrint. I adore this place! Not only is it unbelievably cheap, a lot of the time it's free! (Unbelieveable, but true.) I get my bookmarks, postcards, and magnets there. Some of you may be gifted with design software and can do the design end of things, but I'm not. Fortunately, I have a friend who's a graphic designer. Linnea does her own designs (she's both a fabulous author and design savvy).

My bookmarks are actually postcards. You can get two bookmarks out of one regular-sized postcard, and four bookmarks out of an oversized postcard. Below are my A&M bookmarks done on an oversized postcard. You can do all kinds of designs, but I went with my cover, book info, and website address on the front, with author/review quotes on the back. After the last quote, I left a little space at the bottom so I could sign them. And for the volume of bookmarks that I have printed, I bought a paper cutter. Believe me, you don't want to cut out hundreds of bookmarks with scissors.


Next are my postcards (the front side with the cover can be made into magnets) . Most times I get the magnets for free with my order. Again, I know it sounds too good to be true, but once you get into VistaPrint, you'll understand how it works. I have no clue how this company manages to turn a profit. Probably on sheer volume.

On the front side of my postcard is the cover, and on the back is the book info. I left the right side of the card blank, this way I can use them as actual postcards for mailings, or to give out to announce a booksigning (I write all the info on the blank side), I also use them as business/calling cards to leave for a bookseller or reviewer with my contact information, or I just sign them and hand them out at booksignings. These things are incredibly multi-purpose.



For non-personalized novelty/toy promo giveaways, La Linnea recommends DollarDays and Oriental Trading.Also recommended is Virginia Toy & Novelty. Items like these are great to take to conferences and conventions to put out on the "goodie tables" or to hand out in seminars or panels that you're speaking on.

Tonight it's supposed to start snowing and not stop until late Saturday. I know for most of you, that wouldn't be a big deal, but in central North Carolina, it's freakin' huge. Yep, I'm excited. Snow "gestimates" range from 5 to 13 inches. So who knows what we'll get. But Derek will be taking pics of whatever falls out of the sky, and we'll try to do a repeat of last year's "Andy playing in the snow" short video. Our greyhound Andy retired from a race track in Jacksonville, FL, so until our 2-in. snow last year, he'd never seen the white stuff before. It was just too cute watching him go nuts playing in the snow.

For Monday's snippet, I'm planning a really good one with Talon. Unless we get more ice than snow and lose power. So if you don't hear from me and Talon on Monday -- we're in the dark with no Internet. Quelle horreur!

Your author & happy snow bunny,
Lisa

Tax write-offs for authors

Since we're now getting all kinds of statements with info for our taxes and gathering those receipts, I thought I'd share a couple of hints to help you as an author keep more of your hard-earned cash.

When you sign your first publishing contract, it's a good idea to set up a meeting with your accountant. And if you don't have one, you might want to consider getting one. Our accountant is also a tax attorney -- he stays on top of all of the new tax laws that could benefit his clients. Mike rocks!

There are all kinds of things that you can write-off on your taxes when you become a published (and paid) author:

• Office equipment and furnishings
• Office supplies
• Phone calls related to your work
  
• The part of your home exclusively devoted to your writing. (Check with your accountant about the possibility of deducting a percentage of your house payment or power bill if you do the majority of your writing from your home office.)
  
• Postage (mailing galleys back to your publisher or mailing out prizes to your fans)
• Research expenses
  
• Hired help to do office work or assist with editing or research (SNORT, like I can afford an assistant. Hmmm, I wonder if this covers hiring a chef so I don't have to cook. Note to self: Ask Mike. Second note to self: Ingore Mike laughing at you because you asked that question.)
  
• Reference books (Woot! B&N here I come!)
• Computer, printer, fax machine.
  
• Software (I finally broke down and bought the latest version of Word. I like it.)
• Magazines or newsletters related to your work. (I use the heck out of this one.)
  
• Advertising (Ads in magazines don't come cheap. I love this deduction.)
• Internet access (Yes, we all surf way too much; but if you email your agent and editor, and conduct writing business online, your monthy Internet bill is deductible.)
• Dues or memberships in writer's organizations (This can get pricey, too. Great deduction.)
• Seminars or training sessions to help you learn something related to your craft. (Conference expenses are deductible.)
• Travel expenses -- including food, lodging, mileage, and parking. (This applies to conferences, speaking engagements, events, book signings, anywhere you travel/drive related to your work.)
• Photography and photo processing (Need a new headshot? It's deductible.)
• Web design, promotional item design, website maintenance, website hosting fees
  
• Any additional artwork and design
• Entertainment related to your work -- everything from taking your editor to lunch, to throwing a party to celebrate your book's completion. This includes gifts for the bookstore manager who coordinates your booksigning, gifts for your publishing team (editor, editorial assistant, agent, agent's assistant, your publicist, etc.)
  
• KEEP RECORDS OF EVERYTHING!! Save every receipt, bill, everything. I use an accordion file folder and I keep it in my safe. (Yep, I'm extra special paranoid about losing important paperwork.)
  

I'm sure there are probably more deductions, but that's what I could come up with. And for you authors out there, if you do know of other deductions, let a sister author know. ; )

Tomorrow I'll talk about where to get cheap book promo stuff.

New contest -- Name Raine's 6th book

I'm writing the second draft of Raine's 5th adventure -- Con & Conjure -- and kudos to Jo for the fabulous title! I'll be starting the 6th book this summer, and I always like to have a title before I start a book. And since you all sent such great entries in the last title contest, I'm doing it again.

Book 6 will take place entirely in the goblin capital of Regor, home of the goblin royal court. I'd like to keep the format of the title the same as in previous books. Either four words like: Magic Lost, Trouble Found or The Trouble With Demons. Or separated by "&": Armed & Magical, Bewitched & Betrayed or Con & Conjure. Heck, you can even try to come up with two words that begin with a "D" to keep the alphabetical progression going. And no, Dungeons & Dragons will not be a winning option. ; )

I was thinking something with a goblin tone. Goblins live for intrigue and conspiracy; they're manipulative, deceptive, seductive, and secretive. You get the picture.

And if you think of a title that doesn't fall into the guidelines -- send it anyway. A lot of the time the best options come from outside the box. And you can send as many entries as you'd like.
Email them to me at lisa @ lisashearin.com. Delete the spaces before and after the "@" before sending the email. I insert spaces whenever I type my email address in a blog, otherwise the evil spambots pick up on it and besiege me with Viagra sales pitches. I've never understood why I get emails pitching a pill for a body part I don't even have.

And by the way, put "Name Raine's sixth book" in the subject line.

The winner will get his or her name in the Acknowledgments section of Book 6 and I'll send them some really cool Bewitched & Betrayed book goodies.

The deadline for entries is Friday, February 12, and I'll announce the winner on Monday, February 15.

Have fun with it!
Lisa

Jennifer Estep's Spider's Bite in bookstores today!

Today, Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep hits the shelves. This is the first book in her new Elemental Assassins series. I read this book, loved it, and wrote a blurb for it. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, a "blurb" is a quote from an author on another author's book that they read and really liked.

It was the first time I'd been asked to give a blurb. Needless to say, just being asked was really cool. But as soon as I started reading, I knew I'd be telling Jennifer that "yes, I'd love to blurb your book." How can you not like a book that starts like this:

"My name is Gin, and I kill people."

Here's a quick plot summary: They call me the Spider. I'm the most feared assassin in the South -- when I'm not busy at the Pork Pit cooking up the best barbecue in Ashland. As a Stone elemental, I can hear everything from the whispers of the gravel beneath my feet to the vibrations of the soaring Appalachian Mountains above me. My Ice magic also comes in handy for making the occasional knife. But I don't use my powers on the job unless I absolutely have to. Call it professional pride.

Now that a ruthless Air elemental has double-crossed me and killed my handler, I'm out for revenge. And I'll exterminate anyone who gets in my way -- good or bad. I may look hot, but I'm still one of the bad guys. Which is why I'm in trouble, since irresistibly rugged Detective Donovan Caine has agreed to help me. The last thing this coldhearted killer needs when I'm battling a magic more powerful than my own is a sexy distraction -- especially when Donovan wants me dead just as much as the enemy.

And here's the blurb that I gave Jennifer for the book: A sexy and edgy thriller that keeps you turning the pages. In Spider's Bite, Jennifer Estep turns up the heat and suspense with Gin Blanco, an assassin who's wit is as sharp as her silverstone knives. When Gin is double-crossed, framed, and her handler murdered, she'll leave no stone unturned and no enemy breathing in her quest for revenge. Spider's Bite leaves you dying for more.

On Tuesday, February 9, Jennifer will be guest blogging right here. She'll be posting on world-building differences between epic and urban fantasy. Be sure to tune in for that one.

Tomorrow, I'll announce the next contest.

Lisa

Bewitched & Betrayed snippet featuring Raine & Mychael

Mychael looked down at me. "If you can't control a situation, you have to know every detail, don't you?"

"What's wrong with that?"

Mychael's eyes twinkled from under the brim of his hat. "I'll bet you don't like surprises for your birthday, either."

"No, I don't. And what the hell does that have to do with anything?"

He leaned in close with a conspiratorial whisper. "Not all surprises are bad."

Mychael took my face in his hands and those blue eyes gazed down into mine. There was no question reflected there, no uncertainty, and he sure as hell wasn't asking my permission. Those eyes told me what he wanted.

He kissed me.

His lips didn't demand, they simply took. With delicious slowness. His fingers of one hand ran lightly up the curve of my ear, lingering for a breath-catching caress at the tip before sliding down to my throat, leaving a trail of tingle-inducing heat in their wake. By the time his hand slipped around the back of my neck and pressed me to him, my hands were on him, sliding up to his chest and around his neck. My hands didn't ask my permission, either. Traitorous hands.

Mychael's kiss turned into a tantalizing nibble, gently pulling my bottom lip between his teeth, sucking, nibbling, teasing.

I opened my eyes and was met with twin pools of deep ocean blue, gleaming with mischief as he released my lips and planted light kisses on my nose and forehead. His lips lingered there, the warmth of his breath and body doing a fine job of banishing the night cold--or at least giving me something better to think about. His lips had released mine, but his arms were wrapped firmly around my waist and didn't seem to be in a rush to let me go.

"What was that for?" I found myself short of breath.

"Hopefully, a pleasant surprise."

I looked up at him, a slow smile spreading across my face. "Eh, I've had worse."

Upcoming cool stuff

On Monday, the Bewitched & Betrayed snippet will feature Raine & Mychael. Team Mychael -- you're gonna love this one. ; )

On Tuesday, Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep hits the shelves. I read this book, loved it, and wrote a blurb for it. And on Tuesday, February 9, Jennifer will be guest blogging right here. She'll be posting on world-building differences between epic and urban fantasy. Be sure to tune in for that one.

And next Wednesday, I'll be announcing the next contest. It's gonna be a lot of fun, and I'll make it worth the winner's while with bodacious Bewitched & Betrayed book goodies.

Where I'm at right now -- On Chapter 7 of Con & Conjure Draft 2.

Finally, some serious puppy cuteness. An itty-bitty Alaskan Malamute howling. If this doesn't make you smile, I don't know what will.

Have a great weekend!
Lisa

Where I write

I finally have what I've always wanted -- an office with a door that I can close. However, I'm never alone. Natasha, our kitty, insists (loudly) that she be in her bed underneath my desk, or rubbing against my office chair demanding love. So if I close the door and if Natasha isn't on the inside, she'll meow until she gets her way.

One thing I don't have is a wall of built-in bookshelves and cabinets. In our next house. Definitely.

I found a few pics of my office.

The door to my office (what was actually meant to be a bedroom). The sign on the door says "This property protected by pirates." And it is.

Me at my desk. This was taken a year or so ago. My hair is much shorter now and my office is much messier.

My book cover poster collection. A friend of mine who's a professional photographer outputs a poster for me every year. I have the poster for Bewitched & Betrayed, but just haven't bought a frame for it yet. It'll go next to the TTWD poster.

For your writers out there, where do you write?Home office? Coffee shop? Library? Need quiet (like me). Need background noise?

BTW -- In case any of you want to order a copy of the "PBS Cooks!" cookbook (with a section of author recipes-- including mine for Ginger Ale Pound Cake), you can order them via PaperBackSwap.com. Thank you, Margaret! : )

A writing "don't do" and a "must have"

If you want to be published, there's something that you don't do, and something that you must have.

First, the "don't do." Vampire books are scorching hot. So are demons, shapeshifters, werewolves, and pretty much were-anything. So you sit yourself down to write one of these blazing hot and irresistible to agents/editors/readers-everywhere books. Only one problem -- you hate all of the above books. You don't read them, but you want to write something that sells, so you're determined to try.

Don't do it.

Don't waste your precious writing time, or destroy your sanity trying to write something that you don't read, love, and adore. One, the result won't be very good (because you don't like it), and two, you'll be miserable (because you don't like it).

Write what you love to read. That way if it takes you years and years to get published (like it did me), you'll at least be happy with what you're working on because you're writing the book that you want to read but couldn't find.

On to what you "must have." The four "Ds" -- drive, determination, desire, and discipline. All of these are must haves for continuing to work on a project even after you think you have probably been rejected by every agent/editor/publisher in existence (just like I thought). You have to believe in your project enough to give up (or at least limit) doing the things that you love: watching TV, a social life, and that thing you remember from waaay back in the past called "free time."

When you get "The Call" every last sacrifice will have been worth it.

Trust me.

Your TV-less, quasi-hermit, but very happily published author,
Lisa

"Name Raine's World" contest winner

David Gray is the winner of the "Name Raine's World" contest with (drum roll). . .

Sahrnia.

David offered two ways to pronounce it, and I chose (sar NEE ah).

In return for this gem of a world name, David will get his name in the Acknowledgments section of Con & Conjure, PLUS, he will be the proud recipient of the PaperBack Swap club's cookbook -- "PBS Cooks!" My recipe for Ginger Ale Pound Cake is in there, as are recipes from authors including: David Anthony, Margaret Atwood, Ken Follett, Diana Gabaldon, Philippa Gregory, Joy Nash, Carla Neggers, Beatrice Small, Judith Tarr, Margaret Weis, and more. And to top it all, who doesn't want Dave Barry's recipe for Peanut Butter Toast? Trust me, it's priceless.

David, honey, if you'll email me with your full mailing address, I'll get the cookbook (and I'll sign my recipe page) with additional Bewitched & Betrayed book goodies in the mail to you post haste.

Lisa

BTW -- I'll be announcing another contest next week, and will soon have a cool announcement.

Bewitched & Betrayed snippet -- Raine's fencing lesson

In today's snippet, Raine gets a fencing lesson to remember from Tam.

Tomorrow, I'll announce the winner of the Name Raine's World contest.

Goblin swords were both stabbing and slashing weapons. Goblins used two blades as naturally as breathing, like extensions of their arms. They were taught from an early age. Elf children played with building blocks; goblins learned to spin blades.

Tam stood facing me, his hands by his side, his blades angled toward the floor. He looked relaxed. I knew better. When Tam had swords in his hands, relaxed meant ready.

In our lessons, Tam always made the first move.

Change is good. Dirty is better.

I sauntered toward him like I was just getting into position to go on guard. Then I lunged, my blades dropped to block his, and my heel came down hard on his instep. Tam hissed and I pivoted sharply to the right, intending to pommel strike his ribs and dart the hell out of range.

Darting didn't happen. Neither did the pommel strike.

Tam's leather-clad arms pinned my arms -- and swords -- to my sides. His blades were up and crossed entirely too close to my face for any kind of comfort.

So much for darting and striking.

"Well, shit," I said mildly. "That could have worked better."

"My foot thinks it worked quite well." I heard the pained grimace in his voice. "Nicely done." Leather creaked as his arms tightened around me, and his voice lowered to a teasing purr. "The rest of me agrees. This is more than pleasant. Now how do you propose to get away from me?"

"What?"

Vegard was here, so I knew Tam wouldn't actually try anything, but that didn't mean he wouldn't play with me like a mouse.

Sarad Nukpana would do the same thing.

Tam was right. He couldn't let me go.

"You chose the game, darling. I didn't." His lips were near the tip of my ear. "Escape from me, and feel free to do whatever you have to."

Friday mini post & update

It's Friday. I'm still swamped at work, still behind on the book, and still trying to get ready for my sister's visit this weekend. However, the sinus headache has decreased from the size of Siberia to merely the size of Outer Mongolia. Hey, it's progress.

I'm behind on the book mainly because last Friday I got the final galley proofs for Bewitched & Betrayed, and I had to proof that one last time. It took me about five days to get it done. And if I do say so myself, it's the best book I've written yet. I'm very proud of it, and you guys are going to LOVE it. Though once you reach the last ten chapters, make sure you have time to plow through to the end -- you will not want to put this one down. There were places where I forgot that I'd written it, I was enjoying myself so much. That's a first for me.

Today, is the last day to enter the Name Raine's World contest. I'll choose the winner this weekend and announce it on Tuesday, because Monday is Snippet Day, and we wouldn't want to interrupt that for anything, would we? In Monday's snippet Tam gives Raine a fencing lesson to remember.

Have a great weekend!
Lisa

Why there is no blog today

Swamped at work, behind with the book, sister coming for weekend visit (madly cleaning house), 3-day sinus headache the size of Siberia.

Those are my excuses and I'm sticking to them.

BTW -- for those of you wanting to enter the "Name Raine's World" contest, tomorrow (Friday) is the last day. Scroll down to previous posts for details.

Love you, mean it!
Lisa

Want a dog? Adopt a greyhound.

For those of you considering adding a dog to your family, please consider a greyhound. Derek & I have been adopting retired racing greyhounds for years, and know now that we'll be greyhound parents for life. These are the sweetest, most loving, and simply amazing dogs.

An article this past weekend in The Winston-Salem Journal emphasized the increasing need for loving homes for these incredible dogs. With the downturn in the economy, dog tracks in the U.S. are closing left and right, and each track can have a kennel of 300 or more greyhounds. When these tracks close, those dogs need homes. Greyhound adoption organizations throughout the country work tirelessly to find "forever homes" for these dogs. But they're also looking for foster families to care for them until they can be adopted. If you're interested in finding a greyhound adoption group in your area, just go to Google (or your favorite search engine) and type in "greyhound adoption." These adoption groups would love to hear from you.


Andy and Gracie are our greyhound fur-kids. Dodger and Ricky are two of our boys who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Here are pics of all of them (click to enlarge).

Andy (racing name "Nimble Andy") waiting for me to come downstairs from my office. Yep, he's a momma's boy. ; )







Me with Andy and Gracie (racing name "ICU Smooth Cat").




Andy and Lucy (our Jack Russell) help me take a quick snooze.


Our sweet girl, Gracie.




Our first greyhound, Ricky (racing name "Pilot in the Sky"). Lucy liked to use Ricky for a pillow. That's Derek, cuddling with the dogs.




Our beautiful boy, Dodger (racing name "Lotsa Dodge").

My first post over at The Magic District

Come on over to The Magic District today for my first post with my new author buddies. I'll be blogging over there every other week or so. Today I'm talking about why I absolutely, positively must have a ploy synopsis. It's not only a time saver, it's a sanity saver. Come on over and read why.

Lisa

Bewitched & Betrayed snippet

It's Monday, the start of another work week, and time for another Bewitched & Betrayed snippet. Enjoy!

The air moved, brushing the skin on the back of my neck.

We weren't alone.

Just because I couldn't see, hear, or smell him didn't mean he wasn't there, watching us -- and had been the entire time. He was; I could feel it.

"A veil," I sent the thought to Tam. "A good one." Recently some demons had used veils to hide themselves. Thanks to the boost my magic had picked up from the Saghred, I'd been able to see them just fine. It was night, the sniper was probably wearing black, but he shouldn't be invisible, at least not to me.

A prickling of magic was all the warning we got.

Tam fired a bolt that blazed red like a comet at the spot where the man had to be. Something batted it harmlessly aside with no more effort than swatting a fly.

Then came a laugh, taunting and confident.

And familiar.

Banan Ryce had always been a cocky bastard.

The Nightshade commander dropped the veil and with a tug and dramatic flourish pulled off the hood covering his head. The streetlamps gave me enough light to know it was Banan. I didn't need any more light to remember what he looked like: dark hair, tanned skin, pale green eyes, crooked smile, and the morals of a horny demon with an hour to live.

He had an absurdly large crossbow leveled on yours truly. "Consorting with goblins again, Raine?"

I indicated the bow. "Compensating for something, Banan?"

Hysterical Super Bowl ad finalists

I hadn't planned on blogging today, but while reading the news this morning, I found where two of our locals once again have made the Doritos Super Bowl contest finals. I'm glad I wasn't drinking anything when I watched these. Warning: SERIOUS spew alert. Enjoy!

Kids These Days and Underdog

Today (after we load all three dogs into the car and take them to the vet for checkups), I'll be working out the details of the "con" part of Con & Conjure.

Have yourselves a great weekend!
Lisa

Friday assorted announcements

Happy Friday!

I've gotten some great entries for my "Name Raine's World" contest, but there's always room for more. Send in your entries (and you can send as many as you like) to me by next Friday, January 15 to be entered. I'll announce the winner on Monday, January 18.

The winner will get their name in the Acknowledgments section of Con & Conjure. PLUS, the winner will get a copy of the PaperBack Swap club's cookbook -- PBS Cooks! My recipe for Ginger Ale Pound Cake is in there, as are recipes from authors including: David Anthony, Margaret Atwood, Ken Follett, Diana Gabaldon, Philippa Gregory, Joy Nash, Carla Neggers, Beatrice Small, Judith Tarr, Margaret Weis, and more. And to top it all, who doesn't want Dave Barry's recipe for Peanut Butter Toast? Trust me, it's priceless.

So start thinking and email your entries to me by January 15.

Oh BTW -- The February issue of The Writer magazine is out, and so is my bi-monthly column: Dueling With Words. My topic this time is "Building a story arc in your novel."

Coming up next week:
On Monday will be another snippet from Bewitched & Betrayed. As I've said, I'll post snippets every Monday until April 27 when ya'll can get your hot little hands on a copy of the whole book.

And blog posts for the rest of the next week will probably be (unless something else comes up): Feed your muse, why I outline, why you should write what you want to read.

Have a great weekend!
Lisa

What my dogs do while I write

While I'm writing, my dogs are "helping" -- or at least that's what they think they're doing. To me, they're napping, reclining, sun basking, begging for cookies, or for dinner three hours early -- but they think they're helping their "mom" write. You can click on the pics to make them bigger.

This is Lucy, our 12-year-old Jack Russell Terrier (aka Terrorist) in a calm moment, making herself at home on the afghan I crocheted years ago when there was such a thing as free time.


This is Gracie -- aka Princess Grace -- racing name "ICU Smooth Cat" striking an elegant pose right before asking for the dogs' 7 pm yogurt dollop (yep, they're spoiled). Believe me, this girl can tell time.


Gracie and Andy -- racing name "Nimble Andy" -- working together to do a fine job of holding down the couch.


And while I'm working at the dining room table (to the right), Andy and the girls are doing some serious sun bathing. Andy's pose is known in greyhound circles as "roaching" -- upside down, legs out like a dead cockroach. This is the sign of a truly happy & relaxed hound. As you can also see, Andy has absolutely no shame.

And finally, for something completely and utterly cool that I saw on Will Wheaton's blog last night: 100 cupcakes depicting classic board or video games. You gotta see this.

BTW -- My blog's RSS feed URL is http://www.lisashearin.com/feed/xml

Ya'll can put that into your RSS readers and it will pull up my post feed.

From unruly ideas to focused novel

You've got one -- a bright, shiny new idea. You love it, you're excited about it. Then another equally bright and shiny idea comes to you. Then another. And yet another.

How do you pick just one?

Book ideas aren't like children -- you can't love them all equally, at least not at the same time. Whether you realize it at first glance, there's one that you love just a wee bit more than the others. To determine which one that is, ask yourself a hard and realistic question:

Which one can you live with, won't grow bored with, won't run screaming from during the months and possibly years that it will take you to finish writing the book?

THAT idea is the nugget of your book.

Now don't discard your other ideas. Write them down and file them away where you can get to them later. Over the years my "notes file" has grown to about 200 pages. I've mined those ideas, scenes and dialogue snippets for five Raine Benares books. I'll be going to it for plot ideas for the sixth book and beyond to two new series. And COPY from this file, never CUT -- this way your file remains intact. Just because you think you want to use an idea for a book doesn't mean it'll actually make it in the final version. I know this first hand.

Then you start working with that idea, molding it and spinning plots and characters from it. But guess what? What comes out isn't what was in your head; in fact, it's nowhere near as good. Perhaps the idea sucks.

No, it doesn't. A blob of clay doesn't look like a fired and finished work of art, but that's where that work of art comes from -- a shapeless blob. And now for a dose of reality: master potters don't get to be masters from producing one pot. The same is true for writers. You work, you write, you learn from your mistakes, and you write again. And eventually, what's on your screen just might be better than what's in your head.

Draft 1, 2, 3 -- What I do for each draft of my books

I've had a blog topic quest -- what do I do for each draft of my books? I thought I'd better post on it now, before I forget what I did. Which with the way my brain is right now is completely within the realm of possibility. Heck, I'm even having trouble finishing a sentence. All of my nouns have crawled under brain cells to hide.

A typical sentence from me right now goes something like this: "Derek, have you seen my . . . . " (five-second wait) . . . "keys?" I can visualize what I want to say, but I just can't think of the word and get it out for the life of me. Though it makes me feel a lot better that Ilona Andrews blogged on this recently, and her nouns have flown the coop as well. It's kind of like when your computer is running programs in the background and everything slows down. My brain is working double-time on the book(s), and little is left for basic communication skills.

Or basic coordination skills. Like "remove head from open door space, THEN slam door." Yeah, I got that one backward last week. At least the bruise on my forehead has gone away now.

Okay, back to the blog topic.

So far so good on writing a book from start to finish in six months. November and December were for the first draft. Done. January and February are for the second draft. Going good. I'm on Chapter 5 already. March and April are for the last draft/polish. My actual deadline for Con & Conjure isn't until June 1. So I have a pad built in, but I'm determined not to use it.

The first draft was for getting the story down. It's not supposed to be pretty, it's just supposed to be on the screen. And some chapters came to me out of sequence. Okey-dokey, fine. Normally I don't roll like that, but for the purposes of getting the story down, I went with the flow. BTW -- NaNoWriMo does wonders for your writing focus and speed. If you're a writer and didn't do it this year, do it next year. I can't recommend it enough.

I'm now on the second draft. That means smooth out the story, get the chapters in order, and fill in those plot potholes. Anyplace that I made notes to myself and moved on during the first draft has to be written now. I'm not cutting myself any slack on this. The only thing I'm letting slide are character descriptions and names -- I like to do some careful pondering with those. Those are for the final draft. It's during the next two months that the story will assume its almost final form.

The third & final draft will be for consistency, payoff, and polish. If I say a character has green eyes in Chapter 2, and grey eyes in Chapter 20 -- fix it. If I implied in an earlier chapter that a character will be doing something at a later point in the book -- they'd better do what they're supposed to do. If you put a gun on the mantle early on, somebody better shoot somebody else later on. I also think of this as "don't leave any loose plot threads dangling."

And then there's polish. Make absolutely certain that you use exactly the words that you want to use, and cut out any unnecessary words, sentences, or paragraphs. I have a tendency to repeat myself, or say the same thing two different ways. Slice, dice, and tighten.

Then I'll send the manuscript to my agent (who's also an amazing editor) -- and hold my breath.

Snippet from Bewitched & Betrayed

In an effort to keep ya'll fed & happy, I'll be posting weekly snippets (probably on Mondays) from Bewitched & Betrayed until you can get your eager little hands on the entire book April 27. Here is the first of many. Enjoy!

Mychael wanted me to stay in the citadel. I had to leave the citadel, and I had a good reason.

Like Piaras, I had lessons.

I was learning how to kill Sarad Nukpana.

And today those lessons would have the added bonus of giving me a much-needed outlet for my growing fear, frustration, and rage. Yes, I could have taken it out on a Guardian in their gym, but that wasn't the kind of workout I needed. Well, it was, but I required a specialist. No Guardian was a master swordsman with the long, curved blades favored by goblins.

Tam was.

So was Sarad Nukpana.

Since Nukpana had oozed his way out of the Saghred, I'd made it my goal to not only know every way that Nukpana, his Khrynsani, or any other goblin could possibly come after me, but have a lethal response ready for each and every one of them.

Tam could help. He'd known Sarad Nukpana at the goblin court, and fenced with him on numerous occasions. Not with deadly intent, but when goblin courtiers crossed blades, blood was spilt. Naturally, it was always an unfortunate accident.