Well, Microsoft messed up internet connections this week for many people, not just me, but I’ve managed to claw my way back to make a few announcements.

Firstly, I’m pleased to say that Loose-Id wanted to renew the contract on “Uly’s Comet” (The Swithin Chronicles 1) and I was happy to say yes. I’m planning on writing some “Swithin Spins” and it would also make little sense to have books 2 and 3 available without book 1. The day may well come when LI feel it’s time to let the books go, or I may want back the right to publish, but right now I was happy to renew the contract on the first book for another two years. Besides, I love these covers and want to keep displaying them. Yes, I know that’s a sad reason to renew a contract, but it was only ‘one’ of the reasons. LOL.

Aspen Mountain Press have recently accepted a manuscript of mine for another work in their Del Fantasma line. These stories have a running theme set around a bar run by a vampire using drink titles as inspiration for the stories, yet all of the books can be read an individual works. I have two works currently out at AMP: “Rose Light”, which is a dark, erotic, romantic, and altogether different version of a familiar fairy tale, and my first Del Fantasma offering: “A Slow Fuzzy Screw” — a m/m shape-shifter paranormal story. My next for this series will be “Virgin Special” a m/m/f vampire paranormal novella.

Aspen have also accepted a m/m paranormal short story “The One That Got Away” for an anthology “Shifting Perspectives 2″. I’m pleased to say I’ll be in the book along with Fiona Glass and Emily Veinglory. The proposed release date for this is around the end of October, but I’ll let you know more when I do.

And lastly, I’ve received an acceptance for my m/m/f sci-fi novel but the publishers would like me to change the way the book opens and I’m having to think about this. I’m not entirely opposed to the changes but I’m not entirely convinced, so right now I’ve asked a couple of people to read the first two chapters and tell me what they think. Mainly, I like the opening exchange — we’re in agreement it’s somewhat important — and to refer back to it as is being suggested makes me uncomfortable.

You see, writing isn’t all about “Hey, they want my book. How quickly can I sign the contract?” It’s too easy to forget that the author has a decision to make. A great company may even let you know of any proposed changes prior to you signing the contract. It’s one reason that would incline me to continue to work with a particular company. I’m certain ‘forewarned’ makes for less grievances and a better-working practice. I’m even usually happy to go with their suggestions but, on this occasion, I seriously need to think about whether I’m willing to rework this and, even if I am, whether I feel I can make those changes work for the story. Decisions, decisions. I wish I could have someone else make them for me.

This isn’t such a strange difference of opinion. I’m writing for the erotic romance market but it’s not my background and whatever I write, I try to create a book with a full working background plot. Romance can be all about the relationship but it’s also about conflict and some plots call for an outside influence. I like a romance that’s equal in proportions to the conflicts and in some instances, the external part of the plot. A writer has to write to fit the market they are aiming for, but the trouble arises when doing the best thing for the market may not be the best thing for the story. Right now, I am scrambling around begging for a few well-reasoned voices. LOL.

« New version of an old video
Had to share another great review for The Comet Cometh! »

This entry was posted on Saturday, July 12th, 2008 at 4:29 pm and is filed under News, Writing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.