Thirteen, Fourteen, Fifteen...

It comes as absolutely no surprise to me that I've exceeded my targeted word count on my novel Thirteen. Original target was 90,000 words. I'm now at ~92,000. The good news is that I hit my target this week! The next to good news is that I'm about a week away from being done! First draft will probably come in at around 98,000. Then the revisions begin and word count could go up or down, but no more than 100K to keep it marketable. It's so close, I'm chomping at the bit.

I've already starting jotting down notes for Book 2 of Aria's escapades in the New Urban World of the supernatural. Where will Aria travel to next? What supernatural beings will she encounter when she gets there? Who knows? I don't yet!!! Hahahahaha

Lucky Thirteen

Not a whole lot going on this week. I'm working on promotional material for my first book release.

After finishing an unnamed project in November, taking December off, I've been on roll working on my Urban Fantasy novel Thirteen. I'm shooting to have a first draft done by end of January. Yes, this January! Hopefully, revisions won't take forever. But I definitely plan to have it fully revised and edited before July so I can pitch it to an agent and/or editor at the big writer's conference in San Francisco. I should also have Book 2 in the series plotted out and maybe even started by then. Urban Fantasy is huge right now, so I hope I catch some interest in it. Much to strive for this year!

Have a great week!

Check out my cover for Chasing Shadows!!

When danger and romance collide...

Juliana Westwood must confront her past head-on after she returns to California and dreams of a young girl’s abduction. While aiding the police, Juliana risks her life by delving into the kidnapper’s mind, relying on the psychic abilities that forced her away years before. Juliana must also regain the trust of the child’s uncle, lead detective Alex MacKenzie—the only man she’s ever loved.

Alex was devastated when Juliana disappeared twelve years ago. He’s wary of becoming involved with her either professionally or personally, but his top priority is to find his niece before it’s too late. With few leads to follow, Alex must rely on Juliana’s glimpses into the kidnapper’s mind. Every psychic vision is dangerous, because if the kidnapper discovers who Juliana is first, she could become his next victim.

While chasing clues together, Alex and Juliana are powerless to halt their re-awakening passion. But with the ability to read minds, Juliana fears any relationship is doomed. Alex and Juliana must ultimately find the strength to let go of the past in order to have a future together…if the kidnapper doesn’t destroy the woman Alex never stopped loving.

I have a release date!!

The eBook version of Chasing Shadows will be released by Cerridwen Press on March 27, 2008!

Stay tuned for further updates on cover art, a book release contest, etc. For those who don't know much about eBooks, I'll write a future blog about the benefits, formats, readers, etc.

To Dedicate or Not to Dedicate...

As I finished the last round of edits for Chasing Shadows last week (yay!), my editor asked me for a few other things. One being a dedication or acknowledgment, if any. You know, that thing at the beginning of a book that says who you're dedicating your book to, like your loving spouse, your kids, your dog...that dedication thing.

Well, I'd thought long and hard about this for a while now. I could dedicate the book to a number of people, or to none at all. I've been leaning toward no dedication for quite some time. But I got to thinking about it again now that the official task is upon me.

In my search for an answer, I found 2 fun articles about book dedications. Read them and maybe you'll figure out my answer!

http://books.guardian.co.uk/news/articles/0,,2107907,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=10

http://www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0,,1793688,00.html

In truth, I went the path of least resistance and left the dedication blank. In reality, Chasing Shadows is dedicated to all my past and future readers. Thanks for being you.

Erin

My Wish For You in 2008!

May peace break into your house and thieves come to steal your debts.

May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet for $100 bills.

May love stick to your face like Vaseline.

May laughter assault your lips.

May your clothes smell of success and happiness slap you across the face.

May your tears be that of joy.

May the problems you had in 2007 forget your home address!

In simple words ............May 2008 be the best year of your life!!!

Happy New Year!