Writer Retreats: Good?

So one of my publishers is sponsoring a "Writer's Retreat" and I'm contemplating attending. They never seem to be anywhere close to me, so I would have to fly. Plus hotel, taxi, etc... So it's going to cost me about $1000.00 all told. That's ALOT... ALOT. So my question is, has anyone ever been to a writer's retreat and do you think it's worth the expense?

A day of excitement

...followed by months of waiting. Hehehe. That's the rollercoaster ride of professional writing.

The Grass is Always Greener got the greenlight from my editor, after three rounds of edits. It's done!!! Now it goes for formatting, then a copy editor will review it. Now I wait to see the cover design and advanced reading copy before the release sometime in August! This is the first book I've finished editing and its a thrill to know it is completed. *does the happy dance*

So I can officially say... The Grass is Always Greener, coming soon from Breathless Press

Fingers Crossed

I sent my short story, Divalicious, back to the publisher for consideration. They rejected it last time, but asked me to revise and resubmit. After a major overhaul and thorough cleansing of the manuscript, its ten times better and now... on its way to the publisher. Here's hoping!

Jessica Lee visiting J.A. Saare today

Hey all, Jessica Lee (a fellow Loose Id author) is blog touring over at J.A Saare's Blog today. Drop by and comment for a chance at a $10.00 Loose Id gift card!

http://www.jasaare.blogspot.com/

I don't recognize my own work

So I'm up to my eyeballs in revisions for my first novel. My editor is wonderful and she has been so patient with my rookie-ness. But I have to say, its been more than huge event for me.

I've learned soooooo much about writing, my own flaws, strengths, tendencies (both good and bad), in such a short time, its amazing. I know it's not easy to get published, believe me I know, but if you have the chance... Oh wow, the things you will learn about the craft!!!

My editor for Gothic City Lights urged me to tone down some aspects of the book that she felt might detract from its marketability and I agreed. But also, it sparked my hair-trigger muse and I decided,(probably to my editor's dismay) to gut huge sections of the book and rewrite them. But... I feel so amped about it. The revisions are based on the editors suggestions but my muse needed to go several steps further, that I barely recognize the book I submitted. It's already tons better and we're not finished. I can't wait for my beta readers to see the finished book. I think even they will see a completely different book!

Going, going, sold!

Woot! Time to celebrate. I signed a contract on my short story, The Grass is Always Greener yesterday morning with Breathless Press. I'm so happy to be on board with this up and coming publisher. They have been so fantastic and I've only just begun with them. Thanks to Sable Grey for recommending them!

Nothing beats a request for more

... well, except an offer for publication! Hehehe.

Anyways, just needed to share that I received a request for a full on a short story I submitted. *does a jig* Now, its only a short story, so asking for the full is standard, but it does mean they liked the query. So... *fingers crossed*

This Side of Heaven: release day!

It's finally here, the long await release of Fallon Blake's "This side of heaven" Go forth, purchase and enjoy!!




I had the distinct honor of beta reading this story, and confess a bias. It's awesome, it's hot... you'll love it!

Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between

Yeah!!! Huge congrats to J.A. Saare for her release today of Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between Check it out!!!!

Amazon and MacMillan are crazy!!

About the whole debate between Amazon and MacMillan over the price of eBooks. I think both of them are insane if they think I will buy a digital eBook for $9.95 or $14.95. I'll run down to Barnes and Noble and get the paperback for $7.99.

The whole BS that Amazon can't profit on $9.95 eBooks is sheer folly. Printed books cost more and they sell them for less... and still profit, so there's a huge BS sticker on their claim. MacMillan wants to sell eBooks for $14.95 in place of hardcovers and that seems a bit steep, but understandable that they are trying to cover their advance to the author.

But I won't be paying anything close to that for an eBook... my own included! *lol*

Thoughts?

Muse gone Crazy

So, I'm having a great week. Great month, actually. This month, I've submitted a full length novel to a couple of agents, who I would love to work with.

I also wrote and submitted an erotica short story to a publisher, who I also would love to work with.

And, I'm 3k into another erotica 5k short story! All this, while waiting for my 1st round of edits from my publisher on Gothic City Lights!

Not bad?