First Glimpse

I had my first glimpse at the book cover for Whisper Falls tonight.  My senior editor sent a mockup of the cover art.  I have two things to say.

1. The mockup gives me chills. The cover art is going to be amazing. (Holy Moly. I have a photo concept for the cover of my book!)
2. The editor really wants my feedback.  That is a rare thing in the publishing industry.  Most authors get the cover with a 'there it is.'  If the author doesn't like it, tough.  SpencerHill not only cares about my opinion, they are actively seeking it.  I love this publishing house.

Well, okay, maybe I have four things to say.

3) I did show it to my husband, and he got chills too. My younger daughter didn't like it (which was predictable. She's 17. 'Nuff said.)

4) I would love to send it to everyone and I can't.  Not yet.

But soon.  I promise.

Where does the time go?

I have three part-time jobs.

During the day, I work for a software company doing geeky things. I teach students, write documentation, and help people enjoy their work more.  I love my day job. 

At night, I write books.  I hear voices inside my head coming from characters who are real to me--and I get to record their stories.  I get to laugh with them, cry with them, and hope they prevail. Because I write YA, I get to experience the teen years through my characters.  I love my night job.

24 hours a day, 7 days a week--I am a homeschooling mom. My daughter attends a virtual high school, and I am her administrator, tutor, cheerleader, organizer, chauffeur, and financial institution. I love alternative education.

I'm tired all the time, but it's a good kind of tired.

Hitting the road

Book 2 is due next spring. Half of the story takes place in 2016; the other half circa 1800.

I've had a brainstorming session with the brilliant Laura.  But, as I found with Whisper Falls, delving into the history often unfolds the story.  It's all there, waiting to be discovered.

So I'm heading on a couple of road trips.  First, daughter #2 and I will be traveling through eastern North Carolina, seeking out historical sites--hoping the land, buildings, and keepers-of-the-past share their wisdom.

Two weeks later, I'm heading to Virginia.  One of my eighteenth-century characters earns her living as a seamstress.  I'll explore the life styles, fashions, and textiles of that period in Richmond, Alexandria, McLean, and Mount Vernon.  My amazing husband has offered to drive.

The only thing better than learning about American history is to experience it with my family. I can't wait. 

While I Wait

I'm in a lull period with Whisper Falls.

I submitted my first round of revisions to my editor three weeks ago.  But I am not the only author he supports, and someone else takes precedence.

While waiting my turn, I'm working on another project. I Wished is YA contemporary magical realism novel.  This manuscript won over my agent.  I love the prickly heroine Lacey, the complicated family she protects, and the "genie" who shows up to make a difference.

I'm a better author today than I was four years ago when I wrote the original manuscript.  If I work hard--and with freelancer Laura's help--I Wished could be a great book.

I'm psyched.  This is going to be so much fun.