I've been buried under piles of (literal) paperwork (paper edits) in which I learned SO FREAKING MUCH from my editor (waves and claps and waves some more). I never knew how informative an edit like that could be, but man, she rocked it! And while it does take a good deal longer to operate that way, it's all for the good--your good, beloved reader. Weird, I know, but I really believe this is the cleanest final manuscript I've ever produced. It's a good, good feeling. Particularly since this has to be my favorite contemporary title I've written to date.
In honor of this story, which will release August 1, 2017, initially as new content from Audible (audio book), I'll be working with my fantabulous assistant, Nicole the Splendiferous, to put together a little (big) contest. The theme is "Mommy & Me: Back to School." There will be two packages in the prize. The first will be basic school supplies for the child(ren) returning to school. For Mom, who will have a little quiet time and, just maybe, a little separation anxiety, I'll be including a certificate for the audio book as well as some of my backlist titles, a nice relaxation basket filled with goodies from Bath & Body Works, and a little Teavana experience the winner can delve into as well.
While this has taken a lot of time, it's not the only pie my fingers have been in. I've also, as usual, been writing like mad. Proposals for new projects are ongoing in between working on my first Dare release with Harlequin, tentatively titled DIRTY MONEY. (Heh. I love punny titles.) The manuscript is due to my editor June 1, but I'm hoping to have it turned in a couple weeks early. Fingers crossed for strong (read: fast) edits. The story is seriously hawt, no doubt about it, but the plot is still strong. If you've read my work, you know my rule: no gratuitous sex. I tried, once, to write gratuitous sex. I'm not at all pleased I broke my own rule and so have vowed to never do it again. Sorry if my position isn't what the cool kids are doing, but I feel, and will always feel, that intimacy between characters should have a purpose, not just a...nother pair of "p" words. LOL
As far as the proposals I'm working on? I've put together something brand new for a possible opportunity in the paranormal genre. It would likely be a stand-alone title, but the publisher is new to me. If I hit the right notes and the editor likes what she sees? There may be a two-book contract. But one will keep me just as busy up front. I really love both proposals I've drafted. Either would be seriously fun to write.
On the personal front, I'm still playing with flowers. I've put together a couple of new arrangements you can see on my Instagram account here. I enjoy playing with flowers so freaking much. Several people have suggested a second career for me. I'm not sure that will ever happen. No one wants a part-time florist who likely uses too many flowers. But oh, how I enjoy it at home!
I've also been doing some more cooking of late. In particular? Baking. I've discovered a to-die-for-simple-as-all-get-out recipe for homemade salted caramel topping. I'm putting it together and packaging it (made) in Mason jars for Christmas this year. The stuff is like crack. Hmmm. Maybe this will be my second career--making caramel-crack and supplying my friends and family whom I'm sure will be as addicted as I am. If the street rules are true and you're never supposed to try that which you sell? I'm screwed. I'm as addicted to this stuff as anyone. Before you demand I apologize, you wanna try it? (winks at your and hands you a spoon)
And beyond all of that, I was prepping my house to sell. Note the past tense in that sentence. It seems Mr. Ireland and I have finally come to an agreement on this particular venture. To get the house we really want, we need to wait a little bit and let life settle. Assuming it will... Regardless, I'm finding my own happy right where I sit: in front of this computer, writing and chatting with other writers and readers and friends, rediscovering the joys of intrinsically happy and positive people, loving those I can't live without and working hard to keep a positive outlook in all things. To that end, I will leave you with this saying I found, and bought, on a little block that now sits right by my bed:
In honor of this story, which will release August 1, 2017, initially as new content from Audible (audio book), I'll be working with my fantabulous assistant, Nicole the Splendiferous, to put together a little (big) contest. The theme is "Mommy & Me: Back to School." There will be two packages in the prize. The first will be basic school supplies for the child(ren) returning to school. For Mom, who will have a little quiet time and, just maybe, a little separation anxiety, I'll be including a certificate for the audio book as well as some of my backlist titles, a nice relaxation basket filled with goodies from Bath & Body Works, and a little Teavana experience the winner can delve into as well.
While this has taken a lot of time, it's not the only pie my fingers have been in. I've also, as usual, been writing like mad. Proposals for new projects are ongoing in between working on my first Dare release with Harlequin, tentatively titled DIRTY MONEY. (Heh. I love punny titles.) The manuscript is due to my editor June 1, but I'm hoping to have it turned in a couple weeks early. Fingers crossed for strong (read: fast) edits. The story is seriously hawt, no doubt about it, but the plot is still strong. If you've read my work, you know my rule: no gratuitous sex. I tried, once, to write gratuitous sex. I'm not at all pleased I broke my own rule and so have vowed to never do it again. Sorry if my position isn't what the cool kids are doing, but I feel, and will always feel, that intimacy between characters should have a purpose, not just a...nother pair of "p" words. LOL
As far as the proposals I'm working on? I've put together something brand new for a possible opportunity in the paranormal genre. It would likely be a stand-alone title, but the publisher is new to me. If I hit the right notes and the editor likes what she sees? There may be a two-book contract. But one will keep me just as busy up front. I really love both proposals I've drafted. Either would be seriously fun to write.
On the personal front, I'm still playing with flowers. I've put together a couple of new arrangements you can see on my Instagram account here. I enjoy playing with flowers so freaking much. Several people have suggested a second career for me. I'm not sure that will ever happen. No one wants a part-time florist who likely uses too many flowers. But oh, how I enjoy it at home!
I've also been doing some more cooking of late. In particular? Baking. I've discovered a to-die-for-simple-as-all-get-out recipe for homemade salted caramel topping. I'm putting it together and packaging it (made) in Mason jars for Christmas this year. The stuff is like crack. Hmmm. Maybe this will be my second career--making caramel-crack and supplying my friends and family whom I'm sure will be as addicted as I am. If the street rules are true and you're never supposed to try that which you sell? I'm screwed. I'm as addicted to this stuff as anyone. Before you demand I apologize, you wanna try it? (winks at your and hands you a spoon)
And beyond all of that, I was prepping my house to sell. Note the past tense in that sentence. It seems Mr. Ireland and I have finally come to an agreement on this particular venture. To get the house we really want, we need to wait a little bit and let life settle. Assuming it will... Regardless, I'm finding my own happy right where I sit: in front of this computer, writing and chatting with other writers and readers and friends, rediscovering the joys of intrinsically happy and positive people, loving those I can't live without and working hard to keep a positive outlook in all things. To that end, I will leave you with this saying I found, and bought, on a little block that now sits right by my bed:
Never put the key to your happiness
in someone else's pocket.
in someone else's pocket.
Until next time,
Kelli
Kelli
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