So Stuff has been going on. Good Stuff, but things that I’ve needed to address. I was at RT last month and it was AMAZING! I had so much fun and got to meet a lot of my online peeps in person for the first time, I think I was still buzzing from the experience for at least a week.

I also ended up pitching to a few agents and editors while I was there. This is something I haven’t done in a while and the experience was good for me. And terrifying. I pitched a book that wasn’t finished. Now yes, I know. I did in fact tell said editors and agents that it wasn’t done. It didn’t seem to matter because they all wanted to see the story when it was completed.

PANIC!!

Thing 1 I have learned – don’t pitch something if you’re not ready (mentally or otherwise) to make Shit Happen.

So I’ve been working like a dog to get the first draft done. Three weeks and 34k later, I’m nearly finished. I’m hoping to get into the final few chapters today in fact (reality check: don’t start gardening until I’ve done my words today – you’ll stay out there for HOURS). I’m really excited about this book. It’s the biggest plot I’ve done in the way of complexity. I like to think the scenario is unique and (with luck) at least one of the editors/agents will agree.

On top of that I’ve had final edits for Josh’s story (Calling the Shots – it’s scheduled for October peeps!), three shorts for anthologies I’ve been asked to be a part of, and trying to do promo for my little book Dom For Sale (Buy it – I’ll love you for it – and yes, there will be a follow-up story. I’m working on it next). It’s been a bit overwhelming keeping everything straight.

Thing 2 I have learned – Your calendar is your friend.

I’ve been scheduling everything in and it’s been helping me keep everything timed perfectly. I rarely miss a deadline, mostly because I’m a giant stress bag who freaks out at even the idea. But the unique concept of WRITING SHIT DOWN has really helped me.

Being as busy as I have been, I haven’t been watching TV. Well, except for Big Bang Theory. I don’t watch a lot of shows, but the ones I do I’m hugely devoted to. I’m behind on Supernatural, Spartacus, Game of Thrones…pretty much everything. I want to weep every time someone says, “Hey, did you see–”

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO *flees the room*

People have begun talking. I know this because rooms grow quiet and people edge away from me when I enter them now.

Thing 3 I’ve learned – I’m turning into a giant freak.

So yes, I’m still alive and I’m working. With summer approaching, I’m hoping things will start to settle enough that I’ll be able to relax and enjoy the flowers. Maybe.

Off to write!

PS – Thing 4 I have learned – My husband will send typo corrections via IM when he reads my blog. Fixed those up, sweetie.

I wish I could be that person all the time.

I’ve been run off my feel recently between the day job and the family. I keep my inner rock star primped and ready to go at the drop of a hat, but more often than not she’s stuck sitting in the corner sucking on a vodka and lime while watching reruns of Magnum PI.

I have been writing. And editing. I have had two sales recently that I’m waiting to announce because of paperwork. One won’t be a surprise to anyone. The other is a new venture that I’m excited about. I have a few other pokers in the fire that I’m waiting to hear on as well.

So while my rock star is cooling her heals until she can come out to play at the RT Booklovers Convention, I’ll do my best to keep you all updated on things as they happen. I am still on Twitter (crack) so you know where to find me.

Party on.

Of course, this brings up the question of what to talk about. I’m not overly political. I won’t beat the drum about something (even though I might feel passionately about it). I’m not controversial. I’m not particularly witty and my humor doesn’t always translate to the page. Soooooo….maybe I’ll just ramble and show pictures of hot guys.

No? Oh. Maybe?

How about I just talk about Zombieland.

Yeah, I think I was one of the last people in the world to see this movie. My husband hauled it up on Netflix Friday night and informed me we needed to watch this. I didn’t find it LOL hilarious (okay, except for Bill Fucking Murray), but I LOVED how it was basically a first person narrative. The rules that Columbus has and repeats through the movie have stayed with me far longer than some of the other elements. As a result, the movie endeared itself to me.

Plus Woody was hot in the hat.

Zombies are fun. They can be scary. More than that, zombie movies tend to make the humans in the scary. We’d be forced to do things that are so outside of who we would be in the normal world, it’s terrifying. Would I kill someone/thing to save my family. Hell yeah.

That’s the only movie I’ve watched recently. I’m still desperate to see Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and Sherlock Holmes. Maybe I’ll sneak out this week and check them out.

I’ve been doing a lot of writing recently. I’ve submitted two stories to my editors (one for Carina Press, one for EC) and I’m working on a novella for a Christmas anthology call. I really love this one so far, so let’s hope it stays groovy. I’m also finalizing my Steampunk workshop that I’ll be doing over at Passionate Ink next moth. If you’re interested, make sure you register.

It’s easy to forget how much progress has been made when you’re neck deep in writing new stories, doing up proposals for agents (getting rejected by agents), working on edits on top of everything else that is going on. It’s nice to sit back and take a look at what’s happened over the past year and see where I’m hoping to go in 2012. So that’s what I’m doing. If you haven’t given yourself the opportunity to take a moment and look back at the positives of the past year (even if they may be hard to see), you should.

Releases

This year saw the most releases I’ve ever had at one time. Not only did I have seven publications hit the stands, I got to work with three new publishers! It’s been a crazy, wild ride and one that I hope doesn’t come to an end anytime soon.

No Master – Ellora’s Cave

Girls Who Bite – Cleis Press

Steamlust: Steampunk Erotic Romance – Cleis Press

Double Shot – Carina Press

A Shot in the Dark – Carina Press

Pulled Long – Carina Press

Agony/Ecstasy - Berkley Heat

New Words

On top of the edits and promotions I did for the above books, I’d somehow also managed to get 230,700 new words written. That’s on five manuscripts, one that was published (No Master), two that are contracted and are coming in 2012 (Spectral Bond, Scorched Retribution), and three stories that I’m in the process of finishing/editing (an Exotica for EC, an erotic steampunk I hope to try and get an agent with, book 4 in the Long Shots series, and a partial for Blaze).

It’s a bit crazy…

Reading

I’ve also made a point of doing more reading in 2011. I took the Goodreads challenge and set a goal for myself of reading 50 books. I’m technically 3 books behind on the challenge, but I have actually read well over the 50. I won’t post any reviews of books I don’t like (I try to only say nice things online) and there were a few I read that didn’t float my boat. This was good for me and I found it helped keep me motivated with my writing. I plan to do this again next year.

Looking Forward

I’m already very excited about what is on the horizon for 2012. I have two releases ready to go. Spectral Bond, a new story in the Eternal Bond universe will be out early 2012. Scorched Retribution is a story I have in the new Cleis Press She-Shifters anthology coming out in July. I also hope to have Josh’s story (book 4 in the Long Shots world) out in 2012. I also will be finishing up the Blaze (even if I get a no on that one), work on a few call for submissions that have caught my eye, and I have plans for two new novella series.

In other words, I’ll be busy.

I hope you are all ready for 2012, and I hope it is as productive (and happy) for you as I hope it will be for me.

*does a snoopy dance*

What’s been going on? Well, I’ve managed to complete 50k of a new erotic steampunk novel. It’s nowhere near done, but I’m thrilled with where it’s going. It will be at least another 30k to finish the first draft, and I suspect I will add another 10k before I can start sending it out to agent.

Yes, I’ve decided to take another kick at the agent can in the New Year. We’ll see how I make out with that.

On the release front, December has two for me! On December 6th (OMG next week!!!) the Agony/Ecstasy anthology releases. Considering its been over a year since I first heard my story was chosen by Jane to be a part of this, I’m anxious to see it out there. I can’t wait for my copies to arrive.

December 12th has Pulled Long releasing from Carina Press. This is the third of the Long Shots series, and tells Ian’s story. I’ve received many comments from readers about how anxious they are to see Ian get his happily ever after. I hope you won’t be disappointed.

On a side note, there is a fourth story in that series. It deals with Josh, Beth (the girl who was caught having sex in book 2), and a new character Oliver. The three of them get up to lots of fun. It is off with my editor right now, so with luck she will like it and you’ll have the next story in 2012.

Currently, I’m working through the last bit of additions to a new novella for EC. This will be a bridge story in my Eternal Bonds series, linking to a new series I have planned in that universe. More details to come!

The final bit of news I have is in regard to a workshop I’m running for the RWA Passionate Ink chapter. Want to learn how to write erotic steampunk? Then I’ll be able to help! Check out further details on their site.

*does a snoopy dance*

So with all of my new releases coming out I thought it was time for me to do up a printable book list for you to download (if you are so inclined). I will be posting and updating this on my book page of my website, but I thought I would put a copy here as well for you to grab.

I’ve listed my books by series, put in links to various purchase sites, and flagged what each book is (m/f, m/m, m/m/f, etc). I hope this helps those of you who are looking to follow a particular series, or want to make sure they don’t buy something they’re not comfortable reading.

I’d love to hear feedback on this. If there are any tweaks I can make to ensure it’s more functional, please let me know.

Book List for Christine d’Abo

I also wanted to let you all know that A Shot in the Dark is now up for pre-order over at Amazon, and reviewers that you can access it over at NetGalley.

Worse problems to have, right?

I love this time of year. There is something about late summer and early fall that makes me feel really settled in my skin. I get most of my annual writing done in these months and have lots of fresh story ideas come to mind.

Its also the time to get back to routines. I find back to school time almost better than New Years for motivating me to do all the things I’ve been putting off. New clothing, new supplies, new routine, all great to give the body and mind a kick start.

This fall is also going to be busy for me on the release front. I have a small amount of guilt about the promo spam I’ll have to blast you all with, but I’m hoping you’ll forgive me. I’m really proud of the stories that will be coming out and I love that there is a little bit for every reading taste. All hot and spicy too!

But for the next few weeks I’m going to relax and enjoy the rest of the summer. I’ll keep going with my 1k a day challenge (and it’s going pretty well!), with the hopes that I’ll get the final Long Shots book done. Then it will be on to Romanticon and a chance to meet a lot of you in person. I can’t wait!

Until then, have a glass of sangria for me and enjoy!

My edits for most of my fall releases are done. No Master will be out in seven days (OMG!) and I’ve decided to take it easy on the writing front for a few weeks.

My master plan is to play video games and hang out with my children. World domination will soon follow.

I also want to take the opportunity to get caught up on my reading. I’ve been able to get through a number of novellas and short novels that have been sitting on my e-reader for a while in recent days. I’ve posted some reviews over on Goodreads, but I’d recomment getting the following if you are looking for something new.

Do Over by Mari Carr. If you have been married for any length of time, you will appreciate this beautifully written novel. It’s about a couple who have a special weekend getaway to get reacquainted with each other. I cried more than once.

Sweet As Sin by Inez Kelley. This is another book that had me crying. The struggles of the hero and heroine in this book prove that sometimes love isn’t enough. The resolution was immensley satisfying.

Outcast Mine by Jamie Craig. A well written m/m sci-fi romance that had be flipping the pages at a rapid rate. Great action and hot sex.

I’m traveling for work this week, but when I get back I’ll officially slide into summer mode. How about you? Any special plans for the summer?

This week I’ve been eyeball deep in edits for the Long Shots series. The first round for the first two stories are done, and I’ll be moving on with them later this week.

I’ve also had news of two sales! I’m still waiting on the official bits before I can share the details, but I’m very happy with both. I hope you all are too.

Today’s Friday funny came from a day job co-worker. Please don’t hate me for getting this song stuck in your head. Have a fantastic weekend!

I do have some excellent news about a new contract coming up, but I can’t quite share it with you yet. I hope everything will be finalized next week and I’ll be able to give you the deets. Needless to say, I’m ecstatic.

I’ll be participating at the Toronto Romance Writer’s March critique session again this year. I hope I’ll be able to offer a bit of advice to the new writers in my group. Thankfully J.K. Coi is my critique partner, so they will benefit from her expertise as well.

Seeing as it’s Friday, I thought I’d share another funny video with you. This one isn’t safe for little ears or work (unless you have headphones). I laughed my ass off!

Happy Friday everyone!