I realize I've done an absolutely appalling job of actually keeping up with my blog. Eh, what can I say? I have nothing to say? No, that's not quite it. I have plenty to say, just not the time to say it. I'd much rather be spending my time writing and trying to get published then writing a blog. That's pretty much it. But, I have enough to tell you about now that I warrant it necessary to write a new blog post.
First, I'd like to say that Scar-Crossed is just about ready to make her debut to the publishing realm. I've had about ten beta-readers read her and give her a glowing review. Most edits are complete, the query and the summary are in the final review stages, and the prospective agent list is officially three pages long. All I have to do now, is have patience enough to wait for my last few readers to send me edits.
On another note, all three of the next Hill Dweller novels have been hashed out and begun. Oh, wait, you don't even know about the Hill Dweller Series yet! Okay, the Hill Dweller series will be all the books that center around the fairy realm created in Scar-Crossed. So, of course, Scar-Crossed will be the first Hill Dweller novel. The Changeling Hunt, the sequel to Scar-Crossed, will be the second novel. The Changeling Hunt is completely plotted out, about thirty pages in, and will answer all the questions about what happens to Lacey and Connor after the Seelie Court finds out that Connor took the last available Walker.
I also have two books that are re-tellings that also fit into this series...but I can't tell you about them. Top secret and all that. Sorry, I guess I'm paranoid that someone will steal my ideas. But trust me, they're exciting. I'm practically bursting with the need to share them. I will tell you that they are titled Tamrin and Fauning Over You.
In other news, I've been reading and listening up a storm. I've nearly finished my list of YA paranormal romance novels and I'm starting on my Steam-Punk list. This week I read Scar Night, a novel by Alan Campbell, and I finished listening to Leviathan, a YA novel by Scott Westerfeld. Both were excellent, but I have to say that as far as sequels go, I'm totally more interested in what happens next for the characters in Leviathan. It may just be that Westerfeld has this obnoxious knack for writing cliff-hangers. How does he get away with it?! Cause he's awesome, that's why! Can you tell I've read him before? I think the man is a genius. And if I weren't a writer, I'd be totally unprofessional and dorky and probably stalk him. Kidding. But seriously, the things he comes up with! Uglies and Pretties? Darwinists and Clankers? Leviathan was like Blue Sub. 6 meets World War I. I found myself calling everything Bum-Rag for at least two days after finishing it.
I thought Scar Night was good too, but for different reasons. Campbell is really good at spreading the jelly over the toast. Where Westerfeld tends to follow only one or two characters, Campbell has you reading the POV of at least five. All of his characters are thick with motive and are being used as pawns by someone else. I like the conspiracy of the book. Probably because it reminds me so much of That Which Lies in Darkness. The only issue I really had with it was that the book often followed the antagonist more than the protagonist. I found myself wanting to read more about Dill and Rachel, not Mr. Nettle and Devon. However, the interesting aspect of this novel (and I'm reminded once again of TWLID) is that you don't really know who the bad guy is. The antagonists seem to have clear motives and you find yourself sympathizing with them. I guess I'm just more interested in angels and possible romantic interests? Blame it on the YA novels I've been reading lately.
Anyway, that's all for now. I have to be off soon to have myself photographed for a photo journal! I feel popular.
