That in-between place again

I finished the second book in my paranormal series for Wild Rose -- finished it on Thursday. So I'm at that in-between place again: not quite done with the last book, not ready to start the next one.

I did decide what I'll start next: Book 3 in this series. The characters are firmly in my head, so I want to continue on. The In-Between Place (IBP) is somewhat relaxing, but I find that I always have a lot of catching up to do. I tend to put a lot of things on hold when I'm deep into writing, and now I have to deal with those things: promotion, scheduling, balancing the checkbook .... just daily Stuff.

I'm pleased with how the last book turned out and I'm anxious to start the next one, but I'm trying to restrain myself a bit ... I think the book is better (and the writing goes faster) if I take some time to think about it because I launch into it.

So I'm in Think Mode now ...

There it is!

Look over there to the right -------------)))))))))))))))))))

Yep, another book out today! I didn't get the buy-link until just a few minutes ago. Here's the blurb (it's REALLY a fun book):

Nick Baxter, an undercover FBI agent, thinks his BRILLIANT DISGUISE will fool the hicks in New Providence, Iowa. They won't suspect he's there investigating widow Shannon Delgardie, under suspicion of treason. What Nick doesn't know is that everybody in town is conspiring to protect her and investigate him in return.

Shannon needs help. The men her late husband blackmailed are closing in and the FBI might be involved. When Nick approaches her, can she trust him? With the aid of computer hackers and hair stylists, she uncovers the truth, finding a love she never expected in a tiny Iowa town.

Good starts

I attended a critique session today with a bunch of people reading someone's work.

I doubt I would have had the fortitude to read my work aloud, although as I think about it, maybe I would. I'm getting pretty confident about my writing, although I do still find myself pausing sometimes and thinking, "hmm, is that a good way to handle that?"

Case in point: my WIP. I think I wrote a good first chapter, but is it the RIGHT first chapter?

I'm not sure. Maybe I'm just too accustomed to writing mysteries, in which action starts with a bang. The first chapter in my current WIP starts with an argument between the heroine and a naked man.

Hmm. Maybe not a bad place to start, after all.

Once again ... give thanks

I heard today that an old acquaintance of mine has terminal cancer. I haven't seen her for years, but have kept in touch with her peripherally all this time. She's younger than me by about 5 years, and as far as I know, has lived a healthy life all her life. She's in stage 4, and the prognosis is obviously grim.

Once again: pause, think, and reflect. Health is the most important thing, followed by financial security, emotional security, etc.

This news came as I was worrying about whether I was releasing too many books too fast. It's a reminder to me:

This is life. It is not a rehearsal. We may not get tomorrow.

I'm going to release the books as I see fit and not worry about 'saturating' the market. I think it can handle 4 books a year.

A timely reminder, albeit a grim one.

The benefits of visitors ....

I'm having some company this weekend -- my mother and sister are coming to visit. This has prompted my husband (and, admittedly, myself) to finish all those projects that we were going to do but just haven't quite gotten to. So now the tools are put away, the paint brushes are cleaned, the floor is patched ....

It's useful to have this kind of 'inspection' now and again. It helps clean up that "To do" list!