New Chapters! More Jenni! More Everything!!

The second book is well on its way. It starts just before the survivors in the fort make their move to claim the hotel. I was reading over the sections and realized something was missing. I wasn't sure what it was and laid the book aside to think about it.

That night I dreamt about the missing "part". It made perfect sense and opened the second book with chapters that capture the essence of the characters and fort itself. There is always the possibility of someone starting to read the series at the second novel As The World Dies: Struggling to Survive, so I wanted to make sure they knew who the characters were, but not have a massive info dump. The new chapters add to the character development, paint a clear portrait of what is happening in the fort and the risks at hand, and give the readers a new action sequence.

I really love the new chapters.

Plus, it was fun to revisit Katie and Jenni and the other characters. I miss writing for them and it felt good to hear their voices in my head once more.

Besides, Jenni+ax+zombies=a good time.

The final proof reader is making her way through the book. She has an excellent eye and I trust her to find the final little goofs that have missed the one billion read-throughs. There is always something you just don't see.

We're almost to publication and its getting so exciting. I'm looking into attending some horror conventions as a vendor so I can sell and sign my book and that means ordering signs, posters and banners.

I recently met an artist here in Austin who has made this truly creepy zombie baby. I'm thinking of buying it off of him.

That we are at this point in the process just amazes me. I never would have done this without the encouragement of my fans, family and friends. I don't feel alone in this process and that is a very good feeling.

The publication date is looming, but I'm not worried. I really believe you guys will love this book as much as I do when you hold it in your hands. It's truly gorgeous and the quality is terrific.

I wonder if ya'll are as excited as I am?

It's Here!!! The Proof Copy of As The World Dies is Here!

It's gorgeous!! Simply gorgeous!

When I opened up the box and there sat my novel in all its glory, I think I couldn't breathe for a moment. The cover is beautiful. The book is wonderfully made. It is just fantastic.

There are some minor formatting issues, but those can be easily fixed.

I'm reading it through it then handing it off to another proof reader.

I'm so excited!

We're definitely on track!

< insert scream here >

The new chapter for the Lenore/Ken story vanished! UGH! I don't know where it went or what I did to it, but its gone. I was not feeling well on Sunday when I was working on it and I must have done something really stupid before closing out the program.

*headdesk*

I have to restart.

*sigh*

UGH! I Have Zero Patience

The proof copy of As The World Dies: The First Days is in the mail. But I want it in my hands-

-NOW!!!

*sigh*

I'm even dreaming about holding it in my hands. It is like giving birth and I just want to hold my baby.

I was very busy this weekend. There was the Mad Tea Party on Friday night at a friend's house. Everyone came out dressed as someone from Alice in Wonderland or in Victorian garb. The tables were overflowing with antique teapots filled with a variety of teas, tons of food, decorations, and teacups with cards attached to them with sayings from the book. It was gloriously fun and very inspiring.

Saturday we had some good friends over for dinner and later caught The Dark Knight's midnight showing. I cannot say enough good things about this movie. I loved it. It was amazing. Heath Ledger vanished into the role of The Joker and it was mindblowing. It was beyond words.

Sunday was supposed to be my catching up on my writing day...yeah..right. Allergy attack from hell hit. One of the drawbacks of living in Austin is the allergens that just kick your arse every which way. Today at work many people are suffering. If you don't have allergies and move to Austin, within a few years you develop them. It sux, but the city is so amazing, its worth it.

But I did work on Ken and Lenore's story. I know where its headed and how it ends. It's got a lot more excitement in it and some definite scary stuff. I didn't mean to slow down so much on the story, but I have a lot of irons on the fire right now.

Meanwhile, the story for the Baptist Encampment that people have been asking me about for ages finally took form in my head. I'm not sure exactly where it is going to show up or how long it will be, but I will finally fulfill the wish of quite a few fans and let them know what happened to the Baptist Encampment.

I'm here. I am writing. The book is coming. Appearances are being scheduled. Things are flowing.

I hope to have some new writing up for you tonight.

Keep your fingers crossed.

A Fresh Update--At Last!

I didn't mean to go so long without updating. It's just been a weird couple of weeks and every time I thought about updating, I would usually be tucked into bed on the verge of sleep.

If you're wondering how often I do update, its basically not set in stone and usually just when I have something to say. I don't want to set an exact date for updates only to come up blank about what to actually write about and end up telling you about how good my chihuahua is at giving me guilt trips (very good!) and boring you silly.

But today I do have a few updates.

Book Signing
The first book signing for As The World Dies: The First Days has been set for September 6, 2008 at Secret Oktober in Austin, Texas. It will start at 4pm and end at 8pm and depending on how many people show up, I may do two readings from the novel. Limited copies of the book will be available for sale at the store, so if you do plan to attend, you may want to order your own copy and bring it with you. I'll update as more information becomes available.

Proof Copy
The proof copy of the novel is in the mail. I'll be reading through it one more time before giving final approval on the novel. I also have some editing notes I will review as I reread the novel and see if I agree with the suggestions. We're down to comma use at this time. So the edits are pretty much done at this time.

Other Stories from As The World Dies
I'm trying to post a new chapter to the anthology story about Ken and Lenore at least once a week. This is because I have other things I need to take care of at this time for the actual book coming out and the rewrite/revision of As The World Dies: Fighting to Survive has moved to the front burner. I hope to have it on sale by late October.

I promise a new chapter on the anthology story will be up either tonight or tomorrow.

August 15th is just around the corner and I'm so excited.

I can't wait until you guys can have your very own copy of the book as your very own.

Temporary Website Is Up

This website is basically our trial run. Please let me know what you think of it. Any suggestions are welcome.

We are also trying to put together an FAQ. I do have a small list of questions at this time, but if you have anything specific you would like to ask, please feel free to do so in the comment section on my blog or email me.

There is one page on the site you may want to take a look at. It's a list of upcoming novels from yours truly.