Why I'm doing NaNo this year....sorta.

In the last few weeks I've discovered a small (thankfully temporary) downside to getting a book deal: the "not writing" part. While waiting to begin edits on my novel, I occupied myself with research and notes for subsequent books in the series...but I don't want to go too far and fall in love with an idea only to have my editor not like it. I've also been working at keeping up with my social networking, which thanks to all you awesome people, doesn't really feel like work. But...I MISS writing! I miss bringing characters and adventures to life on the page.

So...mere hours before it started, I've decided to unofficially do NaNoWrimo. I'm doing another novella in my rock star series. Like my last one, it's a pure guilty pleasure project. I've had the premise and some fun scenes floating in my head for months and NaNo gave me the perfect excuse to indulge myself.

In summary, this project is pure playtime in which I give myself full permission to write junk and have fun with obvious and not so obvious references to both fiction and the heavy metal subculture. I.E. In the real world, there's a "Big Six" in publishing and the "Big Four" in Thrash metal. In my fictional world, I have a "Big Six" in thrash metal, LOL. I also named the band in this project, Vishӧus. ;)

Taking great hair and great music to the next level? How can I resist?

But as I have no idea where and if this series would fit in the market, I am not that emotionally invested in it. When the time comes to get back to work on BITE ME, YOUR GRACE, I can close this document without regret.

Because I now realize what NaNoWrimo is all about. Getting writers doing what they do best: WRITING.

Review of Phoenix Rising by Jo Lynne Valerie

I was lucky enough to get a sneak peak at this story.

PHOENIX RISING, a novella within A TALE FOR ALL SEASONS was a poignant story that warmed the heart and reminds the reader that there is more to paranormal romance than sexy monsters. (Though I love those too!) Ms. Valerie is an expert at creating a potent atmosphere that transports you away from your cares. My favorite line: What she did know at that moment though, was that aspirin helped head aches, tissues dried
tears and coffee was good in the morning.

The heroine was compelling and delightfully out of the norm for a romance heroine: an eccentric artist aunt in her 40's. (Love it!) After illustrating a book cover for a best-selling author, she discovers that the man she painted is real....spooky. The chemistry between them was as touching as it was mystical. There were no spicy sex scenes, but in this case it was okay.

And when a dark secret from the heroine's past is revealed, be prepared to fight back gut-wrenching tears. The surprise twist at the end will have you reeling. I cannot wait to read the other stories in this collection.

Here's the link to Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Rising-ebook/product-reviews/B00307S156/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1