Author: Kristbethke

So once again I’ve gone a little MIA, so I’d like to take a little time and fill you in on what’s been going on.

GRL is just five days away, and while I won’t be going (for a number of personal reasons), I will have a small presence there. I think I’ve mentioned a time or two that I knit. (I crochet as well) So I sent a little something along with a friend for the annual Cock Walk. So if you’re attending, have a great time, and maybe check out my contribution. —–>

Something Like Want is off for edits. Looking forward to getting that one back and making it the shiniest it can be. I’m still intending for the end of the month release. I have a gorgeous cover, which I’ll share very soon along with the blurb. My plan is to release this one exclusively on Amazon as part of KU for 90 days, and then go with the wide release. More details coming soon!

His Needs is still looking like it’ll be released mid-December, and I’m super excited for this one to hit the shelves as well. It’s all my favorite things wrapped up into one package and I loved writing it and editing it and the characters and just every bit about it. Holidays and friends to lovers and care taking. Again, I’ll give you more details as things get firmed up and the time gets closer.

I’ve broken ground on the next story! Hearts and Hazelnuts is coming along nicely. Check the word meter in the WIPs tab to stay updated on my progress. I’ve chosen 30k as the goal words here because right now, that’s what it feels like it’ll be. And I say feels like because I don’t have an exact way to figure out how long a story will be. It literally just “feels” like a certain length. It’s not set in stone, and when the story is done, it will be done. Whether that’s at 15 or 30 or 50K. (though no more than 50 because that’s the max limit) But yeah, I’m shooting for 30-ish.

So that’s where I’m at, writing wise.

Personal life has been intruding a bit, as the EDJ moved to a new location and it’s been one mess after another. But we’re sorting it out and making it work. The new space is so much smaller than the old space, and we are all a lot closer than we used to be. Not to mention, we don’t have as much actual desk space as we used to. It certainly been an adjustment. We’ve been there just one week. It still feels unreal. But also, it’s been a long time coming, and considering the upheaval that work has been for the past year, it almost feels like it’s the last leg of an incredibly taxing journey. We’re in the home stretch and hopefully now, things will settle.

So that’s all the big stuff. Hope all is well with you, and check back here if you’re looking for info and updates from me.

In a burst of words this past weekend, I finished writing a short novella. And I adore the ever living crap out of it. It’s sweet and fluffy and I got to really embrace that whole thing. I adore both the characters so much I can’t even decide who is my favorite. Eli, as the narrator, has a special place in my heart. But Chase, oh, there are moments when he just steals my heart completely. Not to mention, there’s also a secondary character who just makes me grin. So I adore it a lot and I need to make it pretty and tweak it and fix some stuff. I’ve got time before deadline and I want to make it the best story it can be before that.

Want will be heading to the editor soon and I’m super excited about getting this story out there to you. There are moments when I actually think it’s my favorite (though I think that about different parts of every book in the series) and I hope you all will enjoy it as well. Alex and Spencer…man, their story has been such a long time coming and it was a little bit of a departure for me. I love it though. As it stands now, this is the last book in the series. Though I do have an idea about a potential fifth book, I’m not going to make any plans for it now. I won’t say never.

And then there’s the fact that I now know more about hazelnuts, and the farming and processing of them, than I ever thought possible. Why hazelnuts, you ask? My next project is to write a story that takes place on a hazelnut farm in Oregon’s gorgeous and lush Willamette Valley. If all goes according to plan, it’ll be my contribution to Dreamspinner Press’s States of Love series. But I have to write it first, and even when I do the pub might not contract it, so nothing is yet written in stone. I spent several hours last night researching, answering the questions I had, jotting down way more information than I’ll ever use in the book, and writing up a general outline. The thing that is different about this one? I see it rather clearly from both MC’s POVs. And though usually when that happens it sorts itself down to just one, I don’t see that happening here. But I love writing first person, and so my intent is to write this one in alternating first. Also not written in stone, but that’s how it feels right now. We’ll see how it all shakes out when I actually start writing it. Which will be soon. I just need to get some other things taken care of first.

At any rate, I’m excited about that one a lot too. Like pumped up fired to get started on it, and on the edge my seat to see how their love story plays out. (Yes, I know, I’m the author and I orchestrate it. But it definitely is different, watching it play out).

So that’s the scoop from me!

I work better with deadlines.

Anyone who knows me might actually be surprised by that. And let’s face it, any time I make plans of any sort, something comes along to just ruin them. So you’d think that deadlines would be my worst enemy.

But nope.

When I have a deadline, I’m actually more productive and more apt to get things done. Often ahead of schedule. Because there’s something forcing me to do it. When there’s an end date, I’m all about getting things finished. Even though I need things to be flexible, need there to be the ability for change, I also need something concrete to work toward. If there’s open ended “whenever you get to it” kind of thing going on, I’m the person that’s going to put it off. Indefinitely. Until it never gets done.

I’m even fairly good at setting and sticking to my own deadlines. Sure, I have the back up of the trusted friend, whom I tell, so there can be ass kicking and someone to hold me accountable. But I need that too.

I have a couple of deadlines at the beginning of next year that will keep me writing solidly through the end of this one. And I’m excited about the upcoming projects, what I’m working on now and what I will be working on soon. And then, perhaps I’ll get back to those other things I’ve planned and want to write. But the stories on deadlines are driving me now and I’m stoked about it.

I had plans. So you know what that means. What it always means.

Over the past months, I’ve had several great ideas for stories. And in the moment, I was gung ho to write them. I was fired up…until the next idea came along. And then I was fired up about that one. There was plotting! I was making headway! Except I had yet to put any words on the page, other than plotting, and I was finding all manner of other things that needed to be done instead. I mean, I was still thinking and making notes, but I wasn’t actually writing.

And then…then I saw a sub call.

I’ve said it before. I like writing to sub calls. Some of my favorite stories have been sparked after having read one. And this is no different. As soon as I read it, I saw the opening scene, and I knew what I wanted to write. I saw down last night and managed more than 2500 words. And that was just the first chapter. These guys have a long way to go on their HEA.

But oh, it feels so good. Because I was at a loss and I was having trouble getting any words at all down on the page. And now they are flowing, and these guys are living in my head. Sometimes I have to think long and hard about what a story should be. Sometimes, like with Want, there are dozens of false starts. And sometimes, sometimes it just happens, easy as anything, and the words just flow.

I hoping it continues. Because I’m already adoring these guys and the larger plot. I don’t want to say too much yet. But it’ll probably be around 15k and the working title is Safe Spaces. And that is where my focus is now.

I haven’t abandoned the other things I’m planning. They are just taking a backseat for now. Because right now, this story is driving. And I’m content to let it.

So, even though I had last week off, I was totally absent. And I sort of only realized it after the fact. I wasn’t doing the vacation thing. I mean, yeah, I did get a few hours downtime here and there and that was nice and all. But mostly? My mom had a total hip replacement. It all went really well, thank goodness. But my Tuesday was entirely taken up by waiting. So much waiting. And then the rest of the week I was basically running around and doing all the things and errands and up to visit her (at the one hospital that’s like 20 minutes away instead of the three that are within 10 mins..and also in a part of the city that I am not familiar with). I didn’t get much of a break.

But as I said, she’s doing really well. Everything was a total success and she’s doing all the things she should be doing and none of the things she shouldn’t. She’s been in such excruciating pain for so long that the pain from the surgery is actually a relief. It’s good to see her taking care of herself, and for her to be achy but not hurting so badly. And so far she’s been letting me take care of her, as opposed to fighting it, so that’s good too. I have weeks of this yet to come as she continues to recover.

What have I gotten out of this whole experience? Plot bunny of course. I’ve scribbled out some notes and have tucked them away for future use. So if you see a hip replacement in a future story, you know exactly where it came from.

Two years ago…more than actually…I wrote a book. It was to be the first of a series, and there was magic and fairy-tale sweep-you-off-your-feet type love. There was a big bad looming. One of the MCs was one I’d had in my head, in one incarnation or another for years. I was totally digging this book, this series, and then…it all fell apart.

I can admit now that because of some feed back I’d gotten, I let my confidence crumble. And I now know that the source wasn’t as trustworthy as I thought, that they probably didn’t have my best interest in mind. In addition to that, I don’t think it was a good match, reading-taste wise. So it was all around a bad situation. But the book went on the shelf because at the time I thought it needed all the work ever and I just didn’t have the energy to do that. I let the bad words I was given outweigh the good ones I was given from other sources. It’s easier to believe the bad a lot of the time.

But that book and that character have never been far from my mind. I’ve thought about revising it a dozen or more times in the intervening years. I’ve even gone so far as to pull it up and read through it. But I’ve never done much with it.

Last week, there was a name that turned into a whole thing and I saw a character rather clearly in my head. And his potential boyfriend. And he was magic and there was all sorts of story things popping up. And then, like a flash of lightning, inspiration so brilliant and clear struck. I suddenly saw things perfectly, to the point where I sat up straight, eyes unfocused, as it all played out so I could see if it worked.

It did.

That book I wrote so long ago? Actually book two in the series. The book I conceived of after the name inspiration should be book one. With two more to follow after that.

So I pulled out that book and I revised some things that I knew I wanted to change. And I outlined book one, with the hope of beginning to work on it soon. For someone who is totally linear in thinking and writing, this is a strange concept to me. I know I’ll have more changes to book two depending on what happens in book one. And then it will inform book three to get to the grand finale in book four.

I hope.

I’m always a little leery of making plans (you know what happens when I do). Especially after I just finish writing a book, because my muse seems especially fickle and flighty during that time. I often have “rebound” affairs with several ideas before I can settle into a new relationship with a book and characters. But I want this to work, very much so. So I’m easing into it, trying not to rush. I don’t want this one to fizzle out and be nothing. I want this to be a long term relationship.

So that’s where I’m hoping to go next. Wish me luck.

I’m sort of riding the high of accomplishment right now.

I’ve finished the last of the edits on His Needs. Which is sort of a bittersweet thing because, you know, the guys are ready for the world and it’s time let them go. But I’m really proud of the story and I hope y’all love them too. There will probably be a few more wee tweaks but nothing substantial. They’re ready. And I’m pretty sure we’ll see them on the shelves in December. (details when I have them, I promise)

I’m ahead of my deadline for Want by, well, miles. When this one came together, it really took off. I wrote it in just over a month, which was faster than I anticipated. And then beta read it and got it back to me with notes fast too. And then the changes I needed and wanted to make flowed from my fingertips. I actually have leisure time with this one. I can put it away for a couple of weeks and come back to it with fresh eyes, really look at it and tweak as necessary there. When it goes to the editor, I expect a solid round of edits, and then to get that ready for the shelves.

And I’ve sorted out the next few things I’m ready to write. Again, that’s always subject to change. If I get into something and it’s not working, I’m willing to let it go rather than struggle with it. Two have gone by the wayside this year, because when I got into the nitty gritty, it was not working and/or it was unintentionally way too similar to other works out there. But I have the things I want to dig into next. The next one is one where I’ve had one of the characters in my head for a while, and I’ve finally figured him all out and found his story. The one after that has already changed from what I was certain it was.

So I’m on a writer’s high at the moment. And I’m going to ride it as long as I can. I’m almost ready to dive into the next one, which is a faster turn around than I’ve ever had. But I’m feeling good, and feeling like I’m writing good words. I intend to capitalize on that whilst I’m able. We all know it won’t last forever, my insecurity will come back to the fore, and I’ll feel like an impostor again. (Yes, even though I can think logically about it doesn’t mean I can keep from feeling that way)

At any rate, I’ve had some good accomplishments and I’m going to do my damnedest to keep it going!

I didn’t do much on the writing front this weekend. Haven’t, really, in the past week. Basically, I’ve been coming down from the high of finally finishing writing Want.

And then I got the final round of edits on His Needs. The hard work is done on that one, all that is left is to finish polishing it up. Make it as shiny as possible. Give it a thorough read through to make sure all the words on the page are the ones I want to use. I love these guys. Like really love them. And I love them together. And I love their story. This one is one of the few I haven’t had problems going back and reading again and again. Usually, I get to a point, when I’ve read my story for the zillionth time, that I’m like “bah! These words! Ugh!” But I haven’t reached that point yet with Travis and Noah. And that’s kind of thrilling all on it’s own.

I hope you all like them as much as I do.

I also heard back from the beta with Want. A few tweaks and finessing there and I’ll be good. The consensus, from the two who have read it, is that it’s a very enjoyable read. I’m rather pleased with it myself, though admittedly that might be partially because it’s been such a long time coming. So I have a few revisions to make there, some clarifications, and then it’s ready for the editor. (Though I’m not on her schedule for a bit, which is fine. Gives me time to settle in and play with it a bit. And I don’t have to worry about not having the finished MS when it’s time to send it in. *relief*)

So both those stories are in the final leg, one further along than the other, and pretty soon they’ll both be in the world. I’ll release Want when it’s ready (end of Octoberish) and His Needs is slated for a Decemberish release (more details when I have them from the publisher).

And now it’s time to start something new. I’ve updated my WIPs page because it wasn’t at all what I thought I’d be working on next. In fact, I hadn’t even popped it in there yet. Things have shuffled around there again, because, as the disclaimer says, it’s subject to change at the drop of a hat. Until I really dig into a story, anything is possible. And some times even then.

I’ve waxed poetic before about how much I love series. So I’m not going to do it again. Other then to say, yet again, I love them with the fiery passion of a thousand suns.

The Something books were the first series I ever wrote. Not the first I conceived of, sure, but the first that actually made it onto the page. To be honest, I’m sort of surprised I managed to get the second one written, let alone this fourth one.

The way I see it, there are three kinds of series. I’m speaking in broad, general terms here.

The first is the direct sequel series. The stories that follow a particular couple/person as they navigate life and the obstacles in it. There’s a overarching metaplot that spans all the books, but each adventure is tied up, at least mostly, within one book. These stories don’t work as standalones; you have to read the series in order if you want to have all the pieces.

Then we have what I’m calling linked series. I’ve heard the term spin off used for this one, but I’m going to classify that as something else. What I’m talking about here is (and I’m going to relate this one directly to romance) are books in which a new couple gets their story. These stories are linked by the world, and often they have a group of some sort (family, friends, comrades in arms) all finding their relationships. Characters are introduced in previous books, and as the series progresses, there are cameos from the previous couples. These books often worked best when read in order, as there’s sort of a build up as each new person finds their love. There’s a history there that works better, usually, when it’s read in order. So while these books are often billed as standalones, they aren’t entirely. This is where I classify the Something books. Yes, they can be read on their own. And I worked hard to make sure all the pertinent information is in every book so that the reader has everything they need. But truth of the matter is, it works better, there’s a better build up, if you read them in order. (Incidentally, this might be my favorite kind of series. I love watching these sort of stories unfold)

And then there are spin offs, or what I’m calling spin offs, and here’s what I mean by that. These are books/stories that are only tangentially linked. As in it’s the same world, maybe, or there’s a connecting theme. The characters from book to book don’t know each other, or maybe it’s only in passing. Maybe there’s a mention of a character that, if you’ve read the previous books, you know who it is, but you don’t have to know in order for the story to work. So there’s a common thread, but they work completely as standalone stories.

Where I’m going next with my next series is somewhere between options two and three. These stories will have cameos, yes. But they are linked by world (they take place in the same city) and work as standalones. You won’t have to read one to understand the next fully (though of course, I’d hope you would read them!) The first two are a little more closely linked, but my goal is that they work entirely on their own. That’s what I’m hoping for anyway.  So while it’s characters we’ve seen before, ish, the story is completely contained, and now prior knowledge is needed.

I don’t actually type those two little words once I finish a MS, but the sentiment is still the same.

Last night, I wrote the final words and finished writing Something Like Want. In fact, I’m 109% done. Just check the word meter.

!!

I did a happy dance, crowed about it a little, wiggled and cheered. I love when I finish writing something. There’s an insane amount of satisfaction in it. This one especially feels good, as for so long it was a complete struggle to get any words on the page at all. But in just over a month, I managed to write all the words.

It’s not done by any means. Now I need to go back through it and tweak and fix and polish. And then off to the beta to give it a practiced eye and more fixing, tweaks, and changes. It’ll be a process over the next several weeks. And then! Then I’ll send it off to the editor, and she’ll help me really make it shine. I’m still thinking it’ll be ready for release at the end of October, but I’ll keep you updated when things firm up a little there.

I love the crap out of these guys. I mean, yeah, of course, I love all my boys. Some more than others. But these guys really mean something to me. I don’t know if it was because it was such a struggle, at first, to get their story on the page. It could be, perhaps, because enemies to lovers is something I’ve never written before. It could be because the story takes place in Oak Harbor, and I loved “revisiting” Vincent’s house, the town, my mental image of the place. It could be all the things combined. I adore Spencer, I love Alex, and together the make my heart happy.

I’m not done with them yet. There’s work to be done. But the drafting stage is finished, and after so long, that feels particularly amazing.