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This past year, Dreamspinner Press started releasing stories in the Dreamspun Desire line. Category romances ala Harlequin but for M/M. I thought it was a nifty idea, simply because that was the romance I grew up on. I’m sure I’ve shared this story before, but I’ll do so again.

My Oma subscribed to Harlequin, several different lines, and every month, she got several boxes filled with four paperback Harlequins. For a long time, I thought this was how romance was written. And I coveted those books. When I was far too young, I started stealing them. Yeah, that sounds awful. But Oma couldn’t share them with me because, as I said, I was really too young to be reading them. As was Sis, who is three years younger than I am. But we wanted them and so we devised a very sneaky plan to get them. We’d head over to Oma’s house with an empty backpack and we would hang out with her. But she took naps, of course she did. So I would hide around the corner, and Sis would “play” in the front room with an oversized truck. She’d drive it over to the box by Oma’s chair, where she was snoring away, slip a few books into the truck, and then drive it over to me. We never took too many, maybe 12 or 15, and then we’d play some more, hang out, before we eventually couldn’t stand it anymore and walked back home.

To this day, I still don’t know if Oma knew we took them or not. But probably she did.

Once we got home, we’d race up to my room and read all the blurbs, deciding which ones we wanted. We had a system of who got to pick first, and then we’d go back and forth until they were all gone. And then we’d devour our selections before switching. And then, when we were out of books, we’d go back and do it all again.

This was how I learned about romance, about tropes, about over the top feel good feels and finding your true love. Of course, they were all het, and mostly white, and lots of ridiculous, awesome tropes. But we loved it. And there are certain things we remember to this day, still quote at each other as our own private jokes.

But as I said, this is what I thought romance was, and it was my goal to write one.

As I grew up and saw the whole world of romance before me, saw so many other stories out there that weren’t category romances, I expanded my horizons. I bought romance in droves, though I also learned of paranormal with a romance plot. So many books, so little time.

And I still wanted to write one. Did, in fact, write several. On paper with pens, just to get the stories out of my head.

Six or seven years ago, I finally stumbled on M/M romance, and I began to devour that. This is where I finally found my fit, my niche, where the stories really came alive. This was where I finally wrote a story I felt was worth publishing, or at least trying, and I’ve been doing it for more than three years now.

But I never lost the soft spot in my heart for category romances.

When Dreamspinner first announced the Dreamspun Desire line, I had a thought that perhaps, I’d write one. But I couldn’t quite get the tropey goodness that was a category romance to coalesce in my head. Which was fine. Because I was still writing my stories, and I could include some tropes.

But then, DsP expanded the Dreamspun line to include Beyond and Undercover. Undercover is mysteries and crimes, and sounds delicious. But Beyond? Contemporary paranormal? That right there is my true crack.

I’d long had the idea for Ghostwalker, and even began writing it at one point, though it didn’t solidify properly and went by the wayside. When I saw the call for this new line, my brain went into overdrive, bringing up this idea. Reminding me of all it could be. And changing it to what it should be. I put together a mini proposal and sent it in to see if DsP would be interested in the story. I started writing it, sent in my beginning, and waited to hear if it was right for the line or not.

Yesterday, I got the go ahead.

So it’s full steam ahead, all focus on, ready to go.

It’s both thrilling and scary to have a story requested by the publisher. Thrilling because they think that my boys and their story is right for the line, and that’s exhilarating. (Though by no means does it mean that they will contract the book.) Scary because there’s an expectation to meet, and I only have 20% of the story written at this point. But I get to include some of my very favorite tropes–like bonds and forced proximity and lust at first sight–with a different twist on ghosts and the spirit realm.

I’m excited about writing this one, even as I psych myself out, and I know I’ll have a blast writing it. I have a deadline and a word count to meet, and I’ll need to put on my very best author hat to get it accomplished. But I’m so looking forward to it.

And I hope you will too.

So yeah. Onward, right? Only way to move is forward.

So that’s what I shall do.

I’m waiting to hear on a few things. And I hate waiting. Waiting is really hard. And I’m also no good at it at all.

Writing is at a little bit of a standstill until I hear back on one of the things. Basically, I’ll find out if Ghostwalker has a deadline or not. If it does, then I need to write my butt off. If it doesn’t, then I can go at it at a more leisurely pace. And don’t have to worry about word count. Either way works just fine for me, but until I know for sure, I haven’t made much progress on it. Other than taking notes and continuing to plot. Which is good, because that needs to get done as well.

I have a few other plot bunnies and some thoughts about what I want to work on after. I’ve been going at a pretty good clip since this summer, when I finally got into the groove for Something Like Want. While part of me wouldn’t mind a break, I mostly want to keep that momentum going. This is the first time since August I haven’t had the next thing riding me to get my current story done, and that feels good. But it’s certainly not for lack of ideas. I have plenty of those.

I don’t make resolutions, because that’s a sure way for me to fail. But I do set goals, things I aim toward. The big things for me are more words on the page and not taking so much down time, both between projects and during writing sprints. I know the way I work best, and I’ve embraced that in the last year. But while I need to take a little breather time between projects, and even while I’m working on them, I need to get better at bouncing back and moving on. So that’s my goal for this year, so I can bring you more stories this year and next.

Watch this space for news.

I hope the new year treats you well, and that you find joy wherever you can.

So I’m sure you’ve heard the news about ARe.

The shocking, startling, out of the fucking blue news that they are closing. With three days notice. And only offering 10 cents on the dollar for 4th quarter royalties to authors who sold through them. Up until yesterday. If anything was sold today? Or in the next few days? Too bad for you, because they’re keeping it. If you have a book with ARe as the publisher? You’re really SOL because you get NO royalties in lieu of getting your rights back.

Utter. Bullshit.

Needless to say, I have pulled my self pub titles. Dreamspinner has pulled all their books as well. Not that the site is even working right now, because so many people are trying to take care of business before the 31st. Not that it seems to matter.

For me? As a self pub author with no clout? There’s not much I can do. I know a lot of lawyers, both from publishers and individuals, are being put on the case. Hopefully it will amount to something.

To put it bluntly, All Romance eBooks has screwed EVERYONE over. In the shittiest way possible.

(yes, I know I’m using language I don’t normally. But I think the occasion calls for it.)

It could be worse. It could be like Ellora’s Cave and Torquere and Silver who lied and strung people along. It could be like Samhain who said they were closing and then pulled a “ha just kidding” out of nowhere.

There’s no way they didn’t see this coming for months now, and they could have handled it far better than they did. ARe is a retailer first, but they are a publisher as well, and what they’ve done is despicable.

Though it was just this past January, not even a year ago, that Amber Quill announced it would be closing it’s doors. And they are the only ones who have done it right. They made the decision, they went about it professionally and respectfully. They paid us what was due. And rode off into the sunset with their heads held high. I’m even more grateful for that now than I was earlier this year.

Basically, it’s crap. It’s just so much garbage. And it sucks. And it’s discouraging. So very discouraging. Because it makes you wonder if there’s a point in trusting anymore?

So I’m gonna wallow in this for a couple of days. And be mad.

And then I’ll pick myself up, dust myself off, and see what’s next.

So.

2016, am I right?

What is there to say about this year? I’ve been alive for a good number of them now, and I can’t recall ever encountering a year quite like this. Despite the good that has happened, the bad far outweighs it. The sheer number of celebrity deaths is astounding, and I have to wonder if the same exorbitant number also happened to people we’ve never heard about. So many figures who have shaped our lives have passed, and the sadness that accompanies the mourning is great.

The political situation. Here in America. In England…I’ve made it a point to be as well educated in this area as I can be, and my paltry knowledge exceeds a lot of people in this regard, and even I don’t fully understand the deep ramifications these situations will produce. No one truly does, I think. Talk about a lasting impact. The years to come will be a dark and dangerous time.

Aleppo. The massacre at Pulse. The Dakota access pipeline. Flint’s water. People of color gunned down in cold blood. So many other terrible things…

Our world was forever changed this year. And not necessarily for the good.

My personal life hasn’t been all roses either. I don’t talk about my personal life a whole lot, and there are reasons for that. But it’s been trying as well. Issues with my older brother. A beloved uncle’s health is failing fast. The unstable and incredibly upsetting day job.

I know I’m not alone in waiting for this year to be over and sending fervent wishes into the universe the next year is far better.

I saw a Tweet I’m holding hope on, by Maureen Johnson, which read “Maybe 2016 is the year a lot of heroes were born and we just don’t know yet.”

But there is good. There are people who reach out a hand to those who need it, stand up when other’s can’t, give and give and give until they have nothing left and then give some more. We see it, and we’re seeing more of it. And that gives me hope too.

And the positives in my own life? I’ve knitted tons of things, for myself, which I love (and fed my yarn addiction an obscene amount). I’ve written five stories, published three, am waiting to hear on the other two, and have begun another. I self pubbed for the first time. My sales have been steadily climbing. My family is still here. I have some very close friends who support me and cheer me on, and mean the absolute world to me. A BFF who is unwavering in loyalty, straight talking, and love. I’m fairly healthy. I have furbabies who are a constant comfort, and a new puppy to shower with love.

The good and the bad are unbalanced right now, but I truly believe it will head back in the other direction. When? I can’t say for sure. But I know it will.

For all of you who have struggled this year, it is my sincerest wish is that next year is vastly better, and that each year that follows continues to improve.

Hang in there. Find joy where you can. Take care of yourself.

Okay so puppy first. Because, really. What else matters when you’ve got a new puppy in the house? We’ve had him all of, I don’t know, 15 hours and he’s just the best thing. Remarkably chill for a seven week old pup.  Meet Brutus! 

So other than that? I wrote the first 5k of the next story! This one is a paranormal contemporary, so, you know, world building. World building is my favorite thing. Not necessarily for myself, but definitely in other people’s books. I want to know how it all works, and then, I want to see the story unfold within the confines of the world. So. Because that’s important to me as a reader, I will endeavor to do that as a writer as well. I’ve already had some early feedback about what questions need to be answered (discussing the world with a friend) and I’m pleased to know that most of that was already on the docket with the rough outline I have.

That’ll be my focus for the next several months as I endeavor to finish it by the deadline. It needs to be a bit longer than what I generally write, so I need to make sure I have a plot and various points that will carry the story through all the way to the end. It’ll take some planning on my part, but that’s just fine.

In the meantime, I have two others at the publisher that I’m waiting to hear on. And His Needs is on sale everywhere! Friday had their first flash fic, and I expect we’ll see them a couple of more times before we’re done with them. 😀

So that’s the low down on me, and the progress I’ve made. Hope all is well with all of you and that the holiday season is treating you well!

I’ve taken the day off from the day job to bask and do writerly things, and I’m up because the cat demanded food and was pulling my hair, but yay! Because it’s release day! His Needs is out!

!!

I’m over at Two Chicks Obsessed today with an exclusive excerpt and some behind the scenes stuff, which is always fun. And I’ll be popping up in different place over the next few days.

And if you wish, you can get it in all the regular places.

Dreamspinner Press     Amazon   BN    Kobo 

When State Trooper Travis Kinslow is injured right before Thanksgiving, the only positive is that for once he won’t be working during the holidays. Since he has no family, Travis was absorbed into his best friend, Joe’s, and he considers them as good as his own. Everyone except Joe’s brother Noah. Travis has been in love with the younger man for much of his life, but he’s always kept his distance.

As an ER nurse, Noah is a caretaker by nature. When his brother’s best friend is hurt, he’s happy to help Travis while he heals. He’s only ever allowed himself to think of Travis as the next best thing to an older brother, but by the light of the Christmas tree, Noah finally sees Travis’s true feelings. And in that moment, everything changes.

When faced with opposition and a Christmas nothing like they imagined, will their hopes for the future be enough to carry them through?

Tomorrow! New release, holidays and friends-to-lovers and hurt/comfort and dirty talk  and good feels!

His Needs Dreampsinner Press    Amazon   BN    Kobo 

When State Trooper Travis Kinslow is injured right before Thanksgiving, the only positive is that for once he won’t be working during the holidays. Since he has no family, Travis was absorbed into his best friend, Joe’s, and he considers them as good as his own. Everyone except Joe’s brother Noah. Travis has been in love with the younger man for much of his life, but he’s always kept his distance.

As an ER nurse, Noah is a caretaker by nature. When his brother’s best friend is hurt, he’s happy to help Travis while he heals. He’s only ever allowed himself to think of Travis as the next best thing to an older brother, but by the light of the Christmas tree, Noah finally sees Travis’s true feelings. And in that moment, everything changes.

When faced with opposition and a Christmas nothing like they imagined, will their hopes for the future be enough to carry them through?

 

For some extra content, I stopped into Alpha Book Club yesterday and an hitting up the DsP blog today! I’ll also be stopping at other places around the internet in the coming week, with some exclusive excerpts, contents, and giveaways so I’ll keep you updated!

 

Release day for this charity anthology featuring 17 stories of love triumphing over hate. All proceeds will be donated.

Buy links:

Dreamspinner Press   Amazon   Kobo   BN

 

With time comes healing, but Orlando and the LGBT community are still recovering from last June’s tragedy. To show our ongoing support for those affected by the Orlando shooting, our authors, editors, artists, and staff have volunteered their talents to create this second benefit anthology. All proceeds will be donated to LGBT organizations in central Florida. Join us as we reaffirm that no matter the obstacle, love always wins.

No flash fic today because…well, reasons. But in the meantime…

Dreamspinner is having a sale of three of my titles this weekend. 99 cents! If you haven’t had a chance to pick up some of my backlist, now is a great opportunity.

On Monday, Love Wins anthology releases. Proceeds go to charity, and there are some really great stories included. You can get it at DsP, Amazon.

And then on Wednesday, His Needs hits shelves! I really love this story, you guys, and I love Travis and Noah. I hope you enjoy them as well. So check them out. Available for pre-order now, if you so choose, or on Wednesday December 14th. Dsp or Amazon.

So if any of that strikes your fancy, please don’t hesitate to buy.

Next week there’ll be some writing talk, and Friday’s flash fic will feature Travis and Noah. And I’m so excited to bring that to you.

Happy reading!

There’s a particular kind of thrill when I’ve finished writing a story. It comes from more than just actually putting the last words on the page. From more than just being able to take that breath and relax, have a celebratory drink, having something done.

I’ve finally gotten to see how my MCs’ story unfolds, see how it all ends.

My characters are with me all the time. When I’m actively writing a story, they take up part of my brain function constantly. I know them well. They live in my head. And even though I’m creating their story, there’s a certain unknown factor that reveals itself during the process. So even though I know the larger plot points, it’s the salient details that come to me while I’m writing.

This is the biggest thrill for me. To see my guys have their HEA.

Hearts and Hazelnuts is done. All the words are on the page. I’ve gone through and polished it up. Now I’ll get a little feedback and polish it some more before I send it in to the publisher. Yes, there’s work to be done still. Of course there is. But the drafting stage is complete. I have an entire story.

And Beckett and Jordan have their HEA.

And I’m thrilled about it.