New Orleans World Horror Convention Wrap Up

I spent last week in New Orleans, attending the World Horror Convention. In addition to making some new friends, I also pitched my book and sat in on several great panel discussions that taught me a lot about the market and about genre publishing.

The Hotel Monteleone

Fantastic Swag from the WHC

 

Video of some of the things I saw/did in New Orleans

The pitch sessions went extremely well. I've sent off my manuscript to three different people, and now the waiting begins. Hopefully, I'll know something in a month or so.

In the meantime, I'm going to be working on Book 2 (still untitled), and trying to get ahead on that while I've got my momentum going. I also want to get as much done as possible before the summer is over. Once the fall semester starts, I'll have to slow down a little on my writing once more in order to keep up with my other obligations.

The next book has already been outlined, and I've written up a plan for the chapters. Of course, as I write, the characters may lead me in ways I haven't anticipated, but that's what I love. I have some new characters added into the mix that I think people will really enjoy, and I'm doing a great deal of research to prep my mind for what lies ahead.

• Of course, I've got a lot of background info for my characters. I never like to be too tied to literal facts when the story can benefit from embellishment, but I do think it's absolutely essential to read as much as I can about the real lives of the people I'm writing about before I just start making stuff up. Then again, they are vampires, so you can't expect everything to be factual in every detail. This is fiction, not biography.
• I'm also going to be taking a course in forensics over the fall semester, which I'm extremely excited about. I've already bought the book and have taken tons of notes, poring through it in detail. I think it will enhance what I've already written and open up new avenues throughout the series.
  

The entire experience left me feeling even more energized to keep working and improving and moving forward with the next part of the story. I hope that in the next few weeks and months to have some exciting news. Whether or not a publishing deal comes out of the convention, I'm more determined than ever that if those three people aren't interested, I will find the folks who are. Patience and hard work will eventually pay off.

Taking Care of Business

This last week has been a very busy one. In addition to going through SNOWPOCALYPSE here in Mid Missouri with two rounds of foot deep snowsnorms and accompanying power outages, I've also had a lot going on on the professional front as well.

*  *  *

My most recent book review on Cynthia Shepp's Book Reviews and Editing Blog just went live--Deadly Kisses by Kerri Cuevas.

There is a giveaway along with the review, so don't miss your chance to enter! I really enjoyed this book.

Check out the review to find out why!

*  *  *

I was asked to be a part of the library committee for the Horror Writer's Association, which I'm very excited about.

I'm also finalizing my plans for attending the World Horror Convention in New Orleans, June 13-16. If you are also going to the event, give me a shout-out.

*  *  *

ANNOUNCEMENT!!! 

On March 15th, I'll be interviewing my friend and fellow author, C.M. Doporto here on my blog about her bestselling novella, The Eslites and about her upcoming new release novella, Element Part 1. CM writes Young Adult/New Adults Sci-Fi/Urban Fantasy stories, and I have really enjoyed her work.

Check out her website at http://www.cmdoporto.com/ or follow her on Twitter at @cm_doporto.

 *  *  *

I'm in the process of reading through this book again in preparation for the end of Part 1 of Ma Cherè Antoinne.

Any good detective mystery has to get the details right. I am checking myself to be sure I've been thorough. 

Part 2 has now been outlined and storyboarded, and I'm now getting impatient to get started writing that section. Only four more chapters till Part 1 is complete and I'll be able to start telling the next part of the story. I can't wait!

Shaking things up, making plans, plus some shameless self-promotion

I made the decision to switch my blog over to Blogger rather than keeping it on Wix where it has been housed. I was just not as happy with some of the functionality of Wix's blog (though I do love, love, love my author website there). In addition, it's not as easy to network with other authors on Wix as it is on Blogger or Wordpress, and that's something I definitely intend to do more of in the coming months.

Also today, I purchased my tickets for the World Horror Convention 2013 in New Orleans and reserved my hotel room. It's official. I'm attending. If you're also going to be going to this event, let me know in the comments below. I'll also be taking a few days of vacation time then to see the sights and wander the city with my very best friend in the whole world.

I'm making plans for a release party for the complete novel at the end of this month. Details will be posted soon!

And now some totally shameless self-promotion, as promised:
It's all five stars for the sneak peek of Ma Cheré Antoinne! Check it out on Amazon for only $.99! 

Fun and Games and Going Places

Though I've been extremely busy with family things for the last two weeks which has slowed down my writing progress, I have managed to accomplish several things that are very exciting!

• My Goodreads author page is up and running!
  
• I have a new book trailer!
  
  
• I've had great fun participating in the Book Crazy 1000 Likes celebration event. It's been so successful, it's continued on throughout the rest of this week, and I've still got two more copies of my book to give away. To participate, go to their events page. There are lots of other prizes as well.
  
  

• And I am very happy to announce that I will be attending the World Horror Convention in New Orleans this summer, June 13-16! This is my first time attending a convention like this, and I'm thrilled to pieces!

All in all, it's been very productive and exciting, and I'll be back on track for writing once more now that my mother is on the mend. I'm still planning on a release at the end of February. Watch for a firm date coming soon!