Good Monday Everyone!
Hope you had a fabulous weekend, including some delicious reads.
My week and weekend were very productive. Zach and Savannah, along with my muse, Agatha, cooperated wonderfully. Fingers crossed we can keep the momentum going.
I know I've been silent for a while about what's going on in my writing world. Often it's because trying to rip the words from my brain and get them onto the page doesn't make for pleasant conversation. LOL Writing can be difficult and quite messy! Other times it's because there's so much going on, it's difficult to see the forest for the trees. Today, as my plans for the future coalesce, I thought I'd share what's been happening and what I want to accomplish within the next year or so. Would love to have your input on some of these things, so feel free to comment.
1)I'm in the midst of finishing up Zach and Savannah's story. BTW, my title suggestion for this book is: DARK SECRETS AT MIDNIGHT. This hasn't been approved yet. What do you think?
2)Will soon begin writing book 2, tentatively titled LIES WHISPERED AT DAWN
3)Write/self publish an LCR Christmas E-novella, tentatively scheduled to release near the end of this year.
4)Make major changes to website, including a different brand for this new series. As opposed to Dark Romantic Suspense, here are the four options I'm considering. Tell me your preference: 1)Sizzling Southern Suspense; 2)Sexy Southern Suspense; 3)Southern Heat; 4)Southern Suspense with Sizzle. (BTW, I asked this question on my Facebook page and right now, Southern Heat is winning)
5)Write third book in the new series, tentatively titled PROMISES MADE AT TWILIGHT
6)Write/self publish at least three more Last Chance Rescue books. Characters I'm considering LCR stories for are: Aidan, Angela, Kendra, Sabrina Fox, Anna, Raphael, and Giselle. Did I miss any characters you'd like to read stories about? Let me know!
7)Begin writing a women's fiction novel that's been on my mind.
So, as you see, lots of fun things are going on! This is such an exciting time for authors and readers. Everyday it seems that something else happens to make me more happy and optimistic about the future.
Also, I'm going to be at the Heart of Dixie Readers Luncheon on May 5 in Huntsville, Alabama. Lots of wonderful authors will be attending, including the keynote speaker, the fabulous Lora Leigh! Here's the link for more information. http://heartofdixie.org/luncheon.html
After the luncheon there's a signing that's open to the public. So come on over if you can!
In between the writing and planning, I'm reading E L James' Fifty Shades of Gray. Since it seems people either adore this book or hate it, I decided to see which corner I'm in. So far, though I'm only about three chapters in, I'm enjoying it. I do find it amusing that so many seem to be acting as if erotic romance has just been invented. Wow, for the people who are just now discovering romance novels and all their wonderful variety, what a backlist they have to look forward to! Right?
Okay, that's it for me. I'm headed back to the writing cave to see if Zach and Savannah are going to be nice to me again this week. In addition to your recommends, would love to have your input on some of the items above. Keep in mind that though this is my career and I absolutely love it, I want to please you, my readers, most of all. Be sure to let me know your thoughts here or send me an email at christy@christyreece.com.
Have a fabulous Monday everyone. Can't wait to see what you're recommending today!
VISIT CHRISTY'S WEBSITE
Hi Everyone! Hapy Monday!
ReplyDeleteWOW Christy!! So excited for future plans! I got tired just reading them :)
I read some good books this past week...Lauara Griffin's Twisted, and I'm already looking forward to Scorched the next book in the series.
I also read and loved Linda Howard's Cry No More, its been recommended to me several times, but I just got around to reading it.
I read The Search by Nora Roberts this weekend and really liked it, it was my first NR book...I've been missing out! I started Sea Swept the first book in her Chesapeake Bay series this morning and liking it so far.
Have a good week!
Holy Moley, Christy!....and you think I'm busy!! That's ALOT going on. But, I'm super excited for the forthcoming books!!!! I LOVE the titles of the new series and ALWAYS hunger for more LCR. I will read whatever you write!
ReplyDeleteSadly, I didn't read more than a couple pages over the weekned. I'm in the middle of Jaycee Clark's Deadly Shadows and must give a shout out to Hope Frost for making me put it at the top of my list!
The weekend was insane with a dance competition. My daughter's first number on Sat morn was at 8 am. Her last number on Sat night was 9:50 pm! We did get a little break in between, but then had all day yesterday of competing too. I don't know how she does it, but we were both hurting this morning having to get up for school and work! She did well, three of her group numbers finished in the top 10, her duo finished second overall, and her solo finished 9th overall (which is kind of impressive because the category she was in for her solo was higher and had a TON of talented kids!).
I fly to New Orleans on Wednesday this week, and when I get back on Friday we're heading out with 3 of her friends in tow for her birthday weekend celebration to Kings Dominion (think Six Flags). Her birthday isn't until May 10, but this was the only weekend available!! I REALLY need to schedule a relaxation day soon!!!
Christy what great plans you have!! Hope you manage to realise all you have planned!
ReplyDeleteLove the book titles - hope they are approved. Re the series description i voted 1 and 4 on FB :)
I finished Monica McCarty's The Saint and I really enjoyed it. Loooking forward to the next in the series.
Next up is Marie Force's Fatal Flaw, or Eloisa James, or Sarah MacLean , or Lorrian eHeath or even Robyn Carr. Dang I have too many books and too little time!
Have a great week!
OMG, Alison Peterson...Nora's Chesapeake Bay series is one of my favorites!!!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I forgot to recommend Twisted as well! I love the Tracers series!!
Wow, you are gonna be a busy lady....busier lady, I should say. I love the names you picked for the new series, and I can't wait to get in to it.
ReplyDeleteI like Sizzling Southern Suspense, for the brand. Southern Heat, to me, sounds like you are talking about the weather.
I want to see Aidan, Angela and Raphael have their own books, but you have enough names there to have many more to come...hint hint
As for 50 Shades, I am firmly in the hate category. I know I am in the minority, but I just didn't like it.
As for my recommends....
Afterglow by Cherry Adair - really liked it, and the villain is uber yucky.
Against the Night by Kat Martin - I think this was my favorite of the series so far.
I am in the middle of His Secret Past by Katie Reus and am loving it.
Have a great week everyone.
Hi Christy!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like 2012 will be super busy for you! Everything on your agenda sounds amazing!! I am so glad to hear there will be more LCR books = they are my favorites!!
I just finished reading Donna Grant's Shadow Highlander and I liked it a lot!!
I picked up an old Jill Shalvis this morning to read. She is always a good read.
Hi Christy,
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear everyone is getting along. You are going to have a very busy 2012!! Hope you take sometime throughout 2012 to spend time with your family.
This new series is it the one with the 3 sisters? BTW.... loved the titles. Hope they get approved.
The LCR Christmas novella is it going to be with new characters or are you bringing some of the characters from previous novels?
Last week I read Love you to death by Shannon K. Butcher. It was really good and creepy. Just started reading The Witness by Nora Roberts.
Hope you have a very productive week& uneventful!!!
Take care
Marta M
Sounds like we're going to have to tag you as "Super Author," Christy! I'm amazed, thrilled and excited to see all your plans for the future.
ReplyDeleteI'm sticking with my vote for "Southern Heat" for the new series -- I just like the sound of it. Sometimes less is more, ya know what I mean?
And the proposed titles "tease" at both romance and suspense. All three flow well and seem perfectly suited to the overall "Southern Heat" theme.
As far as more LCR -- two words -- THANK YOU!!!!!!!!
You certainly surprised me with the "women's fiction." Curiosity will remain high on that item until we learn more.
As far as recommends this week, I just finished Nora Roberts' latest, "WITNESS" and absolutely was blown away by it. NR is definitely back full-force in this one. I would definitely recommend it.
On that subject of "Fifty Shades," I'm in the same ballpark as Hope! When I finished reading it, I sat in my chair for awhile and asked myself, "what in the heck is all the hullabaloo about and why did I waste so much time?"
But to remedy that mistake, I read Sylvia Day's new release, "Bared to Me," which has been compared to "Fifty." Frankly, I didn't see the comparison. "Bared" was a fantastic read well-written by a seasoned author and the characters were portrayed as mature, though troubled individuals. The romance was exquisite. And thankfully, that repetitive phrasing regarding "inner goddess" was nowhere to be seen.
Congrats to Kris Gilson's daughter for her winning dance performances and a happy birthday wish also.
Wishing everyone a week of good books and time to read them!
So happy to hear you will be self-publishing more LCR books. I love this series and was very disappointed when it ended. Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteHi Christy, hi Everyone!
ReplyDeleteWow Christy reading about your plans for the next year makes me wonder if your day has like 24 hours,lol. Your readers will be very happy. I sincerely hope all your new books including all LCR stories will be available in Germany too.
Love the titles for your new series and I vote for "Southern Heat" - some interesting associations came to my mind just reading those words.
I read some books last week, which were ok but not recommendworthy except "Twisted" by Laura Griffin.
I love the tracer series and the teaser for Kelseys story made me wish to read it at once. Does anyone know how long we will have to wait ?
Have a great week, Everyone and good luck for your writing cave, Christy
I did not get a chance to post last week. Christy your brain must be bigger than mine there is a lot going on up there. BTW I like Southern Heat.
ReplyDeleteI have been reading a lot. The old Fibromyalgia decided to flare up leaving me with barely enough energy to hold my kindle but where there is a will there is a way. I have read the Grant Brother series by Kathi Barton. Loved the guys the mother in the book is a hoot and is awesome!!! There are six brothers. She has started another series "The James Children which appear to be a good series and also the Waite Family.
Has anyone read Maya Banks KGI series. I highly recommend it.
My husband whisked me away this past week end. It was nice getting away with cells turned off and lap tops left at home.
Another series I read is Kat Martin's Against Series. The book is about first responders. Love reading it.
I will be speaking at a christian women's conference the first week end of July please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I am speaking on Letting Go of the Past.
Guess that is a for now. Can't wait for the new book Christy and did I read it right your doing another LCR book?
I finally decided to stop lurking and share. You guys have given me absolutely great reads, I've never been disappointed. My TBR list is long. My friends and family also have growing list as I share what I've learned here.
ReplyDeleteJust finished the Rock Chick series, recommended here, and enjoyed every word. Makes me wonder how many imaginative, gifted authors are out there that have just not had the good fortune of being published. Self publishing, I've learned through this series, is a very good thing!
To the new Nora reader, yes you have missed out! After raising three children, the baby now in high school, I began reading again. My mother threw a Janet Evanovich book at me and told me to read. (Our family had suffered a terrible loss at the hands of a murderer.) So, I read. And laughed my butt off for the first time in a while. And then came Nora, a can't miss author, always good. Moved on to Lora Leigh, Christy Reece, whom, even if I wasn't on her blog, is one of the very best, Pamela Clare, Lora Lael Miller, and on and on.
Haven't read Shades, curious though. However I'm afraid of being let down. I would recommend Lorelei James instead. I found out I really have been leading a sheltered life...not for the faint of heart or if you are easily offended, just sayin.
Southern Heat is my choice too.
Christy, I am thrilled right along with everyone else at your to do list. I never tired of Last Chance and recommend the series often, even at the gym while cycling.
Thanks to everyone for sharing.
Anonymous....welcome, I am glad you gave up lurking and started blogging :) You started out with some of the same authors I did. Have you read Dee Davis' A-Tac series? I really love that one. Hope you will come back and visit :)
ReplyDeleteLove all the ideas Christy! Can I mention the Kelly guy who was the brother of one of the girls kidnapped in Return to Me and Racheal!
ReplyDeleteNot much reading done, still working on the yard. Did however grab Cherry Adair's "Afterglow". It is a buy.
Anonymous, so glad you stopped by. We always LOVE book recommends.
Jackie P.
I do like the book titles and hope they're approved.
ReplyDeleteLoved Maya Banks KGI series too! Hope, i just added the first book in the A-Tac series to my nook. Thank you for the suggestion.
ReplyDeleteSam
Hi Christy,
ReplyDeletePhew! I'm exhausted just reading all that!! I vote for Southern Heat.
I look forward to ANYTHING you will be publishing. You are one of my very favorite authors.
I have some recommends:
Caught in the Act by Jill Sorenson
Secrets at Bella Terra by Christina Dodd
Revenge at Bella Terra (2nd book in the Trilogy)
getting ready to read Betrayal at Bella Terra-final book
Have a great week everyone.
Welcome Anonymous - so glad you came out of lurkdom to join us. Hope you'll return again and again. And bring your recommendations with you!!
ReplyDelete*dashing in late as usual*
ReplyDeleteHoly Cats Christy! That's one heck of a to do list for you and Agatha! But I have every confidence you can pull it off.
My mom was visiting this weekend, so I spent most of my time teasing her about mistaking Adam Levine for Justin Bieber. *snort*
BUT, I did manage to read another Donna Grant, who Shelly introduced me to. And Anna Alexander, which was fun.
I just started TWISTED. I always enjoy LG.
I hope you have a wonderfully productive week!
Wow, I think I hate Mondays! I have never been this late posting. I started early this morning and am finally done. ( I hope)
ReplyDeleteChristy- You have a lot going on this year. I can't wait.
I love the titles for the new series.
I vote for Southern Heat also.
Recommends for me: Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas.This was my first Kleypas book, I liked it- it was a little different. The Witness By Nora Roberts, Loved it! I really have been loving her newer books. And Sage Creek by Jill Gregory.
Have a wonderful Tuesday, I couldn't come sooner!
Oh wow, you guys rock. So many great recommendations! And thank you so much for the good wishes. I'm so excited about the future and sincerely appreciate your support.
ReplyDeleteAnd yay, yay, yay! Welcome new posters! Love seeing you here and thrilled to know that you've benefited from the recommendations you've read here. Please post often!
Addressing a few questions that came up:
Marta: The Christmas novella would feature a new couple but would also include many of the previous characters for a little reunion/update. Getting very excited about this!
Jeannie: Yes to additional LCR books! My plans are for 3 more full length books and one novella. How well they do as self published works will determine if I will write more. And hope you're feeling better!
Jackie P: Justin Kelly and Rachael, both from RETURN TO ME. Hmm. Thank you. Very interesting... (:
Wish I could respond to you all but Agatha is yelling at me to get started. She's telling me that something big is happening today. Can't wait to see what she's cooked up!
Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone. I'll post later this week for a special event I'm having this Saturday. Until then, happy, healthy living and delicious reading!
Yeah Christy, more LCR goodness! You are going to be very busy. Blaming Kris for posting elsewhere about a freebie I really enjoyed:
ReplyDeleteWhile You were Dead by CJ Snyder
So many good recs here!