Another unveiling

Busy weekend writing. Busy week ahead…. you guessed it, writing. My cold is gone but it woke up the asthma dragon who sleeps in the deepest lobe of my lungs, and we’ve been wrestling a lot. I tend to lose these battles. I’ve been getting my running in, but veeeeery sloooooowly because of the hacking and sputtering. I am trying to convince myself that running with a reduced flow of oxygen is a cool new conditioning technique. And I am off to the doc today to see if he can prescribe a nostrum that will put the dragon back to sleep.

I hates lung dragons. (Does anyone remember the Yosemite Sam quote?)

In much happier news, I can share the cover of my fall book with you!!

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The story follows the adventure of a slave trapped in New York City in 1776 while the city is torn back and forth between Patriot and British occupations. It doesn’t come out until the fall, so more details later. (Thanks to perfykt for the nudge.)

Last week mousesnovel asked in response to my announcement that I left a character on the cutting room floor: Was it difficult to eliminate the character? I’m not sure how much you can tell me, if it will give spoilers, but I know I get very attached to mine.

The different parts of the writing process feel like different countries to me. The etiquette and customs of one country is extremely different from the next. In the early drafts, I include everything that falls into my head and I love it all. I could never cut out a character at that stage. When I get to later drafts, that changes. The only thing that matters is what works best for the story. if I fall in love a character and she doesn’t work in the story, she’s gets cut. I can always send her flowers, take her to the movies, or go out for coffee with her. But if she isn’t a vital thread in the fabric of the story, out she goes.

23 Replies to “Another unveiling”

  1. Because of the crushing deadlines you (and many other authors) encounter, have you ever thought of an additional scene that you might have wanted to add to any of your stories after the book was finalized and sent to the printer?

    If so…now would be a great time (for us loyal fans) to elaborate. Maybe think of it as the ‘deleted scenes bonus feature ‘ like many DVD’s have. ha ha ha

  2. No, I never think of additional scenes after the book comes out. Despite the deadline pressure, the book doesn’t go out until it is ready. I’ve never had to ask a publisher to move a publication date, but if it came to that, I would. The integrity of the book is the most important thing.

    But I have thought about putting some of the “cutting room floor” scenes on my website, after the books have been out for a while, so that fans could read them. I’m sure they would lead to interesting discussions.

    The only problem is that my webmaster is already overwhelmed with work and I’m afraid if I ask for anything extra at this point, he’ll move to a deserted island.

  3. Do you always write chapter by chapter when you draft? Or do you ever end up with gaps in the initial draft that you have to go back and fill?

  4. Likewise, and I was wondering if that is typical. I’m trying to write the transitions and patch together the scenes and determine what goes out the window.

    It’s not as fun because some great material clearly doesn’t fit. *sigh*

  5. Woop, I’m glad you can show it. It looks amazing, I love the coloring and how the title is positioned. It sounds like it’s going to be an interesting story, *can’t wait to read it*.

  6. Oh my goodness even the way you write in your journals shows so much emotion and oh my goodness. As a progressing writer such as myself, you are such an inspiration to me. I have read only one of your books and am currently reading another and I am amazed at how well you can capture the emotions of the characters. It stimply astoundes me.

    I am looking forward to reading another one of your books, Your amazing. <3

  7. Lovely cover!

    And may the lung dragon be sent into a hasty retreat! (It’s a frustrating thing, those days when every part of you except the lungs is willing to run faster …)

  8. Kudos on getting your running in, thats a borderline heroic feat during Sick Season.

    The Chains cover looks great! Looking forward to it… 🙂

  9. The Chains cover looks so wonderful! It is one where you can keep looking at it, and noticing new things. (I also really like the font used to write your name.) I can’t wait to read it!

    I hope you feel better soon … think of how good your first run will feel after the dragon is put back to sleep and your breathing is better!

    🙂 Sarah

  10. Looking forward to reading your new book. I really enjoyed reading Fever 1793. I felt like I was immersed in Mattie’s world. Excellent writing. Take care & glad to hear your feeling better!

    Shannon C.

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