Question of the Week

Q: Will you follow up with some of the other nuns?

A: I have every intention of that. As usual, time and my writing speed are a factor in when I can work on the Nuns of Europa again. At this time, I can't see getting back to it until early 2020, but that is the time frame I'm currently working with. 

Thanks for the question!

Do you have a question for me? If so, leave it in the comments section, and I might answer it in a future blog.

Please note, I may not answer some questions because they could give away some upcoming plots in future books.

Sunday’s Serving – Nuns of Europa: Sister Katherine (WIP)

He tried to comfort her again.  “Matara, I swear, you won’t be harmed.  I am going to sedate you.  That’s all I’m going to do, so please don’t be afraid.”

Miv said, “Go ahead, my Imdiko.  The sooner you tranquilize her, the sooner she won’t suffer anymore.”

Vadef sighed heavily.  Seeing this one weep made his chest hurt.  He definitely wanted to be in front of his computer back on the spyship.  He was too damned softhearted to be on the front lines of this invasion shit.

He stood and squeezed her thin shoulder, still trying to offer some reassurance to her despite knowing he really couldn’t.  Miv swept her long curls aside, baring the side of her neck.  Vadef pressed the cylinder of the sedating instrument against the slender column.

Her voice rose again with fear.  “...and give me strength, O Lord, as you gave Moses as he wandered the desert...”

Unable to listen to that desperate tone any longer, Vadef depressed the plunger, sending the tranquilizer into the female’s body.  She lost consciousness in the middle of a word, crumpling where she knelt.

Miv moved quickly to catch her before she could slide to the floor.  In one smooth motion, he lifted her in his arms.  She draped across his arms like a broken doll.  For a moment he and Vadef didn’t move.  They simply stood there and looked at her pretty face framed by that froth of glorious golden hair. 

Releasing Summer 2013

April 2013 Update

Clans of Kalquor 7:  Alien Refuge – The response to this book has been phenomenal!  I am so happy you have enjoyed the story.  One quick note ... several people have wondered if the honeymoon at Maf’s estate will put the clan in danger.  The answer is no.  Maf is not ready to make any overt moves yet, so the next Clans of Kalquor book will not feature such a story.  However, it wouldn’t be surprising if Maf had ulterior motives in his seemingly magnanimous gesture.  As you noticed, he would really like to find out a lot more about Ospar’s past.  Having our wily Dramok on his turf could present a few opportunities for Maf to learn more about Haven’s governor.  

Clan Beginnings:  Clan and Conviction – Krijero and I have finally reached a settlement and the book is done!  Wooooohooooooo!  It is currently in the hands of the proofreader.  How do you like the always brilliant Erin Dameron-Hill’s cover?  The tentative release date is May 3.

Nuns of Europa:  Sister Katherine – This tale is rolling along quite well.  I am nearing the halfway mark on the first draft.  No Krijero equals easier writing.  (Just kidding, Imdiko.  You know I love you!)  Releasing in the summer.

Clans of Kalquor 1:  Alien Embrace (re-edited) – The publisher’s contract runs out at the end of June.  After much consideration, I have acknowledged what a control freak I am and have decided to not renew the contract so I can self-publish Alien Embrace.  I have been reworking the original story of Amelia Ryan and Clan Rajhir for several weeks now in anticipation of publishing it myself.  More background on the boys is being provided as well as getting the first story better in line with the rest of the series.  About 10,000 words have been added.  As I’ve mentioned before, I originally wrote Alien Embrace with no idea it would be the start of a series.  Re-release is dependent on when I get the notice of rights returned.

To Protect and Service:  Ravenous Virtue – This is beginning to move along.  Getting my head out of Kalquor and into an alternate universe takes some doing ... I’m world-building from scratch for this one, which is why it is taking so long.  I have reached the two-thirds mark on the first draft and have set my sights on publishing it in autumn.

Shalia’s Diary:  We are coming close to wrapping up the first storyline.  The next few weeks are going to be a bumpy ride, folks.  Keep reading!

New Year’s Challenges

Start a new book each month:

(January)  Clans of Kalquor 8:  Alien Caged – The outline is nearly done.  A captured clan intent on escape from renegade Earthers, their not-so-unwilling hostage, an enemy back from the grave, and new problems for the whole Empire on the horizon ... oh me, oh my. 

(February)  Clan Beginnings:  Clan and Commitment (working title)–About halfway through the outline.  Rajhir meets Flencik his first day on the job working for newly elected Councilman Ospar.  Sparks fly soon afterward.  Political intrigue abounds along with a sweet love story.  Like Clan and Conviction, this one is divided into two short books with Breft’s entrance being the second tale.  I’m thinking of changing the title to Clan and Honor.  Both titles work, but ‘honor’ is a much easier word to fit on the cover. :P

(March)  First Mataras:  Michaela – I’m almost a quarter of the way into the outline.  Gotta say, I’m loving Nobek Raxstad in this one.  He’s a big brute, but he’s showing up as funny too.  He makes no apologies for being rough around the edges, which I enjoy.

(April)  Clans of Kalquor 9:  Alien Indiscretions - I am just now starting the character sketches and plot line.  Along with the introduction of Jessica and Lindsey’s twin cousins Cissy and Tasha will be some familiar faces:  the McInness women of course, Clan Clajak, Clan Zarl, Rajhir, Ospar, and ... uh-oh ... the Basma.  Just to name a few.  Dramok Diltan (from ‘An Improper Proposal’, Alien Interludes) is back on the scene trying to woo the sweet-natured twin Tasha.  Somehow his clan keeps getting tangled up with rowdy Cissy instead.  Meanwhile, secrets come out that drive the divide between Empire and Kalquorian rebels farther apart.

The Couch to 5K Running Program:

Well, there have been some setbacks.  I was sick in February and then fell ill again in the early part of March.  Then just as I was getting back in the swing of running, managing over two miles, I injured my knee.  I am essentially off my feet for however long it takes for this to heal.  Once I’m able to run again, I will have to build back up to where I was.  I have told Hubby that perhaps this is the universe’s way of telling me I am actually destined to sit on my butt, eat chocolate, drink wine, and get fat.  He’s not buying it.  On a happier note, I have managed to take off 22 pounds. 

That’s it for now, folks.  Take care, all!

February 2013 Update

Clans of Kalquor 7:  Alien Refuge – Gone to the editor.  The release date is set for March 15.  And we have a cover!  Woot!

Clan Beginnings:  Clan and Conviction – I am about a quarter of the way through the first draft.  Still no release date set since this is actually two books in one and is taking a bit longer.

Nuns of Europa:  Sister Katherine – I am two-thirds through the outline.  Anticipating a summer release.

To Protect and Service:  Ravenous Virtue – At the halfway point on the first draft.  Slow going on this one too, as it has so many twists and turns.

Shalia’s Diary – Oh boy...a lot is going on in this month’s entries.  You will not believe how much trouble and fun Shalia finds herself in.  Major issues and encounters with Dusa, Esak, Nang, her mom, the Pageant Trio...hold on tight, everyone.  It’s going to be a wild ride.  ‘Nuff said for now.

My 2013 Challenge to start a new book every month:

January’s book:  Clans of Kalquor 8:  Alien Caged – Story outline is going pretty well.  I have been able to fit it into my schedule without much trouble.  A renegade Earther battlecruiser that didn’t surrender after Armageddon has captured a Kalquorian destroyer crew.  Lots of twists and turns in the Kalquor saga showing up in this one.  Three different enemies coming together to challenge the Empire...yikes.

February’s book:  Clan Beginnings:  (no title yet, featuring Clan Rajhir) – Just started character outlines yesterday, since all my notes for Alien Embrace disappeared inside a broken computer over two years ago.  I planned to get more into the boys’ backgrounds anyway, so re-doing it all was going to happen no matter what.

And as for the Couch to 5K Running Program, I am still plugging along on that.  I have now completed four weeks towards the goal of completing a 5K.  Some days it’s easier, some days not so good.  I’ve lost 10 pounds so far and one dress size, so that’s nice.  Hubby has commented on how much less bitching I’m doing about running, so gold stars for me!

The blog featuring your questions for me will run next Saturday.  It may have to appear in two parts because of all the questions I've been sent, but that’s fine.  Ask away!