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 Amazing News

Those of you brave enough to follow me (I can’t thank you enough, BTW) have been reading about my journey with Love Bites. I’m thrilled to say I sold the book to Noble Romance Publishing last week and the release is scheduled for June 28, 2010. When she sent the contract, Senior Editor, Jill Noble, wrote that Love Bites was one of the better stories she’s read recently. I’m thrilled about that kind of support and the fast release. Three novels in less than a year is pretty cool for a novice like myself.

So, I signed the contract last Friday and turned in my information for the cover and the dreaded jacket blurb yesterday. I also had to provide a bio. For as many dang times as I’ve had to do that, you’d think I’d keep track of the one I wrote last? Hell no. LOL

Today I began the pre-edits. Now you might think that since the contract is signed, it’s smooth sailing. You’d only be half right. The books all go through editing. Noble provides its authors with a detailed list of typical errors writers make and a bunch of style things they require to make their work easier. Each author has to address all that and then send the manuscript in for editing. “But I thought you just edited it.” I did, but I promise I will have missed things and there are, believe it or not, others who know more than I. Once their editor takes a fine comb through it, I’ll get it back for corrections and I’ll see it at least one more time before it is published. The real danger is to become complacent or even bored with your book after scrutinizing it so many times. Despite being on a deadline, you have to stay focused and do your best. Another author wrote today that one shouldn’t fall in love too deeply with the first draft because you’ll be making so many revisions before it’s published. I can’t agree more. I know I have a long way to go before I break my bad writing habits, but I hope I’ll get faster and better at avoiding mistakes with each one. That’s a reasonable goal, I think.

I owe thanks to my friend and fellow author, Keta Diablo, for pushing me to edit the manuscript thoroughly and for giving it a shout as I subbed it. She’s such a wealth of advice and encouragement. She’s very busy and still makes time to help others. Love Bites still has to stand on its own two feet, but when authors such as Keta say it’s worth a close look, it means a lot to the writer. My pals Leslie Krussell and Dino were my beta readers - Kathy Hamel chimed in toward the middle and provided some great insights. It helps that Kathy is a vampire fan. Leslie and Dino just tell me like it is! James and Jodie helped out with medical information and reviews, and Joe gave me the skinny on bomb wiring. (I promise, Joe, there’ll be a vampire in stilettos in the sequel. Her name is Victoria. LOL) My hometown paper, The Ely Echo , is doing a follow-up story on me. I had a fantastic article in the Echo just before my wildly successful signing in Ely on Thanksgiving night. I’m tickled they are making space for me once again.

I went to Salome last weekend. If you’ve been to that opera, let me know what you thought of it. My mom, sister, and I have decided if the opera is being sung in German, we’re passing. The two we’ve hated have both been sung in German. Pretty bold performance, too, I’d have to add. I also saw Bon Jovi last Thursday night. GREAT seats, terrific concert, and a really fun night. Did a boatload of shopping for my upcoming trip to LA in June. I can hardly wait to meet all my pals there.

As soon as I catch my breath, I’ll introduce you to Keta Diablo. She’s graciously agreed to blog with me and give away one of her books. You could win one of mine too. I’ve read a couple of Keta’s and if you love a steamy romance, you need to read one of Keta’s . So, next entry is double the pleasure. Subscribe so you don’t miss out.

Thanks for all your well-wishes and enthusiasm for my career. It’s wonderful to hear from people all around the world.

Until the next time,

Margie