Work, Work and More Work

I am having such a great time working on my next mainstream novel for St. Martins Press.  The title is GUILTY PLEASURES.  I’ve totally gotten into writing about folks that kinda sorta live on the edge and have no real problems about breaking a few laws here and there. LOL.  My protagonists are a married couple who enjoy nothing more than running a con on unsuspecting businessmen…well that and the unbridled lust that they have for each other.  Each con turns them on like electric lamps!

While writing that I’m also sketching out my second installment in my Pause for Men series for Harlequin.  The first will be released in August 2005 the second in November.  The story features four forty-something women who decide to open an exclusive day spa for men.  The cover should be ready soon and I will post.

Well, time to get back to work.

Making Time for Writing in the New Year

Back when I first started writing professionally (1987), I was a stickler for rules, regulations and organization. I kept accurate records, detailed notes, file folders and composition books. I even had a little recipe box that I kept "pending story" ideas in. And my life as a writer ran smoothly.

Somehow, over the progression of years and accumulation of data, all of my good habits have flown to some netherworld not to be seen by me again. Over the past year, I have lost count of how many novels and novellas, contacts and agreements I have put my name on. As I sit here, whining about this conundrum, I must complete not ONE but TWO books by the end of January! Yes, January of '06. I was informed of this latest twist of fate last week.

To some it may be a great thing to have that many projects on your plate. Unless of course, you actually have to think up the storyline, detail the characters, make the words jump out of your head and onto the page (in some sort of coherent form of course) edit it, print and send to the eagerly awaiting editor.

I must now try to figure out how to write two completely different types of books simultaneously without the voices becoming blending into something unrecognizable.

What I have learned is that its well past time for me to go back to my old ways of organizing. I can't fly by the seat of my pants any longer. (not as young as I used to be). I have to learn to say NO. (even if it means less dollars in my pocket). I have to not only make time for writing but time for me, so that I will be of sound mind and body in order to write!!

So... with all that being said, look for about 6-7 books from me in 2006--that is of course if I don't walk out into traffic first!!! LOL

Happy New Year
Donna

Going Out with a Bang and In with a Blast

First... happy holidays to everyone within the reach of my blog!!! Thanks so very much for the love and support this past year. I took that leap and left my job of ten years back in August...and guess what.... I don't miss it!

But the extra time has giving me the chance to complete several projects, sign contracts and truly get into the new year full steam again.

One project that I am both proud and excited about is Indecent Exposure. It is a novel written by three authors: Tracy Price Thompson, Carmen Green and Victor McGlothin. The challenge of this project was blending all three voices with their storylines and making them read as one voice. Even though this is written by three authors it is not an anthology but rather a novel about the escapades and sexcapdes behind a New York City mayoral election. It's timely, sexy, intriguing and well written. Indecent Exposure is scheduled to be released in February 2006.

I am also a part of an anthology Destiny's Daughters which will also be released in February. It is three novellas written by me, Parry Brown and Gwynne Forster.


Then in June I have my Kamani/Arabesque romance Long Distance Lover, followed in August with Love Becomes Her, the first in a four-part series about a group of friends who decide to open an exclusive day spa for men only! The second title of the series is Satisfy Me, which will hit bookstores in November. As soon as I get cover approval I will post them.

In the meantime, everyone have a joyous, happy and healthy holiday and wonderful New Year.
Peace and blessings

New York City on Lock Down

I for one always want the underdog to win, come out on top, beat down the bad guys. In this case it was big business management against the transit workers of New York City. The standoff came, the workers had to make a point and as a result they have shut the City down. No buses, no trains.

In some cities this may not be a big issue, but in a City the size of New York with more than 8 million residents it is a monumental pain in the ass.

Coming at a time where there should be good will toward wo/man, this situation leaves a lot to be desired. People have to walk for miles, hitch rides, and become very creative in trying to get around the city. It is estimated that businesses in the City will lose 400 million dollars in the first day. Not to mention the loss of pay to many who are totally unable to get to their jobs.

I do hope it is worth it. That the demands made by the transit workers union will somehow justify what has been done to the people of the city of New York. Perhaps there is some lesson in this for big business... that they have to take the demands of unions seriously.

We shall see.