Let's Keep in Touch

Just a reminder that from now on, I'm posting updates at my new site.

Finally!

I’m finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel! ELD is going to be published by October 1^st. I hope that by declaring it in print, I’ll finally get it done. It has a new title now, How The Cookie Crumbles. Yup, still all about food.

For those of you who read the book in its original serialized version, I’m sure you’re wondering why the new book has taken so long to produce. First off, I had to change some characters and settings so they were “inspired” rather than photocopied from real life. Secondly, I wanted to rewrite some sections where the character motivation had bothered me. Frankie’s move to L.A. always seemed a little forced, so I’ve addressed that. And thirdly, the book was/is too long, actually the length of two books, so major surgery was required. It will still be a long and satisfying read, but I’ve tried to cut the fat. No Doughnut jokes, please. I’ve written several brand new chapters too, so that’s something to look forward to.

But mainly, I’ve slacked off. So I’m going to stop worrying about whether the book is perfect and just get the damn thing done. At Christmas, I’ll be publishing my other previous novella, Valley of Gold. For people who have been asking for IOSWHP as well, I think I can see my way to through to publishing that as three separate books, if I can figure out how to handle the ending without alienating half the readership. Then, I’m going to start writing new books! I already have three ideas in mind: a one about Sweden, one about the lockout, and one about a really kick-ass heroine. I can hardly wait to get started on them.

From now on, I’m switching my blog posts to my new writer’s site here, so you may want to follow me there instead. Also, if you’re not on blogger much and you want to stay updated on what I’m up to, you can send me an email at melanieting21 at gmail dot com, and I will send you email updates.

About that book I promised for March publication....

 

Grumpy, meet Grumpy

I’m still alive! I’ve been watching playoff hockey and writing. Naturally I was in a deep funk when my team got swept. Swept! Apparently you can’t flip the switch when the playoffs start. I’m cheering for my fallback teams now. Speaking of, did anyone see the HNIC opening montage starring Jonathan Toews? Who needs fanfic when you have emotion like that on the ice? My favourite part is the penalty box scene where he’s leaning forward and see PP the goal get scored…or maybe the part where Seabs comes in and pats him on the head. Love it. Clearly the CBC has a sense of humour even though they employ idiots like P.J.Stock.

And of course, I’m editing. I’ve been doing some major revisions to ELD, including wondering if it should be two books rather than one, because it’s sooooo long. A normal book is 70,000 words long and ELD is 150,000.  One of the difficulties is that serialized novels have a sustained energy since they get read in short bursts. What’s more important to serials is plot moves and cliffhanger endings. But turning a serial into a novel is a way to add more structure and parallels. I've edited out some parts and written brand new chapters that I love. Of course, once I start editing though, it’s like a terrible spiral where I feel like I need to change everything. For example, the new NHL agreement calls for players to have single hotel rooms, so does that mean I have to change my hotel scenes? Some days I want to scrap the whole thing and write a new book instead.

Sorry, what could be more boring than writing about writing? I am back on track, ELD is back to one book again, and I hope to have it ready for my lovely editor very soon. This time I’m not making any promises as to when it will be published, but the end is in sight, as long as you can see really far ahead!

Heeeere's Jay!

 

When I first started looking for hockey fanfic on the internet, I have to admit that I thought it would be all pretty crappy. I imagined virginal teens lusting for Sidney Crosby and writing their hearts out without heed for grammar or common sense.  Pretty much like what you read every day on the hockey girlfriend boards, or occasionally Mibba.

But once I found all the stories on Blogger, I have to say that I was pretty amazed. Sure, there were still some crazy stories. I still haven’t quite recovered from the one where Dave Bolland made hot, passionate, love for five hours straight. And that was only a single, ahem, interaction. Plus, Dave Bolland? Anyway, I digress. I found some really great writing on Blogger, stories full of action, emotion, drama, humour and even hot, passionate, sex that took less than five hours. 

When I was starting out, I had tons of questions, and I got help from a lot of different writers. But the person who helped me the most, and whose writing I have always admired is Jay. She writes about the psychology, pain, and passion of love; and always with blessedly perfect grammar and spelling. Now Jay has joined me in taking the leap to Kindle.

Check it out here. Free downloads Friday!

Grab some Fresh Air

Hi all!

I've started posting my stories on Amazon. The first one, which was a test to see if I could do it, is the short novel (because novella sounds like a woman who wears puppy fur coats) entitled Fresh Air.  Anyway, it's free right now on Amazon, for 24 hours only. 

If you do download or upload or freeload, I would really appreciate a review on Amazon, Goodreads or wherever you get your reading suggestions. An honest review is great, or if you have any feedback or suggestions, please let me know in the comments here. I'm learning as I go, so your help is welcomed.

Thanks! Up next will be ELD. Stay tuned to this blog for a free offer on that book as well.

Top hockey books?

On Puck Daddy, I read the headline, "Hockey books: Six of the sexiest, dysfunctional alternatives for your summer puck reading." Unfortunately, none of my favourite fanfics made the cut, I guess that's what happens when a man chooses the books. If he thinks those books are sexy, imagine how shocked he would be to read some of the stories on Blogger.

Bribes now being accepted

It's official, if I write about you, you win the Stanley Cup! Congrats to the Kings.