Coffee Break

July-- Instead of the usual Monthly Progress Report header I've decided to go with Coffee Break. I think it's warm and inviting whereas the old title seems cold and impersonal.

From the time when I completed my new novel the synopsis has been rewritten for the umpteenth time and another batch of queries were sent out.

Quite a bit of research has gone into my upcoming psychological thriller. I've chosen St. Augustine, Florida for the setting and FALSE FACE for the working title.

The photo below (Plotting A Murder) goes with this story. That's all I'm saying. For now.

I'll start writing the first of August -- since August is the first part of Augustine and because my birthday is in August.

Why yes, my mind really works this way. :-)

Photo Copyright Flickr from Yahoo!

Plotting A Murder

I have an idea for a new story.

This photo is a clue.

No, it is not a historical romance.

Photo Copyright Flickr from Yahoo!

New Book Releases For July

THE ISLAND
by Elin Hilderbrand -- http://elinhilderbrand.net/

THE SEARCH
by Nora Roberts -- http://www.noraroberts.com/

FLY AWAY HOME
by Jennifer Weiner -- http://www.jenniferweiner.com/

STAR ISLAND
by Carl Hiaasen -- http://www.carlhiaasen.com/index.shtml

FAITHFUL PLACE
by Tana French -- http://www.tanafrench.com/

LINGER
by Maggie Stiefvater -- http://www.maggiestiefvater.com/

THE REMBRANDT AFFAIR
by Daniel Silva -- http://www.danielsilvabooks.com/content/index.asp

From: http://bestsellers.about.com/od/newupcomingreleases/ig/July-2010-Book-Releases/
Photo Copyright Flickr from Yahoo!

Relax And Recharge

Two completed novels.

Queries written and mailed.

Time to relax and recharge before I begin a new project.

I can't go to a tropical island right now, but there's no reason I can't pretend. :-)

Photo Copyright Flickr from Yahoo!

Having My Own Celebration

While the rest of America celebrates Independence Day this weekend, I'll be celebrating The End of my new novel about Wentzel Farm.

The query and a list of names are done and ready to go.

I slept very little in June.

Not even fireworks will keep me awake tonight.

Cheers, Everyone

Photo Copyright Flickr from Yahoo!

June Progress Report

I am thrilled to announce I am on page 247 [of 338] of the final draft of WENTZEL FARM. This is still a working title [used to be WOODALL FARM]. The real title, which I've managed to keep secret, will be on my queries.

I love this story every bit as much as SMOKE.

Haven't heard anything on SMOKE. Can't even remember the last time I received a rejection letter. Either my queries have all fallen through a crack in the universe, or they've been set aside for consideration, or...?

I've lost a lot of sleep over WENTZEL FARM. For the past three weeks, I've gotten up in the middle of the night, every night, and worked on it for several hours. I also worked on it for an hour or so before going to work. Another couple of hours after returning home.

If everything goes according to plan, queries will be sent out this weekend.

Cheers

New Book Releases For June

From Daemons Books: http://www.daemonsbooks.com/2010/05/28/new-book-releases-june-2010/ ~ and ~ About.com: http://bestsellers.about.com/od/newupcomingreleases/ig/June-2010-Book-Releases/

SO COLD THE RIVER
By Michael Koryta -- http://www.michaelkoryta.com/

LOWCOUNTRY SUMMER
By Dorothea Benton Frank -- http://www.dotfrank.com/

THE PASSAGE
By Justin Cronin -- http://enterthepassage.com/author/

BULLET (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series)
By Laurell K. Hamilton -- http://blog.laurellkhamilton.org/

THE PARTICULAR SADNESS OF LEMON CAKE
By Aimee Bender -- http://www.flammableskirt.com/home.html

THE LION
By Nelson Demille -- http://www.nelsondemille.net/content/index.asp

FRANKENSTEIN: LOST SOULS
By Dean Koontz -- http://www.deankoontz.com/

SIZZLING SIXTEEN
By Janet Evanovich -- http://www.evanovich.com/

FAMILY TIES
By Danielle Steel -- http://www.randomhouse.com/features/steel/

PRIVATE
By James Patterson and Maxine Paetro -- http://www.jamespatterson.com/