The Ripple Effect: Music

Okay, so the picture is a cheat. It's true this actress I can kinda/sorta see as Rhiannon (Sophia Bush). Due to that I included this picture. (In case any of your are curious) So last night I did what I always do: I combined music I listened to while writing The Ripple Effect and made a playlist. Lots of different artists. And, again, a bit of darkness. Curious? Here you go:

If that doesn't work, CLICK HERE. I'll have it on my website soon.

Also in other news: Mom finished The Ripple Effect last night and gave it an enthusiastic "Yes!" while the husband read it and said, "I couldn't stop reading." They could be saying that to be nice, but I'd like to hope they liked the book. Both of them read it in a single day (chores were forgotten -- which I was totally fine with), which encourages me to believe what they say.

Anyhow, I hope you like the music and that it provides some hints for all of you. The book will be between 80-85k. As long or longer than The Renfield Syndrome (Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between was 80k).

Back to work for me. Time to wrap up Enemy Mine!

The Ripple Effect: Done

As of today, The Ripple Effect is done. It's true I still have to write the epilogue, but as you know my endings only wrap things up and prepare readers for the next book. What can I say about The Ripple Effect? Well, for one, it nearly killed me. I thought The Renfield Syndrome was bad...WRONG.

I've always been a pantser, meaning I allow the characters to dictate what happens when I write. I have a general idea of where things are going, but I never quite "know" what will take place. I didn't see several things coming in this book, including something that totally blindsided me. I kept wanting to go back and rewrite the scene, to change what happens. Yet in the end, as much as it sucked, I felt what I wrote made sense. It's weird, but sometimes I think my mind knows all along where a story is going to go but doesn't show me the light until it's ready.

I know some fans will hate me, but I hope they can understand that authors don't always have it easy. Just because a character belongs to us, it doesn't mean what happens to them is something we necessarily want. It's just what happens when you allow the story to take over, to breathe on its own. As a consequence, Edge of Darkness (book four in the series) has changed. I'm going to take a breather from Rhiannon for a while to wrap up projects for Ellora's Cave (including Enemy Mine, for those who have asked). I'll return to her later this year.

Thank you again for all your support, for being so wonderful, and for supporting my work. I truly hope you enjoy the third book. If you like things dark and unexpected, The Ripple Effect should be up your alley. *fingers crossed*

P.S. The Ripple Effect will release this summer. I do not have a precise release date but when I receive one I'll pass it along.

Books You're Looking Forward to in 2012

There are a lot of books coming out this year I'm looking forward to -- especially the one pictured above (isn't that cover smokin'?). I love Joey W. Hill and I'm certain this series will be as good as her other works. This got me to thinking: What books are YOU looking forward to this year?

I know most people want the newest J.R. Ward (I have the last book but need to read it) as well as some upcoming young adult novels, etc. Although I don't need to add to my bookshelves (I really, really don't) I'm asking for suggestions. So the floor is open -- what books should I read this year? I like all genres but prefer romance, urban fantasy, young adult, and horror.

Now it's time to return to work. Hope you all are enjoying the first day in the new year.