Book 1, revisited

Okay, so, sixteen (er, seventeen) years ago, I started writing a book that would eventually be THE LORN. First in a series. Contemporary fantasy. Hit pretty much every cliche in the book. Oh, and the writing was pretty Fantasy Standard. Shockingly, no agent wanted to touch it. (Including my agent now, although he did like the characters; he said the plot and the world building were, er, thin.) Needless to say, the book's unpublished.

But man, I so love the characters. And the system of magic--holy cow! I think I love the magic even more than I love the characters.

So, I wait. I write other things. I get lucky and get published in a completely different area (who knew I could write romance?), and I'm full-steam ahead. (Just handed in the second book in the HELL series to my agent for his blessing, then onto the editor. Eep.)

I get the idea to revisit THE LORN as a YA urban fantasy. Prolly because my Crit Partner writes in this genre (terrific stuff -- and her debut novel is getting published next year by a big publisher, hooray!). Oh, right, and that li'l known Harry guy had something to do with it.

Anyway, I finished the first draft on August 16. One of my three Trusted Beta Readers read the finished draft, and she gave it the official "It Doesn't Suck" thumbs up. We AIMed over plot points, and ways to possibly strengthen the story. She so totally rocks.

Finished the first revision tonight. Added about 3,000 words, three chapters, and serious Bad Guy build up. I think the story's way better. (Of course, I'm biased.)

I have one more revision, and then it's on to my Crit Partner for her reading pleasure. Assuming she gives it the ol' thumbs up...I'll be sending it to my agent for his review. And, God willing, his blessing.

I'm thrilled with HELL'S BELLES and the whole HELL series, and I'm looking forward to writing Jezebel's story for a long time. But if I also can get this other book -- series -- published...man, I have to say, I would die a happy camper.

So wish me luck. Because it's forward THE MAGIC BRIGADE. Fingers crossed that after 17 years, the story is finally ready.

Thanks, Tri. Fingers crossed. (And I like FELICITY FORTUNE!)

Good luck, Yanallefish!

Some good news: so far, two of my five beta readers have read THE MAGIC BRIGADE...and loved it. One had some excellent feedback on one problematic chapter; the other said she'd like just a couple more sentences overall to show more world building. But other than that...they LOVED it.

I nearly cried from happiness.

(One of the two readers is a published YA fantasy author; the other recently signed with a top agent to sell her urban fantasy.)

Three more beta readers (including another YA fantasy author), and my crit partner (yet another YA fantasy author) to go.

And then...to my agent. ((gulp))

Thanks, Saanen!

Three of five beta readers hath spoken...and it is good. :-D

Two beta readers and one crit partner to go...

Thanks, Jenny -- first, I'm waiting to see if my agent gives HB2 his blessing. And then...((fingers crossed))

Thanks, Dave.

My crit partner has given her blessing -- no changes -- and told me to get it to my agent, pronto. Eek!

So once I hear from him with feedback on THE ROAD TO HELL...I'll give him THE MAGIC BRIGADE. And then...I'll start holding my breath.