Revisions, Round One

Over the weekend, I decided to revise the first chapter of my upcoming novel Bloodlust. While I'm well beyond the first chapter in terms of overall writing, I've found myself returning to the beginnings of the book many times in recent months. Something was tugging at me, making me think of other ways to introduce a mature Kate Grady into the Bloodline Trilogy. The scenario finally revealed itself fully to me, mindfully speaking, so I was able to write the revision in fairly short order.

Inevitable revisions are the main reason I prefer not to predict the release date of a specific novel. As most authors know, the writing process can go along smoothly for quite awhile and then all of a sudden a mental wrench is thrown into the works. It is not writer's block per say, but rather a new direction which can develop over the passage of time. In other words, the author can sometimes be inspired by new ideas that only become feasible as the storyline unfolds and ultimately progresses in their imagination.

Not to worry, though. I've been writing this way for most of my life, so I'm accustomed to the pattern.

More Enthrallment

Carly's in trouble…

IT WAS STILL DARK when Carly awoke fully dressed in the front seat of her Camry. At first she thought she was coming out of a horrific nightmare, but then she felt the pain and sticky wetness in her lower and upper body, and the pounding throb of an enormous headache.

She tried to adjust her eyes to the inky darkness. The street lamps on Larkin Highway helped bring her vision into focus, and then she knew where she was.

Her Camry was parked on the soft shoulder of the highway, underneath an awning of pine branches one-quarter mile from the entrance road to the mansion. She could smell the clean freshness of rain in the air even though her car windows were closed.

She found her voice, which was working now. "How on earth did I get here?" she wondered aloud. "What did I do? What in the hell happened to me?"

Bits and pieces began to flood her memory as she sat there. Despite the chill in her car, she felt the heat of shame rising in her body and flaming her cheekbones. She saw Jack in her mind, and two other men, taking turns on her body and then joining with her all at the same time – something she had never thought possible even in her wildest fantasies…

Click here to read more excerpts from "Enthrallment."

Collective Updates

The following downloads have been revised:

• About Larkin
• Private Journal of Colm Sullivan

About Larkin is a companion guide to the Collective Obsessions Saga. The guide offers insights into the story backdrop, such as particulars and images of Larkin City and the Larkin estate in Maine. Because the story spans more than 100 years, facts and entertaining trivia were compiled during the writing process.

The Private Journal of Colm Sullivan recounts Colm's journey from Ireland to Maine, which begins the Collective Obsessions Saga. As the first lighthouse keeper at Banshee Point, Colm records his private musings, dreams and desires as he begins a new life on the Larkin estate. Note: New pictures and information have been added to the revised version. Transcripts for Colm Sullivan's Journal were extracted from Passion Forsaken and The Keeper's Journal.

Did I mention both documents are free?

Reading Laze

Once in a blue moon, I get the urge to just stay in bed for the day and read. Yesterday was one of those days. My cranky feline Kiki was glad for the unusual occurrence. She spent most of the time cuddled behind the back of my legs, although she rubbed her head against the book in my hands when she wanted attention.

I'm currently reading Fall of Giants by Ken Follett, first book in the Century Trilogy. Since Follett is one of my favorite authors, I'm thoroughly enjoying his work.

However, it's back to work today…