Changes - Part 2

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So...I wanted to share a little more info about the upcoming changes to my writing life. For a variety of reasons, my publisher is unable to continue offering my fiction in print. So, after much consideration, we decided to revert the rights for my books back to me and part ways. I will be forever grateful to Compass Press and what they've done for me. That said, I am thrilled about the future...

So...what does this mean for all of you, my readers?

First off, the changes will effect my fiction only. Nothing with my nonfiction will change. You can still get any of those titles through Prufrock Press, in brick and mortar stores and online, in both print and digital formats.

With my fiction, a few things are changing. With the Requiem series, including the shorts, I am revamping covers, blurbs, and putting the books through a light revision, with the goal of re-releasing "second editions" of them within the next month. There will be new pricing, some included NEW scenes, and yea - this is fun! Print will be available as well, though not hardbacks (only paperback). Dominus will be released in late August as well.

With Transcend, I am pulling that one within the next week or so. I have some different plans for that that I can't discuss yet.

So, there you go - A little shift for me, but one that will be good for the series, I hope! Over the next few weeks I am rebranding my website, blog, etc as part of the changes. can't wait to see what you all think.

Thanks and enjoy the week!

I'm Here .... more or less

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Hi everyone! Sorry to disappear but I am knee deep in the last weeks of my current job, a home renovation project that has created a little chaos in my house, and some exciting changes in my writing life (can you say new covers and...)

Needless to say, blogging hasn't been top of my list of to-dos, and likely won't be for a while. But, I will pop in to say hi, tell you about recent reads, and update you as I can on some exciting things coming down the pike.

And yes, tease you a little with the upcoming Dominus.

Happy Summer! What are you guys up to?

Ch-Ch-Changes....

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From Dictionary.com:

change

  [cheynj]  Show IPA verb, changed, chang·ing, noun

verb (used with object)

1.

to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of (something) different from what it is orfrom what it would be if left alone: to change one's name; to change one's opinion; to change the courseof history.

2.

to transform or convert (usually followed by into  ): The witch changed the prince into a toad.

3.

to substitute another or others for; exchange for something else, usually of the same kind: Shechanged her shoes when she got home from the office.

4.

to give and take reciprocally; interchange: to change places with someone.

5.

to transfer from one (conveyance) to another: You'll have to change planes in Chicago.

Yesterday, I woke-up as I always do. I rolled over, clicked on my phone, checked out my social media sites, and read my email. Just like always.

Until....

I read an email I knew would change things up in my life.

It wasn't a long email. It did represent anything overly good, or overly bad. But it was going to mean change. Big change, actually. Unexpected change.

My life has been about change so far this year. In Feb, I decided to leave my new job and return to the job I had been doing for years previously. There were a lot of reasons for the decision. And while I am THRILLED with it, as I finish up my current job, it is with a touch of mourning that I move forward.

I made a decision to change directions in my writing career, getting back to writing something new and  seeking the partnership of an agent, at least for my fiction. While that isn't something that has happened yet, that is my future goal.

And then the email - even more change to my fiction world. At first, my heart stopped, as doubt and a fair dose of fear rocked my core. Then, I moved through the feelings and saw the excitement the news brings - a future that is a bit clearer, plans forming as the moments clicked away. By the end of the night, I realized that this change - like the others I have opened myself up to this year, is GOOD!  things!

I can't share the details yet, as they have not been worked out, but there are definite interesting things on the horizon...

How do you handle change?

A Bookanista Review of THE PLEDGE by Kimberly Derting

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It's Bookanista Thursday and time for a new review. I am reviewing another one of Kimberly Derting's books this week - THE PLEDGE. This one was sitting in my bookcase for months, and finally...
I read the book! And I am glad I did.

But, before I tell you my thoughts, here are the other Bookanista reviews this week:

• Carolina Valdez Miller celebrates 17 & GONE by Nova Ren Suma
• Carrie Harris awakens you to INSOMNIA by Jenn Johansson…with giveaway
• Christine Fonseca praises THE PLEDGE by Kimberly Derting
• Corrine Jackson is wild for WHEN IT HAPPENS by  Susane Colasanti
•  Elana Johson invites you to her ABANDON release par-tay!
• Katy Upperman is bewitched by NANTUCKET BLUE by Leila Howland
• Lenore Appelhans  swoons for STAR CURSED by Jessica Spotswood…with an annotated snippet
• Stasia Ward Kehoe is wild for THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER by Stephen Chbosky
• Tracey Neithercott  highlights WHERE THE STARS STILL SHINE by Trish Doller
• Tracy Banghart  raves over JUMP WHEN READY by David Pandolfe

On to my Bookanista Shout out for THE PLEDGE by Kimberly Derting:

Release Date: 11/15/2011

Basic Blurb: (from Amazon)

In the violent country of Ludania, the language you speak determines your class, and there are harsh punishments if you forget your place—looking a member of a higher class in the eye can result in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina (Charlie for short) can understand all languages, a dangerous ability she’s been hiding her whole life. The only reprieve from oppression is within the drug-filled underground club scene. There, she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy who speaks a language she’s never heard, and her secret is almost exposed. As the violent clashes between the totalitarian monarchy and the rebel forces escalate, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country’s only chance for freedom from the terrible grip of a deadly regime.

     Kimberly Derting, author of The Body Finder series, writes powerfully and movingly of a girl with dangerous powers in an unusual and expertly crafted setting.

Why I liked it: 
The Pledge has all of the familiar elements of a dystopian story. But, as the book progresses, she manages to bring a freshness to the story that I enjoyed. The romantic elements are sweet and believable, the main character is tough and strong, and the world building good. All in all, I enjoyed this new side to Kimberly Dertig's storytelling. I'm glad I finally read the book!

What are you guys reading these days? 

Summer Flings and Book Signings! WOOT!!!

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Time for another blog chain round, and this one is summer-inspired with Katrina's question:

Have you ever written a summer fling? Or are all your fictional relationships the deep, forever kind? If you did write one, how would it begin (the meet cute)? Where would it be set? Give us a few paragraphs sample. 

What a fun question. I will admit, when I first read it, I read "Have you ever HAD a summer fling?". My answer to that is...um....yes! As the question was actually about WRITING a summer fling, I guess that is the one I should answer;)

Surprisingly I have no summer flings in my books. That said, I am working on a fun little project that would/could definitely include a fling. Of course, it would involve a beach, a vacation, a chance meeting. And yes, there would be a monstrous twist....I mean, it isn't one of my stories without one, right?!? Hmm....now I am thinking I need to writing this!

But that is for a different day/time, maybe during the epic road trip this summer. For more on this topic, check out Sandra's from yesterday, and Katrina's post tomorrow.

Before you go, I wanted to share my fun event last night. It wasn't my first signing, but it was my first LOCAL signing. And despite conflicts with award dinners, finals, and everything else going on in Temecula last night - the turn out was AMAZING!!!! A special shout out to my BFFs Jodi, Cherie, and Marifel that made sure to keep me company, Julie that drove the longest to get there, and my work buds Jill, Kari, Athene, Michelle, Anna, and Roger.

And to all the girls - you were all SO

I am hoping this was just the beginning. Here's to more events at our local store.