Em's Turn

4 songs running through my head at the moment.

ENJOY!

Talking Edits

I both love and hate doing edits...

+ Side: I get to revise my story where needed.

- Side: I have a tendency to over use words and phrases.

Which gets me to thinking in a 40-45K Novella how many times is too much? for example I use the word was 805 times is that a lot? Probably not, but why do I always seem to use the words a lot in the same pages/scenes? This is my dilemma.  It's driving me nuts because I have to go back through the manuscript and change quite a few of them. I think if they were scattered throughout it wouldn't matter as much.

my other big negative is I get so carried away with the story that I forget to add in descriptions and those pesky little details that the readers need so they can visualise everything the way that I do.

For me first edits suck, because it looks like so much work (where I've screwed up). Where in reality, it's probably the best thing, because when it comes to round two there is a much clearer picture of what actually needs to be done. and I start to see the light at the end of the editing tunnel.

Just so you know, I still suck at punctuation... I can't see myself ever getting the hang of it. I find it all confusing as hell, and I'm thankful everyday for my very patient Editors who have to wade through it all and take the time to correct everything.

New Cover...

I'm in first edits now

Contract Signed.

Wardens of the Guild 2

All That Shimmers

Pre-order 18 April

Early Download 2 May

General Release 30 May

Rambling & Life Thoughts

I've been having the strangest feeling of late, as if I've been forgetting something important... and for the life of me I can't figure out what it is. I don't know how many times this has happened to me of late, and yet I never remember what it is I've forgotten.

So instead, I decided to watch the next episode in The Shadow Hunters on Netflix... it's different from the books, yet so much better than the movie. I've been enjoying it so far.

I still have some clearing out to do until my house is the way I want it to be. Actually it's only minor surplus stuff that I need to go through. I didn't realise just how much office supplies I really had until I moved. So many blank notebooks and loose leaf paper. I guess I'm lucky that I don't have to buy any for at least the next two years. That's even with Emily coming in and permanently borrowing supplies.

At least for the last two days the weather has cooled down a tad. Even though the heat related illness is still running rampant in my little bit of Australia, we at last have a reprieve. I can't wait for it to be cleared up completely. I hate watching it run through the family.

I've spent most of the morning catching up on household chores. Weird just how much satisfaction one can get by doing something so mundane. Yet lately I've been taking so much pleasure in cleaning the house.

Even cooking has become fun again. I like trying new recipes, just seeing if I like the food or not. So much of the preparation is so calming to me. The only downside is my cat, Willow thinks that she needs to be fed every time I walk into the kitchen. I've also spent time cleaning the pantry out and only stocking things I actually use. I get sick of having to get rid of stuff that goes out of date and I have to end up replacing it. Even though I don't eat huge meals anymore... I still enjoy creating each and every meal.

I love being in my new house. I love the fact that it's mine, (well not technically seeing as I don't own the building ─ my brother and his wife does). This house for me is really is a relaxing place to be. I really couldn't wish for anywhere else to be while going through court and everything else to do with the separation from my ex-husband.

I'm hoping that this year is the last of the hard years for me. But wanting it to be over isn't good enough. Sometimes we have to endure the bad shit in life just to find the good. I believe that things can only get better, even if we have to walk through hell to get there. I know everyone has problems.. some less and some more difficult than mine, but with just a little bit of faith in ourselves I know we can get through the worst of what life throws at us. If needed we can lean on each other to help us through the hard times. I believe in each of you as much as I believe in myself. On that note I'll catch you all in the next day or so.

Dang It!!!

Why is it when you forget something it's usually something important? I forgot to change my RACQ (Roadside Assistance for my car). So I finally remembered today and then when I rang them I found out  they hadn't taken my last payment out so I haven't been covered since November 2016 ─ In the end instead of just changing my address I had to pay a reinstatement fee and back pay what was owing. 

Why me? For once I wish shit would go right in my life... Speaking of my life I just found out I have mediation in Brisbane Family Court on 13 April... and if nothing is worked out than we go back to Ipswich Court on 12 May...

I've still had to deal with Centrelink today... I had to upload documents onto their website... which was a whole lot of a pain in the arse for me as I am so not techno savvy... fingers crossed I got them all the right information this time... I bet it's not. Every time I think I see the light at the end of the tunnel, there always seems to be a avalanche blocking my way. Hopefully soon things will start falling into place.

Catching Up On Life

I think my world has finally come unglued. And I don't even mean that in a bad way. My writing plan for February got dumped on it's arse as we have been hit with heat related illnesses, so now I'm playing the biggest game of catch up ever. Hopefully soon the weather will get back on track and start to cool the hell down. there is a major gastro outbreak, it even has some of the old people homes in lock-down until they can clear up the virus. It's freaking scary. 

I'll hopefully be starting first edits on Wardens of the Guild 2: All that Shimmers soon... with my wonderful new editor at Pride ─ Rebecca B. I have filled in the BIF (Book information form), and am now waiting on the contract.

Today I'm back to working on Moon Runners 2: I Won't let you Go for Fireborn... sadly I have to re read what I've already written to figure out where I'm up to.

The Lines of Marsden 4: The Trail of Red Roses for MLRPress is still plodding along, and I'm okay with that. I know it'll get done eventually.

I had to pull out of the Riveting Reads even set for later this year... the why's of it all are too long to get into right now... 

I'm also waiting to hear about the new court date for my case seeing as we had to postpone due to Australian & New Zealand laws not matching up ─ or something along those lines. I'll fill you in when I know more.

I'm still trying to get everything sorted out with Centrelink, but it's still slow going over a year and counting. Hopefully this time I'll have all the information they require. Just when I think I'm done they have more forms for me to fill out.

Other than that life is going well. The family who were here to visit have come and gone back to their own homes. I love my family, but was so glad they weren't here when we all got sick. Mind you in saying that, the gastro outbreak seems to be Australia wide at the moment. On that note I'll away and check in with you in a couple of days.