Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Breathe

And just when I thought I saw the birds circling that must mean an island was near...

Health issues, not my own, are determined to sideline me. I am trying to plug away, but I am currently spending a few hours a day being more nurturing than comes naturally, because let's face it: I am an only child in addition to being a fire horse and only children who are also fire horses do NOT nurture all that easily, no matter how badly they want to. But our household is in high crisis mode and once again, I've been nominated to be the sane one.

My ABNA project: cover by Joris Ammerlaan
I'm starting to question this decision to stay sane, but the truth of it is, somebody has to be. Story of my life. Seriously.

And THAT looks like a big whiny baby plea for sympathy. It only is a little. Mostly it is explanation for why, intentions aside, I got nowhere yesterday and can't make promises for a couple days. I am taking time off of work to get a plan established, which means when I AM at work I need to work like I am on deadline. (and when I am NOT at work, I am largely NOT online).

And I STILL have manuscripts to edit. So I may or may not blog regularly for the next couple weeks... and I probably will remain slow on getting around. I feel so guilty on the matter, but it is what it is.


On the positive side, I got my 3 chapters to my editor that were DUE. Hopefully she likes them. (I have to do the rest of the book, but am pretty sure I can have a little time there... not a lot, but a little).

Also on the positive side, I have a version of LEGACY entered in ABNA. It isn't the version I want in there, but I didn't want to lose my spot, and until it closes, I can revise, so replacing with 'best available' every few days is my plan. This is one of the MSs I am editing...


Also Also on the positive side... in fact on the SQUEEEEE side... I got book cover samples which include all the back cover copy!!!! Check it out!



And because it's hard to read:

Roanoke, Virginia, is home to some of the country's most exquisite gardens, and it's Camellia Harris's job to promote them. But when an out-of-towner turns up dead, she discovers there is no good way to spin murder.

Camellia Harris has achieved a coup in the PR world. The premiere national magazine for garden lovers has agreed to feature one of Roanoke's most spectacular gardens in its pages—and world-famous photographer Jean-Jacques Georges is going to shoot the spread. But at the welcoming party, Jean-Jacques insults several guests, complains that flowers are boring, and gooses almost every woman in the room. When a body is found the next morning, sprawled across the azaleas, it's almost no surprise that the victim is Jean-Jacques.


With Cam's brother-in-law blamed for the crime—and her reporter boyfriend, Rob, wanting the scoop—Cam decides to use her skills to solve the murder. Luckily a PR pro like Cam knows how to be nosy...



So there it is... the silver lining. No worries... I am hanging in there. I always do. Just feeling a little pouty at the moment that life refuses to fall into line with my nefarious plans...

22 comments:

Amber T. Smith said...

You'll get through it... nefarious plans ALWAYS work out in the end. *nods*

And I LOVE the blurb on the back - including the mention of the goosed women is just such a Hart-Tart thing to do. ;p

Tonja said...

Great book cover! I would absolutely take a break from blogging. You're strong - you'll get through this. I think when the nurturing-challenged nurture too much, it's exhausting. Take care of yourself too.

Jan Morrison said...

take a break - really. you won't be any good to us or to your platform if you're all fricked up.
The book looks loveurly! and I like the blurb...
now, back to my work...think I might take a break too but argggghhh.

Old Kitty said...

Lovely Tart!! You hang on to these most NAKED silver linings!!! You're doing great, you'll be ok!!!

Take care
x

Anonymous said...

Love the cover Joris did for you. Dark and mysterious, but telling in its way.

Creepy Query Girl said...

Oh, hang in there! I know it's no fun being the only sane one when things are in crisis. And congrats on doing what you can. It's all we can really do!

vic caswell said...

hart, honey.
did you know that you are doing an AMAZING job? you seriously blow my mind!
i know you feel like things aren't getting done, but they are... and somethings are alright to let breathe for a moment- like blogging.
seriously, though. if there is such a person as superwoman- i'm pretty sure i know who her secret identity is!

Cherie Reich said...

I hope your household is well soon. :)

Yay for entering ABNA. I'm hoping to finish up the last bits of edits on my entry today and submit.

And I can't wait to read THE AZALEA ASSAULT. For one, it's set where I live. For two, I love mysteries. :)

Johanna Garth said...

I'm so glad you had a silver lining and kudos to you for getting your ABNA entry in. I put mine in too but after the nastiness that took place on the boards last year I probably won't do more than lurk once a week (just to make sure I'm not missing anything) ;)

Liz said...

I LOVE cover art day!
I too, am dealing with a fairly serious health issue not my own but one of those who inhabits my life. It sucks. We should have coffee--or better yet, a beer.
hang in there Hart.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

Take care of your health, Hart. It's important. Steve Jobs knew this better than anyone.

Helena said...

What a fabulous blurb and gorgeous cover. You have every right to be proud of your upcoming Azalea publication. (And I should know since I read it...)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

The cover spread looks awesome, Hart! Bet you were excited to see it.
Sorry about all the health issues with everyone else. When everyone is healthy and everything back to normal, feel free to have a meltdown. You've earned it. (Just warn your family before it happens. I always appreciate it when my wife announces she's about to have one.)

Denise Verrico said...

All will be well, fair Tart. Do what you must. Your loving followers will wait with bated breath for your return.

Sarah Ahiers said...

life will catch up. Promise.
And the book cover is AWESOME!

Unknown said...

January seems to be the month for many a health issue, both physically and mentally. Hang in there because it has to bet better, lighter and brighter soon :)

Stacy Gail said...

Hang in there, Your Tartness, and remember that nothing lasts forever (not even Everlasting Gobstoppers... Willy Wonka was such a rotten liar *hmph*).

Whee, I love your cover flat! How many did you get? The cover alone would make me pick it up to read the back, and the BCC is so smart and fast-paced I'd buy this in a heartbeat.

Take it easy and get back to the usual hustle when you can. Your loyal minions will be waiting! *hugs*

RaShelle Workman said...

Hart - I so love the cover. And the back copy is awesome! Sounds cozy. teehee. =D

Sorry you're the one the family chose to be sane. It seems unfair... you're an artist and artists aren't required to be sane. I kid because I understand. Take care. *hugs*

Christine Murray said...

Hugs. You'll get through it, you always do.

I love your book cover, it's AMAZING. You must be so excited :)

Jenny Milchman said...

I'm sorry it's not falling in line, but LOOK how it's falling in line!! That book is bee-yoo-ti-ful and YOU wrote it!! Congrats, you :) And good luck with ABNA--I hope I can keep up.

Trisha said...

Sorry about the family health issues :( I hope they resolve themselves soon.

The cover looks beautiful!!

And definitely focus on that silver lining. Sometimes it's what gets us through!

LTM said...

((BIG hugs)) and a big fat SQUEE!!! Look at that gorgeous cover and back blurb. I love it! Can't wait to get my little paws on it... :o)

And hang in there. Sanity's overrated... ;p <3