I have New Book Excitement.

It's no big secret to anyone who knows how I work that I'm not a big fan of writing the opening scene. Sometimes the opening comes to me - bam! - and I know immediately how a book will start (as was the case with STOLEN FURY). Other times I seem to rewrite an opening 100 times or more before I find the one that works (as I did with STOLEN HEAT). (July 28, 2009) This time around, working on the 2nd paranormal (working title: DECEIVED), it's been one of those - bam! - in-your-face openings that has stuck with me, and off I went. I'm now in chapter four, past the "set-up" hurdle, and loving the book. I love the characters, I love the plot, I love where this is going. I love that I have that "this is totally going to work" feeling. Sure, I'll probably go back and revise some of that opening (I always do), but so far? *big grin* New Book Excitement.

I also have New Book Excitement for my CP. Yesterday I didn't get to write. I know, I know, if you're following me on Twitter or FB, you know that contradicts with my 100 day challenge, but don't worry, I'll make up the words today. Yesterday I was too busy critting my CPs new book, which she has a request for. And, oh my gosh, I LOVE THIS BOOK! Every time I sit to read a chapter (and my CP can't send them fast enough), I get that shiver feeling. You know the one...when you're reading something you KNOW is going sell. This book is amazing, and I can't wait to tell her, "I told you so," when it finally does sell.

And along those same "New Book Excitement" lines, one of my beta readers called yesterday to tell me she finished STOLEN SEDUCTION (January, 2010) and absolutely loved it. I can't tell you how happy that makes me. I love all my heroes, but *sigh* there's something special about Shane. Maybe it's because I wanted to kill him so many times while writing that book, maybe it's because he was the first character I really didn't "get", and maybe it's because I was so blown over by his character arc. I have no idea why he's the one hero I still think about long after the book is over, but he is.

My beta reader had some great things to say about the book, and one constructive comment I am so SO happy she shared. It deals with one tiny section of a scene in the end of the book - or, rather, a tiny section I cut because I was already over on word count. But after listening to her, I'm pretty convinced that section needs to be there, and it's kinda nice to know my first instinct was correct. So...I'm probably going to add it back in and worry about cutting elsewhere later (...have I mentioned what a magician my editor is at editing my long-windedness?).

So yeah. New Book Excitement. All around.

How about you? Reading or writing anything right now that has you excited?

CPs are Gold!

First a funny story...

So I haven't picked up a book in almost two months, other than mine. I've been too busy writing and doing promo for STOLEN FURY. Last week I finished SEDUCTION and sent it to my CPs. Then - waiting - looked at my TBR pile and picked up good friend - Alice Sharpe-'s July release from Intrigue - The Lawman's Secret Son. Now, I love Alice. We chat nearly every day. I knew all about this book before it was written. We brainstormed parts and pieces along the way. I've ONLY waited to read it because I knew it would distract me and I needed to stay focused. So I pick the book up and start reading...and proceed to chuckle...and chuckle...and chuckle. NOT because the book is funny (it's not a comedy at all, but it IS a GREAT RS and I'm really enjoying it). No, I proceeded to laugh out loud because I came across three names - THREE - in the first 50 pgs alone that are in my books. You're thinking, "yeah, not a surprise. You two chat all the time." True, but we never ever talk about names. And Alice hasn't read my books yet. What's so funy is we're on the same page namewise without even knowing it.

But I digress...back to the CPs...

Two of mine get big HUGE brownie points for reading on a time crunch. I owe them...BIG time, since the book is due Wed. and they dropped everything to read for me this weekend. So a BIG shout-out to Joan and Lisa...THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!! You girls are da bomb. And you both caught things I totally missed. What would I do without you???

Do you use CPs? I've heard of published authors dropping their CPs after they sold. I can't imagine NOT working with mine. They're worth their weight in gold.