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I like complicated stories; plots and characters that have depth. Sure, there are people who can write short stories of less than a thousand words that have depth, but I can’t write those. Nor do I want to.

For I Have Sinned came in at 7700 words on this last edit. That takes it out of Short Story Land. I’ve never considered marketing it as a novellette/novella, but I may have to. I’ll decide after this next edit pass. I’ll see if there’s anything that is unneccessary to the story and cut that. I’ve never had to cut before. Wish me luck.

Current Projects
The Perranti Deception, science fiction short story (first draft)
Shadow of Blood, fantasy novel (first draft)

Writing has picked up this week, I’m glad to say. I wrote one short story Sunday/Monday, a fantasy adventure I’m calling Lambs To The Slaughter. My current project is a science fiction short story, The Perranti Deception. If you couldn’t tell, it’s short story month, specifically Story-A-Day Challenge on FMWriters. It’s a fun challenge and it’s testing my short story telling skills. Last year I completed three stories for the challenge. This year, I’d like to do a few more. With the novel in progress and the edit on For I Have Sinned, we’ll see what I can swing.

I’ve decided to start sharing reading recommendations. As a writer myself, I want to support the writers whose work I love and believe in.

My May selection is Last Girl Dancing by Holly Lisle. Yes, I’ve mentioned Holly before. I’ve read two of her fantasy trilogies and was not disapointed. I am eagerly awaiting the release of her newest novel Last Girl Dancing. No, this isn’t fantasy, this is a mystery/thriller. I’ve read part of the first chapter on Holly’s website and I believe that this book will be as phenomenal as her others.

I’ve already pre-ordered mine.

Happy Reading.

The end of this nonsense is near. The car’s been repaired, baby shower invitations are mailed, the condo has been sold, we moved in with the in-laws and my oral surgery is tomorrow (buh-bye wisdom teeth.)

I know it’s a redundant evolutionary aspect to human physiology, but the only wisdom these teeth have imparted to me is that I should have done this years ago. Not that I’m complaining. My teeth are not impacted nor are they causing me any pain. It’s the trouble they can cause that’s resulted in their banishment.

On the upside, it’s getting me a day off from work and letting me continue my current reading streak. This time it’s S.L. Viehl’s Stardoc series. Highly addictive science fiction. After these last two novels though, it’s back to my own writing. Well, before then, I’ll be starting something.

Sunday is May 1st. I like month changes. They’re refreshing, at least as far as my writing goals are concerned. It’s the point where I reevaluate my current projects and prioritize what’s been neglected. In my case, it’s been everything but whan can I do? I’m only one writer. In this instance, I’m choosing what will come to an end quickest. Completing a project is a triumph, even if it’s just an edit. It’s further proof that I can do this.

Yes indeed, endings are good.

While I can keep my cool in a crisis or in the day-to-day stress at work, I must admit that I’m not invulnerable. Yes, you heard me. I can’t do it all. A pending job change, a double move, auto repairs, a baby shower to plan for my sister, and the removal of my wisdom teeth. All within 5 weeks of each other.

So how do I handle it?

I abandon every single one of my writing projects and I read. Furiously.

In the past month, I’ve read novel after novel, losing myself in the worlds of science fiction and fantasy (and some romance, too.)

Today I finished reading Holly Lisle’s Secret Texts trilogy. When I first began reading the first book, Diplomacy of Wolves, I was afraid it was going to be too political and too much spying. But Ms. Lisle surprised me, something not too many authors can do to me anymore. Needless to say I devoured the book in three days, then moved onto the next in the series, and the next.

The complexity of her characters amazes me. This is how I want my characters to read. Characters I met in the start of the first book have morphed, grown, Become. And even the ending of the third book surprised me.

Strangely too reading this particular series has helped me through some concerns I had over Forgotten Star. I won’t bore you with the details, but rest assured Korin and Crystal’s story will only become more complicated because of it. (Oh, where’s an evil grin when I need it??)

Coincidentally, she’s the author who founded the online writing community, Forward Motion, of which I’m a member. She’s worked miracles for my writing. The philosophy of the community is that we learn then we share what we learn. I’m also trying to support my fellow members by reading their books, and let me tell you what a treat that’s been.

As far as Holly is concerned, her website is here. Her other works I’ve read are the World Gates books, more of a modern type fantasy story, for those of you who aren’t sure of venturing into dragons and princesses needing rescue. There are several other books I have yet to read, but my husband knows the size of my To Be Read pile of novels, so I truly can’t buy anymore just yet. 🙂 But soon!

There are treasures we possess that only get attention when a major cleaning is underway, like when we move. Sean and I are packing for our move and I came across my report cards from grade school, right down to kindergarten. For those of you who wonder if it’s true, are we really set in our ways from five years old? I say yes. It must be. Mrs. Brucella said I had difficulty with scissors (still do, unsteady hands) and Ms. Murphy said I daydreamed too much (also true.)

Daydreaming is something I still do, often at times I don’t intend. My father-in-law has caught me at it more than once. “She’s off in Dawn-world again.” Hence, the name of this blog. Dawn World is where my vague thoughts and glimpses are blended and shaken into ideas. Sometimes, daydreaming helps me solve a plot problem I’m having with a story. How many nights have I struggled to find out how one character can save the day and still live, when the answer will work itself out in the back of my mind only to appear in a daydream. This is why I leave pen and paper all over the house – I never have to go far to jot the idea down before it disappears back into Dawn World.

The moral of the blog is, if you see someone daydreaming, don’t startle them out of it. When they smile back to full consciousness, then you can ask what it was about. Oh, and if it’s a kid? Encourage them. 🙂

Writing has been difficult this week, trying to balance the home-for-sale state-of-cleanliness and sorting out some character issues for Shadow of Blood. Both are moving toward resolution (offer made and accepted for the house; characters reworked). Despite the difficulties, I’ve made strides forward in the story. For I Have Sinned is going through some changes as well, though all for the better. The story remains intact, only the writing itself is being changed–improved.

House update: We passed by the construction site today, and though they won’t start on our building until May, the first set of townhouses is up, with the exterior complete. They’re gorgeous. I was a little worried, having bought off blueprints only, but it appears the risk was worth it.

Job update: the unexpected job interview went well and I’ve been asked for a second interview. It’ll be great if I get the job – working with the same people, for the same company, only moving two desks away, and worst case scenario – the same money. The next interview will be in about two weeks. The manager has to fly in from our Phoenix office. Everyone at work thinks I’m a shoe-in; I prefer not to overthink it.

Tomorrow is Easter. Hope it’s a happy holiday for all.

In the past, I’ve only focused on one project at a time. The past six months or so, I’ve tried working simultaneously on a main project (the novel) and smaller side projects (short stories/articles). Here’s what I’m currently working on:

Shadow of Blood – a fantasy novel about a slave in a desert city. One man wants to use him, another man wants to torture him, while a third wants to see him dead. The only person he can trust tortures him far worse than his three enemies.

For I Have Sinned – one of my favorite (science fiction) short stories, I’ve been submitting this one to some magazines. No luck yet, but I’m giving it another revision. A healer is haunted by the memories of a dead man.

Hunter, Hunted – a fantasy short story that is in it’s second revision. I think I’ve got the plot holes worked out this time.

Comets’ Kiss – a science fiction short story that tried my science knowledge. My friend Bari helped me sort out the reality of it, and I hope to have the first revision done soon.

This is a bit more than I intended to balance, but I’m determined to get through all of these by the end of April so I can start on some new stories.

In the queue:

Forgotten Star – due for another revision. This is the first fantasy novel I’ve ever written and it’s changed a lot, but for the better. This time, the revision will be complete and I’m sending it out for critique.

It must begin someplace, and where better than here? The sharing, of course. I do not live in a vacuum, though at times I’ve isolated myself with my writing that when I finally look around for my friends, they’ve disappeared. This is the beginning of my apology, though I know they understand. My passion for my craft is not a secret, though the “how” is surely a mystery for some.

Here I will share my passion with you. Or at least the near-anal method of my existence.

Thanks for stopping in. Don’t forget the courtesy two-by-four on the way out, to remind me of your existence.