Have you ever had news you wanted to scream about but didn't dare whisper?
I've been writing. But that's not the news. I finished writing...for the moment. Friday I shot Timeless--third book in the Maiden of Time trilogy--to my editor. Now if you have experience in publishing, you know what that means, but for those who don't...
It's not done.
What? But you just sent it off to the editor. It MUST be done.
*laughs*
In a couple days I anticipate sitting down with my editor's notes and rewriting as much as half of the book.
BUT we're on the down slope. Around the baby, it's a day I wasn't sure would ever come. I kept hearing from readers who are excitedly anticipating the final installment of the series and feeling the pressure. Suddenly, it's here! The story is done. Ish.
And something really strange has happened. This is a series I've been mentally plotting since 2003. 13 years. Typing those final chapters was like dumping core memories onto the digital page. They were no longer inside me.
I felt strangely empty.
And complete.
Part of me began to wonder if on a subconscious level I'd been stalling to remain in the story a little while longer. Or hording my story. It's only a matter of time now until it is out in the world.
I've received a mock-up cover from the publisher (This isn't it. Hah!) and in the next couple months I'll be finishing the book while gearing up for the release tour and launch. Watch for TIMELESS, final installment in the Maiden of Time trilogy this fall.
Have you ever put off completing a project to enjoy it longer?
Aeva Storm finally has the answers she’s been looking for since the night she was struck by lightning. She knows who she is—and more importantly, what she is. But her secret isn’t hers alone to keep, and some of those who know the truth will do anything to control her.
In the sequel to the acclaimed Violet Storm, Aeva must decide how far she’ll go to protect her identity and to find her missing sister in a world she hardly recognizes. She must embrace her new life—and her strange new body—if she hopes to save the only place she and her family have left to call home.
Filled with action, mystery, and heartbreak, Crimson Earth finds Aeva, Ruven, and Karth on opposing sides as the war between The False Alliance and the Monarchy draws near.
Can they band together to fight against the evil threatening the City? Or will they destroy each other before the war has even begun?
Anna Soliveres has always been a storyteller but it wasn't until her early twenties when she began writing novel length works. The result was an enthusiasm to get better at the craft until her work could be shared with the world. As with all writer's, she is an avid reader. You'll likely find Anna lost behind a novel or nonfiction work. If she's not reading, she's probably binge-watching a series on Netflix or Amazon, in search of inspiration, taking her imagination beyond words and into the realm of visual storytelling. She grew up (or rather, remained forever ensnared) in the world of anime, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Harry Potter, and all things with "Super" or "Hero" in the title. Her debut novel, VIOLET STORM released March 2014. To learn more, please visit her at www.annasoliveres.com.
1. Anna was once surprised by a friend whom she thought was coming to visit her, only to be roped to go for coffee and an awkward trip to the Museum. It later occurred to her that she was being taken on a date.
2. She saw the movie, Momma Mia, starring Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, and Pierce Brosnan; finding no luck in her dating life, she was convinced Greece might offer her the perfect romantic opportunity.
3. A date once broke up with her and then immediately offered her a donut.
I've been writing. But that's not the news. I finished writing...for the moment. Friday I shot Timeless--third book in the Maiden of Time trilogy--to my editor. Now if you have experience in publishing, you know what that means, but for those who don't...
It's not done.
What? But you just sent it off to the editor. It MUST be done.
*laughs*
In a couple days I anticipate sitting down with my editor's notes and rewriting as much as half of the book.
BUT we're on the down slope. Around the baby, it's a day I wasn't sure would ever come. I kept hearing from readers who are excitedly anticipating the final installment of the series and feeling the pressure. Suddenly, it's here! The story is done. Ish.
And something really strange has happened. This is a series I've been mentally plotting since 2003. 13 years. Typing those final chapters was like dumping core memories onto the digital page. They were no longer inside me.
I felt strangely empty.
And complete.
Part of me began to wonder if on a subconscious level I'd been stalling to remain in the story a little while longer. Or hording my story. It's only a matter of time now until it is out in the world.
I've received a mock-up cover from the publisher (This isn't it. Hah!) and in the next couple months I'll be finishing the book while gearing up for the release tour and launch. Watch for TIMELESS, final installment in the Maiden of Time trilogy this fall.
Have you ever put off completing a project to enjoy it longer?
Now it's giveaway time!
I read the first book in this series, and I admit, I haven't read the second one yet--because I'm going to binge read both when the 3rd one comes out. (And love every second!) I highly recommend the series.
I read the first book in this series, and I admit, I haven't read the second one yet--because I'm going to binge read both when the 3rd one comes out. (And love every second!) I highly recommend the series.
In the sequel to the acclaimed Violet Storm, Aeva must decide how far she’ll go to protect her identity and to find her missing sister in a world she hardly recognizes. She must embrace her new life—and her strange new body—if she hopes to save the only place she and her family have left to call home.
Filled with action, mystery, and heartbreak, Crimson Earth finds Aeva, Ruven, and Karth on opposing sides as the war between The False Alliance and the Monarchy draws near.
Can they band together to fight against the evil threatening the City? Or will they destroy each other before the war has even begun?
Ready to meet the author?
Anna gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to an eBook of VIOLET STORM and CRIMSON EARTH! (Open Internationally.)
You have until Tuesday, March 1 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on March 2, 8 a.m EDT.
TRUTH OR LIE
2. She saw the movie, Momma Mia, starring Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, and Pierce Brosnan; finding no luck in her dating life, she was convinced Greece might offer her the perfect romantic opportunity.
3. A date once broke up with her and then immediately offered her a donut.
So sleuths, which is the lie? How about it? Have you procrastinated to enjoy something longer? Are you as excited as I am about Timeless? Have you seen Anna's books? Picked one up? (You should. You really should.)
I'd say the second one is the lie. And I totally buy the third one.
ReplyDeleteIt is really weird to finish a trilogy. Mine started with a story thirty years before it became a series, and that's a long time to remain in one world.
Congratulations and hope the edits aren't as massive as you think.
Yeah, it's only been 15 years for this series with a pieces of a story world that are 20+ years old.
DeleteCongrats, Crystal! Everything is going to work out wonderfully. No worries! :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! It's such a weird feeling isn't it, finishing a series that's been in your head for years? Go and celebrate! ^_^
ReplyDeleteI have definitely procrastinated to enjoy something longer. This is also true of books that I'm reading and don't want to end. Congrats to you on finishing up your series. And congrats to Anna!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on finishing your manuscript. That's a huge accomplish, especially with your new baby. Celebrate.
ReplyDeleteCongratulation Crysatlaicious! I only don't finish something because.....what?....what was the question? <----- see my point. I also think that finishing things is very difficult; unless sits a glass of wine a piece of carrot cake.
ReplyDeleteThe lie is 2. Greek men don't commit - they just love and leave. It's too holiday romance.
I would say #2 as Anna is way too gorgeous to have difficulty finding a date.
ReplyDeleteJB
And yes, congratulation on sending the manuscript to the publisher. I hope it goes better than you expect.
DeleteJB
I also think #2 is a lie. The others feel so awkwardly real!
ReplyDeleteI hear you with that finished but not finished feeling. I was there after passing my WIP to beta readers. Fortunately only two plot threads need shoring up, rather than a gut-job revision. I hope your edits aren't as daunting as you fear.
Congrats, Crystal! That's a huge accomplishment. I see you and I are on the "subconscious" track together. ;-)
ReplyDeleteYay for Anna! I absolutely adore her books!!
ReplyDeleteHi Crystal - good luck with the stream of words and new phrases from your editor - then all the planning etc for publication.
ReplyDeleteI'd guess #3 ... even though perhaps it's obvious .. cheers Hilary
Well that is so exciting! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteYay! I'm so excited. I've been eagerly awaiting the third installment. Good luck with edits!
ReplyDeleteYay! I'm so excited. I've been eagerly awaiting the third installment. Good luck with edits!
ReplyDeleteGood for you - the downward slope! I'm guessing number two is the lie?
ReplyDelete#2 I can't wait to read the last book. I still think about Miles at random moments (I know he's a side character but he's my favorite.)
ReplyDeleteI love binge reading series too!
ReplyDeleteI have done the same with books - like you kind of savor them on the shelf before you even read them. As for writing, I'd have to say I just plain procrastinate! :)
ReplyDeleteBy the time I get to the end of a book, I usually am eager to get to another story I have brewing in my head.
ReplyDeleteYou did an amazing job getting all of this done with the new baby. Kudos to you!!
I'm going with #1 as the lie. Just guessing.
Congratulations Crystal!!! Maybe there won't be as many rewrites as you think! You must be really proud. Looking forward to a sneak preview of the new cover :) Have a great week! Well done!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Crystal! It's a milestone achieved, even if there's more work to be done. You made it this far, and that's worth a celebration.
ReplyDeleteThank you for featuring me on your blog today!!! I'm so excited. And LOL on all the guesses. Despite being happily settled these days, it always cracks me up when I reflect on all the crazy dates I've had.
Wonderful news, Crystal! I hope your edits go smoothly and quickly. As for Anna... I'm going with #2. Nice to meet you, Anna!
ReplyDeleteCongrats of being finished (ish) with your trilogy! Must feel a little weird, but I'm sure the edits will keep you in the world of the soulless a little longer. And no, I don't procrastinate. I prefer to think of it as delayed satisfaction. :)
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I'll guess #3 is the fib this time.
I always wondered about this re writing. Does the editor have the capacity/power to make a writer re write the story? Does it go as far as changing the story-line?
ReplyDeleteI can imagine it must be a relieve to finally purge the last bit of your story from your mind. Even if you loved being in that world.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! I can't wait to see the cover, the other two have been so fantastic. Yay!
ReplyDelete13 years, wow! I'm definitely no stranger for staying wrapped up in editing for too long because I don't want to let go. This is so exciting, Crystal!! Congratulations on getting to these final steps in your trilogy!!
ReplyDeleteI'm going with #2 for the lie. These are all so great though!!
Congratulations, Crystal! What an achievement.
ReplyDeleteI've definitely put off killing characters I've loved. That's always tough.
I'm guessing #2 is the lie.
I get that feeling - it's kind of bitter sweet isn't it?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on nearing completion :)
Congratulations, Crystal! Awesome!
ReplyDeleteI always feel somewhat conflicted when I complete a series. I'm sorry to end it but excited to have it completed. Congrats.
ReplyDeleteTMNT! - I was excited to see that in Anna's bio! Congrats to both of you!
ReplyDeleteI think the lie is #2
And Crystal, I get waiting and holding onto the last book. It was only because of a couple of teen readers that I finished my final book because they wanted to read it so badly. So, think of your readers - we need that final book! :)
Hope she took the doughnut. Lie is number 2? Good to see Crimson Earth coming out!
ReplyDeleteCrystal, I think that sense of loss is common. It may take awhile to find something else to consume you like that. Good luck finding it.
Sounds like you are crazy busy again!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on completing your series. I'm sure the editor's notes won't be too bad. You're awesome. It's funny you should ask, because my book two was completed in 2010, but to this day I still struggle to rewrite it for publication:)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on finishing your novel, Crystal! I sort of miss writing the characters from my first two novels, but I never purposely dragged my feet, LOL.
ReplyDeleteMy guess is #2 is the lie! Congrats to Anna on her new release!
You're sailing right along, my friend. Congrats, congrats. It's been a whirlwind for you (including having a baby). Mayhew is right. You are crazy busy. Here's hoping the edits aren't as bad as mine have been.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Anna.
#1 is the lie????
Oh, those edits! Not as much as half the book, but there are those that change a plot point which changes so very much in the story. Sigh. It's still a good feeling.
ReplyDeleteAnd actually, I have yet to get beyond that point. I'm so very excited for you!
And BTW--I agree about Apple. There one simple (though that depends upon your perspective) way to do things and that's it. I like Windows where I have usually 2-3 ways to an end.
DeleteCongrats on sending off the story! What a great feeling! :)
ReplyDeleteI felt a bit empty and yet satisfied when I finished editing the 5th book in my series. I have an idea for a 6th, but not sure I will return to that world.
ReplyDeleteA well-established author said when his first novel was accepted, he was sent three pages of single-spaced requests for changes by the editor.
ReplyDeleteHi Crystal! Hi Anna!
ReplyDeleteOkay, I'm going to go with #1 for the lie.
I'm also looking forward to this read.
I'm going to guess 3 is a lie, even though I don't believe she would ever have a difficult time dating xox
ReplyDeleteAs for taking all the time to write the trilogy. .. I understand why you would drag it out, no one wants a good thing to end xox ♡
Congratulations! Re-writing is always fun! Really! Not kidding! Enjoy it! The completion of a trilogy, so COOL!
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing number 3 is the lie - 1 and 2 sound plausible!
I know that feeling. Sometimes I get so involved in my characters, I just don't want their story to end. But aside from that, I can't wait to read Timeless! :) My guess for the lie is #3.
ReplyDeleteHi Chrystal, I'm glad you've found the time to complete this and can sit and wait for the editor's comments. It's a bit like reading a good book...you don't want it to finish but you can't wait to see what happens...But, congratulations!
ReplyDeleteMy guess is the lie is #1.
It's great to have an editor to help you fine tune your vision. Can't say I've procrastinated so as to not finish something. Other reasons, though.
ReplyDeleteLie... #1...
Congratulations on your book. What an exciting feeling to know it will soon be out. Have fun with the edits.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! What a huge accomplishment!
ReplyDeleteAnd I know what you mean about people thinking the book is done. I always I have to explain that revising with an editor is a process. :)
Yvonne
Congratulations on 'finishing'! It's always something of an accomplishment even when you know it's not REALLY done. I never linger to stay in a world longer, but I don't write series. Once I'm done with my characters, I'm not interested in re-visiting their lives.
ReplyDeleteSquee! Congratulations! Even though I know it's not really done... I haven't reached the stage of lingering. I'm still procrastinating on basic edits of my own! Need more cheese...
ReplyDeleteEmpty. And complete. How fascinating a contradiction we are as writers, right? Congratulations!!
ReplyDeleteHalf the ms will have to be rewritten?!?!?! Holy cow, your content editor is a toughie. Congrats on completing book 3 and good luck with the edits! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm going with #3, though they're all plausible.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to be stalling on the ending - a good feeling.
Be well and congratulations on nearing the end (and new beginning) of your latest.
It can be really tough to say good-bye to our beloved characters. I cried when I wrote Face of Death and every time I revised it. I just didn't want to let go.
ReplyDeleteHi, Crystal, congrats on completing another project. Sometimes it happens that life gets in the way of writing progress, but I don't think I've every deliberately stalled on a project - though I'm always sad when a series ends.
ReplyDeleteThat thing about the breakup and the donut sounds so strange, it must be the truth. :)
Congratulations! And definitely take time to relax and have some fun before you have to go back and edit; you've earned it!
ReplyDeleteI admit that I've put off finishing a story; I actually started a first draft of another one once, in order to postpone finishing the other story.
Congratulations on sending Timeless off to your editor. At least you'll have editorial notes coming soon, so you don't have to say good-bye to your world yet.
ReplyDeleteFor me, that tearful moment of loss didn't come until I mailed back the proofread galleys of my Book 3. I'm still hoping Book 3 won't be the end of my series, but I won't know for a few months whether the publisher buys Books 4 & 5. So, for all intents and purposes, it was the last one for awhile.
I spent several weeks feeling bereft. Be prepared!
Congrats on getting this far Crystal. Your editor will help you whip the book into shape for the fall release. Hey Anna! I think #2 is the lie. Just a lucky guess.
ReplyDeleteWell done on finishing your series! Yes, the work isn't done yet, but I know there's a mental watershed with writing "The End", and a bit of a relief and a "What next?" feeling.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on getting the ms to your editor- that is huge! I can easily see why it was hard to say goodbye to the series! Living with a story for 13 years is a long time and it can be hard to let go. :) Bravo!
ReplyDelete~Jess
Hey, congrats on getting to that next stage. It is a strange feeling but wonderful at the same time.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing #2 is the lie. The others sound possible. Maybe I don't want to let go of the historical novel I'm rewriting, or maybe I just let other projects pile up so I can't get to it. Hmm . . .
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing #2 is the lie. The others sound possible. Maybe I don't want to let go of the historical novel I'm rewriting, or maybe I just let other projects pile up so I can't get to it. Hmm . . .
ReplyDeleteExciting times for you, Crystal! And getting it done with a new baby only makes you that much stronger...and seriously sleep deprived (my youngest kept me up last night). Your work ethic is definitely an inspiration:)
ReplyDeleteYipppeeee! Way to Go!! Give That Girl Some Cheese!
ReplyDelete#3 is the lie. The other 2 had too much detail! :D
ReplyDeleteAwesome sauce with cheese and on cheese, Crystal! Woot, woot, woot!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on such a big finish. ^_^
ReplyDeleteAnd I think I know what you mean about waiting before you work on things, but not for the same reasons. I'm starting to see and understand why it's often better to hold onto an idea or story for a while before starting it, to give it plenty of time to develop. (I'd say more, but I think I have to turn this into a blog entry now.)
Congratulations on shooting it off to the editor! Now onto the next stage!
ReplyDeleteAwesome giveaway, congrats to Anna on the release!
High five, Crystal. Looking forward to seeing that cover when you get it. And congrats to Anna.
ReplyDeleteI think 2 is the lie. Those stages of writing, revising, editing, and then on repeat seem endless, but when we get to hold our books in our hands it's all worth it. I stall on certain projects and then analyze why I'm doing so.
ReplyDeleteAnd yet still I've seen worse covers than that mock up in the self pub world.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on shooting it off! And yeah, it's never really done, is it? First draft, then edits, then more edits, then waiting for cover, then waiting for publication... writing is definitely a patient man (or woman's) game.
Congrats on finishing that draft! Hope the rewrites are smooth. Wow, 13 years is a long time. I've definitely put off finishing, I see it as positive rather than wanting to be done as fast as possible. If you're that involved in the world, hopefully readers will be too.
ReplyDeleteI'd go for #2 as the lie.
Her books sound amazing! Congrats on getting your third book of the Timeless series done (well, sort of!).
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on Timeless! That's so exciting. I definitely am good at procrastinating but I can't say I have a good reason for it! :)
ReplyDeleteCrimson Earth looks great!