Prose & Musings My, but it's been a while since I've posted in here. But I have a very good excuse. Really! So much has happened since last July.

When I wrote the last blog, Silenced Cry had just been through a vigorous critique and I was working on the edits when my publisher e-mailed me to request the manuscript. I hadn't heard from them in a year since I submitted my synopsis for the three Sam Harper Crime Mysteries novellas. I thought it had been denied. When I explained that I had spent my time expanding it into a novel, they agreed to look at it instead. I submitted Silenced Cry on September 12 and received my contract on September 14. Silenced Cry will be out at online (Amazon) and traditional bookstores worldwide on April 23, 2007. ISBN 978-1-905202-72-0. Somebody pinch me! It will also be available directly from my publisher at www.bewrite.net.

But wait! There's more. On October 17, my publisher e-mailed me again to ask if I could submit book two in the series, The Black Pearl, by January 2007. That novella was at 40,000 words so I assumed it would take a few extra chapters and maybe a new sub plot or two to get the job done. I agreed. However, it had been nearly two years since I had last read it. In that time I learned a thing or two and my writing had thankfully changed. It didn't take long to realize The Black Pearl needed a complete rewrite. I finished the first draft on New Years Eve, 61,600 words in 72 days! I'm pleased with how it has developed. And just in case any of my proofreading friends pop in, thank you! I couldn't have done it without you!

If accepted, The Black Pearl will be promoted along with Silenced Cry as a "coming soon." It took me ten months to expand and polish Silenced Cry. I intend to take at least that much time with The Black Pearl.

So ... You see, I've been absent, not idle. :)

Happy writing and a very New Year to all!