Heather Ames's Blog - Posts Tagged "swift-justice"
Writing it My Way
I just read an excelled article on how Jewell Parker Rhodes writes. Some of her methods really spoke to me. The old adage about sitting in front of the computer screen and just getting it done in first draft only works for me part of the time. Jewell talked about how she writes in ebbs and flows, spending time reading, researching or just thinking and dreaming.
Me, too. I've been printing pages of character interviews this weekend. Reviewing what they said and preparing to tackle a return interview between Brian and one of the witnesses in "Swift Justice." Just "getting it done" won't work this time around. My brain has to figure out some of the dialogue and interactions before I sit down to write.
Me, too. I've been printing pages of character interviews this weekend. Reviewing what they said and preparing to tackle a return interview between Brian and one of the witnesses in "Swift Justice." Just "getting it done" won't work this time around. My brain has to figure out some of the dialogue and interactions before I sit down to write.
News on upcoming publications
I haven't been posting here for a while. Not because I haven't had plenty going on, but rather because I've had a lot too much on my plate.
However, after a hiccup for "Swift Justice," a new editor is now hard at work, and a publication date will be announced soon.
"Night Shadows" is halfway through its revision process. I've still got at least one more draft to work through until that one is ready for editing, but as soon as I rolled over that 300 page mark and had shaved close to 70 pages off it in the process, I knew I was really getting a handle on this once very large book. The critique group, my trusted fellow writers of the Pacific Online Writers community are with me on this revision journey and providing invaluable input.
The title of Book 3 in the "Indelible" series will be titled "Swift Retribution." As Brian Swift has demonstrated in books 1 & 2, he's determined to put both his professional and private lives on a more even keel. In book 3, he'll be trying to solve his brother's murder and discover more about his past. Kaylen Roberts will open a new club and take on more challenges, herself.
I'll have more information on my website shortly. 2017 is going to be a very busy and fulfilling year, as I also joined the board of the local Sisters in Crime chapter this year.
However, after a hiccup for "Swift Justice," a new editor is now hard at work, and a publication date will be announced soon.
"Night Shadows" is halfway through its revision process. I've still got at least one more draft to work through until that one is ready for editing, but as soon as I rolled over that 300 page mark and had shaved close to 70 pages off it in the process, I knew I was really getting a handle on this once very large book. The critique group, my trusted fellow writers of the Pacific Online Writers community are with me on this revision journey and providing invaluable input.
The title of Book 3 in the "Indelible" series will be titled "Swift Retribution." As Brian Swift has demonstrated in books 1 & 2, he's determined to put both his professional and private lives on a more even keel. In book 3, he'll be trying to solve his brother's murder and discover more about his past. Kaylen Roberts will open a new club and take on more challenges, herself.
I'll have more information on my website shortly. 2017 is going to be a very busy and fulfilling year, as I also joined the board of the local Sisters in Crime chapter this year.
Stepping Up Production
I finally came to a fork in the road where one path led to keeping 2 jobs, one of which had become too time-consuming, physically demanding and just plain stressful, and the other a journey at a far more reasonable and rewarding pace with many interesting side-trip destinations along the way.
Giving up my day-job is like jumping off a cliff without a parachute, but becoming a full-time writer has been an unfulfilled dream for many years as I tried to be fiscally responsible and work my way through to that fork in the road.
Now I can double my productivity, spend the time I need on research, promotion and supporting not only myself but the writing community as a board member of the local Sisters in Crime chapter.
I think I'm going to like this new, uncharted territory a lot, even if it has some bumps in the road. There's a lot to be said for the adventure of the road untraveled, and I've never been one to back away from a challenge.
Giving up my day-job is like jumping off a cliff without a parachute, but becoming a full-time writer has been an unfulfilled dream for many years as I tried to be fiscally responsible and work my way through to that fork in the road.
Now I can double my productivity, spend the time I need on research, promotion and supporting not only myself but the writing community as a board member of the local Sisters in Crime chapter.
I think I'm going to like this new, uncharted territory a lot, even if it has some bumps in the road. There's a lot to be said for the adventure of the road untraveled, and I've never been one to back away from a challenge.
Almost at the Finish line
I sent back the revisions for "Swift Justice" to my editor. After I get back the manuscript back from her, the final step will be a last pass to clean up any missed typos, after which it'll be ready for formatting. I'm ready to go back to "Night Shadows," so I can keep my deadline of completing the revisions for a late fall pub date.
Works in Progress
"Swift Justice" is being proofread. The editing has been completed, and the publishing will be, as soon as I get to the end of this last read-through. The projected publishing date is the end of June.
"Night Shadows" is mid-draft, and the goal for publication is in October.
My website is in the process of being updated, and will contain more information on both books.
"Night Shadows" is mid-draft, and the goal for publication is in October.
My website is in the process of being updated, and will contain more information on both books.
Updated website with teasers and 1st chapter
My website updates have been completed and the site looks great with a new look at www.heatherames.com. Not only is there a teaser for "Swift Justice," but the first chapter's there to read. There's another teaser for "Night Shadows." Paula Johnson did the updates. We chatted on the phone a couple of times and I did my homework to get her what she needed. New books, and a new look that reflects the tone of these books.
