Overheard at the Mercury-Charming Household.

"Any meal where I get to use a rubber mallet is a very good meal."

Making progress!

I just sent my teaser chapter for Book Two (still untitled) off to my editor!

How about a pretty picture to celebrate?

Soon, I will celebrate by doing this myself, and not just by looking at a picture!

Where the hell have I been?

I've announced in other places that Kensington Publishing extended a three-book contract (with options to consider the series). I am going to be the flagship author of their new e-book line and I am stoked!

(insert running around like a happy chicken here)

I'm keeping mum on a lot of details right now - I'll be able to post more once the contracts have been signed and all the marketing has started.

As of lately, I've finished the editorial revisions to Dracula's Secret, I've gotten the back cover copy for both Dracula's Secret and Book Two (untitled at the moment). Again, I'll post them once we get closer to publication - after all, things change and I don't want to get things out too early before everything is set in stone.

Mostly, I've been writing Book Two. I'm getting a good grasp on my antagonists and I've got the plot hammered out much better. It's due in February, so it's going a lightning speed. That can be exhausting, so I'm taking lots of naps and making sure I get out and about for intellectual stimulation.

I can share that Dracula's Secret will be released on June 12th, 2012, and that Book Two will be released July 12th, 2012.

So get your reading eyes ready! I'll be able to share lots more soon. :)

There really is such a thing as fresh air!

    I've been head down over my keyboard dealing with my Supa Seekret projects, but I had to get out and see the sky yesterday. So I went to the Chinese Garden in Portland and took a bunch of pictures with my iPhone.

Things I love

Our luxurious hand-made silk Turkish rug. Everyday I look at it and every time it makes me smile.

It's easy to forget how we need both break and roses. This over the top luxury good always brings great joy.

Visiting my Muses

During October, I was privileged to work with my two favorite Muses, Kim Sakkara and Michael Baxter.

Kim designed and created a gorgeous custom dance belt for a new caftan I had found in a consignment shop. May I show you the genius that is her vision?

In action!

In addition, I got to spend a weekend collaborating with Michael, exploring myth and beauty.

My time in Kim's magic studio and in front of Michael's camera forced me to dig inside to pull out my very best words. Non-verbal art makes writing stronger, wiser, and more profound.

I thank my Muses.