Time flies...

I can't believe how long it's been since I've posted on here. I wish I could say I've been busy, but I haven't. I'm currently working on the edits for White Wolf, due out in April with MuseItHOT. "Raising the Dead" was featured in Shelter of Daylight and can be purchased on Sam's Dot Publishing's website. "Wedding Wizard" has been accepted by Residential Aliens and is due out in the near future. Other than that, nothing. Nada. My muse has gone on vacation, leaving me all alone.

Okay, it's not as bad as I'm making it sound. I've been catching up with my reading (almost finished Mortal Coils by Eric Nylund right now, and will start reading Secret Circle by LJ Smith next) and watching Supernatural via Netflix. I've got ideas for my future WIP, but right now I'm just going to relax some more.

And I just rememered....NaNoWriMo is next month!!! Holy crap I'd forgotten. Dear Muse, please come back from vacation. It's NaNo time! You can follow my progress on NaNoWriMo.org. My handle is dadewrites.

Dream Lover's first review! 3 hearts!

From Sizzling Hot Book Reviews;
"Dream Lover is a good concept with loving characters and is a good sweet love story."

For the complete review, go to http://www.sizzlinghotbooks.net/2011/08/dream-lover-by-heather-kuehl.html

Epiphany has been released!

Today starts my Epiphany and Dream Lover blog tour! It's also the day that Epiphany is released! So excited!

To purchase Epiphany, please visit http://www.decadentpublishing.com


I'm blogging at Decadent Publishing's blog today: http://decadentpublishing.blogspot.com

I'm also guest blogging at The Sweater Curse: http://sweatercursed.blogspot.com



For a full tour list, go to http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=199964386700292

Whoops!

How could I forget to mention that I was in 5x5 Fiction and that Ruby Red Cravings has been released.

Read 5x5 for FREE at http://5x5fiction.blogspot.com/2011/06/5x5-fiction-presents-issue-two-secrets.html

Buy Ruby Red Cravings at http://www.amazon.com/Ruby-Red-Cravings-Brianna-Stoddard/dp/1617061271

Happy Memorial Day!

Yeah, I know, Memorial Day isn't until Monday. But I still felt the urge to say Happy Memorial Day, especially since my short story "What Heroes Do" is up at Flash Fiction Online. I'm so proud of this story, not just because this was my first professional story sale (WOOT!) but because of the message within it's short length.

To read "What Heroes Do" go to http://www.flashfictiononline.com/f20110503-what-heroes-do-heather-kuehl.html

New Review!

Tammy from The Pen and Muse has written a glowing review for Far and Away.

"Perfect for momentary jolts in between the daily moments of drudgery, Far and Away is loaded with slices of life that sting with humor and linger in memory."

Read more at http://thepenmuse.net/archives/2978

Thank you, my fabulous fans!

Isn't that awesome? Also, for Fantasy ebooks, Blood Moon is #65 and Fade to Black is #78. Top 100! WOOT!

CDC warns about zombie apocalypse

How awesome is that? Read the full article here.

Busy busy

The moment I get my new ac adapter in the mail, the motherboard on my laptop craps out on me. I've spent the last week redownloading things that I use and trying to get the info I have off of my old laptop's harddrive. And there are some things on there I really want, like the book trailer for Dream Lover.

It also means that I'm trying to catch up with updating my website and blog. I know I forgot to post on here that I was guest blogging at Creative Chatter last week. I also got the link for the roundtable interview I did with Romance Radio Network. Today I'm guest blogging at MuseItUp Publishing. That should be it for guest posts until Dream Lover is released in August.


WIP update:

Of Wolf and Man has been sent out to publishers. I'm shooting for the stars with this one, so it may be a while before it actually sees the light of day.

Gray Magic is on hiatus. There's something about that story that just isn't doing it for me right now. Don't know what.

"Smut story" has a new name, White Wolf, and I will be editing and submitting it this week.

Sarah Vargas 4, 5, and 6 are outlined. They will be a stand alone trilogy, meaning that you don't have to read the first three to enjoy these. Maybe I'll label these Part 2: Book 1 or something of the sort.

Blood Moon stats

Blood Moon seems to be doing well. Well enough for me to brag, anyways. LoL

On Fictionwise.com, Blood Moon is currently #45 for Fantasy ebooks. It's also #11 for Eternal Press on Fictionwise.

Maybe this will hit number 1 as well, like Fade to Black did in November 2009.

Two interviews and a review!

Far and Away has its first review and it's glowing!

"Kuel does it again with some great flash fiction and poetry. Her work makes you think, is something really hiding in the dark and even in the deep recesses of your mind." ~ The Pen and Muse

Read both the review, followed by my interview, at The Pen and Muse: http://thepenmuse.net/archives/2651


I'm also being interviewed on Penny Lockwood Ehrenkranz's blog: http://pennylockwoodehrenkranz.blogspot.com/2011/05/interview-with-author-heather-kuehl.html

The End

I love those words, especially when I can type them at the end of a project. For those of you who follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you'll know that I've been working on a project that I've called my "smut" story. I finished it today, and no I don't have a better name for it yet. It's a 5k erotic paranormal romance (M/F & F/F). This is the first time I've looked into the world of my werewolves through a born Were's eyes. Before, it's been through Sarah's eyes but she's a converted Were. Kalia, my main character, was a born a werewolf. It's interesting to see how animalistic some Clans can be, especially when it comes to their females. I've discovered that aparently Weres don't approve of same sex couples, oftentimes destroying them rather than banishing them. So, what happens when your the daughter a Clan's alpha and you discover that your Mate is a female? Do you run from your feelings, or do you stay and face them head on?

Blurb: Kalia Seffmoyer is a rarity among werewolves. She's albino, a trait that is coveted by Clans worldwide. She is sent from Clan to Clan, bedding every eligible male she comes across hoping to find her Mate. Kalia doesn't expect to find love, but the second she looks into Sophia's eyes she's done for. Never has Kalia had feelings like those she has for Sophia, and a night of passion quickly leads to dire consequences. For in the supernatural world, it seems that humans aren't the only ones who discriminate.

That's what my smut story goes into. :o) It really needs a better title than "My Smut Story." LoL

Free Read - Struck by Beauty

Struck by Beauty is available now from Smashwords for FREE!

Genre: Fantasy

Rating: PG-13

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/49914 A collection of four fantasy stories:

"Struck by Beauty" - Mika is forced to do the unthinkable.

"Homecoming" - Carra returns home to confront her past.

"Blythe's Vengeance" - Blythe seeks vengeance on the sorcerer that destroyed her hometown.

"The Desire of Selkies" - Salena discovers that humans will do anything to get what they desire.

Amythist Dreams is now available!

Amythist Dreams is now up on Smashwords!

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/49843

Genre: Fantasy

Rating: PG-13

Contains "Dalamar's Quest," "The Hunt," and "The Final Goodbye."

"Dalamar's Quest" - Sorcerer Dalamar Shola and his apprentice, Amythist Dyier, investigate new magic in Ancient Egypt.

"The Hunt" - Amythist wants revenge, even if it means going to the demon realm to fulfill it.

"The Final Goodbye" - Will Amythist be able to say goodbye to her truest love?

Dragon Sent is now available

Dragon Sent is now up on Smashwords!

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/49712

Genre: Fantasy

Rating: PG

Contains "The Wicked Deed" and "Redemption."

"The Wicked Deed" - To save her twin sister from a sorcerer's curse, Xerri must betray the dragon that trusts her to find the cure.

"Redemption" - Xerri goes on a dragon sent redemption quest to clear her soul of her wicked deed.

Anthologies

You'll notice that within the next couple of months, I'll have a couple anthologies coming out. Nifty, isn't it?


Through the Rosebush is a print anthology published through AnthologyBuilder.com. It contains 11 of my previously published short stories. This is available now at AnthologyBuilder.



Far and Away is an ebook anthology published through Smashwords and available on the Kindle and Nook, as well as several other ereader sites. It's a collection of over thrity previously published flash fiction and poems, including 12 never before published works. (Coming Soon: May 2011)





Dragon Sent is an ebook release containing two short stories; "The Wicked Deed" and "Redemption." These stories feature an interesting character named Xerri who has to betray that dragon that trusts her to save her twin sister. (Coming Soon: March 2011)



Why am I doing this? I want my previously published work available for everyone to read. Some of it is hard to find or no longer available. I want to put related stories in a set (such as Dragon Sent) and offer them for little to no money.

First Review for Blood Moon

The Pen and Muse has reviewed Blood Moon!

"When I think of Heather Kuehl, I think of great action packed paranormal writing. Why? She simply provides it with such ease that as a reader, you invest in her works, her characters, and the world these characters are in...Sarah is a great kick ass character that you will absolutely fall in love with. "

To read more, go to http://thepenmuse.net/archives/2396

A break from tour for some news

BREAKING NEWS!

Eternal Press has accepted Dream Lover for publication in August 2011!

Dream Lover Blurb:
Denna Rainerd has dreamed about Warren Connelly for the past ten years, their relationship in the dream world hot and passionate. Pity he isn't real...or is he?

Warren wishes that Denna was in his real world, but a human in his world would be a liability. He's a Hunter shapeshifter; sworn to protect his world from the darkest of creatures while he's focused on revenge for the death of his brother. Their worlds collide when Warren saves Denna's life, setting up a chain of events that will change their lives forever. Will Denna be able to accept Warren's supernatural secrets?


AND...

MuseItUp Publishing has accepted my short story At All Costs for publication in December 2011!

At All Costs Blurb:
Samantha lives in a post-apocalyptic world where she is the mortal enemy of technology that has turned on humanity. Sam's a technopath, a person with the ability to control all technology. She can use her powers to obliterate the tech-threat one at a time, but General Lieberman knows that Sam's power can work both ways; not only can she kill but she can create as well. Wanting her to create a monster for their soldiers to use against the tech-threat, Lieberman hopes it will end the war.

There is just one problem; the level of power Sam will have to use to create the monster for the soldiers may cost her own life.

Will Sam sacrifice herself to save the world?

RRN interview – Show #014

My interview with Romance Radio Network is now live! I had so much fun doing this interview. You can either listen to it at http://romanceradio.net/2011/02/24/rrn-heather-kuehl-author-show-014 or click on the gaget below.

Update and advice

I've been so busy lately getting ready for the Blood Moon Tour. Not only am I emailing blogs my posts, but I'm also still booking spots. I don't think the lineup will be final until the day the tour starts...which is on March 3 you lovely people. Two weeks away! Don't forget about the Blood Moon Scavenger Hunt that will being going on at the same time. What's better than fun and prizes? IMO, nothing!


Hrm, updates...

I finished Of Wolf and Man! *happy dances & throws confetti* I had just gotten through the hard scene when my computer crashed in 2009 and I lost a good chunk of it. Tells the story of Juliet and Jensen; Juliet discovers Jensen's dangerous secret and now a Clan of rouge werewolves wants her dead. It took alot to get me to sit down and write this, mainly because it was a lot of rewriting what I had already written before the crash. I'm happy it's done now, and I think it's much better now than it was originally.

"Dalamar's Quest" is currently in Bewildering Stories and can be viewed here. This is the first story I ever wrote about Amythist Dyier. Originally it had been accepted by Flashing Swords for publication in Feb 2008, but the magazine went under before it could come out. Major bummer, but hey it all worked out in the end!

"Apocalypse" is in the current issue of Aphelion's Webzine. Aphelion also has their Best of 2010 listed, and "Siren's Song" is on the list for best poem! Sweet!

My Uprinting giveaway is still going on. Go to my blog post that offers the giveaway and make sure to leave a comment. The contest ends on Tuesday!

I've already made a book trailer for Epiphany. It's up on my YouTube page: http://www.youtube.com/user/iryadragyn


Now for something fun! One of the authors on Decadent Publishing's yahoo group posted this link. It gives some no-no's when writing fiction (it's geared to YA, but the no-no's cross the genre gap). http://georgiamcbridebooks.wordpress.com/2010/10/14/newbie-writers-watch-out-for-these-big-writing-no-nos/

1) I've never done this. Luckily, I don't get carried away with backstory and such until later.

2) OMG I'm so guilty of having my main character notice the love interest's eyes first! I just did that in Of Wolf and Man! The reason I do this is because I believe that eyes are windows to the soul, and I want my MC to fall in love for who the person is, not what they look like.

3) I used to do this early on, like during my high school drafts of Promises to Keep. A new writer can't help it. You get this awesome idea, go with it, only to discover that you don't know the whole story yet. This is where outlining can become important.

4) I don't think I've done this, especially since I can't stand to have filler in my books.

5) If my first chapter starts mundane, it doesn't end that way. I have to make sure to keep my first chapters interesting.

6) I've don't overly focus on my first chapter. My goal is to get it out there, and once it's done to go back and fix what desperatly needs fixing.

7) Guilty! I won't catch it while I'm writing, but during edits I'll be like "Haven't I said this before?" That's what I get for staying up late and waking up early to write!

8) Again, I hate useless filler. Not only do I consider scenes to be filler, but characters as well. Hence the reason why T.D. Drake isn't in Fade to Black. I cut her out...but was able to shove her and that cut scene into Malevolent Dead...Yay me!

9) Please see 8 and 4. Filler = bad. Georgia McBride must feel the same way.

10) I always hate when I'm reading a book and the author has no clue what they're talking about. I mean, it's obvious they did no research at all. While I hate research, my readers will know if I pretend to know what I'm talking about. I do the work to give my readers a vividly true reading experience.

11) I've done this. It happens when I get tired or if I am having a bout of writer's block. I don't know what to do next, but I feel that the words NEED to be written.

12) Please see 4, 8, and 9. Yep, Georgia McBride does feel the same way. LoL

I've printed up this blog post and put up above my computer. It's something that all writers, not just newbies, need to remember.

...and cover art already!

Holy moly that was fast! I absolutly love it!

Epiphany!

Joy of all joys! Decadent Publishing has accepted Epiphany for publication. I'm so excited to work with the Decadent team and getting to know my fellow authors. Everything's so shiny and new; I'm giddy!

Here's my page for Epiphany: https://sites.google.com/site/heatherkuehl/epiphany

Far and Away: Coming May 2011

Far and Away: an anthology of flash fiction and poems.

Genre: paranormal, fantasy, science fiction, romance, contemporary

Publisher: Smashwords

Release Date: May 2011

Filled with over 30 previously published poems and flash fiction pieces and 12 works that have never seen the light of day, this anthology will be perfect for readers on the go. Cover art by the wonderful Dawne Dominique (didn't she do a damned good job? I LOVE it!)

Heck yeah!

Anthology Update

I've spent the last couple of days working my butt off, putting together what will eventually be Far and Away; a collection of flash fiction and poetry. Due to the fact that several of my favorite short stories won't be available to be placed into an anthology for a couple of years yet, I've decided to focus my attention on my much shorter works. I'm contacting cover artisits right now, trying to find someone to do the cover art for this anthology. I'm going to published through Smashwords.com sometime this summer or fall. Hopefully. :o)

My first article!

I'm so excited! Siren Book Reviews Ezine's first issue is now available, which means my article, "So You've Gotten Published. Now What?" is now available. This is my first published artcile. :o)

My short story, "Whispers of the Night," is also within this issue. Two great things....

AND THEY'RE FREE!!

Totally nifty, right?


SBR Feb '11 Issue TOC

4 - SBR sits down with Edward Kendrick, Author of Everyone’s Man

8 - Siren’s Best Books of 2010

12 - Writing Fiction - The Pitfalls, by Chris Burton

14 - Whispers of the Night, by Heather Kuehl

18 - So, you’ve gotten published. What’s next? By Heather Kuehl

20 - Nightseekers by Cindy Jacks

22 - SBR speaks with D.C. Juris, Author of On Solid Ground

Lost in Translation

This should come as no surprise; I'm a huge Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan. Loved the show and was heartbroken to see it go. So when I heard that Joss Whedon was creating season eight of the show using comics as his medium, I jumped on it. Granted, it wasn't until issue seven, but I quickly caught up.

40 issues later, I'm hooked yet again and looking forward to season nine. When I saw the motion comic at the store, I just had to add it to my collection. It didn't realize until I watched all 19 issues that I missed quite a bit. Yes, I read and reread those comics over and over. But I think some things are lost when there's no description or inflection to go along with some things. Then again, it might be because I know how everything plays out now. I really hope they turn the rest of the season into a motion comic. It was way cool to watch. I think I'm going to rewatch the entire series soon. Joss hinted at things sometimes two season before they came to pass. I wonder if he hinted at all about the events in season 8...

Season 8 overview: After the events in season 7, there is no longer only one slayer (two if you count Faith). There are roughly 2,000 girls in all the world, chosen to fight the forces of darkness with Buffy as their leader. A new big bad surfaces, one with the backing of Uncle Sam, who wants to destroy Buffy and her Slayer army; Twilight. Don't get the name confused with sparkly vamps who are more emo than evil. Twlight will do anything to get to Buffy, even if it means killing the people she loves most.

Reoccuring characters from the show: Buffy, Willow, Xander, Giles, Faith, Spike (YAY!), Andrew, Dawn, Dark Willow, Riley, Harmony, Oz, Ethan Rayne, Angel, Dracula, Warren, Kennedy, Robin Wood, Rona, Vi, and Amy. There may be more, but that's off the top of my head.

New characters to love: Satsu, Fray (Love her!), Twilight*, Renee, Saga Vasuki, Lady Genevieve, Jacob, and Alexia. Of course, there's more than that, but those are my favorites.

*Yes, I listed Twilight as a character to love. I think you have to love the big bad at least a little to appreciate the complexity of the season. :o)

Season eight rating: 8/10

Buffy Season 8 is published by Dark Horse Comics.

Pro market response times

I have to get on my soap box about this...

I just withdrew a short story submission, "Whispers of the Night," from a pro market because it got accepted by Siren Book Reviews Ezine (which I'm happier about). Here's what I got as a response:

Dear Miss Kuehl,

As requested I am withdrawing your story from our reading queue. You will get a second notice of withdrawal attached to your submissions e-mail.

Many pro markets are behind as we are right now and closing their submissions to catch up. Weird Tales being one of them. We certainly have no problems accommodating withdrawals, however I would respectfully ask that in the future you adhere to guidelines and not send us simultaneous submissions. we do not accept simultaneous submissions. In return our newer authors enjoy being in the same magazine as such names as Bradbury, Romero and others.

One thing I might suggest for you that could be helpful for your future in submitting stories in pro markets such as ours, is to expect lengthy waits. for instance it isn't untypical for a publisher like Doubleday to by the rights to a book that doesn't see print for at least a year. One way to do that is to tailor a story for that particular magazine or publisher and then submit and go on to writing the next. All of the top names in the industry we have dealt with do this.

I sincerely hope this helps with the frustration of waiting,


I feel like writing him back. I really do. I don't mind lengthy waits. What I mind is when your site says that you have a four month response time (120 days) and it's been 277 days. When a market gets so far behind, they shouldn't be shocked to find that authors are simultaneously submitting to other markets. (BTW: I submitted to them several years ago. It took 647 days that time (Jul 2007-Apr 2009). I had hoped that they got their game straight over the years. Guess I was wrong.) For that matter, markets shouldn't do that; not allow simsubs. If it takes almost a year to make a 4 month decision, either change the guidelines on your site or allow simsubs. Easy as pie.

I don't mind waiting a year if your guidelines say it'll be a year.


Also, learn to spell. You're a pro literary magazine. Look like it.

It's time...

...to do the cover art happy dance!

And a new year has begun

Happy 2011 everyone! I hope you all had a fun and safe holiday. Just a day after 2011 began, one of my resolutions have already panned out. I had two goals for my son during 2011; to get him out of his crib and into a twin sized bed and to have him potty trained. Potty training is still in the distant future, he's already in his twin sized bed! *happy dance*

Last night I jumped back on the writing wagon (after having not written a word since November) and added 3k to my WIP, Gray Magic. Gray Magic was my NaNoWriMo 2010 novel, and after reading through it I discovered that it made very little sense. I've had to toss a lot of it, and try to make sense out of what I've decided to keep. I'm about 15k into my rewrite. I don't think the final product will be 50k, since I'm a chapter away from hitting a vital turning point before wrapping things up. My goal right now is 30k.


In other news...

Blood Moon is due to be released in two months!

Epiphany has been submitted to two other publishers. It's almost been a year since I submitted it to my first choice publisher. A year with no response leads me to believe that it's a rejection.

Congratulations to Ashley Verdi. She won a $25 Amazon gift card from my Bitten By Books contest back in September.

Beauty is the Beast

Please visit Trapeze Magazine to read my poem, a twist on the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast. And don't forget to vote! I already have two 5 star ratings! *happy dance*

http://trapezemag.wordpress.com/2010/12/14/december-14-heather-kuehl/

New interview!

Join me on Marva Dasef's blog today as we talk about the writing Muse and the time it took me to write my books from concept to THE END. http://mgddasef.blogspot.com/2010/12/interview-heather-kuehl.html

Don't forget to stop by here tomorrow as I return the favor and interview Marva on this blog!

Signing pics!

Success!

I had a great day today during my book signing at Dreamalot Books. I sold 10 books, and was told that this is the most books any author has every sold during a signing at Dreamalot. It makes me feel really good about myself.

Since my camera isn't handy, I won't be posting pics tonight, but check http://sites.google.com/site/heatherkuehl/events/dreamalot-books tomorrow. I should have the pics up by noon. No promises though; we're decorating for Christmas tomorrow!

The only downer to my fantastic day was learning that only two of the four newspapers I sent press releases to didn't put anything in their paper. One was understandable (it was a Summerville paper and my signing was in Goose Creek), but the other wasn't (it's the primary paper for the tri-county area). Next time, instead of emailing my press release like the gentleman at the primary paper asked me to, I'll snail mail it to him. And if he calls (like he did the last time I snail mailed something to him), I mention this event.

Thank you, The Gazette and Charleston City Paper, for posting my event in your calendar!

Book signing!

Join me today at Dreamalot Books from 12pm to 3pm. I'll be signing copies of Fade to Black and Malevolent Dead.

Dreamalot Books
123B S Goose Creek Blvd.
Goose Creek, SC 29445
(843) 572-4188
http://www.dreamalotbooks.com/

Directions To Store:
Dreamalot Books is located on Hwy 52, 123B South Goose Creek Blvd. in Goose Creek. You will find them just inside the Goose Creek city limits in a strip mall with Allstate Ins., on the opposite side of highway from the Waffle House.

WIP List

What I consider Works in Progress (WIP); A WIP can be a short as a scribbled idea or as long as a finished manuscript that needs serious editing. Above my computer I have several WIP’s ideas taped to my wall. This is what my Works in Progress list looks like right now:

GRAY MAGIC – My NaNo2010 story needs a lot of work, which is why I still consider it a WIP. Synopsis: Tabitha Desdamona Drake is an Enforcer, the person that does the dirty work for the Conclave of witches. The Conclave orders T.D. to find the gray magic witch. A witch wielding gray magic would be able to use dark or light magic without cost, able to end the world with just a thought. The Conclave wants the gray magic witch. With it, they can rule the supernatural world with an iron fist. However, once she gets there T.D. finds that there are more pressing issues to take care of rather than the Conclave's agenda. Witches are being murdered and drained of their magic, and it's up to her to put a stop to it. Enter Dez, a vampire that works for the Lord of Charleston. As mysterious as he is annoying, Dez accompanies T.D. on her search for the witch killer claiming that the vampire Lord has ordered him to do so. But what does a vampire care about murdered witches? Dez's agenda mirrors the orders from the Conclave, and T.D. quickly realizes that she is in more danger than what she's bargained for.


OF WOLF AND MAN - I had just gotten through the hard scene when my computer crashed and I lost a good chunk of it. Tells the story of Juliet and Jensen; Juliet discovers Jensen's dangerous secret and now a Clan of rouge werewolves wants her dead. Synopsis: Juliet knows that Jensen has a dark secret, especially after he uses his super strength to fight three wolves and save her life. Imagine her surprise when she figures out that he's a werewolf. Imagine her greater surprise when she discovers that this knowledge puts her life in danger. The three wolves that attacked her were also Weres, and they want Jensen to themselves. Jensen has to do what he can to save Juliet, when she and her best friend are kidnapped by the Weres during Homecoming. Will he be able to get to Juliet in time, before the Weres change her into one of them? It's my first attempt at YA. I’m currently 33k in, and am at the climax of the story. However, I keep getting sidetracked by other projects. I hope to have this one finished by the first of the year….maybe.


ACROSS TIME - A novella about Amythist Dyier finding love again. Her short stories came out in quick bursts so I hope her novella does the same.


UNTITLED Technopath Story - Originally a short story, I realize that I have more to say. Samantha lives in a post apocalyptic world where a human created microbe can infect technology, making it alive. It needs the earth's resources to survive, and the humans are just scum standing in their way. Samantha is one of only a handful of technopaths, a person that can control technology, that can defeat them. The short story is finished, but I want to add more parts to it and see more of the world that Sam lives in.


UNTITLED Sarah Vargas 4 – I’m taking my sweet time before coming back to Sarah. I want to make sure that her story really needs to continue past Blood Moon. Synopsis: With the Blood Moon Corporation behind her Sarah is ready to start her life with Jared, but a phone call from Donavan puts their well deserved bliss on hold. There's a serial killer murdering humans on the loose in Brainerd, MN, one that changes with the full moon. If the human police catch him, it will put the Seffmoyer Clan in danger - the very Clan that Donavan's sister is in. Will Sarah and Jared be able to catch the supernatural killer before the police do?


UNTITLED Beauty and the Beast – Modern day telling of an old story, with a unique twist. That’s all I’ll say on this project.


THE WRONG MAN – A contemporary romance about finding love in all the wrong places.


UNTITLED ghost romance – The title says it all…


UNITITLED Dreamscape – Jasmine McGovern has the ability to control her dreams, a gift that sets her in the crosshairs of the Blood Moon Corporation. Except they don’t want to kill her. They want to use her ability to assassinate and control. How can she escape them?


AN UNEXPECTED LOVE – Originally a short story about Amir and Phaidra, I want to flesh it out and turn it from a 3k romance into a 15k romance.



And this isn't even all of it! I have ideas scribbled in small notebooks that I carry around with me. So add another 15-20 ideas on top of these I've listed. Sometimes I wish this list was carved in stone. A new idea will crop up, making my long list of WIPs even longer. But at least I can't complain that I don't have anything to write. :)

Word Count and more

I'm on Cate Masters's blog today, talking about my views on the dreaded word count.

http://catemasters.blogspot.com/2010/12/in-author-spotlight-heather-kuehl.html


Can't get enough of me? Join me tonight at 6:30pm EST on Poetic Monthly as I discuss my latest release, Malevolent Dead.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/poeticmonthly

The inspiration for my latest WIP

Ever wanted to know how an author gets inspired to write a certain story? This piece of artwork is the inspiration for my latest WIP.

BTW: My favorite movie of all time is Disney's Beauty and the Beast.

Especially the library scene

Guest blogging

I'm guest blogging at Fang-tastic Books today, talking about the joys of paranormal fiction.

http://fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com/2010/11/welcome-guest-author-heather-kuehl.html

Moonlight, Lace, and Mayhem

I'm being interviewed today at Moonlight, Lace, and Mayhem (love the blog name, by the way). I'll be talking about what I'm thankful for, NaNoWriMo, and Just Another Paranormal Christmas.

http://moonlightlacemayhem.blogspot.com/2010/11/twilight-thursday_22.html

Busy busy

NaNoWriMo is coming to a close, and I've already finished Gray Magic...sort of. Because it's a NaNo creation it's going to need a lot of work, and I have a feeling that there is going to be a lot of scenes cut out of it. I hate useless filler, so if it doesn't help to forward the plot or enhance character development then it's going to have to go.

Tabitha Desdamona Drake is an Enforcer, the person that does the dirty work for the Conclave of witches. The Conclave orders T.D. to find the gray magic witch. A witch wielding gray magic would be able to use dark or light magic without cost, able to end the world with just a thought. The Conclave wants the gray magic witch. With it, they can rule the supernatural world with an iron fist. However, once she gets there T.D. finds that there are more pressing issues to take care of rather than the Conclave's agenda. Witches are being murdered and drained of their magic, and it's up to her to put a stop to it.

Enter Dez, a vampire that works for the Lord of Charleston. As mysterious as he is annoying, Dez accompanies T.D. on her search for the witch killer claiming that the vampire Lord has ordered him to do so. But what does a vampire care about murdered witches? Dez's agenda mirrors the orders from the Conclave, and T.D. quickly realizes that she is in more danger than what she's bargained for.

I can't wait until the manuscript is polished enough to share. T.D.'s story is just begging to be told and Dez's big secret will finally be revealed (for those of you who have been reading the Sarah Vargas Series). As usual, I'm putting Gray Magic aside for a while to let it cool (so to say) and I'm picking up Of Wolf and Man....again. Maybe I'll finally finish it this time.

T.D. short story

My T.D. short story, "Susan's Ghost," is in issue 9 of Etereal Tales - available now!

Here's a sneak peek of "Susan’s Ghost " (People’s Choice Winner of the Ethereal Tales Halloween Competition 2009)


Tabitha Desdemona Drake hated October.

It wasn’t the shift in the muggy Charleston weather that got to her. It wasn’t the department stores going Halloween crazy, trying to make sure they had enough Halloween supplies for their customers. It wasn’t even the witch costumes. Having been born a witch herself, Tabitha Desdemona knew that those hags were just a product of a fearful human’s imagination. No, it was none of these things.

It was the ghosts.

From November through September, Tabitha Desdemona rarely saw a spirit. It was refreshing. But October… The closer it got to Halloween, the worse it got. Half of the time she didn’t know if the person she was speaking with was alive or dead. She would just hang in there, doing her best to ignore them until 11:59pm on October 31. Then, when the clock struck midnight, it was like they had never been there.

But this year was destined to be different.

It was Halloween, and the ghost was in her bedroom; a first. The ghost looked just like her, with blonde hair and striking cerulean eyes. Tabitha Desdemona stared for a minute, thinking that she was looking at her reflection until she could see her bed though the ghost’s transparent stomach. Then her heart lurched.

“Oh Susan…”


Get your copy of Ethereal Tales 9 today from http://cutencreepy.co.uk/zencart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=105&products_id=1039

Published Wrimo!

My March 2010 release Promises To Keep is now listed on the "Published Wrimos" page of http://www.nanowrimo.org/! There are over 60 published "wrimos", including Amelia Atwater-Rhodes. It makes me so proud to see my name listed there. :o)

http://www.nanowrimo.org/publishedwrimos

Book Signing!

Book Signing at Dreamalot Books

Join paranormal author Heather Kuehl at Dreamalot Books on Saturday, December 4, 2010 from 12pm to 3pm. She will be signing copies of her books Fade to Black and Malevolent Dead.

Dreamalot Books
123B S Goose Creek Blvd.
Goose Creek, SC 29445
(843) 572-4188
http://www.dreamalotbooks.com/

Directions To Store:
Dreamalot Books is located on Hwy 52, 123B South Goose Creek Blvd. in Goose Creek. You will find them just inside the Goose Creek city limits in a strip mall with Allstate Ins., on the opposite side of highway from the Waffle House.

Last night

I had so much fun last night at Drinking in the Morning's Spooooky-tacular event. It was nerve wracking being in front of so many people - more than 50 - making me think that I need to work on my public speaking skills, but it was fun.

Pictures are up on my website. https://sites.google.com/site/heatherkuehl/events/signings/drinking-in-the-morning-10-25-10

I hope I get the chance to do something like that again. As nerve wracking as it was, it was a blast.

Spooooky-tacular tonight!

Join me tonight at Drinking in the Morning's Halloween Spooooky-tacular as I talk about the Sarah Vargas series. The first 50 guests will receive goodie bags filled with candy, bookmarks, and more from me and the wonderful authors at Eternal Press. Don't forget to stop by the merchandise table to purchase your copy of Fade to Black or Malevolent Dead. Copies are limited! And yes, I will be signing those beautiful books!

The deets (from DitM's Facebook page):

Date:
October 25, 2010

Location:
The Nickelodeon Theater
937 Main Street
Columbia, SC

Time:
Doors open at 10pm, show starts at 10:30pm

More Info:
Spirits take flight at our Drinking in the Morning Spooooky-tacular. Join Aaron and Grant for a frightful evening of mayhem and delight! Vampire writer Heather Dade Kuehl will join us, along with Drunk Joe the Gin-Soaked Magician and some surprise visitors from the shadowy beyond!

In addition to live music from the CASSANGLES, there will also be lots of new media, audience interaction, breaking the fourth wall and web 2.0 cutting edge stuff that really rides the long tail. So make sure you wear your prosumer hats for this social networking extravaganza!

Admission just $5.00, beer and wine will be served! More details as they develop!

Purchase advance tickets here and get a collectible 8x10 print, signed and numbered. Also offering discounted T-Shirts: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drinkinginthemorning.com%2F%3Fp%3D138&h=7dc1c

http://www.drinkinginthemorning.com/

Space Cops

Space Cops is featured on Bish's Beat today. My short story, "To Walk Among Dreams," was featured in this anthology.

http://bishsbeat.blogspot.com/2010/10/pulp-now-space-cops.html


Excerpt from "To Walk Among Dreams" in Space Cops (c) 2009

The turning of pages was the only sound that embraced the soundproof room. I looked around, taking in the light blue ceiling and stark white walls. A small camera was perched above the door, the shining red light indicating that this session was being filmed. The brightness of the florescent lights mixed with the color of the walls was starting to make my head hurt. I took a drag of my cigarette as I waited.

"Tell me why you think you're here."

The woman who spoke crossed her legs, her hands running over her thighs to make sure that her skirt hung right. Her blonde hair was in a long braid down her back with little wispy bangs covering her forehead. It was a flattering look for her. Her skirt was black with little purple flowers on it, the same shade of purple as her blouse. Her black pumps were more elegant that business-like, telling me that she was a woman of wealth. Her hand covered mine, a comforting gesture. I recoiled as though her touch burned. I refused to meet her eyes. I knew all that I needed to know for now. She was new. She had that fresh, just out of grad school feel to her. She was treating me like any other patient.

"Did they explain to you who I am?" I asked.

"Yes."

"Then there is no need for introductions. Did they explain why I was here?"

"Your file states that you suffer from delusions. You wish to make the world a better place..."

"So I have an imaginary world where I dish out justice," I finished for her. "Go get Dr. Cornwell. I don't have time for this."

She smoothed out her skirt - a nervous gesture - and took a deep breath. "The beginning?"

I sighed and leaned back in my chair, tapping my cigarette on a triangluar red ashtray. I raised my eyes up until they met hers; beautiful cerulean blue with flecks of green and gray. Her eyes gave her away. I could read her so easily that it scared me. She stared back into my eyes through my curtain for curly red hair.

I lowered my gaze and asked, "Has anyone ever told you that your eyes are the windows to your soul?"

I didn't want to talk about me. I needed to know about her. After all, I had my orders.

Buy your copy TODAY at Amazon.com

Halloween yummies!

I'm sharing my favorite Halloween recipe at Kayden McLeod's blog today. I love these Double Delicious Halloween Bars. YUM!

http://kaydenmcleod.blogspot.com/2010/10/recipemondayshalloween-double-delicious.html

Vote for Malevolent Dead

It's that time again! You Gotta Read Videos has this month's contest open and Malevolent Dead's book trailer is entry #3. Please stop by http://yougottareadvideos.blogspot.com/ to check out the trailers and cast your vote.

Voting ends Oct. 26.

Malevolent Dead has a review

The Pen and Muse has reviewed Malevolent Dead!

"Kuehl’s skilled writing brings an added dimension to Sarah Vargas without compromising the ass-kicking sensibility of this determined heroine."

Read more at http://thepenmuse.net/archives/1532

Three new reviews

I was in for a surprise this morning when I checked my email. THREE book reviews! *happy dance*


What Night Owl Romance said about Fade to Black, "What you get in this paranormal story is lots of action and excitement. You also get cruel and beat worthy enemy vampires...Oh and the weapons Sarah and Jared use were just COOL!"

They even rated it 4.5 stars! Read more at http://www.nightowlromance.com/nor/Reviews/Silvermage-reviews-Fade-To-Black-by-Heather-Kuehl.aspx


What Night Owl Romance said about Malevolent Dead, "The werewolf attacks were surprising and well described. The blood drinking was sexy, hot and a bit creepy. The action kept the story moving and I thoroughly enjoyed the final battle."

They rated it 4 stars! Read more at http://www.nightowlromance.com/nor/Reviews/Silvermage-reviews-Malevolent-Dead-by-Heather-Kuehl.aspx


What You Gotta Read said about Malevolent Dead, "Sarah reaches out, grabs hold and drags you through the story with her. Non stop suspense, scorching hot love, or is it lust, scenes and enough paranormal nasties to keep you away from the cemetery permanently make this book one you've gotta read."

They rated it a "you gotta read!" Read more at http://yougottareadreviews.blogspot.com/2010/10/review-malevolent-dead-by-heather-kuehl.html

New review for Fade to Black

The Pen and Muse has given Fade to Black an excellent review!

"Kuehl’s writing gives Sarah an edgy, street-savvy persona. Sarah is the modern day heroine with smarts who does not need a dashing hero to come to her rescue."

Read more at http://thepenmuse.net/?p=1487

And keep an eye on The Pen and Muse for a (possible) review of Malevolent Dead.

Halloween Spooooky-tacular LIVE SHOW featuring vampires!

Time:
Monday, October 25 at 10:00pm - October 26 at 12:00am

Location:
The Nickelodeon Theatre
937 Main Street
Columbia, SC

More Info:
Spirits take flight at our Drinking in the Morning Spooooky-tacular. Join Aaron and Grant for a frightful evening of mayhem and delight! Vampire writer Heather Kuehl will join us, along with Drunk Joe the Gin-Soaked Magician and some surprise visitors from the shadowy beyond!

Admission just $5.00, beer and wine will be served! More details as they develop!

http://www.drinkinginthemorning.com/

Siren's Song

My haiku, "Siren's Song," is now up at Aphelion!

http://aphelion-webzine.com/poetry/2010/09/SirenSong.html

I love writing these short poems, trying my best to infuse them with my dark thoughts and paranormal world.

Featured Author

This week I'm the featured author at Romance Writers United. Very cool!

http://rwunited.freehostia.com/featured.html

The Back Story

I was the guest on The Back Story on October 2. I had a blast being on the show, talking about Fade to Black and how I came up with the Sarah Vargas Series. I even got a chance to talk a bit about Malevolent Dead and Blood Moon. To listen to the interview, just go to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/back-story/2010/10/02/the-back-story-radio-show .

Malevolent Dead is on YGR Videos

This month, Malevolent Dead is participating in You Gotta Read's Video contest. It is entry #3. I love participating in this contest; it gives me a chance to see other author's book trailers and make notes on how I can improve mine. Make sure you stop by and check it out:

http://yougottareadvideos.blogspot.com/

Don't forget to come back at the end of the month to vote for your favorite trailer. Voting will begin on the 21st and run through the 26th.

Reprint acceptance

Aoife's Kiss has accepted "Raising the Dead" for publication in October 2011. "Raising the Dead" was first published in Bewildering Stories in 2008 and tells the story of Kinandrea, an elf who is asked by a human named Jackson to raise his wife from the dead.

(FYI: Aoife is pronounced EE-fah)

Fantastic review for Malevolent Dead

I was on my Twitter account this morning and decided to do a search for Malevolent Dead. The point of the search was to see if All Romance Ebooks had tweeted my book release or not, but what I found was so much better.

Happily Ever After Reviews reviewed Malevolent Dead, rating it 4.5 Teacups! "I would love to say more, but I can’t without giving away some major plot points. Malevolent Dead is an awesome adventure with kick-butt action, hot sexual encounters, and interesting characters."
http://hea-reviews.blogspot.com/2010/09/review-malevolent-dead-by-heather-kuehl.html

Vote for Fade to Black

You Gotta Read's September cover contest is now open. Please vote for Fade to Black. Fade to Black's cover is #4

http://yougottareadcovers.blogspot.com/

First Chapters Blog - Malevolent Dead

D. Renee Bagby Presents First Chapters Blog had Malevolent Dead up the other day. However, due to BlogFest, I wasn't able to post about it until now. Stop by and take a peek here:

http://dreneebagbypresentsfirstchapters.blogspot.com/2010/09/malevolent-dead-by-heather-kuehl.html

Malevolent Dead Tour - Summary

Well, the Malevolent Dead tour is over. Wasn't that fun? If you missed it, here's a list of the blogs I visited. If there are any contests still open they'll be listed at the end of this post.

The Roses of Prose
http://rosesofprose.blogspot.com/2010/09/saturday-spotlight-heather-kuehl.html

Love Romances and More
http://loveromancesandmore.blogspot.com/2010/09/talking-with-author-heather-kuehl.html

You Gotta Read
http://yougottareadguest.blogspot.com/2010/09/welcome-heather-kuehl.html

Literary Magic
http://www.literary-magic.com/2010/09/meet-heather-kuehl-author-of-fade-to.html

Immortyl Cafe
http://immortylcafe.blogspot.com/2010/09/at-round-table-with-heather-keuhl.html

Fang-tastic Books
http://fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com/2010/09/win-pdf-of-malevolent-dead-by-heather.html

Immortyl Revolution
http://immortylrevolution.blogspot.com/2010/09/interview-with-author-heather-kuehl.html

Lisa Haselton's Blog
http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/2010/09/interview-with-paranormal-author.html

Annette Snyder's Blog
http://annettesnyder.blogspot.com/2010/09/heather-kuehl-shares-her-writing.html

Writing Space
http://writingspace.blogspot.com/2010/09/meet-heather-kuehl-author-of-malevolent.html

Bitten By Books
http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=30347


OPEN CONTESTS!

Win a pdf of Malevolent Dead (Open until Sept 14)

http://fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com/2010/09/win-pdf-of-malevolent-dead-by-heather.html

Win 250 Die Cut Business Cards (Open until Sept 20)
http://heatherkuehl.blogspot.com/2010/09/giveaway-monday-win-250-die-cut.html

Bitten By Books Contest

I am the guest at Bitten By Books today. Stop by for a chance to win a $25 Amazon.com gift card! It's going to be an awesome event and I hope that you stop by.

http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=30347

Contest ends at 11:59pm on Sept 11.

REVIEW!! & 10, 11/12 - Annette Snyder's Blog and Wordshaping

Malevolent Dead already has a review!! Bitten by Books gave Malevolent Dead 4.5/5 tombstones, saying that "Once again, Kuehl does not disappoint with this excellent tale filled with interesting characters caught in the midst of pedal-to-the-metal suspense and action in an intriguing supernatural world."

http://bittenbybooks.com/?page_id=58&book_author_id=Heather%20Kuehl


Today I have two stops on my Malevolent Dead tour; Annette Snyder's Blog and Writing Space. New authors, make sure you check these out. I give newbie advice about promo and talk about the things I wish I knew about the publishing industry before I stepped foot in it.

Annette Snyder's Blog:
http://annettesnyder.blogspot.com/2010/09/heather-kuehl-shares-her-writing.html

Writing Space:
http://writingspace.blogspot.com/2010/09/meet-heather-kuehl-author-of-malevolent.html

Spotlight

I'm the spotlight author at Joyfully Reviewed today!

http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/interviews/author-spotlight-heather-kuehl

By the way, since I did this interview I've been able to quit my Mt. Dew habit. 1 month and 2 weeks without caffeine! I also received a fabulous review from Mirror Dance for Promises to Keep:

http://mirrordancefantasy.blogspot.com/2010/09/review-of-promises-to-keep.html

Happily Ever After

Check out my interview with Happily Ever After Reviews

http://hea-reviews.blogspot.com/2010/08/author-interview-with-heather-kuehl.html

Only 7 days left until the release of Malevolent Dead!

Freedom!

One of the most glorious things to ever witness is an animal being released back into the wild. I got to see this today when two sea turtles were released at Folly Beach County Park.

From the Sea Turtle Hospital blog:

The 100-pound loggerhead, Santos, was cold-stunned off the New England coast in the winter of ‘08 and treated for a year at the Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center at the University of New England. In November of ‘09, the turtle was transported to the South Carolina Aquarium to finish healing, catching a ride in a small Piper Twin Comanche with private pilot, Ronnie Santos from Mount Pleasant, SC. We are grateful for Ronnie and the East Cooper Pilot’s Association for this wonderful support!

The juvenile Kemp’s ridley, Surfer, was caught on hook and line just 4 months ago by a surf fisherman on Hilton Head, SC. Kemp’s ridleys are commonly found in near shore waters in the summertime and are prone to getting caught by recreational fishermen. Surfer underwent surgery to remove the hook that was deeply embedded in the esophagus. A hook that is left in the esophagus of a turtle in the wild can be problematic, possibly resulting in death and we congratulate all fishermen who turn these “hooked” endangered species over to the SCDNR.


For more information about the Sea Turtle Hospital, please visit http://scaquarium.org/STR/default.html

sea turtle flipper-prints in the sand

This was the second time I got to see a sea turtle be released back into the ocean, and I must say that it was heart warming as the first. It brough tears to my eyes as I watched the turtles glide across the sand, eager to get back to their natural habitat.

Crazy Busy Day

I alway feel like a chicken with its head cut off before a book release, running around trying to get as much accomplished as possible before the big day. Here's a run down of what my last two days have looked like

I sent in the last of my guest blog posts. I always try to send them in a month or more ahead of time, that way I'm not busting my ass at the last minute.

I got some promo things written up and saved in my email drafts, like First Chapters Blog, that I won't be able to send in until the book is released. On Sept 7, all I'll have to do it click send.

I got book review requests ready to send out in my email drafts. Just have to attach my book and send...

that is until I got my ARC from Eternal Press with permission to use the proof as an ARC. This means I didn't have to wait until Sept 7 to send out my review requests. Sent out three requests today, and filled out four review request forms.

Double checked my website to make sure everything was ready to go for MALEVOLENT DEAD's release.

Making sure that I mention BLOOD MOON in any MD promo. Hey, it doesn't hurt to start early.

Stopped by the guests blogs I was on today and yesterday to acknowledge the people who commented.

I'm sure tomorrow will be an equally busy day. But with this being my third release, I've found that the more you do ahead of time the more time you'll have for other things - like writing or spending time with the family. In my case it's writing OF WOLF AND MAN.

Character Evolution

I'm guest blogging again today! Learn about the evolution of Sarah Vargas at Nighs of Passion Blog.

http://nightsofpassion.wordpress.com/2010/08/25/behind-the-character-paranormal-romance-author-heather-kuehl/

How embarrassing!

I'm guest blogging at Beyond Romance today about "the blush factor." Stop by to see what embarrasses me.

http://lisabetsarai.blogspot.com/2010/08/blush-factor.html

Blood Moon

While I don't have the contract in my hands yet, I have the overwhelming urge to announce that BLOOD MOON has been accepted for publication by Eternal Press. I'm thinking it will be a Spring/Summer 2011 release, based on the release dates of my previous publications with them.

*happy dance*

I want to lie and say that I've been hard at work on OF WOLF AND MAN, but I haven't. I've spent the last week cleaning my house and reorganizing...aka procrastinating. I've said it before, I hate having to rewrite something that I've already written. I do plan on changing some things, but for the most part from the part I'm at until the Homecoming game I had already written and then lost during the Crash of 2009. I have a "been there, done that" feeling about it.

Of Wolf and Man

I'm going to be complaining about this story for a while, so it's only fair to give you all the back story so you'll understand my frustration.

OF WOLF AND MAN was started over a year ago, maybe even two, and by 30k I was just a mere five chapters away from the end. Then, in September of 2009, my computer crashed. I lost everything; pictures of my newborn son that weren't backed up along with this story. I had an earlier draft backed up and printed, which was good. The bad was that it was only 21k. I was missing three pivotal chapters, one of which was a pain in the ass to write. After that happened, I put the manuscript up. I just didn't have the heart to rewrite what had been lost.

Well, yesterday I sat down and made some changes and I'm almost at 22k. I'm going to finish the tweaking today and start off where I left off. I feel good about this, because I'm adding an interesting subplot that will throw a wrench into Jensen and Juliet's plans. Also go to make sure that I add a meeting with the DeLocket Clan in there as well so that the end makes sense.

I'm sure I will be complaining a ton about this story, because I feel like I should be closer to being finished than what I already am. I hope to have it finished by December.

"Get the hell out of my city."

BLOOD MOON is finally finished, and Damian got to say one of the best lines ever. "Now," Damian said with a wicked smile. "Get the hell out of my city." Couldn't help but grin when he said it. BLOOD MOON's final word count is 22,065, which is all over where I wanted it. FADE TO BLACK was 21,200 and MALEVOLENT DEAD is hanging around 21,936, making BLOOD MOON's length fit in perfectly. Now I just have to edit it and submit the manuscript to a publisher. Ugh, I hate editing! LoL

Don't worry, I don't think this is the end for Sarah. That's why I call this a series and not a trilogy. I have other books planned, but for now I am going to be working on other projects. When I get the itch to write about her again, I will.

And speaking of other projects....

I have a T.D. book outlined. Can't wait to get my claws into that one.

So close...

I ended up adding two more chapters to what I already had in BLOOD MOON. Come to find out, the location was not realistic for what was happening. So I had to back track and change the setting. Voila! Problem fixed. But that doesn't change the fact that writing this book is like pulling teeth. I just keep telling myself that I have 4k left until I'm done, and the final fight is being set up. I hate to say it, but I think I'm tired of writing about Sarah. It's all I've done it seems since FADE TO BLACK was accepted for publication.

I sent a query for DREAM LOVER to a publisher and they wanted to see the entire draft. Yayy! I sent it to them last night and am praying for an acceptance. Here's the blurb for DREAM LOVER:

Denna Rainerd has dreamed about Warren Connelly for the past ten years, their relationship in the dream world hot and passionate. Pity he isn't real...or is he?

Warren wishes that Denna was in his real world, but a human in his world would be a liability. He's a Hunter shapeshifter; sworn to protect his world from the darkest of creatures while he's focused on revenge for the death of his brother.

Their worlds collide when Warren saves Denna's life, setting up a chain of events that will change their lives forever. Will Denna be able to accept Warren's supernatural secrets?

My next project is finishing OF WOLF AND MAN. The almost completed draft was lost in the computer meltdown of 2009, but luckily I had the majority of it backed up and printed. I haven't worked on it because my back up stopped at a scene I had a lot of problems with and I really hate rewriting. But I think I'm going to edit the entire draft and then see what happens. It's so close to being finished that it wouldn't be fair to just let it collect dust. The story is a paranormal YA that centers around Juliet and Jensen.

Juliet knows that Jensen has a dark secret, especially after he uses his super strength to fight three wolves and save her life. Imagine her surprise when she figures out that he's a werewolf. Imagine her greater surprise when she discovers that this knowledge puts her life in danger. The three wolves that attacked her were also Weres, and they want Jensen to themselves. Jensen has to do what he can to save Juliet, when she and her best friend are kidnapped by the Weres during Homecoming. Will he be able to get to Juliet in time, before the Weres change her into one of them?

I am actually looking forward to tweaking this a bit.

Back to the drawing board

After the rush of writing DREAM LOVER, I had hoped I could get into the same groove with BLOOD MOON. No such luck. I spent all day staring at my computer screen, trying to force out scenes and dialouge. I am no further than I was when I began. *sigh*

I printed it up and am going to read though it. Obviously something just isn't right, and I had complained before to my husband that I thought it was going too fast. Maybe if I backtrack and add some stuff in it will flow better. That's usually what happens when I get stuck, aka writer's block. Something isn't right with the story and I have to figure out what.

I must say that I'm still feeling the high from writing DREAM LOVER. When books all but write themselves, it's a heady feeling.

Siren's Song acceptance

Aphelion Webzine has accepted my haiku "Siren's Song" for publication in their September issue. WOOT!

Poetic Monthly

My interview with Poetic Monthly went GREAT! Here's the link for the show:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/poeticmonthly/2010/08/03/pm-radio-show--interview-heather-kuehl

We talked a lot about the publishing industry and there's plenty of tips in the interview for new/aspiring writers.

It took only 5 days

I started writing DREAM LOVER, my Denna and Warren novella, on Friday night and finished it this morning. I thought I was loosing my writing mojo, but instead I churned out a 14k novella in less than a week. WOOT!

I feel so good about this story. I can't wait to edit it and submit it. I can't wait to have the chance to share it with everyone.

It's a party

This week FADE TO BLACK is a guest over at http://deejulian.jimdo.com/blurb-party/ I had originally thought about participating in this after MALEVOLENT DEAD is released, but decided against it. With MD's release a little over a month away, I want new readers to have the time to catch up with the series. Luckily MD is only book 2. When book 3 comes out, I'll probably do the same thing then; promote FADE and MD until the month before the release. Makes sense?

And speaking of book 3...

I've been writing BLOOD MOON since April (probably even before that, but April's the earliest I can think of at the moment). I'm only at 11k and I want it to be around 22k like the other two books. I've been struggling through BM, until Friday. On Friday I reminded myself that BM isn't contracted and I don't have to write it if I'm not currently feeling it. So, I opened a new word document and started writing about Denna and Warren. No, I've never mentioned these characters before. They popped into my head on Friday and haven't left.

Currently I have a little over 10k written, and I can tell that it's going to be a novella around 15k like EPIPHANY. I think it's really funny that I've been struggling to get to 11k in BM for four months, but I did it in two days thanks to Denna and Warren. I hope to finish their story today and then start editing.

On most days I write around 2.5k, when I'm on a roll 5k (and that only happens once in a blue moon). The last two days have been so out of the norm for me that it makes me giddy. I have such a good feeling about these characters and their story. It's set in the same world as my other books, but has a totally different feel. If Nocturne Bites rejects EPIPHANY, then I'll try sending this new story to them. No, I don't have a title yet. I'm thinking about DREAM LOVER or maybe MIDNIGHT DREAMS. What do you think?