When the writer plans - life disbands!

First of all - The Destructors is on its way.  Heading back to the printers this week, is the final copy.
I am so happy with the magnificent work that Balboa Press have once more achieved with my humble words.  They have changed my manuscript into a book.

So here is a sneak peek at the cover of Book Two.

And it should be available soon, really soon - I hope. It will once more be available from Balboa Press, Amazon and of course personal signed copies are always available from me personally.


My journey however, is once more filled with twists and turns.  I continue to love my writing and intend this November to write Book 4 in the series, by participating in the NaNoWriMo challenge - 50 000 words in 30 days.

But..... I have had a few health hiccups.  My (supposed) remission of June 2013 - came to an abrupt halt last week, with the diagnosis and removal of a metastatic colon cancer tumour on my right ovary. After surgery, it has been discovered that my previous six months of chemotherapy has not worked and I am heading back to the oncologist for further discussions.  The cancer is obviously still alive and kicking at a microscopic/cellular level and without a site to smite - it is time to bring out the chemo guns again.

My next six months are going to be health focussed.  With the support of my doctors and my family I will manage. My university studies will be placed on hold, but between chemo rounds - I intend to edit book 3 and hopefully finish book 4. 

I love writing, it is my passion and my joy and with this in mind - I am focussing on healing and writing. 

Writing and the hiccups of life.

I am stunned to see that it is July 2013 since I last posted anything on my Chronicles Blog - sincere apologies.

Life has once more stepped into the way of the Writer's Blog.  The best news however, is that it hasn't stepped too far into the path of the Writer.

Book Two - The Destructors - is at Balboa Press.  It has been edited and reworked and is currently in the Cover & Polish stage - ready for printing.  The art department is working on the cover and the great news is that they have taken my suggestions and are working with them to create another great cover for my book.

I am hoping to have news before the end of October on a publication date - so set aside a couple of dollars for a great Christmas read.

Written in 2010 - The Destructors has undergone major changes and review and reflects (in my humble opinion) a stronger style of writing.  I am very proud of the final copy and I am really hoping that everyone else agrees. 

So what else have I been doing?

Well, after my months of chemotherapy - all finished and all clear. I immediately plunged into editing book two.  I also signed up for another couple of courses in my BA degree - one on Jane Austen and the other (a Creative Writing course) on Screenwriting.  This has been a fascinating experience, as it is a completely different style to the poetry and novel writing of my previous experience.  I have loved both courses and am currently swamped with final assignments.

Family life is chaotic, with Elizabeth in her final week of her Honours thesis, Sarah changing school mid-term and Matthew taking a year out from college.  So family is keeping me busy. 

Thanks for staying patient and hopefully over the next few weeks I will once more find a few minutes to update Chronicles. 

Talented family helps with re-write.

One of the suggestions that Balboa Press made was that the synopsis of Book One - at the beginning of Book Two could be expanded a little.

I spent around 3 hours working on it yesterday afternoon and finally came up with something that I thought might be effective.  Elizabeth was quite impressed and made a few suggestions. Then I ran it by Matthew and he hated it.

But... he was so constructive with his criticism and then sat down with me and spent an hour working on a new, punchier, stronger version.

According to him... I was making the mistake of 'narrating' the story, rather than providing a synopsis. I was so impressed. My son is a gifted IT programmer, but he has shown great writing skills - thanks Matthew.

First review & editorial comment

It was an exciting day, as I received my initial review back from Balboa Press editorial department. An overview of the book has come back with some really glowing lines such as:

"Adair seems to have found the 'sweet spot'for fiction; a series that appeals both to young adults and mainstream adult readers." and "with likeable protagonists, ominous villains, and a healthy dose of creativity in the storytelling."

These amongst some other very complimentary comments have really inspired me.

With the publication of my first novel - The Creators, it was suggested that I utilise the content editing package offered by Balboa to spruce up the novel, but book two has been stronger and better written and this time it has been suggested that only 'line editing' is required.  As they say practice, does make perfect - or as near as possible.

So, with the re-writing of book three and the re-editing of book two, life is really busy and such a joy and blessing. A couple of days serious work, will have the manuscript back to the editors for a line-edit and then hopefully onto the publication stage really soon.

Still hoping for an early September release date ... so keep an eye on Facebook and this Blog for more information.

Book 2 - The Destructors

The Destructors is now at the publishers.

Last night after another 6 hour day working on editing and re-writing, I finally sent it off to Balboa Press. 

It is always a daunting moment, as you are very aware that there is probably something you could do to make it just that little bit better.

I am however, very happy with the manuscript and hope that I have found and fixed at least 99% of the mistakes. 

Now it has about a 7-10 day turn around for the first approval.  Balboa, checks it for copyright and 'morality' issues.  I deliberately, chose Balboa Press to self-publish my novels, as I love the ethics and beliefs of Hay House.  I want my books to sit amongst those that uplift, rather than destroy the Spirit and I know that the connection between my work and their ethics are a good match.

So what to do now?

I am in the addicted to writing/editing phase, so have decided to work on book 3 - The Trinity.  Hopefully, that way I will be ready to publish it, near the end of the year, or perhaps early 2014. 

Editor-in-Chief

Elizabeth, my daughter, has been really sick with a cold for the past week. I have been really patient, hoping she would soon be well enough to  begin editing 'The Destructors' and today although still sniffling - she is sitting in the lounge with a pen and the manuscript.  Great excitement.  I haven't heard any sighs or grumps yet, so hopefully all is well. 

This is the joy of having a daughter with a degree in English Literature.  Note the smiley face on the front page.  I think she is happy to have Book Two.

 



Draft Blurb for Book Two

Am currently preparing my manuscript for Balboa Press and as part of the submission process I have to create a 'blurb' for the back cover.  This is what I am currently working on.



Draw the words and all will be revealed . . .
Believe in the image and all will be Created . . .
Destroy the image and all will be controlled . . .

 The Destructors 

To be accepted - that was all that mattered.

Este's childhood friendship with Sarah is threatened when she is sent to her Aunt and Uncle's home, in Canlyn, for the summer holidays. There she learns that her talents hold a far stronger power than she could ever have imagined. She enters a world where anything you desire is at your finger-tips. But . . . everything has a price. What is the price that Este has to pay?

Join Este and Sarah as they discover the price of power, popularity and acceptance.

With Sarah's position at the Guild school secure; Este faces the challenges placed before her and takes her place as the Major Destructor - the balance to the Girl-child of the Guild prophecy. Will she fulfill the destiny mapped out for her by her Master? Or will powers outside of her control force her to make choices that challenge, not only her friendship with Sarah, but also the authority of the Master.

With this new novel, in the Chronicles of the Guild series; Este and Sarah will discover that there is always a choice, and what you decide will map out your future.