So I’m starting a new story. I can’t say much about it because until I have a contract on a book and an announcement in Publisher’s Marketplace, it’s bad luck to talk about books that do not yet have a home–which is impossible for this book to have, because it’s not written yet. But in the course of today alone, I have researched the following topics: highest elevation in Alaska (Denali, Mt. McKinley), black ops, standard weaponry for said black ops, whether or not night vision goggles allow you to see your watch, popular surnames in all countries of the world, the meaning behind the name “Celia,” the Greek hero Ajax, astronomy and the effects of high altitudes on an injured person.
All in a day’s work.
We’ve talked on the blog before about how much research a contemporary author has to do. It’s just part of the job and I’m not sure how I would have been able to do any of this without the Internet. Luckily, I love research. Unluckily, I love research and can spend more time doing that than writing. Only about one-sixteenth of the stuff I research actually ends up in a book. Maybe less. But I know it…and hopefully, that background knowledge shows.
In the good news column, I was just offered a new three book Blaze contract, which I happily accepted. For scheduling purposes, the books won’t be released until July, August and September of 2011. The first book was plotted at our last Plotmonkey retreat, though it might be at least four to five more months before I start writing. Or sooner. You never can tell with me right now.
In the bad news column, the world’s largest guinea pig went to that little rodent heaven in the sky yesterday. He’s been suffering with what we now know was a cancerous tumor since last April and after trying everything short of surgery to remove the tumor (and trust me, we tried EVERYTHING), the vet and I decided that the little guy was starting to suffer and it was time for humane action. I hated it, but I know he’s peaceful. I never in a million years thought I’d get so attached to him, but I did, and I’m sad.
To end on good news, I am not cooking for Thanksgiving. My cousin, who is certifiably crazy but incredibly wonderful, cooks absolutely all the food for 20 people every Thanksgiving. She refuses to let anyone help. Luckily, she’s a spectacular cook, so our palates and tummies are in good hands.
Which leaves me time to do more research and hopefully, actually start writing soon. This makes me very happy.
Lastly, I know it’s the holiday, but you might want to make sure you stop by on Saturday. We’re doing something interesting in the comments section. Do join us!
So…what’s up with you?
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold nearly thirty books to three publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her husband, daughter, spoiled dachshund, enormous guinea pig and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
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I have a sinus infection and I’m tired. Having 12 or so family over tomorrow so I need to feel better! Hope you are all doing well! :gobbler:
I’m so sorry! Feel better soon! :fourturks:
(And you know, those 12 people have hands—put them to work!
ilgrim: )
poor Button…may you go to guinea pig heaven and find the endless wheel….
Thanks, katie…but Button’s heaven would not include a wheel…as the world’s largest guinea pig, they didn’t build one that big. He would, however, appreciate an endless supply of carrots.
I’m glad you got to “meet” him before he got sick. Thanks for the
My husband is taking over a bunch of the cooking, along with my girls. I’ve got an idea percolating in my brain and four days off work–hello, computer.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! :thankstable:
I will be cooking a turkey breast tomorrow shouldn’t be too bad it is just the four of us. I’ve been trying to get Christmas shopping done I go in Dec 3 to have my gall bladder removed.
Hugs, Michele…my mom had that out this summer.
Not much is going on here….we’re pretty boring (boring is good in my world :)). Next week is crazy, BUT they just cancelled the cub scout meeting last night, so instead of having a sitter four days next week, I only have a sitter three days. Gotta love that because I miss the boys when I am gone. Weird, I know.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
:jive: I too have a sinus infection and a wicked cold. You have my sympathy.
My son called and told me I sounded like Barry White. Just tell me B.W. isn’t dead.
I am not cooking or prepping this year. Apologizing in advance, I tend to ramble
when I am sick. Okay so I ramble all the time, good point. Julie I am sorry about
your ginea pig we had then when the boys were young and they were very
good little pets. Except that one *&%#@ that kept having babies that was
supposed to be a male.
The way to look at it maybe that you are lucky
it wasn’t a pet turkey.
Absolutely no one would have believed the vet thing.
:fallleaf: imagine this is me leaping into my tbr pile. No new books by my top
twenty authors. Nobody probably wants to hear it but I have actually finished
my holiday shopping. Will have everything wrapped by 9 PM this evening.
Do you go to Black friday sales? I am considering it. Should I? Am I crazy?
Zoey is looking for a duck treat ( her favorite) so, Happy Thanksgiving to all!
,
No I am not going out in the yard to get a live duck. It is a puppy duck jerky.
It’s so warm the duck even the swans are still here this year. No over the river
thru the woods on a sleigh this year.
On the research front, I’m like you. I love doing research. And I completely understand how that’s bad news, as well, because I probably spend way too much time doing researh and not enough time actually writing. And I can’t imagine what it was like to do research before the internet. Our library is not a good source for that type of thing and I probably would’ve given up.
As for what I’m up to…I’m having lots of conversations surrounding automobiles these days. Hubby totalled our Mustang Cobra this past Saturday (He’s OK, but *sniff* my beloved car isn’t). On Sunday evening, my son got rear-ended. He’s OK, $3500 minimum damage to his little Civic.
But as long as the people are OK, that’s all that really matters. I have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, right there.
Hope it’s a great day for everyone tomorrow!! :fourturks:
I am a Harlequin Blaze ADDICT, Julie. I’ll be sure to check out your books when they come out. Congrats on the contract. It amazes me that people can write so fast.
Poor Button.
All fuzzy critters go to heaven so lots of carrots for him.
I love research, too! I think that’s one reason my NaNoWriMo project failed..erm…stalled so miserably. I wasn’t comfortable leaving the message [fill in blanks later] throughout the story. As it turned out, I had more edits to do on the next book anyway. In the process, while I’m in the FAERIE world-space, I’ve started sketching out scenes for the third book in the trilogy.
Tomorrow starts with homemade cinnamon rolls. (The dough is rising in fridge and I’ll make them out tonight before bed, along with the dinner rolls for dinner tomorrow night.) Lunch is roast turkey breast sandwiches with chips, relish plate, and pumpkin pie. My family thinks the best part of T-giving is the “left-over” sandwiches, so we simply start there first! Dinner, the BiL/SiL are coming over. Since they’re doing the big traditional lunch with her side of the family, I’ve fixed lasagne for dinner. She’s bringing salad and sweet potato pie.
:thankstable:
The rest of the weekend will be spent in a mad frenzy of editing and writing while the rest of the family gorges on football.
Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving, all of you!
:givethanks:
Dang! I forgot!
on the new contract! Congrats and I can’t wait to read them (though I suspect the new WIP will be more my cup of coffee. 
)
Congrats on the new contract Julie!
So sorry to hear about Button. Never easy to lose a pet.
Spent the day with family shopping for food for tomorrow. We have all the cornbread and biscuits made for dressing. Making pies and salad tonight.
Hope you feel better soon, Carly!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! :gobbler:
Julie, sorry to hear Button has gone to the “fuzzy heaven for animals”. At the same time I am glad he is not suffering.
Congratulations on three more Blaze books! I do enjoy the Blaze books.
I think I mentioned that for Thanksgiving there will be my oldest grandson & myself. Our menu is fresh salmon, green salad, Fettucine Alfredo & pumpkin pie an easy meal. No big turkey spread for just two people. We love our non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner. My daughter, his mom, is working and will be well fed at the hospital where she works.
Carly, I hope you feel better tomorrow with all those people coming and all the cooking you need to do.
Everyone have a wonderful day however you spend it. If you are traveling be safe, enjoy family, friends & good food. Have fun! :thankstired: :thankstable:
ilgrim: :jive: