Wednesday, April 12, 2017

I'm in Back-Up Mode.

~~Vonnie Davis

Yup, I'm in backing up mode or I may have ADD. I can't decide which. And if I tell you, you're only going to shake your head and think my goodness, this woman can't finish anything! But it's how I work. Honest! Although I have to admit, it's never been quite this bad...but there are reasons...really, there are.

I was writing the first book of a new bear shifter series for LoveSwept when the editor at Random House asked to see the first two chapters to make sure I hadn't used any humor. I hadn't. Instead, she chewed me out for having other characters beside the heroine and hero. It was the beginning of the end of my time with LoveSwept. We parted on good terms and I smirk as I write that.

I asked some specific questions as to what I could and couldn't write on previously contracted projects with them. Had it put in writing and I was off on my own.

Well, since LoveSwept's ownership time was up on the Highlander's Beloved series, I could write as many episodes of it as I wanted. Readers of the series were emailing me, asking for more of Effie. So I backed up--leaving Kendric: Shifters of Sonas Isle--to give Effie one more episode as well as slide more smoothly into this new Sonas Isle series. My street team named this new book The Doctor's Bearside Manner. I should know better than to ask those ladies. They're a trip.

On our way home from our granddaughter's wedding last June,  our flight was delayed causing us to spend the night in a hotel. A storyline sprang from that. The first four chapters tumbled out before I could stop them, so I backed away from Effie's last story to work on MR. OH. I did finish that book. But--and there's always a but, isn't there?--it was much spicier than I normally write. My characters took me into the world of BDSM and I tried my best to make the journey humorous.



But what of my readers who auto-buy my books and don't care for this topic? They're going to be upset. I can't have that. So I invented a pen name, Renae DeVeau, and set up an online presence for her identity. An editor at TWRP loved MR. OH and we're waiting on final approval.

I was concerned I hadn't had a release since Christmas, so I revamped a book I'd gotten the rights back to: Mona Lisa's Room. I changed the head of the terrorist group, added more humor, and updated technology used. It's now NIKO: Licensed to Kill part of the Paris Intrigue series. The lady who does my book covers and formatting said it would be easier time-wise for her if I had two. Okay, I'll work on book two of the series, I told her.

While revamping NIKO, I couldn't help but notice how stronger my writing was five years ago. What in the world had happened? I was slipping, not getting stronger. Was it my editor's demands or me? I dropped into a major self-doubt mode. I needed a project to work on, to hone my skills.

So, I backed up to a writing prompt I'd done years ago that I thought would make a good book. The Golden Charm sprang to life. I was on chapter eleven when...

Amazon contacted me about writing for Kindle Worlds. So I backed away from the Golden Charm and began A Stranger's Dare.

I'd just written the first sex scene when it occurred to me I'd forgotten about revamping book two of the Paris Intrigue series. So I backed up to what was once Rain is a Love Song to what is now--JEAN-LUC: Once is Never Enough. Then I'll be able to get it and NIKO off to my formatter because I really do need a new book out there. I've only got eighty more pages to go to bring JEAN-LUC up to date.

Then back to A Stranger's Dare. I have until the middle of June to finish it. So, I'll be fine. Unless something shiny flies by and catches my attention. Remember: I'm creative...not necessarily sane.


17 comments:

Angela Adams said...

"A Stranger's Dare" -- wow! I like that title!!

Leah St. James said...

My head is spinning,Vonnie! I don't know how you keep it all straight! But if anyone can, I know it's you. Can't wait to read all these stories, in whatever order they make it to the published world. :-)

Vonnie Davis ~ Romance Author said...

Thanks, Angela. Per Kindle Worlds my title had to have the word "dare" in it since it's a shoot off of the Dare to Love series.

Vonnie Davis ~ Romance Author said...

Don't ever ask what I'm thinking. LOL Heaven only knows what I'll say... My mind truly is a jumble of characters and storylines.

Rolynn Anderson said...

A circus, under the tent, replete with activity in six rings, comes to mind. "And over here we have DARE...next NICO....and....and!" Vonnie, you are the ring master, so I don't worry about you...but I don't think I want your job or your brain matter...this makes me dizzy and I'm confused about what's happening in each ring! Your mind is a precious thing...feed it with confidence and joy and all will be well.

Vonnie Davis ~ Romance Author said...

A Six-ring Circus. Yes! That best describes my mind other than the doors opening at Walmart on Black Friday and people charging in like starving herds of rabid beasts.
Thanks for pinning me down, Rolynn.

Diane Burton said...

Firs, Vonnie, I can't imagine you not writing humor. I agree with Rolynn about the circus image. Even though I can have a couple of projects looming, I can't imagine having as many open ones as you. But as the others said if anyone can do it, you can. Best wishes. We've seen bits and pieces of some of your projects. I can't wait for them.

Vonnie Davis ~ Romance Author said...

Thanks, Diane. I adore humor. This world is so caustic and hate-filled that I think we all need a good giggle. We need a pleasant, if not silly, release.

Jannine Gallant said...

At this point, all you have to do is focus on finishing one thing at a time. (Or, since it's you, two things at a time.) You'll get your personal touch back now that the restrictions have been lifted. I have complete faith in your ability to get the jobs at hand done in style!

Vonnie Davis ~ Romance Author said...

Thanks, Jannine. I needed that!

Margo Hoornstra said...

First of all, I second what Jannine said, and Diane, and Rolynn, and Leah. It isn't a matter of whether or not you CAN do it, it's simply a question of when. Best of luck with all of it.

Vonnie Davis ~ Romance Author said...

Thanks, Margo. I overwhelm myself sometimes with putting too much on my plate. That's why I'm not a fan of all-U-can eat buffets. I do like a full plate. LOL

Alison Henderson said...

I have to laugh. You're the only writer I now who could possibly get herself into, and successfully out of, a situation like that. I know they'll all be wonderful, but wow. Just wow!

Vonnie Davis ~ Romance Author said...

Alison, I can hold complete conversations, nod, comment, and think of my story the entire time. It's a curse, I tell you.

Brenda Whiteside said...

Oh Vonnie, I'm dizzy now. I don't have to wish you luck cause you forge ahead and don't wait for that.

Alicia Dean said...

Wow...I also do not see how you keep it all straight! Weird how you felt your writing wasn't as strong as it was before. You seem pretty strong to me! I am surprised we haven't heard about your contract. I expect it any time. Good for you on all the projects!

Leslie Scott said...

Sanity, what is that? Working on multiple projects at a time? Who does that?


Surely, not me. ~shifty eyes~