So wrote over 3K today. This is good, because I also got the copy edits for Bitter Night. So have to work on them. And write an acknowledgements page. And I have to make sure I don’t forget people, especially since a number of you have been terribly important to this book. My in-laws are coming to visit tomorrow for a few days also, so I’ll have to get some serious work done in the early a.m. every day.

So this is where I stand on The Traitor King:

43132 / 120000 words. 36% done!

I’m not actually sure it’s going to be 120K. I actually have taken to shooting for 100K, since I inevitably go longer. And since I usually add a lot in revision.  If ‘m already at 120K and add a bunch, then I have to also cut a bunch. But since the revision process means that I probably already cut all the fat AND added in new stuff, it leaves me with a lean manuscript and little to cut. This is crazy-making. So the long and the short of it is that I’m actually further along than that looks. But most importantly, I’m on track to have a draft by my birthday, which will give me time to revise before the deadline.

On the subject of movie kisses: Six Days, Seven Nights: Blech. Doesn’t work. Charlotte Gray–nope, and all the more disappointing for an earlier, more emotional scene. The kiss was flat as paper.  REviewing movie kisses will be an ongoing fetish for me. So feel free to join in (TV kisses too). Who does good kisses?

And on the subject of the Criminal Minds season finale: WTF? Anybody want to comment on that?

So some of you know that my favorite uncle died a few days ago. Thanks for all your condolences. It means a lot.

My inlaws come and visit in a few days for just a few days. This means I’ll miss Miscon, which saddens me. I ordered a furminator. This apparently is an super special dog comb. I’m hoping it works as advertised. Also, what sort of an idiot delivers the new telephone book by dropping it over the fence onto the ground into a yard of two puppies? They weren’t hiding. So today I had a confetti party. It looks like the government is going to pass some controls on the credit card companies. I have to admit, I’m fairly happy with most of these controls. I do have to say–how the hell did the carry concealed weapons in state parks bit get added to a credit card bill? This folks, is one thing that’s wrong with lawmaking. You shouldn’t be able to tack on odd things to a bill. It should be considered separately.

Now for a bit of braggery and happy dancing.

First, Faith Hunter, (also Gwen Hunter), who writes the Rogue Mage novels, likes Bitter Night! She says:

“In Bitter Night, Diana Pharaoh Francis has created a dark, unique, and electrifying world in the Urban Fantasy Genre… Max is a Shadowblade warrior to die for!”

And Rob Thurman, who writes the Cal Leandros books, says:

“Maximum supernatural ass kicking, maximum attitude, maximum action. Who can deliver all that and more? Max to the max, that’s who!”

AND a couple of great reviews of The Black Ship:

First one from Errant Dreams Reviews and the second from a reader on Chapters.

Also, a review on The Turning Tide, which includes spoilers. And you should know Jess is a friend of mine, but I think if you want to talk about spoilery things, it could be a great place to have a discussion.

Let’s talk about kissing. Specifically, let’s talk about portrayals of kisses and what makes them good and what makes them bad (as in, your stomach turns and you throw up in your mouth a little.)

Read the rest of this entry »

Today was exhausting and productive. Exhausting because the job just always has to poke at me with a sharp stick. And then last night I had diet coke too late and it made me sleep not well. Darnit. But many words were done and I am happy about that. Some introspection that may have to be cut later, but for now . . .  And of course a shocking moment for one character. And someone nearly died.

But about that the subject line . . . I have coverflats of The Turning Tide to give away. Dunno how many. They aren’t within reach. But at least six or seven. Here’s all you have to do to win.

Between now and say . . . . next Thursday, the 21st . . .  comment in this post. All you have to do is say something about something that happens in the book. Ask a question even. This may mean spoilers! So careful if you read the comments. Or  . . . You can tell me something about what you expect or hope to see in the next book, based on what you read in The Turning Tide.

I’ll draw for the winners (if there are enough answers) on the 21st. You can comment on the ljay or on the website (not both please).

Also, if you’ve read the book and want to post reviews on BN or Amazon or your blog or what have you, I’d be grateful.

And don’t forget. If you’re in the US and you want a printed map of Crosspointe, send me an email at dpf AT dianapfrancis DOT com  and put Map in the subject line and your snail mail in the body, and I will send you one. If you are not in the US, I can email you a pdf.

The fabulous Ann Aguirre, author of Blue Diablo and Grimspace and Wanderlust (all of which I love huge, especially Blue Diablo which is why I was hoping she would agree to read it), was invited to read Bitter Night for blurb purposes. Here is one of the things she had to say:
“In the deliciously epic Bitter Night, Diana Pharaoh Francis has married the Charles de Lint-style old school urban fantasy to the new college of asskickery in a pagan-pirate handfast. I totally loved this book.”

I am a complete puddle of goo and over the moon. *bounce bounce bounce*