back in the saddle

I didn't write while in London, nor did I revise. The first was expected, but the second wasn't; unfortunately, the cold drained me of too much energy to be useful on that front.

So I haven't technically written since May 27th, which is a remarkably long break for me while noveling. I think it was a good idea, though. The latest iteration of my much-revised timetable for this book focuses not on words per day, but on larger units than that: the book is in three parts, I have six months to write it, therefore I need to write one part every two months. I can technically take off as many days as I like, so long as I complete Part Two by the end of July. Since it's supposed to be about forty-five thousand words, and there are sixty-one days in June and July, that's eminently doable, even with a long break.

Mind you, I also need to revise. And Part One, as mentioned in my last status update, needs a lot of work, especially on the Dead Rick side. The good news is that one of my semi-sleepless nights in London brought with it an outline for something like 75% of Eliza's PII scenes, so I can cruise along writing those while I figure out where I went wrong with Dead Rick, and where I'm going next. It might be a little <sarcasm>fun-tastic</sarcasm> from here to the end of June, while I pull double-duty on revision and writing, but I think I'll survive.

Anyway, 1393 words today, because I wanted to clear the 40K mark I should have hit back in May. I'd revise a bit, too, but Jet Lag Brain utterly scotched my attempts to think about Dead Rick earlier, so I think I'll take what I've got and get to bed. Time enough for the rest of it tomorrow.


Word count: 40, 026
LBR quota: Blood; Mrs. Kittering's on the warpath.
Authorial sadism: Sorry, Ann. I have to make good on the claim that servants in that house get treated like shit.

miscellaneous bits of news

Proof I have gotten way too pale: I managed to pick up a bit of a tan in freaking London.

Anyway, onto actual news, of the writing-related sort. Various bits and pieces accumulated while I was gone, so in no particular order . . .

1) I've sold an audio reprint of "Kingspeaker" to Podcastle.

2) Go here for another chance to win an ARC of A Star Shall Fall (scroll down for details). Author Stephanie Burgis is, with permission, re-gifting the copy I sent her.

3) Clockwork Phoenix 3 has gotten a starred review from Publishers Weekly, with this to say about my own contribution: "Marie Brennan sets the bar high with 'The Gospel of Nachash,' a fine reinterpretation of the Adam and Eve legend from a fresh perspective." Also, finalized cover art.

4) An interesting post about "Remembering Light" and Driftwood more generally. I remain faintly boggled by how strongly people react to the setting -- boggled, and flattered. I really do need to get more Driftwood stories written.

5) My remaining bit of news will get its own post in a bit, so instead I'll use this spot to mention that I'm still seeking a title for the Victorian book. For those not aware or in need of a refresher, my requirements are here and here; you can leave suggestions on one of those posts, in the comments to this post, or send them to my e-mail (marie dot brennan at gmail dot com).

80 days and counting

The other writing-related bit of news I promised is another excerpt from A Star Shall Fall. This one introduces Mr. Galen St. Clair, first of the novel's two protagonists -- with a bonus cameo appearance by a Famous Historical Figure. (Who, like Newton, and indeed most of the FHFs that show up in this book, is not so good with the social graces. I guess that's what happens when your book concerns itself with scientific history.)

If you missed the earlier excerpts, the beginning is here. Enjoy!