Shackled to the Viking accepted

My editor phoned yesterday to say that Shackled to the Viking's tweaks were fine and the book has been accepted. She is really going to try for the title. So fingers crossed.
In case anyone was wondering it is a Viking warrior v Anglo Saxon lady tale set in North Yorkshire in 876.
My editor thinks my enjoyment of writing the story showed. And the next story is also supposed to be a simple premise as well so that I can go into greater depth with my characterisation. Sometimes I do get too convuluted for my own good.
Obviously no date for publication yet. I suspect it will sometime in 2013.
It is back to the Victorian era for my next one and thus lots of beautiful dresses. There is just something about a full skirt. My youngest has been dispatched to the Lit and Phil for the fashion books that I use. And I've been busy reading about the Great Exhibition. My deadline is 1 April.

Sweetness of acceptance

Late yesterday my editor emailed to say that my revisions did the trick and my latest wip has been accepted. I burst into tears. I had been convinced that there would be more revisions and that I hadn't done enough. I had.
I don't think it will ever get old -- having a book accepted. As an author I put so much time and energy into the story that means a great deal when a book is accepted. I never take it for granted.
I know my editor worked very hard to get the book up to the standard required and I can't thank her enough. She has been absolutely marvellous.
Hopefully when it comes out, people will enjoy Kit and Hattie. It doesn't have a title nor does it have a release date. Those will come. For right now, I can savour the acceptance.
It means onto the Viking and making my deadline.
But for now I am celebrating.

Accepted

My editor emailed this morning to say that my latest tweaks were great and the manuscript has now been accepted. Cue massive relief here. I adore Eleanor and Ben. Eleanor rocks basically.  In the end, I think this manuscript really helped me define my voice and what I want to do. More Regency/early Victorian in my future which is fantastic.

I also learnt the Viking's Captive Princess (Le viking et la princesse) is doing really well in France.http://www.harlequin.fr/ It is number 9 on the French Harlequin and they have a  great ad for all three.

Undone sold!

My very lovely editor telephoned to say that they were accepting the Roman Undone! This is the first time I have attempted to write short and I wasn't sure I could do it. In the end, after some sterling direction, I did.
She will let me know when it is going to be in the schedule and what the title will be.

It features Piso, a secondary character from Sold & Seduced and mentions Valens (the hero of The Gladiator's Honour) back when he was just starting out.

Anyway, I am totally thrilled!!!

Good News

Last night, it was with some trepidation that I opened an email from my editor. The fear immediately turned to joy when I discovered that His Runaway Governess (working title) had been accepted. It has been a long haul with this book. It was originally turned in last July and has gone through several major revisions. Some books are just like that. My editor thinks it is a classic Michelle Styles now...her earlier thoughts on it were probably unprintable!
My editor has my latest ms so I will hear her thoughts on that in a few weeks. Personally I think it is a better book.

Yesterday, I also saw the physio about my arm. Slowly but steadily, the swelling is coming down. The skin is starting to look like normal skin again and there is some muscle definition. My compression sleeve has been moved down a size. The physio thinks given time and some exertion on my behalf that there is no reason why it should not eventually be about normal size.

Oh and my current project is coming on.

Jumping at poppies

Yesterday afternoon I found out that my latest -- the Governess one -- has been accepted. This makes a dozen for HMB. Or half towards my 25 book pin. Harlequin Enterprises marks certain milestones. One of the great things at the AMBA meetings is seeing the other authors get their pins or indeed wearing them. No title yet or release date.
Just after I found out, there was a knock at the door, a man was trying to sell Woodland Trust membership. Because we do like nature, we took a leaflet. One of the main areas that they are attempting to restore and protect is the Irthing Gorge which is where my book begins. Apparently when you join, they plant a tree. I shall ask if it can be planted there. In any case, it became no contest as it is such a pretty place.

Tess was jumping at welsh poppies this morning, endlessly amused as the flowers sprang back. Taking joy in simple things is something to remember. Life is endlessly interesting when encountering it for the first time. I need to remember to take the time to jump at poppies. (And yes, I should keep my camera by me)

BUT the sin bin has had to come in use. Basically the best punishment for a dog who nips is to say no and then if the behaviour persists to quietly but firmly put the dog in a small room for about 30 seconds. Dogs want to be with you. It certainly had the desired affect on Tess who when she gets overexcited tends to forget that hands are not for biting. It also means that if they get over tired and quarrelsome as puppies can do, they can be separated for a few seconds and given space to calm down. The important thing is not to hit or strike -- a firm tone and a short deprivation. Both Tess and Hardy calm down immediatly.

Viking accepted

I just found today that Ivar's story has been officially accepted! Into every writer's career comes at least one story that is difficult to get right. Hopefully, people will enjoy it. No word yet on title or release dates. It is enough to know that they want it.

I also received my revisions for the Governess story. They are far lighter. I can see what my editor means. As I had experimented with a story board, it might have made the difference. The big problem with this story is that I over complicated the back story and it over shadows the romance. The romance is the KEY to what I write. I am not writing the back story, just the current romance.