Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Wednesday Reads -- My 500th Post!

This is my 500th post. Can you believe that? It only took 3 years and 8 months to do it. First, I’m surprised I stuck with it that long. Second, I’m surprised I remembered to say something. I don’t usually see the post number until AFTER I’ve posted. But no special celebration from me, though. Just another Wednesday post. Here’s what I finished reading this week:

Jul 18: “Gabriel’s Ghost” By Linnea Sinclair. This is a sci-fi romance. Blurb on back: Captain Chasidah Bergren, onetime pride of the interstellar Sixth Fleet, is framed for a crime and exiled to a prison planet from which no one escapes--until a seductive ghost from her past shows up to rescue her. Gabriel Sullivan, alpha mercenary and scoundrel, is supposed to be dead. Now he offers her a ticket to freedom--for a price. Someone in the Empire is breeding uncontrollable killing machines, and Gabriel needs Chaz’s help before hundreds of innocents die. Their own lives are on the line--but the long-held attraction that heats up between them may be the riskiest part of all… Not a fan of sci-fi (I hate names I can’t pronounce) or first person, but I’ve taken classes and workshops from the author and thought it only fair I buy and read one of her books and this one seemed interesting. Well, it was more than interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed it (even with my little break in there - this is the book that was missing the 50 pages). I’ll definitely check out more of her work. I gave this book 4 stars on Goodreads.

Jul 19: “Tempted” by Rebecca Zanetti. This is a novella, book 2.5 in the Dark Protector series, a paranormal romance. Blurb from Goodreads: On the run from a mental institution and her vindictive half-brother, it’s safe to say that Sarah Pringle’s happy life as a schoolteacher is on hold. Too bad that as far as self-defense goes, “run and hide” is the best she’s got. And with the monsters that started her escape hot on her heels, that’s not going to cut it for long… That is, unless Sarah has a bigger, badder, hotter monster on her side. Max Petrovsky is right at the top of the list of alpha male ass-kickers. And he knows exactly what Sarah’s up against. Good thing, because the minute he sees her something primal kicks in, turning everyday attraction into red-hot desire. As long as they’re cooperating, why not mix some pleasure with business? Of course, Max should probably tell Sarah he’s a vampire himself… I really don’t enjoy novellas (they’re just too damn short), but I like to know all that goes on in a series. I like Max and Sarah. Just wish there was more. I gave this 4 stars on Goodreads.

Jul 21: “Becoming Quinn” by Brett Battles. This is a novella in the Jonathan Quinn series, a thriller. Blurb from Goodreads: Most careers begin with an interview and a handshake. Others require a little … something more. Meet Jake Oliver. The day will come when he's one of the best cleaners in the business, a man skilled at making bodies disappear. At the moment, however, he's a twenty-two year old rookie cop, unaware his life is about to change. In a burning barn a body is found; and the fire isn't the cause of death. The detectives working the case have a pretty good idea about what went down. But Officer Oliver thinks it’s something else entirely, and pursues a truth others would prefer remain hidden, others who will go to extreme lengths to keep him quiet. Every identity has an origin. This is Quinn’s. Most novellas I read I find too short. This one was longer than most, but just about right for this story. I had a hard time putting it down, too, even though I KNEW how the character turned out. Because of that, I gave it 5 stars on Goodreads.

I’ve had a minor set-back in my latest submission. I have to figure out how to cut 10,000 words before my ms will even be read. Heavy sigh. Somehow I’ll find those words and cut them. I just hope I don’t ruin the story to do it!

I think I know how directors feel when they have to cut scenes to make the movie the correct length. They feel CRAPPY!!!

Happy Reading!


Stacy

 

13 comments:

Maria Zannini said...

10k is a pretty hefty amount. Can you combine two minor characters or delete them?

Stacy McKitrick said...

Maria - I'm looking at ANYTHING I can cut. Hopefully, my daughter can help.

Samantha MacDouglas said...

Stacy, wow! 500 posts, that's amazing, congratulations.
Cutting is so painful, but (at least in the case of Hollywood directors) in the end, I find it dramatically improves the final product. Have you ever watched the director's cut of The Abyss? It's a completely different film from the theatrical release.

Stacy McKitrick said...

Thanks, Samantha! I have the special edition of The Abyss, don't know if that's the director's cut or not. It's been so long since I've seen the theatrical version, I don't even recall the differences!

LD Masterson said...

I wish I had a magic solution for you. When I tried slashing my 150K oversized baby, I just ruined it. It was easier to start over. Of course, I was trying to cut 50K.

Stacy McKitrick said...

LD - I will NOT ruin my book. If I can't get rid of 10,000 words and still have my story, I'll self-publish it. But going over the story, there are some parts that aren't particularly necessary. They're fun, but not necessary. I figure I'll keep them in a separate file so when I become famous, I'll then get it published with MY version. You know, like how Stephen King did with "The Stand"! Yep, I have BIG dreams!

Michael Seese said...

I've had 292 posts. So I'm right there. Well,not really.

Regarding the 10,000 words, it IS hard to "kill the darlings," isn't it?

Stacy McKitrick said...

Michael - Yep, right up there with me! :)

You know, I don't really mind killing my darlings. I'm just afraid I'm getting rid of some pertinent information. I'm so close to this story, I just don't know anymore! Guess I'll find out when I send it to my editor, though, huh? And I will send it in, because I will get rid of 10,000 words (or as close to 10,000 as I can...)

Jennette Marie Powell said...

UGH. That sucks that they're being so strict about the wordcount! I feel for ya - and glad to see that you're ready to walk if it means sacrificing something important. Hopefully it won't - good luck!

Jen B said...

Congrats on 500! That is a lot of posts! Good for you!

Cutting 10,000 words sounds like a lot. Good luck! I hope it works out!

Stacy McKitrick said...

Jennette - Yeah, it sucks all right. Talk about sending me into the dumps. At least I'm able to climb back out! :)

Jen B - 500 is a lot. Now, let's see if I can do 1000! Hahahaha!!!

The Happy Whisk said...

Congrats on the 500. I don't think I'm there yet, but I can't remember for sure. Did it go fast or slow for you?

I love chopping words, even big amounts like ten grand. Here's to you and all your hard work.

Stacy McKitrick said...

Ivy - Three years zip by for me nowadays, so I guess fast. Hard to imagine I've been writing for 4 years.