Writing update: October 2006

A lot of good intentions, but not a lot getting done. Here's a synopsis of each project, where I am on the project and my goals for this month:

Prairie Fire
(A single-title, time-travel romance)

When a prairie fire magically creates a doorway that sends Natasha Stewart though time and into the arms of James Waverly, the sparks threaten to ignite more than dry grass. As Natasha searches for a way home and Waverly tries to protect this lady who refuses to be protected, they discover their lives are more connected than either could have believed, and Natasha's future hinges on this frontiersman with an unexpected link to her past.

Just saw today that Prairie Fire failed to final in the On the Far Side Contest. I'll be interested to see the feedback.

Contemplating a name change. I've always had concerns about the tone that the word "Prairie" sets: too sweet and too Western -- and Westerns just don't seem to sell. Thinking perhaps "Spark of Fire". Than I could maybe go with "Flash of Fire" for the next one. Both based on the MacFarlane translations for the twins' Gaelic names Sradag and Lasair. I'm open to other suggestions.

Goal: Submit queries/partials to at least three agents this month. Make this project work for me.

The Hunting Lodge
(A co-written erotica project)

Three couples converge at an invitation-only lodge deep in the Scottish Highlands, where their hosts, a mysterious -- seemingly fey -- couple, entice from them erotic stories of love and passion.

Goal: Finish Clio's Story. Scene should be about 20 pages when complete.

Witch's Fire
(A single-title, time-travel continuing the universe created in Prairie Fire)

The ability to time-travel is closely guarded knowledge within Tatiana Stewart's family. When a fire sends Tatiana back to 17th century England, she's confronted by a sexy Scottish warrior who uncovers her secret and forces her to unravel a deeper mystery in her past.

Goal: Move beyond the conceptual. Listen to Teaching Company class on Shakespeare, specifically for references to Titania, fearies and love in "A Midsummer Night's Dream".