Apologies for the late post, everyone. I've been out of town (niece's graduation, visiting family, visiting my dad's grave since I won't be able to over Memorial Day weekend, doing some research in Kansas City) and I see my automatic post didn't show up this morning. Watch it pop up at some random time on some random day. <vbg> But perhaps there's good karma in the technical glitch because I can now update the post with the latest scoop of writing news!
I’ve been thinking a lot about going through phases
lately. Yes, partly because of the
change of seasons (although we’ve had more winter weather this spring than we
had back in December!)—but most notably because my son graduated from college
this weekend. There were many tears
(mine!) and lots of pictures and hugs and celebrations. With his double major in Music Business
behind him now, after a tremendously successful college career (yes, I’m a
proud mama!) he’s embarking on the next phase of his life. Right now he wants to work, but he’s thinking
seriously of going on to get his Master’s or attend a trade school to get a
degree in instrument repair. Plus, he’s
set to go to California for some networking/job interviews later this
year. But what an exciting time for
him! He has a level of maturity and
preparation to go along with his hard work ethic and musical talent, and goofy,
sensitive personality that has readied him to launch into whatever comes
next. Probably with an honest degree of
trepidation—the unknown can be a little scary—but also with excitement and
anticipation and an eagerness to explore that next chapter of his life.
It’s time for a new beginning in my writing career, too. Right now, in between promoting my Precinct:
Task Force miniseries and finishing up the last book on a contract, I’m
preparing for the next phase—that brand new contract for the next several books
I’ll be writing. I’ve consulted with my
agent and chatted with my editor. I’ve
surveyed readers through blog posts and my Facebook page. I’ve let my imagination do what it does
best—dream up characters and situations, analyze my favorite story hooks, think
of different projects I’d like to write.
Truly, this is probably the most fun aspect of a writing career for me—that
time between big projects when deadlines have receded and the creative world
lies ahead of me. There are no
restrictions on me at this phase of writing.
What existing supporting characters do I love best and want to feature
in a story? What mysteries would I like
to solve? What’s something new and
different that will challenge me creatively, yet remain true to reader
expectations?
I shared part of this blog post on www.JustRomanticSuspense.com last Thursday & Friday. But here's the big update for my Intrigue readers here... I just sold 6 new books! Some stand-alone Intrigue titles featuring supporting characters from my Precinct: Task Force miniseries, a new Intrigue trilogy, and something a little grittier/sexier/longer for the new Intrigue Noir. All that "free thinking" of new ideas paid off, I suppose. And now I'm really looking forward to writing these. I hope you'll enjoy reading them, too!
Like my
son, I’m a little bit anxious about this next phase of my writing career, but I'm willing to trust my imagination and instincts and the many blessings in my life.
 |
| Available June 1st! |
Any new beginnings or landmark events happening in your
life? Please share the good news or let
us cheer you on if you’re gearing up for something new. I’ll give away a signed copy of my June
release, ASSUMED IDENTITY, to one lucky poster.
Julie Miller
Well my daughter moves from middle school to high school at the end of summer a new job about the only thing that stays the same for me is my love of books
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your daughter, misty! Those kiddos grow up soooo fast!
DeleteGood luck with the new job, too! (And I'm glad your love of books remains the same ;))
My little nephew will start Kindergarten this coming school year... it is amazing, they will have computers for them to use... to think way back when I only learned the basics... with my help he knew his letters and colors before part time preschool... and with the help of his wonderful teacher he knows how to write his name and so much more... :)
ReplyDeleteThat's fabulous, Colleen! There are too many kids who start school w/o much background in anything... not knowing colors, letters, numbers, where they live, their birthday--sometimes, even their last name. Very sad. Your nephew is lucky! Kindergarten will be such an exciting adventure for him.
DeleteMy niece will graduate this weekend with her Masters in Speech Pathology. She completed her Masters program with a 4.0.
ReplyDeleteMy mom is a retired speech pathologist. With that degree, your niece should never have trouble with finding a job. And summa cum laude--awesome! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! Nothing new happening
ReplyDeleteThanks, bn100! Sometimes, that's kind of nice to have some down time with a regular routine. Enjoy it.
DeleteWaiting on my oldest to get his permit test done (maybe this weekend or next). Cannot wait for your new books to come out already know I will love them!!! Congrats to your son and you both!! :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Renee! Ooh, a new teenage driver? Exciting times. ;)
DeleteThe good news is that I became an expectant grandma for the first time on Friday, April 19th. Although a surprise to the baby's parents, the baby was much loved.
ReplyDeleteThe bad news is that my daughter had emergency surgery on Monday, April 22nd and lost the baby. She had an ectopic pregnancy and her Fallopian tube burst, so they had to operate to stop her internal bleeding. They couldn't save the baby.
So ... it was an emotional Mother's Day this year. Thankfully, my daughter has a second Fallopian tube, which appears to be unscarred, so she should be able to carry future children to full term. Still, we are grieving the loss of her first child....
I'm so sorry to hear that Laney4. I'm sure that's been an emotional roller coaster ride for your family. I hope she has a smooth recovery from the surgery. Sending hugs and prayers for each of you.
Deletehey Julie! The only exciting thing coming my way is on Father's Day my daughter and her boyfriend will be returning to the cookoo's nest called home! Since they will land in Rochester instead of locally we are heading over to Niagra Falls for the afternoon. I have been to the falls several time's and my daughter's have been there, as well. It will be Paul's first time since he's from Tampa, Fla. and hasn't been this far north, yet. I'm also hoping Jenny can come home in Sept. when her niece get's married . Otherwise, she and I will be awaiting the next Julie Miller books!!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds exciting to me. Sounds like a mini family reunion.
ReplyDeleteI've never been to Niagara Falls--that's something I'd love to see sometime.
My oldest son graduates college in June. He's been done since March but graduation isn't until next month. He's a diesel mechanic for Heavy Duty vehicles like semi trucks etc. For myself i started something kind of new in January. After working fore 15 years for the USPS i started full time in January and am just now settling down into work a lot more hours and figuring out all the extra stuff i need to know lol
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 6 new books!! Sounds exciting and fun for you. Congrats to your son. That Maturity you were talking about is hard to find in young people now days. My oldest is still looking although he would tell you he's found it already. sigh... Soon. He's 20.
Lisa B
Modokker At yahoo dot com
Thanks, Lisa! And congratulations to your son!
DeleteI don't have anything new going on right now. I am enjoying that tax season is done and that we got through the Rodeo last week. (I help my boss and the high school band make cotton candy.)
ReplyDeleteI am excited to hear about the new contract Julie! Congrats! And congrats to your son for getting his degree!!
I already have a copy of Assumed Identity so don't enter me in the contest. It's really good and I am already looking forward to the next part of the series.
Thank you, Laura! And congrats on surviving tax season! I can imagine that's a stressful time of year for someone who works in the business.
DeleteI am SO excited for your new contracts!!
ReplyDeleteno real new changes in my life...they all took place last year but continue to learn to be a woman of leasure.
Thanks, Lilsis! I know you went through a lot last year--so this IS a new phase for you. Hope you're celebrating every moment of it. ;)
ReplyDeleteNothing new or exciting happening in my life at the moment....that sounds kind of pathetic doesn't it??
ReplyDeleteNot at all, Ellen. It sounds relaxing. :)
DeleteNo new beginnings happening around here. I don't mind it sometimes when life just hums along.
ReplyDeleteIt's like a well-plotted novel, Mary--everything can't be excitement and new adventure, or we'd get bored and/or tired. We need those down times to rest up for and to appreciate and better enjoy those exciting times. There's no anticipation if everything is exciting. ;)
DeleteCongratulations to you and your son, Julie !!
ReplyDelete~Angi
Thanks, Angi!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Lilsis! Maggie nosed your name out of the pile and selected you as the winner of the blog giveaway. Send me an email and I'll get you a copy of ASSUMED IDENTITY in the mail to you ASAP. (Or, if you'd prefer an ecopy, I can order one for you--but you won't receive it until June 1. Just let me know. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI'll post it on Facebook, too, if it's easier to contact me that way.
And thanks to everyone for stopping by! Best of luck on your next new thing--or just have a really good time doing what you're doing. ;)
congrats to you and your son juliiii
ReplyDelete