Yep, that's where I currently am. Happy 2014 by the way, I'm hoping I'll be even more productive this year than I was in 2013.
It's been a while since I've updated this blog, and not because I haven't wanted to. Between the holidays and writing, I've been busy with a capital B. You'll out more about my other writing projects on my author blog, but for now, let's talk about stories involving Companion Dragons. Oh yeah, there's going to be more of those!
First of all, the feedback on A FAMILIAR NAME has been trickling in to me. I've heard a lot of good things about it being a great family read. Thank you so much, all those who read it and took the time to tell me how much you liked it, as well as what else you'd like to see in the series. Your voices have been heard and your preferences noted.
For those wondering, FINDING WAXY, introducing a small, rainbow striped dragon created by writing partner and all-around interesting guy Roger Stegman is the next book in the series. The story is co-written by Your's Truly, and it's a bold adventure in one of the otherworlds that will explain all about how Waxy Dragon and her somewhat bumbling and rather mysterious human companion Roger 'Rusty' Rustman—AKA 'Bubblehead'—came to meet. The backdrop is very unusual, as are many of the characters and creatures that populate it. Yes Dorothy, this story sure doesn't look like it took place in Kansas!
I have not heard yet when FINDING WAXY will be released, and I haven't seen any artwork for it, but I'll be sure to let you know as soon as I can. Roger and I are both waiting with bated breath. Actually, Roger's breath is rather baited, but I'm not sure if it's because he likes sardines or there's something fishy about his toothpaste...
I'm currently working on the third tale, lengthening and broadening it from a short story into a novella. COPPER'S CHOICE introduces Copper Dragon, who has a bit of a checkered past; and the suave and sophisticated and quite successful writer/wizard, Nigel Gillette. The circumstances around their clandestine team up involve some danger and intrigue, and take us from the sunny and mountainous coffee growing world of Insomnia, to the lost continent (because they like it that way) of Atlantis. Oh yeah, plenty going on in this story too—there's a small time, big mouth con man you'll love to hate. There might even be a rumor of another future human companion in this tale, and it looks like Lazlo's sidekick, the wordsmith witch Nancy Bittergreen, will be making a brief cameo appearance.
Lots of short pieces on the horizon as well, which will be collected in anthologies the size of the novellas. Roger and I have both been working on some, and Lee has his own itinerary as well. I have one Waxy collection in editing that is almost completed, to be sent to Roger for his approval. I'll be starting on a Lazlo collection after I get COPPER'S CHOICE submitted. Copper's book manuscript should definitely be turned in before spring, but it's up to our publisher—currently Pro Se Press—as to when they are released. I'm not the only keyboard jockey they have who is awaiting a slot.
One of the most incredibly fun things about writing these stories is fleshing out that big backdrop of mystical worlds filled with interesting people and creatures. The bad puns are always a blast to work into the tales. I don't know about my co-writers, but I sit here cackling like an idiot over my latest double-entendre. Humor is a really important part of these stories, and it's quirky at its best.
There's just some of the current projects underway. Keep your eye on this page, because I update as often as time allows and I have something interesting to talk about.
~Nancy
