Independence Day

For the Fourth, my family took a road trip to South Dakota. It was beautiful! I hope you enjoyed the holiday too. xo Becca

Cat Nap

Sunbathing

Badlands

Stealth

Roam

Immoveable

Family

Wide Open

Hot Day, Cool Lake

Follow the Leader

Eye of the Needle

Setting

When I start writing a new book, I love to think about setting, and immerse myself in the story world. Right now, I'm thinking about wide-open spaces and vast, colorful skies. 

Falling in love with a new story is the best feeling.

Done!

So this is my theme song for the week:

I'm DONE with my second round of Black Ice edits! Already, I'm starting to feel like a sane and normal person again. Like, I showered today. And I went running (before showering). And I ate actual food for lunch (not Peanut M&M's). I responded to a few emails (only 974 unread emails left in my inbox. Hey, if I keep it under a thousand, I feel like all's well in Beccaland). And - ta da - I'm blogging!

Of course, finishing this round of edits doesn't mean the book is ready for publication. I still have a third round of edits, copyedits, first-pass pages, and possibly second-pass pages.  I've made it over two very big hurdles, but there are still a few left to jump. I get asked frequently if there is any chance that Black Ice will be published this year. In short, no. I spoke with my editor today, and the 2014 publication date is firm.

If you're wondering what I'll be doing while I wait for my editor to send me my next round of editorial notes, the answer is I'll be working on my next book. Why, didn't you know that's how authors celebrate turning in a book draft? I've had this story in my mind for a couple months and I'm very excited about it. It's a YA romantic suspense set in a small town in Nebraska. Little town, big secrets. I hope to take a road trip to Nebraska soon to scout out locations and take lots of photographs that will help me create the story world in my mind. I think I've mentioned this before, but I love story beginnings. I love the possibility, the potential. For me, there's a certain magic in a blank page. Anything can happen.

xo
Becca      

There's No Secret Handshake

Today Shannon Hale blogged about how every story must sell itself—that there is no secret Publishing Club and once an author is in, they're in for good. I want to add to her thoughts. I've had people suggest (some lightly, some not) that I belong to a secret publishing club, and that I have given my editors advice on which prospective authors to publish. This just isn't realistic. I don't have that kind of power, nor would I want it. My editors have never contacted me to ask my opinion on an author they're thinking about working with. They don't care what I think, and rightfully so. Because the thing is, I don't have to have a great working relationship with the other authors on my editor's list—I only have to have a great working relationship with her.

So if you're a writer and you're working toward publication, please know this. Your story sells itself. It's as simple as that. There is no secret handshake into the publishing world. It's not a popularity contest. When the rejection letters keep rolling in, it's easy to want to blame someone else. It's natural to want to understand why editors keep saying "no."  Trust me, I know. I've been there. But the truth is, established authors aren't conspiring against you. No one is conspiring against you (except maybe yourself). Editors are continually hopeful that the next manuscript they pick up will be the one. They want to love your story.  When they're reading your book, it isn't about you.  It's about the story.  

As Shannon said, it's a pretty level playing field out there. And that's the way it should be. Because when you do get published, you'll feel an immense sense of achievement and satisfaction knowing your book is getting published because it's a darn good story...and not because of external forces you had no control over.

-Becca

Let's Talk Covers

Hi all!

I learned this week that my design team at Simon & Schuster will (hopefully!) start working on BLACK ICE's cover in June or July. In the meantime, my editor asked for any thoughts/input I have. While I don't have a specific design vision, I am going to send her a list of book covers I find deliciously provocative. Below are some of my favorites.

What are some of your favorite book covers?