So many things have happened around the world the past couple of weeks, and it’s hard to decide what to write about. Do we address it or move on.
As with all my sisters, my heart goes out to the children and families in Florida. I feel my sister in suspense, Kathryn Jane, said it elegantly in her post this week, and I could not add any more to her heartwarming piece except to continue to pray for all.
Deadlines, writing, creativity—do they blend?
Outside deadlines are new to me. I’ve set my own for my books and adhered to them. Though I’m finding having one from an outside source are different and add a layer of stress as I rush toward them.
I was lucky to be awarded a contract for four books in the Jake Carrington thriller series, from Kensington/Lyrical, though the contract came with an aggressive schedule. I gladly signed the bottom line. And today the first one All the Deadly Lies will be released to the world. I’m thrilled working with my editor Michaela and the team Kensington gave me. They’ve made the books stronger and more intriguing. What is different for me is editing one or two books while writing the next one in the series.
Editing and writing have a different mindset. As a book comes due, there are immediate edits that require a fast turnaround. That means no matter where I am in the writing process on the next book, it has to be put aside while the edits are completed. But like my career before writing (accounting) I’m used to the pressure to make a deadline. I’m even finding it fun, nerve-racking, and creative in the sense the story has to be finished by a certain date. Before I turn a book in on its scheduled date, I submit it to my personal editor. She reviews and corrects problems with in the story threads, grammar errors and overall storyline. She then makes suggestions to strengthen the novel. After we go a round or two, or more, I then submit it to my editor at Kensington for publication. PS, it then goes through more edits before it actually gets published.
With the fourth book I had gotten a slow start while working the edits on the first three, and allowed the looming deadline to freak me out. I’m happy to report I’m now pounding away at the keys everyday as the characters, their stories and words fill the page as May approaches.
It’s as Vicki Batman a fellow sister e said last Friday in her post, writing is a trip down discovery lane. And to me the journey is fun, scary, and fulfilling as I get to see part of it come to fruition today with the release of All the Deadly Lies.
I hope everyone has a wonderful, productive week.
To connect with Marian and her books follow the links below:
Where to buy All the Deadly Lies
Publisher Kensington/Lyrical: http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/book.aspx/35575
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Lies-Jake-Carrington-Thriller-ebook/dp/B06VXQBR8B/
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/all-the-deadly-lies-marian-lanouette/1125814921?ean=9781516104758
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/all-the-deadly-lies
Apple/Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/all-the-deadly-lies/id1252337028?mt=11
Google: https://play.google.com/store/search?q=9781516104758&c=books
Bio: Marian Lanouette
A self-described tough blonde from Brooklyn, Marian Lanouette grew up as one of ten children. As far back as she could remember Marian loved to read. She was especially intrigued by the Daily News crime reports. Tragically, someone she knew was murdered. The killer never found.
Her Jake Carrington thriller are inspired by her admiration for police work, her experience in working a crematorium, and her desire to write books where good prevails, even in the darkest times. Marian lives in New England with her husband.
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Word by Word 
Congratulations firstly 🥂
Second, where do you find the time in your day to type what you need to?
Mornings? Middle? Evenings? Night?
Big respect to you … a contract for four is amazing 💃🏼
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Viola, I find if something is on my to do list, I get it done. My normal schedule is to hit my desk at 8am. I answer emails, visit blogs, post to social media, and than knuckle down to write until lunch time, and yes, I schedule lunch in there too. After lunch I write for a couple more hours. There are times I’ll write at night (when deadline is looming), but most times I reserve that time to spend with my husband.
Thank you, I’m still amazed I got it. Happy Writing!
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That’s so lovely for you to share your schedule here … I shall endeavour to implement at least a small routine to stick to 🥂
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Marian, I feel your pain with deadlines. It’s been quite a learning experience with juggling deadlines and marketing with three books. But I’ve found that taking care of myself is key! Congratulations on your new release!!
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You’re absolutely right, Sharon. It’s important to maintain your health and mindset. Congratulations on your books too. When it’s over I’m sure we’ll both say what fun (ha!). I can’t wait to read yours.
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Hi Marian, I’m impressed by your work ethic and schedule. Congrats on the release of All the Deadly Lies. 🙂
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Thank you, Joanne. Being one of ten kids, you’re taught to work hard toward what’s important for you, nothing’s handed to on a platter.
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Congratulations, Marian, on the release. You have accomplished so much and I’m very happy for you. Hugs!!
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Thank you, Vicki, it’s been a long journey since we started out together at the small press. I love your books and accomplishments too.
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Everyone’s work process is different. Thank you for sharing yours, Marian. Congratulations on the launch of your new series!
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Thank you, Rhonda, and that is so true.
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Marian, congrats on the project. I was going to go with a publisher but was afraid it would be too hard to meeting fiction writing deadlines when my freelance stuff pays the bills. Glad you were able to make it work.
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Thank you, McKenna. I still have to meet the May 1st deadline, and I’m at 52,000 words of the 80,000 to 100,000 I need. I’ll get there. I’ll get there, LOL, if I keep repeating it, it should work, right?
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Thank you, Marian! And kudos on your new book. I wish you a ton of success with the process, and of course book sales 😀
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Thank you, Kathryn, I appreciate it.
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Marian, I love that cover! So happy for you and wish you much success. I can’t wait to read All The Deadly Lies!
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Thank you, Jacquie. I hope you enjoy it.
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Congratulations on your release! I’ve been through period of strictly writing and am about to embark on the edit process again. You have inspired me!
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Thank you, Veronica. I appreciate it. LOL, that’s great I wish you much success.
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So excited for you and wishing you great success with All the Deadly Lies. Switching mindsets is the most difficult thing for me and I often lose my emotional connection to a work-in-progress. I reboot by playing with book cover designs, creating a soundtrack, reading, or watching film thrillers until my characters come crawling back.
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It is, Kathy, but I’m learning. I just got back the final proof for book three All the Pretty Brides and I was so into book four. I’m at the finish line, and now I’ll have to reread at least fifty pages once I complete the final proof. And the deadline for book four All the Dirty Secrets is June 30th. Yikes! Thanks for stopping by.
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