Dear Diary,
It’s been a while since I’ve written to you. That’s because I’ve been avoiding you, er myself … whatever.
The road to hell will be paved with my good intentions. Awhile back, okay – months ago, I told you that my manuscript for the sequel to Pennies from Burger Heaven had been sent to my developmental editor.
True.
I also mentioned my novel would be ready for publication somewhere between July – September 2018.
Sigh.
Here’s what happened …
That version of Book #2 sucked.
Okay, not completely, but sort of.
I had already sat down, plotted, outlined and written a 300-page sequel, asking, “What happens next for Copper Daniels?”
That first attempt was so bad it will never see the light of day, and that’s not self-doubt talking, either. I hated it.
So, I went back to page one and found a completely different Copper plot, then wrote another 300-page novel. It’s the one that went to my developmental editor (that’s 600 pages now if you’re keeping count).
Here’s what she said about it, “Your first 100 pages are solid, but need a bit of tightening. Your second 100 pages are superb. Your last 100 need work, as you know. (Big kudos for making the second 100 so sharp, since that’s where most books fall apart.)”
I liked part of that plot line, then realized it should actually go into Copper #3. I’d written my books out of order!
So, I had to go back to the drawing board … again. I needed a better story for Copper #2. A a bigger story. One worthy of my readers and that fearless Copper Daniels.
I guess those first 600 pages were my warm-up because 300 new pages later, I did it!
Bones and Lies Between Us
Here’s the premise of Copper #2:
Four months after Pennies from Burger Heaven ends, young Copper Daniels’ life has become a different kind of bad. She struggles with survivor’s guilt over what happened that horrible, terrible night. Suddenly, her family lands knee-deep in trouble with the law and a media storm surrounds them.
In Copper’s search for the truth, she finds herself on a dangerous journey back to the one place she swore she’d never return – Paradise. The meanest part of the city where the homeless battle every day to survive. She finds more questions than answers about her mama’s troubled past on the streets and buried at the cemetery. Soon, Copper’s on the run from a killer. When the body bags start stacking up, she worries she’s next …
What I loved most about Pennies is that the story felt BIG. Here was this little eleven-year old girl telling a dark story that the reader doesn’t fully understand until the very end.
Copper’s life is very different in Book #2, but I feel like it’s another BIG story. Plus, she’s battling a new crisis, while still struggling with the aftermath from her old problems.
My manuscript is due back to my developmental editor on December 1, 2018. While she’s working her magic there, JD Smith Design will create the graphic art for my next cover.
Publication Schedule
I’m delighted to report that Bones and Lies Between Us will be published in 2019.
Promise.
I also plan to publish Copper #3 in 2019. That will wind up her saga, then I plan to write other novels in Lost Souls Mysteries: three in Tommy Tucker’s voice (Copper’s street buddy, Turdmouth), then I’ll focus on three books for Copper’s enemy-turned-ally, O’Dell (the cemetery groundskeeper).
I have BIG stories in store for y’all. Thank you for sticking with me through my ups-and-downs this past year.
Thanks, Diary
The perfectionist in me wants to say I “wasted” so much time in writing all those other pages, but really there’s no “wasted time” in writing.
Or, life. It’s all practice.
Since our house fire in August 2017, I’ve learned so much about me and my creative process. It doesn’t look like the norm and that’s okay. Everyone has to do what works for them.
Thanks, Diary. I’ve missed you (but, you didn’t see me eat that extra slice of cake yesterday, did you?!)
XO – m3
What do you think of Bones and Lies Between Us?
Please leave comment. Let’s talk.
Pick up your FREE copy today of the mystery, The Moon Rises at Dawn (SkipJack Publishing). Read, enjoy, repeat.
Marcy- I am beyond excited. I can’t wait until Copper #2 is released. Thank you for all your hard work. This little girl and her story mean so very much to me. Love how you brought her to life. I’m so intrigued as to how she deals with her future.
Fantastic, Tonya. Your enthusiasm and encouragement always mean the world to me. TRULY. I swear, I’ve thought of you more than once during this whole process to keep writing because I so appreciate readers like you.
THANK YOU!
Marcy- you just melted my heart. What a wonderful thing to say you d thought of me. I feel blessed. I know you and Copper will pull this one out and it will be as amazing as Pennies. I can’t wait. Love & hugs, & happy writing.
❤️❤️??❤️❤️
Right back atcha, baby!
I love your story about the chihuahua as we have 2 of them and I want to get another when we find one. It will surprise my husband as I already have adopted 6 wild cats outside feeding them etc… anyway one more running around inside the house will be fun i thought since i am home 24/7!
OMG. Your house sounds like wild country safari. Clearly, you and your husband are good people because people who love animals are some of the kindest folks in the world. Happy day~
Good middle: magic words! You’re definitely getting there. Thank you for writing so honestly about the process. This month, a guy I’ve known since he turned 15 (I was a family friend, and he joined by roleplaying game campaign) who is now in his late 40s turned to me and said, Tom, let’s write a book. I’ll tell you my idea and send you chapter 1. Well, it’s been three weeks, we’re at 48,000 words, he sends me a new chapter (sometimes 3 at a time) every day, and we’ve almost reached the climax. We’re perhaps 50 pages out of complete on our new YA novel. At first it’s like, “no, those words are written for THIS character, they’re in his voice” and, “you know you can’t really beat information out of someone who has been influenced into cooperating by magic, right?” (he worked it out so that they learn nothing from the guy who has Turned, except they caught him), and now it’s “keep going, keep this up.” He’s a pantser, and he’s definitely got where he’s going in mind, but not out consciously where he can tell me what’s coming ten pages out. To find out what’s next, he usually has to write it and see where it went. I do hand him parameters (you do know the three kids have to overcome that banishable-but-not-killable monster themselves, don’t you? Their brand-spanking-new mentor can’t do it for them?) and turn him loose. Never had so much fun writing as writing with a partner. It’s magnificent if the two of you can work together in harmony. Didn’t know that could happen. -tc
Wow, Tom. I’m SO IMPRESSED that you’re writing a novel with a partner. I’ve always been curious about that process, but have never ventured there. GOOD LUCK and thanks for your comment.
I’m loving that you’re sharing the struggles of writing. I myself have battled my own demons this entire summer, and with the being married thing, it’s been a hell of a summer. Ha! Got to learn to go with the flow, and work on the discipline thing. Not just with writing, but healthy habits. So you GO girl with your rewrites! After this last birthday, I realize time is limited for us all, and so you gotta follow your bliss. Now to do it…
So true, Sarah. Between turning 50 (two years ago) and our house fire, I am DONE with being scared, playing small, or any other nonsense. I may fail miserably, but I’m being more proactive in ALL areas of my life in making my dreams come true.
There’s nothing magical about you. You just do the work, whether that’s putting words on the page, working out to be healthier, or whatever. It’s baby steps + consistency. Good luck to us both.
Sounds like you have a great editor that wants you to be a successful author… I can not wait to read book # 2… Keep me posted so you can come back to our bookclub!!! ?
Thanks so much, Janie. I do have a terrific editor, and she’s definitely pushing me. I’d LOVE to come back to your book club. Y’all were such a fun group! XOXOXO
Marcy, funny that you’ve been on my mind lately. I feel so guilty for never sending you those words of encouragement I wrote you in my head after I heard about your fire. Sounds as though you have things well under control now. It feels good to hear you say that those six hundred pages weren’t wasted—if that’s the case, I have a ton of not wasted pages hogging memory on my computer and in my filing boxes. I’m anxious to see where you have taken Copper and then her pals! All the best!
Hello, sweet Karen. The fire was definitely a detour into hell that I didn’t expect, but it ended up beautifully. Truly, and now I can see so many blessings from that experience, so it’s all good.
Truly, there is no wasted writing. We would NEVER say to a basketball or concert pianist…save those free throws for the big game…or don’t play that song until Carnegie Hall. WHY then, do we expect all our writing to be perfect and flawless from page one?! CrAzY.
I’m so happy to hear from you and hope you’re doing well. Copper Daniels and I will talk to you soon. xoxoxo
Mrs. McKay, you, your r/l family and Copper’s crew are AMAZING! I can’t wait to read her next adventure xoxo
You’re a sweetheart, Em! I appreciate all your love, support, guidance here, FB and beyond. I love my online writer friends. You mean the world to me. Thank you!
You are a sweetheart! Thank you for all your love and support, you mean the world to me xoxo
???
Marcy, break a leg! Break two! (One for each new Copper story.) PROUD OF YOU!!!
Aw, thanks, Lise. I really appreciate you and Breg. Love y’all.
Someone riding a unicycle conversing with a chihuahua on his shoulder … are you sure you’re not in Florida?
I’m thrilled to hear the progress of Copper #2! And it’s wonderful that you have someone who knows how to give constructive criticism and compliments. Kudos on nailing the middle!
“There’s no ‘wasted time’ in writing. Or, life. It’s all practice.” That really speaks to me. Just like, “Life’s both awful and awesome, but you can’t stay stuck in the bad ‘cause it’ll kill you.” You have a wonderful way of stating truths.
Hi Jay! Great to hear from you. I’m slogging away through this book, and unpacking from the fire. Some days, I’m all zen and cool about it, while other times, I’m a total nutjob.
Sigh.
Such is life. We just have to unicycle on…
Is there such a thing as a “norm?”
HA, there probably is no “norm”, though I feel like there is and I’m always on the outside of it creatively.
Congratulations, Marcy!!!!! I am excited to read it? Being an Author/ writer is far from easy & you just showed everyone that perseverance pays off. So HAPPY for you! ??
Many thanks, Leah. I appreciate your enthusiasm. Most things worthwhile in life take work, doesn’t matter what it is. Patience + perseverance are always key. Thanks for your comment!
Hello my lovely friend. So glad you’re back on track with book two of the ‘Copper’ series. I await the publication with eager anticipation, and if the second, is anything like the first, then I’m in for a special treat, and a long journey with Copper and co. I too must extract a digit, as I’m well behind on my sequel. Carpe Diem Marcy, keep up the good work. Blessings from your friend across the pond.x
Great to hear from you, Marian. I appreciate your excitement about Copper. You’re helping me make it to the finish line! Thank you.
Good luck in finishing your sequel. You know there’s nothing magical about the process. You just have to make yourself sit down and put words on the page. Even if they’re ugly and the wrong one…you’ve got to start somewhere. You can do this!
I am looking forward to it! Sorry that it was so hard to write, but Pennies from Burger Heaven was awesome and you knew it would be a tough act to follow, right? When I get an email that Bones and Lies Between Us is for sale I will definitely be ordering my copy!
You’re so right, Tracy. I DID know that Pennies from Burger Heaven would be a tough act to follow, but SHEESH. Writing is a lot like faith, and apparently, I suck at both. HA! This book has been quite a journey, but I can say 100% I have been faithful in TRYING. Almost every day, I show up to that blank page and write, which is what it takes to write a novel. Patience + persistence.
I’m delighted to hear you’ll order a copy of Bones and Lies Between us. Now, off to write!