Visit Leslie's alter ego Jordanna Kay.

Comments on my writing

Posted by Leslie on May 14th, 2008 | 4 Comments

or rather A TARNISHED HEART over at writer-writer, where Suzanne James has this to say about the story:

I liked her hero. He was everything you’d want in a husband, kind, a bit off balance, and deeply loyal to love. The best thing about this book is the sex scenes. I never felt any were intrusive, fake, or forced. I usually skim the sex scenes because they feel like ‘filler’ but I enjoyed these ones.

She also brings up MARK OF THE MONSTER after I described the premise and plot to her, saying:

I like the new type of Gothic Novels. Leslie is trying to pitch one now that has sexual tension, but no perversion. It is a great ‘beauty and the beast’ style story without following the template.

Thanks, Suz!!

Regrouping

Posted by Leslie on January 9th, 2008 | 1 Comment

No, I’m not talking about 2nd grade math. I’m talking about me and my writing. Despite having two new works releasing in the next few months (A TARNISHED HEART ~ Enspiren Press and IMPROPER NIGHTS ~ The Wild Rose Press), my writing seems to have taken a back seat to…well, everything. Part of me was hoping I’d get the real kick in the pants I needed once my agent sold MARK OF THE MONSTER.

Unfortunately, it looks like that’s probably not happening. There is one last editor to check with and then the story has “made its rounds.” I’m no stranger to rejections, and these have all been very positive ones, but this feels like a real blow. MONSTER was, I thought, my best story to date. I’d revised and honed it until it was sharp. However, it’s not quite “unique” enough to sell.

If we get a rejection from the final editor, I’m left with several choices. I can try sending it out on my own again, submit it to smaller publishers, or just let it rest. Most of my friends have recommended the latter. Their reasoning makes sense, but I think it’ll take me a little while to come to grips with that.

Yes, I think I need to regroup. Find my Muse, discover what I really love about writing, and put my nose to the keyboard. Somehow I’ve lost my way. Perhaps this is my turning point.

Update Time!

Posted by Leslie on November 25th, 2007 | 1 Comment

1) Just got my revisions back for IMPROPER NIGHTS. That’ll keep me busy for the next few weeks.

2) I received an offer for A TARNISHED HEART from Enspiren Press! Just waiting on the contract now! Got the contract last night! Signed and returned it! YIPPEE!! Look for a Spring 2008 release!

3) Last word from my agent was that MARK OF THE MONSTER was one of the next few to be read by the Dorchester editor. Keep those fingers crossed!

Finger Crossing Time!

Posted by Leslie on September 12th, 2007 | No Comments

Ok, not only have I sent back my revisions on SECRET INTENTIONS/A TARNISHED HEART to The Wild Rose Press, I heard from my agent yesterday that Dorchester requested a read of MONSTER! YAY!! I should hear something on SI/ATH by Halloween. As for MONSTER, let’s say that next Mother’s Day might be a bit early! ;-)

Cross your fingers!

Posted by Leslie on August 6th, 2007 | No Comments

My agent sent MARK OF THE MONSTER out to NAL (New American Library), a publisher who was interested in the story before. The editor who read it suggested some changes and wanted to see it again. I made said changes and now it’s been sent back. If she’s ends up not being interested, it’ll go to a whole list of publishers. So cross those fingers, toes, and anything else you got for good luck. And here’s a short excerpt of MONSTER to let you know what she’s reading:


The woman leaned across the counter. “You heard the rumors about that house? They’re true, I tell you. Something isn’t right up there. Not right at all.”

A chill skated down Vivian’s spine at the memory of the attack in the dark halls. There was something going on in that house, but whether monster, ghost, or foul-play, it would not sway Vivian from her purpose.

“As you can see, I am in fine spirits and excellent health.”

The postmistress raised an eyebrow. “That may be, but how is your mind? Have odd dreams haunted you at night? Have the drafts and noises stirred you from slumber?”

Vivian sighed. Perhaps next time a servant should mail her letters. “My mind is still alert and sound.”

“And the master? Lord Ashworth? He’s not frightened you with his behavior or terrifying face?”

Terrifying face? Vivian could only think of the roughness of his chin, the sensual curve of his lips, the intensity of his eyes. His scar was a groove upon a spectacular stone, not diminishing its luster but adding to its uniqueness.

“I am perfectly well. Thank you for your concern. Now, a stamp, please.”

“Eh, you’ve only been there a short time.” She reached into a drawer and withdraw the same small stamp Vivian had seen on Lady Wainscott’s letter. “You’ll regret staying in that house, mark my words.”

Vivian slid the coin toward her. “I see no reason why I shall.”

Once the stamp was on the letter, the postmistress glanced at it then slid it into one of the lower slots. Still facing the wall of compartments, the woman glanced over her shoulder. “Keep a sharp eye out, Miss Suttley. You may think we only speak of rumors, but even gossip usually begins with a bit of truth.”