Kim Lenox - Blog

I had promised to share some fun news yesterday, but got a little sidetracked.

Two weeks ago, friend and fellow writer Christie Craig came to my house. She is not only the successful author of very funny romantic suspense novels for Leisure, but she’s also a photojournalist. She’s got an upcoming article coming out in CAT FANCY magazine about authors and their cat muses, and guess what!? My big ginger cat, Oscar, and I will be featured, along with author Nina Bangs. Here’s Oscar (photo by Christie Craig).

Oscar is my office cat. He lays on my desk while I write, or on cold days, lays on my feet. Oscar is a sweet, big boy. He’s been on a strict diet for three years, and I think he might have lost three pounds during that time.

The photo shoot was a lot of fun, despite the fact I hate (gak!) having my picture taken. Christie’s a great photographer. We did get off to a bit of a slow start when Oscar, who is usually extremely laid back about visitors, must have gotten a clue something was up. We were very careful to ignore him until we needed him, but when I came out of my office, and looked down to where he’d been sitting on the staircase landing — he had vanished. I searched the house twice for him, finally realizing where he might be. We have a huge amoire in the living room, tucked into a niche of the same size. So I squeezed behind to take a look, and of course, there was my tubby Oscar, wedged between the wood and the wall. Fortunately, he’s easy to persuade. A bowl of cat food was all it took to lure him out.

I’ll share the issue date when I know it, in case any of you are feline fans, and you can read about how he’s my pet muse. Lastly, here’s a pic of Christie and I at an author event (photographer Ciara Gold).

We like to take these pictures and send them to our mutual agent, Kim Lionetti, to let her know we are busy writing.

I know I said I’d share some fun news today, but I’ll bump that until tomorrow. I saw this today (thank you Chuck), and thought it was very interesting!

If you like Victorian-era historical fiction, MIRA Books has sponsored a unique “Second Life” book promo for author Deanna Raybourn and her novel, SILENT IN THE SANCTUARY, including a virtual 3D recreation of Bellmont Abbey and a virtual “Victorian Ball”.

Here’s the link to the PR Release on the events, which also includes the link for the purchase of the novel.

Thanks to all of you who came by to visit last week, and comment on the cover for NIGHT FALLS DARKLY.

I’m in the deepest, darkest corner of my writing cave today, finishing up the revised proposal for the second book in the Shadow Guard series, SO STILL THE NIGHT. Revised because after reading my original version, my editor had a spectacular suggestion, so I’ve been immersed in all sorts of creepy, spooky research, and am making those final inclusions.

I’ll be back tomorrow, and will share some fun news. Until then, don’t get clobbered by any falling bits of spy satellite, and don’t breath any of its toxic gas — or give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to anyone who has.

I’m only joking about all that.

Sort of. (Looks skyward.)

I seriously need to send a truckload of flowers, chocolates, steaming java mocha lattes and dancing girls to the NAL art department. I just got the cover for NIGHT FALLS DARKLY, and I’d like to share it with you.

THAT is ARCHER!

And thank goodness for those windy London days, right? The ones so strong that shirt buttons fail in their duty!

Anyhow, I’m thrilled and hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

This weekend I ventured out from my dark and dreary abode to attend an all day workshop presented by one of my local Houston RWA chapters, WHRWA. They’ve always got great programs, but this one was really 100% outstanding: Margie Lawson on Deep Editing. Margie, a counseling psychologist by trade, traveled down from Colorado for the weekend. We learned her E.D.I.T.S. system, using our own manuscript pages — extremely revealing. This is an excellent course for writers who may feel as if they’ve plateaued, and are looking to take things to the next level.

No, I’m not going to tell you my big faults. I’m just going to work on improving them.

If you’re an aspiring or published writer, check out Margie’s schedule and see if she’ll be presenting a workshop near you. Today she’s at Barbara Vey’s Publisher’s Weekly blog talking about body language.

Thank you to everyone who has stopped by for a visit. I know the area is questionable, and even a bit dangerous, but I hope now that you’re here, you’re glad you came.

I’ve been a bit reclusive over the past few days. The revisions arrived. I brought them inside, and put them on the kitchen counter. I windexed around the package, and made myself a cup of tea. I’m too curious to torture myself for long, so I ripped right into the bubble wrap and eagerly read my revision letter, and the notes on the pages. All good. Very good! I’m working on the requested changes now, and can’t wait to share this book with all of you.

Of course, I can’t do that until October. In the meantime, if you are looking for a spectacular read, check out Kerrelyn Sparks’ latest release, THE UNDEAD NEXT DOOR. Hmmm, again, I peek out my musty curtains, this time to eyeball my neighbors’ houses. Undead? Do you think?

I’ve read all of Ms. Sparks’ novels, and it’s easy to see why this book hit the NYT list yesterday.

Even if you haven’t read vampire romances, and think they might not be for you, let me assure you that Sparks’ vampire heroes — and especially Jean-Luc Escharpe — are the sort you just might want to let bite your neck.