As you know, I’ve been hard at work smacking Deviation into shape. It’s my first science fiction attempt and, quite frankly, scares the spit out of me. I am not a scientist, though I do find science interesting. I’ll be sending Deviation to an editor on the 15th of February and sincerely hope she can point out where her suspension of disbelief was stretched a little too far.
Also, on March 1st, I will be sending out a submission package to TOR. It should take them 4 to 6 months to get back to me with the rejection letter and in the interim I will be working with this editor to tighten the writing and story line. In the slim chance that TOR sends a positive note asking for the full manuscript, it will be ready for them.
But what about my other works in progress? I know I can’t leave you all with the way Saboteur ended. (No, I’m not going to spoil it. Those who’ve already read it are aware that there is a third book in the works.) Rest assured, I am creeping my way through Usurper. It’s slow going because all of the plot lines have to come together. And it’s frigging huge. But it is still coming along … albeit only 500 words or so at a time.
Dead Magic, the sequel to Witch-Born has hit that critical turning point in the story line. I have the last ten chapters mapped out and am getting approximately 3,000 words done a week on it. I’d be doing more, but you know I’m in school, too.
So! Why have I titled this post as “I hate Mars”?
I’m so glad you asked!
While I was doing the dishes yesterday, I caught a “soundbyte” from the Deviation edit. (Meaning I was imagining a certain scene and a snarky bit of dialog caught my attention.) Because it amused me, I’m going to put it down here as a snippet —
“I hate Mars.” Newbill said, his hands busily smacking another magazine into his weapon.
“Mars hates you back.” Chamberlain had to shout over the report of weapon fire.
“Something always tries to eat us!” Reloaded, Newbill took aim and fired.
AJMaguire 