Monday, March 1, 2010

I'm BACK--and with STUFF to talk about



Hey guys :) I know it's been quite a while since I've been consistent with blogging, and I mean to rectify that! But first, there are a few things to chat about. :)


Firstly, I hope everyone had super holidays and a wonderful entry into 2010! It's so busy around the holidays, and then they zoom right by! I LOATHE Post-holiday aftershocks. Lets just say it was the LAST weekend in January before my dry, dead, brittly Frasier Fir Christmas tree was undecorated and hauled out side. YIKES! Truly a sad moment (and a serious fire hazard!). Needles everywhere! I'm still finding them!


Okay, down to the STUFF. I've had many, many wonderful readers email asking about my next project, and I so very much appreciate how interested you are in my stories. I LOVE my stories, the characters, and it makes me so happy to know there are those who've enjoyed them just as much as I. I've got a stack of ideas for characters/their stories that one day I truly hope to write one day. But here's the thing: The Market. Right now, dark, sexy paranormal romances and urban fantasies are HOT and flying off the shelves. It's what the majority of the public demands. My books are light paranormal, and overall the light stuff's sales are "soft". So for now, I'm sorry to say, my stories are on hold, and I say On Hold because I hope the market eventually swings back in the light paranormal's favor. Don't get me wrong--I love the dark stuff too. But the truth is many, many people, due to economy and etc., either check out books in the library or buy books used. Unfortunately, neither of those methods work in an author's favor as far as keeping the books on the shelf, or their books continuing, or further contracts from the publisher. If an author's book isn't bought new, they don't get "credit" for that sale. The publishers have no idea who checks out books at the library, or who purchases used books. So therefor, the author's sales don't speak a whole truth as to how many readers and fans they really have. I know because I get super emails nearly every day from you guys! And I LOVE them. THANK YOU! Bottom line is this, unfortunately: if you have a favorite author and you want to see his/her books continue, buy the books new if possible. I am NOT a salesman (I couldn't even sell Girl Scout cookies well!) and I don't like bringing business into it, but some people have no clue that a used sale doesn't give the author and his/her book count credit. I know times are tough economy-wise, but if it's possible, buy the books new.

WHAT I'M DOING ABOUT IT: First off, I'm persistent, if anything. It took me 8 years to make my first book sale. It took me 4 times to pass my nursing state boards exam (what a stinker!). So its just not in me to give up. I have story ideas for 2 guys in particular: Jason and Captain Justin Catesby. I think I could write a story for almost all of my secondary characters--I love them all! But Jason has always been one of my favorites, and Justin fast became one! :) When the market does a turn-around for light paranormals, those two will be my first stories pitched.

Until then, I can only say this: I am excitedly working on a new contract and have to be totally mute about it until the first book releases. YIKES! I honestly can't even breathe a peep about it! But I PROMISE, as soon as I'm given the OK, I will share it in its entirety. The full deal. The skinny. The low-down. LOL! I will tell you this--you'll hear about it before this year is up. :) They will be written under another pen name so keep checking back and I SWEAR, I'll update you ASAP! :)


Other stuff I'm doing: I do have a short story in The Mammoth Book of Irish Romances entitled Nia and the Beast of Killarny Wood. :) Check out the cover at the right! :) That was a fun story to write--but it has no links to any of my previous books. I'm just sayin'! :)


I'm also working on some Young Adult ideas, and actually I may very well work Jason's story in as a Young Adult. I mean, he IS young. :) I need the perfect heroine for him, though, so my mind is working in that direction. I'm really excited about this other young adult project I've been working on, and if I make the sale (I'm working on edits right now) you guys will be the FIRST to know! :) I may even use Cindy Miles instead of taking a pen name.

I've really had a hard time deciding how to come out and say all this without SAYING all this. LOL! But it started making me avoid the blog, and I didn't like that at all. So I'm BACK, this is what I can tell you about it, and I hope you guys keep coming by! While I'm sad that I don't have any more Cindy Miles books on the way in the near future, I am VERY excited about the new stuff, and I can't wait to share it with you all! I will start back my blogs here--you know me, mostly I just chat about movies and trips and new books and stuff. But I promise--I'm not going ANYWHERE! :) I will be doing some book signings and conferences/workshops throughout the year, as well as some guest blogs, so I'll post them all on my News page once I get them organized. :) Okay! So that's all the heavy STUFF--now onto some fun stuff! :)


Erin Hart http://www.erinhart.com/: My pal Leah Brown (she is a wonderful writer of French historicals and has a super-great blog: http://leahmariebrown.blogspot.com/ )turned me onto this author years ago when her debut book, HAUNTED GROUND, released. It is one of my all-time favorite books to date. Her second novel, a continuation of Haunted Ground, soon followed: LAKE OF SORROWS. Now, several years later, (well, a few) her third and continuation novel has just released: FALSE MERMAID. I am ON my way to get that book! I've been waiting and waiting for it and FINALLY! It's here! Erin's books are these phenomenal crime/mysteries with a speck of romance set in IRELAND, and she does Ireland PERFECTLY! I was SO hooked! If you've never read any of the books before, and you'd love to sink your teeth into some kinda good Irish mysteries, start with HAUNTED GROUND. You have to read them in order!



MOVIES: Oh my lucky stars, the movies! I've squeezed in TWO that I absolutely had to watch on the big screen: The Wolfman and Shutter Island. GOOD LAWD, they were both FANTASTIC!!!! Benecio Del Toro is SO COOL as the wolfman! :) I'd honestly never watched him work before, but man--he's superb in this movie! A remake of the 1941 version, it has that Old Hollywood feel with today's modern cinemetography. So freaking awesome! I loved loved loved it! Here's something funny--my best pal, NAL Author Kim Lenox http://kimlenox.com/, looks JUST LIKE (to me!) the heroine, Emily Blunt. (Kim has a new book releasing in April: Darker than Night, the third installment in her Shadow Guard series set in Victorian London!) :) Both Kim and Emily are GORGEOUS! :) And of course, Sir Anthony Hopkins was kick-butt in it as well!! :)
SHUTTER ISLAND: Oh my word, that Leo DiCaprio just gets better and better looking as the years tick by! He was cute in Titanic. I mean CUTE! With that adorable floppy hair darling smile. :) Now? Good sweet Muther! Hot! I said HOT! Blood Diamonds, hello? EEK! Well he really outdoes himself in Shutter Island! If you 've not read the book the movie is going to shock the pants off you! (so wear clean undies with no holes please!) Me and my daughter BAWLED! Oops--don't want to give anything away, but come on--if you're a Leo fan you KNOW he always bumps into tragedy! And he does it so WELL!!!! :) I will be buying both of those movies when they come out!
I also want to see Alice in Wonderland (helllloooo, Johnny Depp!!), Percy Jackson and the Olympians, CLASH OF THE TITANS! (woohooo!) and of COURSE, the Bounty Hunter! (WOOOP! Gerry Butler!!!) Those are all next on my list!

Okay, guys! I know that was a load to dump on ya! Trust me--I've been fighting with how to say it without being down or gloomy. All I can say is I truly love my Cindy Miles books, settings, characters, and stories. I will not give up! :) And I hope, once I'm able to announce the new stuff, you might give it a shot, too!
Have fun at the movies, check out Erin's books, Kim's new release, and Leah's blog! FUN! And I'll see ya here again soon! :)
XOXOXOXXO!!!!!

12 comments:

  1. Oh, this makes me sad to hear.

    Although I'm very happy that you have other projects in the works, but I just feel like there should be room for all different sorts of genres within romance, you know?

    Anyway, looking forward to reading whatever comes out...

    And the movies? High on my list are Shutter Island and The Bounty Hunter, and also Hot Tub Time Machine (yup, I'm juvenile that way *g*).

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  2. Hi Cindy!
    I'm glad to hear you have other projects working, but it's disappointing because I'm not sure who loved your books more: you or me! I've so enjoyed them and will stay tuned to hear where Justin may get worked in! Keep writing no matter what and I'm anxious about any workshops you might be teaching?
    S. Zarr
    Hewitt TX

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  3. Thanks Lori and Auntumn! It makes me sad too but like I said, I won't give up on my lighter books! Trends usually make a full circle and when light paranormals move back in, I'll be ready! :)

    The Bounty Hunter HAS to be nothing but great! The previews are hilarious! And my goodness--SHUTTER ISLAND is now one of my all-time favorite movies/books. FANTASTIC!

    Thanks for the post, guys!

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  4. Hi Cindy! I'm so sorry to hear about the pause in your series! I love the books but I know what whatever you are working on will be just as awesome! I would read anything you put out honey you have proven yourself to me from the first book! :) Can't wait to hear what you have in store for us next! And here is wishing you the best in whatever road you go down next. :) BIG HUGS

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  5. Thanks JennJ and LisaK!!! You guys are always so great, posting here for me! :) I'm so happy to have such a great readership! It also makes me happy to know so many of you love my characters as much as I do. :) I am completely confident the light stuff will come back, and when it does Jason and Justin will be READY! Lol!

    Thanks for hanging in there with me, and it's GREAT to be back here again!

    XOXOXOXO!

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  6. Personally, I enjoyed light paranormal romances far better than”dark”, so your novels are always a fresh breath to me.

    I really love the way you set the tones and plots and inject life and fun into the characters. Your books are light, fun, unique and perfect to read in a single setting. Hoping that the market will pick up and your books will be on the shelves in the near future.

    PS: Jason is my favourite secondary character too! Would just love to read his story!

    Cheers, your fan from Singapore

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  7. Hi Cindy, So sorry to hear the publishing world is sooooooo out of it! We are all waiting for Jason and Justin and any one else in your fertile imagination, and we'll continue to wait. I'm glad to hear you are channeling your energy and talent into something new. I'll be waiting to read it too.

    Loved Nia and the Beast of Killarny Wood, just wish it was longer...though the other stories in the book were good too. Keep blogging and we'll keep reading.

    All the best on the new direction.

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  8. Hi Cindy:

    I'm sure it's just a matter of time before you'll be rushing just before a deadline for Justin's story! I guess the publishing world has to go with what's selling, and, as they say, sex sells!

    I firmly believe things happen for a reason, so who knows? You just might write the "Great American Novel" with one of your new upcoming books and be world famous, filthy rich, and have not just one, but TWO pool boys... :D

    Keep it up and I look forward to your new stuff!

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  9. Hi Cindy great post! Myself if I am going to read a paranormal I want it to be light paranormal. I don't care for the dark sexy ones, maybe that's just me. I love your books so hang in there.

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  10. Cindy,

    First, I am super proud of you. I know it must have been difficult to get the news about the Cindy Miles line but you rolled up your sleeves, jumped into the trenches, and came out victorious. I always knew you were a tough woman.

    I am excited to read anything new you come up with for I know they will be as fab as the Cindy Miles books.

    Thank you for mentioning my blog. I am honored you enjoy my blog scribblings. You're a pal!

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  11. Personally I think the publishers are wrong. My daughter and I both love your books. They are a refreshing change from much of the other stuff that is out there so I hope you succeed in getting them to change their minds and you publish soon. My daughter has especially wanted to see a book about Jason.

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  12. Thanks everyone, for such great, supportive comments! I feel totally positive that the market will swing again and my books will have a place. I really am lucky to have such a great reader following!

    Moni, tell your daughter Jason is one of my FAVORITE characters too, and when given the chance to write the light paranormals again HIS story will be the first one I write! :)

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