It Has Begun

No, really, it has begun. The final stages of editing, that is. This is always a combination of the most exciting thing and the most depressing ever.

That said, at least I'm on track. There's been times I thought life was going out of its way to screw me over. Maybe it was. Or maybe it wasn't. What do I know?

Yeah. Another...what, three months? That was fast. It's always fast. Where did the time go? I remember when I got the idea for The Maze. It was raining and the idea just hit me like a caffeine rush. And then I got writer's block two chapters in.

So. Three months and it'll be time. Are you ready?

I'm not.

Color Blind

Looking back, it's really hard to believe that it's been almost two years since I published Color Blind. Seriously, when did that happen?

It's been a while since I thought about it. Especially the cover. I know, a weird thing to focus on. But I drew that. And considering I can't draw to save my life, it isn't that terrible. I mean, compared to my high school art projects, that sketch is amazing. (Yeah. Those projects really were that bad.)

Somebody asked me why I'd drawn a palm tree as the cover for a book about such horrible topics. There is a reason for that, I swear! The summer I drew that cover, we had a really bad storm. Hurricane-force gusts of wind, the news said later. My neighbor's tree-a big, thick-trunked beast-lost a branch. One of our own heavy trees was uprooted. Power lines blew down! Yeah, it was intense. But at the end of that storm, guess what was still standing? This tall, skinny, fragile-looking palm tree. Of all the things to survive, it was the one thing I thought was going down. But there it was, none the worse for wear.

Anyways, I got to thinking that Cole and Nancy are kind of like that palm tree. No matter what life hurls in their direction, they're still standing. And that is why there is a palm tree on the cover of Color Blind.

'Tis May...

I have begun one of two things I dread. Editing. Technically, I've begun both things-the other is readying for the most epic of battles...THE MATH FINAL.

After next week I'll be able to sit down and really look at The Maze. This post is mostly just to report that everything is still on schedule for August.

-Lalla

Website!

I know I said I'd see you all in May. I lied.
...no, I'm not publishing early. Sorry. I did make a website, though, if anyone wants to take a look! Follow the link below. Until May-I'm telling the truth this time, I promise!
http://lallasqueglia.webs.com/
-Lalla

Happy Day!

After several days of procrastination, I have finished the final draft of The Maze! I hate finishing final drafts. It's just so...depressing. But I did it anyway!
It has to sit and stew until May, and then I have to open it up and look it over for errors, and then it'll be available in August. Isn't that lovely?
So...until May, I suppose. Bye, all.
<3, Lalla

Teaser

Just because I can, I give to you...a random scene from the upcoming 'The Maze'. If you can guess the context, you're a mind reader. Congratulations.

 

 

"Supper was dull and Marie had hoped that Maxwell would go back to bed afterwards. He didn’t and at nine-thirty, everyone was sitting in the library. Maxwell and Jennings were talking and Marie was leaning against Maxwell’s side, half-asleep.

They must have thought she was asleep after a while, because the topic turned from rabbit season to more interesting topics. Namely, their marriage.

“Things seem to be working out well, Max.”

“Mm-hm.”

“She’s very shy, though.”

Hey! Would he rather have her be annoyingly loud?

“Mm-hm.”

“Max, are you even listening to me?”

He yawned.

“Of course, Jennings.” Marie had to doubt that. “Marie’s shy, I heard you. I’ve never been one for parties anyway, you know that.”

So there.

“You seem to be very fond of her.”

“Of course I am, she’s my wife.”

“You didn’t even know what she looked like before you married her.”

“No.”

That went both ways, in case he’d forgotten. Why was Jennings so interested in this? It had nothing to do with him. She wasn’t about to throw him out, although she wasn’t going to be sorry when he left.

“I didn’t think you’d actually do it.”

“I don’t enjoy living alone.” Maxwell said quietly. “Besides, it worked out fine. Obviously.” She felt him lift his hand and imagined him gesturing towards her. “Stop worrying.”

“As long as you’re happy, Max.” Jennings sounded a little annoyed. “It’s just that since that last…”

“No. Not tonight.”

Drat. She would have liked to hear what ‘that last’ thing was. Whatever it was, Maxwell probably wasn’t going to share it with her.

They were silent for several minutes. The sounds in the walls were a little louder now and Marie wondered if whatever was in there had multiplied that afternoon.

“Sorry, Max.” Jennings said. He still sounded annoyed. “I just want to make sure you’re all right.”

“I’m fine.”

“Are you sure? These noises you insist you hear…”

“There is something there.” Maxwell sounded uneasy. “We’ve both heard it. Something’s there, and if I have to tear the wall down to prove it, I will.”

“It’s talk like that that worries people.” Jennings said. “Perhaps a trip…for your health…”

His health? This was just a cold!

“My health is fine. Now drop it.”

Either Jennings didn’t hear the warning tone, or he didn’t care. Marie was inclined to think it was the latter.

“Max, I really don’t think…”

“That’s enough.”

“Listen to me.” Jennings’ voice was harsh. “I know you feel fine, as far as things go, but we’re all worried about you. It isn’t helping that you’re hearing things that aren’t there. I’m your friend, Max, I want to help you.”

“I don’t need help. Now drop it.”

All right, maybe it was time to get up now..."

Whoo!

I'm about done with the final draft of The Maze-I'm thinking it'll be done-done by the end of March. After a two-month sit, I'll edit the living daylights out of it and then present it to you. And maybe, just for grins, give you guys another little sample.