Doreen DeSalvo

Accountability, take two

2004-11-23T08:13:55Z

I managed to finish my 110,000-word historical novel, "In the Face of Scandal", according to my original schedule -- and all without posting daily updates here. Perhaps that's why I managed to finish?

Now I'm editing, a process I detest. I need to do some work on that feeling. I have a friend who claims to love editing ("It's making the book better! My last chance to improve it before it goes out!" -- god, I hate her sometimes). Can't see myself getting that pollyana about it, but I could at least move a bit up the emotional food chain from "detesting."

"For the Heart of Daria"

2004-09-01T08:06:29Z

I have a new book out, and I have to share.

San Francisco, 2038.

A human who's lived under alien domination for her entire life, Daria vows to rid Earth of the evil invaders no matter what the cost--even if it means seducing a powerful alien sympathizer. But Gray isn't the monster she wants him to be. He saves her life...and gives her more pleasure than she ever imagined.

She hates his people. He hates her prejudice. But with a desperate mission of his own on the line, Gray will do whatever it takes to win the heart of Daria.

</a></b></a> says: "Passionate, sensual, heartfelt—For the Heart of Daria is everything DeSalvo's fans have come to expect and so much more. Gray is a magnificent hero, and Daria a touching heroine. Their conflict wrenches the heart and their desire scorches the pages. Put simply: this story sings."
—Sage Grayson, author of Computer Crimes: Hentai Dreams

If you're interested in a sexy futuristic novel about prejudice, betrayal, and the power of passion, check it out. You can even read a smutty excerpt over at Loose Id.

Find out more... </p>

Oh, you can also win free smut if you join my Yahoo Group. It's a newsletter group, so you'll only get one e-mail a month.

The Real Me

2004-09-01T07:24:24Z

I'm beginning to feel like the only person who's on Live Journal using my real name (OK, my "real author name" at least).

It's ironic, because I tend not to disclose a lot about myself with people I meet face-to-face. Which isn't to say I find the internet safe, because I don't.

I guess it all goes back to my long-time hatred for Halloween. When everyone else wanted to dress up like pirates and princesses, I was writing stories about them. Not sure why I never got into "Come as you Aren't Night." I just hate uniforms, and it's a short step from a uniform to a costume.

Accountability time, day 5: In the Face of Scandal

2004-09-01T06:45:40Z

Began 8/30 at: 35,400
Goal for 8/30: 36,000
Achieved 8/30: 36,100

For various and sundry boring reasons, I have to take 8/31 off. I'll be writing, just not working towards a production goal.

Goal for 9/1: 37,200

I plan to spend a few hours on 9/1 writing at the library with my friend Rachelle. The Main San Francisco library has a great cafe.

Accountability time, day 4: In the Face of Scandal

2004-08-29T01:03:56Z

Total as of 8/26: 33,300
8/27 Goal: 34,000
8/27 Achieved: 33,800

Not as far off as I feared. Lots of distractions from the spouse howling at the moon, wandering, lurking. At least he never reads over my shoulder. I hate that.

Ah well, it's another day.

Goal 8/28: 35,500

Accountability time, day 3: In the Face of Scandal

2004-08-27T22:47:30Z

Yesterday's goal: 32,500
Achieved: 33,300 (Yay!)

Today's goal: 34,000

Hotter than hell today (OK, so it's like 83. That's really hot for San Francisco).

After I wrap up my Loose Id work for the day, I'll head out to lunch and probably review what I wrote last night. My typical M.O. is to review/edit in the afternoon, then write new pages at night. It's working so far.

Accountability time, day 2: In the Face of Scandal

2004-08-26T22:05:37Z

I need to build some leeway into the schedule for migraines. Damn them.

Yesterday's goal: 32,500
Achieved: 31,300

Today's goal: still 32,500. I'm learning to be gentle with myself.

Also learning to write a bit earlier in the day and not pile it all up for the night.

Accountability time: In the Face of Scandal

2004-08-26T03:45:56Z

I'm writing a full-length (100k) Late Regency novel (IN THE FACE OF SCANDAL), and I'm having some trouble meeting my daily goal of 1500 words. Decided to take a leaf from Sage's tree and post my daily progress here.

IN THE FACE OF SCANDAL
30,727

Goal for today:
32,500

Look for an update in the morning!