It’s been awhile since we chatted about writing accomplishments Well, I’d LOVE to hear what’s been going on with you. Have you completed a writing goal? Submitted? Received a rejection? Signed with an agent? Please, share!
Source
Okay, I’ll go first.
I’m struggling with some editing on book II for my YA Paranormal series, but I know I’ll get there. My beta reader says it’s working well, now. I just have to make the second half of the book match the first half. Ever found you worked hard on the first half and neglected the rest of it. 
Good news on the Fantasy Romance book, The Curse of Gremdon. It was nominated for the Grave Tell’s January 2012 Readers choice Award. I’d love your vote if you have a second, just go here. No registration or sign-ups required.
Also, I just got a positive review from Stitch-Read-Cook.
She wrote:
Ciara has woven such a amazing story filled with adventure, romance, mystery and deception. With great characters she had me glued to the story and eagerly flipping pages to see what happens.
For full review go here.
Okay, your turn. I want to hear all the latest and greatest news!
First off huge congrats on the review….No news to report here…
Savannah ~ Thanks so much. I know you will have some to share soon.
HI Ciara,
Congrats on the nomination and I’ll definitely vote.
I’ve finished the line edits to the next Emily Dahill book and am waiting for the galley proofs. I got the cover and it’s totally my favorite one so far even if it does resemble the first cover, which I planned. I’ve started the next book in the series, Terror on the Mountain. Of course this book will have all your favorite characters, including the biggest one of all-Dakota.
As a follow-up to Emily Dahill, CID Part 1 I’ve put together another collection of short stories and am in the process of doing my edits to them before submitting them to my publisher.
So that’s it from my, who’s next.
Lindsay ~ Wow, you are busy! That is so great that you will get galley proofs soon. Oh, and yes, I know all your fans will be delighted that Dakota is in Terror on the Mountain.
Actually Ciara I think my fans wouldn’t mind if I left Emily out and only had Dakota.
They may get their wish as I’ve been thinking of doing an all Dakota novella.
I’m going through the same thing with my current MS. The first half is great, the second rushed. So, I’m cutting the second half and writing an entirely new beginning. Should be so much better, once it’s done. Ugh.
I’ll gladly go vote for you! Congratulations.
Writing-wise I’m working on my third book and my upcoming blog tour.
Thanks, Alex. You are always so great. Yay! I’m excited to have you on my blog soon. Keep working hard, fans like me are anxiously awaiting the last two books of the series.
Miranda ~ It always takes so much courage to rip apart a manuscript. You are brave, and you’ll succeed. Let us know when you are done and it sparkles.
Ciara, believe it or not I am in the process of writing my first short story for a contest. I have wrote poetry since High School, and have always wanted to write more than that. So now I am seeing if I have what it takes to be a writer. I will let you know how this goes.
Happy reading & writing*
Teresa
That’s awesome Ciara! I will definitely vote for you.
For me… I had to go back and do some re-writing. *sigh* Yeah, a total change. I had to go back about 5 chapters and take out a big part. I wasn’t looking forward to it, but I’m so happy about the changes and the new direction of the book that I know it was worth it!
Teresa ~ That is fantastic. You can do it! I started off writing poetry in HS. Short Stories in college, and now novels.
Okay, I should confess, I only wrote bad poetry. LOL
Leigh ~ Thanks so much! Ouch, re-writing. The most important and heart-wrenching part of the process. I’m glad it turned out that much better.
I just voted and congrats on a well-deserved nomination! Woot!
*drool*
I’m working on a paranormal time-travel romance right now. Just picked out my Jimmy Thomas photo for the cover too.
That’s a great review, congrats Ciara!! I’m going to vote now! (OK, just did)
As for my writing accomplishments, I’m working steadily on my weekly goals. I guess one accomplishment is I got from just over 50k to 55k in one of last year’s NaNo novels. It’s nearing the end. It probably needs to be longer than it will be, which for me is SHOCKING. I’m usually way over the appropriate wordcount. But then, I did kind of plan this story out from the start, which is unusual for me!
I have been in a situation similar to yours, where I’ve really honed the first chapter but the rest of my book is a mess.
Laura ~ Thank you. Oh, drool worthy cover. Can’t wait to see it. Good luck on your time travel. Oh, I’m so enjoying Tempest Child. Okay, I know, you’re getting sick of me saying that.
Trisha ~ Thanks for voting. You? Write something short? I’m shocked. LOL. Yep, I think we’ve all suffered from second half neglect.
Uh…no. LOL! You can tell me that as many times as you like!
I actually have news, but I can’t share it yet.
Kate ~ Oh, that is SO mean. I’m sending one of the Knights after you. He’ll get the information out of you.
Okay, I’ll hold him off, but you better promise to come back and share when you can. *bites nails*
Voted! You are in the lead.
My current WIP is killing me. Okay…maybe that was an exaggeration. I just don’t love it right now.
Getting a few more rejections to add to the pile…but it’s okay. It’s for a novel I thought I shelved, then dusted off, added to, and tried again. Started a new project, so my excitement for that overrides the rejection-angst!
erica
Hi Ciara. First of all, can I just say this is a great post and congrats on the review.
For me, my greatest achievement in the last few months would be that I managed to get a few copies of my novel, Trapped on Draconica, in a local Waterstones store. Waterstones is one of the largest (if not THE largest) chains of book stores in UK and I had my doubts (being that I am a self published author). But after speaking to the manager, he agreed to stock a few copies of it in the manga section – as my book has manga artwork. This all without an agent or a publisher! I was so proud of myself.
Proves that anything is possible if you have a positive outlook. I now am making plans to attend a convention where my book will be on sale. Fingers crossed
That’s some very good news for you. Congrats!
I fell behind on my writing this month due to heavy editing that’s finally done and was just sent to my editor. February will be my “NaNo” month as I will try to finish a half-done novel and catch up on my words.
Brinda ~ I know what you mean!
erica and christy ~ It’s great to have new project Pixie Dust! Good luck with it.
Marta ~ I love that feeling after you hit send to your editor.
Voted!
Congratulations on the award.
Nothing new to report right now, but I’m glad to hear yours. I’m off to vote. Good luck!
The Golden Eagle ~ Thanks so much!
Kirsten ~ Thanks for voting. Come back and share when you have new news.
Congrats on Curse of Gremdon’s success! I’m making good progress on the revision of my MG, and itching to get back to my NaNo novel (soon, soon). That’s about it here.
Deserved! I haven’t finished your book yet (I just started reading it) and I love it.
Voted you up Ciara! You’re number 2.