Writing Update & FAQ: Are you still going to write more with Luke, Richard, and Matthew?

It’s been a bit since I’ve posted an update on my writing progress, so I thought I’d share where I’m at with my stories.

If I didn’t mention it before I’m back to revising Walter & Kevin’s book, an erotic romantic suspense set in the same world as More. My goal is to have this book finished and submitted before the end of 2011. That may be pushing it since I usually spend more time revising than I do writing the first draft (and I have some research left to do), but I think it’s good to have a goal that pushes you to work hard. That said, I won’t submit it until I can feel really good about the story. I’ll keep you posted on the progress.

So far I’ve worked through some issues that were in the beginning of the first draft and came up with changes that I’m really happy with. I sliced and diced a few scenes, and it really made the story stronger so far. I also added one scene that knocked my socks off, even as I was writing it. I’m still amazed when that happens.

I’ve also drafted a new scene for my serial story More Than Just a Good Book. I’m hoping to add one or two more scenes and then publish part 3 in late October. I’ll share a link for part 3 when it’s available on my website or you can sign up for my newsletter to get the announcement.

Since my writing plans changed a bit during 2011, I thought I’d post the answer to a question I often get asked.

FAQ: Are you still going to write more with Luke, Richard, and Matthew?

Definitely. I still plan to complete 2 more books with Luke, Richard, and Matthew. I had originally planned to write one stand-alone release in between each MORE book. After Breathe, I took the time to outline all 3 of the remaining More books (which included Walter’s) and sent the story synopses to my publisher. They were interested in seeing Walter’s book next (at that time More was still a new release and we weren’t sure how well it would do with readers). Before I had a chance to finish Walter’s story, there was a submission call from my publisher for Christmas stories. I had already started notes for Take Me Home, so I worked up a proposal. That proposal was approved, and I took a break from Walter’s book to finish writing Take Me Home, which is now scheduled for a December 13, 2011 release. And I have to say, I’m so glad I did that because I love how Take Me Home turned out.

Now I’m back working on Walter & Kevin’s story, which has a working title but I’ll wait to share when I’m closer to finishing the book since it may change.

I’m not sure if I will be writing another stand-alone contemporary or Richard’s book next. I’m leaning toward Richard’s book, but in either case I will be finishing both Richard and Matthew’s stories. The boys have more to learn, about each other and themselves.

The above answer also explains the year gap between books. Since finishing Breathe, I have outlined 4 novels, written one manuscript, and completed a first draft for another, both novel-length. This means I should move more quickly through the next couple of projects in 2012.

Take Me Home Officially Coming 12/13

It’s official. I’ve signed a contract for TAKE ME HOME, my love story about two friends finding their way to what started 10 years before with one passionate night that ended too quickly. Tentative release date is December 13, 2011 from Loose Id. Sometimes Loose Id will adjust their schedule closer to the release date, but I’ll keep you posted if that happens.

Thanks to all who commented on the blog, sent an email, or have chatted with me on Facebook, Twitter, and elsewhere for your support while I was working on this manuscript.

Another Preview of TAKE ME HOME

As of last week, I finished writing TAKE ME HOME, and now I’m back working on Walter and Kevin’s story. If all goes well with my submission and I sign a contract for TAKE ME HOME, I won’t be sharing any more excerpts until the book has been through the final round of edits, so I thought I’d share one last teaser.

This is an UNEDITED sample from TAKE ME HOME (tentatively scheduled for December 2011)

Evan picked up the pages of his script. He was done trying to work, even if he couldn’t fall asleep right away. He wanted to know more about the dream, about what had gotten Kyle so turned on.

He headed down the hall and hesitated outside Kyle’s door. He heard the sound of slick skin over skin, an occasional grunt, the bed shifting. Evan couldn’t move. Either forward or back. He’d heard Kyle jerking off before. He’d always gone on about his business and given his friend a little privacy. Now…

Why couldn’t he walk in there? Why couldn’t he let them have this one night?

He leaned his forehead against the closed bedroom door, listening to the sound of Kyle’s heavy breathing, the sound of his hand moving faster and faster.

Evan clutched the doorknob in his fist.

He’d just have to live with the fantasy. That’s all he’d have.

Then what was he doing?

He twisted the handle, and the door creaked as he pushed in. Every sound from Kyle stopped. The room was dark. The low light from the hall didn’t help Evan see Kyle on the bed, not even an outline of his body. Maybe he’d ask Kyle to wait a minute before he started jerking off again, at least until Evan’s eyes adjusted and he could watch him come. Too bad he couldn’t get his voice to work.

Despite the darkness, Kyle had to know Evan was standing there.

The sound of a hand moving over slick flesh started again. Slow at first, then picking up speed until it sounded faster than it had before he’d opened the door. Kyle’s grunts of pleasure grew louder.

That had Evan undone. He ached and wanted nothing more than to touch himself, to come with Kyle.

From TAKE ME HOME by Sloan Parker

Here’s the first preview if you missed it

A Collection of Love Songs

(c) istockphoto, MCCAIG 2006

I blogged yesterday at the Loose Id author blog about some of my favorite love songs. Songs that also remind me of Kyle and Evan from TAKE ME HOME.

Check them out and share some of your favorite love songs.
From Friends to Lovers: A Collection of Love Songs

Links: Breathe at B&N, Motivation & Facebook

I’ve had my head down finishing up TAKE ME HOME and only have a minute to post today (and it’s almost time to hit the sheets for some serious sleep), so I thought I’d quickly share a few links.

  • For those of you who were asking, BREATHE is now available at Barnes & Noble.
  • I blogged last week on one of my group blogs about motivation: Giving Lackluster Motivation a Kick in the Pants. Your reader comments about my writing and stories really do help!
  • I now have a Facebook Author Fan page. You can “Like” the page to follow my writing news on Facebook. Or you can friend me via my regular profile. Or do both. I’m probably on FB more than any other social site (when I have time to be online at all, that is).

Okay, I’m off to bed.

Can’t wait for everyone to get a look at TMH. Is it December yet?