The fire is right behind me of course!

I love seeing progress. There are many times when it seems nothing will ever be finished, but after this month, I’ll have completed five projects total. Three done for my alter ego Amie Archer, and two for Erin. I really can’t explain how good it feels, but I have promised several people I will never let the backlog gather like it has this year. One project at a time! I swear. Ok, maybe two. Or three. But no more than that. Really. I mean it. Honest.

You may have noticed by previous posts Unforeseen is available, YAY, and that was a huge deal. It was one of those books that hung around in my head for too long. And now that it is out in the universe, I am excited about it again. I miss Grace and Lucius already. I guess I will just have to include them in Unrepentant: Viator Legacy Book 3. But I miss Carlo more, so he gets top billing in this book.

And I would jump right on that, except I have some unfinished business with a certain Lady and Cowboy (Slim—Love him, Seriously. I mean, who else could flirt with disaster so unabashedly and still come out on top? With a grin and oozing charm? Only Slim. Le sigh.) Cibola’s Revenge is on its way to the finish line, just a few more tweaks and we’ll be ready for the victory lap. Christmas is looking to be very good for release. I am extremely excited about this new book in the Cibola Universe, and about the adventures the next year will provide as I visit various steampunk events to share the series. If you haven’t checked out Wild Wild West Con yet, take a look. It is a fabulous event at Old Tucson. Steampunk in the old west, really you can’t do better. (Well in my mind, since I dig that kind of thing!) I’ll be there with a table of signed copies of all my available books, and will also be presenting on the topic of Steampunk Archaeology. Yes, you heard right. Steampunk Archaeology. Come to the con to find out what I’m up to (evil grin).

Once Cibola’s Revenge is off my plate, I will definitely be ready to work on Unrepentant—except that I’m not. I am working on Deadbeat. I have had Deadbeat in my head since 2010, so really, it is way overdue and I have had several requests to see those words put down in print.

So there you have it. I am finishing up the last bits of what I have finished, and starting new projects. I’m excited about the New Year!

And I promise, I WILL be writing the Viator Legacy Book 3 in 2014. It may come out in the Summer/Fall rather than Spring. Hang in there folks, we’ll know what happens to Carlo and Lisa soon enough. First, we have a buck-toothed vampire to contend with.

Cheers!

Finally!

First and foremost – Thank You!
I know you have all waited and waited and waited. We were almost there, then the gremlins hit! Those little buggers conspired with some brownies I’m sure. For there was my beautiful manuscript, or at least the pathway to it, but I could not open it. Corruption most horrid! This heroine, however, persisted and perservered. I won’t bore you with the gory details, they don’t matter anymore. What truly matters is Unforeseen is here!

 

Available NOW at Smashwords and Amazon!

It’s Almost Here!

I promised, and promised, and promised… Finally, it’s happening! Book Two of the Viator series is on its way. Unforeseen follows the story of Grace and Lucius as they discover the depth of the conspiracy facing their peoples and confront threats that just might hit a little closer to home than anyone expected. The E-book will be available November 20^th at top online bookstores and watch for the Print book to be released by the first week in December. I’ll have links available on this blog and my website at http://erinlausten.com as soon as the books are available.

To tide you over until then, here’s a look at the cover and a sneak peak at the book:

 

“You say that a lot. I am not certain what you mean,” Grace said.

“I say what?” Hailey said.

“Dude.”

At that Hailey burst into a loud laugh. Several passengers across the aisle looked over. “Dude is by far the best word in the English language.”

“I know that it has had numerous permutations through history. But you use it in ways I have never read.”

“Well. It used to mean a city slicker. It was a derogatory term for men from back east that didn’t fit into the west. But it was picked up by the California surfers and then teenagers. When I grew up, dude was required to be said in every sentence. That and certain swear words that I have tried to use a little less. I just can’t seem to get rid of dude.”

Fascinated, Grace gave a tentative smile. “But what does it mean?”

“Well. It can mean just about anything. Mostly a feeling. For instance, let’s say you said something I wasn’t expecting. I would say ‘Dude’,” the word came out short and changed in pitch toward the end. “But if you said something I didn’t agree with I would say ‘Dude’.” This time the word was said low and long.

Grace giggled. Then tried it herself, “Duuude.”

Hailey threw back her head and let loose another of her hearty laughs. Lucius peeked over her head. “Tell me you are not teaching her to speak your language.”

Both girls fell into a fit of giggles. Grace hadn’t had this much fun in…well, ever.

 

Lightning Round!

Ah the light! It burns! It burns!

Alright, I’m out from beneath the proverbial rock and ready to give the latest update. I promise I have not been sitting on my hands all this time.

First bit of Happy news: Unforeseen is in the final countdown. I have the last minute edits in hand and a book cover in production.  With luck we’ll have a launch very soon now. Yes, I know, “HOW LONG CAN YOU POSSIBLY TAKE???” Sorry. Life has been, shall we say–Interesting.

And just as exciting, Cibola’s Revenge– the full length novel that continues from where Cibola’s Promise left us, is through the first draft stage AND the required two week “don’t you touch it, no, not at all, leave that book alone, stop thinking about it, let it stew, let it sit, Dear GOD why are you still thinking about it” stage. Now I am in 1^st revision which, with luck, means it heads off to my first readers in a week. With that same luck, we’ll have that one ready for the holidays. Happy day!

What did I do to distract myself from the book while it settled in my brain? I geeked out of course. Last  weekend was Keen Halloween here in Phoenix. A fabulous get together of Artists and an opportunity for me to spend my money on awesomeness you just can’t find on a daily basis. This fab production was put together by one of my favorite artists SteamCrow.  Honestly, I can’t effuse enough about the awesomeness.

My dear friend, (and partner in crime), fell in love with some steampunky pumpkins, and even got one to sit on her shoulder for the rest of the day. It certainly drew attention our way out of the mall, but hey, she likes conversation starters. So I took notes for future book characters.

My son had a blast learning to fold origami bats. Admit it you want to try. But one thing… bigger paper is better.

I met steampunk author, Michael Bradley, showing off his books and I just had to pick one up.  I can’t wait to read it. But I’m not allowed to read in genre during the revision phase. It makes me over-think my prose and it all goes downhill from there. Oh the pain, the torture. Well I will just have to move through my revision at all speed then!  

My husband has a brand new Batman picture to help him make it through the furlough. “Great Government debacle Batman!” “Don’t worry little buddy, we’ll make it through!”  I walked away with some fabulous prints, that make me happy every time I look at them, from Diana Levin.

And now I am set to finish up these two books and get started on the next. Mwhoohahahahaha!

(Note to self: Will ending with the evil laugh be too much? Eh, when have I ever worried about it being over the top?)