I think I figured it out. Finally. I was worried that I just completely lost interest in writing. That I might not be a writer, after all. I think I know what it is now. Apparently, when I have two definitive release dates for upcoming novels, I feel like I can relax. Take a break. Chill out. Quiet the pen. Check out.
WRONG. I have to get back into the swing of things. Because I have these two novels coming out, I should be writing MORE…not less. I don’t know why I took this as an excuse to stop writing. Oh, wait. Yes I do. Because I’m the laziest writer on the face of the earth. I saw an out and I took it.
I’m over the moon that two of my favourite manuscripts that I have ever written are being published (Burn Baby AND Half Dead & Fully Broken), but this feat should not slow me down. I need momentum now more than ever. I was actually feeling like I might not be a writer after all…how does one get to that place?!
Burn Baby hits bookstore shelves on December 11th. A cover reveal, among other things, will take place along the way to this release date. I’m extremely excited about this book and can’t wait to share it.
My author page at Curiosity Quills, the publisher of both upcoming young adult novels: CURIOSITY QUILLS
If you will excuse me, I have some writing to do. I’ve been sleeping for several months now. Resting on my laurels, you might say. Oh Christ! Might say? That actually nails it. I can’t believe I fell into that trap. The funny thing is, I even participated in the 2014 Muskoka Novel Marathon in this fog of I-no-longer-have-to-write-because-I-have-two-books-coming-out. What a sad attempt at writing THAT was. I should have a professional ass-kicker on hire for those times I get so lazy I don’t even look at my laptop for days.Time to catch a fire. It’s back to the writing grindstone for me.
I thought I would share the premise of BURN BABY while I’m here:
Seventeen-year-old Francis Fripp’s confidence is practically non-existent since his abusive father drenched him in accelerant and threw a match at him eight years ago. Now badly scarred, Francis relies on his best friend Trig to protect him from the constant bullying doled out at the hands of his nemesis, Brandon Hayley—the unrelenting boy who gave him the dreaded nickname of Burn Baby.
The new girl at school, Rachel Higgins, is the first to see past Francis’s pariah-inducing scars. If Brandon’s bullying doesn’t destroy him, Francis might experience life as a normal teenager for the first time in his life. He just has to avoid Brandon and convince himself he’s worthy of Rachel’s attentions. Sounds easy enough, but Francis himself has a hard time seeing past his scars. And Brandon is getting violently frustrated, as his attempts to bully Francis are constantly thwarted. Francis is in turmoil as he simultaneously rushes toward his first kiss and a possible violent end.
KEVIN CRAIG 
Kevin, I don’t think you’re lazy. Sounds like you have the same affliction I have. Once i submit something, my brain shuts down. It’s an “end of the project you can relax now” mentality. It’s when these brain vacations start to stretch into long periods of time, that you need to find that ass-kicker.
You kick mine, and I’ll kick yours. 😉
I love this post! ♥
Hey, don’t beat yourself up too much. Don’t think I met you when I visited the Novel Marathon. It was about 1:00-ish (am.) on the Saturday night. Did you step out of the writers room to do Nuit Blanche ? It was excellent. My faves were: the marionettes, the drumming circle, the cool string art with the black lights.
I’m a member of the now defunct Muskoka Ink group. Have written a few articles (but not lately) in Muskoka Mag. I attended the Writers Conference at Deer Run for the first time. Some of the speakers & seminars were amazing! I looked up to realize that Wayson Chan was sitting beside me. Woo hoo.
I’ve just read Stephen Kings book, On Writing & thinks it’s excellent. I’m reading a friends first few chapters of a novel. I’m also just not doing much writing these days.
Like your comment about needing an Ass Kicker. Hmmm, I need one of these, too. I seem to be so easily distracted these days. Hmm, should really get a good start on my article about Long Point EcoVenture visit… oh look, something shiny…. hmphh… Good luck to you..
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting! Dale…sounds like a plan! Elayne…the shiny things always get me, too. Distraction is such a real burden for creative types. (-: I loved Nuit Blanche…some of the installations AND just the fact that Huntsville, a city with its hair already down, was letting its hair down for the night. It’s always so much fun to walk around during Nuit. (-: And Wayson Choy! Such an amazing human being. I’m sure you basked in his glow! Lucky you. (-: NOW GET TO WORK! Both of you!