I FINALLY finished the first read through of Hearts of Evil. Yes, I have a title! I added a scene between the prologue and the current first chapter. If the beta readers think the scene adds to the story, it will become the first chapter. I found a few errors, but not as many as I thought. I sent the story to two of my beta readers today. I had already sent a non-edited copy to another one. I have one more to send it to. My two major beta readers are very thorough and always have a lot of suggestions for edits. I hope they will be gentle. LOL. I have a few concerns about this story, and I hope the betas can help me address those concerns. I have no cover art yet, but Anya is working on that.
There is a lot going on with my husband right now, and I’ve purposely withheld a lot of it for a couple of reasons. 1) It’s the holidays, and I just didn’t want to bring anyone down with all of this. I also tried to forget a lot of it, and I managed to enjoy Christmas with family and friends. 2) I don’t want anyone to think I’m whining or trying to get sympathy. When I’m ready to share, I’ll do it because I feel close to all of you and WANT to share. But after the holidays. We are going to enjoy these holidays all the way through the New Year.
Next year, I’m going to set deadlines for myself. I let myself get very lax with my writing this year, and because of that, it took me a whole year to get my latest book done. I’m used to publishing more than that, so this didn’t feel good to me. I’m going to be stricter with myself in 2014, but I’m going to make sure I allow for possible setbacks that might be beyond my control.
I hope everyone had a great Christmas (if you celebrate it) and let’s all have a fun New Year’s Eve.
lauralynnelliott.com 
Sometimes a year ‘off” helps put progress into perspective. It sounds like you have gained a some in this check-in, Lauralynn.
I’m sorry to hear that things are still on the rough side. Take your time. You’re right about taking time to enjoy the holidays though. Enjoy the joy around you.We’ll listen when you’re ready to talk… if you are.
Thanks for being so encouraging, Eden. *hugs*
Hope you had a lovely Christmas Day with your family. I’m looking forward to seeing what Anya comes up with for the artwork.
Thanks, Emma, I hope you had a great Christmas as well. Anya and I have a couple of ideas because there are several elements that would work on the cover. Of course, we can’t incorporate ALL of them on the cover, so she’s playing around with it. I’m anxious to see what she does.
It feels so good to find the right title! Congrats on the book. Best wishes for 2014!
Thanks, Julie! The title for this one was hard. There’s already a book out there called Heart of Evil (without the “s” on heart), but I didn’t find one with Hearts as plural. Besides, there are lots of books with the same title. I just don’t like it. LOL.
*hugs* regarding the husband. I’m glad you were able to enjoy Christmas anyway!
And yay on finishing a book and finding a title! Let’s all get a few more books out there next year. *g*
Thanks, Ruth. I really try to count my blessings instead of whine about the bad stuff. But sometimes it’s hard.
I am usually so bad at titles. I would really like to get two full length novels out next year.
Good luck! I’ve got the novel and the novella waiting in the wings, so I just might be able to pull it off (since they aren’t going to be published this year, unfortunately).
I’m hoping for better news about your hubby’s health in the New Year and applaud your commitment to enjoy each day. And I say “Yes!” to getting more books out there next year! Those ROW80 goals we set are so helpful — especially when we support them with specific action steps, something I always seem to overreach. Re titles, why not put a few possible ones out there for comment from ROW80 readers????
Thanks, Beth. I try to stay positive.
The ROW80 goals are helpful, but I need to start setting deadlines along with the goals. LOL
I finally have a title for this book, and I actually have one for the next one. There’s been twice when I thought of a title before I even started the book, but I usually have a LOT of trouble thinking of titles. I did try to get suggestions once or twice, but some of the titles people came up with were…odd. And then I didn’t know what to say to them when they commented. *giggles*
Lauralynn,
Sending healthy thoughts winging your way, and wishing you delight in each day.
My titles pretty much just pop into my mind. Sometimes they need changing, but not usually.
I’d never suggest a title to anyone else, though, because I honestly don’t know how my own happen. It seems to me to be a deeply personal business, but I know that, for me, the title has a huge effect on the story I write.
I’m glad you found yours, and that the editing process is coming along. That’s going to be a major focus for me in 2014 – the NaNo WIPs are stacking up, and it’s time to move to the next step in the process…
May you find something in each day to celebrate! =)
Thank you so much! 🙂
Titles are so important to me. They really make more of a difference in my interest in a book than even the cover. That’s why I agonize over my own titles.
I like your title! It’s very intriguing.
I understand about your husband. When you’re ready, we’re here to lend a caring ear. I’ll be praying for you.
Deadlines are more like targets to shoot for. Something always comes up. What I like about them is that they at least get me to do more than I would otherwise because I tend to loaf off if I don’t set a deadline down.
Thanks, Ruth. I hope the title will attract readers.
I’ll share some things soon.
I really think the deadlines will help. As long as I allow for those things that may get in the way.