So much for best intentions: sometimes, that’s not enough.
I had hoped to finish writing the fourth book of The Gift Legacy before I left for vacation in Ontario…and I was this close!
But I didn’t make it.
During my race to meet the deadline, I put in eight- to ten-hour days for days on end and neglected the usual victims (weeds, husband, chores) and some new ones (this blog). In the end, I just couldn’t do it and the plane was leaving with or without me.
You wouldn’t think it would be so difficult to complete, after all, the last chapter is outlined and half-written. But it’s critical that I tuck in the loose ends and pay attention to detail. I want the readers on the edge of their seats during those all-important closing scenes and I don’t seem to be able to do that type of writing in a hurry.
So it’s going to take a few more weeks. I’ll start by clearing the deck of neglected chores, including a post about my trip, and then I’ll pour myself into the ending the book deserves. I’m excited to get started.
And speaking of excited, I think I have a title. What do you think of The Gift: Penance?
Here’s a peek at the book’s blurb:
In Book IV, the gift has been exposed and Emelynn must pay the penalty for her role in baring the secret. But before her and her new handler, Detective Sam Jordan, can establish a safety net, Emelynn stumbles into the middle of a drug smuggling investigation that has already resulted in two murders. Unable to extricate herself, she and the detective join the investigation and embark on a dangerous mission to find the criminals who hide in polite society.
I like the title. Best of luck with finishing it. I would love to have you on my blog. Contact me your book is published by email jjspina@myfairpoint.net
Thank you for stopping by my blog. Appreciate your support. Will follow back.
Thank you! I’ll definitely be in touch when the book is published. Really enjoy your blog.
Thank you! Look forward to both.
I think it is a great title. Stick with it.
Thank you!
Wonderfully thoughful comments. J.P you know♡Diva Paws♡¤Is an avid reader in her own right, and loves to feature CANADIAN awesome talent like yourself. As a call-Out, she would be honoured to feature yor announcement, visa vie ♡New novel♡when the time is right. Happy musings. Vanessa
Thanks, Vanessa. My people will call Diva’s people when the timing is purrfect. Appreciate that 🙂
I agree with the comments about the blurb and the title. And whenever the novel is ready (I’m sure it will be at the right time) don’t forget I’d love to feature it as a new book in my blog. All the best!
Thank you, Olga. I’ll most certainly keep your blog in mind when it’s ready to release!
Like the title and love the blurb. I think you’re incredible that you’ve written three novels already in your series, so confused as to why you’re beating yourself up for not finishing before you go on vacation. 🙂 As you say, it takes some time to make sure your book is ready. You know I’ve read Book One. After this blurb, I feel like skipping right to four. Ha. Happy Writing.
Thanks, Diana. I must have needed that break because the guilt isn’t killing me, and I’m glad I didn’t rush the ending. I find blurbs particularly difficult to write, so I’m pleased you liked it. As always, thanks for the encouragement.
I think you are very wise, JP. Glad you liked my suggestion….of “Absolution”….there might be another in the works of ‘another’ potential title. “The Gift: Acceptance of Peace”. and/or “The Gift: The New Generation:”
Wow JP. That is an awesome blog; it speaks to me on so many levels… I hear you; I’ve been in that same row boat, trying to finish the last of my chapters. We often have to sit back and look for direction or other pathways. After all, it all it’s about quality in the end (sprinkled with good old intuition). Metaphorically, we take just much care in ‘tending, pruning, preparation’ for the ‘new season’ of chapters as Mother Nature does; if only we need to listen to her wise advises. I love the new book title. The Gift: Penance, or is there another in the ‘works’ called “Absolution”.
Thanks, Vanessa. I’m sure the ending will be better for the delay and so glad you like the title. It’s not set in stone yet, but I’m liking it a lot. I’m going to tuck “Absolution” away as an idea for the last book’s title!
Writing is like Love, and we all know what the Supremes had to say about that! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4Xb-4v2kuo
Finishing the novel will come in its own good time, JP, and when it’s ready to be written. I speak from experience here as I try to finish rewriting and editing my own. I gave up on setting deadlines long ago!
Great title, though, and best of luck with completion and publication!
Hadn’t heard that one in a while! Thanks. I think I needed that break from writing. My verve is back and I’m raring to go. Happy you like the title – it was a long time coming.
Great title, JP. As for not finishing – look on the bright side, you have more time to receive fresh inspiration.
Looks like an idyllic spot.
Bianca.
Thanks, Bianca. I’m so glad you like the title – it’s taken me ages to come up with it. I’m going to dig into writing the ending tomorrow and am quite excited about it.