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I'm now officially into book 2 of Percheron. Feels odd to be in Percheron because I've spent the last few weeks reading through the U.S. galleys of Bridge of Souls and then the UK version of same. Dangerous - means I got myself involved with Wyl and the gang again and I remember this experiencing a similar disorientation when I was writing Myrren and getting to know Morgravia but was proofing Destiny and found myself deeply committed to Tallinor and its struggles. Oh well, wish me luck, for I have absolutely no idea where this tale is headed F

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Good luck Fiona but I know it will be great!

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You are not a guy you can multi-task Fiona. Wish i could write as quickly as you. Go girl!

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Anyone can write as quickly as Fiona...the problem is that it tends to come out...' N*r ont Srffufivm, *F%4dP,' he said. Well, it does when I try. Adios imp

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Ah editing and proof reading - I empathise as I too am working on edits etc and my head gets messed when I switch from one paper to the other - but thank heavens I have two brain hemispheres to fall back on... ahh. kinesthesis ..... As for where Emissary will lead you - hmmm... me thinks that this is the role of your emissary/ emissaries - may they lead you along a path that is filled with wonder and adventure - may the heroes find the courage to complete their life challenges and prepare us all for book 3. I am sure that it will be a ride to remember - Go Fiona... ,) Only you can do it :bananas

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Dropped under the magic 100,000 words to go figure today. It's a special benchmark for me. Whenever that happens I feel like I've really broken through on a novel. So just 99.000 words to tap in and we're home and hosed for book 2 which is being delivered around October (for release in October 2006). x

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Way to go Fiona

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Today, Nov 1, is a good day. I watched the words to go drop below the 40,000 mark and felt terrific for hitting this week's goal. Now a gallop to the finish of Emissary!

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40,000 is a gallop? Is your name secretly Makybe Diva?

What's this about October next year? Do they seriously expect us to wait that long???

Good work, Fiona! I'm constantly suprised at the speed with which you creat. You're an inspiration!

Cheers, Lisa.

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39,000 to go....giddyup! Yes....) But this is not my fault! I can be ready every six months but sometimes we just have to bow to the experts. They (publisher) really do know best.....orry

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I'd have thought that we...the ones spending the money...were the experts.

But, what do I know...I'm no expert

Adios imp

 

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Its Nov 2 today and no doubt the word target is lower again.  The publishing world may or may not know best - but  the marketting strategy of 1 per year means that other authors including new ones can have a shot at having their work read until her next one is published.  Plus - Fiona has already confirmed her credentials and deserves the reduced pressure to produce -that way she gets to have a personal life too.     It may be painful to wait - but worth it. 

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The one fantasy book per year decision is not mine guys, I promise and I did fight it for a while. I was not under any pressure in producing two books per year - it simply meant I was busy at my writing and now that I'm writing full time I can structure myself to authoring goals far more effecitvely. For me two books annually is a natural rhythm. The decision is a marketing one and Pauline is also right in saying that by pushing me up into trade it does create a space for a new writer to come on board. Harpers likes to only bring out one fantasy novel per month so none of us from Voyager clash. It doesn't always work that way but that's the norm. So that's only 12 books a year - only 12 opportunities to release. Me in trade makes room for a new writer to have their shot at the big time. When you view it like this it makes it easier to understand, especially as there are so many aspiring writers at this Board. However, one book a year is not satisfying for me either and so it's very likely that I will try my hand at something else. I do love to read crime and although I'm not sure yet whether I'm wired for it, I might give that genre a red hot go. Will you come with me? Will you read Mrs Colin Firth? I am already playing with the idea for my fourth fantasy series - a very nasty villain in the making - so please don't think I'm leaving my roots. I will never give up fantasy but sometimes the market drives us into new directions plus by diversifying it keeps me fresh in fantasy. And who knows, the new pathway might be exciting, fun and rewarding. Thanks to all for your support. Couldn't have got here without you. Fx

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Well done for reaching your goals Fiona!

and the idea of you producing another genre is very exciting.....  I for one, will follow you into any territory!

Fortunately, study is over for the year... (getting too old for this!) so I can get myself lost in Percheron for a while......   

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A crime fiction writer named Mrs Colin Firth?  Please no - I am sure that you can create a more interesting name and can soon join the ranks of Agatha and that Canadian model now living in Aust???  If you move into another genre then that gives creativity a much freer reign and as you say the potential to cross over to fantasy anway .  If you can create a theme in the vein of Wired in the Blood perhaps?  Either way - whatever you turn your skills to will be a winning formula I'm sure - you have the passion and the will to complete.

How many words now?

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Mrs Colin Firth is a joke I promise. Fiona Firth could work and be my little joke! About 35,000 but might slow up for a week as lots of family stuff happening including son having toe operation!

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Hope that your son's 'toe' operation goes smoothly and that the recovery process is not too painful. 

Fiona Firth sounds a plausible name for a who dunnit character or author.  Heard this morning that the who dunnit is the top ranking genre - Colleen McCulloch has just released her first book in this best seller area.  Didn't know she was a graduate of Yale and had a background in neuroscience - should make interesting reading.... 

I just had another thought - actually it is a very strategic move to admit that Lazar has a touch of D'Arcy and C Firth - given that the book is released in the UK if the theory of degrees of seperation really works - he should soon find out that he is part of your writing inspiration and at the top of your fantasy list - and - when you do promotional work next in the UK - perhaps he will ask to meet with you.  Hmmm... be well and happy.