It seems that it must be about time for another random update, so here goes…

As most of you probably know, I’ve been working on the third book for Zach and Angelo, currently being referred to simply as ‘the Paris story’.  I don’t think I’ve had this much trouble with a book since…. well, since A to Z.  :-)  Luckily, about a week ago, Heidi and Randy Jansen came along and kicked Zach and I into gear, and it’s been all downhill from there.  I think this will be Zach and Angelo’s final book (did I say that after The Letter Z, too?).  At the moment, it’s just over 30,000 words (about the same length as TLZ).  I’m happy to announce that it’s close to being finished, except…  I still haven’t figured out a darn title!

Here’s the thing: my current title idea is going to require a tiny bit of research and maybe some discussion with my publisher over copyright issues.  And if that all works out, it will then require a few tiny revisions.  If it doesn’t work out, then I’m back to square one on this.  I did post an unofficial contest last week for title suggestions, and I want to thank those of you who responded.  There were only three of you, and I have not ruled out any of your titles just yet.  So, to Kara, Vladim, and Luigia, what I’ve decided to do is send all three of you a free copy of this ebook, assuming it does end up being published some day.

And I’m an airhead, so don’t be shy about reminding me if and when the time comes!  I mean it.

One More Soldier will be released in eight days.  This is my first story that is unrelated to my boys in Coda.  I’m not even sure I’d classify it as a romance, although it’s definitely about the power of love.  I hope you’ll check it out.  It’s only $2.99, and you can purchase it here.

Still no release date on Strawberries for Dessert, but I’ll let you know as soon as I have one.

We’re still trying to sell our house, and although we’ve had a billion showings, we have yet to receive an offer.  We just lowered our price a bit.  Although keeping our house in “showable” condition has been easier than expected, the showings have been a PITA.  For each one, I have to leave the house with my child and my dog, and be gone for one to two hours.  Having the dog makes it very difficult to find things to do.  It’s been way too hot here to leave him in the car.  When Kendall’s at day camp, Jango and I end up sitting at Sonic (I might gain twenty pounds by the time this is all over).  I read, and he watches squirrels.  But the days when I have both dog and child are harder, because the child gets bored of sitting in the car.  Yes, I know what you’re going to say.  I could take them both to a park.  For those of you who are able to spend two hours sitting at a park with your dog, happily watching your child play, I salute you.  I applaud you.  I admire you.

I sort of hate you.

Seriously, I’m just not that mom.  I’m not.  Twenty minutes at the park I can take.  But two hours of sitting there, listening to endless repetitions of “look at me, mommy!” while roasting in the heat, keeping my dog on a short leash because he doesn’t play well with others, and constantly fending off other dogs whose owners don’t leash them – that’s not fun for me.  That’s torture.

Anyway, I’m getting way off topic.  The point of that little tangent was to tell you that yesterday, as Jango and I were sitting in the car, I read Sweet Son by Heidi Cullinan.  This is one of Dreamspinner’s Fairy Tales series, and people, it’s hot.  And more than a little bit twisted.  It will be released on July 14th.  I suggest you check it out, especially if you like a little good old-fashioned kink in your sweet fairy tales.

I’m now once again facing that between-project dilemma of what to do next.  I think I’m going to make myself work on Cockaigne, at least a tiny bit.   I’m becoming resolved to that book being more of a long-term project.  And then, I have a little seed germinating in my brain about a massage therapist.  But, we’ll see.

Be sure to check back for a release date for Strawberries for Dessert, and I hope you’re having a truly fabulous summer!