Now that Paris has been out a couple of weeks, I thought I’d share a couple of random facts about it.
First, the guidebook that Angelo uses actually exists. When I was trying to come up with a title for the book, I stumbled across Paris A to Z on Amazon. It’s out of print, but I was able to purchase a used copy. I had no idea why I needed it, but once I had it in my hand, I knew Angelo would dig it.
Second, I have had one person ask about the poems Angelo shows to Matt and Zach. The poems are both by Wendell Berry. The one about Matt’s amazed moments is called A Wild Rose, and you can see it here. The one Angelo shows to Zach is called The Country of Marriage, but as he tells Zach in the book, it’s not the whole poem. It’s only stanza V. I applied for permission to print the entire stanza in the book, but never heard back from the publisher, so had to cut it. You can see this poem here.
My space pirate story, tentatively titled Blind Space, is not quite done. I finished the first draft and sent it off to my beta readers. I’ve heard back from some of them. At this point, I think I need to add one scene to finish it, but I haven’t really felt up to it. Which sort of brings me to my last point…
I don’t normally discuss personal stuff here on my blog, but I’ve decided to break my rule this time.
For the past three or four months, I haven’t felt well. It’s not that I felt horrible. It was more like chronic, low-key blahs. Mostly, I’ve been absolutely exhausted. All the time. Back in January, I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with walking pneumonia. But even after being treated for that, I didn’t feel right. Some weeks would be better than others, and it never failed that about the time I’d decide to go see a doctor, I’d start feeling better.
Well, a couple of weeks ago, my husband and Heidi both convinced me to stop stalling. I finally went to the doctor. I found out that on top of not feeling well, I’d apparently lost weight and was running a fever. The doctor sent me for a battery of blood tests. Today, I heard back on those results. It’s nothing horrific or life-threatening, so no worries. The first results indicate severe anemia. Apparently, there are many different types of anemia, and the next step is (you guessed it) more tests in order to figure out how to treat it.
So all in all, it’s clearly not the end of the world. On the other hand, I also realize that this constant need to push myself, to write more, to do more, is more than I can handle at the moment. I don’t just feel exhausted. I really am exhausted. In theory, I’ll be starting some kind of meds or treatment or something in the near future, and hopefully I’ll feel better then. But for now, I realize I have the right to say, “No more.”
So that’s kind of what I’m doing. No more. For the moment, at least. I’m not pushing myself to finish this story until I’m ready. I do have a release in about six weeks, and in the meantime, I’ll have edits and such to do. I’m scheduled to do a couple of chats the weekend of April 30th, and I’ll still do those. I’ll still be around Facebook and Cupoporn and Twitter, but other than that, I’m sort of calling a time out.
TIME OUT!
I hope it won’t last long. I hope in a few weeks I’m ready to jump back into writing full-speed, but for now, I’m taking a bit of a breather. Once I actually finish the space pirates, I’ll let you know.
Until then, I’d like to say I’m thrilled at how many of you have contacted me to tell me that you loved Paris. I loved writing it, so it’s really gratifying to know that the fun keeps growing. My next release is Between Sinners and Saints. It’s tentatively scheduled for release on May 29th. I’m extremely excited about this book. I hope you all enjoy getting to know Jaime and Levi.
And just for the hell of it, I’ll leave you now with this.
get better!!!!
Hi Marie
Discovered your books on saturday and have just finished Paris A-Z. what great writing, love all the boys, although I think Cole and Jon might just top the list for me. I am really sorry to hear you are unwell and hope you get better soon. I know it’s selfish but hopefully when your better could we have some more from the boys? thak you for writing these, and take care,
best wishes, Janet
Thanks so much, Janet! I’m feeling quite a bit better now. Amazing what a little iron can do! I’m really glad to hear you enjoyed my boys from Coda.
By all means, take it easy and feel better soon! Having been through something similar, I say there’s nothing to be gained by pushing now and you’ll be back like gangbusters when the docs get it solved!
All the best
Thanks! They actually started me on a massive dose of iron two days ago, and I can’t believe how much better I feel already! Hopefully I’ll be ready to get back to writing soon.
Wonderful! Delighted to hear it. Though you *may* want to keep the news quiet lest the waiting-on-you-hand-and-foot diminish. Everyone needs to play Camille now and then and it’s much more fun when you actually feel better.
Hi Marie,
I only discovered your books this week–in fact, they were the first M/M romance books I’ve ever read and they are kinda rockin’ my world. I’m already through the first 3 and bought the other 3 to read while on holiday the next few days. Obsessed much? haha. I can’t get enough, especially of Jared and Matt.
Thanks for the terrific, sexy, touching stories. I love books and read all the time, but these are the first I’ve ever read that are like a mirror of my own life and my own amazing story of love.
You’re the best! Hope you feel better soon.
Jason x
Thanks Jason! I’m so glad to hear you’re enjoying them and I hope you liked that last half of the series just as much!
Sorry to hear you’ve been unwell! Don’t feel bad about taking a break, look at all the wonderful books you’ve produced over the past year! I was actually amazed at the beginning of this post to hear that space pirates had progressed so far. I loved how you worked Paris A to Z (the guidebook) into the story. It just fit so well and really made the title really work.
Thanks so much, Cheryl!
Hi Marie, I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve been feeling so bad. I’ve been struggling with being anemic since I had my son 15 years ago. Unfortunately, I can’t stomach iron supplements. I try to eat a lot of leafy greens, but it’s not enough. You just have to listen to your body, and a time out with lots of rest is probably just what you need. Take care!
And I think I’ll adopt Jane’s thought above-secret vampire lover. Awesome!
Thanks Lisa!
It sucks being ill and exhausted… hope you are better soon. As much as I LOVE your books, it’s good that you’re giving yourself some healing time. I’ll just re-read the series over
Thanks Mariana!
Love you. Keep us informed and take it easy. ~smooches~
Thanks Jason!
I hope you find the answer and start feeling better soon! Take care of yourself!
Thanks Kelly!
Time Out can be the best solution to a LOT of problems!
I hope you can enjoy the time, and actually DO take a breather instead of filling in the time with Stuff That Must Be Done.
I hope I can resist that urge, too. School was closed here for the last couple of days, which doesn’t help, but starting tomorrow, the days will be easier again.
Hi Marie,
I loved paris made me giggle alot…. I love all the boys.
I suffer from intermitent anemia, it comes and goes and is exhausting, you have my sympathies… rest relax and look after yourself.. hopefully along with a few magic pills you will feel better soon.
Sarah
x
Thanks Sarah! I’m definitely hoping for some magic pills.
Ah, it must be the Writer’s Disease. Sorry you’re feeling poorly and I hope you can get it treated and taken care of. I’m only “borderline” anemic and I can’t tolerate iron pills, so I’m stuck in a somewhat sludgy state of permanent mild exhaustion. I forget I have it until someone mentions they have it too, and then I remember, “Oh, yeah! That’s why I feel so tired!” I prefer to think I have a secret vampire lover.
BTW, here’s your flipped image.
http://www.bettyblue.org/images/Photo-on-2011-04-18-at-13.16-300×225.jpg (Unless wordpress strips it out.)
Sweet! I swapped it out. Thanks for sending me a fixed one!
A secret vampire lover would be more exciting, wouldn’t it? I’m just glad to know there’s a real REASON. It’s not just me being overly-dramatic or something.
Hope you get it all figured out Marie and you feel better soon. Take good care of yourself!
Thanks jayhjay! I’m sure all will be good once the doc figures out which type we’re dealing with.