I love this time of year! The holidays are behind us, and a new year always seems to promise a fresh start and a new way of looking at things (my birthday is also only a couple of weeks away, definitely a time for reassessing). I liked reading everyone’s resolutions yesterday. My own are pretty much the same–I’m finally (finally!) within about 3 pounds of my Ultimate Weight/Dress Size Goal and now I’m determined to stay healthy. More yoga classes, more bike riding, more getting off my backside and going outside, finding more energy to write more books. And eating more salad! While I’m dreaming, I’d also like to travel more and spend more time with friends. And maybe start a tango class.
But my short term goal this week is just to get started on the new book. I finally finished revisions on old projects and am at a slow promo month (no book out until March!), so it’s time to dive into a whole new project. I love it when they’re all new and bright and shiny, no sagging middles yet, no rushed endings, no characters running out of my control, just brand new notebooks and possibilities.
This book is a sequel to my Elizabethan-set The Winter Queen, and is set at the Court of Mary Queen of Scots in the early 1560s. I’m excited to be re-visiting these characters in my first Scottish setting, and I’m even more excited about all the fun research! Next to my desk right now I have Anka Muhlstein’s Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart: The Perils of Marriage, Antonia Fraser’s classic Mary Queen of Scots, Jane Dunn’s Elizabeth and Mary: Cousins, Rivals, Queens, John Guy’s Mary Queen of Scots, and (thanks to Michelle Willingham, who kindly brought it back to me from her Scottish trip last summer!) the Official Guide to Holyroodhouse. Guidebooks and postcards are invaluable for envisioning a setting. I’ve also been putting together my character collages and soundtracks and all the things that allow me to procrastinate on starting a book. 🙂
This is my setting:
And my hero and heroine!
And that’s what I’m doing this week! What are you up to? What are you writing or reading this week?
How lovely to read “I’d also like to travel more and spend more time with friends” on your resolution list. *off to scrub house in anticipation of a visit*
WOW on getting your weight all the way down. You always were small, but now you must be petite. Elfin, in fact.
Like you, I love new beginnings. It gives you space to dream, to hope, to start anew.
Thanks for the lovely photos … I’m already in the mood for your book!
Too much to do in the New Year … but I look forward to RT in LA and RWA in NYC!
Okay. Forget that resolution stuff and your impressive and admirable weight loss and an exciting new book.
WHO’S THE GUY??????
“WHO’S THE GUY??????”
LOL–yeah, I should have labeled the pics. It’s Henry Cavill from “The Tudors” (best part about that series IMO) and Rachel Weisz in “The Fountain”
Keira, you should be careful–you’ll find me on your doorstep one of these days. 🙂
I’m not writing this week, but my 5th grade students will be. We have pen pal letters and teacher appreciation notes to write. 🙂
I haven’t been reading much the last 2 days. I usually read every day, but have had other things that neeeded my attention.
Thanks for your photos. The hero is sigh-worthy. SIGH.
I’ve been lucky enough to go to Holyrood several times, and to see the actual place where David Rizzio was murdered. I’m intrigued by this book Amanda, and look forward to reading it. And I agree with you about Henry Cavill, although THE TUDORS still makes my flesh crawl.
I agree, Deb.
We just bought a Roku device so we can stream Netflix movies to our TV and The Tudors is on the “Play Now” list. I can’t wait to see it now!
I love the way you put together inspiration for your books. I am planning to do a collage for my next big project, something I haven’t done before. But if it works for Jennifer Crusie and Jo Beverley it’s worth a try.
This week’s goal is to revise and polish what I finished in the fall. I haven’t had time to write since Thanksgiving so I am looking forward to it! 🙂
“although THE TUDORS still makes my flesh crawl.”
LOL Elizabeth! I actually didn’t watch it past season 2, maybe it got better. I stuck with it that far for the eye candy, though I watched it with some friends and drove them crazy because I kept saying “That is so totally inaccurate!” and complaining 🙂
Kim, I wish I could be at RT, but will definitely see you at RWA this summer!
Wow I am impressed. You are already starting off on the right foot. I love all of the inspiration you have for your next book. Can’t wait to read it!!
Actually this week I have been rereading all of my James Herriot books. I started when I was convalescing and I’ve decided to finish up the series before I start my rewrites of manuscript number three.
You had me at Henry Cavill being the hero!!Now keep your resolutions because I can’t wait to read that book.
Thanks for the musical interlude. Looks like you have everything lined up ready to go.
I am still spinning my wheels. Need to settle down for the typical resolutions of weight loss, exercise, and organization.
I’m in Edinburgh, so if you want anything else feel free to email me (pageturner345 at gmail.com)