When I left it, it was at 65,000 words. For adult romantic suspense novels, the average wordcounts are usually between 80-100k. So I figure I've got another 20-30k left. Which, when I look through what still needs to be written, that seems about right.
For those of you who've read my work, you know it's steamy. I just don't know how else to write. I've never heard a complaint from a reader saying my work is too steamy. In fact, when I signed with my agent, he was raving about how sexy the YA that I signed with him was. And he didn't want me to tone it down. At all.
So a little about BURN ME - it's an adult romantic suspense about firefighters. There's lots of steam (LOTS) and lots of really great action sequences. Right now I'm doing research trying to make the action sequences more authentic. (And trying to put more plot in between the steamy scenes.) I've had a blast doing the research so far, which included visiting a Fire Training Academy, etc. I've got some really nice firefighters helping me out with the logistical questions. Who knew you couldn't actually see in a fire, because the smoke makes it pitch black?
Anyway - I've got two other WIP's waiting in the wings for when I finish writing BURN ME. And yes, those are YA. Apparently I have some strange fascination with firefighters that I have to get out of my system in order to move forward. Wonder what that's all about. ;)
For the most part, I think I'm going to stick with YA. That's where my heart lies. But sometimes it's fun to genre hop. But, I always will write stories with a romantic theme. Who can resist a boy meets girl story - regardless of the age group/etc. I know I can't.
Oh and remember that picture that inspired the whole story? If you don't here it is again: *Mischevious grin*
So next time you see a firefighter - tell him thanks for putting his life on the line for people he doesn't know. Maybe that's what attracts us girls to them. They are the modern equivalent to a knight in shining armor. Rescuing the damsel in distress from the fire-breathing dragon. It isn't the guy - but the concept of what he stands for that makes him so attractive.
On to the fun part:
For those of you who have stuck with me through the rambling about hunky firefighters - I've got a contest! Leave a comment and I will pick one random commenter for a ten-page manuscript critique.
Good luck!
Yes! I love BOTH pics! It takes a certain "special something" to run INTO a place that everyone else is running OUT of. I remember those days (did volunteer firefighting--was the only woman....they called me "girl" & they all knew it was me! LOL) so I completely understand. Never did any of the guys look like those three hunks you have....but they DO exist! ;) Can't wait to see when BURN ME comes out!!
ReplyDeleteHey! I'm married to a firefighter! You're right, they deserve our respect and gratitude. They have a tough job. Let me know if you have any questions and I'd be happy to ask my hubby for you... I hear all kinds of stories, and always happy to help out a fellow writer.
ReplyDeleteI sure wish all the firefighters he worked with looked like the one in your pic up there. lol
Also, would love to win a crit. :)
I love this idea. I don't think there are a lot of firefighter romances out there, and it seems like a natural. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteWoooo! Well, helloooooo middle guy in the fantasy firefighter photo. Nice. Thank you. I needed that today :) Very cool/hot idea to do a YA with firefighters!
ReplyDeleteI'm married to a volunteer firefighter and we are very involved with our local fire department. I love those guys and I am constantly amazed at what they will do for each other and the community. The things that they see in homes and car accidents. The images they live with. The constant wonder I have if my husband will come home to me safely. The countless hours of training, drilling and meetings. But there is also a lot of fun times, picnics and gatherings, parades and fundraisers. It becomes a big part of your life.
ReplyDeleteIf I see a book about firefighters I always want to read it.
HMG
@Jess - It actually is an adult romantic suspense. One of my future WIP's is a YA firefighter one though!
ReplyDeleteI love that analogy - fire fighters as knights facing dragons. I loved your pictures too ;)
ReplyDeleteAw man, I told those guys we should have put our shirts on.
ReplyDeleteBut yeah, lots of respect for firefighters.
Comment and maybe an idea for a future blog post... which do you find trickier: adding thousands of words or cutting thousands of words? I seem to be an under-writer, and when I try to add more it feels like I'm going to bog the story down.
ReplyDeleteI agree on the genre hopping. It's always fun to try something new. Plus, when I take a break from writing in my preferred genre (YA Fantasy) I'm excited to go back and start writing it again.
ReplyDeleteBURN ME sounds interesting. Good luck finishing!
@Jess - I actually like the one on the right more...;)
ReplyDelete@Joshua - LOL!
@L - I seem to waver between projects. Some need additions, some need cutting. Cutting is harder for me than adding new scenes - because everything is 'vital' when I write it - sometimes it's hard to see what should be cut. But I have amazing crit partners who will tell me what might be able to be cut.
Oooh, I love the concept and I can see why you were so inspired by that pic:)
ReplyDeleteWe know a volunteer fire-fighter. He's usually in a builder's uniform, but I'll bet he looks like those guys under it. (Not that I've spent much time thinking about that, I hasten to add.)
ReplyDeleteVery rarely, fire-fighters are women. Sadly, the one woman fire-fighter I knew developed a slipped disc after one of the exercises they had to do, carrying lengths of steel cable up many flights of stairs.
Okay, now I know why you keep going back to the blog post to stare at the pictures! Haha. Congrats to you for writing steamy. My first drafts were steamier, but the I decided I couldn't pull it off and cut those scenes out! I think it's great to try out different genres.
ReplyDeleteWell,
ReplyDeleteI can honestly say this was the first time I read your blog and felt relieved when my wife didn't walk in to see me looking at a page with nekkid firemen! Keep up the good advice and posts. Reading about people struggling with similar things is very helpful to keep it all in perspective.
Douglas esper
Burn Me sounds great! I love the picture and I LOVE firefighters. I would never START a fire to get them to my house but should an accidental fire happen I definitely wouldn't try to save myself... LOL I think you're right to genre hop. Why pick just one? (also applies to the firefighters) ;)
ReplyDeleteYou almost lost me with the sexy firefighter part. Not really my thing but then you had me with the 10pg review part! So here I am posting for my chance. :)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see Burn Me in print (crosses fingers for you). It sounds really good! Research is fun in some instances, but not in others. I'm glad you are having fun! Good luck with Burn Me and the other YA WIPs!
ReplyDelete