With one book down and another to start, I’ve been straightening my desk, setting up new folders, and clearing my mind. I have an idea for the next project; a starting point. By Tuesday, I intend to have the first chapter thrown down, and then I’ll stand back and see what I think of the course I’m charting.

In the meantime, I’ve finally had time to do those “New Year” things that I couldn’t while I was still deep in DR4. I decided rather than resolutions, I’d call mine promises. And they are ones I intend to keep.

Promises to Myself

* Every story I write will be my best effort and something I can take pride in
* Every story I write will be fresh, inventive, and reflective of my natural voice
* Every story I submit will display the hallmarks of a professional: clean, well-conceived and presented
* Every story I see released will be promoted to the best of my ability
* I will diversify my writing: fiction-nonfiction; erotica-erotic romance-romance
* I will continue to improve my skills and seek criticism
* I will start every day reflecting on my priorities and stepping out according to plan
* I will end each day reflecting on my progress and preparing my desk for the next day’s work
* I will give back to the writing community
* I will be responsive, professional, and well-intentioned in all my correspondence and communications

There. I committed to them all in public, so spank me if you ever see me backslide.

Yeah, I finished DR4 last night and shipped it to my editor. Today, I’m working at catching up on everything I let slide while I pounded out those last chapters. That includes catching up on plans.

This is what February looks like for me. Listed in priority. It’s a lot and has to be managed around a trip to Oklahoma for a plotting bootcamp my sister and I are leading. But it’s doable–IF I write 50 pages a week.

I was doing that and more for DR4, but I’m in need of a break. I don’t have time for one. When I turned in that book, I satisfied my last contract. So, now I have to search for the next big idea, the next hottest thing to snag an editor’s attention. If you have any ideas, pitch ’em my way. I’m thinking something “cowboy” next since I just dragged my hero and heroine out of Hell. I need a change of scenery.

I’m pages away from being finished with my current work-in-progress. By now, I’m thoroughly sick of it. Sad, but true. It happens when I’m closing in on the finish line for a long project.

I want it over. I feel as though I’ll scream if I read what I’ve already written one more time. I’m ready to wrap this sucker up, toss it at my wonderful editor, and let her throw up all over it before she ships it back to me again. I think I tell her that every time too, although I do it in much more tactful language (I hope).

Comparing writing a book with giving birth to a child is so cliche’, but it’s sooooo true. You’re scared and excited when you’re building up to the big day. Your manuscript is bloated, you look like hell, everything hurts—but once you’re on that table it all boils down to, “Jesus, would you just jerk it out of me already!” Okay, I’m taking a deep breath. Didn’t mean to get so graphic, but maybe you can follow what I mean.

Once it’s over, I’ll want a drink or two to unwind. I’ll swear this is the worse job in the world and ask myself why, oh why, would I want to put myself through it again.

But a couple of days later, I’ll forget about all the pain and be eager to conceive that brand new shiny project, and off I’ll go again like that crazy woman in Arkansas who just gave birth to her 18th child!

Deep breath. It’s almost over. Damn, don’t I at least rate a morphine drip?

For the record, I’m hetero. But for that shapely bottom, I’d consider a switch. What do you think? Mmm-mmm.

I love writing short stories. Love getting a story done in a day, start to finish. It’s a chance to stretch my muscles and get as much emotion, action, and sexy content into as few pages as possible because it’s a way to exericise my brain. So, when I see a call for submission for something that teases my imagination, I jump all over it. Like I did this one. What erotica writer could resist a call for Lesbian Cowboy stories?

And surprise…mine made the cut! Yeehaw! This one’s out sometime in July. I hope that even if this isn’t your flavor of erotica, you’ll give it whirl.

Thought I’d share this. It arrived today. The book will be out at the end of March. Bet you can guess what it’s all about just looking at the picture and the title!

So, he’s not the handsomest guy in the world, but I imagine plenty of Gallactica fans drool over him. What I like is that he looks like he could be that cute guy next door, working under the hood of his car with his dirty hands and grease smeared on his cheek.

I love me a dirty man.

Jane wants Bruno…Bruno wants Cord…Cord wants Jane…but can everyone get what they really want?

From eCataRomance: “Delilah Devlin is a brilliant author. No matter what she writes it is pure genius. JANE’S WILD WEEKEND is another example of just how gifted Ms. Devlin is…”

From Just Erotic Romance: “…JANE’S WILD WEEKEND was a sinful page turning delight!!…The sex is hot!!!!!!!…I highly recommend this book if you are looking for something different that is fun to read and has some wonderful characters. Ms. Devlin’s books continue to be favorites of mine.”

From Romance Junkies: “…Delilah Devlin is well known for her personable characters and intense storylines and she certainly doesn’t disappoint with JANE’S WILD WEEKEND!…This story had me smiling, tearing up, worried and wanting to hug them all…This is a wonderful heartfelt story that’s as exciting as it is emotional. A perfect combination in my opinion.”