August 15 – Deadline Day.
Since my first book contract, signed back in 2009, I have always had a book due on August 15. My own personal D-Day.
It’s a day I look forward to with both dread and excitement. It’s a day that seems far off for most the year then races across the calendar at light speed once we get to about June.
I am proud to say that I’ve never missed a deadline, but some years it’s a closer call than others. This year, thankfully, I’ve been able to stick to my writing regimen fairly well, so there was no horrendous panic at the end to get it done. I definitely prefer the tortoise to the hare when it comes to the writing race. Slow and steady is my motto. One polished chapter a week for 40 weeks and I have a book. (I’m one of those weird authors who edits as she goes, so I write one very slow, careful draft instead of taking the story through the draft process several times.)
I finished the epilogue of this book on Tuesday, gave it a final spit polish, then sent it in to my editors today. Whew! It’s done!
This book is the first in a new series called Hanger’s Horsemen. The concept is a blending of The A-Team meets The Magnificent Seven.
Here’s the back cover copy for the story:
At Love’s Command
Haunted by the horrors of the battle of Wounded Knee, ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries to fight for the cause of good. The four men known as Hanger’s Horsemen have become legends in Texas—men who defend the innocent and obtain justice for the oppressed. But when a rustler’s bullet leaves one of the Horsemen at death’s door, they are the ones in need of saving.
Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to men taking one look at her skirts and discounting her medical skills. What’s she’s not used to is having a man readjust his thinking in a heartbeat and offer to assist her in surgery. Especially not a sensationalized myth who couldn’t possibly be half the man rumors purport him to be. Matthew Hanger’s dedication to the health of his friend during recovery earns Josephine’s respect, however, and when she receives word of her brother’s abduction, he becomes her only hope for rescue.
Matt is no stranger to ruthless outlaws, betrayal, and injury, but when a bossy lady doctor who prefers giving orders to taking them crawls under his skin, his heart is tempted to surrender. And when Josie is caught in the crossfire, Matt will sacrifice anything, even his precious Horsemen, to save her.
This book won’t hit shelves until June 2020, but I’m excited to have it done. At least until that editorial feedback letter arrives. Ha!
Have you finished a big project lately?
Are you in the middle of one?
I’d love to hear about it.
One verse I always keep close at hand when deadlines loom is Philippians 1:6. Perhaps it will help you as well in your own project completion.
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The book sounds fascinating. I will look forward to reading it.
I am in the middle of editing my first series. I began writing the first book in 2011. I knew nothing about writing and have since discovered how very terrible the first draft was. What began as a two-book series has grown into four. I am working out how to split the stories that dribbled out as one long sequence instead of four separate ones. I’m searching for an agent and working to learn as much as I can so that one day, I can see them in print.
I love your stories, Karen. Thanks for sharing them.
What a big job, Rebecca! But it will be worth all the time and brain power once you have that series set up the way you want it. A good author is constantly growing and learning. Sometimes re-learning. 😉 I wish you the best with your project. May God bless you writing!
I can’t wait to read this one! It sounds amazing as all Karen’s books! I’m in the final stages of turning my grown daughters old room into my personal craft room. I’m all done with it except for some shelves I’m going to build, and then organize items onto those shelves! Been working on this project for several months, and now that I’m close to the end of it, I’m so excited!
A craft room sounds wonderful, Holly! I’m getting close to the empty nest stage, but right now I’m still too emotionally attached to the kids’ things to even think about transforming the rooms. After they’ve sat empty for a while, I might need to set up a craft room of my own. 🙂
I love the concept of this book ok, Karin! Can’t wait to read it!
And I love hearing that you edit as you write; in my own writing adventures (primarily scripts for stage and screen, & some dabbling in novels), I find I have to do the same thing, so I don’t hate what I’ve written when I come back to it. It’s such an encouragement when I hear authors who write the same way!
I’m currently working on a massive project that’s been in my heart in different forms for more than 20 years — bringing the story of Moses and the Exodus to stage for a ballet & modern dance company. We’re finally at the point of giving dancers the last 1/3 of the choreography for the show, starting costumes and sets, and starting to polish finished scenes. God’s timing and hand at work are marvelous to watch, and of course I’m learning new levels of thankfulness, trust, joy, and always more problem solving with every new day. It’s so worth it!
Oops! Not supposed to be an “ok” up there at the top… But I /do/ love the concept! 😛
Wow, Bree! Now there’s a show I’d love to see. What a labor of love. God is going to bless so many people through your passion and imagination.
I’m SO thankful and awed by how He’s been pulling things together , clearing obstacles, and absolutely doing “far more than we could ever ask or imagine”!
/I’m/ already being blessed and grown and strengthened by the process; and praying for the impact it could have on everyone involved, in the production, behind the scenes, and in our audiences this November. God’s strength is absolutely showing up and making perfect in all of our weaknesses!
Can’t wait for this book! It sounds SO good!!
Thanks, Kathy! 🙂
When will the cover be released?
I’m not sure, Sarah. I’ve heard that they’re starting to work on it, but I haven’t seen anything yet. I’m pretty sure that the hero is going to front and center, though, and I’m really excited about that!
Yay! Can’t wait to see it!
Sounds so exciting, I can’t wait to read this series!
Thanks, Carol! I’m looking forward to seeing what trouble the other Horsemen get into. 😉
“I definitely prefer the tortoise to the hare when it comes to the writing race. Slow and steady is my motto.” I’m the exact same way! I write my books according to a slow and steady schedule.
Congratulations on turning your book in! That’s SUCH a fantastic feeling. 🙂 The book sounds amazing.
Yay for the Slow Tortoise Writer’s Club! 🙂
I always look forward to your books, Karen! I’m working on sorting and disposing of old and not needed crafting items. It is a big job since I am a self-confessed craft item hoarder. 🙂
Looks amazing! This sounds like the westerns I love to watch (and wish they’d make more of!) Can’t wait to read it!
Congrats on making your deadline! I always give myself too little time and end up rushing the story and stressing by the end. I’ll have to try that steady-progress approach next time. You’ve inspired me!