Finally, I’m ready to share the scoop on my latest book. But first, a bit of back story. Radiance was the very book I ever attempted to write way back in 1997. Being a brand spanking new writer, I had no idea what I was doing. I spent years and years writing scenes with no rhyme or reason.
Eventually, I set it aside out of sheer frustration and moved onto other stories. Because Radiance was the first one, it’s always bothered me that I never finished the story.
I know, I know. There’s a reason those first books stay in a box under the bed. But I couldn’t let her go.
Last year I began the process of re-imagining the book. I chucked out virtually the entire plot and went back to my heroine and what I loved best about her. I titled the new version, Devil’s Advocate and got to work plotting. And promptly became snarled in a tangled mess.
My first thought was – I will never get this story right. I took a break and started plotting Zephyr’s book and dealing with Galen’s mess.
Then in 2012, after a mental head slap, I realized that the story was too big. I needed to step back and break it down. So Devil’s Advocate became book 2 in a three book series.
Mind freed, I spent April plotting book 1. In May, I began writing. It was slow going at first, then my friend Susannah Hardy issued one of her famous writing challenges, this time in the form of writing sprints. By June, I was on fire banging out 2,000 – 3,000 words a day. I finished the last week in June and the first draft has been cleaned up, ready to send to my valued first readers.
So, I present to you Misfortune Cookie!
Most of the time a family’s secrets should remain just that – secret. Reformed party girl and retired socialite Radiance Ashworth is happy to remain in obscurity, enjoying her idyllic life away from her greedy, backstabbing family. That peace is shattered when she inherits the Ashworth fortune and a nasty supernatural legacy. Now, Radiance is expected to chase escaped souls and return them to the Hereafter. Refusal is not an option and she vows to play along until she can find a way to break the family curse.
She doesn’t have to navigate the supernatural world alone. Luca, sexy, confident, and so damn tempting, is happy to guide her – if she’d only accept his help. She quickly learns how much she needs his assistance just to stay alive, when a Jiang Shi – a vengeful
Chinese spirit – starts systematically murdering the city’s elite businessmen. While the Jiang Shi proves to be a formidable opponent, Radiance finds the growing attraction between her and Luca to be even scarier. She’s determined to be free of him and the curse. Luca has other ideas and won’t stop until he’s captured her body and soul.
Thanks for your patience!
Also, I’m over at the Scribes today where I answer the question – What’s Love Got to do With it.
Casey Wyatt 
Sounds like fun! Can’t wait to read it!
My first book is still on its sad, lonely file on the computer. One day, I’ll fix it up and do something with it. But until then, I’ve got plenty to do!
I hope that first book is the story before The Marker because you know I want to read that. And I know I’m not the only one. One thing I told myself before I tore the original story apart was this it was okay to reinvent a new version. I’ve still got the old one (just only I get to read it).
I’m working on my first MS again, too, Casey. It’s both frustrating and rewarding to revivify a firstborn. It seems you’re in a good place with yours. Best of luck. 🙂
Thanks Ann. Good luck with your too. I hope we all get to read it some day!
Casey, congrats on saving the first story and turning it around. It sounds like another fun read. Maybe one of these days, I’ll pull that first story out and revamp it as well. I know the story needs help, but I still love my characters, but first, to finish the others rambling around in my brain!
That sounds so fun. And that is what I did. I went back to what I loved about the characters and let them show me the way!
Congrats on your persistence. Many happy sales!
My first child is under review now, after 10 revisions (honest). Fingers crossed. LOL!
Hi Sharon! I hope someone will buy this one when its done. I’m not sure how many revisions this counts as if I started it more than close to 15 years ago. 🙂
Congratulations, Casey! Sounds like a great story. And wow – 2,000-3,000 words a day? I’m jealous.
Thanks Cynthia. I attribute the 2000-3000 words a day “magic” to knowing where the story is headed and giving myself permission to write junk that doesn’t make sense. And believe me, my best buddy first reader is finding plenty of stuff I missed! I owe her some brownies or something.
You go girl! I have that same “never give up” attitude. Happy to see you were able to pull this off. Sounds good and I can’t wait to read all of them!
Thanks Gerri! I can’t wait to read your books too. So exciting!
Congrats on fixing up your first story. Sadly, I’m still trying to rewrite mine. Maybe I’ll have to step back and take another look.
Misfortune Cookie sounds incredible, Can’t wait to read it.
Why thank you Janna! I have other stories that are half written and they may never see the light of day again. Who knows? Right?
Will it be out sometime soon?
Hi Juli. I just finished the first draft last week. I did shop this around at my RWA chapters conference in May. I did get requests. I just need to figure out which publishers I want to submit to. Sadly, it will be a while before anyone reads Misfortune Cookie. But, my next book – The Undead Space Initiative – comes out next week.
Interesting Casey. I’m looking forward to all the many books in your future!
Thanks Julia!
If it stays in your head, then it’s worth coming back to.
That is so true Lorijo! Well said. Thank you!