My Second Book is a Go!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got the word on Friday but refrained from announcing the news via a celebratory Twitter meltdown. Everyone was on vacation this weekend anyway – my spastic yells of excitement would’ve gone unheard.

As you recall, I had no idea what to call the sequel to CassaStar. Fortunately, my publisher is sharper than me and made some suggestions. At the moment, my manuscript has been dubbed:

CassaFire

I like that!

I’m to work on my back cover synopsis and resubmit it. (Translation – “Lame! Try again.”)

Release date will be sometime next March.

BIG thanks to my critique buddies ( Rusty, Jeffrey, and Anne ) and test readers for helping me with the manuscript.

And BIG thanks to those of you who read CassaStar and requested a sequel! I never imagined more than one book (never even thought there would be that one book) and continuing Byron’s adventure while addressing everyone’s concerns and questions (why the heck are there no women in this book?) was a challenge. But you prodded me to write another story and I thank you for the encouragement. (Some of you shoved and a couple even kicked, but that’s cool – I needed it!)

The news couldn’t have come on a better weekend – I just pretended all the celebrations and fireworks were for me. Now I can finally have my celebratory freak out online. Followed by freak out of what the hell am I going to write next…?

You Asked For It!

Now you’re going to get it!

For those who have prodded me for more information on CassaStar, I’ve decided to satisfy your curiosity and post tidbits about my upcoming book. This is awkward for me, but I guess its part of what I’m supposed to be doing!

Today Ill tell you a little about the two main characters:

BYRON-

Abandoned by his older sister not long after his parents were killed, Byron spent his youth shuffled from one facility to the next. Labeled a problem child with an attitude, he distanced himself from others. When his dexterity and quick reflexes emerged in his teens, he was encouraged to pursue a profession that matched those skills. Accepted into the military, Byron at once set his sights on piloting a Cosbolt, the fleet’s elite fighter.

Byron is a perfectionist and a loner. His confidence is countered by a withdrawn and reserved nature, and he prefers privacy to the company of others. However, he’ll have to learn to connect mentally with a navigator if he ever hopes to pilot a Cosbolt…

BASSA-

Bassa was once the best Cosbolt navigator in the system, earning many awards and medals during his twenty years of active duty. The death of his younger brother, an inexperienced pilot fresh out of training, prompted Bassa to resign his position of squadron commander and transfer to the training station of Guaard. He soon assumed the role as chief instructor, earning a reputation as toughest commander ever to train Cosbolt hopefuls.

Unyielding in his quest to assure all who come through Guaard are properly prepared, Bassa is tough on trainees but highly respected. Lacking family or a mate, he still longs for an opportunity to redeem himself and change the outcome of just one pilot’s fate.

Secondary characters include Trindel, Byron’s hyperactive, happy-go-lucky navigator in training, and Cosbolt officers Ernx, Nintal, Hannar, and Deacer. Trainee Surren is a thorn in Byron’s side at every opportunity and Officer Larnth resentful of the young pilot’s assignment to his squadron. There’s also a race called the Vindicarn who are determined to take over Cassan space…

Any questions?