Wednesday, December 12, 2012

December 12, 1962 - December 12, 2012


In the fictional world of Divergent Lives, RJ and Adina were born on December 12, 1962 in the middle of a snowstorm.

Today is December 12, 2012. It would have been their 50th birthday. People often have big galas to celebrate this milestone. They never will.

So in their honor, I decided to officially launch my story on this nite and celebrate in their stead.

I hold in my hand a glass of Chardonnay -- Adina's favorite wine.

I say "Hear! Hear! Happy birthday Adina!! Happy birthday RJ!! May you both live long lives in our imaginations!"

A toast!

I took a survey where I asked readers what they felt while reading the first chapter. Respondents mostly felt sorry for Adina and blamed Tommy.

Let's see how tomorrow goes!

~~ML

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Divergent Lives and 12/12/12




Well, folks, we're just a few hours away from the OFFICIAL release of Divergent Lives and I'm feeling all sorts of feelings.

Anxiety.  

Yea, I'm anxious. I'm anxious to share my baby with you. It was a lot of work; I even got stuck for a bit when all the characters began to speak to me at the same time. The noise was relentless!

Then, over the summer, I had surgery and I thought that would be a good time to get things done since I would be immobile. Hah!  The first six weeks after my surgery were spent either at the hospital or at the rehab center and then when I was released and went home, I spent 95% of the time on percocet. Unlike some writers, my imagination hibernates when I am not clear headed. I don't know what that says about me ... I'll let you be the judge.

Once I was able to get around with a walker, I only took medication right before physical therapy but then I developed insomnia and that's when my characters really took over. There are sections of the story I don't fully recall writing and in discussions over the phone and via email/text with my editor, Andi Reis, I could tell she was surprised when I told her that.

In any case, Divergent Lives is out and I am so pleased. I know this is a dark story with some pretty shocking turns, but, trust me, I toed the line. I learned so much during this process and I'm so very proud of this story that was borne of an exchange during a conversation I overheard as a child about a twin dying in utero.

I thought about that conversation for many years. It's amazing how a young child can be affected by it's environment. That is the running theme in my story and I hope you see that.

Now Divergent Lives will soon be out in the universe. I hope you enjoy it and I hope you share your thoughts on the story.

Happy reading!!

~~ML