Writing and Whiplash!

I've been pretty quiet lately--for a couple of reasons--and they're not related, but one seems to be aggravating the other. The good news is I just finished the third book in the Open Series, and it'll be off to the publisher by the time you read this post. Book two, Open House, is already in official edits, and is expected to release sometime in September. It's a direct sequel to Open Seating, and picks up exactly where the first book left off. If you purchase Open Seating, you'll get to read the first chapter of Open House, which they've included to give you a taste. Speaking of TASTE, guess who makes guest appearances in this series? Seth and Bryce are looking to remodel and our setting is Chicago so...the guys from the Horizons Series, namely Lil and Grier, play a big role in Seth and Bryce's story.You don't need to be a Horizons fan to understand the dynamic but those of you who are familiar with those two will get a kick out of seeing them again.

Now on to the other news. I fell about 4 weeks ago while I was downtown. There's a bunch of construction going on, and my heel caught in a crack, and I crash landed on the street. Literally. I didn't get a chance to brace my fall as it happened so fast. My glasses (left lens) were scratched, and I had a nasty bruise on the left side of my mouth, like I went a couple of rounds with Ronda Rousey. My torso was black and blue, especially the boobage, and my knees were torn up, but I didn't break any bones so I thought I'd skirted disaster. Not! See the chart below? I have seven of those symptoms and apparently you can get whiplash without sitting in a car! So much fun, I can't even tell you. The chiropractor has been helping, but writing aggravates it when I sit too long, as I tend to do. The range of motion in my neck is limited, and pain radiates from my left shoulder up my neck and straight to my brain. Grrr.....

     
Fortunately, I've met my writing deadline, and I'm scheduled to go away in July for some R & R with my family in Spain. A side trip to parts of Germany, Hungary, Prague, and Vienna are also included in my plans. I'm going to do my best to limit my computer use, although the odds of that happening are pretty slim. I love what I do (writing full time) but it's hell on the body if you don't learn how to balance your activities.

Last bit of news. Dreamspinner Press has a fancy new website you should check out. While you're over there, stop and pre-order a copy of Open Seating if you're so inclined. Here's the link for those of you who'd like to browse the new store.

 https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/open-seating-by-mickie-b-ashling-7043-b