I don’t know if it was Year of the Fire Horse energy, or just intense energy in my world, but the last few weeks have had me working hard. Hard, hard. Deadlines, paperwork, phone calls, appointments, zooms, and then of course writing. (Which should be the number 1 thing, but often gets pushed to the side.)
Happily, I have finished A Soldier’s Promise and it comes out in just over a month on March 25th.
This is a story that was started over a year ago, and it didn’t work for me. I set it aside and fumed and fussed and worried, and ended up writing a different story in between which was just what I needed.
But I had to come back to Savannah and Finn’s story and when I did return to the manuscript again in January, it was almost as hard the second time around. This isn’t just a layered, emotional story featuring a women’s fiction type heroine, but it’s also a romance with a tough soldier who definitely isn’t looking for anything, and whatever he gives, it’s only for duty’s sake.
As I wrestled with the story the last few months I kept wondering why? Why this story? Why have I made these choices?
And of course: Why don’t I pick something easier and lighter?
If you’ve been reading me for a number of years, you know I don’t write rom-com and even though I love great dialogue, and heat, and conflict, I also want characters that could be real, not just romance heroes and heroines. not that good at making my characters do what I want. And these characters refused to change. Their goals refused to change. Even as their need for each other increased.
But the story did come together and I feel an immense sense of relief that these two did get their happy-ever-after because they deserve it. Savannah deserves it, and honestly she deserves someone as strong and patient as Finn.
Having A Soldier’s Promise done and off to copy editors means I can breathe and also try to be patient for the next month until I start hearing from my readers. This might be my 76th book, I still very much look forward to those first few messages and reviews–and it’s always so reassuring when readers embrace a new book. (I make that sound very formal when what I really mean is that I get sooo excited when readers like it! It’s thrilling and I get emotional and I smile and walk around all lit up like a Christmas tree.)
It’s been a long time since I have had books out relatively close together so A Very English Christmas, out in December and now A Soldier’s Promise end of March, is another positive in my writing life. I feel like I’ve got my mojo back and am excited that there will be two more books for my readers this Fall.
If you haven’t read all 76 books I’ve written, this is a good time to get caught up. 😉
Have any questions? Want to chat about anything? Talk to me!
Congratulations on the upcoming release of book #76! That’s fabulous. Looking forward to reading it and many more from you.
I’m so excited to read this one.
Congratulations on book #76! Can’t wait to read it!
Wow! 76 books! I think I am about half way through your library of books! So excited for Savanah ‘s story.
Congratulations on pulling the story together! I look forward to reading it. Relax and enjoy!
Can’t wait to read this book! Not much going on. Finishing up my classes for the quarter and then I’ll have two more quarters (3 classes). 🙂
I can not wait to read this book !!! sounds like another amazing story !
Wow, 76 books is incredible! Congratulations! I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to read it!
I want to read it now.
Congratulations! Can’t wait for this book.
I can’t wait to read this book! It’s worth the wait!
Congratulations on finishing your 76th book! I can’t wait to read it.
How exciting! Congrats on finishing your 76th book, I am lucky to have read most of them. Looking forward to reading this one as well.
Emorional read for me. Jane writes ftom her heart. She nailed it.
Looking forward to reading Finn and Savannah’s story. Congratulations on your March release of A Solder’s Promise.
76 books! That is such a huge accomplishment. I have read many of your books, but not all of them. Every book I’ve ever read has always been so great that I recommend it to others. Xo I can’t wait to get my hands on this one.
Congratulations on your 76th book! I know this was a tough one for you but you kept at it & got to their HEA. So eager to read it.
That must have been so frustrating! I am grateful to have another one of your terric books to read!!Thanks for not giving up on this one!!
I can’t imagine your frustration and I am glad it worked out for you and this book. Congrats and I look forward to reading it. We appreciate you, always remember that for the next time a book is this tough to write.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congrats on the release of “A Soldier’s Promise” (#76!). Glad to see you back
I’m glad you got your mojo back. Congratulations on #76! I can’t wait to get my hands on it.
Congratulations on 76 books. I do have lot of catching up to do on your books but I get there. I’m glad you got your mojo back. I know how frustrating that must of been for you.
Love this cover! Congrats on completing your book! 76 books is impressive. I’m excited to read this one!
I have read a lot of your books. They always deliver. I loved the Christmas read. I look forward to getting this book to read. I know you will not disappoint. So excited for you.