And now for something completely different…
You will be used to me sharing my thoughts on
the books I read and you may have noticed I frequently post about upcoming
releases too. Today however, I’m sharing a post about someone who is very
important to me as a writer. Allow me to introduce you to:
Sue Meadows has edited three of the six books
I’ve published so far and, while I have no complaints about the other editors
I’ve worked with, I have to admit that improving my stories with Sue’s
assistance has been both a pleasure and a learning experience. I am already
looking forward to working with her again on my next story, early next year.
Sue is an ultimate professional when it comes
to her edits, schedule and feedback. But more than that, she has also proven
herself to be nothing short of saint as far as working with someone as clueless
as I am when it comes to the intricacies of storytelling and the English
language, is concerned. I can honestly say that my books would be nowhere near
as good and readable as they are, if it hadn’t been for her input.
Just in case you need proof of what I’ve said
above, here’s an excerpt from Renewal, the last book she edited
for me.
****
“Where are you going?”
Chris kept his voice soft and his tone mild. He’d woken to find himself
alone in bed with Shane standing near the door, pulling on his trousers. The
room was dark, only the glow of street lights filtering through the curtains,
which meant it had to be the middle of the night.
Everything Chris knew about Shane told him the man spooked easily and
that was the last thing he wanted to do. Not until he was sure he had a reason
to be upset anyway. He reached out and turned on his bedside light.
“Home.” Shane looked anywhere except at Chris’ face.
“Without waking me up and saying goodbye?” Chris asked, again making
sure his voice held no accusatory note, just curiosity.
Even in the faint light from his bedside lamp Chris recognized the heat
rushing to Shane’s cheeks. “Maybe I am that big a bastard after all.”
A smile tugged at Chris’ lips as he slowly shook his head. “I don’t
think so. Whatever is going on with you right now, I don’t think it has
anything to do with you being a bastard.”Please
let me be right about that.
Shane opened his mouth to interrupt, but Chris continued before he had a
chance.
“I know you’re not going to tell me what is going on, and that’s fine. But don’t be a fool. Stay. Come back
to bed and sleep. The fact that you do doesn’t have to mean anything unless you
want it to.”
“I don’t get it.” Shane didn’t push his trousers down but, much to
Chris’ relief, he made no move to put his shirt on either. “Why are you doing
this? What are you getting out of it?”
Now we’re getting to the crux
of the matter. “Who says I need to get anything out of you sleeping
in my bed?” Chris asked. “You look and sound exhausted. Why does my invitation
have to be anything other than an offer to help?”
Shane sat down at the bottom of the bed, his face turned away from
Chris. “Because it doesn’t work like that. Not in my life. There’s always a
price.”
Chris cursed the fact that he couldn’t see Shane’s expressions. His tone
of voice held a distinct note of despair, but without being able to see his face
Chris couldn’t be sure he’d heard him right.
“This isn’t just about your life though, is it?” He asked, picking his
words carefully despite his sleep-addled brain making it hard to think
straight. “I don’t keep tabs. You don’t owe me anything just because I fed you
and allowed you to sleep here.” His irritation got the better of him. “Don’t
confuse me with someone I’m not.”
****
And if that is not enough for you and you’d
like to read more, you can find a (not really safe for work) excerpt on the
Pride Publishing website … right here.
Finally, and, most importantly here are the details about Sue and the
fabulous service she offers. Go check her out. I can’t recommend her highly
enough.
No Stone Unturned
Editing Services
Open for business since 5th September 2017.
With five years experience as an editor for Totally
Bound/Totally Entwined Group, Sue is now available for full editing services,
from structural to final proofread.
Rates made available upon request.
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