I’ve been getting a constant stream of emails (and vague, but semi-hilarious death threats, on where I am in NSI and how soon we can expect it.
I thought I’d give a little update and, I dunno, dash hopes or give hope? Not sure which this is going to do. I’m sure you’ll tell me in teh comments. Feel free to punch hard. Just, be gentle with the stabby things? =D
So right now, NSI is done–sort of. I had to rewrite approximately 15 chapters (some small rewrites, some large). the problem with rewrites is that I can read something many times and still not see a glaring problem. in order to catch big problems, I need to set aside the chapters for a few weeks and reread them fresh. Which makes for a very long period. In the last case, i found a plot hole that couldn’t be minorly edited. I had to literally revamp the book–conversation edits, scene POV changes etc.
Now that that part is done, I’m moving on to the rest of the chapters and hoping that I don’t have to go back and revamp a third time. I am, thankfully, feeling confident enough to send a few chapters to the copy editor and my pre-beta beta (Sara–of Social Skills fame =D). Feel free to ask her questions about how ridiculous I am with the amount of times I rewrite a scene. She’ll probably be more than happy to rant about it to someone willing to listen haha.
At the time I’m writing this, I’m in major edits of chapter 13 of what is now a 27 chapter, 105k word book, but could drop to 25 chapters(90k) or go up to 30(125k). It’s taken approximately 6 weeks to get this far in the full editing process.
So that’s where i am now. I know that’s a lot of explanation and blah blah blah, but you all deserved to know =).
Some of you may be patient with me, others may be angry–you’ve every right to feel however you feel. I know this is frustrating and there are effigies being stomped on and burned in my image, but I just can’t put a product out there that I don’t wholly believe in. Esp Cai’s book, because Cai was the first character I ever came up with. Whether everyone likes it in the end, I can’t say, but I can say that, when I do publish, it’ll be a book I’m proud of and a story I wanted to tell. And that’s why I’m taking my time (despite the pitchforks at my back *grin*).
Thanks for sticking with me and I’ll try and post more updates as things progress!
PS: If you’d like, I can post a free short story–something of Cai in Europe or Peter/Austin now–if there’s enough interest. It’ll take me away from NSI, but it’ll also be something to read in the meantime? LOL
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82 comments
tracy
I’ve discovered shattered glass late and I’ve only just read it.I absolutely friggin loved it.like really loved it.I feel bad for everyone who read this month’s ago.i don’t really wanna have to wait a day to read cais story.but writing genius books takes time and I’m positive it’s gonna b worth it.
Elizabeth Dukelow
I like your sense of humor;obviously or I wouldn’t be stalking your author page waiting for updates and I cannot wait for Cai’s story. I’m glad that you are taking the time to be thorough with it and not just toss it out there with some major plot holes. Also go for the 30 chappies. I’m sure that would make mine and a few others day. Keep those great stories coming!
rdafan7
Tough crowd! 🙂 …altho I voted for a short, I must say I’m very anxious for NSI…soooo, am kinda glad fans are keeping up the pressure…can’t wait!
Dani Alexander
Very tough crowd. That’s good though. They’ll need that toughness to deal with Cai! Pressure pressure! **explodes** heh!
carol ludwig
Dani,Do what you have to do.The hard work you do now will pay off for all of us later.I am looking forword to the day when it’s out.It will be like Christmas and brithday and, well you get the jist.
Dani Alexander
Thanks so much, Carol. Christmas and birthday! haha that’s an awesome way to look at it =D
Camy Sussex
Indecisive me. I almost didn’t vote as I’d love a short but want the novel, too. Finally, I went with novel – not that it’s going to make the slightest difference. ‘s okay, I’ll wait. Cai’s worth it.
Dani Alexander
haha My hubby didn’t know what to vote for either! Don’t feel bad about being conflicted.
Irie
I’m not the most patient person in the world, but given the choice, I’d rather wait a longer time and get a better book, than get the book now and have it be sub-par. I have a lot of respect for you, knowing that you take pride in your work and will not put out a product you are not proud of. That’s the way it should be. I wish all writers think this way. Take your time, my dear, and write me a book that’s worth the wait.
So… a short story please. I miss Peter and Austin. Plus, I imagine it’d be good for you to take some time away from NSI and think about something else. You can go back to the book later with a fresh perspective.
Dani Alexander
Seems most people don’t want the story LOL I think they’re impatient (I am too, tbh). I appreciate the support and the kind words!
Irie
Then give the people what they want already! Jesus. I’m dying here. Been reading so many awful books lately… makes me wanna ki~~ anyway, need something good to cleanse the memory of them from my mind… so pleeeeese just gimme the book already. What’d you want for it, darling? Cookies? Kittens? Hot Wings? I’ll send ya a basket of each…
Kelly Hawkins
Either is fine with me but if you do write a short story, I want Peter/Austin. We’re going to see Cai soon, but I miss those guys! Do whatever *you* want to do and just enjoy the writing.
Dani Alexander
Looks like no short story now, but I promise to get one up after about A&P!
Urb
Keep working on Cai’s story. S’okay. :0)
Dani Alexander
I will. Always.
rdd
Would love a short story about Peter and Austin!!!!
Dani Alexander
Me too! But looks like the voters are saying no >8(
Tina A
Perfection takes time. While I am an admittedly impatient person, I’d rather you take years to produce a great book than rush out an OK one. Your damn NAME is on this work, make it awesome.
Dani Alexander
Thanks for the understanding, Tina =D <3
judi
Take your time, sweetie, I’ll be here unless it’s 10 years from now, in which case, I may have passed on. 🙂
Dani Alexander
Well, ten years is a long time, as Cai says =D
dancinglikealunatic
well, the voting’s nearly tied so you should do both o/
oh, just don’t worry about it, just take your time and do the best you can. Cause boy we’re complaining now, but if a mess up ruins your book, we’ll complain a lot more. =****
Dani Alexander
I think most people complain in jest =D There are a few that I wonder about though *grin*
Guest
well, the voting’s nearly tied so you should do both o/
oh, just don
Guest
well, the voting
Aniko Laczko
If it’s a choice between a rushed book or a good book a little later, I’ll pick the good book a little later every time! I’d love to read a little update of Peter and Austin, but only if it’s a good step back for you from NSI and won’t interfere with your headspace 🙂
Dani Alexander
<3 Looks like no short story, according to the voting LOL
meagen
dani, most of your readers are going to say stuff they don’t mean but that’s because we want cai’s story so bad I thing I have read shattered glass 12 times already and I really cant wait to see what way you take cai and then dare’s story so take your time and make its something you will be proud to put your name on just please dont stop writing or get mad with your readers we just want more more more of your and cant wait till we get it we are greety lov ya anyway
Dani Alexander
=D Thanks so much Meagen. I’m really lucky to have readers that are so interested. I could never be angry at them, only grateful that they stick around. I’ll even put up with a few pointy sticks LOL
Carnell
Daniiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for the update 🙂
Take your time… We will be there when it’s done!
But in the meantime, a Peter/Austin story would be amazing!!!
Dani Alexander
Merci, Carnell <3 Let's hope the voting goes your way hah =D I think Kate is cheating and voting for NSI to be finished (but that's because she wants to read Darryl's story. She's so evil).
Kat
Honestly, I’ve been reading Twisted Hilarity’s The Last Pure Human for so long now, and I don’t imagine it’s ever going to be done, it will be nice to know I can read NSI in its entirety when you are ready and it is exactly the way you want. In fact, The Last Pure Human has been a long, painful, horrible lesson in patience, and NSI doesn’t even come close to that kind of patience.
Dani Alexander
LOVE TLPH! I need to catch up with that as well. A lot of the WIPs will have tons of chapters I’ve missed. And in the case of ICoS, it’s done! I want to just sit back and read it lol
Dionne
Wasn’t sure how to vote, I would LOVE a story about Peter and Austin but I feel like I’ve been waiting forever for Cai’s story. (Can’t I have both, lol!)
Dani Alexander
I feel like there’s a lot of ambiguity in the voting lol. it’s been ~50/50 since the poll started. I dunno what I’ll do when the voting ends LOL what if it’s still 50/50??
Sunne
Please, please take your time! There are enough books to read in the meantime and nothing is more frustrating when you wait on a book and the author hurried while writing to deliver earlier. Quality takes time….so don’t worry, we might sigh and threaten you with pitchforks but the moment we get our greedy fingers on Cai’s book and it is wonderful, we’ll all be more than happy. Thanks for the update.
Dani Alexander
There are a ton of books to read. OMG I mean ICoS is finished and I haven’t been able to catch up on that since 2010. I want to finish NSI just so I can finish reading that LOL
Nicole
Dani, I’m so in love with your characters. It will definitely kill me slowly here, but in the end I will trade a few weeks for a more perfect plot anytime 😉
Dani Alexander
Thanks, Nichole =D I appreciate your support and I’ll send a hot EMS crew over to save you from death!
Carissmatik
Omg! I’m so happy you posted this 😉 it does give me hope haha. I would loveeeee to read a short story!!! Don’t worry too much about the pitchforks haha. I must admit I’ve been checking periodically to see if there was a date for publication but I know that the end product will be worth the wait! I can’t tell you how excited I was reading Shattered Glass. I had one of those “OMG-I-HEART-THIS-NOVEL-SQUEAL!” moment while reading and I couldn’t shut up about it. So if you need time, then take whatever time you need, because I know that Cai’s story will be AMAZING! Of course, if you want to hurry up a bit, that would also be fine 😉
Dani Alexander
LOL Thanks Cariss =D I’ll do things as quickly as my perfectionist brain will allow!
Laura
Thanks so much for the update Dani! Though I’m dyyyyying to read Cai’s book, I’m so glad you are not compromising the story in order to get it out more quickly. I know it will be well worth the wait. (and I would love a Peter and Austin story- especially if it gave you a chance to step away from NSI and come back with fresh eyes)
Dani Alexander
Thanks so much for the support, Laura <3
Jo Field
Thats weird Ive just checked Amazon for NSI and then checked my emails and there you were!! Happy to wait as I know it will be fab!
Dani Alexander
<3 I will be shouting everywhere when it's all done LOL Don't worry!
Lilo
the link for the poll is not working 🙁
Dani Alexander
Which link? the poll should be right there on the post…Which browser are you using?
ElaineG
Holy Cow! I am SO not caring either way lol! I look forward to reading whatever you have ready, whenever that may be…..I think a good book is worth the wait…..and I could re-read Shattered Glass SUCH a hardship lol!
Dani Alexander
<3 Thanks, Elaine
Barb Gilmour
Dani I am happy to wait <3 ok…. maybe "happy" is stretching it 😛 so if a short story helps you to refresh and reboot your system (in a way) then i am happy for that. BUT if it messes up your mojo and mind set with Cai then stay on that …. either way, I wuvs you and will still be waiting and happy to get what i get when you give it xxx
Dani Alexander
It’s something I’ve been thinking about–if it will reboot the system. <3 Thanks for the support. You're always so sweet, Barb!
Whitney
OMG I want both! I’ll wait for you Daniel <3
Dani Alexander
Well, I probably won’t just put NSI aside 😉 so, in theory, you can have both–just…later +D
Jennifer
As much as I love Cai, I really want to know what Peter & Austin are up to so more Peter & Austin please!
Dani Alexander
=D Looks like there’s definitely a swing toward the story LOL you may get your wish!
gigi
I voted to keep writing but you are not a bastard for taking your time with a character you love. I would rather wait to read the story that is meant to be rather than something not quite what you wanted because it was rushed.Just finish NSI before the end of this year or I may have to back the bastard bit. lol
Dani Alexander
lmao Okay, Fair play!
Wicked
Yeah Maybe you should give a little Peter and Austin tidbit and take a break from NSI. (Although I want Cia’s story , you you ah can’t do it 😛 Maybe this little break will help out when you start back on NSI. I just wanna let you know how important updates are and I greatly appreciate it. That matters 🙂
Wicked
I mean how important your updates are to me. Don’ t like the way that read. Seems smarty lol….. 🙂
Dani Alexander
HAH! I got what you meant =D <3
Sara Alva
It’s cheating if I vote for the short story, right? Since I’ll be getting first look at NSI, it won’t affect me that much XP
Barb Gilmour
show off 😛
Dani Alexander
LOL she is evil, isn’t she?
Sara Alva
muahaha (um, that’s an evil laugh, btw)
Jo
As much (desperately, pleadingly) as I want Cai’s book, I’d rather you take the time you need to write (and edit) the book so it meets the same (ridiculously high) standards as the first one no matter how long it makes my (breathless) wait. And, because I’m both greedy and slightly patient, I totally voted for the extra story. And thanks for the update. It is reassuring to know you haven’t just dropped them!
Dani Alexander
-=D Greedy for stories is not really greed, is it? *grin* Thanks, Jo <3
Cait
Voting for a P&A short!
Dani Alexander
=D you’re not the only one, it seems! LOL
Maureen
Peter and Austin pleeeease!!!!
Dani Alexander
=D Reading you loud and clear!
Jackie
Shattered glass is amazing, and Im sure Not so innocent will be as well. Perfection takes time! Thanks for writing a book i loved so much I read twice!!
Dani Alexander
Thank you, Jackie! For the kind words and the patience.
Melissa Leach
Okay…I voted, but I would never call you a “bastard”. Thanks for the update. I for one am patiently waiting because I know it is going to be fabulous. In the meantime, I’m going to reread “Shattered Glass” to get back in character.
Dani Alexander
o/!
theStarfly
This sounds great! I can’t wait, but take your time!
Dani Alexander
Thanks =D
Alli
You’re killing me slowly….
Definitely appreciate the update though.
I really want some more Cai but I think I’m going to have to vote for Peter/Austin short. I miss the boys. 🙁
Dani Alexander
Poll is up and working now LOL I know it’s hard waiting. <3 I feel terrible making people wait.
Jen
Hi, Dani, thank you so much for the update. I can’t wait until this book is out, but please, take your time. I know it’s going to be an amazing book. On a side note, the poll link doesn’t work 🙂
Dani Alexander
Poll is up and working now =-) Thanks for the uplifting words!
Bern
OMG, please, give us some Peter and Austin ;D
Dani Alexander
Poll is up and running, if you want to vote for P&A +D