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The edits of DIVINE MISDEMEANORS are done. I feel apprehensive writing that last sentence as if more edits will fall from the sky, land on my desk, and yell, "Ah-ha, you only thought you were done. Muhahahaha!" This really does seem to be the edits that would not die.

Part of the problem was that Flirt, the next Anita Blake book, and Divine Misdemeanors the next Merry Gentry book crossed really, really badly this time. I’ve had books in different stages of completeness play hopscotch on my desk before but never this badly. This is the first time I’ve ever had two books from two different series in the same stage of editing at the same time with almost identical deadlines. Eek! I could go back through it all and try to find how it came about, but I think I will put my energy into trying to keep it from ever happening again. Poor Carri these are her first two books as my new Personal Assistant. I hired her initial to be web mistress and graphic artist for us, but now she’s the first two and my PA. She’s doing a great, no amazing, job, but she couldn’t have picked a worst set of deadlines to earn her stripes on. I have assured her that this was a killer schedule even by my standards but I don’t think she believes me yet. I think she’ll wait and see how the next book deadline goes. She’s so smart. But I can only say that this is the worst bunch of crazy deadlines that I can remember, and I’ve had some crazy-ass deadlines. Usually you’re six months to a year, or more away from publication when you finish an edit on a book that you wrote six months to a year before that, but as you’ll see below not true with this pair of books.

So, first to never, ever let books cross this badly again. I think everyone here and at both publishing houses would all agree. Second, to get a long, hot bath. Third, to get the hell out of Dodge and stare out at some different scenario while we lick our wounds. That last will have to wait until after Halloween. As Wiccans it’s a major holiday, Samhain, and as a parent my daughter, Trinity, still wants us to spend the night with her and I’m planning on doing that until trick or treating becomes passe. So, after Halloween Jon and I will runaway for a few days. Maybe some place warmer and sunnier than St. Louis. Very chilly, gray day here, though I have to say I do love how the autumn leaves look against the grayness. The colors seem to glow in the gloom in a way that bright day’s just don’t. This is my favorite time of year.

For all who have asked what’s what:

NEVER AFTER a collection of novellas featuring my, "Can he Bake a Cherry Pie", also stories by Sharon Shinn, Yasmine Galenorn, and Marjorie M. Liu. Never After hits the shelves tomorrow October 27th.

DIVINE MISDEMEANORS the next Meredith Gentry Fairie Princess/ Private Detective novel hits stores December 8th.

FLIRT an Anita Blake novel is aiming at Febuary/March time frame. When I have an exact date I’ll let you know. This is not the officially Anita book for the year. Think of it as more a surprise to tide you over between Divine Misdemeanors and the big Anita book in June. Of course, that presupposes I actually write the bloody thing and make the next deadline. Today I don’t want to even contemplate another deadline.