Lists by Amy Andrews

I've got a couple of books either I'm working on or just about out at the moment that involve lists.
I like writing lists.  No, actually that's not true - I like *crossing things off lists* that I've already written :-)

So it's should come as no surprise that I like writing list books. I like them because they give the whole thing a ready made structure for both the reader and me, the writer. It kind of helps to keep me on track.


The first book - No More Mr Nice Guy - comes out next Monday (the 29th). There was a smooch from it a couple of weeks back if you want to check it out a little. NMMNG is a book that revolves around a sex list. Now, I'm not going to tell you what's on that list (although if you sign up to my newsletter here you'll be one of the first ones to find out on release day! ) suffice to say its detailed and just a little bit naughty :-)

The second book is the WIP I'm writing with my sister called Numbered. It's kind of a Bucket List meets Beaches story - yes tissues will be needed!! It revolves around the premise - what would you do if your days were numbered? It currently had interest from a publisher and we're hoping it'll be out on shelf next year (fingers crossed!!)

So....lists? Love them, loathe them?
What about list books? Love them, Loathe them?
And what would *you* do if your days were numbered?

Yvonne Lindsay's Lists of Lists!

I'm getting ready to travel back up the US for the Romance Writers of America conference. It's an exciting time but oh, the lists...and the lists of lists of things to do before I go.

Yesterday, I crossed off the two biggies--see my accountant to sign off on tax returns and annual accounts and FINISH THE DARN BOOK! Oh, the relief. I never realise how much tension I carry in my shoulders while I'm working until I actually stop.

But I can't afford to stop. I still have those lists of lists to attend to. Little things for the most part, but vital to my peace of mind so when I leave my family I can jet away with a clear conscience.

I discovered yesterday, on thinking about all of this, that I never really allow myself time to anticipate a trip like this one which, while work related, is the fun side of my work. It's the face to face meetings with editors, meeting readers at signings, mixing with fellow authors who I normally only get to interact with online through email and Facebook and meeting my writing idols. Usually, I arrive at these things still flustered from ticking off all the bullet points on my lists of lists and finishing a book and it takes me a good couple of days to wind down so I can appreciate it all.

I have lists of things to do while I'm in the States, including getting a SIM card for my phone with data so I can celebrate my next release (on 25 July, just in case you're wondering) of FOR LOVE OF A COWBOY. It's my first novella with Tule Publishing's Montana Born Books series and I am so excited to see how it fares with readers. I absolutely loved writing this story. I may even have to add having a glass of champagne to celebrate its release to one of my lists!

Tell me, are you a just-in-time-and-arrive-exhausted person like me, or are you more measured in your planning? If you're the latter, I'd love to know how you do it!