New Year, New Books!

In my Christmas greeting to readers, I mentioned "exciting book news" to be revealed in January. As you can probably guess, this picture hints at that--and, no, it's not that my computer gave out and I'm having to write longhand. (Although I did just notice that I've worn the "L" completely off my keyboard)

This photo was taken on 1/11/11 (how's that for an auspicious beginning date?) and shows me:

SIGNING A NEW 3-BOOK CONTRACT!

Meetings, proposals, and contract talks had been going on for many weeks, and it was so hard to keep things mum (picture me making key-locking gestures over my lips) (patience is not my finest attribute)--but now we are official! And, as you can tell, I'm pretty excited. Here is what I know so far:

I will be writing a second 3-book medical drama series for my (fabulous) publisher, Tyndale House. My editors will be the ones that I've so enjoyed working with before: Jan Stob, and Sarah Mason (editor for Code Triage) Both are pictured pictured below, along with super-agent Natasha Kern.

Though similar to the Mercy Hospital series in elements (medical scenarios, action, romance, faith issues), this new series will not be connected--with the exception of a "spin off" heroine, nurse-chaplain Riley Hale from Code Triage.

All three books will be set in Texas locations. Beginning with San Antonio.

I'll be completing the first book (tentative title Trauma Plan) on or before July 1st. And (since it takes about the same time to publish a book as it takes to have a baby) that should mean a spring 2012 release date.

I've promised the books 9 months apart.

I know (especially since many of you have complained . . . oops, I meant advised) that spring of 2012 seems like a long time away. It is, and I am completely honored by your kind impatience!

However, be assured that I'm typing as fast as I can (enough to wear the letters off my keyboard). And that I'll keep you updated on the progress here, via my newsletters, and on FaceBook and Twitter. Those of you who follow my posts on those social networks have already heard me calculating (and celebrating or bemoaning) daily word counts. And revealing those Whoopi-Goldberg- in- "Ghost" moments when the new characters "talk" to me. If that doesn't scare you off, by all means please jump in and follow along as I work to bring you the first book in this exciting new series!

In that vein, here's a little teaser blurb for Trauma Plan:

“Side-lined after a violent assault, Nurse-Chaplain Riley Hale is determined to sharpen her skills and return to full nursing duties in the Alamo Grace ER. Even if means volunteering at an urban free clinic run by Dr. Jack “Rambo” Travis, a community pariah with a dangerous past--who intends to use her prominent family’s connections to save his clinic.”

I'm having fun writing these new characters--and a story set amidst the colorful sights, sounds, and tastes of spring "Fiesta" celebrations in San Antonio. We're already breaking confetti filled eggs, and hearing Mariachi music, and hankering for enchiladas . . . with a side of slow-cooked Brisket.

Stay tuned: I plan to share "tastes" from the manuscript here from time to time, too.

Meanwhile, the Mercy Hospital books are still available for folks (family and friends!) who haven't yet "scrubbed in." Or for a re-read, if you're inclined (author grin).

And I'll be hosting book giveaways and interviews with fellow authors, too.

Again, THANK YOU for your encouragement and support--YOU are the biggest reason that my stories of hope will continue!