Drum Roll, Please

I started this blog the end of last October with the intention of chronicling my journey from start to finish on a novel. October was my thinking month. November was NANOWRIMO, when I began writing. Then it was hit and miss as to when I could grab writing time throughout the rest of the year. I'd hoped to finish it in 9 months, just like a 'real' baby. But alas. The dang thing was late.

Just like a real baby.

But I pressed on, persevered, and over the weekend...this is where the drum roll comes in...I FINISHED BRENTWOOD'S WARD! Ta-da! It took me 10 months, 11 if you count my thinking month, but hey, I finished in less than a year. That's a personal best. Here's a blurb:

There's none better than NICHOLAS BRENTWOOD at catching the felons who ravage Regency London's streets, and there's nothing he loves more than seeing justice carried out--but this time he's met his match. EMILY PAYNE is more treacherous than a city full of miscreants and thugs, for she's a thief of the highest order...she's stolen his heart.

So now that the manuscript is finished, what's the next step?

I've had 3 of my best crit buddies providing me feedback on each chapter as I wrote, but now that it's in one complete package, I've shipped it off to 2 of my other best crit buddies who will read and comment on it as a whole. While they're busy with that, I'll polish up the synopsis (which I rarely stick to). When I do get their crits back, I'll apply and send it off to my agent.

Then can I put up my feet and relax? 

Nope. I'll be too busy starting the second book in my Bow Street Runners series.