July 2, 2021

Bitter Secrets Snippet

“I’ve never left a meeting before,” he said as his lips cruised over her skin. “People panicked. The seller thought I was backing out of the deal. I told him my wife needed me. You need me, don’t you, Jasmine?”

“I’ve never needed you,” she spat and smacked his shoulder as he lapped up water on her collarbone. “Cut it out, Roth!”

“Five years ago, you flew here to surprise me.”

He caught her hand before it collided with his face. He raised his head and took in her flushed cheeks and mortified gaze.

“Do you know how many times over the years I wished I’d be called out of a meeting because my wife wanted to be with me?”

Her heart stuttered. “That was a long time ago.”

“Yet, here you are.” Dark eyes moved over her body. “I realized business can wait, and I can do whatever the fuck I want.”

Two guesses what that was. She bared her teeth. “Not without my permission.”

“No?”

Draft of Bitter Secrets © 2021 Mia Knight

Bitter Secrets Progress

I spent the month of June revising PT 1 of Bitter Secrets and posting the raw draft on Patreon. PT 1 is 88k words (Bitter Heat was 90k words). I would consider PT 1 the first third of the book. I still have 2/3 to go. For most, 88k words would be a full-length novel, but for me, it's just the foundation as they go through their first month of marriage.

This couple is one of the most fascinating I've ever written. They're incredibly complex, as is the world they inhabit. There's so many politics and unknowns and even while it frustrates, it also excites and makes me ponder things I never would have otherwise. I've always loved the arranged marriage/marriage of convenience trope, but I've never seen anyone explore the psychological side of what such an arrangement would do to you long-term, especially if that person you're tethered to is James Roth. This is such a unique set of circumstances. I don't want to nix any ideas until I've fully explored each one of them.

I warned my patrons that I'm blocking off July and August to finish the last two thirds. I hope I don't go beyond that. I could finish sooner, but it's like I'm writing two more full-length novels. I have no idea what the final word count will be. I'm estimating it will be around 250k. We'll see.

I know that people are upset about the delay, but I don't believe in shortchanging a story just to put out something to pacify the crowd. In this wild, chaotic world that we live in, this is the one thing that is truly my own. These stories will live beyond me. Hopefully, a century after I'm gone, these books will still be circulating. I want them to resonate with people, not just be lost in the sea of books. I want to do my best, which means exploring these concepts and characters to the hilt. There are hundreds of thousands of authors who are much better than me who are on social media posting ads and doing everything they can to get your attention. I'm sure their books will make your heart sing. It's a waste of your time being upset that some author is taking forever with a book. Seriously.

For those who are sweet, supportive, patient, and understand that good work takes time, I love you from the bottom of my dark heart. LOL. I'm not sure if I'll post weekly since my very innocent updates seem to agitate people so much. We'll see. Also, as I go deep into PT 2, doing a blog may be super distracting, but we'll see.

Personal Update

For those who've asked, my dog is doing better (he slipped a disc and the vet thought he might become paralyzed). He isn't 100%. I would say 75%? He can walk, but he's still really wobbly and I can tell he tires easily. It's been about 7 weeks. I'm not sure if he'll ever go back to the way he used to be, but I'm happy he's mobile so thanks for all the well wishes!

This week it's been very hot, but almost every afternoon, it rains, which I love. I know there's been some crazy high temperatures across the US and even Canada. Stay cool and safe! My sister who is still in Vegas has been reporting on temps that they usually see in August happening in May and June. Everything is so out of whack.

I spent June editing, so I am so excited to get back into the book and go back to writing! I will keep you all posted, of course! Have a great week!