Sunday, December 7, 2008

I'm in Hell.

A lot has gone on since the last time I blogged. The main focus of my life at the moment is food...or rather a lack thereof. And I don't think it's a situation that's going to change any time soon. I am currently on a liquid diet in preparation for my bariatric surgery. Today is day three and believe me, be very glad you don't live with me because boy howdy I am a bitch! Cranky as the day is long drinking these diet shakes and going postal if something so much as blinks at me the wrong way. I feel bad for my cats because they are the only critters around here at bitch central.

On the business end of things, ECSTASY is slated to hit the shelves December 30th. It's book one in my new series and I think you are going to enjoy it. And I am going to announce something here and now just to all of you all. I decided to wrap up things a little better in the Nightwalker series and am 1/3 of the way through book six. I wanted to stop at book five and deal with Ruth much later down the line, but the feedback from you all, my adoring readers, made me change my mind. Besides, I got this great idea! And, of course, we needed to give one last person a romance...just to teach her smart ass a lesson. Can you guess who it is?

I am in negotiations for a new contract, I am selling a series that has nothing to do with the Nightwalker world and a couple of novellas to boot. You won't see any of these for a year yet, but I thought you might want to know.

Back on the home front, one of my kitties had a seizure. It was awful. I have never seen anything like it. I was a total wreck! I've seen adults have seizures, and to me it was no big thing because I know it's temporary and it's not hurting them and all that other medical logic, but the minute it was one of my babies I was utterly hysterical. His blood work was basically normal when I took him to the vet the next day and now I have to bring him to a specialist just to check and make sure there's nothing else going on. Needless to say, I am a very overprotective mommy these days. Plus, I'm finding it hard to kick him off when he's up in my face and being a mooch for attention, even if I am working.

I am not getting much work done. I've discovered the World of Warcraft. Which is good, believe me. I need something to distract me from the hell of starving to death. And it's only going to get worse after the surgery! At least I get one sensible meal right now. After surgery its nothing but clear liquids for at least three weeks. You may ask why I am doing this to myself...the answer is simple. I want to live. In every sense of the word. Longevity wise and quality of life as well. I can barely walk across a store the way I am now and it's only getting worse. My joints have had it. Goddess only knows what I am doing to my heart. But even though I have my mind and heart and body set on this course, it doesn't preclude me being grumpy about it. But I'll hang in there. Just you wait and see.

Meanwhile, how are you all doing? Leave me a little feedback. I am expecting ARCs of RAPTURE, book 2 in the Shadowdwellers series, in a couple of weeks. Maybe I'll give something away to a commentor!

Hugs and kitties
Jacki

46 comments:

Ellory said...

Good luck with the upcoming operation. I'm trying to get in the holiday spirit mode but right now I'm not quite there. Hope the kitty is feeling better, too.

I ♥ Book Gossip said...

Oh I hope you kitty feels better. Please enter me into the contest for the ARC if your having one.

Stay_Cee said...

Good luck on your surgery. My mom actually had the same surgery about 4 or 5 years ago, and she is happy she did it. I know it was hard for her, but she even told me the results are worth it. I can't wait for you new books, and i hope kittie feels better. :)

-Stacey

Donna said...

Our prayers for your well being. Hope your kitty is better.

Maura Anderson said...

Keeping all good thoughts for you and your surgery. I think I would be Very Bitchy at that diet, too.

Sorry to hear about the kitty seizure - my 16 year old grumpy old man cat was hospitalized for 6 days and only got to come home yesterday. I'm also more tolerant of his bad habits and hindering than I normally would be.

Great news on the book front!

Unknown said...

Good thoughts go out to you and kitty. Be well.

Unknown said...

So sorry to hear the liquid diet feels like hell. I can relate. I am doing Atkins & am on the edge of stealing bread out of my childs hand. It definitely makes the holidays meals harder. Good luck on your bariatric surgery - my brother had one done several years ago with very happy results. For me, an ARC of the Shadowdweller book Rapture would definitely help to take the place of those carbs! What a bonus reward that would be. Your books are definitely better than carbs.
My best wishes are with your kitty. There is nothing worse than a sick child who is unable to tell you what hurts or how they feel!

Lisa F. said...

Hope all goes well with your surgery. Hope your kitty feels better. My Shih tzu is my baby, she has breathing fits now and then, and they scare me. I would love to be entered for an ARC! I love your books, can't wait to read Ecstasy!

MeShelle said...

Oy jacki hang in there...im sure you will look back on this and think it worth it..i also hope kitty is ok, i have 3 and i dont know what i would do if they would go into seziures....

Anonymous said...

Hi Jacki...thanx 4 sharing the inside scoop re The Nightwalker series.
Good luck w/ ur upcoming surgery & hope ur kitty feels better soon.

Ada:)

Diane M. said...

Good luck on the upcoming surgery. I know the med issues, one of my new ones causes severe nausea at the worse times.

Lisa G's said...

I wish you sucess for your surgery. A year from now you will be so astounded with the changes in yourself. I've had several clients that have had this surgety and they are so excited about all the positive progress they have made. They were give a new lease on life.
I hope all turns out well for your kitten. My Bully Ernie had a stroke a couple of months a go and it was so scary. It took a while be he recoverd will some residual weakness but silliness still intact.

Jennifer *Dragoneen* said...

Awwww Jacki I'm so sorry about the li'l one. I hope things are much better.

I know right know you are so hating life, but you know you have the full support of the Nightwalker Army behind you, in all of our Lunatic glory! Who's with me? *bangs shield*

LOL

CarolB1977 said...

Wow, Jacki, you shared a lot of news! I'm so sorry to hear about your kitty, I would freak if one of mine had a seizure, so hopefully they vet will find out what caused it.

You have my total sympathy for the liquid diet- I've been on them and they are awful. What is they say? "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger?"

I am so excited to hear about another Nightwalker book in the works- are you talking about Jasmine, perhaps?

Carol

Kathy said...

Good Luck with your surgery. You are a brave women - to have the surgery, but to make the decision to do it during the holiday season?

Sorry to hear about your baby's illness. I have two cats and they are my heart. If something were to happen.

Glad to hear the Nightwalkers aren't over yet. I've loved the series and can't wait to begin the Shadowdwellers's series.

Stay strong!
Kathy

Kathy said...

Good Luck with your surgery. You are a brave women - to have the surgery, but to make the decision to do it during the holiday season?

Sorry to hear about your baby's illness. I have two cats and they are my heart. If something were to happen.

Glad to hear the Nightwalkers aren't over yet. I've loved the series and can't wait to begin the Shadowdwellers's series.

Stay strong!
Kathy

Anonymous said...

Hi, Jacki! Sorry to hear about your poor little cat.

And sorry to hear about the God awful diet. I recently went on a cabbage soup diet *shudders*, just the smell of cabbage makes me want to yak now.

But just keep telling yourself it won't last forever.

Unknown said...

I hope the surgery goes well and your kitty is okay. Can't wait to read the new series.

I'm in the middle of the holiday party crazies at my non-profit. The need is up and giving is down. Someone did bring us a truck full of toys today, which is great, but we're not there yet. I alwasy like to keep extra toys in case someone gets their presents stolen (like last year) or I find out someone has no money for presents. Sigh. But I have to say, the toy collecting is one of the best parts of my job.

The tot likes the new covers and says "hello."

Sue A. said...

I hope you have a speedy recovery after your surgery. I hope your kitties stay healthy and it was just a one time thing.

Rapture is an awesome single world title! Have you already titled the other(s). ECSTASY RAPTURE . . . BLISS NIRVANA

CrystalGB said...

Good luck on your surgery. One of my friends had it done 6 weeks ago and she has lost 50 pounds so far.
I hope your kitty will be ok.

Jenniebc said...

I am sending you good wishes and your kitties speed for running from your moods until you have the surgery completed ;-). I have a few friends that have had the surgery and they all say that the liquid diet to start is hard but once you have had the surgery it isn't a problem for some reason... it didn't make since to me either...

I hope your kitty is doing better, I have epilepsy myself and I know how I have felt at the end of them, I couldn't imagine how a kitten would feel, I hope he feels better and doesn't go through it again.

I have been lucky and been able to work off a lot of my excess weight so far and not needed a surgery, but yes living is a great reason to have it. Keep going it is worth all of the bitchiness you are going through and your babies know it!!!

dd03 said...

Hope all is well with your upcoming surgery. Please let us know you're ok. Also, hope the kitty's visit to the vet goes well...may it be a one time deal!

Looking forward to the 6th Nightwalker book, and to the Shadowdwellers!

rjs4444us said...

I feel your pain with the liquid diet, but just remember . . . you are a strong and brave woman! you can do it! I have faith in you!

give your kitty some luv for me!

xoxoxo

Beverly Scott said...

I realize this is a difficult time for you as you work up to the January 6 surgery date. I assure you that you will be in many of our thoughts during your surgery and recovery. It is great to see others who care for their treasures (yes, cats!) as much as I do. They bring us so much comfort and joy. I was thrilled to see you are planning on writing Jasmine's story, and I am anxiously awaiting your new series. Take care of yourself. As someone who also suffers from joint pain, I truly hope this improves. Best wishes.

Naiyana said...

Hang in there! The results will be worth it! And best of luck on the operation!

cielykaye said...

Hey, I just would like to thank you for your books, you are such a good writer and you're one of my favorites now too. And thanks that there will be another nightwalkers book, yay, best christmas gift ever and i'll be waiting for it. i'm glad its going to be jasmine story, i love her in Damien although she's bitchy to syreena. anyways, good luck on your surgery. God bless you always...

Unknown said...

I'm new to you and just wanted to say good luck with the operation, I hope your kitten is doing better and Happy Holidays.

Angela said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Angela said...

I hope your kitty is feeling better.

Just wanted to say that I just finished reading Ecstacy - I know the stores aren't supposed to release it for another week but I found one lonely copy in the Romance section -and I absolutely loved it!! Read it in one sitting and couldn't put it down.

Can't believe I have to wait another six months for the next fabulous book!

Hope you have a happy and healthy holiday - best wishes for your surgery.

Stefanie said...

I'm pretty fine now.
2008 has been a sad year to me (py parents got divorced, my grandma and an uncle died,...). But finally things are getting better.

I just wanted to wish you a lot of luck on the operation.

And Merry Christmas everybody!

Anonymous said...

Hang in there lady! No matter how bad things might seem, you are not alone...you have your friends thinking of you. Keep your chin up.

Rita said...

Merry Christmas Jacquelyn and fans across the world.

Peace, love and happiness to all from Rita in South Africa *mwah*

Shelly said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Shelly said...

Keep it up.. I know it is hell as I ended up doing the liquid diet twice due to my mother passing away the day before my original surgery date..

After surgery, I wasn't even hungry for months so there is light at the end of the tunnel.

I did it for the same reason as you, needed it to save my life and it was the best thing I have ever, ever done for myself.

Sending you best wishes!

Shelly

AuthorIsland.com said...

Happy Release Day Jacki!!!

I'm so excited about this new series and hope Ecstasy is another big bestseller for you!

Hugs on the prep for the operation and prayers that you come through with flying colors! Just think of the end result - a happier, healthier you!!!

Here's wishing you all the best 2009 has to offer!!

DeNita
AuthorIsland.com

2000Jazz said...

Only 1 more wk left til S-day! Good luck. How's your kitty doing? It was a shock to me when my cat had a seizure, so I know how you feel. I hope you don't have to go through that again.
Love the Nightwalkers series!!

Unknown said...

Best wishes for a happy, healthy, safe and prosperous New Year.
May you have a speedy recovery, and a long and happy life. (minus the joint pain)
From reading the posts here it sounds like you made the right choice. Our throughts and prayers are with you.

shiver said...

I hope it has gotten better for ya in the battle of the bulge...Hang in there girl, you are Strong and this year will be just a blink of the eye very soon..I am looking forward to seeing ya at Lori's in June, can't make RT this year..:( but your event in the fall ..We will have a blast!!Take care, breath, smile, laugh and know you have friends and fans who love ya...:) Pam

CatsMeow said...

Happy New Year!!! Boy, can I relate. My BFF had the surgery a couple of years ago and she looks fabulous. I'm just so tired of the finger pricking, insulin shots, the heart meds and of course, the anti-depressants. So my New Years resolution (I hate resolutions, but...) is to have the surgery also. I wish you all the best with the operation and I hope your baby fares well. I have 3 kitties and I can't bear to have them sick. I just bought Ecstasy, but my daughter grabbed it before I could start it. I'm sure I'll love it.

Mardel said...

Hi Ms Jacquelyn,

I understand about feeling like your body is failing. I've had issues with chronic pain, have always been a little overweight. But the past few years, after operations to help with carpal tunnel, shoulder issues, etc that really didn't help I've had to live the past few years (actually five years now) taking pain meds. One in particular (Lyrica) causes weight gain. When I started it I gained 20 pounds. When I quit smoking I gained 20 pounds. When the doc upped my Lyrica I gained even more weight. I now am over 220 pounds, on a 40+ year old, 5'1 body frame. I am in more pain than I've ever been. I feel like I can't breathe well, my knees are beginning to hurt, and I have been having pain in my ankles and feet and a lot of back pain and sciatica. This is all on top of my regular chronic pain crap. The only option for me right now is regular walks since I can't use my shoulders and arms for exercising. I really don't feel like I eat a lot (could be wrong). But walking at this point is very painful. I applaud your choice to make things better for yourself. Myself, I am going to try to force walks on my self, because something has to change, I don't want to feel even worse as time goes by and I feel like I'm headed so down hill. I used to be very strong and in very good shape, but work, babies and life got to me. God what a drag I am! I really do try to stay upbeat, it really only gets to me emotionally once in a while -really! But I hold a lot in, even though it feels like my life is consumed by pain.

I feel for you also. I think by now you must have already had your surgery so I hope things are going well. Are you feeling better yet? Seeing results, and healing? Take real good care of your self. Keep your spirits up also, try to read a lot of funny things, watch funny tv (some people get depressed after surgery). I hope your kitty is ok also, it's hard to watch your pets suffer.

Sorry for the long winded response but your blog got to me, not in a bad way - just kind of struck me.

Eugenia Tibbs said...

I just wanted to say that I hope you have recovered from your surgery. I know it is not an easy thing to come back from and I wish you all the best. I also want to thank you for your wonderful stories, you are one of my favorite authors and I've enjoyed your books very much. I am looking forward to whatever you write! Get well soon...

Sheila said...

You can do it Jaquelyn!! Hang in there.

nicswette said...

I just finished Ecstasy. It is 3:17 A.M. and I have got to get up at 6:30 to get my kids ready for school but I could not put the book down. It is absolutly my favorite so far. I liked it better than any of the Nightwalker books. I don't know why you only got 4 stars, you definitly deserved 5+ for this book. I can not wait to read Rapture. Literally, I CAN'T WAIT. I'll clean your house, clean the litter box, do your laundry, whatever it takes to bribe you:) There is no way that I can wait for this book. I've got to have it. I feel like an addict:)

nicswette said...

I just wanted to comment on my favorite scene from Ecstasy. The scene where Trace was telling Ashla what to do and she was being all submissive. That was so hot. Literally. I had to get the fire extinguisher because the book spontaneouly combusted! Seriously! I loved it. I read several reviews on Amazon where Ashla was dissed for being insecure. Most heroines these days are so stong and independent. I like a strong independent heroine but sometimes it is nice to break that mold. I liked Ashla because I could see so much of myself in her. I could relate to her much better than I could to the "typical" heroine. I think she was very real and very raw. I also loved how she grew throughout the book and you could see the stong, brave woman emerging for the scared, abused woman. I loved her character and I loved Trace's character as well. I'm always a sucker for the honorable hero. There's not many honorable men left in the world so it is nice to read about imaginary ones:)

connie said...

Hope the kitty was ok. I don't think anyone would want to be around me on a liquid diet that long either!

Unknown said...

Please let us know how the surgery went!

 

ENTRY | HOME | AUTHOR BIO | CONTACT | BOOKS | BLOG | LATEST NEWS | FUN STUFF
2010-11 Jacquelyn Frank All Rights Reserved. Web Design by Author Web Designs By Tara , Maintenance by George Waterman Web Design | Email Webmaster