She tore that sucker to shreds.

If I never hear the words “dialogue tags, woman,” again, it won’t be soon enough. And I know I will, because that is a tic I’m working on. Anyway, plot holes had spotlights pointed on them, and character development became a major issue.

Getting back into the heads of characters I hadn’t spoken to in three years was tough, and the editing grueling, but I am so proud of the finished product. Scenes were slashed and burned, new words were added. The bad guy’s motivation was strengthened, and that one little mistake Emilie makes at the end of the book that made her such a dumb female? Fixed.

More importantly, Emilie and Nathan’s relationship was developed much earlier on. I won’t give too much away, but I will say Nathan is inside the bank with her during the hostage siege.

Roughly 12,000 words were cut and about 10,000 new added. Everything about the book is better, and I’m very proud of the end result.

And while some readers may not want to read the new version (which I do understand) I am a much better writer after the hellish edits of this book. That alone is worth the effort.

If you are interested in checking out INTO THE DEVIL’S UNDERGROUND, you can find the buy links here.

And don’t miss the release party on Facebook on Thursday, May 14. We’re giving away a very cool limited edition prize!

I’ve been given the rights back to my debut novel, INTO THE DARK, and I will be republishing the book in May with some major changes. Happy dancing!

Why the changes?

In short, the book needs a big tune up. It was the first novel I wrote, and while it was well received and had several five star reviews, I didn’t have the skills I do now. I understand the craft of writing and plotting so much better than I did three years ago, and I know I can make this book outstanding.

Even more important, however, is my new developmental editor, Annetta Ribken. With her help, we are gutting scenes, tuning up the plot, and adding new content. I’m in the middle of the first round of edits, and I will tell you that while the major plot points are likely to be the same, there are going to be significant character advancements and new scenes.

We’ve also got a new title, because we’re starting fresh and because Amazon loves new titles. So…drumroll…

INTO THE DEVIL’S UNDERGROUND.

The title harkens to the Las Vegas tunnels, which will play even more prominently in the new version.

Now, because my readers are my priority, and I don’t want anyone to feel like I’m doing the old bait and switch, I’ve got two different options for those who’ve read the original book.

1) A copy of proof of purchase at any vendor, including the previous publisher, earns a copy of Into the Devil’s Underground for review. Proof of purchase is the verification email sent by the vendor, or, if you prefer, a screencap of the book on your device.

2) Proof of a review at Goodreads. Into the Dark will be down at all vendors in the next couple of days, but I will leave the book up on Goodreads until the end of April. If you’ve left a review there, please email me the link (stacygreenauthor@gmail.com) and I will give you a copy of Into the Devil’s Underground for Review.

I only ask that reviews be placed on all vendors and Goodreads when the new book is out.

I am SO PROUD of the changes I’m making to this book. It’s going to be darker, more developed, and more exciting. The characters are going to be a lot deeper, and the plot is going to be more tension filled.

One major change? Nathan will be INSIDE the bank with Emilie during the siege. I’ve just written those scenes, and I can’t wait to share them!

I’ll be revealing the new cover in a few weeks along with a very fun launch, so stay tuned!

Thank you to all the readers, bloggers, and friends who helped TIN GOD become an Amazon and Barnes and Noble bestseller this past week. You guys are awesome! I am so lucky to have such supportive group of readers and friends.

“Not only did I enjoy the story and the characters, but the historical relevance added not only a depth to the plot but was also seamless within the story. I was very impressed and look forward to reading more stories by this author.” Steena Holmes, author of Emma’s Secret and Finding Emma.

“The character development is superb and the story has as many twists, turns and dark shadows as the Las Vegas storm tunnels where the novel is partly set. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more of Ms. Green’s work.” Kassandra Lamb, author of the Kate Huntington Mystery Series.

“I did not want to book this down, it had twists and turns I never saw coming! I kept turning page after page because I could not wait to find out what was going to happen! This definetly a must read that will keep you on the edge of your seat!I can’t wait to read more by Stacy Green!” Goodreads reviewer Allyson Brynn.

“Ms. Green has penned a chilling suspense tale that strikes fear not with netherworld denizens, ghosts, the fanged, or the furry but with a seemingly ordinary man wielding a twisted obsessed parody of the tenderest of emotions, love.” Ivy D. Truitt, Manic Readers.

I’m amazed at the response to the book, and since romantic suspense author Dana Delamar has tagged me in The Next Big Thing Blog Hop, I figured release day was the perfect time do my part. The NBT originated on the She Writes site, and the goal is to raise awareness of our work. We answer 10 questions about our current book or WIP, thank the person who nominated us, and tag five other authors whose work about be the NEXT BIG THING.

So, here we go!

1. What is the title of your next book?

Into The Dark is my current work, and it’s available in digital and print NOW! It features a woman running from a stalker who will do anything to possess her, including dragging her into the depths beneath Las Vegas. It’s suspense with romance, and the overall theme of the book is how living in the past can destroy our future.

2. Where did the idea come from for the book?

Originally, I wanted to write about a hot SWAT officer saving the damsel in distress. It wasn’t until I discovered the existence of the homeless living in the storm drains below Las Vegas–and went through a life-changing accident–that I realized how much potential the idea had. I don’t want to say too much more, as I’m scheduled to do an interview with Jami Gold on December 13 detailing the journey of Into The Dark.

3. What genre does your book fall under?

Suspense/thriller, with romance. It’s not traditionally romantic suspense–the story is driven by the stalker plot, and Nathan and Emilie’s relationship blossoms from it. So I always make sure readers know the romance come second in the book.

4. Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

Oh geez! Well, for Nathan, from a strictly physical point of view, I’d have to say Tyler Hoechlin from Teen Wolf. He’s definitely got the face I’ve always imagined for my SWAT officer. But from an acting standpoint, I’d love to see Joseph Gordon Levitt as Nathan. He’s the right age, and he’s a great actor. I think he could pull off Nathan’s drive to atone and to save everyone.

As for Emile, she’s always been a Christina Hendricks type in my mind’s eye. She’s got the real curves, the red hair, and the attitude to match.

5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

A two-hundred-mile labyrinth of dark storm drains serves as a refuge for the delusional stalker who will go to any lengths to possess fragile, emotionally isolated Emilie Davis, and to survive, Emilie will have to confront the secrets of her past she has kept locked away from everyone, including herself.

6. Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

Into The Dark is published digitally by MuseItUp Publishing, and the print version is independently published.

7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

More than a year. This is the first book I wrote from start to finish, and in the beginning, I had no clue about structure or character development. So Into The Dark went through MANY different drafts–I lost count of how many!

8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

I’m so bad at comparing myself to other authors. One reviewer compared it to the style of Lisa Gardner or Karen Smith, and I’m happy to take that!

9. Who or What inspired you to write this book?

A lot of things, but ultimately the story comes from two driving forces: my fascination with a bad guy who’s more than just bad, and my own personal journey in letting go of the past and prior mistakes.

10. What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

It’s fast-paced, it’s got a realistic feel, especially the scenes in the tunnels as I spent a lot time researching them. I think the suspense keeps readers guessing until the end, and there are some big surprises I hope readers don’t see coming.

Buy Into The Dark NOW!
Amazon
MuseItUp (all digital formats)
Print

Quick note on Barnes and Noble: my publisher is at their mercy in terms of when the book is live for Nook. So far, they haven’t uploaded, but you can order the .epub for Nook through MuseItUp’s website. I will let you know when it’s available via B&N/Nook.

Enter To Win A GIFT FROM STACY

To celebrate the release of INTO THE DARK, Stacy is giving you TWO ways to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card! Contest runs from November 5th through January 30th.

Entry Option 1: Earns FIVE entries in the contest. Email Stacy your receipt of purchase (simply copy and paste proof of the order into the email, excluding personal information) of INTO THE DARK or the answer to this question: in what state was the Taker born and raised?

Entry Option 2: Earns TWO entries in the Contest. Donate to HELP of Southern Nevada to help the homeless. Readers can go to HELP of Southern Nevada, the organization that aids the homeless featured in INTO THE DARK, and donate. Email Stacy the receipt (personal information excluded). Every donation helps–no amount is too small!

And now I get to tag some great authors for The Next Big Thing:

August McLaughlin
Tiffany A. White
Ellie Ann Soderstrom
Edith Parzefall