Hello, everyone. Can you believe 2012 is more than half over?

June was a super productive month. Not because it was that special (it was the same old same old), but because I read The Power of Habits, and used some of the tips and tricks mentioned in the book. I highly recommend it to anybody trying to change any bad habits they may have. Best tip for me: before going to bed each night, make a list of what you’re going to do the next day. Then do it. Works wonders.

The sequel to The Last Slayer is with two betas right now, plus I received feedback on my other novel from Agent. As usual, she had some really good comments. :)

And I'm working on the final book in The Last Slayer trilogy since the second book sort of ends in a cliff hanger. So I don't want to have a long period between the second and third book release dates.

I have three main writing-related goals for the month of July:

1. Finish the first draft of Slayer #3 (untitled).
2. Revise the sequel to The Last Slayer per beta feedback.
3. Revise the other novel project per Agent's feedback.

On more personal front, The Boy is walking a bit more now. It's kinda cute. He's not super fast or anything, and his balance is still a bit wobbly, but he’s getting there. :)

And sometime this month, Hero Material is traveling to America on business, leaving me alone with The Boy for about six days. In Japan, you traditionally bring omiyage (souvenirs) for your friends, family, etc. after a trip outside the local prefecture. What should I ask him to bring? :)

Finally, I'm trying to read some really intensely romantic romance novels. If you have any recommendations, please comment and let me know! :)

I must start this month's note by saying I'm sorry for missing last month's update. May was just too hectic. The Boy got bronchitis at the end of April, and with our trip to Korea and all, he had to basically stay out of daycare until May 18th, while we were planning our trip and getting our paperwork, etc. ready. Meanwhile Hero Material was really sick — high fever and so on — and there just wasn't any time for me to do everything I needed to do.

By the time we returned from the trip, it was too late to post an update. So that's how I ended up with nothing for May.

Now you may be wondering, “Why did you go to Korea, Nadia? Isn't your baby a little too young for an international trip?”

The Boy was exactly 11 months old when we flew out. So he was a bit young, and to be honest, Hero Material and I were not planning to travel overseas until The Boy was at least 3 years old. But my younger brother was getting married, so we had to go. And we are so glad we went. The wedding was stunning, and it was great to see my family and relatives. The Boy was a superstar; he did very well on the plane and at the wedding. And he got hugged by everyone, which he adored. :) I posted a few pictures of The Boy in Korea here if you want to see.

On the writing front — I finally sent off a new novel to Agent. It's a futuristic romance set (mostly) in Tokyo. I like the project, and I hope Agent likes it too.

As for the sequel to The Last Slayer — I'm doing another revision, which is about 75% done. Once I hit the 100% mark, I plan to send it off to a pair of fresh eyes for input. The plot and basic structure probably won't change at this point unless people tell me I messed up something really bad.

With the Boy back in daycare and my having recovered somewhat from the trip, I'm hoping that June will be more productive (and less sleep-deprived). I hope all of you have a lovely month. :)

P.S. Don't forget — A Happily Ever After of Her Own and Carnal Secrets are still on sale on Amazon, BN and All Romance eBooks!

2012 seems to be the year of strange weather in Japan. We had the freakiest storm in April, plus snow up north, and so on. Thankfully where I am is relatively warm and not as stormy. Yesterday, I saw that the cherry blossom trees along the river had bloomed. Finally!

On the technology front, I changed my site layout, so that it changes its width, etc. depending on the screen size of your gadget. I've been meaning to optimize my site for smart phones and tablets, but just hadn't gotten around to it until now. If you see anything that's broken on your browser, please let me know via a comment. :)

As for my writing, I'm still working on the revision for the sequel to The Last Slayer. The opening and the middle didn't really work, and I was trying to save them somehow. Except…they just aren't going to work in the current form. When I get restless reading my own writing, I know it's not fair to subject others to it. But it's getting there, slowly, and I actually like how the manuscript's shaping up.

Though I never made any big new year's resolutions for 2012, I joined the gym this month to get back in shape. I was shocked to learn that I actually weigh about 10 lbs less than my pre-pregnancy weight. This doesn't mean I get to slack off because I'm in terrible shape — often out of breath after doing even the most basic physical activities (like, um, walking). Also, I want to look more toned for my brother's wedding in May and be in better physical shape for The Boy, who's becoming more and more mobile. And quick!!!

I hope your April is lovely and productive. :)

I have to apologize for the lack of updates for February and missing it again for March.

I've been super busy and exhausted from being ill for three full weeks and having to take care of a sick baby at the same time. Hero Material was down for the count as well. But we're all fine now! :)

Unfortunately, I don't have much to report on The Last Slayer sequel revision since not much got done. I had a bit of epiphany, and that's nice, but I need some time to execute it. :-)

Speaking of The Last Slayer, The Book Vixen gave a lovely review of the book here. :-) I have to say that I've been overwhelmed by the number of great reviews that people have given this book. Really makes it all worthwhile!

The weather here has been crazy — warm one week, freezing the next. I hope you are doing well wherever you are, and your February and March have been more productive and fabulous than mine, haha.

• Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a chance to win Amanda Bonilla's Shaedes of Gray or Blood Before Sunrise. (It ends when I update M&M on Thursday!)
• Promos & Deals on The Last Slayer
  • Get a 30% rebate from All Romance eBooks (valid until January 31st)
  • Use the E50JAN12 coupon code to get an extra 5% off when you purchase The Last Slayer from Carina Press! (valid until January 31st)
  • Note: If you prefer to buy a copy of The Last Slayer from Amazon, it's 20% off there, no coupon code necessary.
• Don't forget to check out my guest blog posts / interview schedule for The Last Slayer!

Oh my gosh, I still can't believe it's already January. I keep thinking that it's still December 2011! I'm still getting used to writing 2012 in my date books and so on. How about you?

I'm grateful that 2011 ended well with the release of The Last Slayer. It hit the Carina Press Most Popular list and continues to receive a very, very gratifying number of extremely positive reviews.

“A smashing debut to a thrilling new series!” — Ex-Libris

“…one of the best I've ever read…” — Booked Up

“A gripping plot, likeable characters, well written and imaginative…I give it five stars and urge all lovers of urban fantasy to read it, especially if you're into dragons.” — Tahlia Newland

“Sometimes I read a book and I'm left wanting more. The Last Slayer was one of those books. Nadia Lee's world of demons, demon hunters, and dragonlords was convincing, and I'm so glad that it's part of a trilogy because I can't wait to read more about Ashera's quest. This is one of those books that will appeal not only to fans of urban fantasy, but also to those who enjoy more traditional fantasy reads, so if you're in either one of those categories, you are in for a treat.” — All About Romance

“If you're looking for a genre-blender of fantasy, paranormal and urban fantasy, then I totally recommend this for you.” — Basia's Bookshelf

“…a little bit Urban Fantasy, a little bit Paranormal Romance, a little bit Fantasy and a lot of beautiful world building…looking forward to the next book…” — Buckeye Girl Reads

“With an engaging wise-cracking heroine and a smouldering hero, and epic fantastical tone, I highly recommend The Last Slayer if you fancy something new.” — The Book Pushers

“I adored this book. It was reminiscent of Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter meets Thea Harrison's Elder Races series. We have a kick ass heroine in a fascinating supernatural world featuring a hierarchy of dragons and demons. Can't wait to read more!” — The Raunch Dilettante

“I absolutely recommend it to people who like dragons, demons and sexiness!” — The Yearning Mermaid

“…an Arthurian good versus evil theme…light eroticism…vivid descriptions…a phenomenal amount of world-building… I enjoyed The Last Slayer very much.” — Book Lovers Inc

“I didn't know what to expect from this book when I started it but WOW this is a seriously good fantasy…is definitely going to leave you wanting more.” — Melanie, Goodreads

Whew! To say that I'm overwhelmed would be an understatement. I've been completely blown away by all the great things people are saying about this book. Thank you, thank you, everyone!

I'm going to do a few more guest blog posts and interviews, so please check my interview / guest blog post schedule for more information if you're interested. I'll be discussing a few behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes, etc. Every single one of the guest blog posts features new material and information about how I wrote The Last Slayer and related topics.

Also, in case you missed the announcement earlier you can sample The Last Slayer from my website here.

Currently, I'm working on the sequel to The Last Slayer. It's going much more slowly than I'd like, but such is life. *sigh* At least I don't have to figure out everyone's eye color. (You can find out more about my eccentricity with eyes on Tori Book Fairy's blog on January 12th.)

I hope you all have a roaring good Year of the Dragon!