In case you’ve missed my recent posts on Facebook, a very Happy New Year to you!

Okay, so the title above is a bit of a giveaway as to what this post is about. Before I get on to Blood Instinct though…

Towards the end of 2015, Blood Dark was nominated for several readers’ choice awards across a number of different blogs – all thanks to my readers (and my incredible hot-off-the-press street team) for putting my latest book forward.

So, last week, I was really excited to find out that it went on to win three prizes in the Sweet N Sassy Book A Holics ‘Best of the Best 2015’ Awards: 2^nd place for ‘Favourite Fantasy Book‘, 2^nd Place for ‘Favourite Urban Fantasy Book‘ and 3^rd Place for ‘Most Anticipated Book‘ of 2015! I was thrilled. Thank you to every single person who voted – and for all the wonderful comments left on my Facebook page. <3

I was also thrilled to find out that Blood Dark was named in My Bookworm Blogger’s Top 3 Reads of 2015.

“Lindsay is one of my all time favourite authors, she weaves incredibly intricate stories and has created a dark and thoroughly delicious and disturbed world called Blackthorn. Stories of vampires, lycans and witches have been done many times in the past, and many seem to blur into one. NOT Blackthorn! In the world of paranormal romance Blackthorn shines. It’s a whole new world ripe for the taking and is certainly the world you should be picking!”

Thank you, Stephanie!

And made it into the ‘Best Books of 2015’ for Big Little Sister Blog.

“Sometimes the waiting is too much and the book doesn’t live up to it. But mostly great authors don’t let their fans down.  And just occasionally, right before your eyes an author goes from great to sublime genius.  This book nearly killed me. What on earth will happen in book 6?” 

Thank you, Michelle!

And whilst staying on a Kane and Caitlin theme, Blood Shadows was listed as one of Splashes Into Books’ favourite Bookouture books so far alongside books by my fellow authors Angela Marsons, Holly Martin and Sue Watson. It also received a terrific review and 5 out of 5 stars!

“This is a great story, well written, fast paced, enthralling and intriguing as historical events are slowly revealed shining a light on deception, double dealers and demonstrating that it isn’t always those you believe to be enemies that you shouldn’t trust – unworthy friends may be even worse! This is the first book in the series and does end appropriately but also whets your appetite for future books – I can’t wait to find out what happens next! Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys paranormal mysteries with plenty of action and bite.”

Thank you, Bicted!

What a lovely start to 2016. 🙂 And on that note…

I already come bearing good news. As of early this week, the first draft of Blood Instinct is now with my editor. Even better news, it’s going to be back with me very shortly. That means I’ll be able to move on to the next stage (the structural edits) without delay. That signals a huge sigh of relief from me, and hopefully one from you too! Thanks, as always, for the fantastic response to the news already. I really appreciate it. <3

Since Blood Dark was released in September, I’ve had a lot of queries, particularly from readers new to Blackthorn, asking how soon Blood Instinct will be out and why I won’t give a release date – even an estimation (I love the attempts at bribes, by the way!). Basically, even though Blood Instinct is now written, we’re only at the initial stage. Further timings beyond the first draft deadline have yet to be set. My editor is always the first person to read my book and, until she does, my publisher has no idea how many redrafts/rewrites will be required. And, until I’ve seen the initial set of structural notes, I don’t know how long it will take me. As soon as I do, the schedule is set and Bookouture talk to me about provisional release dates.

However, even after all the structural edits are complete, there are still line edits to come and then copy edits – and all of that is before the rest of the publishing process kicks in. Once we’re at the line edits stage though, Bookouture usually confirm the release date. So, watch out for that announcement because then you’ll know we’re close to you being able to mark your calendars. 🙂 Oh, and if anyone still doesn’t know, Jask and Phia will be back in the spotlight for this one!

I’ll be back with more news after my first round of structural edits are in – unless anything exciting happens between now and then, that is!

Take care xxx