The Twelfth Sun is a fictional nineteenth century schooner and the name of my latest novel. I just signed a contract with my publisher, Lyrical Press, last week for an anticipated release of August 2013. I’ll be diving into pre-edits any day now. It feels good to be starting the publication process all over again before WEATHERING ROCK is released on October 8th. This time, I know the ropes and have a better idea of what to expect.
So I thought I’d share a glimpse of TWELFTH SUN, because I’m sure to be blabbering about it in the weeks and months ahead.
Although there aren’t any paranormal elements in this one (shocking, I know), it is brimming with mystery. A contemporary romantic suspense story, it involves the hunt for a valuable journal belonging to a shipboard representative who was a passenger on the Twelfth Sun when she sank in 1836. Several antiquities collectors are vying for possession of the journal including my heroine’s housebound uncle, Gavin.
Reagan Cassidy agrees to purchase it from reclusive billionaire Eric Southern on her 
uncle’s behalf but, because she knows nothing about marine artifacts, Gavin asks her to coordinate with his friend, Dr. Elijah Cross. Reagan agrees, expecting the marine archeologist to be old and stodgy. Instead, she gets a twenty-five year old genius with a Ph.D., quirky personality, and drop-dead gorgeous looks that make her forget she’s a respectable thirty-five her old business owner.
Their initial encounter is a disaster and, when they arrive at Sothern’s seaside mansion, they find themselves in competition with several other collectors for the journal.
Circumstances go from bad to worse when Sothern announces a competition ‘treasure hunt’ to decide who will ultimately walk away with the journal. As a result, Reagan is forced into working with Elijah in solving a series of riddles that begin to form a mysterious pattern. Complicating matters, her brilliant hunky partner is as gifted in seduction as he is behind the lectern, and her resistance only goes so far.
Intrigued? Dang, I hope so!
This was a fun story to write, especially coming up with the riddles. I know Six Sentence Sunday is vanishing from the radar at the end of January, but I’ll be sharing snippets of TWELFTH SUN one way or another. And, ooooh, I do love nautical superstition and folklore, so expect some Mythical Monday posts in that vein.
From werewolves and time travel, to shipwrecks and mystery, works for me. I hope it does for you too! 😀
From the Pen of Mae Clair 
Mae, this sounds wonderful! Your description of the story is wonderful too — can I hire you to write mine from now on? 🙂 Congrats again on the book sale. I can’t wait to read snippets from it. Heck, I’m looking forward to reading the whole book!
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Thanks, Donna! I just got back from the beach (the wi-fi at my hotel was awful) so I’m in ship/coastal mode, LOL. I’m glad you’re looking forward to it. I know I’m looking forward to diving into the edits and promotion, while I work on something else. It’s wonderful to finally be able to sharre novels I started writing years ago!
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Works for me too, Mae! Congrats and I can’t wait to read this. I’m definitely intrigued. 🙂
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Thanks, Stephanie! It’s amazing how as authors, we can get attached to entirely different sets of characters in different ways. Elijah and Reagan are nothing like Caleb and Arianna, but I love all four of them equally. I can’t wait to start sharring more of TWELFTH SUN!
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Congratulations Mae. I look forward to reading snippets for this release.
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Thanks so much, Alicia. Although I’m heading into a lot of work all over again, I’m really looking forward to making TWELFTH SUN shine and sharing it with all the wonderful writers, readers and friends I’ve made!
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First off…CONGRATS!!!!! Another book placed on my MUST HAVE list!
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Aw, dang! Well that just made me feel great, LOL. Many thanks! 🙂
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Congratulations on the book sale, Mae! So excited for you! Your latest book sounds fabulous! 🙂
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Thanks so much, Lorraine! I’m really keyed up and excited about it. And it’s wonderful to have you back again. I missed your SSS snippets but I know how trying a move can be. You were missed! 🙂
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Hi Mae, Congratulations. Big, huge congratulations.
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Hey, my Lyrical sister – – many thanks! 🙂 I’m jazzed to be underr contract again 😀
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Very impressive. I can say, I knew her when. Looking forward to snippets 😀
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LOL! You make me feel so good, Sue! 🙂
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Definitely intrigued Mae! Sounds wonderful! Congrats!
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Thanks, L.J.! It’s exciting to be able to start everything all over again with another tale I love!
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Woot! So thrilled for you…and even more excited about this one! I love how you just seem to have this wonderful grasp of the fantastic! If ever I want to escape, I’m going to dive into your brain…OK? 😉
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LOL! There’s a lot kicking around in there, Kitt. I’m glad you like what spilled out 🙂
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You know I have to join in with the cheers of congrats to you, Mae. It’s just so amazing that you’re hitting home runs both times up to bat. Though, I’m not the least bit suprised– you’re both a wonderful story teller and writer. I already love this story!! This is soo exciting!!!!
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Thanks, Venice. You know this is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. It’s been wonderful having you along on the journey. 🙂
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