Terri Reid's Blog, page 7
September 22, 2011
September 17, 2011
Darkness Exposed - Book Five - due out at the end of this week!!!
Book Five is going to be called "Darkness Exposed." I put a sneak peek on my Facebook page, but forgot to post it here. Here it is - the book is due out at the end of this week!! Terri
“Well, crap,” Mary thought, as she hurtled towards a very large pile of ice covered snow. “This is definitely going to hurt.”
She closed her eyes and braced for the impact.
“Oomph.”
That was not a snowdrift, she thought, as strong arms closed around her and shielded her from the impact. It must be Ian.
“Wow, you skated to the rescue...,” she stopped midsentence once her eyes were fully open and she realized it was Bradley holding her in his arms. They were both lying on top of a four-foot pile of snow. “Bradley!”
He raised one eyebrow. “You were expecting someone else?”
“Um, no,” she stuttered. “I was...it was...a...surprise. That’s all.”
Bending her head away from him, she couldn’t believe how intensely guilty she felt being caught participating in outdoor activities. She had promised him she would take it easy all week-end.
Bradley could see the guilt spread across her face. Damn, that could only mean one thing. She had slept with Ian.
Bradley held Mary loosely in his arms. “Are you hurt?”
Shaking her head, she looked up into his eyes and smiled. “No, I’m not,” she said. “Thanks. How about you? Are you okay?”
He started to respond, but then he stopped. “I need to be honest with you and I hope you can be honest with me.”
“Of course,” she said. “I’ll be honest with you.”
After taking a deep breath, he met her eyes directly. “I know about yesterday.”
Crap, how did he find out about the sledding? she thought.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I know I promised, but really I was so bored.”
“You did it because you were bored?” he asked incredulously.
“Well, that, and he was pretty hard to resist,” she said with a smile. “He really does know how to wheedle his way into my heart.”
Bradley’s heart sunk. He realized he had been hoping it had been a misunderstanding. That she hadn’t slept with Ian.
“But, Mary, after all you said about waiting,” he insisted.
“I know,” she admitted. “And I really had planned to wait. But, I really didn’t see the harm in it. Although, to be honest, I was really exhausted afterwards.”
“Well that’s the usual outcome,” he replied bitterly.
“I probably would have been okay if I had stopped after an hour,” she said. “But after three hours, I could barely lift my legs.”
“Three hours?” he gasped. “Mary, that’s impossible.”
“I know, right?” she replied. “I couldn’t believe it either. We’d just finish and then it was time to start up all over again. I mean it was fun; actually, it was pretty exhilarating. But all that work for just a few moments of excitement and, poof, then it’s over.”
“But, you enjoyed yourself?” he asked. “I know it was your first time.”
Mary was confused. “First time?” she asked. “Bradley, I grew up in Chicago. I’ve done it hundreds of time. But I haven’t really taken the time to do it lately.”
“But, I thought you said...”
“Thank heavens his mother called and interrupted us,” Mary continued. “They would have had to pull me home on the sled. And, let me tell you, only my pride prevented me from begging for a ride anyway.”
Bradley shook his head to clear it. “Mary, what are we talking about?” he asked.
“Sledding with Andy Brennan and his brothers on Saturday,” she said. “Right?”
“Well, crap,” Mary thought, as she hurtled towards a very large pile of ice covered snow. “This is definitely going to hurt.”
She closed her eyes and braced for the impact.
“Oomph.”
That was not a snowdrift, she thought, as strong arms closed around her and shielded her from the impact. It must be Ian.
“Wow, you skated to the rescue...,” she stopped midsentence once her eyes were fully open and she realized it was Bradley holding her in his arms. They were both lying on top of a four-foot pile of snow. “Bradley!”
He raised one eyebrow. “You were expecting someone else?”
“Um, no,” she stuttered. “I was...it was...a...surprise. That’s all.”
Bending her head away from him, she couldn’t believe how intensely guilty she felt being caught participating in outdoor activities. She had promised him she would take it easy all week-end.
Bradley could see the guilt spread across her face. Damn, that could only mean one thing. She had slept with Ian.
Bradley held Mary loosely in his arms. “Are you hurt?”
Shaking her head, she looked up into his eyes and smiled. “No, I’m not,” she said. “Thanks. How about you? Are you okay?”
He started to respond, but then he stopped. “I need to be honest with you and I hope you can be honest with me.”
“Of course,” she said. “I’ll be honest with you.”
After taking a deep breath, he met her eyes directly. “I know about yesterday.”
Crap, how did he find out about the sledding? she thought.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I know I promised, but really I was so bored.”
“You did it because you were bored?” he asked incredulously.
“Well, that, and he was pretty hard to resist,” she said with a smile. “He really does know how to wheedle his way into my heart.”
Bradley’s heart sunk. He realized he had been hoping it had been a misunderstanding. That she hadn’t slept with Ian.
“But, Mary, after all you said about waiting,” he insisted.
“I know,” she admitted. “And I really had planned to wait. But, I really didn’t see the harm in it. Although, to be honest, I was really exhausted afterwards.”
“Well that’s the usual outcome,” he replied bitterly.
“I probably would have been okay if I had stopped after an hour,” she said. “But after three hours, I could barely lift my legs.”
“Three hours?” he gasped. “Mary, that’s impossible.”
“I know, right?” she replied. “I couldn’t believe it either. We’d just finish and then it was time to start up all over again. I mean it was fun; actually, it was pretty exhilarating. But all that work for just a few moments of excitement and, poof, then it’s over.”
“But, you enjoyed yourself?” he asked. “I know it was your first time.”
Mary was confused. “First time?” she asked. “Bradley, I grew up in Chicago. I’ve done it hundreds of time. But I haven’t really taken the time to do it lately.”
“But, I thought you said...”
“Thank heavens his mother called and interrupted us,” Mary continued. “They would have had to pull me home on the sled. And, let me tell you, only my pride prevented me from begging for a ride anyway.”
Bradley shook his head to clear it. “Mary, what are we talking about?” he asked.
“Sledding with Andy Brennan and his brothers on Saturday,” she said. “Right?”
June 26, 2011
The Next Mary O'Reilly Book is Available
Hello!
The next Mary O'Reilly Paranormal Mystery is now available - Final Call.
Stanley peered up into the shadows above the stage. There was a colorful blaze of fabric amidst the burgundy curtains and canvas backdrops. He moved closer, trying to get a better view from a different angle.
“Hey, what’s this play about anyway?” Stanley asked. “Is it a Western?”
“No, it’s a drama,” Rosie replied.
“How come you need a dummy hanging from a rope?”
She looked over quickly. “No one gets hanged in the play.”
“Sure looks like it. Up there.”
Rosie looked up to where he directed and saw the caftan and silk pants ruffling in the slight breeze of the theater twenty feet over the stage.
“Oh, sweet heavens! Stanley,” she screamed. “That’s Faye!”
Faye McMullen was murdered in cold blood at Winneshiek Theater and Mary O’Reilly and Police Chief Bradley Alden have to discover who done it before the murderer gets the chance to get rid of the prime witness... Mary O’Reilly.
http://www.amazon.com/Final-Call-ORei...
I hope you enjoy it!!!
Terri
The next Mary O'Reilly Paranormal Mystery is now available - Final Call.
Stanley peered up into the shadows above the stage. There was a colorful blaze of fabric amidst the burgundy curtains and canvas backdrops. He moved closer, trying to get a better view from a different angle.
“Hey, what’s this play about anyway?” Stanley asked. “Is it a Western?”
“No, it’s a drama,” Rosie replied.
“How come you need a dummy hanging from a rope?”
She looked over quickly. “No one gets hanged in the play.”
“Sure looks like it. Up there.”
Rosie looked up to where he directed and saw the caftan and silk pants ruffling in the slight breeze of the theater twenty feet over the stage.
“Oh, sweet heavens! Stanley,” she screamed. “That’s Faye!”
Faye McMullen was murdered in cold blood at Winneshiek Theater and Mary O’Reilly and Police Chief Bradley Alden have to discover who done it before the murderer gets the chance to get rid of the prime witness... Mary O’Reilly.
http://www.amazon.com/Final-Call-ORei...
I hope you enjoy it!!!
Terri
March 16, 2011
Never Forgotten - A Mary O'Reilly Paranormal Mystery (Book Three)
The newest Mary O'Reilly Paranormal Mystery has been downloaded. As of this writing - 8:45 (CST) it's available for purchase through Barnes and Noble for Nook at:
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/book...
And through Amazon UK at:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Never-Forgott...
Live now - Amazon US
http://www.amazon.com/Never-Forgotten...
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/book...
And through Amazon UK at:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Never-Forgott...
Live now - Amazon US
http://www.amazon.com/Never-Forgotten...
February 24, 2011
Where did that come from?
Last week, while I was working on my third Mary O'Reilly book, I had a bad case of writing block or cabin fever. So, I decided to take a drive on the country roads around me and find a photo for my book's cover. I knew I wanted a tree, but I either wanted a barn or a graveyard. I drove randomly down muddy gravel back roads and came across a little cemetery about the size of someone's backyard. At the front of the cemetery was an old gravestone - tall and narrow - that was nearly hidden by a tree that had grown up around it. I thought it would be the perfect picture.
So, I got out of my car, climbed through a snowdrift and up to the cemetery. I took several pictures of the gravestone - from different angles and then I toured through the rest of the site. There were a number of markers that were so old, you could no longer read the names or dates. Some, you could barely read, had the mid 1800s engraved on them. I wondered if anyone ever stopped to visit any of the graves anymore.
When I arrived back home that afternoon, I downloaded the photos to my computer. I brought up the first photo and changed it to grey-scale. Then I opened the template I use for my covers and cropped the photo to fit it. After I added the text, I examined the photo closely. At this point, I usually go back into Photoshop and add some blurs to give the photo a "Ghostie" look. But, to my surprise, the blur was already there. Right above the marker in the limbs of the tree - a definite blur. I posted it on my Facebook page and then posted the original color version - the blur was there too. I did a close up shot - more blur. I even looked at the shots I took from different angles - the blur was in the same spot.
My husband and another writer friend I have decided to go back at dusk and take more photos. I took a close-up on the tree, just to see if perhaps there were spiderwebs or something caught that would cause the blur. Nothing. My husband walked around while I shot a number of pictures. When I got home, I downloaded them. The first one was of the tree and marker - they both looked very clear and pristine. The second one, my husband moved into the frame and I think I widened the view - in that photo there are about a dozen little orbs floating around him. It was very cool.
I have all the photos on my Facebook page, if you'd like to see them.
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?top...
It's amazing how much we don't know about our world - isn't it?
Take care,
Terri
So, I got out of my car, climbed through a snowdrift and up to the cemetery. I took several pictures of the gravestone - from different angles and then I toured through the rest of the site. There were a number of markers that were so old, you could no longer read the names or dates. Some, you could barely read, had the mid 1800s engraved on them. I wondered if anyone ever stopped to visit any of the graves anymore.
When I arrived back home that afternoon, I downloaded the photos to my computer. I brought up the first photo and changed it to grey-scale. Then I opened the template I use for my covers and cropped the photo to fit it. After I added the text, I examined the photo closely. At this point, I usually go back into Photoshop and add some blurs to give the photo a "Ghostie" look. But, to my surprise, the blur was already there. Right above the marker in the limbs of the tree - a definite blur. I posted it on my Facebook page and then posted the original color version - the blur was there too. I did a close up shot - more blur. I even looked at the shots I took from different angles - the blur was in the same spot.
My husband and another writer friend I have decided to go back at dusk and take more photos. I took a close-up on the tree, just to see if perhaps there were spiderwebs or something caught that would cause the blur. Nothing. My husband walked around while I shot a number of pictures. When I got home, I downloaded them. The first one was of the tree and marker - they both looked very clear and pristine. The second one, my husband moved into the frame and I think I widened the view - in that photo there are about a dozen little orbs floating around him. It was very cool.
I have all the photos on my Facebook page, if you'd like to see them.
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?top...
It's amazing how much we don't know about our world - isn't it?
Take care,
Terri
January 27, 2011
Guest Post - Joe Konrath's Blog
Joe Konrath is a great mentor and advocate for indie-publishers. He has taken the time to create a blog called, "A Newbie's Guide To Publishing."
http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/
Joe has given me the opportunity to tell my author's story today. He has also featured many other indie authors throughout the month of January, telling their own stories of success in this business.
If you are a writer interested in being published, or a reader interested in seeing how the whole book industry is beginning to change, I invite you to take a look at Joe's blog.
Thanks!
Terri
http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/
Joe has given me the opportunity to tell my author's story today. He has also featured many other indie authors throughout the month of January, telling their own stories of success in this business.
If you are a writer interested in being published, or a reader interested in seeing how the whole book industry is beginning to change, I invite you to take a look at Joe's blog.
Thanks!
Terri
December 24, 2010
Holiday Ebook Buying Guide
"Loose Ends" is featured in J.A. Konrath's blog in his "Holiday Ebook Buying Guide" all of the featured authors (about 25 of us) have sold more than 1000 books per month. It was quite an honor to be asked to participate. :)
A Newbie's Guide to Publishing: Holiday Ebook Buying Guide
jakonrath.blogspot.com
A Newbie's Guide to Publishing: Holiday Ebook Buying Guide
jakonrath.blogspot.com
December 16, 2010
Dreams Do Come True
I have just learned that my first book, "Loose Ends - A Mary O'Reilly Paranormal Mystery" has sold 2500 copies since its release in August. And "Good Tidings" the next book in the sequel has sold over 800 copies since Thanksgiving.
What does this mean to me? Everything!
It means the "dream" of writing for a living is a reality.
It means generous readers are willing to give new authors a chance, and then encourage them and support them.
It means when one door closes - another one opens.
It means that Indie Authors really have a chance of making it in today's market.
To all of you who take a chance on a new author, who take the time to review a book, who help us market our books by telling friends and posting things on Facebook and who become our friends on places like Goodreads - thank you! You have made a huge difference in our lives!
Have a very Merry Holiday Season!!
Terri
What does this mean to me? Everything!
It means the "dream" of writing for a living is a reality.
It means generous readers are willing to give new authors a chance, and then encourage them and support them.
It means when one door closes - another one opens.
It means that Indie Authors really have a chance of making it in today's market.
To all of you who take a chance on a new author, who take the time to review a book, who help us market our books by telling friends and posting things on Facebook and who become our friends on places like Goodreads - thank you! You have made a huge difference in our lives!
Have a very Merry Holiday Season!!
Terri
November 24, 2010
Being Thankful
So here it is - the day before Thanksgiving. It's COLD here in the Midwest, but I'm not shoveling out from under a half-dozen inches of snow, so I can't complain.
I want to comment on two things - first, I recently had a chat with the amazing author, Noel Hynd. (Amazing, not only for what he has written, but for who he is - a mentor and a friend for novice writers.) I told him I felt I was living someone else's life - my book sales have soared, I'm getting e-mails from publishers, I actually have fans - whose life did I just steal? I'm so thankful for all of you readers who took a chance on a new author and read my stories. I'm thankful for those of you who took the time to rate and review my stories. And for those of you who took it one step further and introduced yourself to me and became my friend. I don't know whose life I'm living, but it's nice to have all of you along for the journey.
Second - I think this is going to be a tough holiday season for many. With mounting unemployment and cut backs of government services, there are many people hurting out there. I'm asking for something from all of you. No, it's not a charitable donation (although, if that's within your ability, it wouldn't hurt to donate to your local food pantry or church) - no, what I'm asking of you is even harder. I want all of you to be positive. I want you to smile at people as you shop. I want you to be polite and friendly to the people behind the check-out counter. I want you to let your waitress know you appreciate her. I want you to spread positive charges!
I have seen the power of a positive attitude and how it can create miracles. I know thoughts become actions. I believe if we all concentrate on the good and the positive, we can turn this recession around. I know we can change lives!
So, today and tomorrow and especially Friday - get out there with your smiles and your positive energy and change the world! I promise you will feel much better about life!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Terri
I want to comment on two things - first, I recently had a chat with the amazing author, Noel Hynd. (Amazing, not only for what he has written, but for who he is - a mentor and a friend for novice writers.) I told him I felt I was living someone else's life - my book sales have soared, I'm getting e-mails from publishers, I actually have fans - whose life did I just steal? I'm so thankful for all of you readers who took a chance on a new author and read my stories. I'm thankful for those of you who took the time to rate and review my stories. And for those of you who took it one step further and introduced yourself to me and became my friend. I don't know whose life I'm living, but it's nice to have all of you along for the journey.
Second - I think this is going to be a tough holiday season for many. With mounting unemployment and cut backs of government services, there are many people hurting out there. I'm asking for something from all of you. No, it's not a charitable donation (although, if that's within your ability, it wouldn't hurt to donate to your local food pantry or church) - no, what I'm asking of you is even harder. I want all of you to be positive. I want you to smile at people as you shop. I want you to be polite and friendly to the people behind the check-out counter. I want you to let your waitress know you appreciate her. I want you to spread positive charges!
I have seen the power of a positive attitude and how it can create miracles. I know thoughts become actions. I believe if we all concentrate on the good and the positive, we can turn this recession around. I know we can change lives!
So, today and tomorrow and especially Friday - get out there with your smiles and your positive energy and change the world! I promise you will feel much better about life!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Terri
October 15, 2010
Finding Your Muse
This month has been wonderful and crazy!! Our family welcomed a new baby - grandson Tal. Those little hands and feet, tiny mouth and LOUD voice :) - takes me back to the miracles of each of my own children's births. Now, I'm back home after being a "grandma" for two weeks, trying to catch up and find my muse.
I learned something this week about my muse. When I sit in front of the computer and try to force my muse, I can write, but it's not great. But, when I step away and walk in the lovely autumn leaves or take a drive with my incredibly funny college-aged daughter or take my teen-aged son to his early morning seminary class - my muse likes to go along for the ride. Things seem to click into place. And my characters smile at me and say, "Okay now, we are ready for this adventure!"
So, here's to a wonderful day of musing!!!!
TTFN
Terri
I learned something this week about my muse. When I sit in front of the computer and try to force my muse, I can write, but it's not great. But, when I step away and walk in the lovely autumn leaves or take a drive with my incredibly funny college-aged daughter or take my teen-aged son to his early morning seminary class - my muse likes to go along for the ride. Things seem to click into place. And my characters smile at me and say, "Okay now, we are ready for this adventure!"
So, here's to a wonderful day of musing!!!!
TTFN
Terri
