Lizzy Ford's Blog, page 71
July 13, 2011
Lizzy interrogates Zombie Whisperer, Jack Wallen
I had the pleasure of interviewing Zombie whispering novelist Jack Wallen for the latest installment of the Neverending Blog Tour coordinated by Indie Writers Unite, a Facebook group for indies. Jack's books are entertaining reads that are hard to put down, and his characters charge to life from page one, even if they're mad you woke them up so early in the morning. He writes a fresh and comically jaded commentary on life, zombies, and men in dresses and can make you laugh and think in the same paragraph. A sensitive soul, Jack himself is a great guy, fun to work with as a fellow indie, and dedicated to producing flawless, quality fiction. I start reading many books but finish very few, and Jack's book, "I, Zombie, I" was one of those I read from start to finish.
Jack's Books: I Zombie I
; A Blade Away
; Gothica (Fringe Killer)
About Jack
Tell me what readers should know about Jack Wallen, the man behind the books.
I am an artist to the core and wear my heart on both of my sleeves…and some times my pants.
What inspires you to write?
Everything. Life, love, music…I have found inspiration in the strangest of places. I have an idea, in the back of my head, for a novella that was inspired by an old cemetery I saw on a bike ride out in the country.
If you had a perfect writing outfit, what would it be?
That would depend on what I was writing. If I'm writing Shero, it might be a little black dress and three-inch heels. 
. Pajamas are horribly comfy to write in. I do not like to be uncomfortable when I write.
How do you define success as a writer?
At least for me, success as a writer will be when I have finally managed to cut the umbilical of my day job. That, of course, is ideal. But the real success is knowing readers are enjoying my words. I get a great joy knowing someone has learned something or felt something positive from my work.
Does your family read your books?
My wife has read (and really loved) both A Blade Away and Gothica. As for the "I Zombie" trilogy – I believe she's afraid they will give her nightmares. She won't admit to being a chicken.
What's the #1 piece of advice you'd like to give other indie authors?
Sometimes it hurts. It really does. Sometimes you wake up and you see how few books you've sold and you just want to give up. Instead, write more. Never stop writing. In face of adversity, your pen is your mightiest weapon, your therapist, and your best friend. Okay, maybe not really your therapist or your best friend…
What's the most challenging part of writing a book, in your opinion?
Marketing it. I'm not a business person. Never have been, never will be.
Jack's Books
I bought your three existing books, read I Zombie I and the first chapter of your upcoming novel, Shero. I noticed two themes: zombies and men in dresses. (Not in the same book, unless I missed something!) Believe it or not, I'm wondering why zombies? Any unusual sources of inspiration or fascination with the undead?
Zombies are such an interesting vehicle for social commentary. Unlike the vampire, the zombie can really be used to paint some fairly wide brush strokes about society, without actually condemning anyone. And with zombies, the rules aren't as hard and fast. With vampires, if you go outside of the standard operating procedure, you piss people off and lose readers. With zombies, you draw outside of the lines and all of a sudden you're an innovator. This will change the minute someone does a film with sparkly, hunky zombies. But, I think we're pretty safe from that.
I've also been a huge fan of horror since a child. And zombies were always the one element of horror that can both frighten you and make you laugh at the same time.
I have to say I love your characters. Flawed, bitter or cynical, constantly tested by their unique worlds – and completely believable. I particularly enjoyed how real and bitter Jacob from I Zombie I was. His transformation was fascinating, and I loved that you wrote this book in the first person. It somehow made relating to Jacob that much easier. Do you control how your characters develop or allow them to develop on their own as you write?
I allow my characters to evolve and develop on their own. I write differently, depending upon the needs of the story. For example, with the Fringe Killer series ( A Blade Away, Gothica (Fringe Killer), and the upcoming Endgame) I write from an outline. With the I Zombie I series, I write without the net…just let things happen. I have found that latter method is fantastic for character development, while the former works much better for consistency. But the chaos required for the "I Zombie" series demanded I remove that net. I was glad for that, because it really allowed Jacob and Bethany to take on lives of their own.
I noticed you recently launched a Zombie radio podcast. What's your plan for the "I, Zombie" trilogy?
Here's the deal – I so thoroughly enjoyed writing the "I Zombie" series that I have decided a new zombies series will begin soon. That series will be set about thirty years after the first trilogy and will star a character that is just "given life" (hint hint) near the end of "Die Zombie Die" (The final book – due out early fall 2011.) The Zombie Radio podcast will serve to help bridge these two and give the readers something more to experience. This was actually the brain child of one of my brilliant beta readers.
I saw that "Shero" is being released on Friday, 22 July. You're welcome to add a a pitch here, if you'd like!
Unlike the every day super hero, Shero battles more than evil villains. Shero battles broken heels, runs in his stockings, broken nails, and the scorn of the public at large. In this first installment Shero finds the perfect black dress, a possible lover, a deadly shade of fingernail polish, some nasty, nasty foes, an internal super hero political war, and a narrator full of attitude.
Shero is Sex In The City meets the X Men meets Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. You will laugh, you might cry, and you'll be given to fits of yelling "You go, girl!" You've been warned.
What's the story's main message?
Everyone has a monster lurking just underneath their skin…but what does it take to bring that monster out?
Who is/are the main characters?
The main character is Jacob Plummer, a lonely journalist who is infected by the Mengele Virus and decides to document his spiral into the dark zombie abyss. Through the story, Jacob transforms, without realizing, from a victim to a hero.
Which character do you admire from this book?
Jacob is a pretty amazing man who manages to make a change many of us wouldn't. In the face of horrific painful and change, he unselfishly places the lives of those around him first, and does so while trying to help to save the human race. I would like to think I could do the same…but you never know. Transforming into a zombie is tough business.
Which character would creep you out if you met him/her in person?
Honestly – those that put the Mengele Virus in motion. They come out in the next two books and they are not to be trusted.
What did you learn about yourself while writing this novel?
Ultimately I learned that I have to write or that creative soul in me withers. That creative soul is probably that thing that most would call a soul or life-force and in the writing of I Zombie I I finally realized that creative soul really did deserve to be heard. I was never so proud of finishing a book as I was I Zombie I.
What's the story's main message?
We are all human beings and should be judged by our deeds and actions, not the clothing covering our skin.
Who is/are the main characters?
Jamie Davenport and Skip Abrahm are two partners that are as much friends and family as they are co-workers. Both are police officers on the Louisville, Kentucky police force and both are persecuted for one reason or another.
Which character surprised you when you wrote him/her?
Lakme. What began as just a hideous, twisted killer wound up a human being with a story filled with sorrow that actually helped to explain why he was so bound in his actions.
If you could be stranded on a desert island with one of your characters from this novel, which one and why?
Oh my that's a tough one. I want to say Skip, because I'd laugh pretty much all the time. But I'm fairly certain Skip would hit on me 24/7 which would grow tiresome after a while. I would probably have to say Jamie because she's an amazing, sexy woman.
Which one would you definitely NOT want to be stranded with and why?
The chief of police. I would kill him and then I would be alone with the fact I had no remorse in killing the bigoted SOB.
Where can we find your books?
Amazon:
I, Zombie, I: Kindle: I Zombie I
A Blade Away: Kindle: A Blade Away
Gothica: Kindle: Gothica (Fringe Killer)
Barnes and Noble: I, Zombie, I; A Blade Away; Gothica
Smashwords: I, Zombie, I; A Blade Away; Gothica
Where can we find you?
July 2, 2011
Maddy's Oasis
Download Maddy's Oasis for Free
Lizzy Ford's newest book "Maddy's Oasis" is here!
Full length fantasy romance novel Damian's Assassin is now available for free download for your Kindle, Nook, eReader or Kobo.
With an ill mother in need of expensive surgery, Madeleine flies from NYC to the west Texas desert to take on the doomed Desert Oasis resort project in hopes of earning the bonus attached to finishing it on schedule. She soon finds there's only one thing hotter than the desert sun: Jake, the infuriating Texan whose dislike of the fast-paced city puts them at odds at everything from her high-heels to her to-do lists. When the Oasis reveals its dark secret, Maddy finds she must choose between money and those she cares about. Contemporary western (sweet) romance novella.
June 30, 2011
Sneak preview: Maddy's Oasis, Chapter One
CHAPTER ONE
Madeleine Winters gazed out the car window at the construction site—nothing more than steel beams and concrete to her untrained eye. Her mouth fell open with a silent curse. Beams in the vertical steel frame had been forcibly bent until the building resembled a partially bloomed flower wilting in the middle of the west Texas desert and not the gleaming hotel it was supposed to be. Her field was program management, not construction, but she doubted the structure sitting in the middle of the desert was right.
"Wow!" Eric, the car's driver and her personal assistant, exclaimed. "That can't be normal."
Her gaze went to the two bright yellow bulldozers near one corner. One was still connected to a beam by a thick steel chain while the other had been tipped over. She stepped out of the car's AC into to the desert's sauna-like heat and shielded her eyes despite the sunglasses.
There were more signs of intentional damage: crushed tiles, colorful graffiti, and tools and construction materials scattered everywhere.
Her black suit was meant for the temperate weather back east and her slingback heels for sidewalks. A late flight left her tired, and the sight of her pitiful project worsened her headache. She felt sorry for the building, even knowing how ridiculous that was. Given the project's bloated financials, she suspected the amount of damage done would soak up more money and time than she had.
Which was why her boss, Nigel, offered her such a pretty bonus if she could complete it on time. She'd expected a mess, but nothing like this.
"You probably should learn to fire people more politely," Eric said. He was a wiry, small man who appeared to be no older than fifteen despite being closer to thirty than she was. In one hand was a BlackBerry; in the other, a PDA.
"I thought I was polite," she said with a frown. "Where the hell are the security guards Alex hired before ditching this place last week?"
"Alex didn't do a lot of things he said he did," Eric reminded her with a glance down at the PDA. "Alex pissed off—or fired—the only four local companies capable of building this far in the west Texas desert. The last we had to bring in from … I can't even pronounce it. I don't even know if they're based in the US. It's Javier and Sons Construction."
Anyone who knew Alex knew he couldn't handle organizing his car let alone overseeing a mega-challenge such as The Desert Oasis. The misshapen beginnings before her were meant to be real estate tycoon Dylan Howard's latest venture: an exclusive, uber-luxury spa and hotel stranded in the middle of the Texas desert, one so exclusive that non-millionaires would not be invited to stay.
Alex was on his way out, and this had been the final push. No one had heard from him since he ditched the project a week ago. She understood why.
"That must be them." Eric indicated the single-wide trailer off to one side. It was nestled between stacks of sandstone and hefty wooden crates. Four large white utility trucks with extended cabs were parked a short distance from the office. Several men perched on the edges of the trucks, and the door to the office was open.
Her phone rang, and she looked at the number, recognizing it as her mother's doctor's office. She motioned Eric onward and answered.
"Is this Madeleine Winters?" a prim voice asked.
"Yes."
"This is Grace from the billing department at Dr. Jordan's."
Madeleine grated her teeth, knowing what Grace was about to tell her.
"You missed your last two payments. I don't want to refer your account to collections. You'll have to find a new doctor if you're not able to bring your account up to date."
"I took out a loan that should've transferred to my account today," Madeleine replied in the same tone. "If not, I'll have it tomorrow. Either way, I'll transfer the funds by noon tomorrow."
"Very well, Ms. Winters."
Madeleine hung up and drew a deep breath. Her mother's cancer treatment and nursing home had already eaten through both their retirement savings and a second lien on her house. Her credit cards were maxed out, and the bank had been very, very hesitant to extend the latest lifeline. When Nigel offered her the six-figure bonus for finishing this project, she leapt at the opportunity, even though her gut warned her against it.
She needed the money too bad to say no.
She regained her resolve and made her way carefully toward the office, twisting her ankle only once on the rocky ground beneath her four-inch heels. She straightened and dusted her suit jacket before ascending the rickety metal stairs to the office.
The contrast of the building's dark interior blinded her. She paused inside the doorway and blinked, making out several quiet forms in a small reception area sporting two worn couches in front of a cluttered desk.
She raised her sunglasses and gazed at the three silent men standing before her. One beefy, older Mexican's white shirt labeled him as Javier. Another wore blue with the familiar logo, Smithson Contracting. The third was small and round with an oily smile.
"Good morning," she said when no one spoke. "I'm Madeleine, assistant to Mr. Howard, and the new project manager assigned to oversee completion of the Desert Oasis."
She offered her hand to the nearest man, Javier, whose barrel-chested frame made her feel tiny. He gave a hearty shake. His grizzled smile—as rough as his salt and pepper speckled start of a beard—widened at her direct gaze. His skin was caramel, the dominant shade in southwest Texas, his eyes bright blue.
"Javier, of Javier and Sons," he responded in a thick, slow Spanish accent.
"Larry's Security," the small, oily man said, stepping forward and holding out a hand.
"Ah, Larry's Security," she said. "You've been in charge of my site for the past week."
"Yes, ma'am," he replied. "I received your phone call but didn't understand. Thought I'd drop by and meet you."
"I appreciate your visit," she said. "However, my message was very clear. Your services are no longer needed."
"Ma'am, I was hired by—"
"Alex. I know. And I'm releasing you. I confirmed our last payment to your company. If you would like to contest either your payment or your release, here is the number to Mr. Howard's attorneys' office."
She handed him a card. Without awaiting any further objection, she turned to the man in the Smithson uniform.
"Jim Smithson," he said, sticking out his hand.
While not impressed by any of what she had seen so far, she was the least impressed by the man before her.
"How may I help you?" she asked.
"My contract with—"
She cut him off. "Your contract has been terminated. Here, for you, is the card for Mr. Howard's attorneys. Raise any complaint you have to them. Or you can await their call. Mr. Howard is leaving it up to me whether or not to press charges for this disaster you call a building. The local inspector already faxed us his initial inspection results indicating a great deal of negligence in your performance. Eric, escort Mr. Smithson and Mr. Larry out."
She took a step back and folded her hands before her. Mr. Smithson's face flushed, and he sputtered while Mr. Larry just stared. The men went without a word. Eric beamed a smile and followed them.
"Coffee, Eric!" she called after him.
She glanced at her awaiting contractor, Javier, and crossed to the cluttered desk, not sure where to start. Stacks of papers, an accounting book, trash, and office supplies were piled on top. The mess was representative of the shoddy reporting and inconsistent status updates Alex sent their boss, Nigel, throughout the months he was running the project. There was no way to know what Alex had been doing, or even how far he had gotten, and she doubted the trashed desk would be of any help. She set her briefcase on top of the nearest pile of yellowed papers and popped it open.
"These are the revised blueprints based on Mr. Howard's directions. I need an estimate today of the extent of damage, cost to repair, schedule for repairing, and an estimate on the time, materials, and manpower needed to resume and complete construction. Do you wanna write this down?"
She turned to face him, pad of paper and pen in hand.
Javier was smiling, his amusement visible in the crinkling around his eyes. He stuck the blueprints under his arm without looking at them and tucked his thumbs into the wide belt of his jeans.
"No, ma'am," he replied.
"Are you sure?" she pressed. "You'll need something to write down the numbers, at least."
"It'll get done when it's done."
"What does that mean?" she pushed. "It must be done immediately."
"I suggest you prioritize what you want done soonest."
"I told you what I want done."
"Won't get done today."
She gazed at him hard.
"I'm being honest," he said before she could pursue. "Out west, we do things a little different, a little more slow."
"I realize that," she said. "But if you won't perform as I want you to, I'll replace you."
"Well," he said with a pause. "Alex drove away every other construction company between here and Houston, which is a twelve-hour drive. You're stuck with us, unless Mr. Howard wants to pay double for someone else. It's been my experience that rich men are stingy men. It'll get done, Ms. Madeleine, but it'll get done when it's done. Good morning, ma'am."
And he walked out. She stared at the wall before her, resisting the urge to scream and throw her shoes.
"Mr. Javier!" she called as she followed.
His long strides toward his trucks forced her to trot precariously on her toes. At her approach, Javier turned to face her. He automatically reached out to steady her with a beefy hand as she wobbled on the heels.
"I need some sort of timetable of when you intend to have my tasks done," she insisted. "When do you intend to start, how late do you work, how many men you have at your disposal. We have much more to discuss, and I would greatly appreciate a timeline of when you plan to do what I covered on my list."
"Where do I get coffee around here?" Eric asked, approaching from the direction of their rental car.
"This little lady doesn't need any coffee," Javier grumbled. "Her pretty little head's about to spin off."
"There's a diner down the road, Eric. We passed it on our way here," she told him. "Bring two cups—oh, and I'm going to need a microwave, mini-fridge, and office supplies for this little … shack. And cleaning supplies. Maybe some food and bottled water."
Eric jotted down her list with a quick nod. She turned to find Javier had continued toward his trucks without her.
"And call around to see what other contractors are in this area," she said in a quieter voice.
Eric smiled before snapping his PDA in place at his hip and jogging to the rental car.
Irritated by the lack of urgency or concern about the mess behind her, Madeleine quickened her pace toward Javier. He strode by one truck and motioned to the men loitering, directing them toward the building with a few quick words in Spanish she didn't understand. He paused to stand at the lowered tailgate of one truck, where he handed the blueprints to a man seated on the edge.
"What are your men doing now?" she asked, glancing toward the half dozen men ambling toward the structure.
"Ma'am, they plan on conducting an ancient Indian ritual to cleanse the building of evil spirits," Javier said, reaching for a thermos.
She stared at him. He twisted the top of the thermos off and poured a cup of coffee, handing it to her.
"Maybe this'll calm you down," he offered.
"Just … please, give me some indication you'll work with me here," she said. She sipped the coffee, expecting it to be as rough as the man before her and surprised at its smooth, mild flavor.
"You ever built a building?" Javier asked.
"No."
"Know anything about building buildings?"
"No."
"What're you doing here?"
"I'm damage control," she explained. "Our boss believes that program managers need to know how to manage programs, not be experts in any one field."
"At least you're honest." Javier tilted his head toward the seated man. "My nephew, Jake."
Madeleine glanced at the quiet man, noting the similar white T-shirt, cowboy hat, and jeans.
"Jake'll be handling your project," Javier continued.
"I expected this project to be given your company's utmost support and expertise," she said firmly.
"Jake went to one of your schools out east," Javier stated. "He's the best in Texas. Ask him for a timeline."
Madeleine suspected she would receive nothing more concrete from a blood relative of Javier than she would the man himself. Javier, however, seemed satisfied with himself. He handed her the coffee thermos, slapped the seated man on the arm, and strode to the nearest truck.
She drew a deep breath to calm herself before turning to the man in whose hands her entire life seemed to rest.
"Jake."
The man unfolding himself from the truck was larger than she expected. Over six feet and solid. He was wide of shoulder, as muscular as a linebacker. Jeans and T-shirt were snug in all the right places, revealing sculpted biceps and the outline of muscular thighs. He wore traditional cowboy boots and a thick belt with a bright buckle. Eyes were hidden behind reflective sunglasses and the rest of his face behind the blueprint in his hands. His hair was in a traditional military styled high and tight.
"Jake, can you provide me a timeline for estimating the damage and repairs?" she asked.
"Sure." His Texan accent was less evident, his deep voice rich and quiet.
"I have paper in the office," she said.
He trailed her as she hurried back to the trailer. The darkness blinded her once more, and she paused before crossing to her briefcase to retrieve the paper and pen. Jake seated himself on one of the couches. She crossed to sit near him on the same couch, holding out the pen and paper.
He was a handsome man, she noticed, unable to help her surprise at finding such a specimen so far from civilization. Sunglasses were perched on his head to reveal large, dark eyes with long eyelashes, a thick and low brow, a noble, aquiline nose, chiseled jaw, tilted cheekbones, and a thick coat of caramel-shaded skin. She found herself staring openly at him, unaware of how much time passed before he finally spoke.
"These blueprints have been altered down to the foundation," he observed, studying the colored sheets of paper.
"Meaning what exactly?"
"Meaning the foundation must be replaced."
"No," she said, and shook her head. "Starting over isn't an option."
Jake met her gaze with a raised eyebrow. She was surprised at the bloom of heat within her caused by the direct look of the hunk next to her.
"You asked for my estimate," he pointed out, the Texan drawl slowing his speech.
"Let's start with the damage assessment. How long will it take to repair everything?"
"You don't know what you're doing."
Though agitated by his directness, she said evenly, "No, I don't. That…" She motioned toward the building beyond the office door, "…looks like a mess to me."
"It is," he agreed. "Beyond repair."
"No," she said again. "I don't have time to rebuild."
"Repair would take just as long."
"You'll have to deal with what's there," she said. "Something must be salvageable."
"And the changes in the blueprints?"
"What about them?"
"I can't repair the damage according to old blueprints. The changes in this set will be done simultaneously."
"Fine," she said. "Make the changes as you repair. How long?"
"When it's done," he said, and stood. Like his uncle, he left without another word. She watched him, her gaze falling to his perfectly shaped backside as he strode out of the office.
She started after him and tripped over the concrete block used to prop open the door. She cursed and leaned against the door. Jake was waving all the awaiting men toward the building. She rubbed her stubbed toe, aware of the blisters already forming from chasing down Javier. Convinced Javier and Sons would be the death of her, she forced herself to focus on the office.
It, too, was a complete disaster, and for the second time in half an hour, she felt overwhelmed by her circumstances. She forced her mind away from the contracting situation. In truth, she needed to determine the status of the finances before being confronted with the price tag attached to the damage and changes to blueprints.
She carefully laid her suit jacket on a couch and set out to decode Alex's chaotic filing system. As she approached the desk, she clipped her Bluetooth earpiece in place and dialed Mr. Howard's financial department.
* * *
Jake spent the afternoon going over the structure, his opinion of the idiots who built it growing worse. When dark fell, he remained with a flashlight to go over the outside of the building and jotted down notes. It was near midnight when he decided he'd had enough of the blooming onion of a building. He started toward his truck and saw the city-girl's car still there. A weak light glowed from the trailer. He was annoyed rather than surprised she was still there, recalling very well the speed and urgency attached to everything back east. It was one of two reasons he left New York City and returned home. The other reason: his busted leg with its metal plates that ended his chances of an NFL career.
He didn't regret leaving. Life was not enjoyed by those consumed in meeting after meeting, phone call after phone call, and relentless overtime. He preferred to be his own master in the wide open desert of west Texas, working with his family.
He gazed up at the structure once again, taking in its dimensions and reviewing the angles, materials, and time it would take to create the vision on the blueprints before him, assuming things weren't as bad as he suspected.
The response made him grunt. Too long. He knew any amount of time would be viewed as too long by the city-girl still holed up in the trailer despite the hour. Only half of the floodlights were working due to three destroyed generators, but his men remained, cleaning up the area and reporting back with assessments of the building's structure.
Most of the assessments pointed to fast, shoddy work. The foundation was already cracked in several places. The dangerously ill-constructed workmanship in general made him shake his head. He'd heard of Smithson's work in the past; however, he'd never witnessed the brazen shoddiness of the sleazy little man.
The entire building needed to come down and be started over.
"Jake? Oh, sorry, hold on."
He recognized the soft voice without turning and rolled his eyes at Toni, his uncle and foreman, as the city-girl took yet another phone call. Then he pivoted and took in the young woman with the phone to her ear. With the expensive suit and heels, her athletic frame was stylish and out of place in the middle of the desert.
"Bring in everyone but the Reyes crew," he said to Toni. "We're done for the night."
Toni pulled free the whistle he kept around his neck and blew it twice. Jake rolled the blueprints once more and turned, knocking the ill-balanced woman back a few steps as he pushed them toward her and strode on.
"Nigel, wait … no, I'll call you back," she said hurriedly in irritation. She disconnected the call and trotted after him. "Jake!"
Her small hand rested on his bicep. He turned and saw her glance down at the buzzing BlackBerry.
"Do you have numbers for me?" she asked, looking up at him.
"Yeah," he answered, watching her.
City-girl released him to drop both hands to her BlackBerry, where she began typing with her thumbs.
"Where are they?" she asked.
"In here," he said, and tapped his temple.
"I need them on paper."
"Give 'em to you tomorrow."
"I need them tonight, Jake," she insisted. "I have to do the figures."
"They'll be the same whether you do them tonight or tomorrow."
"Could you please at least stop by the office and jot down a few things?"
"Sure. Be in at six," he said.
Had her phone not rung, she would have continued to pester him. He shook his head as Toni joined him and they moved toward the trucks. The months it would take to finish this project would certainly drag if the city-girl behind him didn't learn to back off. He didn't leave the City to have it follow him here.
It was a shame she was such an attractive little package. Her green eyes were large, clear, and intelligent, her body toned and shapely. She was confident and smart—a combination he liked.
And annoying as hell, a trait he didn't.
"Javier would've taken her over his knee by now," Toni muttered. "You're the right choice for this one—no one else is as laid back as you. You spent time back east, you'll be able to relate."
"No way, Toni. I don't want anything to do with those types," Jake replied.
They climbed into Jake's truck, and he rolled down the windows. It was a warm, bright night, and he breathed deeply.
"Why you think Mr. Howard chose this place anyway?" Jake asked. "There's nothing for miles, and bringing in water and electricity is going to cost a fortune."
"Worse, this is in the middle of Cortez's drug route from Mexico," Toni said. "I can't imagine all that money didn't get Mr. Howard an assessment of the area. Either he's an idiot or he's too rich to care."
"I was thinking that, too. Cortez is all over the newspapers anymore."
Jake's gaze went to the rearview mirror as he thought of the city-girl in the trailer. He'd left a few men there to continue cleaning up. If anything bad happened, they'd call him.
"Did you hear that kid Eric say the guy they had here before just disappeared?" Toni asked.
"Yeah, I heard. Not a good sign."
Toni grunted in agreement. They rode the rest of the way into town in comfortable silence. Jake dropped off Toni then returned to the large hacienda he shared with his sisters and Javier. His uncle had tried to stay up late and was dozing in his favorite worn recliner in the living room. Jake whispered a hello, tio as he walked through the living room into the kitchen. His sister Kitty had left him dinner in the oven with a pink sticky note with a large frownie face on the oven's handle.
Plucking the sticky free with a snort, he turned on the oven and sat down to review his notes. He started to estimate the damage then sat back.
No one in their right mind would build a luxury resort here. He rubbed his face, understanding why his uncle turned down the ludicrous contract over a year ago when it was floated to every contractor in west Texas.
"It stinks," his uncle said in gravelly voice as he entered the kitchen rubbing his eyes. "And I don't mean Kitty's cooking."
"She's the best damn cook in Texas," Jake said.
"And she knows it," Javier said, sitting. "It's worse than it looks, mi hijo."
"You're right about that, tio," Jake agreed. His gaze settled on the notes on his pad. He pictured the building again then shook his head, the prospect of repairing it overwhelming.
"We can back out."
"Whatever, tio," Jake replied.
He looked at his uncle knowingly, well aware Javier did nothing without a great deal of thought. Many folks dismissed the large, pot-bellied Mexican, mistaking his dusty boots, thick accent, and slow speech as signs he was either uneducated or ignorant. Javier had built up the family's construction empire from scratch over thirty years, squirreled away every extra penny he earned from it, and used the money to send his nephews and nieces to elite private schools and buy them all their first houses. The rest he saved.
Jake didn't know how much his uncle had hidden away, but he knew it was more than enough for Javier to retire in luxury. Javier had no intention of retiring. Instead, he remained actively involved in the construction projects.
"Why the hell did you agree?" Jake asked, perplexed. He motioned to his notes. "This is a disaster. The building needs to come down and start over, there's probably no funding, it's in the middle of your dear cousin Carlos Cortez's smuggling route … and the idiot they put in charge … Damn."
"Instinct."
For once, he wanted his uncle to explain his infamous instinct. There were many projects he'd had a lukewarm feeling about that ended up as his uncle predicted—successful. Javier's instinct had never been wrong before, yet this project already gave Jake a headache.
"She didn't seem like an idiot," Javier said.
"Well, she is," Jake responded. Irritated, he rose and withdrew his dinner from the oven. "Typical city-girl, self-absorbed, controlling, no common sense or respect, demanding this and that … I dated enough of them to know, tio."
"You didn't have any luck dating girls from here, either."
"Guess it's not my forte. I don't have my tio's charm."
Javier chuckled. Jake sat down to wolf down his sister's latest creation: some sort of spicy meatloaf. Kitty's food was always good, even if he didn't recognize all the spices she used from the weed garden Javier built her or what kind of animal it came from.
"You're sure you want us working on this one?" he asked.
"Pretty sure," Javier said in his slow drawl. "Can't be that bad."
"All righty, then. I'll do my best," Jake said.
"Good kid. Life ain't so hard."
Jake wasn't so sure but cleaned up and made his lunch for the next day. He wondered what city-girl would say when he told her the cost.
"Five million just to get things back on track?"
He'd heard rumors from his usual financiers and suspected funding would be a problem, but seeing the assistant to a billionaire pale at the paltry number confirmed his instinct. Her striking green eyes grew larger, amplified by the dark teal suit she wore this day. He hadn't seen her on her feet yet, but he knew she'd be wearing inappropriate shoes.
The women from back east were predictable like that.
"How long will it take you to finish?" she asked.
He studied the heart-shaped face with its button nose and large eyes, smooth skin, and tanned complexion. Her gaze was steady and direct; even Javier had commented on it. Javier liked a man—or woman—unafraid to look him in the eye.
"Nine months to complete our portion of the work."
At this, the city-girl looked ill.
"That's too long."
"With more men and money, it'll be less," he said with a shrug.
"More than the thirty million?"
He nodded.
"Jesus," she murmured. "How much and how many men?"
"Another crew, maybe two, depending on when you want it done," he responded.
"I need to—"
Her phone rang and cut her off. She looked down, muttering, "Excuse me."
"I'll be out there," he said as he rose. The city-girl waved a hand in confirmation without looking up.
"Good morning, Jake." Her assistant, Eric, beamed a smile as he opened the door.
"Mornin'," Jake responded.
"How's it going?"
"Fine."
"Great, that's great!" Eric said with fake enthusiasm.
Jake ignored his attempt to enter and pushed by him, agitated. Toni, a leathery man twenty years Jake's senior, gave a knowing grin from his position leaning against the rickety stairs.
"They may not have to fire us," Jake said with a shake of his head. "At this rate, I'm about two straws from walking away."
"The money'll be good," Toni countered.
"If there's money," Jake replied. They started toward the building and made it a few dozen feet away before he heard the trailer door slam open.
"Jake, I'd like a tour!" she called after him.
"Christ," he muttered without turning. "Change shoes and bring a hard hat."
"I didn't bring extra—hello? Nigel?"
He tried hard to tune her out, but she trailed them, talking in low, agitated tones on the phone.
"The foundation on the east and part of the northern block are pretty solid. We should only need to pour two-thirds of it over again," Toni said as they walked toward the small work station Jake had set up.
"Yeah, we'll definitely need to work on the foundation. Everything else needs to come down where we'll pour. City-girl here doesn't understand, so keep it quiet. I'll move her office to the opposite side, so she can't see what we're doing. Doubt she can tell one side of the site from the other," Jake stated. "We'll need to bring in about twenty laborers."
They exchanged a look, and Toni grinned.
"I've needed some good tequila," he remarked. "I'll take a trip south tonight. Has she considered moving in some trailers to save on travel costs during the week?"
"Haven't asked. It'll make our job easier if our men can stay here instead of driving in every day. I'll give Carla a call today," Jake said.
They paused at his work area to pick up hard hats.
"I'd like to see the damaged area first, then—" the city-girl started. "What are they doing?"
Jake turned to look in the direction she indicated. Two of his workers were hanging out by the water tank.
"Taking a break," he said.
"It's only six-thirty. What are the union laws here?"
"Leave my men to me," he warned.
"Do you intend to make them—hello?"
Jake picked up a third hard hat and turned, snagging the BlackBerry and plopping the hat on her head before she could object. He clicked the phone off and dropped it on the table.
The city-girl gazed up at him with a frown, her lovely face irritated.
"I need that, Jake."
"Chin up," he said, ignoring her words.
He adjusted the hat, surprised to notice how soft her skin was. He withdrew without meeting her challenging gaze and slapped her upside the head. City-girl gasped. Toni grinned.
"C'mon." Jake turned and began walking toward the building. "We'll start at the entrance."
He led her through the beams, explaining the layout and how the new blueprints would adjust the current design.
"I don't know how you can envision any of this," she said when he paused. "I see nothing but beams and cement. These don't look like spas, conference rooms, or anything. This looks like a pool might go here."
Jake turned in time to see her stop beside a gaping circular hole beyond a set of beams. City-girl leaned forward for a better view, and he saw the beams to the left and right shudder.
"I wouldn't do that," he said, and reached out with lightning reflexes. He wrapped one arm around her warm body and pulled her back as the beam she leaned upon dropped. Her body fit well against his, and he could feel the combination of soft curves and athletic muscle beneath.
"Wow," she muttered. "Is that supposed to happen?"
"When Smithson heads your project, yes," he said. "You see the support beams there and there?"
She absently leaned against him, following his hand with her eyes as he pointed above her. Vanilla-scented hair tickled his chin.
"They're held together with a single fastener."
"And?"
"They should be held together with about a dozen."
"A dozen? Maybe I'll call and fire him again," she murmured, stepping away from him.
"Just don't lean on anything," Jake advised. His gaze traveled over the hourglass form rendered blocky by the masculine suit. Dark eyes settled on her impractical shoes once more. "You might want to check the insurance on this place before coming out here in those shoes again."
City-girl gave him an irritated glance over her shoulder. Jake joined Toni and continued on the tour. It was not until she tripped for the third time that he took pity on her and took a shortcut back to the office.
"They're still on break."
Jake looked, already aware of whom she spoke. While he made an attempt to keep his staff as qualified and motivated as possible, occasionally a lazy one or two slipped through when he needed numbers.
City-girl took a deep breath and set off for the pair. Jake snagged the collar of her suit to stop her.
"You don't mess with my men," he warned her again, this time more sharply.
City-girl tugged free and faced him. He crossed his arms to expose his roped forearms and met her gaze head on.
"First, if you don't keep your men occupied, I won't hesitate to get rid of them," she told him. "Second, keep your hands off me."
"First, you don't tell me how to deal with my men. I won't be micromanaged by someone who knows nothing about my job. Second, you don't talk to my men. You take any issues to me," he said just as firmly.
She gazed up at him, assessing him, then said, "Very well. I want those two gone."
She turned and walked away toward his work space to retrieve her BlackBerry. She flung the hard hat on the ground beside the card tables he used as desks in his work space.
"Are all the women out east like that?" Toni asked, shaking his head.
Jake watched her walk with a purely feminine sway despite the masculine business suit.
"I mean now, Jake!" she shouted back at him.
Toni looked at him, astonished. Jake's jaw twitched.
"They breed 'em different," Toni added.
"That they do," Jake said, reining in his temper.
"I see why you left."
Jake snorted, fed up with the reminder of his time back east already.
"We'll do our best," Toni said.
"Should know in a few days just how bad things are. I have a feeling we haven't seen the worst of this place."
June 26, 2011
Paperback version of "Katie's Hellion" now available at Amazon
For those who asked, there is indeed a Katie's Hellion paperback version, and it's available on Amazon. It should be on Barnes and Noble online in paperback form in about 4 weeks!
The good news: it exists!
The bad news: I can't give them away for free. They're $9.99 each. 
If you're still interested, feel free to click below!
June 20, 2011
Lizzy interrogates fellow YA/sweetie Melissa Smith
Melissa is the first fellow YA/paranormal romance and fantasy indie kindred spirit I've interrogated on my site as part of the IWU Neverending Blog Tour. I'm happy to feature another writer in my subgenre, especially this writer! Her writing is fun and engaging, and Melissa herself is as sweet as her romances. (Get it? 'Sweet romance' … awesome pun! Woohoo!) She is - without a doubt – one of the nicest, most supportive indies I've met yet, and her quick-n-gentle wit surfaces in her writing. I'd buy Melissa's books just because I really like her – so it's a bonus that her novels are original and well-written!
Melissa's novels:
Amazon: Cloud Nine : A Paranormal Romance of the Guardians of Man
; The Heir Apparent (The Waiting Throne)
BN: Cloud Nine ; The Heir Apparent
About Melissa
Tell me what readers should know about Melissa Smith, the woman behind the books.
I'm funny and quick witted with a sharp side.
What inspires you to write?
At first inspiration came from a need to escape grief. Now? It's the love of the developing story!
If you had a perfect writing outfit, what would it be?
Pajamas!! Oh wait, I already have that outfit! 
How do you define success as a writer?
I define it by the ability to complete and put out a novel that readers want to read.
Does your family read your books?
My sister is the only one to read them. My husband looked at me like I had horns sprouting when he learned it was a romance. He reads the reviews though. My boys are too 'male' to touch them. "Ugh! A girlie book?" Then envision them with their hands rapidly retracted as if they almost touched the color pink. *head shaking* I know. I need pity. Even the cat is a boy.
What's the #1 piece of advice you'd like to give other indie authors?
I have to quote another author –Mary Pat Hyland- Just do it. I have to agree. If I didn't just 'do it' I wouldn't be chatting with you now!
What's the most challenging part of writing a book, in your opinion?
Keeping the story moving in one direction. My stories tend to run off in different tangents and I'm forever redirecting my characters. They're pretty headstrong.
Melissa's Books
Your novels are fun and creative, and I absolutely loved the premise of a Guardian Angel falling in love with a young woman in Cloud Nine. You and I are some of the very, very few romance writers who write in the 'sweet' (ie, no sex-scenes) subgenre. I've had a lot of people comment on my sweet romances, many of whom feel romance novels focused on characters and story but no sex are few and far between. Given that it's not as mainstream as commercial romance, what made you choose to write the 'sweet' route?
Well while I have no qualms about reading a steamy romance, I feel that sometimes a reader wants to imagine the touches and heat that a couple can make without it being spelled out in detail. At least I do anyway. I like being able to imagine what they did or didn't do when the story cuts away from what will become a love scene. Not to mention my character is only 17/18.
Cloud Nine is a paranormal romance, and The Heir Apparentis a fantasy. Where do you find inspiration for the paranormal and fantastical parts of your novels? Do you choose what to write or does your writer's Muse tell you what to write?
Well initially Cloud Ninewas to be a children's book. But after about two chapters my characters took over and it clearly became a romance. I liked where it was headed and changed the ages of the parties involved to reflect those changes. Had to throw out my outline and I never looked back!
The Heir Apparentwas based on a story that I fiddled around with in high school. A little darker and not set on earth. Where everyone has some form of magical ability and where the time period resembles medieval England there are a few steampunk elements thrown in. While this book has no romance (the MC is only a boy) the others that follow will show that development.
Are either of your books part of a larger series? If so, what do you have planned for your series?
Cloud Ninewas originally planned as a trilogy, but it didn't feel right so I re-wrote the outline for a duology. But I might spin off on a few of the characters that are dropping hints for their own stories.
The Heir Apparentis planned as a trilogy with the last book leaving room for more should the desire strike me.
What's your next project?
I'm currently finishing the edits and rewrites for Thunderhead, the sequel to Cloud Nine. I hope to have this one finished and ready for publication by early July. *fingers crossed!*
Along with that I'm working on a prequel novella in the Guardian Series.
And finally I'm working on an as yet untitled Paranormal Romance.
Cloud Nine : A Paranormal Romance of the Guardians of Man
What's the story's main message?
That following your heart will lead not only to happiness but to a little heartache.
Who is/are the main characters?
First there is Claire. A typical teenaged girl. She's a senior who has homework and friends and has to work for spending and gas money. She's an only child with two working parents who tend to work long hours. She wants what all girls want at that age. A little romance and fun. When the romance didn't work out she set out to just finish high school and have fun.
Then there's Sterling. He's what we all know to exist but never see. A Guardian. A little strange himself he tends to take his job very seriously. Followed all the rules to the letter until he came across Claire. For her he's done things that he's never done in all his years past and he isn't regretting a single one of them.
Which character do you admire from this book?
Claire's grandmother. She's fun and snappy while being your loving grandmother.
Which character would creep you out if you met him/her in person?
The Overseers. If you want to know why, read my book!
What did you learn about yourself while writing this novel?
That I can write a story that people will want to read. That I can sit down and make a whole new world that not only I want to live in but others do too!
The Heir Apparent (The Waiting Throne)
What's the story's main message?
Family love. The trials and joy that come with it. Even if the family you've always grown up loving wasn't the one you were born into.
Who is/are the main characters?
There are several main characters. There is the King with his wife and daughter. The Clan Leader and his daughter. Then there is Salmund. A little boy who wants nothing more than to follow in his father's footsteps. To take over for him when the time is right and do that job just like his father showed him to. Unfortunatly there is someone out there who wants him dead for their own gain and they'll stop at nothing to have what they want. Even if it means killing a two year old.
Which character surprised you when you wrote him/her?
I would have to say it was Muni. He's so much more that people see and he likes it that way. And again, if you want to know what I'm talking about you'll have to pick up The Heir Apparent.
If you could be stranded on a desert island with one of your characters from this novel, which one and why?
Ugh. I can only pick one? Not fair! Seriously I can't decide. I'll have to think on that one a bit longer.
Which one would you definitely NOT want to be stranded with and why?
Whoever it is that is out to kill a boy.
Where can we find your books?
Amazon: Cloud Nine; The Heir Apparent (The Waiting Throne)
Barnes and Noble: Cloud Nine; The Heir Apparent
Smashwords: Cloud Nine; The Heir Apparent
Where can we find you?
Your website - Primary
Your website - Secondary
June 19, 2011
Upcoming releases: Maddy's Oasis and Mind Cafe (revised)
For those wondering when June's book will be released: July 02. Ha! I know, it's not June, but it's a long weekend. It takes me about 3 days to upload it everywhere, so I aim for long weekends when possible! Sign up for the mailing list if you want to be notified (with link) as soon as it's uploaded.
I'm releasing a novella entitled, Maddy's Oasis, and re-releasing a revised version of the strangely popular short story, Mind Cafe, on July 02. Summaries and covers below!
With an ill mother in need of expensive surgery, Madeleine flies from NYC to the west Texas desert to take on the doomed Desert Oasis resort project in hopes of earning the bonus attached to finishing it on schedule. She soon finds there's only one thing hotter than the desert sun: Jake, the infuriating Texan whose dislike of the fast-paced city puts them at odds at everything from her high-heels to her to-do lists. When the Oasis reveals its dark secret, Maddy finds she must choose between money and those she cares about. (Contemporary western romance novella)
Revised and edited by the wonderful Christine LePorte. The Mind Cafe is death's waiting room and the only refuge for a woman trapped in her body after a tragic accident leaves her unable to do anything but watch the world and think. (Fiction, short story)
Just to put in a pitch here for my cover artist: if you love my covers as much as I do, Dafeenah (who recently launched Indie Designz for cover art and blog headers) is not only a delight to work with, but she's brilliant and completely underpriced. No seriously, we need to have heart-to-heart about her prices. She starts at $30 for a book cover. Check out her site, Indie Designz.
June 14, 2011
Lizzy Interrogates Mad Poet and Fantasy Novelist Steve Drennon
For this week's installment of the Neverending Blog Tour, I interviewed Mad Poet and Fantasy Novelist Steve Drennon, whose roots in epic fantasy and poetry are similar to mine. His fantasy is rich and deep, with well-developed worlds and conflicted characters (my favorite kind!) He's also written nearly 1,000 poems: moving, emotive glimpses into the mind of an intuitive man who's laid his thoughts out for the world to read. Steve's poetry is simple, candid and unpretentious, and it flows as naturally as the emotion and story he's conveying. I found myself smiling when I read it. While I'm a diehard fan of good fantasy, I have to tell you - Steve won me over with his poetry!!
Steve's fantasy novels: Three for Avadar; Rise of the Raven;
Steve's poetry: New Beginnings; This Moment; Hidden Love; Memories; Reflections; Enduring
About the Author
Tell me what readers should know about Steve Drennon, the man behind the books.
I am a person of many diversified interests who enjoys reading and writing in many different genres.
What inspires you to write?
I am filled with the desire to tell stories and to share them with as many people as possible.
If you had a perfect writing outfit, what would it be?
I actually do have the perfect writing outfit: a pair of loose fitting shorts, a cotton softball t-shirt, and my house shoes!
How do you define success as a writer?
To me, success is not about selling a lot of books or making a lot of money; success is about having someone, even if it is only one person, say that something you wrote either touched them or made them smile.
Does your family read your books?
My wife, my son, and my oldest daughter really don't read much at all, but my youngest daughter is an avid reader and intends to be a writer herself!
What's the #1 piece of advice you'd like to give other indie authors?
Simply take your time while writing and concentrate on telling a good story, one that makes you feel something.
Which is more challenging: writing poetry or writing a novel?
I believe that writing a novel is much harder because it involves so much more time and effort, whereas poetry and rhyming tend to come pretty easily for me.
Steve's Books
Your novels are what I'd call deep fantasy, filled with magic, multiple races of creatures, epic journeys and of course, peril. What are your influences for your fantasy novels? Were you inspired by other writers, movies, legends, other cultures?
I think my fantasy novels are a culmination of many different influences, but mostly fantasy novels I have read over the years and perhaps a touch of movies as well.
You've managed to track all your poetry by the year in which you wrote it, which floored me when I saw that! I tend to lose the majority of my poems, because mine is normally scribbled down in response to emotional situations then forgotten. Poetry means something different to every writer; what is poetry to you?
Wow, it looks like somebody has really done her homework! I started out doing the exact same thing, and as a result there are a lot of poems that will never be seen again. I was very fortunate to have a very good friend in high school who asked me if I would let her have a copy of any poems I wrote, because she thought I had a real talent. Many years later, she was still collecting a copy of everything I wrote. It is thanks to her that I have accumulated such a large collection of songs and poems I have written (somewhere around 1000)!
You've released two fantasy novels and a poetry collection expanding six volumes. Do you choose what to write or does your writer's Muse tell you what to write?
The answer to that is different for each project. For my poetry, it has always been a result of my Muse filling me with a thought or an emotion or a simple rhyme that just has to be expanded upon. With my novels, I tend to get a basic idea for a story, which I write down as a rough outline. Over time, I choose which one seems to be the most interesting and develop that out.
What's your next project?
I actually have a number of projects in the works. I am finishing up two poetry anthologies. The first will combine my first three volumes of poetry along with over 100 additional poems that have never been published. The second anthology will do the same with my last three volumes and another 100-150 poems that have never been published.
In addition to that, I am working on three suspense novellas that will be released individually and then also made available as a collection. From there I will move on to a new historical novel that involves combat search and rescue. (How's that for diversity?)
What's the story's main message?
This story is about three people with their own personal agendas who are thrown together by fate and circumstance as they venture towards the same place. From there it becomes a classic story of good triumphing over evil.
Who is/are the main characters?
There are three major characters: 1) Bengar, a soldier of fortune looking for revenge for the murder of his brother, 2) Ariadne, a spoiled princess trying to find her way home, and maybe find herself along the way, and 3) Mahri, a reclusive sorceress who is trying to locate a powerful crystal that was secreted away by her father before he was murdered.
Which character do you admire from this book?
I definitely admire Bengar the most. He has two beautiful women vying for his attention and affection!
Which character would creep you out if you met him/her in person?
That would be Tolbhri, the evil sorcerer who is the primary protagonist. I didn't really develop this character out as much as I did the protagonist in my other novel, but this guy won't win many popularity contests!
What did you learn about yourself while writing this novel?
I learned that I can actually stray from an outline! All my life, my longer works have involved a very detailed outline. However, I got about three-fourths of the way through and decided I didn't like the way the story was going. As a result, I sat down and spent about an hour envisioning how it should be in my head. Then I went on a major writing spree and knocked out the last three chapters in a single afternoon! THAT was exhilarating!
What's the story's main message?
This book is also a classic good versus evil novel. Notice I did not say good "triumphing" over evil! To a certain extent, the good guys win, but there is an even greater evil lurking on the horizon, and they don't even know it yet! (Yes, there WILL be a sequel!)
Who is/are the main characters?
This book was told from three different perspectives in three different settings. The first perspective is from Dainin, a young boy who has just been accepted into a group of wizards known as the Khand. The second is from a shaman named Orluk-Sai who is trying to restore the greater magic of his ancestors. The third is from the protagonist, Dorgaiin, an evil demon who was summoned to destroy the Khand. I really went into great detail describing each of their perspectives.
Which character surprised you when you wrote him/her?
Greykin, one of the younger wizards, is called upon to go on a quest to prevent any more demons from being summoned. His character was one I really enjoyed writing, and he ended up playing a much larger role than I had originally envisioned.
If you could be stranded on a desert island with one of your characters from this novel, which one and why?
Mendlebeth, the wise old wizard who becomes the leader of the Khand. I feel that he would provide endless hours of entertainment and knowledge.
Which one would you definitely NOT want to be stranded with and why?
That would be Dorgaiin, the evil demon. This is one seriously mean guy!
Where can we find your books?
Amazon: Three for Avadar; Rise of the Raven; New Beginnings; This Moment; Hidden Love; Memories; Reflections; Enduring
Smashwords: Three for Avadar; Rise of the Raven
Where can we find you?
June 13, 2011
Lizzy's Summer and Fall Books
Ok, here's what I'm planning to release from here to the rest of the year!
All of the below will be available in ebook from the normal sources and paperback through Amazon, BN, etc. Katie's Hellion (Rhyn Trilogy, Book One) and The Warlord's Secret are currently available in paperback format from Amazon. It normally takes about 2-3 weeks once the ebook is out for the paperback to be out, too! We'll post some links later this week to the paperback versions.
Releases are normally towards the end of the month; however, I'll send out emails to my mailing list with release details and advance copies of the covers. Sign up for more info!
June
Maddy's Oasis; contemporary western novella
Mind Café (revised/edited for re-release)
July
Kiera's Moon, contemporary sci-fi/fantasy
August
Katie's Hope (Book Two, Rhyn Trilogy)
September
Damian's Oracle (revised/edited for re-release)
Rebel Heart, futuristic romance
October
A Demon's Desire; contemporary paranormal
November
Damian's Assassin (revised/edited for re-release)
Special paperback trilogy release of: Damian's Oracle, Damian's Assassin, and Damian's Immortal
December
Damian's Immortal (ebook version)
The ebook versions of the above will be free, as usual, except on Amazon. The exception will be Damian's Immortal. My marketing plan shifts in Dec, because I'll basically be broke by then (ha!). However, people on my mailing list will receive free ebook versions of Damian's Immortal.
I may have a bonus book out at the end of the year, but it really depends on my schedule.
June 7, 2011
Lizzy interrogates Dark Writer GW Jefferies
For this week's installment of my FB IWU group's neverending blog tour, I interrogated indie author GW Jefferies, whose intense writing at first will make you ask, what on earth does happy-go-lucky-paranormal-romance-Lizzy have in common with Dark-Writer-GW's gritty exploration of the dark corners and shadowy figures of our society? The answer is simple: we both strive to see life and people from the inside out rather than accepting the face value of anything or anyone, and it shows in our ability to breathe life into our stories and characters and make them and their motivations real.
In his novella, Apolo Drakuvich, GW tears away the mysterious curtain shrouding our criminal justice system to reveal the man trapped in it and show his struggles to find himself and his place in society. GW's short story, Undead In The Head, takes us into the mind of a man who's recently died. (For those who have read my short story Mind Cafe, you'll find more commonality in how we manage to portray the mind of the living dead.) Both of GW's stories display the everyday struggle of men who are trying to find themselves and their way in a world that isn't really receptive to them.
Maybe like … indie authors? Ha! Read on for GW's interrogation!
GW Jefferies offerings:
Undead In The Head, short story, May 2011
Apolo Drakuvich, novella, February 2011 (On sale for a limited time via Amazon for .99). This novella enjoys stellar reviews on Amazon – click the title to check it out!
The Wind Changed As I Lay Dying, poetry collection, January 2011
About GW Jefferies
Tell me what readers should know about G.W. Jefferies, the man behind the books.
I write dystopian and contemporary fiction and poetry. It's important for me that the reader gets something out of the books that I write. I want them to be a part of the story and experience the characters thoughts and feelings.
What inspires you to write?
I feel there is a need and desire to get these stories out of my head. There are some messages and feelings that are expressed best when I write.
If you had a perfect writing outfit, what would it be?
A t-shirt and jeans works for me.
How do you define success as a writer?
Having a following of my work would define success as a writer.
Does your family read your books?
You bet they do. They support and encourage me to write more and they enjoy the works I put out.
What's the #1 piece of advice you'd like to give other indie authors?
Don't ever give up and be persistent.
What's the hardest part of writing a novel, in your opinion?
The hardest part is finding the time to write. I have a full time job that eats away my energy.
G.W.'s Books
In your novella, Apolo Drakuvich, and your short story, Undead in The Head, you seem to deal with issues of self-discovery by individuals who experience challenges being accepted by society as a whole. What inspires you to write on such a difficult topic?
Self-discovery and being accepted or understanding society are big themes that I use in my stories. A characters understanding of oneself is just as important as their interactions with other characters. I like to go deep into a character and poke around to see why a person is or is not accepted by society. It makes an interesting story.
Your novella and short story are what I'd call, barely fiction, in that they reflect reality enough that they're plausible. They're gripping, engaging, and gritty. Apolo Drakuvich in particular seems to bring to light systemic problems in our criminal justice system, which I found fascinating, since we as a culture rarely see beyond what's portrayed in Law and Order! What was the impetus for writing Apolo Drakuvich in particular, and do you hope to change the flawed system?
Apolo Drakuvich is a work of fiction but I do believe it is very possible for similar situations that Apolo faces could happen in the near future. It's a problem that will not be solved easily and I hope Apolo Drakuvich brings the subject of these problems in the criminal justice system.
You've released a novella, short story, and poetry collection, which is a very nice bouquet and offers readers variety. Do you choose what to write or does your writer's Muse tell you what to write?
I go through different moods when it comes to writing. Some days I have these little spurts of ideas that I turn into poetry and other days I feel like writing a short story. Whatever I write, I put my time and energy to make sure the work is of high quality and value.
What's your next project?
I'm working on a novel that should be released later this year.
What's the story's main message?
What is reality? Do you accept what you see before your eyes?
Who is/are the main characters?
Tim is the main character of the story. He experiences strange events that lead him to believe that he has come back from the dead.
Which character do you admire from this book?
I'm a fan of the shadowy characters in the story. I like the mystery behind them.
Which character would creep you out if you met him/her in person?
I think just about every character in the story would creep me out. Ha ha.
What regret – if any – do you have about writing this story?
I wouldn't say this is a regret, but I wouldn't mind turning this story in to a novella or novel.
What's the story's main message?
Apolo Drakuvich discusses pertinent issues of today's society, where it is next to impossible for offenders to live normal lives, despite the desire to do so.
Who is/are the main characters?
Apolo Drakuvich and Hawk are the two main characters. The two don't meet until the end of the story but Apolo's hatred towards Hawk is apparent right at the start of the story.
Which character surprised you when you wrote him/her?
I'm happy the way the character Apolo turned out in the book. I wanted to show a tortured soul in a society that didn't accept him and that can be seen throughout the book.
If you could be stranded on a desert island with one of your characters from this novel, which one and why?
It would have to be Jose. He is the only decent character in the book. The rest of the characters have too many issues to want to deal with on a long term basis.
Which one would you definitely NOT want to be stranded with and why?
I wouldn't want to be stranded with Hawk. He'd probably stab me in the back for some coconuts.
Where can we find your books?
Amazon: Undead in the Head; Apolo Drakuvich; The Wind Changed As I Lay Dying
Barnes and Noble: Apolo Drakuvich
Where can we find you?
Apolo website (with free first chapter)
June 6, 2011
Talk to Lizzy about the Damian series and Rhyn Trilogy!
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