Jan Romes's Blog, page 22
January 5, 2013
Chapter One - Three Days With Molly!
I would love to share the first chapter of THREE DAYS WITH MOLLY!
Chapter One
Finn Riley cut his agent an annoyed look. “I don’t need another person to manage my life, I have you.”
Cork Wallace smirked. “I take care of your career, knucklehead, not your cooking and laundry.”
Finn narrowed his eyes so tight they almost closed. “The whole point of having my own tour bus is for privacy. If I want to walk around naked or scream at the top of my lungs, I can.” The members of his band occupied a separate bus so they wouldn’t be under foot. Even his driver, Cal, bunked on the second bus. “And I’m quite capable of washing my own underwear.” He sighed at the knowledge that he was completely self-sufficient thanks to some difficult years where he had to do for himself or do without. Those worse-than-lean circumstances also turned him into a control freak; but hey, he was who he was.
“You’re going to hire her,” Cork grabbed the coffee pot and refilled their cups, “as a favor to me. You owe me a few.”
A few thousand was more accurate. Without Cork’s relentless pursuit of the music moguls and media, he’d still be an unknown musician surviving on noodles and bologna. Still, the idea of another person occupying the limited space didn’t thrill him. “Bite me.” Finn downed half of his coffee in one hot gulp.
Cork cracked up laughing. “Knew you’d come around.”
Finn took another healthy swallow. “Who is this woman anyway? Someone you slept with?”
“She’s just a girl who needs a break, like you did a few years ago.”
Doubtful. More like a negotiated settlement to keep a jealous husband from killing Cork. It was no secret that his agent-manager was a player. He and Cork couldn’t be more different yet they were the best of friends. “Uh-huh. I’m sure she is.”
Cork pulled up off the padded booth that served as seating for the dinner table and looked at his watch. “Damn, where’d the morning go?” Once he reached the door, he turned back to Finn. “Molly should be here anytime.”
“You’re an ass.”
“A handsome, sharp-as-a-tack ass.” Cork issued Finn a devious grin.
“Whatever.”
Cork laughed himself out the door. Finn growled himself to the coffee pot.
* * *
Molly Williams paid the cab fare, dragged two over-stuffed suitcases across the bubbly tar of the truck stop parking lot, and mumbled that this was a bad idea. Although, it had to be better than her current job. Working for a divorce lawyer paid well but it was a gloomy way to make a living. All the tears and broken hearts… Molly sighed from deep in her chest. She went home many a night cursing her clients or crying for them. Out of the clear blue, the boss decided they were both stressed out-workaholics who needed a break from the mayhem. He reassigned his cases to another lawyer, hopped on his sailboat and headed to the Caribbean. He suggested she find something to help her unwind too. Suddenly gifted with three months off with pay, she slept-in, lazed in the sun, and cleaned closets – two days of complete bliss before she started pacing and climbing the walls. Argh! She was a blasted workaholic who couldn’t take it easy if her life depended on it.
Waving from the steps of a giant bus with a mural of an eagle perched on a guitar, was the guy who used to pull her hair on the school bus. If he wasn’t the son of her mom’s best friend, she never would’ve given this strange opportunity a second thought. A moment of unease rushed over Molly – possibly the return of her sanity? She did an about-face.
Crap! The taxi was gone.
Cork raced to help with the luggage. “Mol, you made it just in time.”
The smell of diesel fuel invaded her nostrils while the relentless heat of an extreme summer sent a trickle of sweat down her back. “I didn’t know how to pack. I kept putting things in and taking them back out.” Actually, it had been a stall tactic. Go, don’t go. Right now she favored the latter.
“These better not be filled with fancy office duds.” Cork pushed opened the door of the bus and hoisted the first bag to the driver. Molly offered a cheesy smile, making him add, “This isn’t about you. It’s about making Finn Riley’s life easier.”
If ever there was a face-palm moment, this was it. What have I gotten myself into? As grueling as it was, her job had become her life. She spent long hours at the office. When she was home, she still spent countless hours on the phone with her boss or going over legal documents. Sadly, she’d grown accustomed to a semi-clean apartment and fast food. Now here she was, dressed in blue jeans and a t-shirt, her long brown hair pulled up in a messy-but-stylish pony tail, ready to fake her way through the tasks of cooking and cleaning.
Molly took a stout breath and climbed into the custom-designed tour bus. Expecting to find empty liquor bottles, half-crushed beer cans, and a trail of dirty clothes, she was surprised to find the opposite. Nothing was out of place, not even a pair of boots to trip over.
Corked nudged her in front of him. “Your new home.”
Besides a ton of amusement in his voice, there was something she couldn’t identify. Molly turned and met his eyes, they revealed little. She’d eventually find out what he was up to, for now she had to deal with her new digs. Her gaze skipped around the cramped quarters until it connected with Finn Riley’s. For a second, her heart stopped. She’d seen life-size posters of him. Watched him on one of the late-night talk shows. Had attended one of his concerts. Never in her wild imagination did she picture him better looking close up. But he was. Deep blue eyes were arched by bushy brows. His thick, dark hair was cut in medium-length layers and tousled to perfection. Silky dark hair covered his arms. Molly imagined the rest of him with the same rich silk. She hurried from that thought before she did something stupid, like say “Mmm”.
Cork made the introductions. “Finn Riley, Molly Williams. Molly, Finn.”
Molly didn’t move her feet, but stretched to shake his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
The corners of Finn’s generous mouth dimpled. “It’s nice to meet you too.” He took her hand and held it longer than necessary. When he finally let go, Molly drew her hand back like he’d pricked her with a pin. The rash movement caused the satchel carrying her laptop to slide from her shoulder and clunk onto the table, against Finn’s coffee cup. Coffee sloshed everywhere. The accordion window shade took a good dousing, so did Finn’s brilliant white T-shirt that read - Without Music My Day Would Suck. The instant creases in his forehead said he was ticked. Cork’s loud wince behind her said he wasn’t pleased either.
Frantic, Molly looked for something to clean up the mess. Two red hand-towels embroidered with black guitars were within reach. She yanked one from the handle of the oven and laid it across the mishap that was now dripping onto some very plush beige carpet.
What possessed her to grab the second towel to blot Finn’s T-shirt was beyond comprehension. The moment her hand landed against rock-hard pecs, she realized the error, and didn’t have to look in a mirror to know she’d turned a deep shade of uh-oh.
Finn backed against the seat cushion and shielded her away from him with his forearm.
“I’m so sorry.” Boy was she. Sorry she agreed to such a preposterous arrangement. Sorry that Finn’s phenomenal pecs distracted her more than the coffee spill. And she would probably be sorry that a maniacal laugh formed in her belly and was working its way up. She pulled in her lips to ward off the giggle, but out it came.
Embarrassment filled her cheeks…and all other body parts.
Finn stood and pulled the wet shirt away from his skin.
Holy mackerel! A few more inches and his head would dust the ceiling. The man was a walking cliché – tall, dark, and handsome.
Molly took an oversized step back and landed on Cork’s foot. Cork reacted with a yowl and an instinctive push. It was only a tiny shove to get her off of him, but enough to topple her into Finn.
The chance to make a good impression dissolved when she knocked over his coffee, blotted his chest, and nervously laughed about it. But falling into him ruined any second chance he might’ve given. And very soon he would order her off the bus.
* * *
Finn steadied Molly and looked past her to glare at Cork. Before he could rip into either one of them, his bus driver, Cal, announced it was time to head out.
Cal grinned big at Finn’s hand still on Molly’s shoulder.
Molly shrugged from his touch. Instinctively, his glare deepened and he answered Cal’s unasked question. “My new assistant.”
“Assistant?” Cal looked at Cork.
Cork shrugged. “The old man needs someone to wash his underwear.” He broke into a laugh. Cal joined in.
“Ha. Ha. You two are freaking hilarious.” No matter how much he owed Cork, this wasn’t going to happen. On board for five minutes, Molly spilled something, ruined his favorite shirt, and fell into him. He had to let her go before the bus hit the highway. Finn growled without letting the sound escape. A week earlier he had to let his keyboard player go. Freddie had it coming, but it still sucked severing the ties. And this situation was about to suck too. Finn squared his shoulders. “Nothing personal, Molly, but this isn’t going to work out.”
Molly’s back stiffened, and Finn was pretty sure those incredible brown eyes called him a “jerk”. He made sure his eyes countered with “clumsy”.
For a few suspended seconds, the only audible sound was a sharp intake of air; it wasn’t clear who took it.
“You’re firing me before I even start?”
Cork hissed his displeasure. Finn ignored him and focused on something in Molly’s voice. It wasn’t the anger; more like the pathetic twinge of failure. Dammit. He didn’t have time to deal with this. They needed to get on the road. “You won’t be happy working for me. I’m a bit of a perfectionist.”
Cork chimed in with, “A bit?”
Finn launched an indirect threat with a severe eye squint.
Cork blew it off with a goofy smirk.
“I’m a germ-a-phobe and a heartless bastard when things don’t go right.” That was mostly true. He didn’t exactly have a phobia about germs but he was a clean freak. The heartless bastard part was dead on.
Molly’s mouth dropped open causing his to do the same – for very different reasons. His unabashed truth obviously caught her by surprise. Her lush, pink lips caught him. The dog in him wondered if everything was as lush and pink as those lips. He had a ridiculous urge to move in close. Thank God his brain kicked back in before he did.
Damn!
He didn’t need the distraction of Molly. As though his mind had a backspace key, he corrected the thought – he didn’t need the distraction of an incredible mouth and great boobs. The second she stepped on the bus he noticed her phenomenal chest, and right now, the hint of cleavage peeking from the v-neckline of her shirt wanted him to take notice again. Don’t look. Don’t… He was a boob-guy and man did she have them. That figure and thatmouth were going to cause problems. To compensate for the sudden and out-of-place burst of lust, he added more grit to his voice. “I like everything just so and when it’s not I get more than a little testy.” That was putting it mildly. “I’m sure you’re a great gal, but I don’t need an assistant. This was Cork’s hare-brained idea.”
Finn detected a slight sag in her shoulders and it made him feel like an even bigger heel. But he had to do this. His obsessive personality alone could cause problems. Add in her great boobs. And there was potential for a whole lot of crazy. He was actually doing her a favor by turning her away.
Molly’s wilted stance lasted no more than a blink. “I certainly don’t want to waste my summer catering to a heartless bastard.”
It was one thing to call himself a heartless bastard, quite another to hear her say it. “That’s right. You don’t want to waste your summer on the likes of me.” Satisfied that he’d made his point, he crossed his arms and stood with his feet apart. The rest of her comment sank in. “Nobody said you had to cater to me. I’m quite capable of…”
Cork stepped in front of Molly. “Okay you two. No use going at each other.” He feigned defeat.
Pfft. Finn knew the real Cork Wallace; a heartless-bastard just like him, who didn’t know the meaning of defeat.
Cork continued. “I thought this arrangement would work out. Looks like I was wrong.” He did a half-turn to Molly. “Sorry. He’s being a bonehead.”
The satchel slipped from Molly’s shoulder again, a split second of panic raced across her expression.
Finn felt bad for making a huge deal of things, but there was no use pretending he was a nice guy. Occasionally, he tried to relax and be the guy he wanted to be – easy-going, ordinary, a bit of a slob – it just didn’t happen.
Molly exhaled a breath. “This gig isn’t what you described anyway, Cork. If anything, it would add more stress.” Finn homed in on the angst behind her words. When she lowered her long eyelashes as though she accepted her fate, he took the bait; could feel the damn hook in his cheek. She took a step toward the door.
“Wait.” Now what? Make life crazier by taking her on? Sure, why the hell not? His life was already chaos; organized chaos, but it worked. Adding more could quite possibly change the dynamics of everything.
Molly pinned him with a solid look. “That’s okay. I don’t want to be in the way.”
Cal intervened. “It’s time to go. What’s it going to be?”
Finn’s brain was stuck; his mouth, however, was not. “She’s staying – on a trial basis.” He removed Molly’s satchel from her shoulder ** Thank you for reading the first chapter of Finn and Molly's story! If you'd like to find out what happens next, you can find Three Days With Molly at: Amazon.com - http://www.amazon.com/Three-Days-With-Molly-ebook/dp/B0099SDQMS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357414996&sr=8-1&keywords=three+days+with+molly BarnesandNoble.com - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/three-days-with-molly-jan-romes/1112878875?ean=2940015701500
Chapter One
Finn Riley cut his agent an annoyed look. “I don’t need another person to manage my life, I have you.”
Cork Wallace smirked. “I take care of your career, knucklehead, not your cooking and laundry.”
Finn narrowed his eyes so tight they almost closed. “The whole point of having my own tour bus is for privacy. If I want to walk around naked or scream at the top of my lungs, I can.” The members of his band occupied a separate bus so they wouldn’t be under foot. Even his driver, Cal, bunked on the second bus. “And I’m quite capable of washing my own underwear.” He sighed at the knowledge that he was completely self-sufficient thanks to some difficult years where he had to do for himself or do without. Those worse-than-lean circumstances also turned him into a control freak; but hey, he was who he was.
“You’re going to hire her,” Cork grabbed the coffee pot and refilled their cups, “as a favor to me. You owe me a few.”
A few thousand was more accurate. Without Cork’s relentless pursuit of the music moguls and media, he’d still be an unknown musician surviving on noodles and bologna. Still, the idea of another person occupying the limited space didn’t thrill him. “Bite me.” Finn downed half of his coffee in one hot gulp.
Cork cracked up laughing. “Knew you’d come around.”
Finn took another healthy swallow. “Who is this woman anyway? Someone you slept with?”
“She’s just a girl who needs a break, like you did a few years ago.”
Doubtful. More like a negotiated settlement to keep a jealous husband from killing Cork. It was no secret that his agent-manager was a player. He and Cork couldn’t be more different yet they were the best of friends. “Uh-huh. I’m sure she is.”
Cork pulled up off the padded booth that served as seating for the dinner table and looked at his watch. “Damn, where’d the morning go?” Once he reached the door, he turned back to Finn. “Molly should be here anytime.”
“You’re an ass.”
“A handsome, sharp-as-a-tack ass.” Cork issued Finn a devious grin.
“Whatever.”
Cork laughed himself out the door. Finn growled himself to the coffee pot.
* * *
Molly Williams paid the cab fare, dragged two over-stuffed suitcases across the bubbly tar of the truck stop parking lot, and mumbled that this was a bad idea. Although, it had to be better than her current job. Working for a divorce lawyer paid well but it was a gloomy way to make a living. All the tears and broken hearts… Molly sighed from deep in her chest. She went home many a night cursing her clients or crying for them. Out of the clear blue, the boss decided they were both stressed out-workaholics who needed a break from the mayhem. He reassigned his cases to another lawyer, hopped on his sailboat and headed to the Caribbean. He suggested she find something to help her unwind too. Suddenly gifted with three months off with pay, she slept-in, lazed in the sun, and cleaned closets – two days of complete bliss before she started pacing and climbing the walls. Argh! She was a blasted workaholic who couldn’t take it easy if her life depended on it.
Waving from the steps of a giant bus with a mural of an eagle perched on a guitar, was the guy who used to pull her hair on the school bus. If he wasn’t the son of her mom’s best friend, she never would’ve given this strange opportunity a second thought. A moment of unease rushed over Molly – possibly the return of her sanity? She did an about-face.
Crap! The taxi was gone.
Cork raced to help with the luggage. “Mol, you made it just in time.”
The smell of diesel fuel invaded her nostrils while the relentless heat of an extreme summer sent a trickle of sweat down her back. “I didn’t know how to pack. I kept putting things in and taking them back out.” Actually, it had been a stall tactic. Go, don’t go. Right now she favored the latter.
“These better not be filled with fancy office duds.” Cork pushed opened the door of the bus and hoisted the first bag to the driver. Molly offered a cheesy smile, making him add, “This isn’t about you. It’s about making Finn Riley’s life easier.”
If ever there was a face-palm moment, this was it. What have I gotten myself into? As grueling as it was, her job had become her life. She spent long hours at the office. When she was home, she still spent countless hours on the phone with her boss or going over legal documents. Sadly, she’d grown accustomed to a semi-clean apartment and fast food. Now here she was, dressed in blue jeans and a t-shirt, her long brown hair pulled up in a messy-but-stylish pony tail, ready to fake her way through the tasks of cooking and cleaning.
Molly took a stout breath and climbed into the custom-designed tour bus. Expecting to find empty liquor bottles, half-crushed beer cans, and a trail of dirty clothes, she was surprised to find the opposite. Nothing was out of place, not even a pair of boots to trip over.
Corked nudged her in front of him. “Your new home.”
Besides a ton of amusement in his voice, there was something she couldn’t identify. Molly turned and met his eyes, they revealed little. She’d eventually find out what he was up to, for now she had to deal with her new digs. Her gaze skipped around the cramped quarters until it connected with Finn Riley’s. For a second, her heart stopped. She’d seen life-size posters of him. Watched him on one of the late-night talk shows. Had attended one of his concerts. Never in her wild imagination did she picture him better looking close up. But he was. Deep blue eyes were arched by bushy brows. His thick, dark hair was cut in medium-length layers and tousled to perfection. Silky dark hair covered his arms. Molly imagined the rest of him with the same rich silk. She hurried from that thought before she did something stupid, like say “Mmm”.
Cork made the introductions. “Finn Riley, Molly Williams. Molly, Finn.”
Molly didn’t move her feet, but stretched to shake his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
The corners of Finn’s generous mouth dimpled. “It’s nice to meet you too.” He took her hand and held it longer than necessary. When he finally let go, Molly drew her hand back like he’d pricked her with a pin. The rash movement caused the satchel carrying her laptop to slide from her shoulder and clunk onto the table, against Finn’s coffee cup. Coffee sloshed everywhere. The accordion window shade took a good dousing, so did Finn’s brilliant white T-shirt that read - Without Music My Day Would Suck. The instant creases in his forehead said he was ticked. Cork’s loud wince behind her said he wasn’t pleased either.
Frantic, Molly looked for something to clean up the mess. Two red hand-towels embroidered with black guitars were within reach. She yanked one from the handle of the oven and laid it across the mishap that was now dripping onto some very plush beige carpet.
What possessed her to grab the second towel to blot Finn’s T-shirt was beyond comprehension. The moment her hand landed against rock-hard pecs, she realized the error, and didn’t have to look in a mirror to know she’d turned a deep shade of uh-oh.
Finn backed against the seat cushion and shielded her away from him with his forearm.
“I’m so sorry.” Boy was she. Sorry she agreed to such a preposterous arrangement. Sorry that Finn’s phenomenal pecs distracted her more than the coffee spill. And she would probably be sorry that a maniacal laugh formed in her belly and was working its way up. She pulled in her lips to ward off the giggle, but out it came.
Embarrassment filled her cheeks…and all other body parts.
Finn stood and pulled the wet shirt away from his skin.
Holy mackerel! A few more inches and his head would dust the ceiling. The man was a walking cliché – tall, dark, and handsome.
Molly took an oversized step back and landed on Cork’s foot. Cork reacted with a yowl and an instinctive push. It was only a tiny shove to get her off of him, but enough to topple her into Finn.
The chance to make a good impression dissolved when she knocked over his coffee, blotted his chest, and nervously laughed about it. But falling into him ruined any second chance he might’ve given. And very soon he would order her off the bus.
* * *
Finn steadied Molly and looked past her to glare at Cork. Before he could rip into either one of them, his bus driver, Cal, announced it was time to head out.
Cal grinned big at Finn’s hand still on Molly’s shoulder.
Molly shrugged from his touch. Instinctively, his glare deepened and he answered Cal’s unasked question. “My new assistant.”
“Assistant?” Cal looked at Cork.
Cork shrugged. “The old man needs someone to wash his underwear.” He broke into a laugh. Cal joined in.
“Ha. Ha. You two are freaking hilarious.” No matter how much he owed Cork, this wasn’t going to happen. On board for five minutes, Molly spilled something, ruined his favorite shirt, and fell into him. He had to let her go before the bus hit the highway. Finn growled without letting the sound escape. A week earlier he had to let his keyboard player go. Freddie had it coming, but it still sucked severing the ties. And this situation was about to suck too. Finn squared his shoulders. “Nothing personal, Molly, but this isn’t going to work out.”
Molly’s back stiffened, and Finn was pretty sure those incredible brown eyes called him a “jerk”. He made sure his eyes countered with “clumsy”.
For a few suspended seconds, the only audible sound was a sharp intake of air; it wasn’t clear who took it.
“You’re firing me before I even start?”
Cork hissed his displeasure. Finn ignored him and focused on something in Molly’s voice. It wasn’t the anger; more like the pathetic twinge of failure. Dammit. He didn’t have time to deal with this. They needed to get on the road. “You won’t be happy working for me. I’m a bit of a perfectionist.”
Cork chimed in with, “A bit?”
Finn launched an indirect threat with a severe eye squint.
Cork blew it off with a goofy smirk.
“I’m a germ-a-phobe and a heartless bastard when things don’t go right.” That was mostly true. He didn’t exactly have a phobia about germs but he was a clean freak. The heartless bastard part was dead on.
Molly’s mouth dropped open causing his to do the same – for very different reasons. His unabashed truth obviously caught her by surprise. Her lush, pink lips caught him. The dog in him wondered if everything was as lush and pink as those lips. He had a ridiculous urge to move in close. Thank God his brain kicked back in before he did.
Damn!
He didn’t need the distraction of Molly. As though his mind had a backspace key, he corrected the thought – he didn’t need the distraction of an incredible mouth and great boobs. The second she stepped on the bus he noticed her phenomenal chest, and right now, the hint of cleavage peeking from the v-neckline of her shirt wanted him to take notice again. Don’t look. Don’t… He was a boob-guy and man did she have them. That figure and thatmouth were going to cause problems. To compensate for the sudden and out-of-place burst of lust, he added more grit to his voice. “I like everything just so and when it’s not I get more than a little testy.” That was putting it mildly. “I’m sure you’re a great gal, but I don’t need an assistant. This was Cork’s hare-brained idea.”
Finn detected a slight sag in her shoulders and it made him feel like an even bigger heel. But he had to do this. His obsessive personality alone could cause problems. Add in her great boobs. And there was potential for a whole lot of crazy. He was actually doing her a favor by turning her away.
Molly’s wilted stance lasted no more than a blink. “I certainly don’t want to waste my summer catering to a heartless bastard.”
It was one thing to call himself a heartless bastard, quite another to hear her say it. “That’s right. You don’t want to waste your summer on the likes of me.” Satisfied that he’d made his point, he crossed his arms and stood with his feet apart. The rest of her comment sank in. “Nobody said you had to cater to me. I’m quite capable of…”
Cork stepped in front of Molly. “Okay you two. No use going at each other.” He feigned defeat.
Pfft. Finn knew the real Cork Wallace; a heartless-bastard just like him, who didn’t know the meaning of defeat.
Cork continued. “I thought this arrangement would work out. Looks like I was wrong.” He did a half-turn to Molly. “Sorry. He’s being a bonehead.”
The satchel slipped from Molly’s shoulder again, a split second of panic raced across her expression.
Finn felt bad for making a huge deal of things, but there was no use pretending he was a nice guy. Occasionally, he tried to relax and be the guy he wanted to be – easy-going, ordinary, a bit of a slob – it just didn’t happen.
Molly exhaled a breath. “This gig isn’t what you described anyway, Cork. If anything, it would add more stress.” Finn homed in on the angst behind her words. When she lowered her long eyelashes as though she accepted her fate, he took the bait; could feel the damn hook in his cheek. She took a step toward the door.
“Wait.” Now what? Make life crazier by taking her on? Sure, why the hell not? His life was already chaos; organized chaos, but it worked. Adding more could quite possibly change the dynamics of everything.
Molly pinned him with a solid look. “That’s okay. I don’t want to be in the way.”
Cal intervened. “It’s time to go. What’s it going to be?”
Finn’s brain was stuck; his mouth, however, was not. “She’s staying – on a trial basis.” He removed Molly’s satchel from her shoulder ** Thank you for reading the first chapter of Finn and Molly's story! If you'd like to find out what happens next, you can find Three Days With Molly at: Amazon.com - http://www.amazon.com/Three-Days-With-Molly-ebook/dp/B0099SDQMS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357414996&sr=8-1&keywords=three+days+with+molly BarnesandNoble.com - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/three-days-with-molly-jan-romes/1112878875?ean=2940015701500
December 27, 2012
Get To Know - Ellis Vidler!
I've had the great pleasure of getting to know crime fiction/suspense author, Ellis Vidler, and I thought it would be awesome for you to get to know her too! I've invited her to my blog today. Welcome, Ellis!
1.) Ellis, you write amazing crime fiction suspense with a splash of romance. How did you navigate to that genre? Was there a particular writer or TV show that inspired you?
That's what I like to read. I think it started with Helen MacInnes and Mary Stewart. I thought espionage or suspense stories with a little romance made perfect reading. I don't know enough to write espionage stories, but there are plenty of other schemes and plots to choose from.
2.) Your setting descriptions are incredible! I feel like I'm there with your characters and can see what they see. When you write about a certain location (for example, in Cold Comfort, you start the story in Colonial Williamsburg), do you visit first and envision the action taking place there? Or are you able to imagine what the place is like from something you've read about a particular town or area? Is there one place you would like to go because you know it would make an awesome setting?
If possible I go to the place or use places I've been, but with some settings I feel comfortable using what I can research. The Internet helps tremendously, but there are so many things to consider. With an unfamiliar location, I'd prefer at least talking to people who live or have recently been to the place
I'd love to go to Isla Mujeres, the island near Cancun. I have the beginning of a novel set there, but it needs a lot of research. There are so many fascinating locales - my job is to find the ones that suit the story.
http://www.amazon.com/Time-of-Death-ebook/dp/B00A02GD68/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1356637635&sr=8-4&keywords=time+of+death
3.) Your newest novel, Time of Death, has recently been released. Can you whet our appetites with a brief snippet?
In this scene, Alex is compelled to draw. This is how her psychic ability is expressed. Isobel is the aunt she's visiting on an island off Charleston, S.C.
"You're drawing again." Isobel picked up one of the loose pages and examined it. "Are the visions coming back?"
The charcoal stick gripped in Alex's hand darted across the sheet in front of her as if driven by its own will. "Umm, maybe," she mumbled, barely aware of the question. Under her fingers, angry waves churned against the shore. Like flotsam rising to the surface of the sea, a dark figure emerged in the wake of the flying charcoal. She grabbed a scarlet pastel, smeared it through the water around the body.
As suddenly as it had come, the tension drained from her. She dropped the chalk and leaned back, rubbing her temples. "Blood. A man in the water."
"You haven't done this since the boy in Asheville, have you?"
Isobel massaged her shoulders, and Alex arched her back, leaning into her aunt's hands. "This is the first time."
"Any idea where this one is?"
"No. Only a man in the water. Ocean, judging from the waves, but I don't know where."
In this scene, readers meet Connor Moran, the federal prosecutor who's spent the last year building a case against the bad guy. Joe is another prosecutor, and Jax is Connor's dog, a retired military working dog.
His office door opened -- Lawrence, his boss, stuck his head in, glancing around the floor while he hung onto the handle. He opened it wide and stepped inside. "Moran, do you own a white shirt? If not, buy one. Justice is coming down from Washington in a couple of days, and we're supposed to look like lawyers, not gangsters." Lawrence fit right in with conservative South Carolina politics.
Connor shrugged, emphasizing his charcoal shirt, knowing it would annoy the man. "Got a white T-shirt with a Harley logo. That do?"
Lawrence frowned. "Don't ____ with me. And get a hair cut." He closed the door.
Joe nodded toward the hallway. "He'll get you one day. He was looking for Jax. Good thing you left him at home today. That dog doesn't like him, and it shows."
4.) As writers, we seem to be in plotting-mode most of the time. Do you find yourself mentally writing the next book even though you're in the middle of physically writing one?
Oh, yes! I'm terrible about stopping one to start a new idea before I forget. Then I want to go on with the new one. I have more beginnings of stories than I'll ever be able to write.
5.) Is there one thing that stands out from your writing and publishing journey that you wished you knew ahead of time? Or some simple tidbit that you've learned along the way that now makes the process easier?
I wish I'd started writing seriously much earlier. Waiting till you have time is never a good thing. Do it now!
If I can make myself plan out a loose, very general plot, the writing is much easier. I'm inclined to be a pantster, but it's too easy to get lost that way.
6.) You have some great titles for your books. Do you know the title before you start the story or does it come after you've written several chapters?
I struggle with titles. They don't come easily. I'd like to know how you do it, Jan. I love your titles. I buy the books before I know anything about them, just from the titles.
Aww, Ellis, thank you! For some of my books I know the title right away, with some they develop organically. I've been known to change the title when I'm half finished with a story.
Thank you for stop by my blog today, Ellis! You're an amazing author and you have some amazing books out there. Can you tell readers how to find you and your books?
Not very original, am I? Except for the blog, it's all Ellis Vidler.
Facebook -- Ellis Vidler https://www.facebook.com/ellis.vidler?ref=tn_tnmn
Twitter -- Ellis Vidler https://twitter.com/EllisVidler
LinkedIn -- Ellis Vidler
Goodreads -- Ellis Vidler http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4054785.Ellis_Vidler
Website -- http://www.ellisvidler.com
Blog -- http://theunpredictablemuse.blogspot.com
1.) Ellis, you write amazing crime fiction suspense with a splash of romance. How did you navigate to that genre? Was there a particular writer or TV show that inspired you?
That's what I like to read. I think it started with Helen MacInnes and Mary Stewart. I thought espionage or suspense stories with a little romance made perfect reading. I don't know enough to write espionage stories, but there are plenty of other schemes and plots to choose from.
2.) Your setting descriptions are incredible! I feel like I'm there with your characters and can see what they see. When you write about a certain location (for example, in Cold Comfort, you start the story in Colonial Williamsburg), do you visit first and envision the action taking place there? Or are you able to imagine what the place is like from something you've read about a particular town or area? Is there one place you would like to go because you know it would make an awesome setting?
If possible I go to the place or use places I've been, but with some settings I feel comfortable using what I can research. The Internet helps tremendously, but there are so many things to consider. With an unfamiliar location, I'd prefer at least talking to people who live or have recently been to the place
I'd love to go to Isla Mujeres, the island near Cancun. I have the beginning of a novel set there, but it needs a lot of research. There are so many fascinating locales - my job is to find the ones that suit the story.
http://www.amazon.com/Time-of-Death-ebook/dp/B00A02GD68/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1356637635&sr=8-4&keywords=time+of+death3.) Your newest novel, Time of Death, has recently been released. Can you whet our appetites with a brief snippet?
In this scene, Alex is compelled to draw. This is how her psychic ability is expressed. Isobel is the aunt she's visiting on an island off Charleston, S.C.
"You're drawing again." Isobel picked up one of the loose pages and examined it. "Are the visions coming back?"
The charcoal stick gripped in Alex's hand darted across the sheet in front of her as if driven by its own will. "Umm, maybe," she mumbled, barely aware of the question. Under her fingers, angry waves churned against the shore. Like flotsam rising to the surface of the sea, a dark figure emerged in the wake of the flying charcoal. She grabbed a scarlet pastel, smeared it through the water around the body.
As suddenly as it had come, the tension drained from her. She dropped the chalk and leaned back, rubbing her temples. "Blood. A man in the water."
"You haven't done this since the boy in Asheville, have you?"
Isobel massaged her shoulders, and Alex arched her back, leaning into her aunt's hands. "This is the first time."
"Any idea where this one is?"
"No. Only a man in the water. Ocean, judging from the waves, but I don't know where."
In this scene, readers meet Connor Moran, the federal prosecutor who's spent the last year building a case against the bad guy. Joe is another prosecutor, and Jax is Connor's dog, a retired military working dog.
His office door opened -- Lawrence, his boss, stuck his head in, glancing around the floor while he hung onto the handle. He opened it wide and stepped inside. "Moran, do you own a white shirt? If not, buy one. Justice is coming down from Washington in a couple of days, and we're supposed to look like lawyers, not gangsters." Lawrence fit right in with conservative South Carolina politics.
Connor shrugged, emphasizing his charcoal shirt, knowing it would annoy the man. "Got a white T-shirt with a Harley logo. That do?"
Lawrence frowned. "Don't ____ with me. And get a hair cut." He closed the door.
Joe nodded toward the hallway. "He'll get you one day. He was looking for Jax. Good thing you left him at home today. That dog doesn't like him, and it shows."
4.) As writers, we seem to be in plotting-mode most of the time. Do you find yourself mentally writing the next book even though you're in the middle of physically writing one?
Oh, yes! I'm terrible about stopping one to start a new idea before I forget. Then I want to go on with the new one. I have more beginnings of stories than I'll ever be able to write.
5.) Is there one thing that stands out from your writing and publishing journey that you wished you knew ahead of time? Or some simple tidbit that you've learned along the way that now makes the process easier?
I wish I'd started writing seriously much earlier. Waiting till you have time is never a good thing. Do it now!
If I can make myself plan out a loose, very general plot, the writing is much easier. I'm inclined to be a pantster, but it's too easy to get lost that way.
6.) You have some great titles for your books. Do you know the title before you start the story or does it come after you've written several chapters?
I struggle with titles. They don't come easily. I'd like to know how you do it, Jan. I love your titles. I buy the books before I know anything about them, just from the titles.
Aww, Ellis, thank you! For some of my books I know the title right away, with some they develop organically. I've been known to change the title when I'm half finished with a story.
Thank you for stop by my blog today, Ellis! You're an amazing author and you have some amazing books out there. Can you tell readers how to find you and your books?
Not very original, am I? Except for the blog, it's all Ellis Vidler.
Facebook -- Ellis Vidler https://www.facebook.com/ellis.vidler?ref=tn_tnmn
Twitter -- Ellis Vidler https://twitter.com/EllisVidler
LinkedIn -- Ellis Vidler
Goodreads -- Ellis Vidler http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4054785.Ellis_Vidler
Website -- http://www.ellisvidler.com
Blog -- http://theunpredictablemuse.blogspot.com
December 20, 2012
Shaunna Rodriguez - Book Launch: Forbidden Dusk (The Book of Blaire)
Today, I would like to welcome author, Shaunna Rodriguez to my blog! Her book, Forbidden Dusk (The Book of Blaire) releases today! Enjoy a snippet from her book:
Prologue:
Cain Romanus knew his life could quite possibly end before dusk kissed the earth. He had been summoned by the Royal Order and their council. He knew why he had been summoned. The Prophecy had begun. They had arrived and so had their Guardians. The Watcher had been sent despite his fierce refusals and the Royal Order had risen from a century of rest.
There had been one other to write the Prophecy centuries ago. His identity had never been revealed. He never spoke and he had remained a cloaked shadow dwelling in the darkness as they prophesied the future. His intentions had been dark and now he would spill her blood to start a war. He had created an army with one order. Find the sisters of the Prophecy and kill them.
He knew why he was walking down the hall of death now. The screams he was hearing now that were coming from behind the heavy double doors in front of him would soon be his own, he was certain of it. He had two black cloaked, red hooded vampire escorts on either side of him that stood well over six feet tall and reminded him somehow of boulders. Their eyes were not like his. Not surprisingly, his eyes were golden in color because he fed on animals. Their eyes were black with red centers because they drank from humans, which would explain the screaming coming from the opposite side of the door they were within a few foosteps of. He was counting the steps in his head as they walked towards the doors of doom. 3, 2, 1 death - He felt defeated and he hadn't even faced the council as of yet.
They stood in front of the doors. Without anyone reaching for them, they opened dragging the floor heavily. Despite the fact that there were no bodies in view, Cain was overwhelmed with the rich, overpowering smell of human blood.
"Welcome Cain Romanus." Acacius, leader of the Royal Order spoke.
"The look in his eyes told me that he was going to kill me."
He could smell the fear radiating from my skin. The moons light bathed me and my perspiration glistened in its yellow glow. A smile crept across his wide spread lips of red. His skin was pale despite the moons glow. His eyes held me in their maroon trance. I gulped as he crouched and stalked near me. My body trembled and shook, not because it was below freezing and I felt every ripple the wind blew across my skin. Not because I was deep in powdery white snow. I trembled in anticipation. He was going to kill me and I was helpless to stop him.
"If you spill my blood you'll have a war on your hands like no other." I found my voice briefly, no matter how shallow, dry or meek it sounded. I spoke the truth.
"I'm counting on it." He growled and then lunged for me his mouth opened wide, my pale neck at its most vulnerable. I heard his teeth snap. Another growl erupted from his lips from deep inside his chest. When I opened my eyes I was alone standing in a puddle of warm, sticky blood. The cold from the snow seeped through my wet jeans. I could smell it. The smell engulfed me as I fell to my knees. With my hands outstretched in front of me, blood dripping from my fingers, I threw my head back and screamed.
If you would like to view the trailer for Shaunna's book:
You can find Shaunna's book at: Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Dusk-Blaire-Series-ebook/dp/B00APBC6FQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356014386&sr=8-1&keywords=forbidden+dusk Barnes and Noble - will be available soon
Prologue:
Cain Romanus knew his life could quite possibly end before dusk kissed the earth. He had been summoned by the Royal Order and their council. He knew why he had been summoned. The Prophecy had begun. They had arrived and so had their Guardians. The Watcher had been sent despite his fierce refusals and the Royal Order had risen from a century of rest.
There had been one other to write the Prophecy centuries ago. His identity had never been revealed. He never spoke and he had remained a cloaked shadow dwelling in the darkness as they prophesied the future. His intentions had been dark and now he would spill her blood to start a war. He had created an army with one order. Find the sisters of the Prophecy and kill them.
He knew why he was walking down the hall of death now. The screams he was hearing now that were coming from behind the heavy double doors in front of him would soon be his own, he was certain of it. He had two black cloaked, red hooded vampire escorts on either side of him that stood well over six feet tall and reminded him somehow of boulders. Their eyes were not like his. Not surprisingly, his eyes were golden in color because he fed on animals. Their eyes were black with red centers because they drank from humans, which would explain the screaming coming from the opposite side of the door they were within a few foosteps of. He was counting the steps in his head as they walked towards the doors of doom. 3, 2, 1 death - He felt defeated and he hadn't even faced the council as of yet.
They stood in front of the doors. Without anyone reaching for them, they opened dragging the floor heavily. Despite the fact that there were no bodies in view, Cain was overwhelmed with the rich, overpowering smell of human blood.
"Welcome Cain Romanus." Acacius, leader of the Royal Order spoke.
"The look in his eyes told me that he was going to kill me."
He could smell the fear radiating from my skin. The moons light bathed me and my perspiration glistened in its yellow glow. A smile crept across his wide spread lips of red. His skin was pale despite the moons glow. His eyes held me in their maroon trance. I gulped as he crouched and stalked near me. My body trembled and shook, not because it was below freezing and I felt every ripple the wind blew across my skin. Not because I was deep in powdery white snow. I trembled in anticipation. He was going to kill me and I was helpless to stop him.
"If you spill my blood you'll have a war on your hands like no other." I found my voice briefly, no matter how shallow, dry or meek it sounded. I spoke the truth.
"I'm counting on it." He growled and then lunged for me his mouth opened wide, my pale neck at its most vulnerable. I heard his teeth snap. Another growl erupted from his lips from deep inside his chest. When I opened my eyes I was alone standing in a puddle of warm, sticky blood. The cold from the snow seeped through my wet jeans. I could smell it. The smell engulfed me as I fell to my knees. With my hands outstretched in front of me, blood dripping from my fingers, I threw my head back and screamed.
If you would like to view the trailer for Shaunna's book:You can find Shaunna's book at: Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Dusk-Blaire-Series-ebook/dp/B00APBC6FQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356014386&sr=8-1&keywords=forbidden+dusk Barnes and Noble - will be available soon
December 19, 2012
Meet Molly!
Molly Williams is a stressed-out, over-worked aide to a divorce lawyer. She's dealt with people suffering from heartache and irreconcilable differences for so long it's jaded her outlook on relationships. And it's doubtful she'll ever find love because she's afraid to put herself out there.
When her boss takes a sudden leave of absence from the law firm, she's gifted with three-months off with pay to do whatever she wants. A friend talks her into stumping as an assistant to country-rock star, Finn Riley. Thinking this gig will be a walk in the park compared to what she's been doing, she's shocked to find the opposite.
Finn is a self-proclaimed heartless bastard who's about to embark on a summer concert tour. He fights the idea of an assistant but gives into the relentless nagging of his agent, and hires Molly.
Molly is momentarily star-struck when she meets Finn, but it's short-lived. Finn rubs her the wrong way and the chaos begins. Molly is flighty, a hard worker, and in no mood to put up with someone who doesn't want her there.
Finn discovers Molly's edge of sarcasm and sense of humor right away. He likes both, but doesn't like that he does. She's a giant distraction and he thinks the only way to get into the zone he needs to be in, is to let her go. The adventure of Finn and Molly is an uphill climb that looks as though they'll never get to the top. In three days, anything that could go wrong...did!
When you read about Molly you'll love her. She's a down-to-earth gal who happens to have big, brown eyes and a body that begs to be noticed. She's also clumsy and a people-pleaser. She could easily be you or I. (Well, I don't have big, brown eyes or a body that begs to be noticed, but you know what I mean!) She's common, a bit lippy, and falls in love before she knows what hit her.
Finn and Molly will make you laugh, want to knock their heads together at times, and root for them to get their happily-ever-after!
Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Three-Days-With-Molly-ebook/dp/B0099SDQMS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355950298&sr=8-1&keywords=three+days+with+molly
Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/three-days-with-molly-jan-romes/1112878875
When her boss takes a sudden leave of absence from the law firm, she's gifted with three-months off with pay to do whatever she wants. A friend talks her into stumping as an assistant to country-rock star, Finn Riley. Thinking this gig will be a walk in the park compared to what she's been doing, she's shocked to find the opposite.
Finn is a self-proclaimed heartless bastard who's about to embark on a summer concert tour. He fights the idea of an assistant but gives into the relentless nagging of his agent, and hires Molly.
Molly is momentarily star-struck when she meets Finn, but it's short-lived. Finn rubs her the wrong way and the chaos begins. Molly is flighty, a hard worker, and in no mood to put up with someone who doesn't want her there.
Finn discovers Molly's edge of sarcasm and sense of humor right away. He likes both, but doesn't like that he does. She's a giant distraction and he thinks the only way to get into the zone he needs to be in, is to let her go. The adventure of Finn and Molly is an uphill climb that looks as though they'll never get to the top. In three days, anything that could go wrong...did!
When you read about Molly you'll love her. She's a down-to-earth gal who happens to have big, brown eyes and a body that begs to be noticed. She's also clumsy and a people-pleaser. She could easily be you or I. (Well, I don't have big, brown eyes or a body that begs to be noticed, but you know what I mean!) She's common, a bit lippy, and falls in love before she knows what hit her.
Finn and Molly will make you laugh, want to knock their heads together at times, and root for them to get their happily-ever-after!
Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Three-Days-With-Molly-ebook/dp/B0099SDQMS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355950298&sr=8-1&keywords=three+days+with+molly
Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/three-days-with-molly-jan-romes/1112878875
December 13, 2012
Sara's Promise Book Release Blog Tour & Giveaway
Sara's PromiseDeanna Lynn Sletten
Do you believe in soul mates?
William Grafton had the perfect life with his lovely wife, Sara, and two teenaged children. But one day his perfect forever was shattered when Sara died suddenly, leaving him alone to raise his childen and wonder how he would ever get through life without his soul mate. Five years later, he finds himself looking into a familiar pair of blue-green eyes that remind him of Sara. The woman is the exact opposite of his late wife, yet he finds he is drawn to her. But after a few strange occurences, he begins to wonder -- are these just coincidences or has his Sara come back to him as she once promised in the form of this new woman?
Annie Paxton doesn't believe in soul mates or fate. She had watched her father die of a broken heart after her mother passed away and has since cast away any fairy tale ideas of love. Then she meets the man who has been haunting her dreams and she begins to see love in a whole new light. But her dream man is still tied to his deceased wife, and Annie doesn't know if he will ever be able to break away from his past. As strange occurrences unfold, Annie wonders if William could ever truly love her for herself and not for the traits that remind him of Sara.
Were William and Annie brought together by fate, coincidence or by Sara keeping her promise?
***
Book Excerpt:Annie Paxton sped her car into a parking spot in front of the Beaverton office complex. She was annoyed with herself. She was late for an appointment, and she hated that. Usually punctual and articulate, she was never late for an appointment or photo shoot. But today was different. She'd mistakenly misjudged the amount of morning traffic, had taken a wrong turn and had to go in circles to find the building. It was only five minutes, but to her it was as bad as being late by an hour.
Hurriedly, she grabbed her camera from the passenger seat and slung it around her neck. She'd need the larger camera and tripod in the trunk, too but would get those after she met up with the client. She never went anywhere without her smaller camera. It was like a part of her, like an arm or leg. It was a piece of her.
Annie grabbed her small handbag and slammed the car door shut, forcing herself to stand still a moment and take a deep breath. It was only five minutes, nothing to be upset about. Besides, she was a photographer. Weren't artsy types supposed to be a little flighty? At least, that's what most people expected. She winced at that thought, hating to be thought of that way. Taking another calming breath, she ran a hand through her shoulder length, brown hair and headed into the building.
Five minutes later, Annie stood in front of the secretary's desk in the offices of Grafton and Hanover. She glanced around as the secretary announced her arrival to Mr. Grafton, surprised that the offices weren't larger. From what she knew about the firm, it was one of the largest and busiest in the Portland-Beaverton area. And since William Grafton was part owner, she had expected the offices to be more lavish.
"You may go in now, Ms. Paxton," the secretary told her with a smile. Annie thanked her and headed through the door into William Grafton's office.
William was standing behind his desk, arms crossed, staring at her as she stepped inside. For a moment, he startled her, his eyes so intense, watching her as she walked across the room to his desk. Annie frowned. He looked familiar, yet she couldn't place him. He wasn't at all what she'd expected. He was taller, younger and dressed much nicer than she'd expected. From the look on his face, she could also see that he was annoyed.
Buy Sara's Promise on Amazon in Kindle, Paperback and on Barnes and Noble Nook
http://www.deannalynnsletten.com/p/saras-promise.html
About Deanna Lynn Sletten:Deanna Lynn Sletten writes women's fiction novels that go beyond the basic romance novel. Her stories dig deep into the lives of the characters, giving the reader an in-depth look into their hearts and souls. Deanna has also written one middle-grade novel that takes you on the adventure of a lifetime.
Deanna started her writing career in the early 1990's writing articles for parenting publications and local newspapers. Over time she transitioned to writing for blogs and websites and was a contributing writer for the women's website, She Knows. In November 2011, she changed course and put all her energy into novel writing and hasn't looked back since.
Deanna is married and has two grown children. When not writing, she enjoys walking the wooded trails around her northern Minnesota home with her beautiful Australian Shepherd or relaxing in the boat on the lake in the summer.
Connect with Deanna:
Blog - http://www.deannalynnsletten.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/#!/DeannaLSletten
Twitter - https://twitter.com/DeannaLSletten
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/555634.Deanna_Lynn_Sletten
Amazon Author Page - http://www.amazon.com/Deanna-Lynn-Sletten/e/B00683SQYK/
Giveaway!
In celebration of Deanna's new book release she is having a giveaway! Leave a comment on this site to have your name entered in the drawing for one of four prizes: Two $25 Amazon Gift Cards and 2 paperback copies of Sara's Promise. Be sure to include your email address so we can contact you. You can enter at each site of the blog tour for more chances to win! Giveaway starts December 10th and ends December 17th at midnight. Winners will be contacted December 18th after noon.
Follow the tour schedule here: www.deannalynnsletten.com
October 23, 2012
Where Would You Like Your Nipple?
I'm truly honored to welcome Mackenzie Crowne, a down-to-earth, witty, intelligent woman affectionately known as Mac. She's not only a fellow author, but also a wife, mother, and grandmother who has faced many challenges, most especially breast cancer. Mac fought the disease with everything she had and is now a cancer survivor who has written an incredible book -- WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR NIPPLE? She's here to celebrate the release of her book and possibly inspire every woman (and man) to do those breast checks, to get those mammograms, and to pay attention to any irregularities.
Welcome, Mac!
I love the description on the front of your book: Navigating the Breast Cancer Abyss with Humor and Hope. Can you tell us a little bit about this amazing book?
Thanks so much for allowing me to visit today, Jan and for spotlighting such an important subject. Hmm. Let's see. The description of "Nipple" is my perception of my battle with breast cancer. The call delivering the diagnosis left me standing at the edge of a gaping chasm with no idea how I could possibly reach the other side and victory. But really, what choice did I have? Life is precious and I want to experience every moment I can. So, after freaking out for about a week, I set out on a journey. I have to say, I felt like Frodo in Lord of the Rings much of the time, but each trial, mastectomies, chemo, radiation, brought me close to the other side of the abyss, to victory.
It takes a long of strength and courage to battle that frightening monster of an illness and to share the experience. Where did you find the most strength?
I wouldn't call it strength so much, but desperation,stubborness and belief. First and foremost, I relied on my faith. Life can become overwhelming at times, and not just when you are facing a battle like breast cancer. As a child runs to a parent when their world spirals out of control, I turn to God to find peace in life's storms. I spent many an hour in His spiritual lap over the course of treatment. I also had a tremendous support system in my family and friends. They were there for me every time I cried out, and quite a few times when I hadn't. Lastly, I was freakily lucky to find a slot with the top doctors in the Phoenix area for surgery, plastic surgery and oncology. How can you fail when you're working with the best?
If you could give women (and men) one piece of advice what would it be?
For those who have been diagnosed, take a deep breath and have faith. The medical community has made some incredible strides recently and new discoveries are being made every day. This battle sucks but it's doable. Don't give up. And for those who haven't been diagnosed, be diligent in prevention and early detection. You know your body best and while self-exams may seem simple, they have the ability to not only save your life, but make your battle infinitely less debilitating by catching the cancer early.
In your book, you refer to Psalm 91:4 that says it all. It brought me to tears. Would you mind sharing those incredible words?
While I am a Christian, I'm not a particularly religious person. Rather, my faith is very personal and strictly between me and God. I'm not one of those people who quotes scripture but I do have a Bible and occasionally a verse will jump out with a private message just for me. For those of you who haven't read Nipple, my sister and I were diagnosed with breast cancer within a month of each other and early on in our respective treatments, we discovered we had both been directed to Psalm 91. In it's entirety, the verse speaks of doing battle and coming out victorious, but for me, it was all about 91:4. He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge. Let me tell you, those words were like a giant hug from God and during the worst of times, with my family gathered around me in support, I found refuge with the feathers He provided.
Mac, in your book you talk about keeping a journal. Would you like to say a bit about that?
Actually, I'd never kept a journal before, but while waiting for the diagnosis, which I pretty sure I already knew, I NEEDED to talk to my dad. He had passed away a few years earlier, and I missed him so much at that moment that I sat down and wrote him a letter. I wrote him many more over the course of the next few weeks and those letters eventually became the format for my journal. I spilled out my fears and weaknesses to the best man I have ever known and I swear I heart his voice and felt his boundless love when I needed them so badly. I also shared the bizarre incidents that seemed to happen on a daily basis -- like the day I was asked when I would like to start chemo. Hello - never! And when I finally found myself on the other side of the abyss, celebrating victory as the survivor I'd worked to become, I discovered Dad and I produced a sort of emotional guide to getting there. Where Would You Like Your Nipple is based on my journal, and includes several of those letters.
With your book, you've shared a lot of wisdom and eye-opening information. I think it's a must-read for everyone. Can you share a link or links for those who would like to check it out?
It would be my pleasure "Nipple" is available in digital format and print. You can also find the links at my home on the web www.mackenziecrowne.com .
One last thing, Mac, in the Acknowledgments of your book you give thanks to the talented artist that did a great job on your cover, but you also mention a documentation project "Faces of Courage". Would you like to share information about that?
Most definitely. Isn't the cover gorgeous? As I tried to do in the book, it projects hope in the midst of despair. The name of the cover image is Open Heart and this past weekend I had the thrilling opportunity to meet both the model - an eleven year survivor, and the artist, Lisa Scholder. Lisa has a heart for survivors. She's an incredible woman and artist who assists survivors in discovering the beauty of their altered bodies through her body painting art. She's currently sharing her talents, working with Faces of Courage, a non-profit raising funds to provide camp getaways for cancer and blood disease patients and their families, on their Bodies of Courage project. You can learn more about Lisa and Faces of Courage at their websites.
www.lisascholder.com and www.bodiesofcourage.org
Mac, I would like to offer heartfelt thanks for being on my blog but also for writing this book. Also, if you wouldn't mind sharing the titles and links to the other books you've written, that would be awesome.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to visit with you today, Jan. And I'd love to share the info on my other books. I'm a romance writer at heart, as you know.
Gift of the Realm is a modern fantasy romance set in Ireland ~ available at The Wild Rose Press and Amazon .
That Dating Thing is a contemporary romance in the midst of Wall Street greed ~ available at Still Moments Publishing and Amazon .
And coming this fall, The Billionaire's Con, another contemporary from Still Moments. Publishing.
Welcome, Mac!
I love the description on the front of your book: Navigating the Breast Cancer Abyss with Humor and Hope. Can you tell us a little bit about this amazing book?Thanks so much for allowing me to visit today, Jan and for spotlighting such an important subject. Hmm. Let's see. The description of "Nipple" is my perception of my battle with breast cancer. The call delivering the diagnosis left me standing at the edge of a gaping chasm with no idea how I could possibly reach the other side and victory. But really, what choice did I have? Life is precious and I want to experience every moment I can. So, after freaking out for about a week, I set out on a journey. I have to say, I felt like Frodo in Lord of the Rings much of the time, but each trial, mastectomies, chemo, radiation, brought me close to the other side of the abyss, to victory.
It takes a long of strength and courage to battle that frightening monster of an illness and to share the experience. Where did you find the most strength?
I wouldn't call it strength so much, but desperation,stubborness and belief. First and foremost, I relied on my faith. Life can become overwhelming at times, and not just when you are facing a battle like breast cancer. As a child runs to a parent when their world spirals out of control, I turn to God to find peace in life's storms. I spent many an hour in His spiritual lap over the course of treatment. I also had a tremendous support system in my family and friends. They were there for me every time I cried out, and quite a few times when I hadn't. Lastly, I was freakily lucky to find a slot with the top doctors in the Phoenix area for surgery, plastic surgery and oncology. How can you fail when you're working with the best?
If you could give women (and men) one piece of advice what would it be?
For those who have been diagnosed, take a deep breath and have faith. The medical community has made some incredible strides recently and new discoveries are being made every day. This battle sucks but it's doable. Don't give up. And for those who haven't been diagnosed, be diligent in prevention and early detection. You know your body best and while self-exams may seem simple, they have the ability to not only save your life, but make your battle infinitely less debilitating by catching the cancer early.
In your book, you refer to Psalm 91:4 that says it all. It brought me to tears. Would you mind sharing those incredible words?
While I am a Christian, I'm not a particularly religious person. Rather, my faith is very personal and strictly between me and God. I'm not one of those people who quotes scripture but I do have a Bible and occasionally a verse will jump out with a private message just for me. For those of you who haven't read Nipple, my sister and I were diagnosed with breast cancer within a month of each other and early on in our respective treatments, we discovered we had both been directed to Psalm 91. In it's entirety, the verse speaks of doing battle and coming out victorious, but for me, it was all about 91:4. He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge. Let me tell you, those words were like a giant hug from God and during the worst of times, with my family gathered around me in support, I found refuge with the feathers He provided.
Mac, in your book you talk about keeping a journal. Would you like to say a bit about that?
Actually, I'd never kept a journal before, but while waiting for the diagnosis, which I pretty sure I already knew, I NEEDED to talk to my dad. He had passed away a few years earlier, and I missed him so much at that moment that I sat down and wrote him a letter. I wrote him many more over the course of the next few weeks and those letters eventually became the format for my journal. I spilled out my fears and weaknesses to the best man I have ever known and I swear I heart his voice and felt his boundless love when I needed them so badly. I also shared the bizarre incidents that seemed to happen on a daily basis -- like the day I was asked when I would like to start chemo. Hello - never! And when I finally found myself on the other side of the abyss, celebrating victory as the survivor I'd worked to become, I discovered Dad and I produced a sort of emotional guide to getting there. Where Would You Like Your Nipple is based on my journal, and includes several of those letters.
With your book, you've shared a lot of wisdom and eye-opening information. I think it's a must-read for everyone. Can you share a link or links for those who would like to check it out?
It would be my pleasure "Nipple" is available in digital format and print. You can also find the links at my home on the web www.mackenziecrowne.com .
One last thing, Mac, in the Acknowledgments of your book you give thanks to the talented artist that did a great job on your cover, but you also mention a documentation project "Faces of Courage". Would you like to share information about that?
Most definitely. Isn't the cover gorgeous? As I tried to do in the book, it projects hope in the midst of despair. The name of the cover image is Open Heart and this past weekend I had the thrilling opportunity to meet both the model - an eleven year survivor, and the artist, Lisa Scholder. Lisa has a heart for survivors. She's an incredible woman and artist who assists survivors in discovering the beauty of their altered bodies through her body painting art. She's currently sharing her talents, working with Faces of Courage, a non-profit raising funds to provide camp getaways for cancer and blood disease patients and their families, on their Bodies of Courage project. You can learn more about Lisa and Faces of Courage at their websites.
www.lisascholder.com and www.bodiesofcourage.org
Mac, I would like to offer heartfelt thanks for being on my blog but also for writing this book. Also, if you wouldn't mind sharing the titles and links to the other books you've written, that would be awesome.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to visit with you today, Jan. And I'd love to share the info on my other books. I'm a romance writer at heart, as you know.
Gift of the Realm is a modern fantasy romance set in Ireland ~ available at The Wild Rose Press and Amazon .
That Dating Thing is a contemporary romance in the midst of Wall Street greed ~ available at Still Moments Publishing and Amazon .
And coming this fall, The Billionaire's Con, another contemporary from Still Moments. Publishing.
October 14, 2012
The Next Best Thing! (blog hop)
I've been tagged by Julia Hughes in The Next Big Thing blog hop! Thanks, Julia!
Today, I'd like to say a few words about my part of a Christmas anthology that was recenty released - THREE WISE MEN. Three sweet, heartwarming stories that will make you smile or perhaps sniff back a tear or two. The anthology is about three men who need to wise up to find love: Alex, Nick, and Evan. Nancy Ricker wrote about Alex, Laura Ricker picked Evan, and I chose Nick -- tall, handsome, scowling Nick.
Bar owner, Nick Barstow had his heart broken three years ago at Christmastime and hasn't moved on. Every December he pastes on a scowl and it remains in place until the New Year. He knows it's a stupid way to deal with the heartache, but hey, it works for him...until this year. As a favor to a friend, but against his better judgment, he hires Macy Williams who quickly changes the dynamics of the bar. She also seems hell-bent on fixing what ails Nick. He wants her gone, until he realizes that he...wants her.
What is the working title of your book?
Three Wise Men!
Where did the idea come from?
The thought of doing a Christmas anthology was exciting. Since I write romance, I pictured three hunky heroes. The title came soon after.
What genre does your book fall under?
Contemporary romance.
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
For Nick, Ryan Reynolds! For Macy, Meg Ryan!
What is the once-sentence synopsis of your book?
For the anthology: Three men who need to wise up to find love.
For Nick's story: Will Nick give his attraction for Macy a chance, or will the muck of heartache keep him anchored in the past?
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
We decided to self-publish.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
I think we decided at the beginning of August to do this project with a target date of October 1. I was almost finished writing Three Days With Molly, so I had to put off my story about Nick until the first part of September -- although I had a ton of notes about where I wanted Nick's story to go. After I finished with Three Days With Molly, I went full-throttle with Nick. So I think the first draft was finished the third week of September, with the final draft being completed by October 1. Whew!
What other books would you compare this tory to within your genre?
I truly don't have an answer for this question. I think Nick's story is unique, although it does have bits of humor like my other books do.
Who or What inspired you to write this book?
I love the Christmas season and wanted to write a book about finding love at that magical time of year.
What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?
Regarding the anthology, I think the surprise in Alex's story would definitely clinch their interest. In Evan's story, the excitement of first love would be a sure draw. In Nick's story, I think the bar setting gives it an unusual twist. He's the sole owner and lone employee until Macy enters the picture. Everything in his life changes and he's not too thrilled since he's grown accustomed to the comfort of the rut he's in. Macy takes him out of his comfort zone right away.
Spoiler alert! The heroes in this anthology are all very different, especially in their ages. If you'd like to check out Alex, Nick, and Evan, you can find them at:
Amazon -- http://www.amazon.com/Three-Wise-Men-ebook/dp/B009PSAPR6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1350274133&sr=8-3&keywords=nancy+ricker
Barnes and Noble -- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/three-wise-men-nancy-ricker/1113467504?ean=2940015573558
Today, I'd like to say a few words about my part of a Christmas anthology that was recenty released - THREE WISE MEN. Three sweet, heartwarming stories that will make you smile or perhaps sniff back a tear or two. The anthology is about three men who need to wise up to find love: Alex, Nick, and Evan. Nancy Ricker wrote about Alex, Laura Ricker picked Evan, and I chose Nick -- tall, handsome, scowling Nick.
Bar owner, Nick Barstow had his heart broken three years ago at Christmastime and hasn't moved on. Every December he pastes on a scowl and it remains in place until the New Year. He knows it's a stupid way to deal with the heartache, but hey, it works for him...until this year. As a favor to a friend, but against his better judgment, he hires Macy Williams who quickly changes the dynamics of the bar. She also seems hell-bent on fixing what ails Nick. He wants her gone, until he realizes that he...wants her.
What is the working title of your book?
Three Wise Men!
Where did the idea come from?
The thought of doing a Christmas anthology was exciting. Since I write romance, I pictured three hunky heroes. The title came soon after.
What genre does your book fall under?
Contemporary romance.
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
For Nick, Ryan Reynolds! For Macy, Meg Ryan!
What is the once-sentence synopsis of your book?
For the anthology: Three men who need to wise up to find love.
For Nick's story: Will Nick give his attraction for Macy a chance, or will the muck of heartache keep him anchored in the past?
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
We decided to self-publish.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
I think we decided at the beginning of August to do this project with a target date of October 1. I was almost finished writing Three Days With Molly, so I had to put off my story about Nick until the first part of September -- although I had a ton of notes about where I wanted Nick's story to go. After I finished with Three Days With Molly, I went full-throttle with Nick. So I think the first draft was finished the third week of September, with the final draft being completed by October 1. Whew!
What other books would you compare this tory to within your genre?
I truly don't have an answer for this question. I think Nick's story is unique, although it does have bits of humor like my other books do.
Who or What inspired you to write this book?
I love the Christmas season and wanted to write a book about finding love at that magical time of year.
What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?
Regarding the anthology, I think the surprise in Alex's story would definitely clinch their interest. In Evan's story, the excitement of first love would be a sure draw. In Nick's story, I think the bar setting gives it an unusual twist. He's the sole owner and lone employee until Macy enters the picture. Everything in his life changes and he's not too thrilled since he's grown accustomed to the comfort of the rut he's in. Macy takes him out of his comfort zone right away.
Spoiler alert! The heroes in this anthology are all very different, especially in their ages. If you'd like to check out Alex, Nick, and Evan, you can find them at:
Amazon -- http://www.amazon.com/Three-Wise-Men-ebook/dp/B009PSAPR6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1350274133&sr=8-3&keywords=nancy+ricker
Barnes and Noble -- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/three-wise-men-nancy-ricker/1113467504?ean=2940015573558
October 12, 2012
Cover reveal for THREE WISE MEN!
I recently teamed up with authors, Nancy Ricker and Laura Ricker, to do a Christmas Anthology! We titled it: THREE WISE MEN and we wanted to share the amazing cover with you!
Thank you, Deborah - with Tugboat Design for another great cover!!
www.tugboatdesign.net
Thank you, Deborah - with Tugboat Design for another great cover!!
www.tugboatdesign.net
October 2, 2012
THE NEXT BIG THING: Week 15
This blog post is part of THE NEXT BIG THING and I was nominated by Melodie Ramone . Thanks, Melodie, for tagging me for this fun blog hop!
Today, I'd like to talk about my latest release, THREE DAYS WITH MOLLY! The story of country-rock star, Finn Riley and lawyer aide, Molly Williams was a fun story to write! Finn, a self-proclaimed 'heartless bastard' is about to embark on a summer concert tour and he's in dire need of a personal assistant to cook and clean for him. Molly Williams and her lawyer boss are stressed to the breaking point. Out of the clear blue, the boss gifts Molly with three months off with pay while he heads to the Caribbean for a breather. Molly's friend hooks her up as Finn's assistant. Trouble brews the second she steps on the tour bus!
Here are the list of questions for The Next Big Thing, and my answers:
What is the working title of your book?
Three Days With Molly!
Where did the idea come from for the book?
I thought it would be fun to throw two characters together in close quarters to see if they would fall in love or kill each other. A tour bus seemed like a good choice.
What genre does your book fall under?
Definitely contemporary romance, but it's so much more: humor, spice, comedy, and love!
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
When I started writing Three Days With Molly I saw country singer, Jerrod Niemann, as Finn Riley. Since the question is which actor... hmm...maybe Bradley Cooper.
As Molly, hands down it would be Anne Hathaway!
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Can two work-aholics with trust issues lighten up long enough to follow their hearts, or will they kill each other before the summer concert tour is over?
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
I've self-published Three Days With Molly!
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
I started this story on May 1, 2012 and published September 12, 2012 - My first draft was done somewhere in between. I have no specific date, but I would say early August.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
I think my books favor Jenny Crusie's books. Her books are funny and have quirky characters. I'd like to think mine are the same.
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
When I get an idea, I tuck it in a folder. After I complete one book, I'm looking for the next one to write. A quick search of the folder produced the scrap piece of paper with notes about falling in love on a tour bus.
What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?
I think it would be the unusual situations that Finn and Molly find themselves in. Even though the main stage of the story is a tour bus, everything doesn't take place there. I also think the secondary characters are a fun addition to the story.
If you'd like to read Finn and Molly's story, you can find Three Days With Molly on both Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Three-Days-With-Molly-ebook/dp/B0099SDQMS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349195836&sr=8-1&keywords=three+days+with+molly and also on Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/three-days-with-molly-jan-romes/1112878875
Thanks again, Melodie Ramone!
I'd like to tag the following people to keep this fun blog hop going:
Sharon Saracino
Debra Burroughs
Denise Moncrief
Kevin Rau
Joya Fields
Today, I'd like to talk about my latest release, THREE DAYS WITH MOLLY! The story of country-rock star, Finn Riley and lawyer aide, Molly Williams was a fun story to write! Finn, a self-proclaimed 'heartless bastard' is about to embark on a summer concert tour and he's in dire need of a personal assistant to cook and clean for him. Molly Williams and her lawyer boss are stressed to the breaking point. Out of the clear blue, the boss gifts Molly with three months off with pay while he heads to the Caribbean for a breather. Molly's friend hooks her up as Finn's assistant. Trouble brews the second she steps on the tour bus!
Here are the list of questions for The Next Big Thing, and my answers:
What is the working title of your book?
Three Days With Molly!
Where did the idea come from for the book?
I thought it would be fun to throw two characters together in close quarters to see if they would fall in love or kill each other. A tour bus seemed like a good choice.
What genre does your book fall under?
Definitely contemporary romance, but it's so much more: humor, spice, comedy, and love!
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
When I started writing Three Days With Molly I saw country singer, Jerrod Niemann, as Finn Riley. Since the question is which actor... hmm...maybe Bradley Cooper.
As Molly, hands down it would be Anne Hathaway!
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Can two work-aholics with trust issues lighten up long enough to follow their hearts, or will they kill each other before the summer concert tour is over?
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
I've self-published Three Days With Molly!
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
I started this story on May 1, 2012 and published September 12, 2012 - My first draft was done somewhere in between. I have no specific date, but I would say early August.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
I think my books favor Jenny Crusie's books. Her books are funny and have quirky characters. I'd like to think mine are the same.
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
When I get an idea, I tuck it in a folder. After I complete one book, I'm looking for the next one to write. A quick search of the folder produced the scrap piece of paper with notes about falling in love on a tour bus.
What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?
I think it would be the unusual situations that Finn and Molly find themselves in. Even though the main stage of the story is a tour bus, everything doesn't take place there. I also think the secondary characters are a fun addition to the story.
If you'd like to read Finn and Molly's story, you can find Three Days With Molly on both Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Three-Days-With-Molly-ebook/dp/B0099SDQMS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349195836&sr=8-1&keywords=three+days+with+molly and also on Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/three-days-with-molly-jan-romes/1112878875
Thanks again, Melodie Ramone!
I'd like to tag the following people to keep this fun blog hop going:
Sharon Saracino
Debra Burroughs
Denise Moncrief
Kevin Rau
Joya Fields
September 26, 2012
Obvious/Not So Obvious - Part 2
Sometimes we inspire people when we have no idea it's happening. Earlier this month, I did a blog post about obvious beauty and not-so-obvious beauty. I showed it to my husband as always. A couple days later he came to me with the camera and we scrolled through some pictures he'd taken. He said, 'My version of obvious/not-so-obvious'! Thought I would share a sampling of his pictures:
It was one of those foggy mornings where the moisture coated the trees and the spider webs. In this first picture, the web looks like strings of pearls!
In this second picture the web is clearly defined!
Starting to see a pattern! My husband has a love for spider webs!
And he has a fascination for spiders! This bad boy had really long, scary looking legs!
Beauty through the camera lens! (Yes, another spider web)
Ah ha! No spider web! A lovely sunset over our pond!
This is an awesome picture! Looks like we have trees growing in our pond. There were so many great photos to pick from, I've shared just a few. Have a lovely autumn wherever you are!
It was one of those foggy mornings where the moisture coated the trees and the spider webs. In this first picture, the web looks like strings of pearls!
In this second picture the web is clearly defined! 
Starting to see a pattern! My husband has a love for spider webs!
And he has a fascination for spiders! This bad boy had really long, scary looking legs! 
Beauty through the camera lens! (Yes, another spider web)
Ah ha! No spider web! A lovely sunset over our pond!
This is an awesome picture! Looks like we have trees growing in our pond. There were so many great photos to pick from, I've shared just a few. Have a lovely autumn wherever you are!
