Jan Romes's Blog, page 5
March 3, 2019
A funny excerpt from WINE SISTERS FOREVER!
I recently published book #5 in my Wine and Sweat Pants Series and titled it WINE SISTERS FOREVER. So many fun things happened in this book as I wrote Elaina, Tawny, Steph, and Grace's newest adventures. I laughed a lot, so I thought I'd share one particular scene that had me cracking up. I hope it has the same effect on you. (For those who haven't read the earlier books, in book #3 the girls moved to Maine, and opened The Four Sassy Chicks Bed and Breakfast)
* ~~ *
This scene is from Chapter Four in Wine Sisters Forever :
Elaina huddled Tawny, Steph, and Grace together, and spoke as quietly as possible. Their guests Gordie and Ruth couldn't see three feet in front of them; nothing said they didn't have the exceptional hearing of bats. "I kid you not. They're eighty-four, have no credit cards or any form of ID, including no driver's licenses. They drove here from Bangor on I-95."
A series of repetitive thuds coming from Gordie and Ruth's room put them on high alert.
Grace's light blue eyes darkened with concern. "I hope they're not trying to signal us for help. Maybe we should have call-buttons installed in each room."
Tawny mocked with a head tilt. "We're not having call-buttons installed and I doubt they're trying to signal us. They're probably propped up against the headboard watching TV and every time they shift around the wood hits the wall."
"It's a heavy four-post bed. The headboard shouldn't hit the wall when they move to get comfortable."
Steph tiptoed to their door and cupped her ear against the wood. She shook her head and crept back to the kitchen. "Their TV isn't on and I swear I heard moaning."
Elaina was getting more concerned by the second. "What do we do?"
"We wait," Tawny stated matter-of-factly.
"For the stench of decomposing bodies?"
Tawny rolled her eyes at Steph. "Get real."
"Steph might be on to something. How do I word this delicately?"
"To heck with being delicate, just say it," Tawny urged.
Elaina shared the sad reality. "Time isn't something that Gordie and Ruth have on their side."
"Did they come here to...?" Grace splayed a hand across her face. "Ugh. I can't even."
"I'm sure their plan wasn't to check in and extinguish their...lights. It could be a matter of all that living fast and loose catching up with them."
Tawny's brows twitched with confusion. "Say again?"
"You heard me."
"Geez. Leave you in charge for a week and you interrogate our customers about their past. Are you that bored?" Tawny's mouth split into an ornery grin.
Elaina gave her a playful shove. “They volunteered the information.”
“Sure they did.”
“The three of you can stand there and wait for whatever might or might not be happening. I’m going upstairs to shower.” Grace pulled at the t-shirt with splotches of beige paint on the front. “Philip got his way as you can see. I wanted to paint the parlor a deep blue, but noooo, he bought beige.”
“Is he still being a grouch?”
“Nope. He’s had a magical transformation.” Grace started to leave.
“Graaaace, hold up.” Steph grabbed the back of Grace’s shirt. “You can’t dangle a carrot and walk away.”
“Unhand me.” Grace wrinkled her nose with amusement. “I told him to straighten up or I would check into those dating sites you ladies love.”
Elaina bunched her face into a teasing frown. "You’re a mean little woman.”
“Philip said the same thing.” Grace made it as far as the first step on the staircase.
Gordie and Ruth’s door flung open. Gordie stood in the doorway shirtless. Tufts of gray hair went every which way.
“Gordie, these are the other sassy chicks.” She introduced Grace as the business manager, Steph as their kitchen goddess, and Tawny as the resident nurse.
“I don’t need a nurse, Eloise. I need water. All that ‘action’ has made me thirsty.” He clicked his tongue.
“Eloise?”
“Long story, Tawn’,” Elaina whispered out of the side of her mouth and hoped Tawny and the others wouldn’t make a huge deal out of his reference to ‘action’. “There’s a small refrigerator near the desk, Gordie.” The amenities were explained when she’d shown them the room. It now appeared that they were more excited to get ‘busy’ rather than to actually listen. Instinct made her feet move, but Gordie stopped her by jutting out a spindly arm.
“You might not want to come closer. Ruth’s too hot to put clothes on or to cover with a blanket. Give her a few minutes.”
“Right.” Elaina heard Tawny’s restrained tee-hee’ing behind her. To keep her own laughter from spilling out, she bit the inside of her cheek and diverted her gaze to Grace, who noiselessly mouthed the word, “Unbelievable.”
“On second thought, do you have any energy drinks? The pill’s doing what it’s supposed to, but I’m drained.”
Steph had yet to put two and two together. “Has your sugar level dropped?”
Elaina glanced at Steph. “His sugar’s fine.”
“Then what?”
Tawny blurted, “Do we really need to spell it out?”
Steph got huffy right away. “No!” Awareness hit her a milli-second later. “Ohhhh.”
The nurse in Tawny took over. “I don’t want to boss you around, but it isn’t wise to combine an energy drink with that particular pill, or any pill for that matter.”
“That’s what Ruth says.”
Elaina could no longer contain her laughter. She giggled until she snorted. “Gordie, you and Ruth are a hoot. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone quite like you.”
“Did you hear that, Ruth? Eloise thinks we’re a hoot.”
Ruth’s reprimand was wobbly and low. “Gordie, get it together. Her name is Elaina, not Eloise.”
Gordie’s whiskery face fell. “Sorry, Elaina.”
“No worries. Really.” She didn’t want to him to dwell on the mistake, so she changed the subject. “I noticed that you and Ruth skipped dinner.”
“We don’t know our way around Portland. We thought we’d wait until morning and eat a big breakfast.”
Breakfast wasn’t for another twelve hours. There’s no way Elaina could make them wait that long. They had likely expended their calorie reserves by knocking the headboard against the wall. “Are you interested in leftover meatloaf, cheesy potatoes, and applesauce?”
“Dear girl, you’re a godsend.”
“She’s more motherly than godsend-ish,” Tawny teased.
I’m more of a sap than godsend-ish, but hey, I am what I am.
** If you'd like to check out the adventures (or misadventures) of these four mischievous women, you can find them on AMAZON -- <---just click the link.
Thank you so much for taking the time to pop in and read this scene!
(Cover art by Deborah with Tugboat Design)
* ~~ *
This scene is from Chapter Four in Wine Sisters Forever :
Elaina huddled Tawny, Steph, and Grace together, and spoke as quietly as possible. Their guests Gordie and Ruth couldn't see three feet in front of them; nothing said they didn't have the exceptional hearing of bats. "I kid you not. They're eighty-four, have no credit cards or any form of ID, including no driver's licenses. They drove here from Bangor on I-95."
A series of repetitive thuds coming from Gordie and Ruth's room put them on high alert.
Grace's light blue eyes darkened with concern. "I hope they're not trying to signal us for help. Maybe we should have call-buttons installed in each room."
Tawny mocked with a head tilt. "We're not having call-buttons installed and I doubt they're trying to signal us. They're probably propped up against the headboard watching TV and every time they shift around the wood hits the wall."
"It's a heavy four-post bed. The headboard shouldn't hit the wall when they move to get comfortable."
Steph tiptoed to their door and cupped her ear against the wood. She shook her head and crept back to the kitchen. "Their TV isn't on and I swear I heard moaning."
Elaina was getting more concerned by the second. "What do we do?"
"We wait," Tawny stated matter-of-factly.
"For the stench of decomposing bodies?"
Tawny rolled her eyes at Steph. "Get real."
"Steph might be on to something. How do I word this delicately?"
"To heck with being delicate, just say it," Tawny urged.
Elaina shared the sad reality. "Time isn't something that Gordie and Ruth have on their side."
"Did they come here to...?" Grace splayed a hand across her face. "Ugh. I can't even."
"I'm sure their plan wasn't to check in and extinguish their...lights. It could be a matter of all that living fast and loose catching up with them."
Tawny's brows twitched with confusion. "Say again?"
"You heard me."
"Geez. Leave you in charge for a week and you interrogate our customers about their past. Are you that bored?" Tawny's mouth split into an ornery grin.
Elaina gave her a playful shove. “They volunteered the information.”
“Sure they did.”
“The three of you can stand there and wait for whatever might or might not be happening. I’m going upstairs to shower.” Grace pulled at the t-shirt with splotches of beige paint on the front. “Philip got his way as you can see. I wanted to paint the parlor a deep blue, but noooo, he bought beige.”
“Is he still being a grouch?”
“Nope. He’s had a magical transformation.” Grace started to leave.
“Graaaace, hold up.” Steph grabbed the back of Grace’s shirt. “You can’t dangle a carrot and walk away.”
“Unhand me.” Grace wrinkled her nose with amusement. “I told him to straighten up or I would check into those dating sites you ladies love.”
Elaina bunched her face into a teasing frown. "You’re a mean little woman.”
“Philip said the same thing.” Grace made it as far as the first step on the staircase.
Gordie and Ruth’s door flung open. Gordie stood in the doorway shirtless. Tufts of gray hair went every which way.
“Gordie, these are the other sassy chicks.” She introduced Grace as the business manager, Steph as their kitchen goddess, and Tawny as the resident nurse.
“I don’t need a nurse, Eloise. I need water. All that ‘action’ has made me thirsty.” He clicked his tongue.
“Eloise?”
“Long story, Tawn’,” Elaina whispered out of the side of her mouth and hoped Tawny and the others wouldn’t make a huge deal out of his reference to ‘action’. “There’s a small refrigerator near the desk, Gordie.” The amenities were explained when she’d shown them the room. It now appeared that they were more excited to get ‘busy’ rather than to actually listen. Instinct made her feet move, but Gordie stopped her by jutting out a spindly arm.
“You might not want to come closer. Ruth’s too hot to put clothes on or to cover with a blanket. Give her a few minutes.”
“Right.” Elaina heard Tawny’s restrained tee-hee’ing behind her. To keep her own laughter from spilling out, she bit the inside of her cheek and diverted her gaze to Grace, who noiselessly mouthed the word, “Unbelievable.”
“On second thought, do you have any energy drinks? The pill’s doing what it’s supposed to, but I’m drained.”
Steph had yet to put two and two together. “Has your sugar level dropped?”
Elaina glanced at Steph. “His sugar’s fine.”
“Then what?”
Tawny blurted, “Do we really need to spell it out?”
Steph got huffy right away. “No!” Awareness hit her a milli-second later. “Ohhhh.”
The nurse in Tawny took over. “I don’t want to boss you around, but it isn’t wise to combine an energy drink with that particular pill, or any pill for that matter.”
“That’s what Ruth says.”
Elaina could no longer contain her laughter. She giggled until she snorted. “Gordie, you and Ruth are a hoot. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone quite like you.”
“Did you hear that, Ruth? Eloise thinks we’re a hoot.”
Ruth’s reprimand was wobbly and low. “Gordie, get it together. Her name is Elaina, not Eloise.”
Gordie’s whiskery face fell. “Sorry, Elaina.”
“No worries. Really.” She didn’t want to him to dwell on the mistake, so she changed the subject. “I noticed that you and Ruth skipped dinner.”
“We don’t know our way around Portland. We thought we’d wait until morning and eat a big breakfast.”
Breakfast wasn’t for another twelve hours. There’s no way Elaina could make them wait that long. They had likely expended their calorie reserves by knocking the headboard against the wall. “Are you interested in leftover meatloaf, cheesy potatoes, and applesauce?”
“Dear girl, you’re a godsend.”
“She’s more motherly than godsend-ish,” Tawny teased.
I’m more of a sap than godsend-ish, but hey, I am what I am.
** If you'd like to check out the adventures (or misadventures) of these four mischievous women, you can find them on AMAZON -- <---just click the link.
Thank you so much for taking the time to pop in and read this scene!
(Cover art by Deborah with Tugboat Design) 
November 6, 2018
Two Minus One: A Memoir by Kathryn Taylor
Today I have the pleasure of welcoming Kathryn Taylor to my blog with her book,
Two Minus One: A Memoir
.
From Kathryn...
It is November 6, 2018. The moment has finally arrived! It is publication day for my story Two Minus One: A Memoir! The book is available everywhere and I am officially an author! I search for words to describe my emotion, but I am at a loss to find anything that fits the level of exhilaration -- and relief -- at reaching this pinnacle.
It was August 2017 when my story, then titled When the OTHER Shoe Drops - or He's Really NOT in it for Life was accepted by Brooke Warner for publication. I let out a huge sigh of relief, naively thinking that my job was over. The professionals would now step in and turn my experience into a book that could reach and help others. I quickly discovered how much I didn't know about writing and publishing a book.
I was assigned to the very talented and gifted editor, Annie Tucker. An angel was watching over me as that decision was made, and I will be forever grateful that Annie came into my life. Week after week, we worked slowly, carefully, and diligently to expand and improve my story. Word by word, page by page, and chapter by chapter, I relived my painful experience. I was encouraged to dig deeper, share more, and expound further on the most debilitating episode of my life. I was gently prodded to reveal intimate details that would allow the reader to connect with my trauma on an even more personal and deeper level than I had originally intended. We were told that, "Cliches didn't sell," and concurred on a new title. Together, we tweaked, revised, perfected. By December, we had a "polished gem." I was physically ill and emotionally drained. It was time to enjoy the holidays with my daughters. The manuscript was on its way to proofreaders. I was confident that it was now time for the professionals to step in and take over!
I was wrong again! January 2018 and it was now time for Social Media Boot Camp. It was my opportunity to really grasp all that I didn't know about the publication and marketing of a book. It was time to discover Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. It was time for an author website, newsletters, and hiring a publicist. I was fortunate to have a supportive publishing environment. Yet I struggled with every aspect of marketing and self-promotion. I would never make it to publication day.
I was lucky that two friends stepped in to offer wisdom and support as they listened to my frustrations about the process. The first offered these wise words. "You must not think of talking about the book as pushing a sale but providing a service. Your story will help others and you must free yourself to share it." The second enthusiastically offered, "I have a friend who can help!" Shari Stauch was my second miracle in this process. Sitting patiently beside me for hours at a time, she re-designed my website, my social media and my identity. She reminded me that I was a skilled author, had a quality product, and people would be waiting to read it and learn more -- about my experience and about me.
So here it is! November 6, 2018 -- my PUBLICATION DAY!!! I am comfortable wearing my author persona and gleefully share my business cards, as well as my story with anyone willing to listen. I am more relaxed on social media and am even followed on Twitter by Jan Romes and Chris Bohjalian. I am joyfully anticipating a private Launch Party on the tenth to thank family and friends for their support throughout this journey. I am euphoric by the genuine excitement that people have at the prospect of having my book in their hands.
I am humbled by the generosity of so many who offered to host events and spread the word about my accomplishment. I am no longer timid. I am triumphant. It is November 6, 2018 and I have added yet another description to my resume. I am an AUTHOR!
Kathryn Taylor was born at the Great Lakes Naval Station near Chicago, Illinois and spent much of her life in the Chicagoland area. Taylor enjoyed thirty years in the classroom as an elementary school teacher and had taught in Illinois, California, and Virginia before she retired to South Carolina. It was there where Taylor wrote her book, Two Minus One: A Memoir following the unexpected abandonment of her second husband. Taylor is an avid reader, enthusiastic traveler, and incurable beach lover. She resides outside of Charleston, SC, with her rescue dog, Lucy, where she can enjoy all three of her favorite past times. Lean more at https://kathryntaylorbooks.com
From Kathryn...
It is November 6, 2018. The moment has finally arrived! It is publication day for my story Two Minus One: A Memoir! The book is available everywhere and I am officially an author! I search for words to describe my emotion, but I am at a loss to find anything that fits the level of exhilaration -- and relief -- at reaching this pinnacle.
It was August 2017 when my story, then titled When the OTHER Shoe Drops - or He's Really NOT in it for Life was accepted by Brooke Warner for publication. I let out a huge sigh of relief, naively thinking that my job was over. The professionals would now step in and turn my experience into a book that could reach and help others. I quickly discovered how much I didn't know about writing and publishing a book.
I was assigned to the very talented and gifted editor, Annie Tucker. An angel was watching over me as that decision was made, and I will be forever grateful that Annie came into my life. Week after week, we worked slowly, carefully, and diligently to expand and improve my story. Word by word, page by page, and chapter by chapter, I relived my painful experience. I was encouraged to dig deeper, share more, and expound further on the most debilitating episode of my life. I was gently prodded to reveal intimate details that would allow the reader to connect with my trauma on an even more personal and deeper level than I had originally intended. We were told that, "Cliches didn't sell," and concurred on a new title. Together, we tweaked, revised, perfected. By December, we had a "polished gem." I was physically ill and emotionally drained. It was time to enjoy the holidays with my daughters. The manuscript was on its way to proofreaders. I was confident that it was now time for the professionals to step in and take over!
I was wrong again! January 2018 and it was now time for Social Media Boot Camp. It was my opportunity to really grasp all that I didn't know about the publication and marketing of a book. It was time to discover Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. It was time for an author website, newsletters, and hiring a publicist. I was fortunate to have a supportive publishing environment. Yet I struggled with every aspect of marketing and self-promotion. I would never make it to publication day.
I was lucky that two friends stepped in to offer wisdom and support as they listened to my frustrations about the process. The first offered these wise words. "You must not think of talking about the book as pushing a sale but providing a service. Your story will help others and you must free yourself to share it." The second enthusiastically offered, "I have a friend who can help!" Shari Stauch was my second miracle in this process. Sitting patiently beside me for hours at a time, she re-designed my website, my social media and my identity. She reminded me that I was a skilled author, had a quality product, and people would be waiting to read it and learn more -- about my experience and about me.
So here it is! November 6, 2018 -- my PUBLICATION DAY!!! I am comfortable wearing my author persona and gleefully share my business cards, as well as my story with anyone willing to listen. I am more relaxed on social media and am even followed on Twitter by Jan Romes and Chris Bohjalian. I am joyfully anticipating a private Launch Party on the tenth to thank family and friends for their support throughout this journey. I am euphoric by the genuine excitement that people have at the prospect of having my book in their hands.
I am humbled by the generosity of so many who offered to host events and spread the word about my accomplishment. I am no longer timid. I am triumphant. It is November 6, 2018 and I have added yet another description to my resume. I am an AUTHOR!
Kathryn Taylor was born at the Great Lakes Naval Station near Chicago, Illinois and spent much of her life in the Chicagoland area. Taylor enjoyed thirty years in the classroom as an elementary school teacher and had taught in Illinois, California, and Virginia before she retired to South Carolina. It was there where Taylor wrote her book, Two Minus One: A Memoir following the unexpected abandonment of her second husband. Taylor is an avid reader, enthusiastic traveler, and incurable beach lover. She resides outside of Charleston, SC, with her rescue dog, Lucy, where she can enjoy all three of her favorite past times. Lean more at https://kathryntaylorbooks.com
September 4, 2018
Miss Etta by Deanna Lynn Sletten
I've always been a fan of historical women's fiction, so I'm beyond excited to welcome author Deanna Lynn Sletten to my blog today with her book,
MISS ETTA
.
Deanna Lynn Sletten
Here's the setup for the story to whet your appetite:
She rode with the most famous outlaws of her time. Then she vanished.
In the fall of 1895, Etta Place falls in love with Harry Longabaugh, alias the Sundance Kid. She gives up everything to follow him and his partner-in-crime, Butch Cassidy, in their outlaw life across the continent and beyond. Breathtakingly beautiful and every inch a lady, Etta can also ride and shoot as well as any man. As their fugitive life begins to crumble, she finds herself alone and living in a convent with her newborn son. Knowing she can’t hide away forever, she moves halfway across the country to begin anew. Etta prays her past won’t catch up with her.
In 1911 Emily Pleasants steps onto the train station platform of Pine Creek, Minnesota with a teacher’s contract in hand and a secret life she’s fled. A young widow with a small son, she’s searching for a safe place to raise her child where no one will recognize her. She meets Edward Sheridan, a successful merchant and bank owner, who quickly falls for her beauty, intelligence, and kindness. Still, she worries her notorious past will threaten the one thing dearest to her—her son.
From the deserts of Texas to the sweeping vistas of Wyoming, the refinement of New York City to the lush valleys of Argentina, Etta followed the outlaw men she loved so dearly. And then, she disappeared.
Many have a past they'd like to forget and run from. I'm sure Miss Etta has her work cut out for her as she makes an attempt to put her past behind her. It will be interesting to see how it all goes.
Let's find out about Miss Etta Place:
The Real Etta Place:
Etta Place was a real woman who was married to the notorious outlaw the Sundance Kid. From 1895 to 1907, she followed Sundance and Butch Cassidy, the leader of the Wild Bunch, along the Outlaw Trail and down to South America where the threesome tried to go straight. She was a young, beautiful woman who was said to be refined and mannered, even though she could shoot and ride as well as any man. No one knew her real name. She went by the alias Etta Place, but some thought her name was Ethel. Sometime around 1906–1908, she disappeared. Some say that during that time, she died in a Denver hospital and Sundance went on a drunken brawl and shot up a bar before returning to South America. Others say she died in childbirth. Stories persist that she left Sundance for someone else, that she came back to America alone, or that she died in the final shootout in San Vincente, Bolivia where it was believed that Butch and Sundance died. In reality, no woman was killed during that shootout, and there has yet to be any evidence that Butch or Sundance died that day.
What became of Etta Place? No one knows. And that is what makes her story so interesting. Using a timeline of true events that are known, I created her past life with Butch and Sundance, while giving a fictional version of her life after she disappeared.
Quite a few of you are familiar with Deanna Lynn Sletten and her writing, but for those of you who haven't read her work yet, here's her bio:
Deanna Lynn Sletten is the author of MAGGIE’S TURN, FINDING LIBBIE, ONE WRONG TURN, NIGHT MUSIC, and several other titles. She writes heartwarming women’s fiction and romance novels with unforgettable characters. She has also written one middle-grade novel that takes you on the adventure of a lifetime. Deanna believes in fate, destiny, love at first sight, soul mates, second chances, and happily ever after, and her novels reflect that.
Deanna is married and has two grown children. When not writing, she enjoys walking the wooded trails around her home with her beautiful Australian Shepherd, traveling, and relaxing on the lake.
Deanna loves hearing from her readers. Connect with her at:
Website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter
This incredible book is available here:
Amazon Kindle and Paperback
Barnes & Noble Nook
Apple iBooks
Google Play
Kobo
Amazon AU
Amazon CA
Amazon UK
Deanna Lynn Sletten
Here's the setup for the story to whet your appetite:
She rode with the most famous outlaws of her time. Then she vanished.
In the fall of 1895, Etta Place falls in love with Harry Longabaugh, alias the Sundance Kid. She gives up everything to follow him and his partner-in-crime, Butch Cassidy, in their outlaw life across the continent and beyond. Breathtakingly beautiful and every inch a lady, Etta can also ride and shoot as well as any man. As their fugitive life begins to crumble, she finds herself alone and living in a convent with her newborn son. Knowing she can’t hide away forever, she moves halfway across the country to begin anew. Etta prays her past won’t catch up with her.
In 1911 Emily Pleasants steps onto the train station platform of Pine Creek, Minnesota with a teacher’s contract in hand and a secret life she’s fled. A young widow with a small son, she’s searching for a safe place to raise her child where no one will recognize her. She meets Edward Sheridan, a successful merchant and bank owner, who quickly falls for her beauty, intelligence, and kindness. Still, she worries her notorious past will threaten the one thing dearest to her—her son.
From the deserts of Texas to the sweeping vistas of Wyoming, the refinement of New York City to the lush valleys of Argentina, Etta followed the outlaw men she loved so dearly. And then, she disappeared.
Many have a past they'd like to forget and run from. I'm sure Miss Etta has her work cut out for her as she makes an attempt to put her past behind her. It will be interesting to see how it all goes.
Let's find out about Miss Etta Place:
The Real Etta Place:
Etta Place was a real woman who was married to the notorious outlaw the Sundance Kid. From 1895 to 1907, she followed Sundance and Butch Cassidy, the leader of the Wild Bunch, along the Outlaw Trail and down to South America where the threesome tried to go straight. She was a young, beautiful woman who was said to be refined and mannered, even though she could shoot and ride as well as any man. No one knew her real name. She went by the alias Etta Place, but some thought her name was Ethel. Sometime around 1906–1908, she disappeared. Some say that during that time, she died in a Denver hospital and Sundance went on a drunken brawl and shot up a bar before returning to South America. Others say she died in childbirth. Stories persist that she left Sundance for someone else, that she came back to America alone, or that she died in the final shootout in San Vincente, Bolivia where it was believed that Butch and Sundance died. In reality, no woman was killed during that shootout, and there has yet to be any evidence that Butch or Sundance died that day.
What became of Etta Place? No one knows. And that is what makes her story so interesting. Using a timeline of true events that are known, I created her past life with Butch and Sundance, while giving a fictional version of her life after she disappeared.
Quite a few of you are familiar with Deanna Lynn Sletten and her writing, but for those of you who haven't read her work yet, here's her bio:
Deanna Lynn Sletten is the author of MAGGIE’S TURN, FINDING LIBBIE, ONE WRONG TURN, NIGHT MUSIC, and several other titles. She writes heartwarming women’s fiction and romance novels with unforgettable characters. She has also written one middle-grade novel that takes you on the adventure of a lifetime. Deanna believes in fate, destiny, love at first sight, soul mates, second chances, and happily ever after, and her novels reflect that.
Deanna is married and has two grown children. When not writing, she enjoys walking the wooded trails around her home with her beautiful Australian Shepherd, traveling, and relaxing on the lake.
Deanna loves hearing from her readers. Connect with her at:
Website
Blog
This incredible book is available here:
Amazon Kindle and Paperback
Barnes & Noble Nook
Apple iBooks
Google Play
Kobo
Amazon AU
Amazon CA
Amazon UK
July 12, 2018
Sometimes pizza is just pizza; sometimes it's so much more!
I love how food can sometimes heighten the setting in a story. In Keeping Kylee, pizza plays an important role in the scene where millionaire Quinn Randel comes to grip with his feelings for down-to-earth, financially strapped, single mom, Kylee Steele.
Here's a small part of that scene... (She's packed and ready to move to Arkansas)
"We're having tomato soup and carrot sticks. I didn't restock the cupboards or fridge because we're leaving."
"I love tomato soup." It didn't matter what they had, as long as they were together.
Kylee searched the few items she hadn't packed. She thought she'd left out the can opener, but it was nowhere to be found. The packing process had involved tears and tape, not markers and organization. There was no way to determine which one held the can opener and she wasn't about to start pulling off tape to find the blasted thing. "We might have to order pizza."
"You can't go wrong with pizza." Quinn pulled his cell phone into view. "I'll take care of it." He walked to the far end of the living room and in a hushed tone placed the order.
Odd. He hadn't asked what kind they liked. It didn't matter though. If it came with onions and anchovies, she and Gabs could pick them off.
Quinn wandered back and put his hands on her hips. "It should arrive any..." A knock on the door made his eyes sparkle and his lips curl into a smile. "...second."
Kylee quirked an eyebrow. "You have clout, Randel, but not enough to have pizza delivered at the snap of your fingers."
Quinn started for the door. Kylee stepped in front of him and opened it to find Ty and Maggie, Trigg, Nancy, Jake and Tori. "Umm..." She tried not to show her surprise, but she couldn't hide her confusion. "Come in."
Trigg carried in several pizza boxes. Ty had a case of Coke. Jake had a twelve pack of Lone Star. Maggie had a plastic grocery bag hanging from her wrist that held paper plates, Dixie cups and napkins.
"Good thing I couldn't find the can opener."
From beneath one of the couch cushions, Quinn produced the opener. "You mean this one?" He smiled like he pulled a fast one.
"How in the world?"
Gabbi giggled. "Quinn and I tricked you. When you weren't looking, he tiptoed to the couch with the opener."
"Nark," Quinn teased, but gave Gabbi a high-five.
Kylee pretended to be irked by closing her eyelids halfway, but the corners of her mouth went up on their own.
Maggie gave Kylee a hug and shared some truth. "You have to watch him every minute. Next he'll be hiding your underwear."
Kylee deliberately tugged her jean shorts a little higher. "Thanks for the tip."
Trigg sat the pizza boxes on the coffee table and was about to take a slice from the box marked deluxe.
"Drop it, Sinclair."
Trigg laughed and took a bite. "Who's going to stop me?"
Nancy wrinkled her nose with amusement. "Quite the bunch, aren't they?"
"They are," Kylee said, still curious as to why they were there.
"Everyone back away from the pizza," Quinn ordered. He lifted his wrist to expose his watch. "The others should be here anytime now."
"The others? Quinn, please explain." Kylee crossed her arms. Quinn remained tight-lipped. "Are you staging an intervention?" She looked to Maggie for answers. If anyone would give it to her straight, Maggie would.
Maggie turned an imaginary key at her lips and pretended to toss it over her shoulder.
Nancy lowered her head so she wouldn't be coerced into giving anything away.
Tori lifted her chin and looked away.
Kylee got the same sealed-off, don't-bother-asking expressions from Ty, Trigg, and Jake. Last but not least, she used her forefinger to motion Quinn closer. Tell me what this is or..." She poked his chest and dropped her voice so Gabbi wouldn't hear. "...I won't let you hide my panties."
** There is so much more to this scene that I hope will win your heart. You can check out Quinn and Kylee's story here:
AMAZON
Thanks for stopping by! ♥
Love,
Janwww.authorjanromes.com
Here's a small part of that scene... (She's packed and ready to move to Arkansas)
"We're having tomato soup and carrot sticks. I didn't restock the cupboards or fridge because we're leaving."
"I love tomato soup." It didn't matter what they had, as long as they were together.
Kylee searched the few items she hadn't packed. She thought she'd left out the can opener, but it was nowhere to be found. The packing process had involved tears and tape, not markers and organization. There was no way to determine which one held the can opener and she wasn't about to start pulling off tape to find the blasted thing. "We might have to order pizza."
"You can't go wrong with pizza." Quinn pulled his cell phone into view. "I'll take care of it." He walked to the far end of the living room and in a hushed tone placed the order.
Odd. He hadn't asked what kind they liked. It didn't matter though. If it came with onions and anchovies, she and Gabs could pick them off.
Quinn wandered back and put his hands on her hips. "It should arrive any..." A knock on the door made his eyes sparkle and his lips curl into a smile. "...second."
Kylee quirked an eyebrow. "You have clout, Randel, but not enough to have pizza delivered at the snap of your fingers."
Quinn started for the door. Kylee stepped in front of him and opened it to find Ty and Maggie, Trigg, Nancy, Jake and Tori. "Umm..." She tried not to show her surprise, but she couldn't hide her confusion. "Come in."
Trigg carried in several pizza boxes. Ty had a case of Coke. Jake had a twelve pack of Lone Star. Maggie had a plastic grocery bag hanging from her wrist that held paper plates, Dixie cups and napkins.
"Good thing I couldn't find the can opener."
From beneath one of the couch cushions, Quinn produced the opener. "You mean this one?" He smiled like he pulled a fast one.
"How in the world?"
Gabbi giggled. "Quinn and I tricked you. When you weren't looking, he tiptoed to the couch with the opener."
"Nark," Quinn teased, but gave Gabbi a high-five.
Kylee pretended to be irked by closing her eyelids halfway, but the corners of her mouth went up on their own.
Maggie gave Kylee a hug and shared some truth. "You have to watch him every minute. Next he'll be hiding your underwear."
Kylee deliberately tugged her jean shorts a little higher. "Thanks for the tip."
Trigg sat the pizza boxes on the coffee table and was about to take a slice from the box marked deluxe.
"Drop it, Sinclair."
Trigg laughed and took a bite. "Who's going to stop me?"
Nancy wrinkled her nose with amusement. "Quite the bunch, aren't they?"
"They are," Kylee said, still curious as to why they were there.
"Everyone back away from the pizza," Quinn ordered. He lifted his wrist to expose his watch. "The others should be here anytime now."
"The others? Quinn, please explain." Kylee crossed her arms. Quinn remained tight-lipped. "Are you staging an intervention?" She looked to Maggie for answers. If anyone would give it to her straight, Maggie would.
Maggie turned an imaginary key at her lips and pretended to toss it over her shoulder.
Nancy lowered her head so she wouldn't be coerced into giving anything away.
Tori lifted her chin and looked away.
Kylee got the same sealed-off, don't-bother-asking expressions from Ty, Trigg, and Jake. Last but not least, she used her forefinger to motion Quinn closer. Tell me what this is or..." She poked his chest and dropped her voice so Gabbi wouldn't hear. "...I won't let you hide my panties."
** There is so much more to this scene that I hope will win your heart. You can check out Quinn and Kylee's story here:
AMAZON
Thanks for stopping by! ♥
Love,
Janwww.authorjanromes.com
June 28, 2018
Wear The Pearls!
I’ve wanted to write this post for a while, but I’m a very private person so I held off. Today I made the decision not to stay silent. So here goes...
Do you have a string of pearls, a gorgeous set of earrings, or an awesome outfit you’ve been saving for the perfect occasion? I’m here to tell you to dig those things out and put them on – right now. Why are you saving them? We’ve all seen memes and inspirational posts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and magazines about living life to the fullest because tomorrow isn’t promised. I’ve always nodded in wholehearted agreement and continued to scroll on to something else or flipped the page. Recently, I found out firsthand about the truth behind those words. Even more profound and honest is how life can change in a blink.
In 2017, I had this weird discolored stuff growing out of my belly button – nothing too big, but it wasn’t supposed to be there. Like many people do, I researched online for information. I discovered you can get infections in your umbilicus because it’s a dark, moist, warm place. I bought antibiotic ointment, thinking it would clear things up. It didn’t.
Being blonde and fair complected, and having been born at a time when sun block products were unheard of, I got my share of sunburns. I’ve had hellacious burns on my scalp, back, shoulders, torso, and the top of my feet – and all the spaces in between not covered by a swimsuit. I recall having huge water blisters from the burns. I was a kid who loved to play outside and didn’t give the sun much thought. The sunburns were no big deal – until now.
When the strange growth didn’t go away, I visited my family doctor who sent chills up my spine when she suggested I see a surgeon. One look by the surgeon and I was scheduled to undergo the knife. He removed my belly button and surrounding stomach area. Post surgery test results: melanoma stage 2.
Shock and fear doesn't begin to describe the mental trauma of such a diagnosis. Many of you reading this post know exactly what I’m talking about. Your breath hitches in your lungs, you get a little lightheaded, tears sting your eyes, and you want to scream, “No way.”
Those first test results led the way to a whirlwind of scans and other procedures, which took me to a second, more invasive surgery. An oncologist came on board as well.
Second surgery results: Everything came back clean!!! The cancer had not spread!!! No treatment was necessary!!! Thank you, Lord!!!
As an adult, I’ve taken good care of myself. I ate right (mostly), always made time for exercise, only drank an occasional alcoholic beverage, and never smoked cigarettes. Yayyy for me! I should’ve been the poster-child for good health. BUT...the one hidden factor that changed everything came from my past. I wasn’t a sun-worshipper per se. I was just a kid, teenager, young adult who never thought something as great as the sun could be so wicked – especially since I live in a northern state, where we cherish days with sunshine and warm temps.
Did I mention that melanoma of the umbilicus is rare? My surgeon and oncologist teamed up to find the best way to proceed. They could only find 100 documented cases worldwide. Thanks to modern technology and research, I’m still here to write this post. Do I fear that melanoma will resurface? Yes. Will I allow that fear to rule my days? No. What I’ve gained from the physical pain and mental trauma of the past several months is a new perspective. Some days will suck, some days will be great. I've learned to embrace and accept the challenge of both. My personal experience has opened my eyes to the plight of others who are dealing and struggling with health issues – not just cancer related. I have a family member also battling cancer, not the same type as I had. She’s strong and positive in her treatment, but I’m fully aware of her fear and struggles. I pray for her continued strength and that God will demolish the disease within her and guide her through this process.
I didn’t compile this post to gain sympathy. I wanted to share my journey to enlighten those who take the sun’s rays for granted. Don’t be Jan! Smear on sun block. Wear a hat. (I hate hats, but I’m getting used to them) Don those sunglasses. Fit those arms into long sleeves when you can. Employ umbrellas at the beach or lake. Monitor your time in the sun and how long your skin is exposed.
Pay attention to what your body is telling you – it will give you hints that something isn’t quite right. Suck up the discomfort and cost of going to the doctor, your life depends on it.
Today is a special occasion – WEAR THE PEARLS!
Big love to all of you,
Jan
April 6, 2018
Someone in the Water by Katie Mettner
I'm happy to have Katie Mettner here today to talk about her new release, Someone in the Water, which is a romantic suspense with a twist, as she puts it. The twist is a supernatural/paranormal element to the story in that Spring is a medium. I asked Katie a couple of questions she was kind enough to answer.
Jan: The plot of Someone in the Water is different from most books out there. Where did you get the idea from?
First, thanks for having me here, Jan! I always appreciate your, and your readers, support! To answer your question, I came up with Someone in the Water out of the blue one January day. I didn't intend for Spring to be a medium, but as always happens when I start writing, the character introduces themselves to me as much as to the reader. When Spring tells Vince, "I see dead people, so I guess being a tuba genius isn't that weird." I knew I was in for a fun story! As I kept writing I knew I had to somehow incorporate something into the story that had to with her abilities, so I chose an event that is ongoing in a city in Wisconsin. However, my twist on the reason for it is purely fictional. I take a college town, add a river and a supernatural element, and you have Someone in the Water . Spring and Vince hold a special place in my heart because of the setting of their story, the way they mesh as a couple, and the way they support each other through thick and thin. I hope it's one of those realistic yet romantic stories between two imperfect people that people love to read about.
Jan: Explain why you chose Someone in the Water as the title.
This one is easy! Spring, is obviously the main character and Vince, her love interest, is a music professor. Since Spring lives in an eternal world, meaning she sees people into eternity, it all came together well for the title. I will say there's a deeper meaning to the title, which the reader is told inside the book. I won't give it away, because it's a great 'falling in love' moment for the characters and the reader.
Jan: You write a lot of books, Katie. How do you decide on when to release books?
Good question! I write a lot of series, so I'm always thinking ahead, and writing ahead, to be ready to release the next one in each series at the right time. If the book is a stand alone, I choose the season it was written for. So for Someone in the Water , I released it on the first day of Spring. My next release, the second in a series about California, will release on the first day of summer because that is when the book picks up. I do that so the initial readers really mesh with the book when they look outside and there's snow on the ground and they're reading about Christmas, or they look outside and the grass is green when they're reading about sunny California. I also have books written sometimes a year in advance that are waiting to release at the right time of the next year. It's hard to hold onto books, but like you said, I write a lot, and I don't want to release more than four books a year, so I have to hold onto a lot of them! I just consider it being ahead of the game, so to say.
Jan: Most of my books are set in Ohio. Most of your books are set in the Wisconsin/Minnesota area. What do you like best about writing about that area?"
I guess, as you probably know, it's the old adage 'write what you know' coming into play. I live in Wisconsin and my brother and in laws live in the Duluth/Cloquet area. I've written books about Duluth, Two Harbors, Cloquet, Superior, Eau Claire, and my fictional town called Snowberry which is set near Rochester, Minnesota. I went off the beaten path a bit with the series in California, but that was done to give me a warm climate all year round, which was important to the storyline. What I like best about writing the Midwest is that the people are fun and easygoing, the locations are natural, beautiful, and never lacking for places to hide (Laughing, because we all need a place to hide our characters once in a while!), or just plain interesting and intriguing. It also gives me a chance to explore the areas I'm writing about closer, take notes, and find neat places to have the characters go. The most important reason I do it is to introduce readers to my home. I want the reader to close one of my books and say, "I would LOVE to go there and watch the ships glide under the lift bridge, or take a glass bottom boat ride to the Apostle Islands." If I accomplish that then I'm a happy writer.
That's all I have for you today, Katie. Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting with me. I know my readers will enjoy reading the beginning portion of Someone in the Water and hopefully they decide to check out your other books!
Click the preview button for the first two chapters of Someone in the Water!
About The Author
Katie Mettner writes from a little house in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. She's the author of more than thirty romance novels, all featuring a disabled hero or heroine. Most of her series are set in the Midwest and are a mix of new adult and romantic suspense.
Katie lives with her soulmate, whom she met online at Thanksgiving and married the following April. Together they share their lives with their three children and one very special leopard gecko named Gibbs. Katie has a slight addiction to Twitter and blogging, with a lessening aversion to Pinterest now that she quit trying to make the things she pinned.
Follow Katie Mettner on Amazon
Read about more of Katie's adventures as an amputee writer on her blog
Follow Katie on Twitter
Come chat with Katie on Facebook
Are you a Pinner? Pin with Katie at Sugarsballroom
You can follow my favorite dog and food pictures on Instagram
Someone in the Water on Amazon
Spring's Eternal Song by Katie Mettner
I'm happy to have Katie Mettner here today to talk about her new release, Spring's Eternal Song, which is a romantic suspense with a twist, as she puts it. The twist is a supernatural/paranormal element to the story in that Spring is a medium. I asked Katie a couple of questions she was kind enough to answer.
Jan: The plot of Spring’s Eternal Song is different from most books out there. Where did you get the idea from?
First, thanks for having me here, Jan! I always appreciate your, and your readers, support! To answer your question, I came up with Spring's Eternal Song out of the blue one January day. I didn't intend for Spring to be a medium, but as always happens when I start writing, the character introduces themselves to me as much as to the reader. When Spring tells Vince, "I see dead people, so I guess being a tuba genius isn't that weird." I knew I was in for a fun story! As I kept writing I knew I had to somehow incorporate something into the story that had to with her abilities, so I chose an event that is ongoing in a city in Wisconsin. However, my twist on the reason for it is purely fictional. I take a college town, add a river and a supernatural element, and you have Spring’s Eternal Song. Spring and Vince hold a special place in my heart because of the setting of their story, the way they mesh as a couple, and the way they support each other through thick and thin. I hope it's one of those realistic yet romantic stories between two imperfect people that people love to read about.
Jan: The title is beautiful and flowing. Explain why you chose Spring's Eternal Song as the title.
This one is easy! Spring, is obviously the main character and Vince, her love interest, is a music professor. Since Spring lives in an eternal world, meaning she sees people into eternity, it all came together well for the title. I will say there's a deeper meaning to the title, which the reader is told inside the book. I won't give it away, because it's a great 'falling in love' moment for the characters and the reader.
Jan: You write a lot of books, Katie. How do you decide on when to release books?
Good question! I write a lot of series, so I'm always thinking ahead, and writing ahead, to be ready to release the next one in each series at the right time. If the book is a stand alone, I choose the season it was written for. So for Spring's Eternal Song, I released it on the first day of Spring. My next release, the second in a series about California, will release on the first day of summer because that is when the book picks up. I do that so the initial readers really mesh with the book when they look outside and there's snow on the ground and they're reading about Christmas, or they look outside and the grass is green when they're reading about sunny California. I also have books written sometimes a year in advance that are waiting to release at the right time of the next year. It's hard to hold onto books, but like you said, I write a lot, and I don't want to release more than four books a year, so I have to hold onto a lot of them! I just consider it being ahead of the game, so to say.
Jan: Most of my books are set in Ohio. Most of your books are set in the Wisconsin/Minnesota area. What do you like best about writing about that area?"
I guess, as you probably know, it's the old adage 'write what you know' coming into play. I live in Wisconsin and my brother and in laws live in the Duluth/Cloquet area. I've written books about Duluth, Two Harbors, Cloquet, Superior, Eau Claire, and my fictional town called Snowberry which is set near Rochester, Minnesota. I went off the beaten path a bit with the series in California, but that was done to give me a warm climate all year round, which was important to the storyline. What I like best about writing the Midwest is that the people are fun and easygoing, the locations are natural, beautiful, and never lacking for places to hide (Laughing, because we all need a place to hide our characters once in a while!), or just plain interesting and intriguing. It also gives me a chance to explore the areas I'm writing about closer, take notes, and find neat places to have the characters go. The most important reason I do it is to introduce readers to my home. I want the reader to close one of my books and say, "I would LOVE to go there and watch the ships glide under the lift bridge, or take a glass bottom boat ride to the Apostle Islands." If I accomplish that then I'm a happy writer.
That's all I have for you today, Katie. Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting with me. I know my readers will enjoy reading the beginning portion of Spring's Eternal Song and hopefully they decide to check out your other books!
Click the preview button for the first two chapters of Spring's Eternal Song
About The Author
Katie Mettner writes from a little house in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. She's the author of more than thirty romance novels, all featuring a disabled hero or heroine. Most of her series are set in the Midwest and are a mix of new adult and romantic suspense.
Katie lives with her soulmate, whom she met online at Thanksgiving and married the following April. Together they share their lives with their three children and one very special leopard gecko named Gibbs. Katie has a slight addiction to Twitter and blogging, with a lessening aversion to Pinterest now that she quit trying to make the things she pinned.
Follow Katie Mettner on Amazon
Read about more of Katie's adventures as an amputee writer on her blog
Follow Katie on Twitter
Come chat with Katie on Facebook
Are you a Pinner? Pin with Katie at Sugarsballroom
You can follow my favorite dog and food pictures on Instagram
Spring's Eternal Song on Amazon
April 2, 2018
Julie Tetel Andresen and her process for Buy Me Love
Author Julie Tetel Andresen visits my blog today with a guest post!
Buy Me Love: My ProcessJulie Tetel AndresenApril 2, 2018
If you read Buy Me Love (2017), my latest full-length romance (80,000 words), you will see the outside of the dress I have sewn. In this post I want to turn the dress inside out and show you its seams. Writers and readers alike may enjoy learning about my process.
1. The Idea
A couple of years ago I decided to tackle a shape-shifter trilogy. My first step was to write out a short story/novella in order to set up the world, and I came up with The Alpha's Edge. This story is set in contemporary London, revolves around the powerful Hanover werewolf pack and links the central romance to a murder mystery. I liked getting things going in a shorter form - like first staging a play off Broadway.
For Book One of the trilogy I wanted to cross a British police procedural with a werewolf story, thereby continuing the world set up in The Alpha's Edge. Because one of the plots was going to involve online dating scams, I chose the working title Buy Me Love. In the end I kept the title, which doesn't always happen.
2. Before Writing the First Word
I knew:
* the story would be set in contemporary London
* my hero, Moses Riley, would be a Detective Chief Inspector at Scotland Yard, a division of the Metropolitan Police
* my heroine, Zelda Hanover, would be a Guardian in the Hanover werewolf pack
* the solving of the murder would have to lead to whatever the plot (romance plus murder mystery) would be in Book Two
* the solving of the murder would be absurdly difficult
* this was as much as I honestly knew
3. The Murder Scene
Now I had to think up a dead body set-up that would be difficult to solve. For the murder scene, I chose a part of London I already knew, namely Russell Square in Bloomsbury. It's a lovely little park, shady in summer, and full of benches and children romping in the central fountain.
Russell Square, Bloomsbury, London
I created a dead body that was rigged to look like a man on a park bench reading a newspaper. This set-up made the murder extremely difficult to solve because no one noticed the man was dead until one Tuesday afternoon, which meant that he had to have been rigged sometime during the night on Monday, hours before any investigation would be opened.
About the dead body itself, here are my notes:
I wanted the least identifiable corpse possible: no jewelry or identifying marks like scars or tattoos. The victim's fingerprints had been filed off, and he was dressed in clothes that weren't his, thereby leaving no personal clues. His teeth were intact, but not knowing the victim's name or even his nationality, they weren't much help except to note that their quality was "American," although this didn't necessarily mean he was American. All DCI Moses Riley and his team had to go on was that the dead man was likely in his thirties and had no defensive wounds, which meant the victim probably knew the killer.
Because Zelda, a werewolf, was going to be involved, I figured the solving of the murder would have to involve the sense of smell. So I deliberately put the dead boy out in the open where it would be discovered after many hours, when smells associated with the crime would have dissipated. Otherwise Zelda could have gone up to the dead body, taken a good sniff and figured out a lot about both the killer and his victim.
At the beginning, I had zero idea how this murder was going to be solved. This is the whole point of writing: to find out how whatever happens happened.
4. The Research
Two prongs --
READING: I read obsessively in any case. In this case, I read British police procedurals, easily 40 if not 50 in order to get a sense of how other authors understand the genre. In particular I loved the work of Oliver Tidy and Cynthia Harrod-Eagles. It's hard to say how they influenced my work, but I'm sure they did.
I also researched Scotland Yard, the Metropolitan Police and anything and everything I thought I needed to know to write a convincing British police procedural.
As any writer knows - historical or contemporary - you use maybe 10% of your research, but as you're researching you don't know in advance which 10% it's going to be.
ON LOCATION: I had the opportunity to go to London for five days in August 2016. I already knew I would use Russell Square for the main murder, but I wanted to review the location. So I stayed at the Grange White Hall on Montague Street, where I had been on a previous trip. It's less than 100 yards from Russell Square.
The Grange White Hall, 2 - 5 Montague Street - near the headquarters I chose for the Hanover pack in The Alpha's Edge.
I did such an extensive walking tour of London, picking out the locations for various events and where my characters were going to live, that on the fourth day, the second and third toes on my left foot began to go numb. On the fifth day, I had to sit in my hotel room with my foot propped up on a pillow. All I could do was review my notes.
Here are some of them:
Before DCI Riley confronts the difficult Russell Square park bench murder, I wanted to show him in action, solving an easier case. It is #6 on my list, above.
I set up Zelda's sharp sense of smell by describing what she encounters on a walk through London. It is #8 on my list, above.
I know that writers can convincingly evoke a setting they have never been to or have not been to in a long time (think of science fiction and fantasy writers creating their own worlds). However, I find it a wonderful privilege to be able to physically scout out a location I'm writing about. I never know what I'll come across.
On the first evening in London, I happened upon this image of the London Eye above the Horse Guards across the street from St. James's Park:
I stood there long enough to come up with this passage for the book:
"Across the street on their right, after two elegant blocks of Government Offices, the Horse Guards came into view. Against the sky already turned midnight blue and above the roof of the working stables, the half-arc of the London Eye, miniaturized by distance, formed a maraschino rainbow, each tiny car an exquisite cherry."
5. Imagining One Scene After The Next
Now to the writing.
I like structure, and I like to keep myself on track by blocking things out as I go. What you see below, is the finished product. When I began, I had a nearly blank page with only one tick for Chapter 1 on the far left-hand side, and I originally imagined it from DCI Riley's POV: he's the M. But then you can see I scratched him out and reframed Chapter 1 from Susie's POV.
I ended up with 29 chapters and 5 minor characters who have POVs: Susie (Chs 1 + 16), Paula (Chs 4 + 12), Viorica (Chs 8 + 27), Superintendent Biggins (Ch 23) and Gerta (29). As main characters, Moses and Zelda have the bulk.
I also kept track of the passage of time during the week.
6. The Finished Product
Together Moses and Zelda solve the murder and fall not only in lust but also in love. Finding the killer and understanding the motive did, indeed, set things in motion for Book Two in the series, about which I know absolutely nothing about except that it will continue the online scammers plot, take place in Orlando, Florida and involve werepanthers.
Back to the drawing board.
Buy Me Love was edited by the wonderful literary consultant, Selina McLemore.
Visit Julie at: https://julietetelandresen.com/ where you can download a free copy of The Alpha's Edge.
Julie Tetel Andresen
Buy Me Love: My ProcessJulie Tetel AndresenApril 2, 2018
If you read Buy Me Love (2017), my latest full-length romance (80,000 words), you will see the outside of the dress I have sewn. In this post I want to turn the dress inside out and show you its seams. Writers and readers alike may enjoy learning about my process.
1. The Idea
A couple of years ago I decided to tackle a shape-shifter trilogy. My first step was to write out a short story/novella in order to set up the world, and I came up with The Alpha's Edge. This story is set in contemporary London, revolves around the powerful Hanover werewolf pack and links the central romance to a murder mystery. I liked getting things going in a shorter form - like first staging a play off Broadway.
For Book One of the trilogy I wanted to cross a British police procedural with a werewolf story, thereby continuing the world set up in The Alpha's Edge. Because one of the plots was going to involve online dating scams, I chose the working title Buy Me Love. In the end I kept the title, which doesn't always happen.
2. Before Writing the First Word
I knew:
* the story would be set in contemporary London
* my hero, Moses Riley, would be a Detective Chief Inspector at Scotland Yard, a division of the Metropolitan Police
* my heroine, Zelda Hanover, would be a Guardian in the Hanover werewolf pack
* the solving of the murder would have to lead to whatever the plot (romance plus murder mystery) would be in Book Two
* the solving of the murder would be absurdly difficult
* this was as much as I honestly knew
3. The Murder Scene
Now I had to think up a dead body set-up that would be difficult to solve. For the murder scene, I chose a part of London I already knew, namely Russell Square in Bloomsbury. It's a lovely little park, shady in summer, and full of benches and children romping in the central fountain.
Russell Square, Bloomsbury, LondonI created a dead body that was rigged to look like a man on a park bench reading a newspaper. This set-up made the murder extremely difficult to solve because no one noticed the man was dead until one Tuesday afternoon, which meant that he had to have been rigged sometime during the night on Monday, hours before any investigation would be opened.
About the dead body itself, here are my notes:
I wanted the least identifiable corpse possible: no jewelry or identifying marks like scars or tattoos. The victim's fingerprints had been filed off, and he was dressed in clothes that weren't his, thereby leaving no personal clues. His teeth were intact, but not knowing the victim's name or even his nationality, they weren't much help except to note that their quality was "American," although this didn't necessarily mean he was American. All DCI Moses Riley and his team had to go on was that the dead man was likely in his thirties and had no defensive wounds, which meant the victim probably knew the killer.
Because Zelda, a werewolf, was going to be involved, I figured the solving of the murder would have to involve the sense of smell. So I deliberately put the dead boy out in the open where it would be discovered after many hours, when smells associated with the crime would have dissipated. Otherwise Zelda could have gone up to the dead body, taken a good sniff and figured out a lot about both the killer and his victim.
At the beginning, I had zero idea how this murder was going to be solved. This is the whole point of writing: to find out how whatever happens happened.
4. The Research
Two prongs --
READING: I read obsessively in any case. In this case, I read British police procedurals, easily 40 if not 50 in order to get a sense of how other authors understand the genre. In particular I loved the work of Oliver Tidy and Cynthia Harrod-Eagles. It's hard to say how they influenced my work, but I'm sure they did.
I also researched Scotland Yard, the Metropolitan Police and anything and everything I thought I needed to know to write a convincing British police procedural.
As any writer knows - historical or contemporary - you use maybe 10% of your research, but as you're researching you don't know in advance which 10% it's going to be.
ON LOCATION: I had the opportunity to go to London for five days in August 2016. I already knew I would use Russell Square for the main murder, but I wanted to review the location. So I stayed at the Grange White Hall on Montague Street, where I had been on a previous trip. It's less than 100 yards from Russell Square.
The Grange White Hall, 2 - 5 Montague Street - near the headquarters I chose for the Hanover pack in The Alpha's Edge.
I did such an extensive walking tour of London, picking out the locations for various events and where my characters were going to live, that on the fourth day, the second and third toes on my left foot began to go numb. On the fifth day, I had to sit in my hotel room with my foot propped up on a pillow. All I could do was review my notes.
Here are some of them:
Before DCI Riley confronts the difficult Russell Square park bench murder, I wanted to show him in action, solving an easier case. It is #6 on my list, above.
I set up Zelda's sharp sense of smell by describing what she encounters on a walk through London. It is #8 on my list, above.
I know that writers can convincingly evoke a setting they have never been to or have not been to in a long time (think of science fiction and fantasy writers creating their own worlds). However, I find it a wonderful privilege to be able to physically scout out a location I'm writing about. I never know what I'll come across.
On the first evening in London, I happened upon this image of the London Eye above the Horse Guards across the street from St. James's Park:
I stood there long enough to come up with this passage for the book:
"Across the street on their right, after two elegant blocks of Government Offices, the Horse Guards came into view. Against the sky already turned midnight blue and above the roof of the working stables, the half-arc of the London Eye, miniaturized by distance, formed a maraschino rainbow, each tiny car an exquisite cherry."
5. Imagining One Scene After The Next
Now to the writing.
I like structure, and I like to keep myself on track by blocking things out as I go. What you see below, is the finished product. When I began, I had a nearly blank page with only one tick for Chapter 1 on the far left-hand side, and I originally imagined it from DCI Riley's POV: he's the M. But then you can see I scratched him out and reframed Chapter 1 from Susie's POV.
I ended up with 29 chapters and 5 minor characters who have POVs: Susie (Chs 1 + 16), Paula (Chs 4 + 12), Viorica (Chs 8 + 27), Superintendent Biggins (Ch 23) and Gerta (29). As main characters, Moses and Zelda have the bulk.
I also kept track of the passage of time during the week.
6. The Finished Product
Together Moses and Zelda solve the murder and fall not only in lust but also in love. Finding the killer and understanding the motive did, indeed, set things in motion for Book Two in the series, about which I know absolutely nothing about except that it will continue the online scammers plot, take place in Orlando, Florida and involve werepanthers.
Back to the drawing board.
Buy Me Love was edited by the wonderful literary consultant, Selina McLemore.
Visit Julie at: https://julietetelandresen.com/ where you can download a free copy of The Alpha's Edge.
Julie Tetel Andresen March 28, 2018
Broken Trust by C. B. Clark
Today I have guest author, Christine Clark (writing as C.B. Clark) paying us a visit with her newest release, BROKEN TRUST.
Welcome, Christine! It's a pleasure to have you here.
It's a joy to be here, Jan. Thank you for having me.
(Cover art by Debby Taylor)
Blurb:
After five years of hell with an abusive husband, Natasha Hartford vows never to trust another man. Then she stumbles onto a murder scene and meets sexy, stubborn Homicide Detective Chase Brandon, a take-no-prisoners tough guy who'll settle for nothing less than the truth. Sparks fly, but Chase's suspicions and Natasha's innate distrust block the way to happiness.
The detective struggles with his own troubled past and is determined to find the truth behind the shadows dimming Natasha's eyes. As more murders occur and a possible connection to her ex-husband appears, Chase fears her life is in danger.
Natasha and Chase race to find the killer before he strikes again. Their survival depends on their willingness to overcome their mistrust of one another. Will they overcome their fears and find love again?
Christine, I absolutely love the cover art and blurb. Both set the stage for what is sure to be an incredible book. Could you share an excerpt to whet our appetite for more?
It's hard to pick just one scene to share, but I hope you get a taste for the story from this sample.
Excerpt:
The thick carpet muted the tapping of her high heels as she fled through the reception area and down the hall to the elevators. In spite of her cowardly retreat, she wanted to shout in triumph. She'd been terrified of angering the surly detective, but she'd dragged up her courage and told him what she thought. Blood buzzed through her veins, fueled by the adrenaline rush. Damn. It was good to have her old fire back.
She glanced down a short corridor on her left and stumbled to a stop. How had she missed the ropes of yellow police tape blocking the entry to one of the rooms? Her breath hitched in her throat. That must be where the grisly crime had occurred.
The shocking truth struck her like a blow--Jonas Waverley was dead. Murdered in cold blood. She staggered and grabbed onto the wall.
"Ms. Hartford, wait."
She glanced back.
Detective Brandon strode along the corridor toward her, his long legs eating up the distance, a determined expression on his face.
Her earlier spurt of courage vanished, and she whirled and dashed toward the bank of elevators. Chest heaving, heart pounding, she hit the button for the elevator, jabbing it again and again.
"Look, I'm sorry," he said, catching up. "I was hard on you, but I'm just doing my job. A man was murdered." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I have to examine every possible lead, question every person of interest."
She shuddered and stabbed the down button again. Person of interest? Her? She was a person of interest in a murder investigation?
"Can we go somewhere and talk?"
She shot him a look, making it clear what she thought of his suggestion.
He lifted one shoulder. "Maybe we could grab a coffee? I have a few more questions I'd like to ask."
The elevator pinged, and the doors opened with a hiss, revealing a middle-aged man and an elderly woman who stared at them with vague interest.
Natasha stumbled toward the elevator.
Detective Brandon grabbed her arm, holding her back. "Ms. Hartford, wait."
Warmth from his large tanned hand seeped through the thin material of her raincoat and raised goose bumps on her arm. "Let me go." Her voice was shrill with rising hysteria. She tugged, but he held on, his grip tightening.
This is a great scene to stir our curiosity, Christine. I guess the next step, is to dive head first into the book and find out what lies ahead for Natasha and Chase. Could you provide us with buy links?
It would be my pleasure.
Buy links:
Wild Rose Press
Amazon
iTunes
Nook
Kobo
Google Books
About the Author:
Broken Trust is award-winning author, C.B. Clark's fourth romantic suspense novel published by The Wild Rose Press. My Brother's Sins and Cherished Secrets were released in 2016, and Bitter Legacy in 2017. C.B. has always loved reading, especially romances, but it wasn't until she lost her voice for a year that she considered writing her own romantic suspense stories. She grew up in Canada's Northwest Territories and Yukon. Graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Archaeology, she has worked as an archaeologist and an educator. She enjoys hiking, canoeing, and snowshoeing with her husband and dog near her home in the wilderness of central British Columbia.
Facebook
Twitter
Blog
Goodreads Author Page
Instagram
Welcome, Christine! It's a pleasure to have you here.
It's a joy to be here, Jan. Thank you for having me.
(Cover art by Debby Taylor)
Blurb:
After five years of hell with an abusive husband, Natasha Hartford vows never to trust another man. Then she stumbles onto a murder scene and meets sexy, stubborn Homicide Detective Chase Brandon, a take-no-prisoners tough guy who'll settle for nothing less than the truth. Sparks fly, but Chase's suspicions and Natasha's innate distrust block the way to happiness.
The detective struggles with his own troubled past and is determined to find the truth behind the shadows dimming Natasha's eyes. As more murders occur and a possible connection to her ex-husband appears, Chase fears her life is in danger.
Natasha and Chase race to find the killer before he strikes again. Their survival depends on their willingness to overcome their mistrust of one another. Will they overcome their fears and find love again?
Christine, I absolutely love the cover art and blurb. Both set the stage for what is sure to be an incredible book. Could you share an excerpt to whet our appetite for more?
It's hard to pick just one scene to share, but I hope you get a taste for the story from this sample.
Excerpt:
The thick carpet muted the tapping of her high heels as she fled through the reception area and down the hall to the elevators. In spite of her cowardly retreat, she wanted to shout in triumph. She'd been terrified of angering the surly detective, but she'd dragged up her courage and told him what she thought. Blood buzzed through her veins, fueled by the adrenaline rush. Damn. It was good to have her old fire back.
She glanced down a short corridor on her left and stumbled to a stop. How had she missed the ropes of yellow police tape blocking the entry to one of the rooms? Her breath hitched in her throat. That must be where the grisly crime had occurred.
The shocking truth struck her like a blow--Jonas Waverley was dead. Murdered in cold blood. She staggered and grabbed onto the wall.
"Ms. Hartford, wait."
She glanced back.
Detective Brandon strode along the corridor toward her, his long legs eating up the distance, a determined expression on his face.
Her earlier spurt of courage vanished, and she whirled and dashed toward the bank of elevators. Chest heaving, heart pounding, she hit the button for the elevator, jabbing it again and again.
"Look, I'm sorry," he said, catching up. "I was hard on you, but I'm just doing my job. A man was murdered." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I have to examine every possible lead, question every person of interest."
She shuddered and stabbed the down button again. Person of interest? Her? She was a person of interest in a murder investigation?
"Can we go somewhere and talk?"
She shot him a look, making it clear what she thought of his suggestion.
He lifted one shoulder. "Maybe we could grab a coffee? I have a few more questions I'd like to ask."
The elevator pinged, and the doors opened with a hiss, revealing a middle-aged man and an elderly woman who stared at them with vague interest.
Natasha stumbled toward the elevator.
Detective Brandon grabbed her arm, holding her back. "Ms. Hartford, wait."
Warmth from his large tanned hand seeped through the thin material of her raincoat and raised goose bumps on her arm. "Let me go." Her voice was shrill with rising hysteria. She tugged, but he held on, his grip tightening.
This is a great scene to stir our curiosity, Christine. I guess the next step, is to dive head first into the book and find out what lies ahead for Natasha and Chase. Could you provide us with buy links?
It would be my pleasure.
Buy links:
Wild Rose Press
Amazon
iTunes
Nook
Kobo
Google Books
About the Author:
Broken Trust is award-winning author, C.B. Clark's fourth romantic suspense novel published by The Wild Rose Press. My Brother's Sins and Cherished Secrets were released in 2016, and Bitter Legacy in 2017. C.B. has always loved reading, especially romances, but it wasn't until she lost her voice for a year that she considered writing her own romantic suspense stories. She grew up in Canada's Northwest Territories and Yukon. Graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Archaeology, she has worked as an archaeologist and an educator. She enjoys hiking, canoeing, and snowshoeing with her husband and dog near her home in the wilderness of central British Columbia.
You can follow C.B. Clark here:
Blog
Goodreads Author Page
February 2, 2018
Take Care of You - A Valentine post!
This Valentine’s Day (and every day), give yourself the gift of self-care.
Get the blood flowing. You don't have to go at it like a ninja; anything you do will help. Go for a walk. Play music and move to the beat. Ride your bike. Dig out those exercise and yoga DVD's and pop them into the DVD player. Develop a habit of stretching to keep your muscles flexible. 
Exercise is vital; so is giving yourself some down-time. Find ways to cut into the madness of your hectic day. Take a short nap. Watch a movie. Get a notebook and journal your feelings. Color in one of those adult coloring books. Sketch something, even if you don't consider yourself to be artistic. Read a book.
Eating healthy is huge! "You are what you eat" is spot on. If we adopt that mantra, we'll do great things for ourselves. We're also human; some days it might be blueberries and carrot sticks; while others is all about chocolate cake. Don't beat yourself up about it. Have the cake (unless you're diabetic, then have something equally decadent but sugar-free) and then get back on track.
They say laughter is the best medicine. Give yourself a healthy dose, by going out to lunch with someone who will give you a good belly laugh. Talk about the silly things you used to do (or might still do).
Give yourself an unusual Valentine - with a mammogram or by getting other yearly tests done.
Watch less news coverage. Yes, you need to be informed, but too much of life's grunge can wear you down.
Be the best version of you, by being kind to yourself. Kick dirt over the stuff that didn't go quite right, celebrate the things that did, and steer clear of negativity. You'll feel better on the inside and it will show on the outside!
Have a great Valentine's Day (and a great Valentine's week, month, and year)!
Love,
Jan
