Jerrie Alexander's Blog, page 16

Six Sentence Sunday

 

Six Sentence Sunday

 

The Green-Eyed Doll, my romantic suspense novel, released 12-07-12. This is a six sentence excerpt. I hope you enjoy!

The sheriff’s whiskey-toned drawl reverberated with impatience. He leaned down, removed his sunglasses, and squinted in the bright sunlight. Eyes blue as the Texas sky and cold as Antarctica bore down on her. Catherine tightened her grip on her composure. She’d learned her lesson when dealing with the law. The less you say-the better.

 

Check out more great Six Sentence Sunday Authors at the Official Site

The Power of Dancing Dolphins with Nikki Duncan

 The Power of Dancing Dolphins

with

Nikki Duncan

I seldom have visitors on Friday…it takes a special person to roust me from my writing routine. But when  I learned Nikki was available today, I didn’t hesitate. She’s a multi-published author, a chapter mate, and friend.  Nikki, you’re at the helm today!

Have you ever sat through a dolphin show at a zoo or amusement park? Did you marvel at their strength as they moved through the water? Leaping. Diving. Splashing. Dancing.

They become one with the water that surrounds them. They form connections with each other and the people around them. Connections you can feel even as you sit in the stands or stand in a dome and watch them move.

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This is the dome at the Indianapolis Zoo I visited with my editor and children on the research trip for Her Miracle Man. The moment I stepped inside the book’s opening snapped into my mind fully formed. Like every child stepping into the place I wanted to place my hand against the glass to see if possibly a dolphin would come see me. I’m not sure why I didn’t do it. On one hand, I think I’d have felt more a part of their underwater world. On the other, I think I preferred the distance of behind closed in a glass dome as I watched the dolphins dance without me.

Those connections and the thoughts of being a part of the world and staying secluded become big parts of the story. With the power of dancing dolphins leading the way, the characters in Her Miracle Man truly went full circle together.

What have you experienced that’s become symbolic?

 

Her Miracle Man is available NOW from Samhain Publishing!

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Get your copy now!

Samhain: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/he...

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Her-Miracle-Man...

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/her-m...

 

 

Wednesday Coffee – Cooking Tex-Mex with Clover Autrey

I have a confession. Clover Autrey is somewhat of a celebrity around my house. Not only do I love her writing, but my granddaughter does too. In fact, after she finished reading Highland Sorcerer, she announced not only did she love the book, but Clover’s writing touched her heart…almost made her cry. Holy cow! To move someone with words? Way to go Clover!

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Welcome, let’s get down to business before we learn your secrets! Tell us about your new release.

Death and Kisses is about a popular girl who had a hand in the unfortunate drowning of one of the high school’s star football players. Now all her old friends blame her and she has pretty much become shunned. Oh, and as a result of the accident, she now has the ability to see ghosts. Including the ghost of the football player who is out to get her.

What about you current release excites you the most?

That it’s my first true young adult novel. Even though my other books are sweet enough to be read by teens (without having to hide them from their moms), this is the first one that actually stars teenagers and all the fun and growing pains that comes with that. Sprinkle on some angry ghosts threatening your new boyfriend, and, geez, I just loved writing these characters.  [image error]

Out of all your novels, which hero and heroine are your favorites? Why?

Jerrie, you ask hard questions. That’s like asking who is your favorite kid. Um, probably Kasey and Aden from this book because they are young and so full of life and hope, even while the reality of death is staring them down.

Do you set daily expectations or goals for your writing?

I’m terrible about keeping a writing schedule, which is funny because I’m almost anal about plotting everything out. Completely organized in one aspect and a chaotic mess about carving out time to do it.

Do you ever hit the wall or find you’ve written yourself into a corner? How do you turn that around?

It’s happened a few times, and then I step back and stop writing while my brain resets. I’ve found that the sub-conscience is a very powerful muscle. More often than not, once I step away and just let my thoughts float while I do mundane tasks, the answer will come.

 

Okay…enough with the business stuff! How about some personal insider info.

When you’re not writing or reading, what would we find you doing?

I admit it, I’m a TV junkie. My DVR is in constant use, recording my favorites to watch in the evening, though the tube is rarely turned on during the day. I’d never get anything done.  

Favorite food or recipe?

I’m a sucker for Tex-Mex so Hot Chicken Pepe is a favorite around our house.

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 cup of milk

1 small chopped onion

1 pkg taco seasoning

1 small can chopped green chilies

½ tsp celery salt

1 pkg corn tortillas

5 cooked chicken breasts chopped or shredded

2 cups cheddar cheese

2 cups Jack cheese

Mix the first 7 ingredients together. Layer in a 9 by 13 inch pan two times as follows: tortillas, chicken, sauce mix, then cheeses.

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.  So good and so easy.   

Do you have a pet? Cat or dog?

No pets. I’ll tell you my deep dark secret. I’m afraid of dogs. Have been since I was young and walked to my piano lessons along a ramshackle fence line that barely contained some of the most vicious bigger-than-me Rottweilers I’ve ever seen. They did get loose once and attacked my friend. I still haven’t gotten over that fear even around the sweetest dogs. Whenever I write about Hellhounds I channel those brutes. 

Tell us one thing about you that might surprise us…it can be a secret…we won’t tell.

I come from a large family. I mean LARGE. I have nine sisters and four brothers. I wasn’t even raised with half of them. Being one of the eldest I was out of the house and on my own before the last four were born. I sometimes feel more like a close aunt than a sibling. However, I have a lot of character quirks to draw from. It’s never dull when I go back home for a visit.

Thanks so much, Jerrie, for having me. It’s been fun coming up with answers for your questions.

Monday-Monday Squee! It’s finally here.

Monday-Monday book launch day

or

Squee! It’s finally here!

 

THE GREEN-EYED DOLL officially released last Friday 12-07-12! Can you say the best Christmas present ever?

Well, maybe not the very best. The memorable ones came when my kids were small and every gift they opened warranted a squeal of delight and hugs that wrenched the heart. Those days are gone. Not to say the hugs aren’t there, my grown daughter still gives great hugs, but the intangibles are gone. Like how children fill the air with anticipation. Their excitement filled the air with electricity. Thank goodness, my granddaughter is still young enough to squeal with delight.

The reward for all the work, submissions, rejections, revisions and edits arrived Thursday in a cardboard box. My husband opened it for me. I think he secretly feared I’d get so excited, I’d rip more than just the tape. I admit holding that book in my hands, seeing my words put on paper for other people to read, ranks up there between the scariest things to ever happen and the most exciting.

Sharing this release, this euphoria, with you—my friends and family—makes this even more special. I didn’t get here without help and believe me when I say there was a lot of you.

So forgive me if I jump too high or laugh too loud.

 

 

 

 

 

And please accept my heartfelt thanks to each of you.

 

 

 

Your support has been and will always be invaluable!

The next few weeks will be a blur as I mentally traverse the country on a fun blog tour. I hope you’ll stop by when you have a minute and leave a comment. There are gift cards up for grabs at the end of each week.

 

Today 12-10, I’m at:

http://queenofallshereads.blogspot.com

http://coffeebeanslovescenes.blogspot...

12-11:

http://www.snifferwalk.org/

http://www.littlereadhens.com/

12-12:

http://nightskydarkstar.blogspot.com/

12-13

http://bodicerippernovels.wordpress.com/

http://verandaview.blogspot.com

12-14

http://www.vintagevonnie.blogspot.com

http://bunnysreview.com

12-17

http://www.krystalshannan.blogspot.com

12-18

http://blackvelvetseductions.com

12-19

http://its-raining-books.blogspot.com

http://jm-stewart.blogspot.com

12-20

http://claireashgrove.blogspot.com/

12-21

http://bookemnc.blogspot.com/

Wednesday Coffee with Terri L Austin

I have a special treat for everyone today! Terri L. Austin is here to share information on her new release Last Diner Standing! And we’ll learn some personal secrets along the way. It’s my pleasure to pass the reins to Terri today!

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First of all, thanks for having me on your blog today, Jerrie! You have the best book covers. Love them!

Thank you! Do you do any special research for your novels?

I don’t know about special research. Although I do have a project on the backburner of my brain that will require quite a bit. But mostly I find what I need on the internet. How did I survive my childhood with outdated encyclopedias? It’s wonder I made it through grade school without thinking Andrew Jackson was president!

You write with a great sense of humor, which I think is a true art form. What made you pick this genre?

I see the funny in most things. I will burst out laughing at something when others are looking at me like I should be sedated and taken back to the home. I hope readers find my writing humorous. I know I’m on to something when I laugh out loud as I’m writing a scene. What’s more difficult for me is to write a straight scene without snark.

What is your schedule when you not writing?

It seems like lately if I’m not writing, I’m promoting. So, I guess I’m always working. But in my off hours, I’ve discovered beads. And I love them. Shiny, colorful, wonderful beads. Whew! Is it getting hot in here?

What are you working on right now? Can you tell us about it?

My next mystery, Last Diner Standing, came out Dec. 3rd. Before I write another Rose Strickland mystery, I’ll be revising a paranormal romance. So many books to write, so little time. Maybe I should give up sleep and just drink more coffee?

Do you ever hit the wall or find you’ve written yourself into a corner? How do you turn that around?

It happens. Not as often as it used to—knock wood. But if I’m in a corner, it means I’ve made a wrong turn somewhere. I’ve gotten off track and I need to delete some scenes. Which always makes me sad, but sometimes it’s necessary.

Okay…enough with the business stuff! How about some fun stuff! You know just between the two of us.

Favorite pastime when you’re not writing?

Did I mention my grand passion for beads? They make me happy. And poorer. Beads are a cruel mistress.

Cook in or eat out?

Things have gotten so hectic over the last year we’ve been eating out way too much. So, I’m turning over a new leaf and have been cooking more often. It’s healthier—at least that’s what I tell myself when I really want pizza and beer. And fried cheese sticks. OMG, fried cheese sticks. 

Do you have a pet? What did you name it and why?

We have a very demanding peekapoo. She has diabetes and Cushings Disease and arthritis. Her name is Wags. No we weren’t original, but the name fits. Even though she has health problems, she’s a happy little dog and that tail never lets up.

Beer or wine?

Beer. And I’m partial to Summer Shandy. Mmm.

Steak or pizza?

Pizza. But I’d be willing to try steak pizza. I’m open to new ideas!

Tell us one thing about you that might surprise us…it can be a secret…we won’t tell.

I’m a TV junkie. The greatest invention known to man is not freeze dried ice cream—although that may be a close second. No, streaming video has changed my life. And maybe not for the better as it sucks more time from me than even beads. There. Now you know. British TV shows in particular are my weakness. Peep Show, George Gently, New Tricks, Luther. I can’t get enough.

Thanks again, Jerrie! It was a pleasure being on your blog. By the way, I love to hear from readers. You can find me on Twitter, FB, or TerriLAustin.com. For more about Rose Strickland, go to Henery Press. Also, my writer pals and I have a weekly book chat on FB called Little Read Hens! It’s a fun way to talk about books we love.

Now for an excerpt from Last Diner Standing!

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There are some absolutes in this life that are irrefutable. If you leave the house looking like crap, you’ll see someone you know, usually an ex-boyfriend. If you’re running late for an appointment, you’ll hit every red light on the way. And a three a.m. phone call is never good news. Either someone’s dead, in the hospital, or you’re a drunken booty call. But that Saturday morning, I discovered another reason to avoid the ringing harbinger of bad news.

“’ello,” I answered, my eyes still closed.

“Rose, I’m in jail, girl.”

I sniffed and sat up on my futon. “Janelle?”

“Of course it’s Janelle. They think I tried to kill Asshat.”

Scrubbing a hand over my eyes, I glanced at the clock. “Asshat?”

Janelle lowered her voice. “Rose, wake up and listen. I’m in jail, Asshat’s in a coma, and they’re saying I tried to kill him. I need help.”

Her dilemma finally penetrated my sleep-fogged brain. “Oh my God. Where are the kids?” Janelle had two, Damon, nine, and Sherise, seven. Both so cute you wanted to pinch their little cheeks. But I wouldn’t recommend it—that Sherise was a biter.  

“They’re staying with my cousin, Sondra. But I got to get out of here. If they think I’m spending Christmas in jail then I’m Halle Damn Berry.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“Call that fancy lawyer you know. He’ll figure it out.”

Dane Harker. “I’ll call him and come see you in the morning. Will they let me bring you anything?”

“Cigarettes and toiletries. These bitches trade everything for cigarettes. And Rose? Thanks.”

 

About Last Diner Standing:

Rose Strickland is having a blue Christmas. Her friend is arrested for attempted murder, her sexy bad guy crush is marked by a hit man, and her boss is locked in an epic smackdown with a rival diner. Determined to save those she loves, Rose embarks on an investigation more tangled than a box of last year’s tree lights. With her eclectic gang at the ready, Rose stumbles across dead bodies, ex-cons, jealous girlfriends, jilted lovers, and a gaggle of strippers in a battle for freedom she might not survive.

Amazon. B&N.

 

 

Monday-Monday Upset and Unplugged

Geesh, I hate it when I get on my high horse (as my southern grandmother would’ve said) but damn! It’s been a while since I really got angry at my fellow man. But after my experience with the public the other night, I have to ask:

Where are all the good Samaritans? What’s happened to the kindhearted people, who if they saw a little girl in distress would stop to help? Where were those generous souls who would pause and ask if there was someone they could call? They sure weren’t in Mansfield, Texas the other night.

 Oh. My. Goodness. They’re gone! Poof! Vanished. Perhaps kidnapped by aliens?

 

 

 

 

Maybe I should start at the beginning.

It was grandparent’s day at light of my life’s (okay…my granddaughter’s) school. She was dismissed at noon, and we took her to lunch. She ate very little and confided her stomach was hurting. No fever, just an upset tummy. Maybe she’d had too many treats at school.

As the afternoon progressed, she had an occasional twinge of queasiness, but it passed, so we went shopping. Her mother was picking her up later, so on the way home, I stopped to pick up sandwiches at Subway.

Right there, in the middle of the parking lot, her eyes went wide, she called my name, and promptly threw up. It surprised her as much as it did me. I had nothing in the way of napkins, so as much as I hated to leave her unattended, I ran to the restroom inside Subway for paper towels.

So picture this kid, alone, on her knees, and sick as a dog.

Frantic at leaving her alone for even a second, I ran back toward her. On my way, I count three women and one man. One at a time, each adult, glance down and then walk right past her.

Okay, I admit I was way beyond stunned. Not one person…count them with me…not one, stopped and asked her if they could help.

Now if she’d had an adult standing next to her, I can almost see not offering help. Almost.

Have we gotten too busy? Too selfish? Too caught up in our own little world? Really? Can we not give up a few minutes of our time? A simple how can I help was too much effort?

Help me make some sense of this.

In my heart, I pray that I’ll never lose my humanity enough as to turn away from someone in need. I pray, I’ll ask that simple question. How can I help?

Please, God, let me always remember that kid, head down, tears on her cheeks. Alone.

 

Wednesday coffee with PL Parker. We’re belly dancing today!

Today I welcome the lovely PL Parker to our coffee. One of the first authors at The Wild Rose Press to reach out to me, she’s been supportive and helpful since day one.  Let’s learn a little about her and then take a look at her latest work.

[image error]I love paranormal and as a result, it’s the perfect genre for me. I started seriously writing about 6 years ago and have since published 6 novels, two shorts, and two Free Reads, Prophecy’s Bride and Songbird. I am currently working on a sequel to Into the Savage Dawn and then onto a sequel to The Chalice.

Q. Do you do any special research for your novels?

A. I love research, especially about those times way back in history. Fiona and Riley’s Journey involved extensive research. The research for Fiona was especially fascinating as the story dealt with an obscure group of what they believe were Tocharian Celts who settled around the Taklamakan Desert in Northern China approximately 4,000 years ago. The Chinese Government is just now excavating the site and a great number of mummies have been found preserved by the sandy soil. I based my story on the discovery of a young blonde female who was dismembered.

Riley’s Journey and the sequels, Into the Savage Dawn and now Beyond Tomorrow, involve a Black Ops group who go back in time 40,000 years so I had to do a lot of research about the animals back then, the topography, climate, etc.

Q. You write paranormal and fantasy. What made you pick those genres?

A. I love to read paranormal and fantasy and it just seemed like a good fit for me when I started writing. I very seldom read contemporary unless it has some sort of paranormal mixed in. Once in awhile, though, I do pick up a little contemporary romance just to change things up.

Q. What do you do for relaxation when you not writing?

A. Read, watch TV.  I also try to walk two miles on my treadmill every day just to keep somewhat in shape.

Q. What are you working on right now?

Q. Just finished a manuscript for the third and final story in the Riley’s Journey series.  I’m calling it Beyond Tomorrow. 

A. Can you tell us about it?

Q. This section deals with Rachel’s adventures. Rachel is the dietician or, as she calls herself, the chief cook and bottle washer.  Her love interest is Hawk, a warrior born of modern man in the primordial setting. 

I also just started another manuscript, a sequel to The Chalice.  I’ve written about a chapter so far in that one.

Q. Do you ever hit the wall or find you’ve written yourself into a corner? How do you turn that around?

A. I sit down with my husband and walk through what I’m trying to figure out.  He is a great storyteller himself and helps me work out whatever problems I’m facing.  I also find that relaxing in the bathtub and letting my mind drift oftentimes helps sort out the problem.

Okay…enough with the business stuff! How about some fun stuff! You know just between the two of us.

Q. Favorite pastime when you’re not writing?

A. Reading, watching TV.  I also love the overnight excursions to Jackpot, Nevada, my husband and I indulge in about twice a year.

Q. Cook in or eat out?

A. Mostly cook in, but Wednesday night and weekends we tend to eat out more often.

A. Do you have a pet? What did you name it and why?

I have three pets, a dog and two male (sort of) cats.  My little toy poodle’s name is Biddy and she is my constant companion.  The cats (Sam and Flip) mostly hang out in the family room unless Sam gets adventurous and sneaks outside.  Most generally he goes no further than the deck, but once in awhile… Flip just stands by the door looking nervous.

Q. Beer or wine?

A. Beer – Dos Equis or Corona, but Kirin is my favorite.

Q. Steak or pizza?

A. Steak.  Pizza is just for football games and snacks.  

Q. Tell us one thing about you that might surprise us…it can be a secret…we won’t tell.

A. I belly danced for 27 years. I taught, choreographed, performed and managed a belly dance troupe called the “Marrakesh Express” and we performed what is called American Belly Dance.  I had great undulations and my shimmies were very fast!

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Decimated by the savage Deg’Nara and teetering on the brink of extinction, the last surviving males of the once great Chiagan-Se embark on a quest to salvage what is left of their civilization. They send their remaining seeker ships into the void, searching for genetically compatible females. Time is running out, but in the far reaches of the universe, on an obscure and primitive planet, a match is discovered.

One thousand panic-stricken women awaken two hundred years in the future, captives aboard an unmanned alien spacecraft bound for parts unknown! How had they gotten there and why?

The males thought they came willingly. The females believed they’d been kidnapped. Full of hopeful expectation, the Chiagan-Se prepare for the arrival of their new mates. Terrified and furious at the inexplicable abduction, the women prepare for combat! And when the two sides meet, the battle commences.

 

 

Monday-Monday Putting my brain on idle

Monday-Monday

Putting my brain on idle.

Last week on this blog, I bared my soul and shared my desperation. When I finish a work in progress, I spending some time wondering if I’ll ever have another original idea. Many very nice people shared their experience.

Our consensus? Take a day or two and put my brain in idle. Luckily, Thanksgiving kept me happily entertained for a few days.

Trouble is, if my brain isn’t engaged in my work, I get bored easily. Since this is just between friends, I’ll share with you some of the other ‘stuff’ I get into during my in between books.

I paint. Flowers. Why? Because that’s all I know how to paint.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I cook. I especially love teaching my granddaughter to bake.

Speaking of this awesome kid, I love to terrorize her mother with photo-shopped pictures like these.

I’ve been known to lose my mind and get in the water with sharks and string rays. Okay, they were nurse sharks but none the less scary.

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A reviewer said she hoped Ash Hunter, a secondary character in The Green-Eyed Doll, got his own story. She was right! After all, he almost stole the lead from Matt Ballard. So an idea formed and today I’m back with my characters. Working on their descriptions, baggage, and conflicts.

How about you? Do you put your brain in idle and take a break from work? And how do you get your mind back in the work zone?

 

Wednesday coffee with Ellis Vidler

It’s such a pleasure to have Ellis Vidler stop by for coffee. Whether you’re a writer or work in some other field, you know the importance of having a good support system. Long before I signed a contract for The Green-Eyed Doll, I entered a few contests. Ellis was one of the few judges who signed the score sheets. She gave me hope and praise. Something this beginner really needed. She’s encouraged me every step of the way. I know the Karma god has written her name in the book many times!

Ellis has a new a new book out. We’ll get a peek after I ask her a few questions then you can use this link to get your copy of TIME of DEATH. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A02GD68 

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Q. Do you do any special research for your novels?

A. Yes. I look up all kinds of things. The Internet is a wonderful tool, but not everything is reliable. I belong to some great lists such as Crime Scene Writer, and I follow some truly helpful blogs, including Graveyard Shift for police matters and Mary V Welk and Doug Lyle for medical information. I try to get it right, but you know how it is when you think you know something. It must be one of Murphy’s laws that the first person who reads your book will be an expert on what you missed.

Q. What made you pick this genre?

A. I read crime fiction most of the time—suspense and romantic suspense, so that’s what I write. I can’t wait for your books, Jerrie. The excerpts are terrific.

Q. What is your schedule when you’re not writing?

A. Whatever seems good at the time—a nap, a book, a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Q. What are you working on right now? Can you tell us about it?

A. A romantic suspense that begins in Mexico and involves two characters from other books: Gwen from Haunting Refrain and Will from Cold Comfort.  Their vastly different backgrounds interest me, and I love seeing how they react to situations.

Q. Do you ever hit the wall or find you’ve written yourself into a corner? How do you turn that around?

A. Often! Sometimes I have to go back and delete big chunks that I can’t make work. I try to find the point where it began to fall apart and work from there. In the Mexico story I eliminated a big subplot that cut several chapters, but it’s a better story now.

Okay…enough with the business stuff! How about some fun stuff! You know just between the two of us.

Favorite pastime when you’re not writing? Reading, movies, daydreaming.

Cook in or eat out? I’d rather heat than cook. I like to eat out too, but sometimes I fix things I especially like—comfort food. J Chicken and dumplings, shrimp and grits, chili on cold nights. And if it snows, hot chocolate is a must.

Do you have a pet? What did you name it and why? Max and Sam, two rescue dogs we adore. They’re brothers. I wanted to name them Simon and Schuster, but my husband balked.

Beer or wine? Red wine, definitely.

Steak or pizza? Seafood or chicken, what can I say?

Tell us one thing about you that might surprise us…it can be a secret…we won’t tell. My grandmother had ESP. It ran in her father’s family (Irish and Welsh, land of the fey). A long-ago aunt put her husband through medical school in the 1850s by posing as a gypsy fortuneteller. No wonder my stories often feature psychics. Alas, I didn’t inherit the ability.

[image error]BIO/BLURB

Ellis Vidler is the author of Haunting Refrain, Cold Comfort, and her new release, Time of Death. All are suspense with some degree of romance. In Time of Death, Artist Alex Jenrette has a psychic streak—or is it a curse? While visiting on an island near Charleston, she draws scenes of murder that turn out to be real. The police think she’s involved, the prosecutor fears a psychic witness will destroy his case, and the killer believes she was there. But she wasn’t, and she doesn’t know who’s behind it.

Visit Ellis a:

http://ellisvidler.com

http://theunpredictablemuse.blogspot.com

COLD COMFORT, http://tinyurl.com/6mr9bzb

 

Here’s the link again for Ellis’ brand new release – Time of Death. Trust me on this! Go…Buy…Enjoy. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A02GD68

 

 

 

 

 

Monday-Monday-What the hell is my next book about?

Monday-Monday

or

What the hell is my next book about?

I typed The End to HIS to LOSE and submitted it to my editor.

OMG! That means I don’t have a wip anymore.

Confession time! My friends, family, critique partners, even the stranger on the street will testify as to what happens to me and to my state of mind when I don’t have a book started.

The loss is interesting. I’m glad, thrilled and excited it’s over. Mainly because I’ve read the same book one-hundred times, and I’m ready to rip my hair out by the roots.

Still, I’m sad I have nothing in the hopper. There’s not some brilliant idea waiting in the recess of my mind waiting to burst forward. I’m worried that I’ll never have another original thought. The slate is blank!

This isn’t a new state of desperation for me. In fact, it happened when I finished all four full length novels and my short story. It happens every single time. I’m convinced the creative well is bone dry! I’m positive. Broken. And I gritch about it until those folks I mentioned above are ready to choke me or push me off a cliff.

 

I’ll run scenario after scenario through my head. Asking the same question…what is the new book about?

I have the characters to write about. My first review of The Green-Eyed Doll wants Ash Hunter to have his own happy ending and I agree. I know who the hero is for the next installment on the Lost and Found, Inc. series. But what trials, tribulations and disasters do I want either of these heroes to overcome?

For a time nothing peeks my interest. I’ll read through newspapers, open document after document of research I’ve saved on my hard drive. Toss around ideas using the ‘what if’ and ‘why’ questions until an idea takes hold.

Yesterday afternoon, while my honey and I watched the brilliant Patton Manning win yet another football game, the light inside my head brightened then burn at full wattage! The idea had nothing to do with the game, but a weird flash. An ah ha moment. An idea for Ash Hunter’s, a secondary character in The Green-Eyed Doll, story, took hold. Soon I’ll  turn the reigns over to characters and let them drive the story.

By this morning I had a name for the book. The Last Teardrop.

So what you you think of the title?

Do you think all authors go through this?

Monday news—The Green-Eyed Doll is available for pre-order at http://thewildrosepress.com or http://amazon.com