M.E. Sutton's Blog, page 9
July 22, 2014
Book Release: Wedding Bliss
by Mary Sutton / @mary_sutton73
I am very pleased to announce the release of Wedding Bliss, the third in the Hero’s Sword middle-grade fantasy adventure!
In her third trip to Mallory, Jaycee Hiller, aka Lyla Stormbringer, should be getting ready to party. After all, Lady Starla is getting married.
But when Lyla arrives, Roger is on the run, accused of treason. Seems newcomer Perry Goodhaven, noble but poor, isn’t all he’s cracked up to be.
When Roger is arrested and sentenced to death, it’s up to Lyla to make sure that wedding bliss doesn’t turn into wedding disaster.
You can check out the official blurb on the book page.
We’re trying something a little different this time by enrolling in KDP Select. That means for the next 90 days, the ebook version will only be available on Amazon. After that, it’ll be on all of the major platforms.
Wedding Bliss will also be available in print. That process takes a little longer, so please check back frequently to see when it will be available – or “like” my Facebook page or follow me on Twitter for the announcement.
A summer book release? Why not. In my neck of the woods, back to school shopping is in full force. This is a great time to get kids ready for school. If you’ve got a kid heading off to middle-school, or maybe struggling to find his or her place in middle-school, now is a great time to introduce him/her to Jaycee. The books are short and, based on the reviews, are fun reads with plenty of action.
So come on and adventure along with Jaycee – starting with the first book, Power Play (note, we’re working on the print version so for now Power Play is only available digtially). Both Power Play and Storm Clouds are on all digital platforms – and Storm Clouds is also available in print.
Enjoy your trip to Mallory!
July 17, 2014
Book Blast: What if?
Summary: Life is complicated for the average tween, but try being the smallest girl in 7th grade and navigating the choppy waters of middle school without a mom. Such is the plight of Penelope “P” Ziegler, until she decides to take matters into her own hands and find a wife for her hopelessly quirky dad. Despite Dad’s objections, P is sure—with all her heart—that there’s a woman out there who will make them both very happy!
Title: What if…? | Author: Jessica Barondes | Publication Date: January 7, 2014 | Publisher: Sense and Sensability Press | Pages: 145 | Recommended Ages: 10+ | Reviewed by: Renee (Mother)
* FREE BOOK *
You can grab your FREE COPY (electronic) of What if…? by Jessica Barondes from July 18 to 22, 2014 from Amazon. Just click on the book cover below.
The Buzz About the Book
“What if…? is a bittersweet and sometimes comical tale of a tween girl, P, who must come to terms with the loss of her mother as she navigates the world of dating, puberty, school, and friendships. P will absolutely warm your heart and the ending is guaranteed to leave you teary-eyed. While I sometimes felt that the themes were more appropriate for teens, I also came to realize that tween girls will also really enjoy reading about the world that they are just on the cusp of entering. *shudder* Ages 10+.” ~ Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews
“What a treat to fall in love with a character from the first second you begin to read her story. P has wit, charm, pluck, charisma–and a lot of things to learn. I totally loved her voice, world, friends and the many ways in which she drove her father Georgy insane. Full of laughs and love this charming book is a wonderful read–no matter what your age.” ~ 5 Star Review, Blue, Amazon
“This is a charming and delightful read from start to finish, filled with characters you really care about, especially the unique girl “P” at the center. You don’t have to be in this age group or life situation to relate to the sweet and heartfelt story about wanting the best for those you love. It’s timeless and inspiring and may bring a tear to your eye!” ~ 5 Star Review, Susan A., Amazon
“Witty, intelligent and edgy coming-of-age book for girls (and parents!). This little book is a real gem. I bought it for my nieces too in hopes that they will appreciate their moms more! (and give their dads a chance to be a true hero, like the dad in this book!) I would bet that school libraries, teachers, parents and girls will rate this book a favorite for years to come.” ~ 5 Star Review, Louann B., Amazon
“I was absolutely enchanted from the first page. This book made me cry! It was delightful. The story so sweet and the characters endearing and so real. By the time I got to the end, I just wanted to burst out in applause. This book is a joy to read at any age but perfect for the “tween” reader.” ~ 5 Star Review, Jen W., Amazon
“Both my 11-year old daughter and I loved this wonderfully written book. Charming and exciting from beginning to end, this book is a real treasure.” ~ 5 Star Review, Susan L., Amazon
About the Author
Jessica Barondes grew up in La Jolla, California and now makes her home in Los Angeles with her husband Ben and their teenagers Jonah and Ellie. Jessica is also a screenwriter whose credits include Little Secrets, Lucky Seven, and Wish Upon a Star, a Disney Channel classic, which was a winner at the Heartland Film Festival. Jessica is currently working on several new movie projects and is an associate producer of the new family film Cowgirls n’ Angeles: Dakota’s Summer.
Goodreads | Amazon Author Page
* $100Book Blast Giveaway *
Prize: $100 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)
Contest ends: August 16, 11:59 pm, 2014
Open: Internationally
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Jessica Barondes and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.
July 14, 2014
How I Do It (My Brief Foray Into Outlining)
by Mary Sutton / @mary_sutton73
There seems to be a trend of posts on various blogs this summer. Namely, “how do you write?” posts. Do you outline? Are you a pantser (just write the story)? Somewhere in between?
I’ve come to the conclusion that there isn’t really a word for how I write.
Last fall, I tried the outline thing. I wrote a 10-page narrative summary of my plot. From that, I generated a detailed outline of scenes, written on “note cards” in my writing app of choice, Scrivener (if you’ve met me, or seen my life, you know why I can’t use physical 3×5 cards – oy, the mess I’d have later). Then I wrote the book. It was my NaNoWriMo project for the year. I completed it, and I was very proud of myself.
Then I let it simmer for while, as is my wont, and read it over.
It sucked.
Okay, that’s too strong. It felt flat. Lifeless. On to round two. I added scenes, beefed up others. The word count ballooned from 75,000 to 107,000 (way too long, but hey, second revision, I wasn’t going to censor myself).
That was better, but there was still a spark missing. Hmm. These are characters I loved (my Laurel Highlands cast). I liked the core story. I was missing – something. I didn’t know what.
Then I got a phone call from the absolutely wonderful Hank Phillippi Ryan. I had sent her something else to read and get her opinion on whether or not it was worth reworking (my failed Black Orchid Novella project – a resounding yes, by the way, but I digress). We got to talking plot. Hank’s not an outliner, and if you read the Jungle Red Writers blog, she is quite upfront about the fact that she usually has no clue “whodunit” before she starts. I said something about twists and how there are only seven plots in literature.
“I’ll go further,” she said, “I think there are only two: a stranger comes to town or someone goes on a journey.”
Two? How am I supposed to work with two? How do I make variations on two?
Two ways, Hank said. The first is voice. That’s all you. Second, whenever you think “and this is what should happen next” ask “but what if it didn’t?”
Light bulbs started to go on. I went back to the novel. Looked for every part where the story went pretty much as a police investigation “should” happen. And asked, “what if it didn’t?” While the technics of the ending stayed the same, “whodunit” changed completely. The story came to life again.
The next change was a supporting character. “Too weak,” readers said. So I went back and made her story more complicated. Again, lots of changes. Richer story.
On another blog, author Wendy Tyson talked about how she doesn’t really plot the first draft. She just writes it – and works out the plot in revision. James Scott Bell recently released a book about “writing from the middle” – you find the story’s “mirror moment” and write out – and back – from that. (Side note: If you haven’t read any of Wendy’s books, you really should.)
That, folks, is me.
It’s like mining a giant block of stone from the quarry. The story is in there somewhere. I just have to chip away until I find it.
Outliners will say this is a very laborious way to write. You may spend lots of time writing stuff that ends on the cutting room floor. But you know what? A good 30% of that story written to an outline ended up on the cutting room floor. Either way, there are cuts. So why shouldn’t I have some fun in the process?
That novel, Every Other Monday is Murder, eventually evened out. It took five revisions, but it’s almost ready for it’s last step on the way to submission. And I like it. Beta readers like it. I hope the independent editor likes it. Yes, it was a labor intensive, outwardly haphazard way to write. It’s taken the better part of a year (and I consider myself a “fast” writer).
But it worked.
I’ve already got 20,000 words and a series of scenes for the next book. I started somewhere in the middle and I’m feeling my way out from there. I will note that this approach is for the crime fiction and I’m much more linear when writing Hero’s Sword. Different type of story, different approach.
So kudos to writers who can plot every detail of a mystery. Me, it seems I’ve got to figure out “whodunit” right along with my characters. But that’s okay.
Because if I’m surprised at the answer, that means the reader should be too.
July 7, 2014
Cover Reveal: Wedding Bliss
by Mary Sutton / @mary_sutton73
I think my favorite part of the publishing process might be getting final cover art. There is something about seeing it that makes a book that much more “real” in my mind. And I like pictures.
My artist, Jen Domani, has done it again (at least in my opinion) with another awesome cover. Check it out.
Sneaking, intrigue, and imminent threat of death by hanging. Here’s the blurb:
Lyla has long believed that Roger and Lady Starla belong together even though Roger insists that Starla is above his station. When handsome and noble Perry Goodhaven shows up and wins the lady’s affection, it seems at quick glance a more fitting match.
Soon after Perry’s arrival, Roger and other servants close to Lady Starla notice a change. She sleeps a lot more than usual, is lethargic when she is awake, and defers important decision-making to Perry.
With Roger incarcerated over false accusations of treason, it is up to Jaycee, aka Lyla Stormbringer, to clear Roger’s name and uncover the truth about the man positioning himself to rule Mallory with an iron fist.
Stay tuned for official release announcement later this summer!
July 2, 2014
Book Blast: Star Child
Book 1: The Age of Akra
Title: Starchild: The Age of Akra (Book 1) | Author: Vacen Taylor | Publication Date: March 6, 2013 | Publisher: Odyssey Books | Pages: 135 | Recommended Ages: 10+ | Reviewed by: Renee (Mother)
Summary: When Mai is chosen to take a pilgrimage to the Valley of a Thousand Thoughts to train with the oldest and wisest master of their people, an ancient prophecy is set in motion. The events to come have been predicted but are not unchangeable. When the Starchild returns to the planet of Sage, the foreknowledge of the prophecy begins to gain strength. Four children come together and become linked to the events that lie ahead. In The Age of Akra, the first stage of their journey has them facing the deadly spiderflax, only then to be confronted by a creature of the underworld, an evil Dementra called Amual. The struggle to bring peace to the world of powerful energies lies in the hands of these four children and a strange little lizard. And it will not come easy. This journey is only the beginning.
Buzz About Book 1
“The Age of Akra is a riveting, well-written, and imaginative story featuring an intricate plot and stellar cast of characters that is sure to be thoroughly enjoyed by tweens, teens, and even adults who love a great science fiction tale. This is a real page-turner and I highly recommend this book to children aged 10 and older. I just loved it and to think the author has seven books planned for the series … I’m salivating.” ~ Renee, Mother Daughter Book Reviews
“What an imagination!! Absolutely fabulous. What a great read. The characters came to life so easily. Their physical descriptions have me a visual idea but their personalities evolved and developed quickly so they were my friends and heroes before very long. I cried when Mia was selected and was on the edge of my seat when it looked like Long wouldn’t make it. I couldn’t put it down. A very clever story with wonderful likable characters in amazing places with fascinating skills and weird animals. I went through a range is emotions with these characters where I wanted to hug them, love them, give them a good slap, protect and spend time with. I cannot wait for book 2. Highly recommend this series of books and hope they make a movie from it would be a blockbuster!!!” ~ 5 Star Review, Dannielle S., Goodreads
“Masterfully told from different viewpoints, Starchild is neither a “boy” nor “girl” book, but rather an everyone book. Struggling readers will enjoy the simple truths of the characters, and more advanced readers will delight in the journey of Mai, Long, and Akra. A journey that introduces multifaceted characters, whom I hope will make an appearance in subsequent titles in The Starchild Series, because I’m already attached to them. Even the slightest of creatures was placed in Starchild with the greatest of skill, care, and thought. Outstanding job, Ms. Taylor, and I look forward to continuing my journey through the series.” ~ 5 Star Review, C. Bullard, Amazon
Purchase Book 1
*Available as a 99 cent E-Book through Amazon *
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Ganxy | iTunes | The Book Depository
Book 2: The City of Souls
Title: Starchild: The City of Souls (Book 2) | Author: Vacen Taylor | Publication Date:October 14, 2013 | Publisher: Odyssey Books | Pages: 137 | Recommended Ages: 10+ | Reviewed by: Renee (Mother)
Summary: In The City of Souls, the pilgrimage to the Valley of a Thousand Thoughts continues. Having already triumphed against dangerous adversaries in The Age of Akra, the four children — Mai, Long, Akra and Sahib — now face the evil melkarie and must escape to the City of Souls. When they reach the safety of the land of Naroan, in a city hidden under a blanket of living green, the children are confronted with the challenge of locating the Singing Soul. But the underworld is searching for it too, and will do anything to stop the young pilgrims from finding it. The prophesy is at risk of being extinguished unless the children succeed in their quest.
Buzz About Book 2
“The City of Souls is the second book in a science fiction fantasy featuring an intricate and engaging plot, well-developed characters who are faced with new challenges, a well-described setting reminiscent of Star Wars with a hint of Lord of the Rings and Indiana Jones-style action and suspense. I’m in this series for the whole haul as I feel completely invested in what happens next as the prophecy continues to roll forward. I highly recommend this book as well as the series to science fiction aficionados ages 10 years and older looking for something a little different. ~ Renee, Mother Daughter Book Reviews
“The author graciously sent a signed copy of this 2nd book in her series to my daughter Emily. Emily read Vacen Taylor’s first book in the Starchild series: The Age of Akra. She very much enjoyed the adventure and getting to know the characters. Emily eagerly anticipated the next book! Emily was thrilled when her copy of The City of Souls arrived and did what she could do to avoid her homework so that she could sneak and read The City of Souls. She read the book with much interest and said that she loved every bit of it. As a parent, it’s a big comfort and joy to me when my kids find stories written for their enjoyment! The Starchild series captured the heart and imagination of my daughter. And she very much looks forward to book three.” ~ 5 Star Review, Vonda N., Goodreads
“Ms Taylor provides masterful descriptions that don’t bore the reader. Thank you. I think the writing is at its best in the action, but the character building, backstory and forewarning is all there and relevant to the overall building of good storytelling. I’m assuming the introductions to some of the other multifaceted characters will have relevance in future books. I do hope so. Overall, a great read for children who are looking for something refreshingly new and unique.” ~ 5 Star Review, Kirt T., Amazon
Purchase Book 2
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iTunes | The Book Depository
About the Author: Vacen Taylor
Vacen Taylor is an Australian author, writer, occasional artist and amateur photographer. She loves creating stories for children and reading to her young readers. She is a happy person with a zest for life and exploring the world at large. Vacen collects comics and loves superheroes. Her favourite superhero is Spider-Man. Vacen also believes in expressing the uniqueness of self. She has had several short stories published for adults online. Starchild is her first novel for children and is the first book in a series of seven.
Book Website | Author Website | Twitter
Facebook | Goodreads | Google+
* Book Blast Giveaway *
Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)
Contest ends: August 1, 11:59 pm, 2014
Open: Internationally
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Vacen Taylor and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.
June 29, 2014
2014 Writing Goals – update
by Mary Sutton / @mary_sutton73
Wow. Turn around and 2014 is half gone. I’m not really sure where the first half of the year went.
It’s been busy. Very busy. And since I didn’t give an update in March, I suppose I should do that now. So here’s the update at half-time.
Write books 5-7 in Hero’s Sword
In progress. Book five, tentatively titled Fire Storm, is completed and ready to ship off to the editor, just as soon as I get the word. Of course, we’re still working on the cover art for Wedding Bliss, and book 4, still called Lightning Strike but in need of a new title, hasn’t gone to the editor yet. But hey, it’s good to be ahead of the game, right?
Meanwhile, I’ve got the plots for books 6 and 7, and I’m going to start drafting six this week. No, neither of these have titles yet. I’ve written myself into a corner with this two-word thing, so I’m a bit stumped. For now.
Get Every Other Monday ready for an editor by September
I’m feeling pretty good about this. After ballooning the word count to 107,000 (which was way, WAY too long), I’ve trimmed it down to 90,000. After four revisions, I sent it out to a couple of beta readers. One of them has gotten back to me with good feedback – and she liked it. I expect to hear from the other in a few weeks. Plenty of time to get the comments incorporated, make any necessary changes, and get it ready for the next phase – and whatever comes next.
Write two more Laurel Highlands stories
One is ready and will be published this September. A Brew to Die For will go directly to digital publication, no stop at Mysterical-e first. I’m a little nervous, but hey, nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?
Start releasing the Laurel Highlands as digital shorts
Done. To date, I’ve released three stories: An Idyllic Place for Murder, Death & Politics, and Dead of Summer. All of those were previously published at Mysterical-e. The third in the series, Batter Down, is available in Lucky Charms: 12 Crime Tales. I won’t get the rights to that one back until the end of the year. There will be another one coming – I just haven’t decided whether I need to go back and plug a hole in the chronology, try to jam another story in before when Every Other Monday takes place, or to jump to after the novel. I’m thinking one of the first two.
I’ve even made a little money! Not a lot, but across all platforms I’d have enough to buy a venti latte at Starbucks. Even Dickens had to start somewhere, right?
Attend Writers Police Academy
In the bag. I’m registered, the fees are paid, the hotel is reserved. I’m traveling down with three friends from Sisters in Crime – it’ll be a Thelma-and-Louise style road trip. I’m rooming with the one woman. So I’m sure that when I return, there will be stories aplenty. I didn’t get any of the “special” classes I wanted, but I’m sure I’m going to have a fantastic time nonetheless.
Revise and expand the Black Orchid project
Notice the drop of the word “potentially.” The feedback from the woman I sent it to was, “I love this. These are great characters – series-worthy. Definitely don’t give this up.” Now, when an award-winning author says that, you should pay attention.
My problem, according to her, is that I tried to cram a 90,000 word novel into a 20,000 word novella. The plot is weak and a bit predictable. But I can fix that. And I will. I’ve had a few ideas, but I’m letting them roll around in my head until the time is right. Maybe by the time I ship Every Other Monday off. I’ll need a project by then.
Continue learning craft
Ongoing, always ongoing. James Scott Bell just released a book about plotting from the middle I want to pick up. And there’s always Stephen King’s On Writing.
So there you have it. The report at half-time. I don’t think I’m doing half bad. No new goals (yet), but they, there’s six months left.
Roll on 2014!
June 23, 2014
Book News: Laurel Highlands and Hero’s Sword
by Mary Sutton / @mary_sutton73
With summer in full swing, and the solstice over, I’ve got book news for both series to share.
Dead of Summer (a Laurel Highlands Mystery – #4)
Just in time for the dead of summer, Dead of Summer, the fourth in The Laurel Highlands Mysteries is now available for all platforms (Kindle - Nook - Kobo - iBooks).
The blurb:
Len Taylor lives for the 4-H, but he has a nasty habit. He’s abrasive, abusive, and generally rubs everyone the wrong way. So it’s not really a surprise when someone confronts him about it – except that the confrontation ended with Len stabbed through the throat with a hay hook. Now Jim Duncan and Sally Castle have to figure out whether a family feud, embezzlement, or poor volunteer management led to Len’s untimely death – or was he just a victim of the brutal summer heat gone wrong?
What better way to beat the heat, or relax at the pool, than with a short, quick read? Pick up your copy today!
Oh, and if you’re saying, “Number four? What happened to three?” I can count, honest. Laurel Highlands #3, Batter Down, is available in Lucky Charms: 12 Crime Tales, the short-story anthology from the Mary Roberts Rinehart chapter of Sisters in Crime (see their website for buy links). Another excellent choice for poolside reading. Short stories are perfect summer fare, in my opinion.
Wedding Bliss: Hero’s Sword Volume 3
Checked my email this morning to find (almost final) cover art. Yay! I can’t share it yet, but this means the book is one step closer to being ready to release. I hope I’ll be making the announcement for that soon. Meanwhile, various excerpts are posted here on the blog and at Wattpad.
Enjoy the summer heat!
June 10, 2014
Release: Blessed are the Dead
by Mary Sutton / @mary_sutton73
No, this is not a release of mine. But I know the author, and she’s a fabulous person and a great writer, so I am happy to help her celebrate.
Today is the book birthday for Kristi Belcamino and the first of her Gabriella Giovanni mysteries Blessed are the Dead. The blurb sounds fabulous.
To catch a killer, one reporter must risk it all…
San Francisco Bay Area newspaper reporter Gabriella Giovanni spends her days on the crime beat flitting in and out of other people’s nightmares, yet walking away unscathed. When a little girl disappears on the way to the school bus stop, her quest for justice and a front-page story leads her to a convicted kidnapper, Jack Dean Johnson, who reels her in with promises to reveal his exploits as a long-time serial killer. But, Gabriella’s passion for her job quickly spirals into obsession when she begins to suspect the kidnapper may have ties to her own dark past: her sister’s murder.
Risking her life, her job, and everything she holds dear, Gabriella embarks on a path to find answers and stop a deranged murderer before he strikes again.
Perfect for fans of Sue Grafton and Laura Lippman’s Tess Monaghan series!
It sounds terrific, something that’s right up my alley and I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy. Of course it’s in print, but if you want the joy of instant gratification, snag yourself a copy at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, or direct from HarperCollins.
Congratulations Kristi!
About Kristi
Kristi Belcamino is a writer, artist and crime reporter who also bakes a tasty biscotti. Her first novel, “Blessed are the Dead,” (HarperCollins June 2014) is inspired by her dealings with a serial killer during her life as a Bay Area crime reporter. As an award-winning crime reporter at newspapers in California, she flew over Big Sur in an FA-18 jet with the Blue Angels, raced a Dodge Viper at Laguna Seca, and watched autopsies. Find out more at www.kristibelcamino.com or on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/kristibelcaminowriter.
June 3, 2014
Teaser Tuesday: Wedding Bliss
by Mary Sutton / @mary_sutton73
Last week, I offered a sneak peek at a current work-in-progress from The Laurel Highlands Mysteries. This week, here’s a peek at the upcoming Wedding Bliss: Hero’s Sword Volume 3 (cover art currently in progress, so it’s coming, I swear!).
Note: This is the book formerly known as Wedding Bells.
It didn’t take me long to realize two things. One, Perry was a really good swordsman. I never got caught out of position, but his blend of real attacks and fakes kept me guessing. I didn’t quite feel like a cat toy, but it was close.
The second thing was that he might have said this match was just for fun, but he didn’t act that way. Several times I barely avoided blows that would have caused serious injury. I was parrying one such blow when I realized that Perry wasn’t just trying to disarm or embarrass me in front of the townsfolk. He was also trying to hurt me, maybe even badly enough that I’d be killed. No doubt he’d claim it was a “tragic accident,” more evidence of how a girl couldn’t really be a hero.
I ground my teeth. Not if I could help it. The sun climbed higher in the cloudless blue sky. Sweat dripped into my eyes, and rolled down my back, but I didn’t dare wipe it away. I had no doubt that Perry, instead of stepping back like a gentleman, would take advantage of an opportunity to land a blow.
I heard muttering from the crowd, but I couldn’t tell if people were on my side or not. My guess was that the manor staff was hoping I’d knock Perry on his butt and that the townspeople were hoping he’d do the same to me.
I don’t know how long we’d been at it. I was certainly getting out of breath and thirsty. I wasn’t going to call for a break, though. Perry’s shirt was damp at the armpits. He grinned, not bothering to hide the fact that he was enjoying the way things were going, confident that he could bring the match to an end.
Maybe too confident. I could use some of his cockiness against him. I dropped my guard, inviting an attack. He obliged and I beat it back. My eyes stung from the sweat dripping into them. Patience, I thought. You can do this.
I dropped my guard again, pretending to be a little more tired this time. Once again, he attacked, and I let him get closer. I felt the whoosh of air and heard the whistle of his sword near my head as I blocked. I circled. He was smiling now. He was sure I was beaten and it was just a matter of time.
For a third time, I dropped my guard. But now, I didn’t merely block his attack, I darted in close. My blade slid down his with a whine. I dropped the blade, twisting so it came to rest on top of his. With a grunt, I rolled my wrist, wrenching his sword out of his hand.
I stopped, foot planted on his sword. I wouldn’t have put it past him to make a grab for it, and I saw his gaze flicker down to my boot.
“Well fought.” He stepped back and gave a half-bow. The manor staff applauded. “Perhaps you will show me how you did it.” He didn’t smile.
“Of course.” I picked up his sword and handed it to him, hilt first. He didn’t dare attack me now, not when the match was over. He’d look bad.
“What’s going on?” Starla had appeared in the crowd, worry lines between her eyes. “Is anything wrong? Lyla? Perry, darling, what happened?”
“Nothing, my love.” Perry kissed her hand, and I bowed. “Lyla and I were just having a friendly match. You know, one expert to another. I thought I had her, but she disarmed me quite neatly. I was just asking how the trick worked.”
I didn’t miss the jab. A trick, huh? That’s what he thought? “Yes, my lady. Just a friendly show. I was telling Perry—“
I broke off as a jumble of voices reached my ears. A crowd of people, some sounding pretty angry, were headed toward us. A man was in the middle of the crowd. Some looked to be mocking him, and others were protecting him.
Starla looked puzzled, Perry triumphant, and my heart sank. Only one person could possibly put that gloating look on Perry’s face.
Sure enough, as the crowd approached, I recognized the man. He was dirty and his hands were bound, but there was no mistaking his identity. Roger Woodbridge, former chief steward of Mallory, had been caught.
May 27, 2014
Teaser Tuesday: A Brew to Die For
by Mary Sutton / @mary_sutton73
So there’s this “thing” out there called Teaser Tuesday. Basically, you post a small snippet of a work-in-progress (often still in draft stage). I’ve never done it before, but there’s a first time for everything, right?
So here’s a teaser from the short-story I’m currently writing in The Laurel Highlands Mysteries, series, A Brew to Die For.
It was a typical Friday night at The Copper Pot.
Trooper First Class Jim Duncan stood inside the door to his favorite bar. A crowd of people filled the eating area. The Pot was always hopping on a Friday, but especially on the first Friday of the month. That’s when owner Garrett Hopkins offered samples of locally-made wine and beer with a hot jazz soundtrack. While the trio played away in the corner, people milled about holding tiny cups of wine and beer. The heat, combined with the smell of bodies and booze, was enough to knock anyone out.
Duncan loved it.
He squeezed through the crowd to get to the bar. Before he could say anything, Hopkins waved.
“Well I’ll be damned, Jim Duncan at the Pot on a Friday night.” Hopkins had to shout to be heard over the noise. “This is either a sign of the apocalypse or you’ve left law enforcement.”
Duncan grasped his friend’s hand. “Neither. Rare Friday off. I feel like I’ve won the freaking lottery.” He studied the crowd. “Nice turnout. Got anything special or should I stick with my usual?”
“Have I got a treat for a beer snob like you.” Hopkins flipped his towel over his shoulder and rummaged below the bar. He stood back up, grasping a dark, unmarked bottle. “You’re going to love this.”
Duncan watched as Hopkins poured the dark liquid into a glass. A thick, cream-colored head lay on the top of the beer. As he accepted the glass, the rich, smooth smell of hops, chocolate, and coffee assailed his nostrils. “Smells good. What is it?”
“Taste it first.” Hopkins leaned on the bar, clearly eager to hear Duncan’s assessment.
Duncan took a sip. The beer was strong and dark, but not overly bitter. Mellowed by a hint of chocolate, it slid smoothly down his throat. “Damn, that is good.” He studied the glass. “Good head, good texture and color. I can taste chocolate, coffee, and something else.” Taking another drink, he picked up the bottle, but it was unlabeled. “Okay, where the hell did you get this and where can I get a case?”
Hopkins slapped the bar. “I knew you’d like it. It’s a home brew from one of my part-timers, Damon Collingsworth. Kid’s going to St. Vincent’s for marketing, but his talent is in brewing.”
“So what’s the secret ingredient?”
“Little snot won’t tell me.” Hopkins’s smile belied his words. “He just calls it ‘something extra.’ He insists brewing is just a hobby. But I’m running my inaugural home brew competition tomorrow, and I’ve convinced him to enter.”
“Oh sure, on a day I’m working.” Duncan took another drink. In his experience, home brews were hit or miss but this one could have been produced professionally. “What’s the contest?”“Certified by the American Home Brewers Association.” Hopkins wiped the bar.
“First prize is five hundred dollars and I’ve got a representative from one of the local micro-breweries coming. Winner gets a chance for the recipe to make this guy’s catalog.”
“Nice prize.” Duncan was sure he was tasting a winner, if not overall then at least in a stout category. “Kid here tonight? I’d like to give him my compliments.”
“He’s around somewhere in this mess.” Hopkins waved a hand at the sea of bodies. “If I spot him, I’ll send him over. Enjoy, I’d better get back to work.”
Hopkins moved off, and Duncan returned to his beer. It had been a while since he had been able to make a jazz night at The Copper Pot. The sound of the music coupled with the beer had almost lulled him into complacency when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned, instantly alert.
“I didn’t expect to see you here.” Friend and Fayette County assistant public defender Sally Castle, stood behind him, her smile displaying surprise and pleasure. “Friday night, aren’t you usually working?”
Duncan’s palms grew sweaty and only partly from the heat of the crowd. “Every once in a while, I’m a good boy and they let me out to play. But what brings you to The Copper Pot? I didn’t think you were a bar scene kind of girl.”
Sally tucked a strand of her long, brown hair behind her ear. She’d let it down, and it curled around the shoulders peeking out of her cowled sweater. “I’m not, but my mom came down to visit,” she said. “Figured I’d bring her to a local event. Wine tasting is right up our alley.”
“They’ve got some good ones.” He forced himself not to stare at her ass, nicely covered in dark-wash denim. He clenched his left hand and rubbed the ringer finger, reminding himself that he’d decided not to ruin a perfectly good friendship.
“That’s what I hear.” Sally rocked back and forth, and fussed with her hair. “Mom, I’d like you to meet someone. This is Jim Duncan, he’s a friend of mine.”
The woman who stood next to Sally had brown hair sprinkled liberally with silver, but her green eyes were a match for her daughter’s, as was the bone structure in her face. “Always a pleasure to meet a friend of Sarah’s,” she said. “So, Mr. Duncan, what do you do and how did you meet my girl?”
“Mom, I told you not to call me that.” Sally’s cheeks turned pink. “You just met him, stop with the third-degree. Jim, this is my mom, Louise Castle.”
“It’s your name,” Louise said. “Why you insist on being called after a character in a comic strip I don’t know. And what’s so third-degree about asking a man’s profession and how he met you?”
Duncan hid a smile by taking another drink. Sally came by her spit-fire attitude honestly. “Pleasure is mine.” He set down his glass and shook Louise’s hand. “I’m a trooper with the Pennsylvania State Police. Sally and I met through a case investigation. Odd place to strike up a friendship, but we did.”
“A friendship, huh?” Louise’s eyebrow arched and she studied him.
Sally’s cheeks went from pink to red. “Mom, stop. He’s a friend, that’s it.”
“Oh my.” Louise leaned toward her daughter and tried to whisper, but her voice was clearly audible. “Is he gay? Do they let gay men into the state police?”
“Mother!”
Duncan smothered his laughter in a cough. “The PSP is an equal-opportunity employer. But I’m not gay. It’s worse.” He leaned in and winked. “I’m divorced.”
Louise started to speak, but was cut off by a blood-curdling scream coming from the basement. Duncan’s relaxed attitude fell away in a split second, and he clapped his hand to his waist. Of course the Glock wasn’t there and it threw him for a second. Recovering, he hustled over to the source of the scream, politely, but firmly, pushing people out of his way.
“Miranda, calm down.” Hopkins patted the shoulder of a young girl in an apron, probably one of the Pot’s waitresses. “What’s in the basement that’s got you all riled up?”
Miranda gulped and tears spilled down her cheeks. “Mr. Hopkins, I just went down for more cups, for the tasting, and I saw him. Oh God, it’s awful.”
“What’s awful?” Duncan asked, assuming control of the situation. “State police.” He pulled his badge out of the pocket where he always kept it, even off duty. “What did you see?”
“It’s Damon, sir,” Miranda said. Her voice wavered, like someone torn between fear and shock. “I think he’s dead.”
