Flora Reigada's Blog, page 13

DANGER AHEAD

We never know when a minor change in our daily routine will alter the course of our lives. Liz had other things on her mind that fateful day she ventured from her usual walking path into New York State's pine-scented, but lonely forest. 
She doesn't see the mother bear with cubs until it is too late. 
How could this life and death encounter possibly lead to a locket filled with secrets, a castle in paradise--and romance? It all unfolds in Love's Sweetest Revenge, book one in the Castle in the Sun series, available from MillerWords.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0785FWH5P/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_WKI3EbXY53W5N?fbclid=IwAR0Nw50bwJAPGaeXrKgRcp4oQwUUj0Zu4tgfWdFlPtYv6haYwIyOU09xEQ8

DANGER (and romance?) AHEAD

We never know when a minor change in our daily routine will alter the course of our lives. Liz had other things on her mind that fateful day she ventured from her usual walking path into New York State's pine-scented, but lonely forest. 
She doesn't see the mother bear with cubs until it is too late. 
How could this dangerous encounter possibly lead to a locket filled with secrets, a castle in paradise--and romance? It all unfolds in Love's Sweetest Revenge, book one in the Castle in the Sun series, available from MillerWords.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0785FWH5P/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_WKI3EbXY53W5N?fbclid=IwAR0Nw50bwJAPGaeXrKgRcp4oQwUUj0Zu4tgfWdFlPtYv6haYwIyOU09xEQ8

FROM HEAVEN WITH LOVE FOR YOU

God has life changing messages for you, but how would you know?
And what would He say? You might be surprised to find God's words of love,
shining like jewels in everyday life. But also where we need to search and dig.



"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:21, KJV).\ Discover the  heavenly treasure with your name.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077X37MVX/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_9PI3Eb7NZF4TW?fbclid=IwAR0nd9Tmw-1DSAUqvlEgT0otztOsImS2Bpdamd6TGnqA4vTUDMRuf2kelu0

TO HEAVEN AND BACK

Carlos took off on his roaring Harley-Davidson motorcycle, never imagining the fate awaiting him. He stopped at an intersection, when the speeding pickup truck smashed into him, bulldozing Carlos and his motorcycle across the road.
In an instant, he went from bleeding on the asphalt, to a radiant meadow and the joyful welcome of loved ones who had gone before.This glimpse of heaven is described in Love's Sweetest Revenge, first in my Castle in the Sun, romantic-suspense series, published by MillerWords. While based on actual accounts, Carlos' encounter with the beyond, is fictional.
But what happened to me is more real than the stars in the sky. I describe this glimpse of heaven in my devotional, Where Your Heart Meets God's. I would need the comfort it imparted, because heartbreak and rejection would soon crush me to the core.
The unfolding situation bowed my shoulders as I trudged to bed that night and fell into a troubled sleep.
Then suddenly, I found myself prostrate before a king on a throne and in the presence of love infinitely greater than any I had ever known. This love surrounded me like an embrace, yet it was not only external. Like the penetrating warmth from a fireplace, it reached into my every molecule. The love was more than emotion. It was alive and it had its source in the being on the throne.
Even though I could not see him, I never thought to ask why. Whatever happened, I knew this king had my best interests at heart and was committed to my care, like a father for his dear child. Kindness was at His core.
I immediately knew this King of Love was God.
As He spoke, tenderness filled His voice—a voice that in eons past, had thundered the universe into existence.
He issued two promises, one about my children, the other about the writing career of which I had always dreamed.
He issued a third, more personal promise as a wind lifted me into a tunnel that would transport me home. That's when I caught a parting glimpse of my surroundings, which seemed to be carved into a mountain. Massive stone walls illuminated in candlelight, were reminiscent of a grotto, or the holy hush of votive candles at a church altar.
Although my problems were still there when I awoke the next morning, I knew the love that had carried me to heaven and back, would never let go.
See Exodus 33:20
See 1 John 4:8
Read more about encounters with God in their many forms and how we can recognize them in our lives, in Where Your Heart Meets God's, available from MillerWords.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077X37MVX/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_9PI3Eb7NZF4TW?fbclid=IwAR0nd9Tmw-1DSAUqvlEgT0otztOsImS2Bpdamd6TGnqA4vTUDMRuf2kelu0

LOVERS AND SECRETS: Our past is past--or is it?

Unaware of what awaits them, Liz and Carlos are living their dream. They built a lavish new home with a pool, a baby is on the way and they are deeply in love. The radiant Florida sky seems to glow with their joy. An artist, Liz captures its beauty in a painting.All seems perfect until a secret leaks out about Carlos’ womanizing past and everyone seems to know but the happy couple. 
And what about the business trip Carlos takes to Paris? He'd taken them before, but he never expected to see her beautiful face again.
Could she and the secret cast clouds over Liz and Carlos' sunny life? A dark area in Liz’s painting seems like a warning of the gathering storm.What comes isn’t rain and it’s a surprise to everyone
Find out in Lovers and Secrets, a Castle in the Sun novel, Book 3, Coming Soon.
Coming Soon: A Castle in the Sun novel, Book 3
Cover Art By
SelfPubBookCovers.com/ RLSather

BOOKS 1 & 2 IN THE SERIES ONLY 99 CENTS EACH. How could a life and death encounter with a bear,
possibly lead to a locket filled with romantic secrets?
E-book ONLY 99 cents.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LB889Z6 Even as Liz revels in her engagement to Carlos and celebrates
Christmas with  him, she can feel her ex-husband's cold, blue
eyes watching her every move. How far will he go?
E-book ONLY 99 cents.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZS2Q274

SNEAK PEEK, LOVERS AND SECRETS, COMING SOON

CHAPTER 1 LOVERS AND SECRETS 
What happens when secrets unlock our past?                                                                                      

A Castle in the Sun novel, Book 3
Coming Soon
On that radiant Florida morning in early June, Liz Bertelli-Martin woke to sunlight sifting through lace curtains on her bedroom window. Stretching and rising, she walked to the window for a peek at the sky. Clear, cloudless blue, it seemed to melt into the rolling ocean.Liz lingered, her artist’s eye studying the color for its sunlit hue—so much like her happy new life.She had snuggled back under the covers by the time her husband Carlos, came in with a tray of food. As always, he had risen early to walk their dog, King, feed Pickles the cat and then settle down to work in his home office.He walked to her bedside, bending to kiss Liz's waiting lips and caress her abdomen, starting to swell with the promise of new life."Good morning, beautiful. I saw you stirring earlier, so I took a break from work to make breakfast."Liz gazed up into the handsome Latin face with its striking green eyes, crowned by a thick crop of dark hair and matching beard. Liz smoothed back her curly, chocolate-brown hair. She and Carlos had been married almost four months and it still felt like a storybook dream that she was with him in St. Augustine, living in a lavish, oceanfront condo. His thoughtful gestures warmed her heart.A contented smile on her face, she breathed-in the nourishing fragrances. "You made an omelet with sausage and bell pepper, didn't you? It smells so good.""One of your favorites," he replied, proudly displaying his culinary creation.She had mentioned this preference only once, but Carlos had listened and made the effort to please her, making her feel valued.In addition to the omelet, there was grits, topped with melting butter, as well as toast, orange juice, coffee and Liz's prenatal vitamin, prescribed by her doctor. All were served on a silver platter, complete with a white rosebud in a slender vase. Carlos arranged the tray in front of her."What about you sweetie?" she asked. "Have you eaten?""Mine is waiting in the kitchen," he said, returning with it and settling on the bed beside her.Liz moved a tasty morsel around her mouth. "Delicious! I'm glad I can finally eat without getting sick." Liz soaks in the Florida sun on the balcony of the oceanfront
condominium she shares with her husband, Carlos.The couple ate and chatted until Liz froze in mid-bite. She took Carlos' hand and placed it on her abdomen. For the first time, both felt a form stirring."That's our baby," Liz whispered in awe. "Can you feel him?"A look of wonder spread over Carlos' face. "I can!"Liz rested her head on his shoulder and both sat amazed at this miracle of life.Carlos snuggled closer. "Every day, I thank God for you and for the privilege of becoming a father.""I couldn't be happier," she responded with a joyous tear. "Ever since I gave birth to my twins in my early teens, I wanted more children. But I couldn't get pregnant. Who would think that after the boys were grown, it would finally happen? A specialist treated me for endometriosis and other problems. When I didn't conceive after several years, he said it's unlikely I ever would."Liz sighed. "It's hard to believe a doctor with degrees hanging all over his wall, could be so wrong."She wondered if the stress of her first marriage was a factor. Steve was a liar and a cheat. We fought often and intimacy was more of a chore than a pleasure. Things were certainly different with Carlos. After nearly 20 years of failure with Steve, she and Carlos had conceived on their honeymoon.Following the couple's leisurely breakfast, Carlos leaned over Liz's swelling stomach and talked to the baby, as he had done since the pregnancy was discovered. Sometimes he sang as well. The songs were varied. They might be children's jingles, or songs the couple enjoyed. Other times they would be worship choruses and hymns that Carlos sang when assisting with the liturgy at his church. Liz often went with him, as did Liz's best friend, Rosa. Carlos' brother, Jack (Rosa's fiancé) joined them when he had time off work.Carlos would sing and talk to the baby in the various languages he'd employed while working as a translator and interpreter at the White House. He now put his language skills to use translating, editing and writing documents from his home office. This included unclassified documents from the Executive Branch."I want our child to know how much he is loved by God and us. I also want him to speak different languages," he said after singing a lighthearted children's tune.The couple referred to their child in the masculine because Liz insisted it was so."We're having a boy and he'll be named after his father and grandfather, Carlos Manuel Martin."He told her he would love a little girl just the same."I know you would, sweetie. I can see how much you love our precious granddaughter, Ashley. You're showing her how important she is by teaching her Spanish."Even though Ashley was biologically Liz's grandchild from her son, Tony and his wife, Steph, Carlos treated Ashley as his own, as he did her three-month-old brother, Tony Jr.It was all Liz's ex-husband, Steve, could do to keep quiet about the matter, especially when the child would "show off" her Spanish, which he could not understand."She talks like a native speaker," Carlos would crow. "She's brilliant."Each day, it seemed her vocabulary would grow.After the breakfast dishes were loaded into the dishwasher, Liz spoke on the phone with her sons, as she did almost daily. With Tony living in St. Augustine, where he and Steph had just opened the Casa Martín Bed and Breakfast, and her other son, Stevie (a promising young attorney) and his wife Tiffany, living in Daytona Beach, everyone Liz loved was nearby. The close-knit family visited often and on occasion, Liz and Carlos would attend services at the Daytona Beach church, where Tiffany's father was pastor.Like Liz, Rosa had moved from New York. Having her confidante close by, completed Liz's happiness. When she told Carlos, he winked."Jack enjoys her closeness even more."For the most part, Rosa stayed in a spare bedroom at the Casa Martín, where her help with cooking and the business, was proving invaluable. In appreciation, she and Jack had been offered complimentary use of the facilities for their wedding and reception.The Queen Anne Victorian (Carlos and Jack's childhood home) was quickly becoming a popular destination, known for southern hospitality, luxurious but comfortable furnishings and sumptuous breakfasts. A couple of nights each week, an ethnic-themed dinner would be served. Word was spreading about Rosa's Latin American cuisine and Tony's Italian delights.“We barely opened our doors and already we have seven guests,” an excited Tony told his mom. “We’re actually making money.”Finishing breakfast, Liz again paused at the window to revel in the beauty of the sky. It was what Liz liked best about Florida. She he had often told Carlos how much the sky held her in
awe and inspired her artistic abilities.Then on the horizon, Liz saw a solitary black cloud. It seemed to mar the blue vista and Liz wanted to erase it, as she would a smudge on her canvas. She turned away, and then looked warily back. The cloud appeared closer, larger and almost personal, like trouble rumbling her way. It’s small, but that’s how problems start. Liz fixated on the cloud. However, forcing her gaze away, she scolded herself for letting a cloud overwhelm her focus. I just have pregnancy brain. Life is perfect. I’ve never been happier. Nothing can change that. Liz redirected her attention across the courtyard to the building where Jack lived. Liz smiled to herself. I wouldn't be surprised if Rosa is there with him.When Carlos walked by, kissing Liz's cheek, she leaned into it. What cloud could possibly invade her idyllic life?Liz was right about Rosa. She and Jack had spent some time working on personal words to be included in their wedding vows. Still, Rosa could never finish her vows to her liking. Now they were sitting down for one more cup of coffee and a serious conversation. Jack petted Rosa's dachshunds, Hans and Heidi, their tails wagging as they whined for a morsel of food.Jack's blue eyes were tender, but concerned as he looked at Rosa."I don't like keeping secrets from my brother, especially such an important one.""You mean about Patty's daughter, Zoe, possibly being his?"Jack nodded."I don't like keeping secrets from Liz either and I've almost told her a couple of times. But maybe I'm mistaken about Zoe's resemblance to Carlos.""Since you mentioned it, I see a likeness," Jack replied. "But as I've said, it could be because Zoe has Cuban blood, like Carlos and me. And some people just happen to look alike. It's pure coincidence."He stirred his coffee. "If we find out she is Carlos' after all, I'll be amazed that this was right under our noses all these years and no one noticed. It took your fresh pair of eyes to figure it out when you saw Zoe. But for now, let's keep this to ourselves. It probably doesn't mean anything, and Liz and Carlos are so happy with the baby coming. I don't want to throw a monkey wrench into that.""If it's true, why wouldn't Patty have told him?" Rosa asked. "He seems oblivious."Jack shrugged his broad shoulders. "It could be because Carlos was traveling all over the world with the presidential entourage and he had girlfriends wherever he went. He told me the pay was great, but the fringe benefits were even better. I hate to say it, but he wasn't exactly father material. Patty was separated from her husband, Tim, when Carlos moved in with her. But after Carlos took off for parts unknown, Tim and Patty got back together for a while. We always assumed he was Zoe's father and he probably is. Tim's a great guy and one of our childhood friends, just like Patty. They were part of our high school crowd.""I've heard a lot about that circle of friends," Rosa said with a wink.She looked up from her coffee cup, her attractive smile framed with dimples. "Hey, I hear Carlos might be traveling with the White House staff again.""That's right," Jack said. "He told me. He's just waiting for the details to be ironed out."That would start to happen later in the day. Carlos had just gotten off the phone and eagerly rushed to Liz from his home office."I just spoke with Charlene, a former co-worker from the White House. I was asked to travel to Paris with the team. We used to go there every so often and I lived there nearly a year. There will likely be other trips in the future, maybe to South America."Liz was about to leave for Raphael's Gallery, where she exhibited her artwork and painted as well. She threw her arms around Carlos' neck."What an honor! I'm proud and happy for you."Carlos was hesitant. "Especially now that we're expecting, do you mind me traveling?"
"Not at all," an upbeat Liz replied. "You've always supported me with my art, hanging it in the condo and letting me claim a space to paint. I'll always support you in your career."She looked deeply at him. "Don't have such a worried face. Rosa and Jack are right here if I need anything and my sons are too."So is Steve,Carlos thought, recalling the violent fight they had over Liz a few months back. Steve had initiated it by attacking Carlos. Although legal finagling had kept Steve out of jail, he was charged with assault and battery and sentenced to probation.Carlos was still mistrustful. He'd better not come near Liz.


The love story starts in
Book 1:  Only 99 cents.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QX98DDG

The love story continues in
Book 2: ONLY 99 cents.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZS2Q274

FROM HEAVEN WITH LOVE FOR YOU

God has life changing messages for you, but how would you know?
And what would He say? You might be surprised to find God's words of love,
shining like jewels in everyday life.
But also where we need to search and dig.

Find your personal treasurehttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K18VT33
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:21, KJV).

GRAMMATICAL CRIMES I HAVE COMMITTED

GRAMMATICAL CRIMES I HAVE COMMITTED
(The importance of editing and paying attention to detail)
By Flora Reigada, journalist & novelist



I rubbed my eyes and re-read the sentence. Did I really see it in a published book? I couldn't believe the errors.
She was quick as a march hair.
I almost blushed for the writer.
First, unless she was referring to march as in a parade, the month of March is capitalized.
Second, a hair is not quick unless it is falling from one's head. But a h-a-r-e is a large rabbit--and it is quick.
Then there was that nasty cliché, which the writer got wrong. It is actually mad as a March hare.
In "writing 101" we were instructed to avoid cliches like the plague--pun intended.
Editors are no fans of them. One dubbed a writer-friend, The Cliche Queen, because she frequently included them in her writing.
I wanted to laugh, but I couldn't, because that same editor nicknamed me, The Comma Queen.
"Using too many commas is the mark of an amateur," she told me, frowning over her eyeglasses.
I have also made my share of grammatical errors. Many were found by my husband/editor, Dan, whom I call Ol' Eagle Eye, because he can spot an error like an eagle its prey.
Here are some examples from my books and newspaper stories.
 
As Dan and I reviewed "Elizabeth's Secret," Book 1 in my "Castle in the Sun" romantic-suspense series, he marveled at a character's strength.
"Wow! I can't believe Rosa wrestled a bear into her car."
At least that is how the following passage sounded to him.
"I did bring my rifle after you told me about this latest bear. It's in the car."
In context, Rosa is speaking to best friend, Liz, about Liz's narrow escape from a bear. Another had been sighted.
Dan and I had a good laugh, then rewrote the passage as follows: "After you told me about this latest bear, I brought my rifle. It's in the car."
In "Lovers and Secrets," Book 3 in the series, I wrote the following: "Carlos returned to his room, immaculately cleaned by hotel workers."
Dan asked me if they had scrubbed him with a big brush.
We re-wrote as follows: "Carlos returned to his hotel room, finding it immaculately cleaned by hotel workers."
Beware those typos! In one of my newspaper stories, I quoted someone named Violet.  To my horror, I saw my slip of the finger had "renamed" her Violent. Thankfully, this was caught before the story went to press.
In a query letter to a publisher,  I wrote "A 100 word blub follows, instead of "100 word blurb."  Dan caught this one in time.
Sending a manuscript to a publisher, I addressed the envelope to Strange Publishing instead of Strang Publishing.  Naturally the manuscript was rejected and returned. That is when I saw the error, to my horror.
How about "light streaming in through tall widows?" That's what I wrote in my Messianic novel, "The Face Behind the Veil." This was changed to, "Light streaming in through tall windows."

In "When Love Becomes Obsession." I wrote, “Carlos slit open his eyes.” Dan said that sounded painful. I changed it to, “Carlos cracked open his eyes.”
Another time while editing, Dan scratched his head."What is a lethargical dancer?"  This was supposed to be a liturgical dancer.
While writing a story about how a local historian became acquainted with area history, when she thought Florida was a new state with little or none, I wrote"A move to Titusville and the historic, LaGrange Cemetery would challenge that perception."  Dan asked, "How did she like living in the cemetery?"The sentence was re-written as follows: "A move to Titusville and a visit to the historic, LaGrange Cemetery would challenge that perception."
Somehow, Pocahontas was inserted at the end of a Bible verse in a devotion,  from my devotional, "Where Your Heart Meets God's." 
"But knowing these things and knowing His fate, Jesus still told his disciples, "I have looked forward to this hour with deep longing, anxious to eat this Passover meal with you." Pocahontas. (Luke 22:15, TLB) I suspect this was in the clipboard, because at time I was writing about The Titusville Follies for a newspaper. Songs from shows such as, "Colors of the Wind," from the movie Pocahontas, were included in the Follies.
Now for "The Granddaddy of all errors." And yes, pardon the cliche.Jesus, Mary--and Stanley? 
One click of my computer’s mouse and I was headed toward disaster.
As I put the final touches on my inspirational thriller, "The Face Behind the Veil," and about to e-mail it to my publisher, I decided to change a character’s name from Joseph to Stanley.In an instant, this global change was made throughout the 600 page, three-part document, which traces the legend of the birth veil through three generations.
That was the only alteration I made after the book underwent extensive editing. Confident it was error-free, I clicked the mouse and off it went. It wasn’t long before I received the galley proof to review and approve, so the printing process could begin.
Weary of the seven-year project and the tedious historical research that had gone into it, I almost didn’t review the galley. But something in me couldn’t let it go until I did. That must have been Providential.  Imagine my surprise when I discovered how that last minute name change affected a scene where the Christmas story is told. In horror, I read the following.
"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Marywas espoused to Stanley, before they came together, she was found withchild of the Holy Ghost. Then Stanley her husband, being a just man, andnot willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her awayprivily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of theLord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Stanley, thou son of David,fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived inher is of the Holy Ghost . . .. Then Stanley being raised from sleep didas the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:"(Matthew 1:18-20, 24).
After getting over my initial shock, I made the necessary changes.However, rather than globally, I did this the old-fashioned way, one at a time. ___________________________________
Some people never learn. I made this mistake again in the same book, when changing a character's name from Peter to Cedric. That's when the Biblical book of 1 Peter was changed to 1 Cedric. Thankfully, this too was found and changed.


Flora invites you to check out her books on Amazon.

In "Elizabeth's Secret: Left for Dead in the Forest," first in the Castle in the Sun romantic-suspense series, Liz's husband has left and she has vowed to never trust another man. But when Liz discovers a hidden locket filled with romantic secrets, it sends Liz and best friend, Rosa (a young widow) on the trail of mystery, romance and new life. https://www.amazon.com/dp/170760942X

In "When Love Becomes Obsession," second in the Castle in the Sun romantic-suspense series, even as Liz revels in her engagement to Carlos and celebrates Christmas with him, she can feel her ex-husband's cold, blue eyes watching her every move. How far will he go? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZS2Q274


Coming Soon: "Lovers and Secrets," third in the Castle in the Sun romantic-suspense series. Unaware of what awaits them, Liz and Carlos are living their dream. They built a lavish new home with a pool, a baby is on the way and they are deeply in love. All seems perfect until a salacious secret leaks out about Carlos' womanizing past.  In "Lovers and Secrets, find out what happens when secrets unlock our past.
Might that dream you had mean something? What about that stranger who came to help at the right moment? A devotional, "Where Your Heart Meets God's" explores the many expressions of God's voice and loving care and how we might recognize them in our lives. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K18VT33

GRAMMATICAL CRIMES i HAVE COMMITTED

GRAMMATICAL CRIMES I HAVE COMMITTED
(The importance of editing and paying attention to detail)
By Flora Reigada, journalist & novelist



I rubbed my eyes and re-read the sentence. Did I really see it in a published book? I couldn't believe the errors.
She was quick as a march hair.
I almost blushed for the writer.
First, unless she was referring to march as in a parade, the month of March is capitalized.
Second, a hair is not quick unless it is falling from one's head. But a h-a-r-e is a large rabbit--and it is quick.
Then there was that nasty cliché, which the writer got wrong. It is actually mad as a March hare.
In "writing 101" we were instructed to avoid cliches like the plague--pun intended.
Editors are no fans of them. One dubbed a writer-friend, The Cliche Queen, because she frequently included them in her writing.
I wanted to laugh, but I couldn't, because that same editor nicknamed me, The Comma Queen.
"Using too many commas is the mark of an amateur," she told me, frowning over her eyeglasses.
I have also made my share of grammatical errors. Many were found by my husband/editor, Dan, whom I call Ol' Eagle Eye, because he can spot an error like an eagle its prey.
Here are some examples from my books and newspaper stories.
 
As Dan and I reviewed "Elizabeth's Secret," Book 1 in my "Castle in the Sun" romantic-suspense series, he marveled at a character's strength.
"Wow! I can't believe Rosa wrestled a bear into her car."
At least that is how the following passage sounded to him.
"I did bring my rifle after you told me about this latest bear. It's in the car."
In context, Rosa is speaking to best friend, Liz, about Liz's narrow escape from a bear. Another had been sighted.
Dan and I had a good laugh, then rewrote the passage as follows: "After you told me about this latest bear, I brought my rifle. It's in the car."
In "Lovers and Secrets," Book 3 in the series, I wrote the following: "Carlos returned to his room, immaculately cleaned by hotel workers."
Dan asked me if they had scrubbed him with a big brush.
We re-wrote as follows: "Carlos returned to his hotel room, finding it immaculately cleaned by hotel workers."
Beware those typos! In one of my newspaper stories, I quoted someone named Violet.  To my horror, I saw my slip of the finger had "renamed" her Violent. Thankfully, this was caught before the story went to press.
In a query letter to a publisher,  I wrote "A 100 word blub follows, instead of "100 word blurb."  Dan caught this one in time.
Sending a manuscript to a publisher, I addressed the envelope to Strange Publishing instead of Strang Publishing.  Naturally the manuscript was rejected and returned. That is when I saw the error, to my horror.
How about "light streaming in through tall widows?" That's what I wrote in my Messianic novel, "The Face Behind the Veil." This was changed to, "Light streaming in through tall windows."

In "When Love Becomes Obsession." I wrote, “Carlos slit open his eyes.” Dan said that sounded painful. I changed it to, “Carlos cracked open his eyes.”
Another time while editing, Dan scratched his head."What is a lethargical dancer?"  This was supposed to be a liturgical dancer.
While writing a story about how a local historian became acquainted with area history, when she thought Florida was a new state with little or none, I wrote"A move to Titusville and the historic, LaGrange Cemetery would challenge that perception."  Dan asked, "How did she like living in the cemetery?"The sentence was re-written as follows: "A move to Titusville and a visit to the historic, LaGrange Cemetery would challenge that perception."
Somehow, Pocahontas was inserted at the end of a Bible verse in a devotion,  from my devotional, "Where Your Heart Meets God's." 
"But knowing these things and knowing His fate, Jesus still told his disciples, "I have looked forward to this hour with deep longing, anxious to eat this Passover meal with you." Pocahontas. (Luke 22:15, TLB) I suspect this was in the clipboard, because at time I was writing about The Titusville Follies for a newspaper. Songs from shows such as, "Colors of the Wind," from the movie Pocahontas, were included in the Follies.
Now for "The Granddaddy of all errors." And yes, pardon the cliche.Jesus, Mary--and Stanley? 
One click of my computer’s mouse and I was headed toward disaster.
As I put the final touches on my inspirational thriller, "The Face Behind the Veil," and about to e-mail it to my publisher, I decided to change a character’s name from Joseph to Stanley.In an instant, this global change was made throughout the 600 page, three-part document, which traces the legend of the birth veil through three generations.
That was the only alteration I made after the book underwent extensive editing. Confident it was error-free, I clicked the mouse and off it went. It wasn’t long before I received the galley proof to review and approve, so the printing process could begin.
Weary of the seven-year project and the tedious historical research that had gone into it, I almost didn’t review the galley. But something in me couldn’t let it go until I did. That must have been Providential.  Imagine my surprise when I discovered how that last minute name change affected a scene where the Christmas story is told. In horror, I read the following.
"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Marywas espoused to Stanley, before they came together, she was found withchild of the Holy Ghost. Then Stanley her husband, being a just man, andnot willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her awayprivily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of theLord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Stanley, thou son of David,fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived inher is of the Holy Ghost . . .. Then Stanley being raised from sleep didas the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:"(Matthew 1:18-20, 24).
After getting over my initial shock, I made the necessary changes.However, rather than globally, I did this the old-fashioned way, one at a time. ___________________________________
Some people never learn. I made this mistake again in the same book, when changing a character's name from Peter to Cedric. That's when the Biblical book of 1 Peter was changed to 1 Cedric. Thankfully, this too was found and changed.


Flora invites you to check out her books on Amazon.

In "Elizabeth's Secret: Left for Dead in the Forest," first in the Castle in the Sun romantic-suspense series, Liz's husband has left and she has vowed to never trust another man. But when Liz discovers a hidden locket filled with romantic secrets, it sends Liz and best friend, Rosa (a young widow) on the trail of mystery, romance and new life. https://www.amazon.com/dp/170760942X

In "When Love Becomes Obsession," second in the Castle in the Sun romantic-suspense series, even as Liz revels in her engagement to Carlos and celebrates Christmas with him, she can feel her ex-husband's cold, blue eyes watching her every move. How far will he go? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZS2Q274


Coming Soon: "Lovers and Secrets," third in the Castle in the Sun romantic-suspense series. Unaware of what awaits them, Liz and Carlos are living their dream. They built a lavish new home with a pool, a baby is on the way and they are deeply in love. All seems perfect until a salacious secret leaks out about Carlos' womanizing past.  In "Lovers and Secrets, find out what happens when secrets unlock our past.
Might that dream you had mean something? What about that stranger who came to help at the right moment? A devotional, "Where Your Heart Meets God's" explores the many expressions of God's voice and loving care and how we might recognize them in our lives. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K18VT33

Grammatical Crimes I Have Committed: A Little Christmas Humor

That one click of my computer’s mouse almost spelled disaster.  I was putting the final touches on my inspirational thriller, The Face Behind the Veil, and about to e-mail it to my publisher, when I decided to change a character’s name from Joseph to Stanley. 
            It only took an instant to do this "globally"  throughout the 600 page, three-part document, which traces the legend of the birth veil through three generations.             That was the only alteration I made after the book was edited.  Confident it was error-free, I clicked "send" and off it went.   It wasn’t long before I received the galley proof for me to approve, so the printing process could begin.           Weary of the seven-year project, I almost didn’t review the galley.  But something in me couldn’t let it go until I did.  That must have been Providential.  Imagine my shock when I discovered how the name change I made affected a scene where the Christmas story is told.  In horror, I read the following. 

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Stanley, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Stanley her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Stanley, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost . . .. Then Stanley being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife."(Matthew 1:18-20, 24)

After getting over my initial shock, I made the necessary changes.  However, rather than globally, I did this the old fashioned way, one at a time.

Look inside The Face Behind the Veil
https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Face_Behind_the_Veil/9vA6qHv_aoUC?hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec=frontcover

More of Flora's books

Look inside Elizabeth's Secret: Left for Dead in the Forest.
https://www.amazon.com/Elizabeths-Secret-Left-Forest-Castle-ebook/dp/B07QX98DDG#reader_B07QX98DDG

Look inside When Love Becomes Obsession
https://www.amazon.com/When-Love-Beco...-ebook/dp/B07ZS2Q274#reader_B07ZS2Q274