Terry Odell's Blog, page 260
February 3, 2012
Friday Field Trip - Colorado Evenings
Last week it was sunrises. How about some sunsets for this week? Most of these are Hubster's, but a couple are mine. (I still want you to share pictures, so contact me if you've got some.)
Like this post? Please share by clicking one of the links below.
Like this post? Please share by clicking one of the links below.
February 2, 2012
Happy Groundhog Day
Since I'm working to get through edits and revisions of my next Pine Hills Police book, and because today is a special occasion in our household, I'm repeating a very slightly modified version of last year's Groundhog Day post.
Groundhog Day isn't a major holiday for most folks. When I lived in Florida, I always thought six more weeks of winter (our kind of winter) would be nice. Very nice. Our first winter in Colorado was very mild, and so far our second hasn't been much different, so if we're getting six more weeks of the same, I can deal with it. But, significant or not, it's a special holiday for me and the Hubster.
Forty-three years ago, in the parking lot behind the Biology building at UCLA, he proposed. Now, I'm not sure if the one-knee thing was because I was sitting in my car and that was the only way he could make decent eye contact, but he asked. I said, "Yes." We even went to my parents' house and he did the formal, "I'd like to marry your daughter," thing. Survived the third degree -- "How will you support her?" (Remember, 43 years ago things were different--women were just beginning to be 'liberated.) He explained he had $2000 in a savings account, tied up as collateral for the loan on his truck, but he could pay off the truck at any time and untie the funds. And that was good enough for my dad. Then again, the dollar wasn't the same then, either.
I hadn't known him long--we'd met the first day of class when he was the lab TA for a course I had to take for part of my teaching certification. There were 2 other females in the lab section. One was engaged, and the other had a steady boyfriend. Then there was me. Our first "date" was a threesome. He was going to have to lead a field trip to the tidal flats and he wanted to scope it out first (being a non-California guy, he wasn't familiar with the inhabitants of the shore). He invited me and the girl with the steady boyfriend to tag along. I'm still not sure he knew about the guy at this point, but it was anything but a formal date. He dropped her off first. And there it began.
So, met in October, engaged in February, and married in August. Forty-three years ago. Happy Groundhog Day, Hubster. Wanna try for eighty-three?
Like this post? Please share by clicking one of the links below.
Groundhog Day isn't a major holiday for most folks. When I lived in Florida, I always thought six more weeks of winter (our kind of winter) would be nice. Very nice. Our first winter in Colorado was very mild, and so far our second hasn't been much different, so if we're getting six more weeks of the same, I can deal with it. But, significant or not, it's a special holiday for me and the Hubster.Forty-three years ago, in the parking lot behind the Biology building at UCLA, he proposed. Now, I'm not sure if the one-knee thing was because I was sitting in my car and that was the only way he could make decent eye contact, but he asked. I said, "Yes." We even went to my parents' house and he did the formal, "I'd like to marry your daughter," thing. Survived the third degree -- "How will you support her?" (Remember, 43 years ago things were different--women were just beginning to be 'liberated.) He explained he had $2000 in a savings account, tied up as collateral for the loan on his truck, but he could pay off the truck at any time and untie the funds. And that was good enough for my dad. Then again, the dollar wasn't the same then, either.
I hadn't known him long--we'd met the first day of class when he was the lab TA for a course I had to take for part of my teaching certification. There were 2 other females in the lab section. One was engaged, and the other had a steady boyfriend. Then there was me. Our first "date" was a threesome. He was going to have to lead a field trip to the tidal flats and he wanted to scope it out first (being a non-California guy, he wasn't familiar with the inhabitants of the shore). He invited me and the girl with the steady boyfriend to tag along. I'm still not sure he knew about the guy at this point, but it was anything but a formal date. He dropped her off first. And there it began.
So, met in October, engaged in February, and married in August. Forty-three years ago. Happy Groundhog Day, Hubster. Wanna try for eighty-three?
Like this post? Please share by clicking one of the links below.
February 1, 2012
What's Cooking Wednesday - Molasses Peanut Butter Cookies
What I'm reading: Contest entry #5 of 8
First - a request: My POV workshop will be cancelled if I don't get some more people signed up. If you know anyone who might benefit from some the workshop, I'd appreciate it if you'd send them in this direction . If the class is a "go" it'll most likely be small enough to permit some one-on-one help.
Thanks to Shelley Bell for sharing the trials and tribulations of book promotion.
A while back, someone on Google+ asked for recipes using molasses. I used to make this one for my kids (and since I don't like peanut butter it meant I wasn't tempted to eat them all--and because the kids aren't around anymore, I didn't bake them to take a picture for the blog.)
Molasses Peanut Butter Cookies Makes 4 dozen
Preheat oven to 375
½ c. shortening
½ c. sugar
½ c. light molasses
½ c. chunky peanut butter
1 egg
2 c. flour
¼ t baking soda
¼ t baking powder
¼ t salt
In mixing bowl, cream shortening & sugar; beat in molasses, peanut butter, and egg. Stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Stir into peanut butter mixture. Mix well. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten dough slightly with tines of a fork.
Bake 8 minutes, or until done.
Like this post? Please share by clicking one of the links below.
First - a request: My POV workshop will be cancelled if I don't get some more people signed up. If you know anyone who might benefit from some the workshop, I'd appreciate it if you'd send them in this direction . If the class is a "go" it'll most likely be small enough to permit some one-on-one help.
Thanks to Shelley Bell for sharing the trials and tribulations of book promotion.
A while back, someone on Google+ asked for recipes using molasses. I used to make this one for my kids (and since I don't like peanut butter it meant I wasn't tempted to eat them all--and because the kids aren't around anymore, I didn't bake them to take a picture for the blog.)
Molasses Peanut Butter Cookies Makes 4 dozen
Preheat oven to 375
½ c. shortening
½ c. sugar
½ c. light molasses
½ c. chunky peanut butter
1 egg
2 c. flour
¼ t baking soda
¼ t baking powder
¼ t salt
In mixing bowl, cream shortening & sugar; beat in molasses, peanut butter, and egg. Stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Stir into peanut butter mixture. Mix well. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten dough slightly with tines of a fork.
Bake 8 minutes, or until done.
Like this post? Please share by clicking one of the links below.
What's Cooking Wednesday - Moasses Peanut Butter Cookies
What I'm reading: Contest entry #5 of 8
First - a request: My POV workshop will be cancelled if I don't get some more people signed up. If you know anyone who might benefit from some the workshop, I'd appreciate it if you'd send them in this direction . If the class is a "go" it'll most likely be small enough to permit some one-on-one help.
Thanks to Shelley Bell for sharing the trials and tribulations of book promotion.
A while back, someone on Google+ asked for recipes using molasses. I used to make this one for my kids (and since I don't like peanut butter it meant I wasn't tempted to eat them all--and because the kids aren't around anymore, I didn't bake them to take a picture for the blog.)
Molasses Peanut Butter Cookies Makes 4 dozen
Preheat oven to 375
½ c. shortening
½ c. sugar
½ c. light molasses
½ c. chunky peanut butter
1 egg
2 c. flour
¼ t baking soda
¼ t baking powder
¼ t salt
In mixing bowl, cream shortening & sugar; beat in molasses, peanut butter, and egg. Stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Stir into peanut butter mixture. Mix well. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten dough slightly with tines of a fork.
Bake 8 minutes, or until done.
Like this post? Please share by clicking one of the links below.
First - a request: My POV workshop will be cancelled if I don't get some more people signed up. If you know anyone who might benefit from some the workshop, I'd appreciate it if you'd send them in this direction . If the class is a "go" it'll most likely be small enough to permit some one-on-one help.
Thanks to Shelley Bell for sharing the trials and tribulations of book promotion.
A while back, someone on Google+ asked for recipes using molasses. I used to make this one for my kids (and since I don't like peanut butter it meant I wasn't tempted to eat them all--and because the kids aren't around anymore, I didn't bake them to take a picture for the blog.)
Molasses Peanut Butter Cookies Makes 4 dozen
Preheat oven to 375
½ c. shortening
½ c. sugar
½ c. light molasses
½ c. chunky peanut butter
1 egg
2 c. flour
¼ t baking soda
¼ t baking powder
¼ t salt
In mixing bowl, cream shortening & sugar; beat in molasses, peanut butter, and egg. Stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Stir into peanut butter mixture. Mix well. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten dough slightly with tines of a fork.
Bake 8 minutes, or until done.
Like this post? Please share by clicking one of the links below.
January 31, 2012
Stumbling in the Dark
Today I welcome Shelly Bell to Terry's Place. Shelly's debut book, A YEAR TO REMEMBER, releases today as an e-book and will be available in print this July. Here, she's sharing some of the things she learned about the other side of writing...promotion.
I love to read. To me, there's nothing better than reading a book. From snuggling on the couch during a snowstorm to sunbathing at the pool, you'll always find me with my Kindle.
Maybe that's why I got a crazy notion to write a book. Only, like my book's protagonist, Sara, I'm stumbling in the dark looking for the light switch. I've written my story and gotten it published. Now what?
Before I entered this industry, it never occurred to me that authors had to do anything other than write a book. I assumed the publisher took care of the advertising. Wrong! In addition to the writing and editing, an author is responsible for the marketing and publicity of the book. I'm an attorney by day. I've never had to ponder the ins and outs of the advertising industry. Where to begin?
I began by visiting other authors' websites and wrote notes on their content and esthetics. A common denominator was the author blog. I've never paid much attention to blogs in the past. That's all changed. Each day, I read several blogs written by authors, agents and publishers.
Once I got a handle of what I wanted for my website, I met with my friend, a web designer. He explained blogs are important because it creates content for your site. You know how you can Google your name and tons of other sites are listed before your own? The more content you have on your site, the higher your Google ranking. The idea is to create enough content that your site comes up first in a search. You want that ranking not just when it comes to your name but other key words, like the title of your book. I barely have time to keep up with my day job and my two kids. On top of everything else, I have to write blogs?
Next, I created a Facebook Page. This is different from your personal profile because the page can have its own URL and it's not limited to a quantity of followers. I also use Twitter, which I've grown to love. Following authors, agents and publishers gives me so much insight into the business. I don't use it to solely advertise my book. I may mention a contest or a release date, but I really use it to interact with others. I've linked my Twitter account to my Facebook account, so I only have to type it once. I'm using Networked Blogs to link my blog to my Twitter which is linked to my Facebook. That means whenever I post a blog, its automatically posted to my Twitter and Facebook.
If you want to spend money, you can advertise your book in publications such as trade magazines and on third-party websites. Contests are a great way to lure readers to your site as well. It really depends on your budget.
And don't forget blog tours… And submitting your book for reviews…And promotional items… And banners… And interacting with authors and readers through Goodreads, BookTown, Savvy Authors, Yahoo Groups, Google Groups, and other social media sites…
And of course, word of mouth. Telling everyone you know! Don't be shy!
Even with everything I've learned about publicity, marketing and advertising this year, I'm still stumbling in the dark. Hopefully, I'll find the light switch soon.
You can purchase A YEAR TO REMEMBER at Amazon, Barnes & Noble.com, and Soulmate Publishing. Visit Shelly at her website, www.ShellyBellBooks.com , on Facebook , and on Twitter
Like this post? Please share by clicking one of the links below.
I love to read. To me, there's nothing better than reading a book. From snuggling on the couch during a snowstorm to sunbathing at the pool, you'll always find me with my Kindle. Maybe that's why I got a crazy notion to write a book. Only, like my book's protagonist, Sara, I'm stumbling in the dark looking for the light switch. I've written my story and gotten it published. Now what?
Before I entered this industry, it never occurred to me that authors had to do anything other than write a book. I assumed the publisher took care of the advertising. Wrong! In addition to the writing and editing, an author is responsible for the marketing and publicity of the book. I'm an attorney by day. I've never had to ponder the ins and outs of the advertising industry. Where to begin?
I began by visiting other authors' websites and wrote notes on their content and esthetics. A common denominator was the author blog. I've never paid much attention to blogs in the past. That's all changed. Each day, I read several blogs written by authors, agents and publishers.
Once I got a handle of what I wanted for my website, I met with my friend, a web designer. He explained blogs are important because it creates content for your site. You know how you can Google your name and tons of other sites are listed before your own? The more content you have on your site, the higher your Google ranking. The idea is to create enough content that your site comes up first in a search. You want that ranking not just when it comes to your name but other key words, like the title of your book. I barely have time to keep up with my day job and my two kids. On top of everything else, I have to write blogs?
Next, I created a Facebook Page. This is different from your personal profile because the page can have its own URL and it's not limited to a quantity of followers. I also use Twitter, which I've grown to love. Following authors, agents and publishers gives me so much insight into the business. I don't use it to solely advertise my book. I may mention a contest or a release date, but I really use it to interact with others. I've linked my Twitter account to my Facebook account, so I only have to type it once. I'm using Networked Blogs to link my blog to my Twitter which is linked to my Facebook. That means whenever I post a blog, its automatically posted to my Twitter and Facebook.
If you want to spend money, you can advertise your book in publications such as trade magazines and on third-party websites. Contests are a great way to lure readers to your site as well. It really depends on your budget.
And don't forget blog tours… And submitting your book for reviews…And promotional items… And banners… And interacting with authors and readers through Goodreads, BookTown, Savvy Authors, Yahoo Groups, Google Groups, and other social media sites…
And of course, word of mouth. Telling everyone you know! Don't be shy!
Even with everything I've learned about publicity, marketing and advertising this year, I'm still stumbling in the dark. Hopefully, I'll find the light switch soon.
You can purchase A YEAR TO REMEMBER at Amazon, Barnes & Noble.com, and Soulmate Publishing. Visit Shelly at her website, www.ShellyBellBooks.com , on Facebook , and on Twitter
Like this post? Please share by clicking one of the links below.
January 30, 2012
Just Romantic Suspense, and Editing
Today I'm over at
Just Romantic Suspense
talking about the differences between mystery and suspense, especially in the romance genre. I'm giving away a copy of Finding Sarah to one commenter (and if you have already read the book, I'm happy to gift it to someone you choose should you win.)
click to enlarge (I hope)
I've been working on edits for my next Pine Hills Police story. I've mentioned it before, but for me, the best way to deal with this round of edits (the ones I do after I hit "the end" but before I send it off to the editor)
I print the entire document, because your eye will see things differently on paper. I change the font, again to fool the eye. To save paper, the first time I tried this, I printed the manuscript in 2 columns and found that added yet another piece of eye-trickery. You're not reading across long lines of print, and your eye will pick up even more since nothing is laid out the way it was on the screen. I also reduce the font size slightly—my intent is to read this like a book, and books have smaller type, so it's not something totally out of the realm of what I'm used to.
Then, as I read, I go through catching things that I've missed when I've re-read scenes during the writing process. The different layout makes new stuff jump off the page. I can catch flow errors, overused words, and places where I can't follow the dialogue. It's easy when you're writing it—you know who's speaking—but going back later, it might not be clear, and if it's not clear to me, then a reader will definitely have trouble.
I don't do revising on this draft. I make notes for simple changes. If I find something that needs a more in-depth look, I write it on a sticky note and put it on my idea board, since these are things that usually require a global search.
For example, one of my sticky notes for this manuscript (and I'm only halfway through) says "too many redheads with freckles?" which is something I can search for when I finish this run through the manuscript.
Another thing I'm looking for is a scene (or scenes) that aren't working. These I'll fix in revisions. Right now, I have "Scott locked up? Storage closet? If so, rework trap door discovery scene."
And if you know anyone interested in a workshop on Point of View, please point them to the link in my sidebar. As of Friday, I didn't have enough people signed up, and unless there's a minimum number, they'll cancel the workshop. Thanks!
Tomorrow, my guest is Shelly Bell, who's talking about learning all the "other stuff" that goes along with writing a book. Be sure you stop by.
Like this post? Please share by clicking one of the links below.
click to enlarge (I hope)
I've been working on edits for my next Pine Hills Police story. I've mentioned it before, but for me, the best way to deal with this round of edits (the ones I do after I hit "the end" but before I send it off to the editor)
I print the entire document, because your eye will see things differently on paper. I change the font, again to fool the eye. To save paper, the first time I tried this, I printed the manuscript in 2 columns and found that added yet another piece of eye-trickery. You're not reading across long lines of print, and your eye will pick up even more since nothing is laid out the way it was on the screen. I also reduce the font size slightly—my intent is to read this like a book, and books have smaller type, so it's not something totally out of the realm of what I'm used to.
Then, as I read, I go through catching things that I've missed when I've re-read scenes during the writing process. The different layout makes new stuff jump off the page. I can catch flow errors, overused words, and places where I can't follow the dialogue. It's easy when you're writing it—you know who's speaking—but going back later, it might not be clear, and if it's not clear to me, then a reader will definitely have trouble.
I don't do revising on this draft. I make notes for simple changes. If I find something that needs a more in-depth look, I write it on a sticky note and put it on my idea board, since these are things that usually require a global search.
For example, one of my sticky notes for this manuscript (and I'm only halfway through) says "too many redheads with freckles?" which is something I can search for when I finish this run through the manuscript.
Another thing I'm looking for is a scene (or scenes) that aren't working. These I'll fix in revisions. Right now, I have "Scott locked up? Storage closet? If so, rework trap door discovery scene."
And if you know anyone interested in a workshop on Point of View, please point them to the link in my sidebar. As of Friday, I didn't have enough people signed up, and unless there's a minimum number, they'll cancel the workshop. Thanks!
Tomorrow, my guest is Shelly Bell, who's talking about learning all the "other stuff" that goes along with writing a book. Be sure you stop by.
Like this post? Please share by clicking one of the links below.
January 29, 2012
Romantic Suspense or Romantic Mystery?
I'm over at Just Romantic Suspense today, talking about romantic suspense, which is what the romance publishing industry calls romance books that fall into any of the mystery sub-genres. Please visit. I'm giving away a book to one commenter.And scroll down to yesterday's post to see if you're a winner of a giveaway from last week's post!
January 28, 2012
And The Winners Are...
Thanks to all who left comments on my post on Monday, and Mike Nettleton's post on Tuesday. Our random number generators have selected the winners.
For my post about what authors owe readers, the winner of a download of any of my e-books is Teresa K. Email me at terry (at) terryodell (dot) com and let me know what book you've chosen, and what format (Kindle, Nook, or Smashwords)
Mike's offering a choice of either a download or a print copy to Elizabeth Spann Craig and Janet Kerr. Email him at deadlyduo (at) comcast (dot) net to claim your prizes.
Congratulations, and thanks again.
For my post about what authors owe readers, the winner of a download of any of my e-books is Teresa K. Email me at terry (at) terryodell (dot) com and let me know what book you've chosen, and what format (Kindle, Nook, or Smashwords)
Mike's offering a choice of either a download or a print copy to Elizabeth Spann Craig and Janet Kerr. Email him at deadlyduo (at) comcast (dot) net to claim your prizes.
Congratulations, and thanks again.
January 27, 2012
Friday Field Trip - Colorado Mornings
Remember, there's still some time to comment on both my
Monday post
and Mike Nettleton's
Tuesday post
to enter to win books. Winners will be picked this evening and announced over the weekend, so be sure to check to see if you're a winner.
We've had some glorious sunrises recently. Thanks to Jason and Hubster for these pictures. Some are mine, but I'm sure you can spot the ones taken with good cameras. (Not to mention they put their names on their shots)
Like this post? Please share by clicking one of the links below.
We've had some glorious sunrises recently. Thanks to Jason and Hubster for these pictures. Some are mine, but I'm sure you can spot the ones taken with good cameras. (Not to mention they put their names on their shots)
Like this post? Please share by clicking one of the links below.
January 26, 2012
Whose Story Is It?
What I'm reading: Contest entry #4 of 8; The Affair, by Lee Child.
Remember, there's still plenty of time to comment on both my Monday post and Mike Nettleton's Tuesday post to enter to win books. And another reminder about my POV workshop at Savvy Authors. I'll be giving books away there, too. If you know someone who might benefit from a basic craft workshop, point them that way. (Link in the sidebar)
In the world of romance fiction, reader expectation dictates that you have (at least) two Point of View characters: hero and heroine. They both must have complete story arcs, almost equally weighted.
Key word: "almost". Because it's not really 50-50. It might be as close as 49-51, but the reader is usually left with the feeling that it was a "his" book or a "hers" book.
Not being much of a plotter, I knew who my characters were, and what their conflicts were, but I wasn't really paying a lot of attention to whose book it would turn out to be. It didn't really matter until I needed a title. (That's another thing I rarely come up with in advance.)
Now, this book is part of my Pine Hills Police series. I've got Finding Sarah and Hidden Fire. There's also Finding Fire, but that's a collection of connected short stories. The new book features two totally new characters, Scott and Ashley, but there are still many familiar faces. The title should somehow "fit" with the others, giving potential readers a signal that the books are part of a series. For example, my Blackthorne, Inc. series all have "Danger" in the title.
When I asked my crit partners and my daughter, who is my first reader, whose book they thought it was, they all said it was Ashley's book, which meant that "Scott Free" wouldn't make a very good title (not that it's a particularly compelling title to begin with).
Against her parents' advice, Ashley has split with her unsupportive fiancé and moved to Pine Hills to start up her dream business: Confections by Ashley. The bakery is under construction, and there have been countless setbacks, which she's not sure can all be attributed to the work crew, which she thinks of as the Klutz Brigade. A dead body found on the premises doesn't help, especially when the cops think she has a motive for doing the killing.
Scott, a county sheriff homicide detective has quit his job after a traumatic case—one that screams "failure" to him, although others consider him a hero. He has to deal with his injuries, post-traumatic stress, and being able to accept that he's not a cop anymore. He's always been defined by his job. He accepts a civilian job with the Pine Hills Police Department, and is having trouble figuring out how he fits in.
Of course, since it's a romantic suspense (or, my preferred "Mystery With Relationships"), Scott and Ashley will hook up and have to deal with helping each other. He thinks Ashley, his new neighbor, is innocent, but when he's asked to help the detectives with the investigation, he has to decide if he wants to be a cop or a protective boyfriend.
But it's the GMC – the Goal, Motivation, and Conflict, that's at the heart of the story. Ashley's goal is simple: Have a successful bakery. Scott's is more deep-rooted. He has to find peace with himself. To me, Scott's inner conflict is more compelling than the more superficial conflict of trying to start up a business.
As I'm in the first round of edits, before I send it to my editor, I'll have to decide whether to go back and add more of Scott's conflict scenes to ramp up the "finding himself" theme, or if I should stick with what my readers have told me is Ashley's book.
What's your take? Based on the brief descriptions I've given, whose story do you think would be stronger? Do you have any better titles to suggest for the book? If I like yours, you'll get credit in the book, and, of course, a free copy.
Like this post? Please share by clicking one of the links below.
Remember, there's still plenty of time to comment on both my Monday post and Mike Nettleton's Tuesday post to enter to win books. And another reminder about my POV workshop at Savvy Authors. I'll be giving books away there, too. If you know someone who might benefit from a basic craft workshop, point them that way. (Link in the sidebar)
In the world of romance fiction, reader expectation dictates that you have (at least) two Point of View characters: hero and heroine. They both must have complete story arcs, almost equally weighted. Key word: "almost". Because it's not really 50-50. It might be as close as 49-51, but the reader is usually left with the feeling that it was a "his" book or a "hers" book.
Not being much of a plotter, I knew who my characters were, and what their conflicts were, but I wasn't really paying a lot of attention to whose book it would turn out to be. It didn't really matter until I needed a title. (That's another thing I rarely come up with in advance.)
Now, this book is part of my Pine Hills Police series. I've got Finding Sarah and Hidden Fire. There's also Finding Fire, but that's a collection of connected short stories. The new book features two totally new characters, Scott and Ashley, but there are still many familiar faces. The title should somehow "fit" with the others, giving potential readers a signal that the books are part of a series. For example, my Blackthorne, Inc. series all have "Danger" in the title.
When I asked my crit partners and my daughter, who is my first reader, whose book they thought it was, they all said it was Ashley's book, which meant that "Scott Free" wouldn't make a very good title (not that it's a particularly compelling title to begin with).
Against her parents' advice, Ashley has split with her unsupportive fiancé and moved to Pine Hills to start up her dream business: Confections by Ashley. The bakery is under construction, and there have been countless setbacks, which she's not sure can all be attributed to the work crew, which she thinks of as the Klutz Brigade. A dead body found on the premises doesn't help, especially when the cops think she has a motive for doing the killing.
Scott, a county sheriff homicide detective has quit his job after a traumatic case—one that screams "failure" to him, although others consider him a hero. He has to deal with his injuries, post-traumatic stress, and being able to accept that he's not a cop anymore. He's always been defined by his job. He accepts a civilian job with the Pine Hills Police Department, and is having trouble figuring out how he fits in.
Of course, since it's a romantic suspense (or, my preferred "Mystery With Relationships"), Scott and Ashley will hook up and have to deal with helping each other. He thinks Ashley, his new neighbor, is innocent, but when he's asked to help the detectives with the investigation, he has to decide if he wants to be a cop or a protective boyfriend.
But it's the GMC – the Goal, Motivation, and Conflict, that's at the heart of the story. Ashley's goal is simple: Have a successful bakery. Scott's is more deep-rooted. He has to find peace with himself. To me, Scott's inner conflict is more compelling than the more superficial conflict of trying to start up a business.
As I'm in the first round of edits, before I send it to my editor, I'll have to decide whether to go back and add more of Scott's conflict scenes to ramp up the "finding himself" theme, or if I should stick with what my readers have told me is Ashley's book.
What's your take? Based on the brief descriptions I've given, whose story do you think would be stronger? Do you have any better titles to suggest for the book? If I like yours, you'll get credit in the book, and, of course, a free copy.
Like this post? Please share by clicking one of the links below.
