Tracee Lydia Garner's Blog, page 7
June 20, 2017
Come Join Us – Local Virginia Christian Fiction Writer’s Conference seeks workshop proposals.
We are now accepting workshop proposals for our annual writing conference in Woodbridge, VA. The unofficial conference date is November 4, 2017. You can apply by filling out the proposal form.
via Now Accepting Workshop Proposals — ACFW Virginia
June 16, 2017
Friday Features…
Avery Daniels
Here’s a little bit about Avery’s latest release, Iced .[image error]
Julienne has her ideal job as an event planner at a prestigious resort. During a luncheon event she coordinated, a renowned celebrity pastor is killed next to the buffet. All eyes turn to her as the suspect. If she wants to stay out of jail or even keep her job, Julienne needs all the help she can get to solve the crime.
She has her work cut out for her with a vengeful high school rival now reporter, the public demanding she be fired, plus family who knows what’s best for her, and a boyfriend who doesn’t understand her. She turns to friends and a new ally to uncover who wanted to put the pastor on ice.
Julienne goes undercover and investigates a local swingers group as she follows the trail of clues before they go cold. Can she gather enough suspects and motives to convince the police to widen their investigation? Can she do it before the killer sets his murderous sights on her? Will her personal life ever be as simple as unveiling a murderer?
Chapter One
We were only serving a modest seventy-five attendees, but I had already been assailed with special requests and numerous complaints. Picky doesn’t begin to cover it.
“How hard would it be to setup for a video presentation with a large screen and surround sound?”
“There are windows. It’s too distracting, people will be watching the hotel guests walking around.”
“Can we change the setup of room C from an L configuration to a U shape? But only for that one session, then move it back.”
“Can we get the Lobster for the buffet flown in that morning? Scallops are out….Can we have the scallops after all?”
“Music piped in during the breaks?”
“No music piped in at all.”
“Red tablecloths with white napkins.”
“Royal blue tablecloths with white napkins.”
“White tablecloths with yellow napkins.”
“Candles on mirrors for lunch centerpieces.”
“Fresh flowers for centerpieces.”
The changes continued even after the event started.
The Convention Center, with its classic European décor had a small lobby area with a few potted trees and plants on column stands. The rest extended down a hallway with two large areas on each side that could be divided into smaller rooms via partitions that extend from the walls as needed. The space could be up to eight small rooms, four on each side, or any combination from one to four rooms per side of the hallway.
The hallway was wide with several half-circle console tables including marble tops holding large dried floral arrangements and a few elegant chairs. The walls displayed large paintings of the Italian countryside and vineyards with carved gold gilt frames.
I was in a partitioned room overseeing the set up of the lunch buffet. The Italian Renaissance architecture was accentuated with interior details and décor that created a European elegance, all lit with the warm glow of a massive amber glass chandelier.
The room was a rectangle with the entrance from the hallway to one end and the door to the catering staging area at the opposite end. The buffet table was along the wall next to the staging door so wait staff could easy restock food items. The six-person round tables covered in rich golden linens were scattered strategically throughout the room to allow easy traffic flow. The thick carpet felt plush and cloud-like under foot.
I was surveying the buffet table with a critical eye. The five foot long ice sculpture of a swordfish occupied the center of the table and looked as though it was caught in mid leap, frolicking in a wave and ready to dive back into an unseen ocean. My stomach growled as the succulent smells of seafood teased my nose. The attendees would be returning to this room for their lunch and keynote speaker shortly.
“Brad, where are the crab leg metal crackers and little forks? Can you grab a few dozen and bring them right away?” Brad, slim and serious, had joined the team only two months ago and was picking up extra hours at every opportunity. He had asked to work this event as soon as I blocked out the time on the schedule. This would give him a good paycheck. He was lanky and took off with an easy loping stride to the staging area through the back door.
The door to the staging area had barely closed when I felt a hand grab hold of my derriere with an iron hard grip.
“This is more like it honey. I haven’t had any fun today.”
I whirled around and stumbled back. “Don’t touch the staff. That includes me Pastor Tom.” I practically shouted. Pastor Tom Drake was well known around town, and getting national attention lately with his mega church. He was included in the luncheon due to his influence, but he was just Pastor Tom since he was a local guy who started his church and radio ministry from his garage.
I had contended with bad behavior before, but never this grabby. I think I was going to have a bruise left from his vicious hand.
“You’re not being very fri…friendly.” I noticed his eyes were droopy and then I caught a whiff of the scotch he must have gotten at the Gilded Hornet pub next to the convention center building.
I decided to alert security we needed a person to monitor the rest of the event and turned to go. His iron hand grabbed hold of my arm and yanked me to him. Without a thought I took my knee to his groin and enjoyed watching his mouth form an “O” as his breath whooshed out. I broke free and backed away. I wasn’t turning my back on him again.
“I will see you fired for that you bitch.” He whispered with a jagged voice.
He couldn’t do that, at least I was pretty sure he couldn’t. I guess I’d find out. I rubbed my still smarting arm where he grabbed it. Brad would be back or the event participants would start to wander in so he couldn’t do much more, but I didn’t want to stay and find out. I backed out the door to the hallway toward the lobby and took my cell phone from my pants pocket.
“Hey Ron, we have a person under the influence at the luncheon in Convention Center. Can you spare someone for the afternoon?”
“I’ll make sure somebody’s there immediately Julienne. How bad is this guy?”
“Well, I’ll probably have a black-and-blue handprint on my arm and …my backside.” I took a deep breath.
“Son of a … I’ll be right there. You stay away from him.” Like I would go near that Neanderthal again, pastor or not.
The other participants were starting to exit the smaller break out session rooms and meander to the banquet room and bathrooms. The noise level began to creep upward from multiple conversations competing to be heard.
There was a loud crash of metal from the banquet room and a participant jerked open the door and froze in place. “Oh sh…” The participant’s mouth gaped and his eyes were large circles.
I ran over to the open door and saw Pastor Tom impaled through the chest with the sharp end of the Swordfish ice sculpture, from his back right through to the front. His head was forward against his chest. Blood, running down the swordfish tip that jutted from his chest, dripping to the carpet. Drip, drip, drip in a macabre but surreal scene.
About Avery
[image error]Avery Daniels was born and raised in Colorado, graduated from college with a degree in business administration. She inherited a love for reading from her mother and grandmother, discussing books and history at the dinner table. Her first story written as a teen was a tale of a girl nursing a fawn back to health and releasing it into the wild again.
Visit Avery on Goodreads,
Twitter and at her
Mystery Suspense Blog
Purchase a Copy of Iced here on Amazon or Barnes and Noble
June 14, 2017
How do you write, Ann Marie Bryan?
Ann Marie Bryan
Here’s what she has to say about her own writing process.
Regarding my writing process, I carry the storyline in my mind until I
have a good grasp on where I’m heading with it. During that time, I get
to know the characters – their backgrounds, personalities, likes and
dislikes, pain points, etc.
There are three elements that are always present in my writing – a
central theme, a major event that has changed the protagonist’s life,
and conflict. I like to write about characters who are total opposites,
because I have to take them out of their comfort zones and also find the
common thread that will create harmony between them. In all of this, the
characters have to remain true to their personalities yet be open enough
to understand each other. The lessons learned are priceless.
My preferred time to write is in the morning… early morning, when it is
quiet and I can hear myself think. Using Microsoft Word, I do an outline
of what I’m hoping to achieve in each chapter. After that, I am all
about getting the story out of my head. There’s always a rush to
complete this because I need the characters to stop talking.
When I am away from my laptop, I use the memo pad on my cell phone to
note things that I would like to add to the story. I do research while I
am writing.
There is no better feeling than completing the first draft. Then, the
rewrite begins. During the rewrite, I add to the outline to keep tabs on
pacing, character development, conflicts, resolutions, etc. I will do
another rewrite/self edit to make sure the story is authentic. When I am
positive that this is the story I would like to present to the world, I
prepare the back cover description and come up with a suitable title and
cover.
Next, the editing process begins. Usually, I will send my manuscript to
four beta readers/first round editors. When I get back their responses
and make the appropriate corrections, I then send my manuscript to a
professional editor and after that, a proofreader.
The most dreaded part of writing for me is the absolutely necessary
editing process. I’m handing over my “baby” for a thorough examination
and that can be nerve-racking. Quite often, I’ll wondered if my editors
will understand the message I’m attempting to convey. Happy to report
that usually they do. However, there is nothing quite like making those
editorial changes. It is time-consuming and exhausting. Yet, it must be
done because I want to release my best book.
Advice for aspiring authors
Determine why you desire to write. Don’t be overwhelmed by your lack of
knowledge about writing or the publishing industry. Educate yourself.
Select an individual, group or organization with the knowledge and
ability to help you succeed. Do research to obtain information on how to
best leverage your knowledge and abilities to fulfill your dream of
becoming an author. Benchmark against the best in the area of your
writing assignment. Nevertheless, be a trend-setter. Do not be afraid to
break new ground. Importantly, read, read, read…especially other
authors in your genre. Above all, trust God; He will bring it to pass.
Ready! Set! Go!
Ann Marie Bryan is a dedicated, graceful, multi-talented leader with a
passion for excellence. She is the CEO & Founder of Victorious By
Design, an organization committed to providing top quality professional
writing services, comprehensive personal and professional development
programs and exceptional performing arts services to meet the unique
needs of individuals and organizations.
A Christian Fiction author, Ann Marie writes to educate, inspire and
empower others. She desires to tell great stories with fascinating
characters to show the awesome power of God in the lives of people and
places. Shades of the Heart is the first book in her bestselling,
Encounters of the Heart series. Book 2 – Mirrored Hearts: Sealed By Fire
was released February 2016. Her new release, A Place For My Heart, is
the highly anticipated third installment in the series.[image error]
Ann Marie’s greatest passion is to empower others to succeed by tapping into their God-given potential. She enjoys writing, reading, dancing,
teaching, meeting people and traveling. With all the knowledge and experiences that God has so graciously blessed her with, Ann Marie is
determined to make her life a ministry for the Lord.
[image error]To learn about Ann Marie’s books visit her Friday Features post, where she visited my special Friday blog just a couple of weeks ago and also visit all of her social media sites at her:
Website
Newsletter
Amazon Page
Goodreads Page
June 9, 2017
Friday Features
This Friday brings in Pennsylvania Author
Jodie Wolfe
who creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.
Jodie is here to tell us about her latest romantic novel An Angel for the Cowboy, which is part of the Let Love Spring: A Historical Spring Collection.
Chapter One
Wanted: A man of faith and means, willing to enter a marriage of convenience by April 14th. Must be a fine and upstanding citizen. No cowboys or drifters need apply. All inquiries should be sent to: E. Love in care of Burrton Grove Gazette, Burrton Grove, Kansas.
February 14, 1876, Burrton Grove, Kansas
The staccato beating of her heart reverberated in Esther Love’s ears as she read her announcement in the local newspaper. Two months to save her home and sisters. Would the Lord see fit to provide a man in time?
Her middle sister entered the tiny kitchen of the home they’d lived in all their lives. Essie snapped the weekly periodical closed and shoved it under a book. The house hadn’t been the same since Pa died six months prior. Ma had passed decades earlier when Essie’s youngest sister was a babe. A year ago, all had been right in the world, and she’d had a bright future ahead of her—a wedding to plan—but then that no-account banker had reneged on his promise.
“Essie.” Her sister’s voice was a welcome diversion from her dismal thoughts.
Kitty stood with her hands planted on her slim hips. “Essie, you aren’t listening to me. Why haven’t you changed yet? You can’t wear that to go to the sweetheart dance.”
Essie glanced down at her rumpled dress and the ink stains on her fingers. “I’m not going.”
The same men who attended every other town festivity would be at that dance. None of them were suitable to come to her rescue or would be willing to take on the restrictions she required. Especially since her lame-brained ex-fiancé had blabbed all over town about her being a dime novelist, an unemployed one, at that.
“Runnin’ from folks won’t solve your problem.” Teddy, her youngest sister, shoved the tails of Pa’s shirt into her dungarees. Ma would’ve never allowed them to wear such garb, but she’d not seen fit to live long enough to take Teddy in hand. No matter how hard Essie tried, the girl refused to be tamed.
Essie stared at her eighteen-year-old sister. Teddy was at the age where she should be thinking of beaus and settling down to run her own household instead of spending her time outdoors taking care of the farm. Her long thick braid slapped against her waist as she leaned against the dry sink.
Teddy speared her with a look. “Just ’cause that no-account insect went back on his word, don’t mean you shouldn’t try and snag some other fella’s attention.”
Essie refrained from rolling her eyes at her sister’s poor grammar.
Kitty chimed in, “She’s right you know.”
She snorted and glared at her sisters. “I have no desire to go tonight and be the object of everyone’s pity.”
Kitty sidled up beside her and wrapped an arm around Essie’s waist. “If you don’t go, everyone will think you’re yellow, and nothing could be further from the truth. Besides, you haven’t been out of the house in weeks. We’re concerned about you.”
She’d slipped out a week ago to go to the newspaper office before they closed so she could sign up for the advertisement in today’s paper, the one she hoped her sisters didn’t read. Perhaps she should’ve disguised her name. “I’ve been out of the house.” Too late. She wished she could retract the words as soon as they spewed from her lips. Essie hefted a sigh.
Teddy’s eyebrows rose on her broad forehead, the same broad forehead they had each inherited from their pa. “When did you set foot outside of the house? You’ve been flailin’ like a peacock in a mud pile ever since that two-bit nuisance broke off your engagement. In fact, you’ve been mighty tight-lipped since that day.” Her sister’s eyes narrowed. “You never did tell us what the bank manager wanted to meet with you about either.”
“Are you going along to the dance, Teddy?” Essie prayed the question distracted her sister. “I’ll go if you will.”
“Oh yes, please. It won’t be any fun if you don’t both attend.” Kitty smiled and reached for Essie’s and Teddy’s hands.
Teddy continued to stare at Essie for a moment before she responded. “If it’ll get Essie out of the house, I’ll go.”
Essie sneaked a peek at her youngest sister. More than likely the subject change hadn’t fooled Teddy. She’d lay in wait like a flea on a hound dog, scheming for the opportune time to attack. Maybe an evening away would distract Teddy from thinking about it. Then again, the chances of that were as rare as God dropping an interested man on her doorstep who would solve all her problems.
An Angel for the Cowboy Synopsis
When the bank threatens foreclosure on Essie Love’s home, it’s up to her to provide for her sisters. She’ll do whatever it takes to save them, even if it means marrying a stranger.
Jud Steele is wanted for a crime he didn’t commit. Wounded and left for dead, he lands on Essie’s doorstep. While she nurses him back to health, he finds himself longing for a home and family.
Can two desperate people find a path that leads to what they both need?
Get Your Copy of An Angel for the [image error]Cowboy
Visit with Jodie on her home on the web here,
On Facebook,
Twitter and
Pinterest
June 7, 2017
How to you write, Jill Archer?
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This Wednesday, continues ‘How Do You Write?’ – 9 weeks visiting a different author to tell us all how they get it out of their head onto the page. We’re in Week # 6!
Grab a cuppa and read below to find out what New Adult, Paranormal author,
Jill Archer
has to tell us about her #writingprocess…
I’m half-plotter, half-pantser. I start with a fairly detailed outline based on a three act structure that includes all the major plot points: opening, Act I crisis, midpoint, (what I consider the action “tent pole” of the novel – it’s a BIG scene that’s usually catastrophic), Act II climax, and some thoughts on Act III and the resolution/end. I brainstorm GMC (goal/motivation/conflict) for the major characters and do a brief chapter list with descriptions. I also do a bit of work building any new major settings. Finally, I spend some time thinking about theme and possible supporting motifs.
It’s a lot of prep but it helps get me started and keeps me on track during the perilous beginning – the first half, when it’s easy to veer off and get lost. Generally, following my outline for the first half of the novel means less time doing revisions later. (To me, revisions are when you rip out a section of the novel and rewrite it from scratc[image error]h. It’s more work than editing, but sometimes necessary.)
Usually, I follow my outline until at least the midpoint, sometimes even the Act II climax, but THE END is always different than my original vision. I’m not sure I’d recommend my method, but it’s worked for me so far. Allowing myself to veer off-script late in the novel accomplishes several things. It helps keep some twists a surprise, gives the novel a bit of breathing room, and helps increase the momentum in the crucial last pages. I have a mad, sort of panicked mania when I’m writing the last part. All those myriad pieces – action, character growth, emotion, theme – finally coming together. Can I pull it off?!
My advice to new writers…
Read in the genre you want to write in – and outside of it. Read non-fiction. Sign up for workshops, take classes, and get involved with a writer’s group. Keep writing! Don’t be afraid to submit your work, but make sure it’s truly ready to submit (or as ready as you can make it at the time). Don’t give up or get frustrated. Learn from constructive criticism and rejection. Celebrate small accomplishments and enjoy the process as much as the product.
Here are a few books that have helped me along the way:
Screenwriting Tricks for Authors by Alexandra Sokoloff
The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler
For Love or Money by S.K. Quinn
About Jill
Jill Archer is the author of the Noon Onyx series, genre-bending fantasy novels about a postgrad magic user and her off-campus adventures. The series includes DARK LIGHT OF DAY, FIERY EDGE OF STEEL, WHITE HEART OF JUSTICE, and POCKET FULL OF TINDER.
Jill’s Website
Follow her on Twitter and
Friend her on Facebook
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Grab your copy of a Noon Onyx Novel, A Pocket Full of Tinder on Amazon.
June 2, 2017
What’s on Your Publishing Checklist?
So, I decided to organize and publish -just for you– and at the prompting of Slave Driver, I mean Author Encourager (magazine publisher and author) # 1 Ms. LaShaunda Hoffman – two things in my book publishing and book promotional life. Enjoy the benefits of my organization. I sincerely hope they bring some order to you if you desire it.
First, to share, I have my 1. Publishing Checklist and then, 2. I am always making A TON of graphics using the wonderful, awesome Canva and so I put together a list of graphics that I will usually make for EVERY single book. In this second list there are a couple of more items besides just the graphics, but I put them on there so you (and I) wouldn’t forget either.
Before I share the list, here’s a few tips.
When I started using Canva, I honestly didn’t realize how important tie in/color scheme are in graphics and looking back it’s evident I didn’t know what I was doing but as time has gone on, I’ve learned to pay more attention to color and I also love looking at the graphics of others which inspires me to step up my own graphic game and helps me get new ideas.
If you do nothing else or if this seems hard for you (and me) who have absolutely NO formal design training whatsoever, then:
1. Use your book color scheme as a frame of reference, pick 3 colors from your actual release you’re promoting to create a color palette
2. Use your website as a potential color palette or
3. Try a couple of different options and find some beta testers. You should do this regardless of what you come up with, and
4. Stay AWAY from grays and dull mute colors (unless you will print it out -which you will for postcards and such). I know some of us wear black all the time because it’s slimming. Well that’s not a good option for visual design and graphics. I personally LOVE color – if you’re scared, just try a couple of elements – maybe 2 per graphic- at a time. WATCH the font colors however, when it comes to reading, some fonts are not good such as neon brights are not good for things you actually want people to read!
5. ALWAYS, ALWAYS, Always, put your information name/website or name/twitter on ALL your graphics, this is one way of making sure others don’t slap their own stuff on top of yours – they can do that regardless if they are savvy, enough, I know. Anything is removable these days for anyone with some photoshop know-how, but at least have it as a potential deterrent.
Enjoy.
1. Complete Book Publishing Checklist and 2. Complete Book-Graphics Checklist *
(Note: Same [1] document with both lists)
* DISCLAIMERS About these lists
* Everything on my lists I try to put in a folder or on my desktop making it easy to drag/drop and drag/attach what I need quickly. E.g. the bios will all be in ONE WORD document and labeled. Yes, of course it’s easy to tell two sentences from 100 words but you’ll be glad you labeled everything when you need to send things quickly and your brain is fried AND when you do not want to miss out on a wonderful promotion opportunity.
* While I personally try to do everything on my lists, in reality, some things you will never get around to doing but it’s good to have for future reference plus use it as an idea generator to help you come up with new things you might add your own list. E.g. I have not shot my live author interview (because of time/editing and wanting to get it just right before posting) but it’s there and I do have plans to do one, soon. I have done the book trailers for my last two books Pack Light: Thoughts for the Journey, Anchored Hearts (a friend did the AH trailer) and my current release Deadly Affections.
* I included blank spaces for you to add your own tasks in
* I included a completely Blank Checklist for you to start from scratch
* These checklists are Google documents you are free to download, save and print for your own personal use ONLY.
* If you download and choose to print as a PDF – you should be able to choose print in B&W so you don’t use up all your ink – I kept the colors light for that reason
Friday Features
Lisa Belcastro
[image error]
Please enjoy Chapter One from the multi-author book The Matchmakers Series available now, A Match Made in Freedom:
by Lisa Belcastro
Chapter One
“This Island is too small.” Stephanie Gould slammed the door and stormed across the floor of her store and escaped into her private design studio.
A minute later, her shop manager Zoey Pierce peeked in the studio door. “Everything okay, Steph?”
Okay? No, definitely not.
Her emotions swinging from hurt to anger, Stephanie drew in a deep breath. “I stopped in the bakery to pick us up some croissants, and who do I see? Tim and Kay, that’s who.”
“Oh, wow. I didn’t know they were back.”
Stephanie, fit and lean in faded jeans and a lavender blouse, paced behind her drying table, eying the four necklaces waiting to be polished before they’d be moved to a showcase in the store. Kay had been wearing a beige dress accented by a stunning sea glass necklace of greens and blues. At least the necklace wasn’t one of hers.
“Oh, they’re back, all tan and happy from their honeymoon. I was next to order when I heard Tim talking from the back of the line. Two years of dating him, and I’d recognize his voice if I was blindfolded.” She’d recognize a lot about him, but she hadn’t expected to feel so angry. Or hurt.
“Did he speak to you?”
Stephanie flinched. “Of course. ‘Hey, Steph. How you been?’ As if he were my friend, as if I wanted to speak with him. Kay just stood there looking smiley and happy, not a visible sign of remorse or a fraction of guilt.”
“What can I get you? Tea? Chocolate? A gun and an alibi?” Zoey drew an imaginary gun from her hip and pretended to fire.
Her manager had read one too many crime novels, but the action gave Stephanie a brief chuckle. “I’ll leave the guns and revenge to you and your murder mysteries. I had all I could do to walk out without tossing a few choice words at them. I love living on Martha’s Vineyard. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. But sometimes the hundred square miles are not enough.”
“I hope you thanked Kay for cheating with your fiancé before you married him. Let Tim cheat on her now that they’re living in wedded bliss.” Zoey snapped her fingers.
Stephanie knew Zoey was right. Better to find out that Tim was a two-timer before they had a home and children. But the searing pain in her chest wasn’t lessened by that knowledge.
Had it really been five months since she’d walked into the crafting studio to find Tim and Kay locked in what was nothing short of a passionate embrace? She hadn’t seen that one coming. Kay Salazar had been her partner in From the Sea Designs, and she’d thought they were friends. She’d thought wrong.
In one day, she’d lost her fiancé and her business partner. She didn’t want him back, not as her husband or even as a friend, but this morning’s meeting revealed there was still pain residing in her heart. Why wasn’t healing as easy as the pop songs made it sound?
“Steph?”
“Huh?”
“I said you should get away. Take a vacation. Go to a spa and relax. Get pampered.”
“That sounds miserable. What would I do all day?” Frowning at the thought of being subjected to hours of manicures, pedicures, and hair appointments, Stephanie shuddered. She picked up a large piece of green sea glass from the workbench and ran her finger around the smooth edges.
Zoey, blond hair perfectly coiffed and a French manicure on her fingernails, laughed. “Right, I forgot who I was talking to. How about a visit to the Berkshires? You haven’t seen JoJo in two months and your family would be overjoyed to have you visit for more than forty-eight hours.”
The Berkshires. Childhood memories brought a smile to her face. Western Massachusetts was beautiful in October. Joanne Homlish, or JoJo, her best friend since first grade and her college roommate throughout their years at the Rhode Island School of Design, had been raving about the great fall colors this year. She could help JoJo in the gardens at her bed and breakfast, spend an afternoon or two at the Norman Rockwell Museum, and go running in the mornings around Stockbridge Bowl and the Lily Pond. Stephanie also wanted to spend a little quality time with her grandmother NeNe and cousin Libby, if those two world travelers weren’t off jet setting.
Stephanie wasn’t one to leave the Island during the perfect fall weather, but a little time away might clear her head and give her a bit of inspiration for the Christmas line she wanted to create.
“Excellent idea, Zoey.” Stephanie put the sea glass on the table and walked over to her appointment book. “Can you handle things here? I’ll only go for a couple of days, maybe a long weekend.”
Her manager waved her off. “Forget a couple of days. Go for a week or two. I’ve got you covered.”
*
Twenty-four hours later, Stephanie drove off the Island Home ferry, and began the three-hour drive to Stockbridge. She turned up the radio and tuned out her thoughts.
The traffic was light for a Sunday, and hours passed easily. Her cell phone rang while she was belting out TobyMac’s “Move (Keep Walkin’),” and the hands-free system in her SUV turned off the music and switched to her phone.
“Where are you?” JoJo asked.
“I just passed Exit 3.”
“Great. You’ll be here for lunch. Want to meet in town at the Red Lion Inn and eat in the Tavern?”
Stephanie’s mouth watered as she thought about the Tavern’s Eggs Benedict served on the best buttermilk biscuits north of the Mason-Dixon Line. “You know my weakness. I’ll be there in forty-five minutes.”
Driving along Route 102, the leaves on the trees defined fall in New England — brilliant reds, burnt oranges, and deep yellows interspersed with forest green pines. They were beautiful. Stephanie rolled down the window and breathed in the crisp fall air. She couldn’t wait to go for a run tomorrow morning, which she would undoubtedly need after a hearty lunch and whatever gourmet meal JoJo would serve for dinner.
The parking along Main Street in Stockbridge was bumper to bumper. Stephanie made a left onto Route 7, another left onto Laurel Lane, and then left again onto Elm Street to circle back toward the restaurant. Finally, she saw someone walking toward a truck.
She slowed to a stop and waited for his parking spot. The guy didn’t start his engine. She glanced at the clock. A car passed her. What was he doing? Forty-five seconds passed. Couldn’t he see her? She pulled up alongside the black pickup, two minutes and counting.
Rolling down the passenger-side window, Stephanie leaned over and waved to get his attention. He was talking on his cell phone. Annoying, but safer than holding the phone, talking, and driving. He glanced over and held up one finger.
A safe driver and good looking. He flashed her a smile. Definitely good looking. With short black hair, kind eyes, full lips, and wearing a jean jacket and flannel shirt, this man had “country boy” written all over him. Except, his posture was formal and there was an air of authority to him as he spoke into the phone. Stephanie couldn’t hear a word he said, but he appeared to be in charge of the conversation.
About a minute went by, and Country Boy rolled down his window. “Sorry ‘bout that. What can I do for you, ma’am?”
Did he just call her ma’am? She was only twenty-nine years old. Why was a guy who couldn’t be much older than she calling her ma’am? She didn’t know whether to laugh or be offended.
“I’m looking for a parking spot.” Stephanie said, stating the obvious, or so one would think.
“Oh, right. Been a while.” His expression was more confused than apologetic.
“No problem. I saw you were on the phone. Are you leaving now?”
“That all depends.”
“On?”
He stared at her. “If you’ll agree to have dinner with me.”
“What?” The word came out harsher than she’d intended. “I don’t know who you are. For all I know, you’re a serial killer.”
He threw his head back and laughed. “My mother would be insulted.”
“I doubt your mother would be as upset as mine would be if I turned up dead.” Why was she having this conversation?
He opened the door to his truck, stepped out, and reached a hand into her open window. My, oh my, he was one fine looking man. She really should hit the gas pedal, but she’d probably run him over.
“Captain Henry Lewis. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”
A police officer. That explained the “ma’am,” and his formal tone and stance. Stephanie reached over and shook his hand. “Stephanie Gould. Nice to meet you officer.”
“About that dinner. I lost a bet —”
“Ah, not the best pick up line, Captain Lewis.”
“Probably not. Let me start again. If I don’t have a date by tomorrow night, I have to attend some singles speed dating event this Saturday.”
It was Stephanie’s turn to laugh. “I’ve heard a few come-ons in my life, but that one is a first. So tell me, Captain Lewis, how could anyone force you to go to a speed dating thing?”
“As I said, I lost a bet.” His matter-of-fact response was devoid of humor and not the least bit amused.
Steph was entertained nonetheless. “You bet someone that you could, or couldn’t, get a stranger to go out with you?”
“No. I bet a buddy that I would beat him in last week’s 5K road race. He failed to mention that he’d been training in sprints.”
Now she was truly interested. Betting on running, or pretty much anything to do with running, grabbed her attention. “What was his time?”
“20:47”
“And yours?”
“20:53”
“Dang.” Steph smacked the steering wheel. “Nice pace. Running less than seven-minute miles. I do my speed workouts on Wednesdays, but I’m not that fast.”
“You run?” he asked, appreciation gleaming in his dark brown eyes.
“Five days a week, maybe six or seven.” Truth was, she ran outside or worked out on the elliptical seven days a week. It was the best stress reliever on the planet.
“Have dinner with me. Please. If you have a miserable time, you can run home.”
Funny, too. But there was no way she was going out with him. “As tempting as that sounds, I’m not interested in dating. I’d still like to have your parking spot though.” Stephanie batted her eyelashes for effect.
His smile faltered for a second. “Can’t blame a guy for trying. Let me get out of your way.”
“Thanks, and good luck with your speed dating. Don’t get a ticket.” Stephanie chuckled at her joke.
He saluted her. “You’re all heart, beautiful.”
Stephanie hustled to the restaurant, mulling over the “beautiful” comment. JoJo was waiting for her outside and wrapped her in a long hug. “Where have you been? I saw you drive by ten minutes ago.”
“There must be something in the water here. I asked a guy for his parking spot, thinking he was getting ready to leave, and he asked me for a date.”
“That’s priceless.” JoJo looped her arm through Stephanie’s and led her toward the stairs. “Who was it?”
“Are you kidding me? You want to know who it was? Shouldn’t we be thinking the guy might have a screw loose?”
“Maybe, but not until I find out if I know him.”
“He said his name was Captain Lewis.”
JoJo’s eyes widened. “As in Henry Lewis?”
“Great! You know him?”
“Everybody knows Henry. Please tell me you said yes.”
Stephanie rolled her eyes. “Wasn’t happening. He said he lost a bet, and it was date me or attend a speed-dating event. I wished him luck with the speed dating.”
A strange look, mischievous or perhaps devious, crossed JoJo’s face. “Funny you should mention that.”
If you enjoyed this excerpt be sure to visit and support Lisa by getting your copy and connecting with Lisa in one of the following ways:
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About The Matchmakers – 3 Story Set
Ellie Alexander is in love. The only thing sweeter would be if Libby, Natalie, and Stephanie, her three unmarried, unattached granddaughters, could find the same happiness. Maybe with a little help from her and her beau Blake Parker.
A Match Made in Williamstown — Libby Schuyler has avoided dating since her break-up with college-sweetheart Jack Parker. Out of nowhere, Jack shows up claiming her grandmother is swindling his grandfather, Blake, through a travel agency partnership they’ve formed. Libby and Jack team up to get to the bottom of Ellie and Blake’s business and romantic relationship. While Libby and Jack fight their reignited attraction, Ellie and Blake conspire to bring the two together.
A Match Made in Sheffield — Natalie Benton bounced from one foster home to another until she landed on Ellie Alexander’s doorstep. Her vagabond childhood caused her to yearn for a secure life, which led to Natalie’s five-year plan: complete her law degree, marry the perfect man, become a partner at Montgomery, Haynes, and Preston, and produce one child. Getting arrested wasn’t in Natalie’s plan. Needing a public defender wasn’t in her plan. Falling for Grady Hunter, her public defender, definitely wasn’t in her plan. Can Grady convince Natalie there is more to life than her five-year plan? Is Ellie the only one who sees a future for Natalie and Grady?
A Match Made in Freedom — Stephanie Gould loves life on Martha’s Vineyard . . . until she runs into her former business partner and her ex-fiancé, who just returned from their honeymoon. Surprised by the heartache she thought was gone, Stephanie heads to the Berkshires to visit family and friends. Within minutes of arriving in Stockbridge, Stephanie meets Captain Henry Lewis. Little does Stephanie know, her grandmother has already met Henry and Ellie has a plan. Stephanie has no interest in dating, Henry included. If only Henry didn’t turn up everywhere Stephanie goes. When he walks up beside her at the Norman Rockwell Museum, Stephanie can’t deny her attraction, but she’ll do her best to fight it.
May 31, 2017
How Do You Write, Davalynn Spencer?
Davalynn Spencer
[image error]Author Davalynn Spencer
Writing: From Mess to Process
As an author, I started out “pantsing” my way into fiction and I’m sure it had a lot to do with my crime-beat reporter days writing “breaking news.” The formula in the newsroom was: Get the correct information and write it as fast as you can.
Over the years and eight published books later, I’ve morphed into a planster – a pantser with a plan. I blast out the first twelve to twenty pages because once a story idea hits me, as it did for An Improper Proposal, I have to get it out of my head as quickly as possible.
It’s messy. Ugly even. Doesn’t matter. I can see it and move things around and tighten and re-work. I can’t do any of that with a blank computer screen.
This initial attack is one of the approaches I teach my Creative Writing students at the local college. “Get it down. Get it right later.”
“Get it down. Get it right later.”
After I have the first twenty or so pages, I assemble a three-ring binder for the story, complete with mock-up cover and working title. Tab dividers organize sections into “Chapters,” “Information,” “Research,” “Ideas,” and “Manuscript” among others. This is all part of getting it right, and there’s something about this hand-eye-brain connection that suits me.
On binder paper in the Chapter section, I write “Chapter __ – pg. __ to __ (POV character’s name). The following line will have page numbers for the next POV character. Since I write romance, I always have at least two point-of-view characters. Keeping a running page number helps give me a feel for how the book is progressing.
At this point, I make a list of scenes I want in the book—nothing detailed, just a general idea listed in as few words as possible. I also have a pretty good idea of the ending. Sometimes I write the ending before I write the rest of the book. It just depends.
And now the dreaded S word: synopsis. Yes, I write a synopsis of the book for my own purposes. A synopsis keeps me from bogging down, wondering what’s going to happen next. It keeps me moving ahead. However, it’s not chiseled in stone and can be changed at will.
When I wrote my first book, I had the luxury of sitting down whenever I felt like it and working on my novel. I took my time, wrote things as I saw them happening on the movie screen in my head.
Today I can’t afford that luxury. I have to know where I’m going—even if I change it—and I have to meet deadlines. Those deadlines aren’t as tight as they were in the newsroom, but they’re just as critical.[image error]Since it’s much easier to hold an 800-word news story in one’s head than an 85,000-word novel, I need all the visual help I can get. In addition to my binder and synopsis, I’ve begun using a white board taped off into thirty sections representing chapters. Color markers indicate characters and plot points. This board gives me a birds-eye view of the book.
When I’m satisfied with how the story is laid out, I photograph the board and send the picture to my computer where I can print it out and insert the page in my binder for future reference.
By then, I’m ready for edits!
[image error]Davalynn’s story “bible” for An Improper Proposal.
[image error] About An Improper Proposal (available tomorrow June 1)
Description from Amazon – An Improper Proposal – First in the Front Range Brides collection of stories about strong women who find and defend love in 1880s Colorado.
Love hadn’t brought her to Colorado, but it might be the one thing that keeps her there.
Mail order bride Mae Ann Remington won’t let circumstances get in her way. When someone else’s greed costs her everything—including her groom—she does the only thing she can in a new town with no money or friends. She asks a stranger to marry her.
Cattleman Cade Parker stops at the bank to withdraw cash for his sister, not find himself a wife. But that’s exactly what happens after a bank robbery leaves a farmer dead and his headstrong bride-to-be making a desperate business proposition.
Convinced he’s gone loco, Cade accepts the spirited young woman’s offer, and they stop by the church before heading to the ranch, his horses, and the herd. He’s soon adding to Mae Ann’s fine cooking skills by teaching her to ride, shoot, and do what he tells her. She manages the first two fairly well, but gets her back up at the third.
Cade struggles to keep his emotional distance from the stubborn gal whose gentle ways start drawing him in. But when a greedy neighbor challenges Mae Ann’s inheritance of her former intended’s run-down farm, Cade and Mae Ann drive to court at the county seat and into the jaws of a deadly storm. Not only must Cade fight to keep his new bride safe, he’s got to keep his heart from stampeding out of control.
Taking on snakes, scoundrels, and second chances is one thing, but falling in love wasn’t part of the deal.
Read more about Davalynn on
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May 26, 2017
Friday Features
Crushed by heartache and desperate for an escape, he makes a life-changing choice.
When Chandler Peynard staggers into Sabrina Benjamin’s life, he is desperate for an escape route. Battling feelings of isolation, he has erected barriers around his heart, often times leaving a trail of broken dreams behind him.
Sabrina’s happily-ever-after was ripped away months ago, but she hasn’t given up on finding love. Still, she is caught off guard by her feelings for Chandler, a man who could hardly be described as a model man of God. As an unexpected bond develops between them, she wants more—a lot more than Chandler is prepared to give, because falling in love and putting down roots are not a part of his plan.
Touched by Sabrina’s kindness and faith, Chandler makes a life-changing choice; however, complication is inevitable when the past he’d thought was long buried, pushes him to confront matters he would have given anything to forget. As he struggles to release himself from his past and embrace the future, he offers Sabrina a place in his heart, but she demands all of it.
In a season that has brought so many changes, Chandler longs for peace in his soul and yearns for love. Will he trust God with all of his heart in order to overcome his past? Will he be able to testify that God’s grace wins every time? Will he find the strength to take a chance at life and love with Sabrina?
About Ann Marie
Ann Marie Bryan is a dedicated, graceful, multi-talented leader with a passion for excellence. She is the CEO & Founder of Victorious By Design, an organization committed to providing top quality professional writing services, comprehensive personal and professional development programs and exceptional performing arts services to meet the unique needs of individuals and organizations.
A Christian Fiction author, Ann Marie writes to educate, inspire and empower others. She desires to tell great stories with fascinating characters to show the awesome power of God in the lives of people and places. Shades of the Heart is the first book in her bestselling, Encounters of the Heart series. Book 2 – Mirrored Hearts: Sealed By Fire was released February 2016. Her new release, A Place For My Heart, is the highly anticipated third installment in the series.
Ann Marie’s greatest passion is to empower others to succeed by tapping into their God-given potential. She enjoys writing, reading, dancing, teaching, meeting people and traveling. With all the knowledge and experiences that God has so graciously blessed her with, Ann Marie is determined to make her life a ministry for the Lord. Visit Ann Marie at http://www.annmariebryan.com.
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May 24, 2017
How Do You Write, LaToya Murchison?
[image error]Author LaToya Murchison
Week four brings us to read about the writing process of Ms. LaToya, who is the owner of Creative Expressions Literary Services. As a virtual assistant, she has assisted countless authors with developing their online presence. Services include graphic design, social media management, interviews and e-book fairs. She even assisted me recently with my Blog Tour and it was fabulous!
Okay back to LaToya, who when she isn’t working for a client or doing something literary, she enjoys spending time with family and working with the youth in her church.
I have given LaToya just six questions, let’s see her responses to them.
How do you write? Are you a Pantser/Plotter or like J L Lora, a little bit of both Plantser? LT: It all depends on the type of book that I am writing and the message that I want to share with my readers. I always keep a note book with me so that I can write down my ideas and keep them in one place. When on the computer I use MS Office or Google Docs.
What excites you the most, beginning/middle/end? Why? LT: The end because that means I have finished the storyline and it is ready to be shared with the world.
What’s the hardest part of finishing/readying your writing projects for publication? LT: Editing for me is the hardest part because I know the message I am trying to get across but it is important that my ideas are coming across to my readers as I had planned them.
What puts you in a writing mood? Do you listen to music, eat junk food, coffee, cigarettes? LOL. LT: I listen to gospel music a lot when I am writing especially when working on my devotionals. I also tend to eat a lot of fruit.
For new authors, tell us about some of the best advice you can give them? LT: That would be to research your craft and never stop learning. Never allow anyone to tell you that you cannot succeed.
Finally, where do complete most of your divinely inspired prose? LT: Haha, at my kitchen table.
Thanks LaToya for stopping by to tell us a little bit about How You Write!
Please visit LaToya and learn more about her current releases including A Praying Heart, Poetic Expressions and Anika’s Story.
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