Knock, Knock

I'm proud to announce that my new book, "A Love for the Taking" is now available as a pre-order on Amazon.  By ordering now, you'll have the story automatically delivered to your electronic device on July 13th. 
 
Isn't technology wonderful?  I mean, way back when in order to read the latest book, travel was involved.  Perhaps nothing as dire as a trip to California by wagon, but still a bit less convenient than present day.  With the internet, a simple click or swipe and ta-da instant reading. 
 
As with all of my novels, there is a long process involved with many sleepless nights.  While in the grip of a storyline I'm often haunted until I abandon the warmth of my bed to purge everything onto the screen.  What happens next is nothing short of amazing.  Words form almost as if my fingertips are being controlled by an unstoppable force.  Needless to say, I shuffle through the upcoming months exhausted.
 
About the story....meet Rachel Warren.  The poor thing is stuck in a family of rough and shady.  Her brother Nathan and adopted brother Abel partner along with her in an underhanded sort of family business.  This has more to do with necessity as opposed to want and Rachel would do just about anything to better her situation.  This is 1849 and aside from marrying or becoming a teacher, there are limited choices for women....unless of course, fate intervenes.
 
Meet fate.  Aka, Esther Tucker.  The woman appears capable on the outside but within, she's a mess.  She is trapped in a state of emotional disrepair.  The past has teeth and has bitten her without mercy.  What happened to her and how she end up crossing paths with Rachel Warren...well, I'm not one to spill the soup.
 
This book is a journey that carries ironic dips, twists and subplots.  So far, I've been told "thumbs up" by my editing crew.  Should I believe them?
 
The truth is, putting my work out there is very nerve racking.  I've been writing stories for as long as I can remember, mainly for my own entertainment and a way to survive a life of chaos.  When the opportunity arrived to self publish on Amazon, I had just completed "Falling Whispers" and I thought, why not?
 
The only way to realize a dream is to actively pursue that dream.   At first I believed it would be as simple as pushing a button and allowing Amazon to do the rest.  The thing is, that's only a fraction of what is involved.  Marketing...marketing for yourself...marketing....well, I was taught that it was in poor taste to boast or brag.  That's exactly what this feels like to me.  It's almost like I'm saying, "look at me, look at what I did...please-oh-please...try a sample!"
 
Years ago when I was in campfire we had a yearly candy sale.  They'd hand out a box that had an emblem on the side and a slanted roof with a carrying handle.  Like it or not, if we wanted to be a part of that group it required going door to door.  "Would you like to buy some Campfire (girl) Candy?"   Some people would notice my shaky legs, my tense posture and my awkward voice.  They'd smile kindly and hand over $1.25 for a box of mints and then I'd be onto the next house to face the selling all over again.  Of course there were some rude experiences....like a door slamming in my face or someone encouraging their dog to run me off their property.
 
Sometimes I'd have my best friend accompany me.  She was the outgoing-not-gonna- take no fuss or bully kind of gal.  I'd knock on the door and she'd give it her best.  When we'd walk on to the next house she'd boast, "see, I had to convince them how delicious the chocolate was and why they couldn't live without three boxes!" 
 
We sold candy.  We danced like silly fools from house to house.  We made up outrageous songs and planned what trouble we would get into after we had finished for the day.  We even attempted to TP a neighbor because the woman was so rude for our asking.  My best friend while growing up, was a barefooted rebel rouser and my partner in crime....but yes, we sold candy.
 
So, I guess this blog is all about knocking on your door with the new story being my own brand of confection.  I hope that it proves to be a most delightful surprise. 
 
Escape with me now to 1849 from the comforts of your home, with central air conditioning, a microwave for snacks and electric lighting shimmering overhead.  No matches necessary and no horses to feed...unless of course you prefer roughing it.  If you choose primitive accommodations, make sure you have enough battery to carry you through from beginning to end . 
 
Yes, I'm peddling today, a story to entertain, a candy for the soul...."A Love for the Taking."  (To be released July 13th but be certain to order your copy from Amazon today!~)
 
~Trixie Archer