Eavesdropping? Not if you paid me

Hello,

Thought I’d pop by to let you know how I found the title for my latest work in progress.

I mentioned in my last update that I had an idea for both the next Meredith & Hodge and Bearing Witness stories, and I was unsure which to start work on. The story for Meredith & Hodge had a stronger pull and I’m off and writing it. Some of the plot is still a bit hazy, but I know it will all fall into place, as it always does, once the characters take charge.

I had no ideas what the title of this one would be, only what started the serial killer off on his course, and why he later decided to taunt Meredith with his crimes. This wasn’t an issue that concerned me, as my titles mainly come from the dialogue, or occasionally objects within the story. Most of my novels have been started with no idea what they would be called.

Today, standing in the queue at the supermarket, I overheard the end of a conversation between the two young women in front of me.

Yellow Jumper: “I don’t believe that. What a cheek!”

Walking Boots: “I know. I just looked at him, you know, shocked. Then he laughed, and I got so mad.”

Yellow Jumper: “I’m not surprised. What did you do?”

Walking Boots: “Raised my eyebrows, and said, ‘Not if you paid me, love. Not if you paid me’ and I walked away.”

They then dissolved into giggles. Of course I wanted to know what He’d said that shocked her but wasn’t going to ask. But I was smiling too, not because I understood the reason for their amusement, but because I probably had the title for the next Meredith & Hodge. Not If You Paid Me. It fits, and I think the picture on the left might provide the basis for the cover – what do you think? Is this a good image for a serial killer who leaves a coin in the victims mouth?

In other news, Terms of Affection, Bearing Witness #3, is back from the editor, Sharon. Tweaks and additions have been made, and now the proof reader is working her magic while the ARC team put it through its paces. Four people have read the full manuscript so far, and they approve. (Hurrah …and phew) I hope you like it too. It will be live on Amazon from the 17th May and can be pre-ordered here.

Now I must dash, I have a few reviews I must get written, I’ll share those with you next time. (Are your reviews up to date?)

Happy reading

Don’t forget if you follow me on BookBub you may choose a FREE ebook from my list of novels. (Not boxed sets)  Simply click here and you’ll be taken to my author page, and will find the follow button on the top right. If you don’t use your own name for BookBub please drop me a line and let me know what it is and I’ll be in touch.