Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Let's Party!!!
You can’t curl up with a good book without some yummy snacks, so I’ve decided to supply those as well. With each download given away tonight, I’m including a one pound tin of The Ultimate Snack mix from Swiss Colony. And the Grand Prize Winner will receive a download of Journey to Redemption, an autographed copy of Every Skull Tells a Story, and a lovely Spirit of the Season Basket, from Swiss Colony, piled full with savory beef logs, cheddar cheese bars, mixed nuts, sweet hot mustard, honey roasted peanuts, gourmet coffee, white fudge popcorn with almonds and a handy cutting board (total value $50). All winners will be chosen by a random draw from comments posted from 5pm to 8pm and announced at 8:30pm with a follow-up post with the winner’s names where the winners will be instructed to email me so I can send them their prizes. So what are you waiting for, start posting. I wanna to hear from you
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199 comments:
Hi Anne! Congratulations again on your new release. My wife, Amy, and I both loved Every Skull Tells a Story, so we’re looking forward to winning/or buying:) Journey to Redemption.
Your post says 3:01. I hope we're not that early. Did I mess up on the time difference?
Huge congratulations on your new release. Can't wait for the party to start!
Val
lasnterve2000@gmail.com
No Marcus, you're on time. I don't know what's up with the time date. I’m glad you and Amy liked ESTAS. I think you’ll like Journey to Redemption to.
Hey, welcome Val! So glad you made it. Let the party begin.
Hi Anne: I'm so happy for you and looking forward to your new release. I actually already have Every Skull Tells a Story on my TBR list. It's going to make a great holiday read for me.
You have so much to share with your experiences and such a flair for the intriguing, I am really looking forward to your progress as an author.
Cool site! I wish I could hang around for the next few hours--but duty calls. I will check back later tonight and hope to catch some little excerpts from the new novel!
Have a GREAT time and an awesome opening day.
Enjoy your party! I could use some virtual chocolate treats right now!
Great prizes Anne! Congratulations again on your new book. I look forward to reading it.
Hi Danielle, thanks for dropping by. Sure, I'll post excerpts. Since this is my first virtual party, I'm not sure what all goes on at them.
HI Anne: I'm coming in early as I have to leave in thirty minutes but hope to get on again when I return around 8 PM EST. At that time I'll be more specific in comments. Larry
Hey Mary Beth. Glad you made it, and thanks! Thank you all for your support and encouragement.
Hi Larry, welcome. Thanks for comming!
Congratulations my dear! I’m so happy for you.
Forgive me if I don’t reply right away. I’m on dial-up (aagh!) and I get knocked off line constantly.
Alright, everyone get comfortable. Here are so delicious treats to pass around. Lets see I have brownies, and some tasty mixed nuts. And of course all the calories were baked out of the brownies:)
Hi Anne. You mentioned in one of your interviews that you used to transport prisoners, did you ever get scared? Did you carry a gun? It’s scary to think of you carrying a gun:-).
Anne, congrats on your new book. Your interviews are great. You've been a very busy girl!
Lol. You’re not the only one who thinks that, which is why I didn’t. My partner, who talked me into working with him, carried the gun. I had a taser. And I never really got scared, but there was some intense moments, mostly when we were transporting women believe it or not. I had guys that were four times bigger than me that didn’t frighten me as bad as a couple of women we transported.
We'll have some brownies! Mmmm. You're right they are delicious!
Just don't eat them all Marcus. Here is some nice leomonade to go along with them.
Anne, Did any of your experiences (that word just doesn't look right) transporting prisoners make it into your books?
Val
CONGRATULATIONS !!! and ... what a wonderfully generous contest. And don't worry, I'll be getting your book whether I win or not :D
ps: I'm baking cinnamon buns in honor ;)
Hi Ban, glad you could make it!
Val, none of my experiences have made it into any of my books yet, but the serial killer portrayed in Journey to Redemption was inspired by one of my transports.
Ooooh cinnamon buns. I'm honored. Thanks! Did you hear that Marcus and Amy, cinnamon buns!
ALRIGHT!!!
The guy that inspired The Slasher was this huge guy, that tore a steel door off its hinges at the correctional facility we were transporting him from. I'm glad the transport only lasted about six hours. He was a little scary!
Dealing with a seriel killer would give me the heebie jeebies!
I brought some chocolate covered cherries to the party! Anyone want one?
Val
Are you nuts? No way could I do that. Do you ever miss it?
Miss Mae has arrived with her special recipe of lemonade!! Whoo-hoo, let the party roll, and gimme all them treats! LOL
Hey, Anne, I used to work at a maximum security prison in Savannah. I thought it was so stupid the way everything was so messed up.
At the tower in the parking lot, every morning when we came to work, we had to yell at the guard up there, "No weapons!" I mean, like, if we were smuggling them in, were we really going to say, "Got a sawed-off shotgun here under my raincoat!"
Okay, I'm waiting to win...do I take a number? LOL
Oh man chocolate covered cherries! Ymmy!
Val, gimme that chocolate! Yummmm!
Now Miss Mae, why doesn't it surprise me that you used to work at a prison:-). And by all means give me some of that lemonade!
Know what my job was? I took care of the inmates' money...like, inmates get money in there????
Here we go...*pop*...the cork is off my fizzly lemonade! Slug it back, party goers! :)
I'll have some of the choc. covered cherries and some of that lemonade.
Marcus, you are in for a treat. This "recipe" comes all the way from my Grandpappy Beauregard's plantation...Well, he came up with the recipe, but I "brew" it up, ya know...*wink*
Anne, do you treat us with an excerpt or two?
Aw you guys are great! Okay Ban, at the top of the hour I'll have a drawing. Everyone ready?
And it is goooood!
Sounds like my kind of lemonade!
I haven't had lemonade like that in awhile, pass me some.
Which hour, Anne? It's past seven at my house...
Here, Marcus...allow me to pour you another glass of my special recipe...hee hee
Of course, Irene! Here you go...chug, chug..fizzz...
Sip it slowly, it is rather...um, tart!
Okay, Miss Mae, you've done these vitual parties before. Do I post the excerpt here?
That would be great by me, Anne...But I better grab Val's reading glasses...Oh, Vaaalll!
Wow! Just like my granddaddie used to make. Mmmm good!
Hey, Anne, congratulations on your release! It looks like your party is in full swing already. :)
hands out the chocolate covered cherries (good huh) and takes a seat ready to read the excerpt!
Okay, give me a minute to go fine one. I'm a little unsteady on the legs right now. Why is the room spinning? Guess I better slow down on the lemonade:)
Congratulations on your new release!
Okay, here's an excerpt. Sorry it took so long I had it posted once and got kicked off line. You gotta love dial-up!
“So you really think they’re in here?” She scanned the crowd, glad he had suggested the stake out. Concentrating on work would help keep her from worrying about Jared and what Tate was doing to him.
“If their day was anything like ours we could get lucky.”
His assumption seemed fruitless as she studied the cliental though. Consisting mostly of casually dressed men and women, she spotted no one in a business suit or other apparel fitting the description of a successful attorney.
“This keeps up and I’m going to have to lodge a harassment complaint.”
Morgan looked up at the familiar voice and was surprised to see Barb walking toward them with their drinks. She smiled as the woman scooted in next to her. “I promise we’ll keep a low profile.”
“I’ll save you the trouble.” She leaned toward Morgan. “You see that skinny fella over there at the bar talking to the redhead.”
“Yeah,” they spoke in unison, both following her gaze.
“He’s the one I didn’t have a name for.”
“Does he come in here often?” Morgan asked.
She nodded. “First time he’s been in alone though. He’s been trying to persuade her to leave with him for the last hour and a half.”
“Is he having any luck?” Chase asked.
“Not yet he hasn’t.” She got to her feet. “You kids behave yourselves.”
“I’m starting to like her,” Chase said as they watched her walk back to the bar.
“What do you say we buy our new friend a drink and invite him over?” Morgan suggested.
“I don’t know he seems pretty preoccupied at the moment.”
“Well that’s about to change.” She grabbed the napkin holder and pulled out a large hand full. “I’ll be back in a few minutes. Don’t go anywhere.”
“Are you kidding I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”
Reminds me of the high school locker room. Did I really say that. No more lemonade for me:)
No comment;)
Oh, that sounds good! I wonder what she's up to? LOL
I'm I the only guy here now? Maybe I better let Amy take over the keyboard.
Just kidding. Great excerpt Anne!
Aw, c'mon on, folks! Gotta have the recipe!
You need something to wash down that chocolate...yeah, chocolate and lemonade, what's better, huh?
*shudder*
There are so many books I'm itching to get my palms on, and Anne's are definitely topping my list! :)
Are you blushing Marcus?
No, its all those choc covered cherries I ate:)
Okay folks I'm fixing to draw, so give me a few minutes. And don't drink all the lemonade!
Marcus, are you the guy Anne worked with on those transports?
Love the excerpt, Anne!
And Miss Mae, I'll have a little of the recipe...but only a little. There are children present. LOL :)
E.A., I have your thimble full right here, dearie...hee hee
Why, thank you! I'll just sip it slowly.
Sorry had to take the dog out! No, I ran across Anne on facebook last month. My wife, Amy (Amy says hi) just read Every Skull Tells a Story. Great read!
And the first winner is (drum roll please). DANIELLE!
Congrats Danielle!
There will be another draw in a short while and then the final draw for a basket full of goodies and both my books.
Hey, EA. Glad you made it. Help yourself to the brownies and chocolate covered cherries. Oh and we have cinnamon buns that Ban brought.
Congratulations, Danielle!
Congrats Danielle! Sorry I just disapeared. The new dog that found us decided she needed to roll around in the mud so I had to go help wash her off before we let her inside.
Loved that excerpt Anne!
Val
Man this party is starting to rock! Ah Oh, my glass is empty again. Better get a refill, and a couple more chocolate covered cherries:)
Congrats Danielle!
Congrats Danielle!
Sooo Miss Mae, did you ever have any scary moments when you worked at that prison?
Congrats Danielle - boy you folks sure know how to throw a party ! Glad I could join you :D
Miss Mae and Anne, were you ever allowed to carry something for self defense? Anne I know you said you had a stun gun. Miss Mae, how about you?
Val
Anne, to answer your question about a scary moment...
Okay, I get hired, it's my first day. They're taking me back to get fingerprinted...
Wait! They're gonna fingerprint ME??? Why??? I just work here, right???
Anyway, there am I surrounded by guards, they have ink on my fingers, pressing them on the cards...
And these huge alarm sounds over the PA...there's been an escape!!!
Val, my self defense?
Well, I reported how I couldn't take in any weapons. All our scissors we used in the office had to be locked up every evening.
I tried brown bagging my lunch, but that was searched and my plastic fork confiscated. My fork could be a weapon, you know, but when I turned around and walked down to the lunch room, I see the INMATES standing there with knives and meat cleavers (they prepared the food...was I gonna eat it? No way!)
So my weapon...hmm, my fingernails???
Congrats, Danielle! Lucky you! :)
Hi Ban!
Nice to meet ya! :)
Hi Anne! I just popped in to say hi at your party! Congratulations on your new release! I can't wait to read it!! :)
Oh my gosh! I got so busy today I almost missed this. Yikes! Congratulations on your release Anne. If I don't win it, I'll buy it. Thanks for posting on my blog this week too.
lol. I had a similar moment at a correctional facility in Tulsa Ok. Come to think of it I think it was my first one. Anyway, we go inside this huge jail. My skin crawls everytime we go through a door and I hear it click. We're standing there waiting and all of a sudden they anounce a lock down. You could hear doors locking all over the facility. I look over at Jim and say, "You've gotta be kidding me."
Miss Mae, I've seen some fingernails that I think should be classed as weapons. LOL
Oops. Apparently I'm in a TOTALLY different time zone. Crud! Congrats to the winner though. I'll still buy it, Anne.
MarthaE, Shawna! Hey, glad you could make it. Pull up a seat, grab some treats and some lemonade and lets party!
I know. Not a very secure moment, is it?
Really, the thoughts went through my mind, "am I gonna get home tonight? Is my husband and daughter ever going to see me again?"
I did NOT like working there!
Hi Martha! Hi Shawna! Anne really knows how to throw a party! :)
That was just the first drawing. Another is coming up and then there's the grandprize drawing so don't worry, you've still got a chance to win. Man what grammer, lol!
I need to go now. Have a good evening, Anne, and good night everyone.
Just because it's a party, I'll leave a Mason jar of the recipe behind...LOL
Oh Yay! So I didn't miss the whole thing!
Hey Anne, I'm going to duck out of here and help the kids with their homework. Thanks so much for having us. We've enjoyed it.
Anne- its seems like you've really been having a great party! I know I need to go find a dinner but could you please pass those chocolate covered cherrys and some lemonade this way! :D
Alright Marcus and Miss Mae, thanks so much for dropping by. Your names are in the hopper so drop back by to see if you've won.
Grab that recipe out of MM's pocket and I'll make us some more!! But shhhh, you have to sneak up on her, if she knows, she will be on to us!
I would be growing my fingernails and then shaping them into V's!
Val
Here you go Martha. Ban brought cinnamon buns too.
The next drawing will be coming up shortly. After another excerpt.
Give me a few minutes though.
Hey Shawna and Ban, how are your drinks? Need a refill?
There are some fun stories on here. I'm catching up.
Congrats to Danielle on the drawing win! Okay Val - I'll be watching out for those nails!!!
Cinnamon buns too? The heck with dinner I'll just eat here! I won't gain any weight either! LOL
Depends on what else is in the lemonade ;)
Ooh, I love excerpts! While I wait to see the next one, I think I'll sample one of those cinnamon buns...
Here's another excerpt. Hopefully I can get it posted before I get kicked off line again (aagh)
“It’s about time. I’ve been trying to reach you all morning,” Evan greeted her as she entered the autopsy bay.
“I’ve taken a couple of personal days. Do you have anything for me?”
“Tox screens came back negative on both your victims, and we got a match on the dental records. I phoned Mr. Lewis, he’s coming in later with her parents to do the paperwork,” he said, not bothering to glance up from the body he was dissecting.
“Thanks, I wasn’t looking forward to making that call.” She watched him remove what looked to be a kidney, and place it in a stainless steel scale hanging from the ceiling.
“No problem.” He looked up, their eyes met. “I think we both know this isn’t the workings of a copycat.”
“You saw the news?” she guessed.
“Didn’t have to. I knew yesterday it was Tate.”
“I need you to keep a lid on it as long as you can for me. As soon as Giesen makes the connection he’ll yank me from the case, and I can’t let that happen.”
He stripped off his latex gloves, deposited them in the trashcan, then stepped to the counter. After writing something on the chart he turned to face her. “We’ve known each other for what, ten…eleven years? So you know what I’m about to say, I say because I’m your friend. You need to walk away from this Morgan. Let Russo and the new guy bring Tate in.”
“I can’t do that Evan.”
“After all the pain he’s brought into your life…”
“It’s because of what’s he’s done that I have no choice but to go after him. So are you going to do this for me or not?”
“Seeing as how we only have one ID it shouldn’t be a problem, but the captain will make the connection once he sees your reports.”
“I haven’t handed in a report yet. I was waiting on your autopsy findings.”
“I don’t know, I’m awfully backed up here, could be a day or two.”
“Thanks Evan…Oh I almost forgot, could I get a picture of our second victim?”
He walked over to a metal desk in the corner and retrieved a file. She met him halfway and he handed her a black and white 5X7. “Just be careful Morgan, I don’t want you ending up in here.”
Okay Shawna, here is some unspiked lemonade.
Wow! I just noticed we've reached 100 comments. That is awesome! This party rocks!
Yes please ;) loving those snippets !
No no, I want the good stuff.
Talk about suspenseful! That excerpt gave me goosebumps. :)
I love crime stories like this! Awesome excerpt!
Martha, you might have to bob and weave when I bring out the claws! LOL
Val
I think Val has the flask. You did grab it from Miss Mae didn't you Val?
Another good excerpt Anne! I feel the tension building already! Better refill my glass so I can relax a little!
Thanks gals.
Those cinnamon buns are delicious Ban, thanks for bringing them.
And Val for bringing the chocolate covered cherries.
It sounds like an awesome book!
Hi Anne: I made it back before the end, I hope. I read the reviews of both your novels. They sound really intriguing. I see the posts are over a hundred. Boy, you sure have a backing and that's great. I hope it results in many sales. I have added your latest novel to my growing list. I try to read one before spring for the next. Larry
I got the flask (and my chemistry set out) and I still can't figure out the secret ingredient! My goggles look sexy on me huh?
Anne, my daughter's boyfriend brings me chocolate covered cherries everytime he wants to take her out after curfew. it works almost ever time! LOL
Hey, Beth! Good to see you here! :)
Chocolate covered cherries are a stample in this household.
Thank you, E.A. Nice party. :)
Val, that's one cleaver boyfriend!
Larry, gland you made it back, and thanks for your comments.
Beth, did you get any of the delicious snacks?
I had a chocolate covered cherry. Very tasty. Thank you.
Hiccup!
(sorry, Anne. couldn't resist)
yeah, he's an alright kid! Hi to everyone that I did not say hi to.
Hey, has anyone heard of Chonda Pierce? She’s a Christian comedian with several DVD’s out of her shows. Her latest, This Ain’t Prettyville is on CMT now. I’m recording it so I can watch it later. She is hilarious!
lol Shawna. By the way, I need a refill.
Okay, the next drawing is coming up shortly, so get ready!
Val and Beth, are you writers? I know Shawna is, her first book is coming out around the first of the year I think. And Larry has a couple out. I'm so glad you've all come to celebrate with me.
I'm not a writer yet. I am a reviewer on several sites though.
Not really. I really like reading, though, when I get the chance. :)
You Gotta Read, right?
yes and Mistress Bella Reviews, long and short romance, whipped cream and manic readers.
I don't think I know Chondra but I love comedy! It gets a little out there at times though.
Sorry I got bumped off when I took a quick break!
Val - I didn't know about some of those other sites! And you call me an over achiever!
Girl, compared to all you have going, what I do is nothing! I have backed off of most of those sites though because of school.
And the next winner is (another drum roll please) SHAWNA!
Congrats Shawna!
The final drawing for the grand prize will be in one hour.
All winners please email me at: annepatrick07@yahoo.com with your email and physical addresses. I need your physical address so I can send you your tasty snacks for when your reading your free downloads:)
Does anyone have any questions? Is there something you'd like to know about me or my writing?
Congrats Shawna!
How long did it take you to write Journey to Redemption? What was your inspiration?
Val, I think you're the one I heard from when I sent Journey to Redemption in for a review at You Gotta Read.
Wow, two reviewers here. Now I'm really nervous:)
No way! I never win anything. Yay! What did I win?
Yes, it was me you spoke with! Don't get nervous, we are fans of your work!
Congratulations, Shawna!
Most of my stories have taken anywhere from three months to six months, some of that time is research though.
The inspiration for Journey to Redemption came during a transport I was on. I think I mentioned the guy earlier. We never had any prisoners escape though. Thank goodness. Like I would really chase after someone. I run like Forest Gump.
How cool and generous of you! What a great way to celebrate!!! I can't wait to read Journey to Redemption!
Shawna, you won a free download of Journey to Redemption and a 1# tin of The Ultimate Snack Mix from Swiss Colony.
The Grand Prize winner will win a free download of Journey to Redemption, a autographed copy of Every Skull Tells a Story and a lovely Spirit of the Season Basket, from Swiss Colony, piled full with savory beef logs, cheddar cheese bars, mixed nuts, sweet hot mustard, honey roasted peanuts, gourmet coffee, white fudge popcorn with almonds and a handy cutting board (total value $50).
Do you have a favorite snack that you like to eat while you are writing?
Wow, you can do research and write an entire novel in three to six months? I'm impressed! It takes me longer than that.
Thanks all! So excited.
Anne, I'm definitely doing this when my book releases. This was fun.
Oh Anne! You sure do know how to have an awesome prize selection!
Hey Becki, glad you could make it. Welcome!
Make yourself comfortable and try some of the delicious treats. We have cinnamon buns, chocolate covered cherries and brownies. Oh and you've gotta try some of Miss Mae's special recipe lemonade that she left behind for us to enjoy.
Good question, Becki.
Sorry I have to go! DH just called and said he brought some food home for me but I have to go home to get it! Thanks for a fun party Anne. And congrats again on your release!!
Wow, what a prize! And thanks for the welcome! I was going to be here earlier, but my internet went out and the internet fixer upper guy just barely left. Ugggh!
Anne, what's your favorite part of being an author?
Becki, I'm a sunflower seed addict. Give me a good suply of ss seeds and diet coke and I'm good to go.
EA, well, once an idea forms and I'm in the zone, I'm pretty much in my own little world. My poor friends and family get neglected until I'm finished. And we are talking the first draft, when all I care about at this point is getting the story down on paper or hard drive I should say.
I'm impressed too. I'm working on a novel set in 1950's Hollywood -- due to release in November 2010 (had to get that in). Trying to recreate this era and place through research is overwhleming. I'm doing it though! I had to create a post WWII environment from the perspective of the son of interned German-American immigrants for my May release. (had to get that in too) I'm pleased with the result, but it took me ten months.
EA, my favorite part is once the characters start to go in directions I never thought of. It's like riding a roller coaster blindfolded. I love it!
Ah, the lovely first draft. Mine usually need plenty of revision before they're ready for anyone else to see. How long, on average, does it take you to revise the first draft into a manuscript that's ready for submission?
If you could give one piece of advice to someone aspiring to be an author, what would it be?
I'm Back! Wow--I thought I'd miss the party when I had to leave for a few hours but it looks like it's still alive and kicking!
Enjoyed your great excerpts, Anne. If there's anything better than chocolate covered cherries and Miss Mae's secret lemonade party mix, it's got to be an excerpt that leaves me wondering if someone is about to go stuff their bra. Or maybe it's just me!
Thank you so much for the prize! Was it a copy of your book I hope? If not-let me know, because I will plan on buying a copy instead (tomorrow). I'm really looking forward to getting Every Skull but heck, your excerpts for Journey sound just as good!
*smile* That's a great image, Anne. You hunched over the keyboard eating sunflower seeds? I bet you stay skinny that way.
I guess I should add that it took me tens months after I spent seven years playing with and revising the original. This version that's going to be published is a total rewrite with tons of additional research
I admire historical and other era writers. I do a lot of research but since my novels are all modern day, the research is much easier I think. I wouldn't know the first thing about writing in another era.
Anne, I know what you mean about the characters taking over. It's great when I can sit back and enjoy the journey they take me on. I guess that's why I'm a pantser. I love throwing the characters into situations and seeing where they take the story. :)
That is a funny picture to imagine.
I would think researching forensics and police procedures, etc. would be just as tough as researching Historicals! Just my opinion, but don't sell yourself short! Research and writing in believable detail is hard work no matter what!
EA, when I'm finished with the first draft I set it aside for about six weeks or so and then go at it with a fresh eye. That usually takes about a week then I set it aside for awhile longer and repeat the process. I do that about three or four times before I feel it's ready.
Becki, the best advice I can think of is joining a critque (sp?) group or finding an editor to work with. I work with a lady, who is reasonable and who works with several well known writers. She has helped me tremdiously. She's brutally honest, but she's also a great encourager.
I'm with you, Danielle. The research can be time consuming and then making sure all the little details are accurate in the story...it can take almost as long to revise the story as writing the first draft.
Yes, I am a panster all the way. A brief outline is about all I use, and a good idea of what the characters look like.
Danielle, yes you won a free download of J to R and a one pound tin of Snack mix from Swiss Colony. I'll need you to email me with your physical address so I can have the snack mix sent to you. The book I'll send later tonight.
Research is very important I think. For example, my novel Every Skull Tells a Story. My first book signing I had several people who asked me several questions about the process Mackayla went through to create a sketch from just a skull. If I hadn't done my research I would have felt like a real idiot. Most of the research I do I never use. I just want a clear picture in my head about the career of character to get a better grasp on how that person goes about their day.
Thank you for the prize. That's awesome.
I'm very impressed you can put a work down for 6 weeks! That sounds so right--but how do you keep from going back and taking little peeks? Admiring your new baby? Do you start something else and try to forget about it or what?
Research is definitely important. I just have to be careful I don't get so busy researching that I forget to write the story! I guess that's what I get for picking topics that fascinate me. :)
Oh, I agree! I've never researched those things, but definitely, I think it would be quite a load.
I also like to find someone (if I can) who actually does the stuff I'm writing about. On ES I corresponded with a lady in Dallas who really is a forensic sketch artist. And for my upcoming release, Fire and Ash (next July) I was fortunate enough to meet up with a real fire investigator who took the time out of his busy schedule to read my manuscript to make sure I did my homework. His help was invaluable. He took me through several fire scenes (by email) that really helped me get a grasp on what a typical day was like for him.
Anne, do you interview experts in those fields, or do most of your research through books and periodicals, or both?
That sounds really exciting, Anne!
Oops! I asked this question just as you were posting about it.
i can't wait for Fire and Ash!
EA, I do most of my research after the first draft. As I'm writing if I'm not sure about something I'll highlight it so I can come back and make sure the facts are right.
Danielle, I usually go on to another project and work on it until I come to a good stopping point, which is sometimes hard to do.
Okay, it's time for the final drawing. While I'm doing that I'll post one last excerpt.
Why do I get kicked off line right as I'm adding an excerpt? I need another drink:)
Okay, here it is. Then I'll draw and then I'll answer any last questions.
She pulled back the curtain and saw Captain Giesen stepping back away from the door to glance at the living room windows. Oh Great. She slipped her gun back into the holster, debating whether or not to open the door.
He pounded on the door again, this time much louder, triggering Cosmo to start barking. Afraid that Chase would hear him, and not wanting to try and explain his appearance, she reluctantly opened the door. With any luck she could get rid of him before Chase finished his shower.
“Good morning Sergeant. Mind if I come in?”
“Well actually I was…”
He cut her off, “According to your note you’re taking some personal days.” He stepped past her uninvited into the foyer. “Does that mean I have to wait until your return to find out how those women died?”
“I was waiting for the autopsy reports. Evan’s a little backlogged down at the morgue.”
“So I heard,” he said, his voice reflecting his agitation. He moved into the living room, and she followed.
Suddenly he turned, his expression hardening, “What kind of moron do you take me for Sergeant?”
“Excuse me?”
“Cut the crap Morgan. I know why you haven’t turned in your reports, you were afraid I’d take you off the case once I saw the resemblance. How long did you think you could keep this from me?”
“I was hoping for at least a couple of days.”
“Well you didn’t get them. As of now you’re off the case, placed on administrative leave, and I strongly recommend you reconsider my offer of police protection.”
She met his glare straight on. “You can take me off this case officially, but it won’t stop me. Nothing or no one is going to stop me from finding Gerald Tate.”
“What’s wrong with you Morgan? You’ve been a pain in the butt ever since you set foot in my department, but you’ve never gone against a direct order. Going after Tate is insane, hasn’t he already brought enough grief into your life?”
“He has Jared,” she blurted out, regretting her actions immediately.
“What?”
Tears welled in her eyes and she turned away from him, walking further into the living room. She stepped to the fireplace mantel where a photograph of her deceased husband sat. She wished desperately that he were here now. He would know what to do, how to get their son back safely.
“Talk to me Morgan, what’s going on here?”
Reluctantly she turned to face him. “Jared didn’t come home from school yesterday. A message was left on my answering machine, instructing me not to call the police, and later a book belonging to Jared was placed on my front porch. With it, a note assuring me he’d been abducted.”
“Why didn’t you call me?”
“Because I want my son brought back alive, Captain, and I know Tate well enough to know if I don’t follow his instructions he will kill Jared.”
“What makes you think he hasn’t already?”
Holy Cow !!! Stepped away for awhile and came back to 83 messages !!! Gonna have to skim ...
While Anne's gathering her excerpts, I must say I find fire forensics really fascinating because you don't hear as much on those kinds of things.
lol! I just realized that I'll receive email notifications of all these posts. I'm going to have fun sorting through my mailbox.
Advice to any writers planning a party at their blog, turn off your email notification before you start. Oh boy!
Okay I'm going to draw now!
That was a great excerpt
Boy you know it's serious business when someone takes your baby. That's some anguish. I'm really excited to read now cuz I want to know who's in her shower and why! lol
Anne, it has crossed my mind that research methods would make a really interesting blog topic. What do you think?
Drum rolls. The room is deafly (is that even a word) quiet.
Anne takes another drink of her lemonade.
And the Grand Prize Winner is...
opps I dropped the paper, maybe I better lay off the lemonade.
The winner is....
VAL!!!!
Congrats Val. Please email me with your physical address so I can send you your copy of Every Skull, and your basket of goodies. The download I'll send later tonight.
Hi to you too Miss Mae, love roasted sunflower seeds and yes I could use another refill - unfortunately, here on the east coast it's almost bed time ... I'm naturally a night person but I've gotta get up early so I can send my girl to school - did I say I need at least 8 hours of sleep to survive ?!?!
Congratulations Val!
Congratulations, Val!
ooh Val, You won the big one! Congratulations!!
oh yay, didn't miss the last drawing ... congratulations to you Val !!! :D
Congratulations Val!
Fellow partiers, I have got to hit the sack.
Thanks for a great party, Anne. I enjoyed your excerpts and reading comments from some of your admiring fans that I don't already know.
Good luck with your new book! Yay!
~danielle
Shawna, that's a great idea! I like your Journey to Publication series on your blog too.
OH MY GOSH! NO WAY! Whoooohoooo! Thank you so much. But now I don't now your email. It was a blast tonight and congratulations on your release!
Great party, Anne! Good luck wading through all of your comment notifications. hehe :)
It's time for me to head out. Congratulations again to all of the winners and to you, Anne, on the release of another awesome book. :)
Danielle, Shawna and Val, don't forget to email me with your physical address so I can get your gifts to you.
Thank you all for coming. This has been a great evening.
Thank you all for a wonderful party.
Val, email me at annepatrick07@yahoo.com
Thank you so much for coming. I had a blast!!
Thank you for an awesome party!
Thank you for coming Beth. I hope you had a good time.
I emailed mine as soon as I won, so it ought to be tucked in between some of your comment notifications.
If you want I'll send it again so you don't have to rummage for it.
This was a blast!
Congrats Val!!! Wish I could have been here earlier. Darn internet! Congrats on the release!!
It was my first e-party, and I had a very good time. Thank you for having me. :)
Anne, after the Writing Journey series, I'll post a review. How's that?
That would be awesome Shawna! Thanks! And thank you again for taking part tonight.
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