Joining me this month is the wonderful Karen Wiesner. Karen is an accomplished author with 82 books published in the past 13 years, which have been nominated for and/or won 111 awards, and 15 more titles under contract. Karen’s books cover such genres as women’s fiction, romance, mystery/police procedural/cozy, suspense, paranormal, futuristic, gothic, inspirational, thriller, horror, chick-lit, and action/adventure. She also writes children’s books, poetry, and writing reference titles such as her bestsellers, First Draft in 30 Days and From First Draft to Finished Novel {A Writer’s Guide to Cohesive Story Building}, available from Writer’s Digest Books. Her previous writing reference titles focused on non-subsidy, royalty-paying electronic publishing, author promotion, and setting up a promotional group like her own, the award-winning Jewels of the Quill, which she founded in 2003. Jewels of the Quill produced two award-winning group anthologies per year published by Whiskey Creek Press from 2005-2011. All were edited by Karen and others. Along with her writing, Karen enjoys designing Web sites, graphics, and cover art.
Be sure to comment throughout the month for a chance to win one of Karen's books!
[Anne] Name one of your favorite books as a child.
[Karen] How to Care for Your Monster by Normal Bridwell (of Clifford fame). I’d never known anyone else to have read it until I met my husband.
[Anne] Do you have a favorite author?
[Karen] Yes—for every genre. Some of my favorites are J.R.R. Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, Agatha Christie, Angela Hunt, Terry Brooks, Michael Crichton, Robin Cook, and Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child (pre-Detective Aloysius Pendergast series).
[Anne] Out of all the books you’ve read, which one comes immediately to your mind?
[Karen] The Lord of the Rings (a brilliant concept so beautifully executed in Peter Jackson’s films).
[Anne] If there is a favorite scene you remember, please share.
[Karen] The scene where Eowyn realizes she’s fallen in love with Faramir. Men tend not to be great at romance scenes, but this one was so poignant, it stands out in my mind.
[Anne] Your favorite vacation spot (whether you have been there or not)?
[Karen] I’m a homebody to the extreme. Agoraphobia is common in my family. Leaving home for longer than a few hours is painful for me.
[Anne] Which would you rather have: A custom closet or a custom kitchen?
[Karen] Kitchen, definitely. I’m as far from a fashion-ista as they come. Besides, I don’t have enough clothes to need a custom closet.
[Anne] It’s Saturday afternoon and you’re home alone. What are you wearing? And yes, you must have clothes on.
[Karen] Yes, I must have clothes on. I love pajamas and I’d wear them at all times if it was socially acceptable.
[Anne] What’s your favorite dish?
[Karen] I haven’t progressed out of my teenage years—pizza. The more cheese, the better.
[Anne] Hey, we never grow out of pizza:) Okay, other than writing, what do you enjoy doing?
[Karen] Designing cover art and graphics for websites. See my designs here:
http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/KarensCoverDesigns.html
[Anne] You’ve just landed a multi-book contract with a major publisher! Which vehicle would we be more likely to see you driving after you’ve collected your huge advance: a Hummer, RV, truck, muscle car, or BMW?
[Karen] None of the above. I’d just like a basic, new car—a Saturn SUV of some kind would suit me perfectly. Ms. Practicality, that’s me.
[Anne] What’s your favorite television show? Movie?
[Karen] I watch almost no television. I do catch American Idol as often as I can when it’s running, occasionally watch House when it comes on, but mostly I watch cooking shows when I do sit down in front of the television. My favorite movie is The Lord of the Rings.
[Anne] You’ve won a talent show! What act did you perform?
[Karen] I love to sing. Very cool if I could win a talent show for my singing.
[Anne] Would you rather have the power to be invisible or be able to fly, and why?
[Karen] For an introvert, the easy answer for me is to be invisible. You can’t imagine how often I just want to be invisible wherever I go, whatever I do.
[Anne] What was one of the most surprising things you learned during your journey to publication?
[Karen] That I could make the rules…write my own ticket. I never expected that and it’s difficult to give up that perk now to work with a publisher who wants to control every single aspect of the work. I love a publisher who trusts me and can see my vision instead of the other way around.
[Anne] What was the most interesting research you did for a book?
[Karen] In the process of outlining the final book in my Family Heirlooms Series, Worlds Collide, I had to do a ton of research about Japan along multiple angles—marriage, family living, childrearing, housing, traveling, etc. What a culture shock. It’s absolutely nothing like the United States over there. Writing a book where a main character is Japanese was beyond difficult and so I felt the only way to make it truly believable was to make her have grown up in the United States—this helped to create a character who’s at home in both worlds.
[Anne] Where do you go when you need to get inspired to write?
[Karen] Almost exclusively to my office. But I admit I do love to take a bunch of music CDs and go for a long drive in which I brainstorm like mad on a book.
[Anne] Do you have any writing quirks?
[Karen] Maybe it’s a quirk that I don’t believe there are absolutes in writing. There are so many writing trends, and I admit I find most of them silly. If anyone tells me when writing Never do this or Always do this, I immediately take a step backward. There’s only one rule in writing: If it works for the story, go with it. The only rules are the ones you enforce yourself in your writing. Don’t let anyone else tell you differently.
[Anne] What do you think makes a good story?
[Karen] Great characters. Without them, no story could be good enough to engage a reader.
[Anne] What are you working on now?
[Karen] I’m researching and outlining Clumsy Girl’s Guide to Falling in Love, the first book in the spin-off to my Family Heirlooms Series. I’m also revising and polishing two novellas: “Beauty is the Beast”, the final story in the miniseries I’m doing within my Woodcutter’s Grim Series, and “For Always”, the third in my Cowboy Fever Series.
[Anne] What's one of the more interesting experiences you've had with one of your readers?
[Karen] Interesting might be stretching this, but I often have people send me their books—usually out of nowhere—and ask me to read them. As if I have the time or inclination do to anything of the kind. Don’t get me wrong: I believe in giving back and helping new writers as much as possible, but there is a point where one has to draw the line. One time when I was having this happen to me practically once a week and was getting fed up with it, I had someone beg me to read his work. He wouldn’t take no for an answer. He even offered to pay me. Maybe it was wrong to accept it, but I figured it was no different than charging for a critique at a writing conference. In any case, I think we offered each other a valuable service, but honestly I’d probably never do it again. I put a disclaimer on my website now that says don’t send it; I’ll delete it without looking at it. So far, it’s worked pretty well.
[Anne] Complete this scene: It was raining. The man came out of nowhere, and before I knew it....
[Karen] I was wishing I’d never left home to begin with. (Hey, pre-agoraphobic talking here.)
For more information about Karen and her work, visit her Web sites at http://www.karenwiesner.com, http://www.firstdraftin30days.com, http://www.falconsbend.com and http://www.JewelsoftheQuill.com. If you would like to receive Karen’s free e-mail newsletter, Karen’s Quill, and become eligible to win her monthly book giveaways, send a blank e-mail to
KarensQuill-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Sweet Saturday Sample
Journey to Redemption - Inspirational Romantic Suspense - Rated PG - Releases August 1st!
Detective Morgan Reynolds thought her nightmare was over when serial killer Gerald ‘The Slasher’ Tate was sent to prison for her husband’s murder. But she was wrong. The Slasher has escaped and he’s making it even more personal this time. Tate has kidnapped her son and is giving her 72 hours to find the answers he wants or Jared dies.
Excerpt
Please, God…please let him be at one of his friends’. Please let him be safe!
Morgan fought off the threatening tears as she searched her bedroom, the guest bedroom, and the bathrooms before heading back downstairs.
“Afternoon, Sergeant.” Morgan froze at the familiar voice coming from her answering machine. She stepped into the living room and stared at the black box next to the phone. “Not to worry, you’re little boy is safe and sound. He’ll stay that way as long as you don’t contact your buddies down at the police station. I’ll be in touch soon.” She looked at Chase.
“Sorry. I thought maybe he’d left you a message,” he said.
“Oh no.” Her worst fear confirmed, Morgan sank onto the couch and wrapped her arms around her midsection. She struggled to fight off the nausea that threatened to consume her.
“Get me the captain.”
Morgan looked up and saw Chase on the phone. She rushed to his side, grabbed the receiver from his hand, and slammed it down on its cradle then glared at him. “What are you doing?”
“Following procedure. The faster we act, the better the chances…”
“You heard what he said, no cops.”
“Come on, Morgan, be realistic. We have to follow protocol.”
“Forget protocol. We’re talking about my son here. I’m not going to do anything that will endanger his life.”
“I know he’s your son, and I know what’s at stake. You’re a cop, Morgan. You know the first twelve hours are the most crucial. We have to call the captain and get the FBI in here.”
She shook her head. “No. No cops, and no FBI.” Her voice trembled as she spoke. “I’ve already lost my husband. I can’t lose Jared too. Please, Chase…please just trust me on this.”
I'll have a drawing for a PDF copy of Journey to Redemption Sunday evening so be sure to leave your contact info if you'd like to be entered.
Journey to Redemption will be available for purchase Monday, August 1st, in ebook and print from Whimsical Publications, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and other online bookstores.
Excerpt
Please, God…please let him be at one of his friends’. Please let him be safe!
Morgan fought off the threatening tears as she searched her bedroom, the guest bedroom, and the bathrooms before heading back downstairs.
“Afternoon, Sergeant.” Morgan froze at the familiar voice coming from her answering machine. She stepped into the living room and stared at the black box next to the phone. “Not to worry, you’re little boy is safe and sound. He’ll stay that way as long as you don’t contact your buddies down at the police station. I’ll be in touch soon.” She looked at Chase.
“Sorry. I thought maybe he’d left you a message,” he said.
“Oh no.” Her worst fear confirmed, Morgan sank onto the couch and wrapped her arms around her midsection. She struggled to fight off the nausea that threatened to consume her.
“Get me the captain.”
Morgan looked up and saw Chase on the phone. She rushed to his side, grabbed the receiver from his hand, and slammed it down on its cradle then glared at him. “What are you doing?”
“Following procedure. The faster we act, the better the chances…”
“You heard what he said, no cops.”
“Come on, Morgan, be realistic. We have to follow protocol.”
“Forget protocol. We’re talking about my son here. I’m not going to do anything that will endanger his life.”
“I know he’s your son, and I know what’s at stake. You’re a cop, Morgan. You know the first twelve hours are the most crucial. We have to call the captain and get the FBI in here.”
She shook her head. “No. No cops, and no FBI.” Her voice trembled as she spoke. “I’ve already lost my husband. I can’t lose Jared too. Please, Chase…please just trust me on this.”
I'll have a drawing for a PDF copy of Journey to Redemption Sunday evening so be sure to leave your contact info if you'd like to be entered.
Journey to Redemption will be available for purchase Monday, August 1st, in ebook and print from Whimsical Publications, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and other online bookstores.
Monday, July 25, 2011
And the Winner Is..... & other news!
Janis Lane! Congratulations, Janis. Nancy will be contacting you shortly with your book. I'm sure you will enjoy it. It sounds awesome and is on my TBR list.
I want to thank Nancy for joining me this month. It's been great getting to know more about her and her wonderful new series.
In other news -
Coming up next month is fellow Jewel of the Quill Karen Weisner! Karen is truly an amazing author. She makes my head spin with all the books she has out and all the things she does on the side, plus she's a wife and mother.
Have you seen my beautiful cover for Journey to Redemption (look in the side bar)? Traci Markou at Whimsical Publications did an awesome job! I just love it. It really captures the mood and setting of the book. It releases one week from today.
If you haven't read Out of the Darkness or A Familiar Evil yet. Now is a great time to pick up your copies. They're both on sale!
FBI profiler Alex Michaels’ life was shattered when a sadistic serial killer murdered her twin sister and left Alex with a career ending injury. Hoping to put the past behind her, she sets off across country with a truck driver she barely knows.
Royce McIntire knows Alex is on the run from something or someone, but he doesn’t care. He’s fallen in love with her and is finally getting his life back on track.
The killer is hot on Alex’s trail though, determined to find the one victim who got away. As more bodies turn up dead Alex has no choice but to tell Royce who she really is. Will the love that has blossomed between them be strong enough to sustain them, or will the killer get to Alex before they even have a chance to find out?
EXCERPT
The knife came out of nowhere.
A sharp pain, followed by a burning sensation, seared up her right forearm. Her fingers went numb and the gun clattered to the floor. She jabbed with her left arm, her clenched fist coming in contact with the jaw hidden behind a black ski mask.
The intruder retaliated with a punch to her right cheek that slammed her body back against the door. The room swirled, her knees grew weak. She struggled to stand on solid ground. With a fistful of hair, her head was jerked back as the attacker’s knee rammed her rib cage, forcing a gush of air from her lungs.
She cried out as her knees buckled and she dropped to the floor. Another blow to her rib cage knocked her back onto the floor. Her left arm pinned beneath her, she raised a bloody right arm toward the intruder and stared in horror at her hand dangling lifelessly.
With the full weight of his body pinning her, she writhed beneath him trying to free her left arm.
Fight me, Alex. Show me you’re not as weak as the rest.”
“I swear I’m going to kill you.” Using her feet as leverage, she rolled against him but she was no match for his strength.
He laughed. “Come on, Alex. Your sister put up a better fight than this.”
A sob escaped her lips. She could still hear Cassie’s cries for help and her bloodcurdling screams of terror.
“Sorry you didn’t make it in time to say goodbye. But you’ll be with her soon enough.”
Out of the Darkness is 50% off until July 31--use coupon code xmasEjuly at checkout to get your discount. http://champagnebooks.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=76
"You're out there watching me. I can feel you. What do you want? Why did you come back here?"
Jordan Russell had the perfect life until the brutal monster from her childhood resurfaced, opening up scars she thought were healed. With the hope of finally finding closure Jordan leaves her cheating husband, and her career in the FBI, and returns to where her nightmare began. But what awaits her in Thorny Creek will push her to the very edge of sanity and bring her face to face with her abductor.
EXCERPT
“Excuse me. I’m looking for Chief Russell.”
Jordan’s stomach did a nosedive at the familiar voice of her soon-to-be-ex-husband.
“You found her,” Frank answered.
Jordan looked up just as Sam smiled. “Indeed I have.” He started toward her desk.
Colleen barged through the opened door. “Chief, there’s an Agent Russell here to see…oh, I guess you found her.”
“Agent Russell,” Frank repeated. He turned back to Jordan, “Isn’t Russell your married name?” He then shifted his gaze back to Sam, “That must mean you’re her husband.”
“Not for much longer.” Jordan hurried around her desk and ushered Frank out the door. “You’ll be hearing from me.” She closed the door and looked at Sam. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m here at your request.”
“I specifically requested someone from the Charlotte field office.” Anyone but him.
He looked at her with the gorgeous smile that used to make her go weak in the knees. “And they forwarded that request to Agent Haines, who assigned me.”
“We’ll see about that.” Jordan marched back to her desk, and was four digits into Haines’ cell phone number when Sam pressed his finger down on the button and disconnected the call. Eighteen and a half months of built-up rage boiled to the surface. She doubled her right fist and spun around with lighting fury.
Sam, just as quick, stopped the fist within inches of his jaw. With his free hand, he took the phone from her left hand and placed it back in its cradle. Jordan felt his hot breath on her face as he peered down at her, and was keenly aware of the heat generating from his body through the hand which tightened around her wrist.
“Let me help you, Jordan…please.”
She swallowed hard, summoned all her courage, and met his smoldering gaze. “I need a profiler who can tell me exactly what I’m up against here.”
“Don’t tell me you’ve lost your touch.”
She ignored his smirk. “I need a fresh pair of eyes who can look at this guy objectively.”
“Who hasn’t allowed themselves to get too personal?”
“I just need someone other than you,” she spat.
“Too bad, you’re stuck with me. Now, what do you say I release your hand and you don’t take my head off? Or we can continue to provide the day’s entertainment for your co-workers.”
Jordan shifted her gaze to the glass separating her office from the command center. A half dozen familiar faces scattered like rats. She twisted free from his grip, grabbed her cap from her desk and shoved it down over her head. “Fine!” She was already halfway out the door before she realized he wasn’t with her. She turned back and found him smiling at her. “Are you coming or not?”
Ebook only $2.99 at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. Print also available.
I want to thank Nancy for joining me this month. It's been great getting to know more about her and her wonderful new series.
In other news -
Coming up next month is fellow Jewel of the Quill Karen Weisner! Karen is truly an amazing author. She makes my head spin with all the books she has out and all the things she does on the side, plus she's a wife and mother.
Have you seen my beautiful cover for Journey to Redemption (look in the side bar)? Traci Markou at Whimsical Publications did an awesome job! I just love it. It really captures the mood and setting of the book. It releases one week from today.
If you haven't read Out of the Darkness or A Familiar Evil yet. Now is a great time to pick up your copies. They're both on sale!
Out of the Darkness
FBI profiler Alex Michaels’ life was shattered when a sadistic serial killer murdered her twin sister and left Alex with a career ending injury. Hoping to put the past behind her, she sets off across country with a truck driver she barely knows.
Royce McIntire knows Alex is on the run from something or someone, but he doesn’t care. He’s fallen in love with her and is finally getting his life back on track.
The killer is hot on Alex’s trail though, determined to find the one victim who got away. As more bodies turn up dead Alex has no choice but to tell Royce who she really is. Will the love that has blossomed between them be strong enough to sustain them, or will the killer get to Alex before they even have a chance to find out?
EXCERPT
The knife came out of nowhere.
A sharp pain, followed by a burning sensation, seared up her right forearm. Her fingers went numb and the gun clattered to the floor. She jabbed with her left arm, her clenched fist coming in contact with the jaw hidden behind a black ski mask.
The intruder retaliated with a punch to her right cheek that slammed her body back against the door. The room swirled, her knees grew weak. She struggled to stand on solid ground. With a fistful of hair, her head was jerked back as the attacker’s knee rammed her rib cage, forcing a gush of air from her lungs.
She cried out as her knees buckled and she dropped to the floor. Another blow to her rib cage knocked her back onto the floor. Her left arm pinned beneath her, she raised a bloody right arm toward the intruder and stared in horror at her hand dangling lifelessly.
With the full weight of his body pinning her, she writhed beneath him trying to free her left arm.
Fight me, Alex. Show me you’re not as weak as the rest.”
“I swear I’m going to kill you.” Using her feet as leverage, she rolled against him but she was no match for his strength.
He laughed. “Come on, Alex. Your sister put up a better fight than this.”
A sob escaped her lips. She could still hear Cassie’s cries for help and her bloodcurdling screams of terror.
“Sorry you didn’t make it in time to say goodbye. But you’ll be with her soon enough.”
Out of the Darkness is 50% off until July 31--use coupon code xmasEjuly at checkout to get your discount. http://champagnebooks.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=76
A Familiar Evil
"You're out there watching me. I can feel you. What do you want? Why did you come back here?"
Jordan Russell had the perfect life until the brutal monster from her childhood resurfaced, opening up scars she thought were healed. With the hope of finally finding closure Jordan leaves her cheating husband, and her career in the FBI, and returns to where her nightmare began. But what awaits her in Thorny Creek will push her to the very edge of sanity and bring her face to face with her abductor.
EXCERPT
“Excuse me. I’m looking for Chief Russell.”
Jordan’s stomach did a nosedive at the familiar voice of her soon-to-be-ex-husband.
“You found her,” Frank answered.
Jordan looked up just as Sam smiled. “Indeed I have.” He started toward her desk.
Colleen barged through the opened door. “Chief, there’s an Agent Russell here to see…oh, I guess you found her.”
“Agent Russell,” Frank repeated. He turned back to Jordan, “Isn’t Russell your married name?” He then shifted his gaze back to Sam, “That must mean you’re her husband.”
“Not for much longer.” Jordan hurried around her desk and ushered Frank out the door. “You’ll be hearing from me.” She closed the door and looked at Sam. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m here at your request.”
“I specifically requested someone from the Charlotte field office.” Anyone but him.
He looked at her with the gorgeous smile that used to make her go weak in the knees. “And they forwarded that request to Agent Haines, who assigned me.”
“We’ll see about that.” Jordan marched back to her desk, and was four digits into Haines’ cell phone number when Sam pressed his finger down on the button and disconnected the call. Eighteen and a half months of built-up rage boiled to the surface. She doubled her right fist and spun around with lighting fury.
Sam, just as quick, stopped the fist within inches of his jaw. With his free hand, he took the phone from her left hand and placed it back in its cradle. Jordan felt his hot breath on her face as he peered down at her, and was keenly aware of the heat generating from his body through the hand which tightened around her wrist.
“Let me help you, Jordan…please.”
She swallowed hard, summoned all her courage, and met his smoldering gaze. “I need a profiler who can tell me exactly what I’m up against here.”
“Don’t tell me you’ve lost your touch.”
She ignored his smirk. “I need a fresh pair of eyes who can look at this guy objectively.”
“Who hasn’t allowed themselves to get too personal?”
“I just need someone other than you,” she spat.
“Too bad, you’re stuck with me. Now, what do you say I release your hand and you don’t take my head off? Or we can continue to provide the day’s entertainment for your co-workers.”
Jordan shifted her gaze to the glass separating her office from the command center. A half dozen familiar faces scattered like rats. She twisted free from his grip, grabbed her cap from her desk and shoved it down over her head. “Fine!” She was already halfway out the door before she realized he wasn’t with her. She turned back and found him smiling at her. “Are you coming or not?”
Ebook only $2.99 at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. Print also available.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Coming Attraction in Deadly Triad by Nancy Kay
Book two in my Deadly Triad is entitled Deadly Revenge. Introduced in Deadly Reflection, this story spotlights a strong sometimes feisty woman named Ada Blaine whose life has been a series of ups and downs since the devastating loss of her beloved husband. Facing life virtually alone shaped Ada into a strong, independent, successful woman. She found solace in tending her bountiful herb gardens and, using the skills and a love of gardening passed on by her beloved grandmother, created a thriving business.
Relatively happy and content living in the close knit community of Pine Bluffs, Pennsylvania, Ada opens her arms, and her heart, when the niece of her long deceased sister pops into her life. Her niece, Cassi, awakens long dormant feelings within Ada as she witnesses the young woman falling in love with handsome Nick McGraw and senses a void in her own life.
Rich McConnell, the handsome owner of the town's hardware store, has a checkered past. Like Ada, he's settled for a successful business and a few close friends. Then Ada shows up at a mutual friend's Christmas Eve bash looking nothing like the friendly, down to earth gardener who occasionally visits Rich's store for supplies. To his amazement, and delight, Ada evolved from somewhat attractive, into drop-dead gorgeous
But within months, as they began to explore their newfound mutual attraction, a rifle shot and a near miss set in motion a series of threats that Rich suspects are tied to his past. Ada is hurt, and angry, to think he's backing away from her due to some misplaced guilt.
Sweet, touching passion and determination come together, creating a story of late in life love found amidst spine tingling danger for Rich and Ada.
Relatively happy and content living in the close knit community of Pine Bluffs, Pennsylvania, Ada opens her arms, and her heart, when the niece of her long deceased sister pops into her life. Her niece, Cassi, awakens long dormant feelings within Ada as she witnesses the young woman falling in love with handsome Nick McGraw and senses a void in her own life.
Rich McConnell, the handsome owner of the town's hardware store, has a checkered past. Like Ada, he's settled for a successful business and a few close friends. Then Ada shows up at a mutual friend's Christmas Eve bash looking nothing like the friendly, down to earth gardener who occasionally visits Rich's store for supplies. To his amazement, and delight, Ada evolved from somewhat attractive, into drop-dead gorgeous
But within months, as they began to explore their newfound mutual attraction, a rifle shot and a near miss set in motion a series of threats that Rich suspects are tied to his past. Ada is hurt, and angry, to think he's backing away from her due to some misplaced guilt.
Sweet, touching passion and determination come together, creating a story of late in life love found amidst spine tingling danger for Rich and Ada.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Nancy Kay's Deadly Reflection
Excerpt from Deadly Reflection
"Police! Hold it right there. Drop the knife and don't move."
Cassi whipped around. Looming several feet away, cloaked in shadows, stood a man. Her eyes went from him to the mutilated body, then back. She ignored his harsh command and scrambled to her feet.
He strode closer, forcing her gaze up a tower of muscle. Dark stubble roughened his jaw line and, glinting in the dim forest, his hard, angry eyes locked with hers.
This was a policeman?
What kind of cop slunk around a swamp, hovering near dead bodies? The shoe did not fit.
"I said, put down the knife. Now!" The man wiped sweat from his brow, moved closer, and reached for her.
Cassi raised her hand, forgetting she still clutched the knife. He froze, muscles bunched like a jungle cat ready to pounce. Going light headed, she gulped in air and cast a furtive glimpse around. Except for the droning insects, hushed silence surrounded them.
She was alone, and at his mercy.
Almost.
Rufus pressed against her legs, emitting sounds somewhere between whines and growls.
Cassi dropped the knife.
"Get 'em!" she shouted, giving Rufus a hefty shove. Resisting, the stumbling dog crashed into the man.
"Damn it!" he yelled, as Rufus' big puppy feet tangled with his long legs. He skidded, arms windmilling, and landed flat on his ass.
"Son of a bitch."
Rufus took off running.
Cassi seized the moment and followed. If this was a cop, she'd face the consequences later. Right now, she just wanted to escape and get out this swamp.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Nancy Kay's Journey to Publication
Writing Romantic Suspense came very naturally to me. I've been married to the same wonderful man for 46 years come this December. Twenty-eight of those years he served on the Pennsylvania State Police. Mystery and elements of danger intrigue me, so when I got around to writing those stories floating around in my head, the direction they took was inevitable.
My journey to publication began one frigid winter day when I attended a talk at the library given by three local authors. Unfortunately for them, the attendance was small. Fortunately for me, I got to talk one on one with some very special ladies. I had a story in mind and their advice was to join RWA and 'just write!' So I did.
Several months later, about eight to be exact, I contacted one of the authors and asked if she'd meet me for lunch. She agreed and with a tolerant smile, gave me some gentle guidance and advice. After cutting about three thousand words from my masterpiece, I entered a couple of RWA chapter contests. Much to my delight and surprise I placed second in one and got honorable mention in another!
Then the real work began. I stared at my manuscript, puzzled by the term 'point of view'. That's a small hint to what I faced as a writer. Over the next seven years I attended RWA chapter meetings, small conferences and retreats. I took numerous online classes and completed two full manuscripts.
I agonized over query letters and pitches. My most difficult obstacle was deciding where my stories fit and what audience to target. I still struggle with these issues, because I believe the reader is the one who will ultimately decide if a particular story 'fits' their taste. However, just recently I read an interesting blog which brought to light two takes on romantic suspense, Hearth and Home verses Dark and Scary. My stories fall somewhere in between, so, when asked, I write romantic suspense with a hearth and home slant that's sometimes scary!
I belong to three RWA chapters. Last year I attended my first RWA National Conference in Orlando. Contacts made at the conference, along with growing confidence, led me to submit and get offered a three book contract through Desert Breeze Publishing. For months I studied and considered several e-publishers and found what I wanted with Desert Breeze.
I encourage aspiring authors to research and study every agent or publisher they are considering. Don't lose sight of your inner story. Take time to find a place your stories will be accepted. Think twice about changing your work drastically for a publisher to gain acceptance.
The story line and thoughts inside you begging to be woven into characters are what create the writer you will become. First and foremost, you must learn the craft of writing. I learned a great deal through trial and error - heavy on the error. My advice? Read what you love, what you want to write. Listen to fellow writers and commit to classes you need to overcome your weaknesses.
One of my favorite sayings: "Luck is what you call it when preparation meats opportunity." General David Petraeus.
My journey to publication began one frigid winter day when I attended a talk at the library given by three local authors. Unfortunately for them, the attendance was small. Fortunately for me, I got to talk one on one with some very special ladies. I had a story in mind and their advice was to join RWA and 'just write!' So I did.
Several months later, about eight to be exact, I contacted one of the authors and asked if she'd meet me for lunch. She agreed and with a tolerant smile, gave me some gentle guidance and advice. After cutting about three thousand words from my masterpiece, I entered a couple of RWA chapter contests. Much to my delight and surprise I placed second in one and got honorable mention in another!
Then the real work began. I stared at my manuscript, puzzled by the term 'point of view'. That's a small hint to what I faced as a writer. Over the next seven years I attended RWA chapter meetings, small conferences and retreats. I took numerous online classes and completed two full manuscripts.
I agonized over query letters and pitches. My most difficult obstacle was deciding where my stories fit and what audience to target. I still struggle with these issues, because I believe the reader is the one who will ultimately decide if a particular story 'fits' their taste. However, just recently I read an interesting blog which brought to light two takes on romantic suspense, Hearth and Home verses Dark and Scary. My stories fall somewhere in between, so, when asked, I write romantic suspense with a hearth and home slant that's sometimes scary!
I belong to three RWA chapters. Last year I attended my first RWA National Conference in Orlando. Contacts made at the conference, along with growing confidence, led me to submit and get offered a three book contract through Desert Breeze Publishing. For months I studied and considered several e-publishers and found what I wanted with Desert Breeze.
I encourage aspiring authors to research and study every agent or publisher they are considering. Don't lose sight of your inner story. Take time to find a place your stories will be accepted. Think twice about changing your work drastically for a publisher to gain acceptance.
The story line and thoughts inside you begging to be woven into characters are what create the writer you will become. First and foremost, you must learn the craft of writing. I learned a great deal through trial and error - heavy on the error. My advice? Read what you love, what you want to write. Listen to fellow writers and commit to classes you need to overcome your weaknesses.
One of my favorite sayings: "Luck is what you call it when preparation meats opportunity." General David Petraeus.
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