Fiction Friday -- Creepy Guy

Creepy in a Gary Sinise kind of way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bam. Bam. Bam.

She screeched at the pounding, her back shuddered at the tremor of the door. Heart racing she called out, "Who’s there?"

"Margaret? It’s me, Henry. Open the door."

She released the lock and pulled the door open with a bang.

"What’s going on? Your neighbor is babbling about strange men and loose women."

Maggie grabbed his arm, dragging him through the doorway. With a glare at Mr. Anderson she slammed the door again. There was a certain pleasure seeing the suspicion on his face in that instant she’d forced Henry through the door.

"I had an intruder, Henry." She moved to the windows and drew the curtains. Doing so, she lit her candle-lamp that sat in the furthest corner. "Please sit down. My kitchen is a mess, and I should report this, but I need to sit for a moment."

"Are you okay? Was anything taken?"

"I don’t know," she answered from the kitchen doorway. The glow from the single bulbed fixture at the center of the room shed just enough light to see there was no way she was getting her cocoa tonight without spending at least an hour cleaning first. Whoever it was had torn the place apart. With a sigh, she turned back. "There’s nothing to offer but some water. I might have some brandy…" She crossed her arms and rubbed the goose bumps away. "Honestly, I’m exhausted."

"Thank God I came by. Should I call the police?" He rose from the chair and turned his hat over in his hands before setting it on the chair. "Let me get you that brandy."

"I know you said we had an early morning tomorrow. I really think I should report this before we head out." Her eyes followed him to the liquor cabinet. "It’s too late now. I’m not going to bother them over this, not when nobody was hurt. It seems so trivial compared to what the police are probably dealing with in other parts of the city."

Henry poured a drink and handed it to her. She sipped, swallowing the fear and the tears. He patted her back and rested his hand on her shoulder.

Her breath stopped when his thumb trailed down and caressed the slope of her arm. She backed away and his hand fell to his side, his face showing no sign of discomfort. She, on the other hand, was beyond uncomfortable. She cleared her throat.

"I could stay on the couch if you’d like. I hate to leave you—"

"No!" Moving to the cabinet—and away from Henry—she placed the glass on top of it. "I mean, no thank you. I feel much better now and really appreciate that you came by when you did, but I think I’ll just lock up and head to bed. It was probably just a down-on-his-luck bum looking for a quick pick." Her laugh was short. "Not that he found anything worth taking here."

"Well, if you’re certain." He reached for his hat, closing the distance between them, and smiled—a sad smile. He lifted his hand as if to touch her face.

She pulled back. "Henry." Rounding the chair and crossing to the door, she opened it for him. "Please, don’t make this harder than it is."

Plotting

It's the age-old question of PLOTTING. [not my age, naturally...i'm a five-year-old writer...born in my 28th year on God's green earth--do the math if you want]

I plot as I go. Tweaking things as I get to know my characters. Knowing each event in their lives is going to change them a little... Knowing that occasionally, they will reveal things to me about their past that I'll have to incorporate into the growing story. This is how I do things...

This is my way.

And I consider myself a plotter. I like to have the basic storyline down before I start. I like to know, especially, where my characters will be when the novel is complete.

I finished reading Dodd's Chosen series yesterday. It's a four book series about a family of shifters from Russia with an ancestor who made a pact with the devil [literally].

Okay, let's just say, this project MUST have taken a lot of plotting. I never thought about it while reading other series, but there's just no way an author could start this story without detailing more than just a beginning and end. We're talking 4 siblings, four books yet ONE villain. So every scene, besides bringing the heroine and hero together in one book, must bring the family closer to winning this battle against evil. Seems really thready to me... the trick is to keep track of all the loose ones. Make sure they all get tied off in the end.

So, [in review style] I only had one issue with the ending of the fourth book. [and this is where the spoiler alert really comes into play...so don't keep reading if you haven't read the books and a surprise ending is important to you... DO YOU UNDERSTAND???? STOP NOW!]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The final H/h in Dodd's series, Doug Black and Firebird Wilder have a REALLY interesting story. After finding out she's pregnant with Doug's baby, Firebird also discovers that Doug is a shifter, a Varinski--the family who made a pact with the devil and wants to kill all of the Wilder family. She runs home, filled with guilt for possibly leading danger right to her family's door. Well, two years later, Firebird understands that in order to save her family, she must call upon the man she thinks wants to hurt them.

~~~

You know where I'm going with this don't you?

~~~

So, they reconnect...they still share a passion that is the heart and soul of them. One thing leads to another and they both ride a roller coaster of emotion that leads to the ultimate battle between good and evil.

~~~

Now here's the quirk [you must be thinking, FINALLY!]. I think the H/h relationship should have been resolved before the battle with the devil was fought by the family. It felt a little disappointing to have the awesomely staged conflict end, but not have the H/h run to each other... you know, like in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. [yeah, yeah. i know it didn't get great reviews, but I liked it] So, in review style...i would have resolved Doug and Firebird's issue BEFORE the battle. Cuz afterwards... it was weird. They talked for a few pages. Bam!, clearing up the do-you-really-love-me issue.

~~~

Also in true review style, i give all of these books 5 martinis. Very well written. Loads of passion...loads of conflict... Everything a romance reader[and writer] wants. :D

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back to the plotting. I commend you, Ms. Dodd. You rock. Thank you for putting such a wonderfully intricate plot together. One that kept me begging for more with each turn of the page. One that inspires me to make sure my stories will do the same thing for my readers.

Fiction Friday

Mark is in Switzerland with Flannery. This particular scene I'm inserting into chapter twelve in hopes that when chapter thirteen rears its lovely head, I'll be more prepared. :D So, here you have it. In all its rough draft glory. :) The Last Lie

~~~~~~~~~~

An Opel, German made truck circa 1930, whined its way down the side of the hill. He had a very bad feeling they were about to be submersed in a day’s worth of back and forth. He measured with his eyes and figured at least three trips. "Let’s start unloading."

"Maybe it’s not our contact."

Mark gave Flannery a look of disbelief. "Who else? There’s no one here. Hasn’t been anyone here in some time, I’d guess."

His friend shrugged and jumped back into the plane to pull the wooden crates from the stacks, neatly lining them at the door. "Come on old man. Get your ass up here."

Mark waved him off and walked toward the terminal. The truck rumbled to a stop feet from the end of the runway where he stood. He choked on the dense smog of exhaust, covering his mouth and nose.

A big man hoisted himself from the driver seat and stepped down. He wore brown overalls and a denim, long-sleeved shirt. His balding head glistened with a sheen of perspiration. Bushy eyebrows hooded large droopy eyes that lit up when he smiled. "Dzien dobry. Hallo!"

Some of the tension he’d been feeling since he’d flown out of Lakenheath dissipated. He grasped the older man’s hand. "Hello, I’m Mark Danbury, RAF."

The man’s accent, European, though Mark couldn’t determine where from, gilded his words. "We wait long time for someone to come."

"We’re a little short on information, but still glad to help in anyway we can." Mark turned and pointed toward the plane whistling through his teeth. "That’s Flannery O’Riley."

Flannery waved from his perch in the cargo bay.

"My name is Emil Tomaszewski. Come, let us help your friend so we can continue or journey." Emil walked with a slight limp, but despite that and the protruding middle, he carried more of his share during the task.

The midmorning sun caused sweat to pour down Mark’s face, but he appreciated the manual labor. It kept his mind from lingering on Maggie, from seeing her board the train with that knowing smile. Remembering the taste of her lips…

"Watch it, Mark." Flannery sidestepped him with a crate full of canned goods.

He broke from the trance he’d been convincing himself the work would distract him from and shook his head.

"So, you think about a girl, eh?" Emil stood at the cargo entrance with his hands upraised for another load. He slipped his fingers into the slots on either side of the crate Mark had shoved over.

"My wife."

"This is good! You have wife."

Mark smiled at the jovial man. After just an hour or so of work and talk, he now knew that Emil had been married twice and had two grown sons. James and Adalbert worked within occupied Poland, during the day as street pavers, but by night as underground network emissaries. His current wife was ten years his junior and had stayed by his side as they crossed through the Czech Republic[check this for timing] and Austria[bavaria?] before reaching Switzerland.

Mark imagined a stern woman, tall and strong…with muscles. He chuckled to himself. European women were not the same soft, loving female variety he was used to. Maggie would never have the strength for what Emil described, some days taking to the roads on foot.

"Eh." Emil nudged him. "She is pretty, no?"

"Yes. She is very pretty." Mark lifted the last box onto the bed of the truck.

"It all fit." Flannery walked up after closing the cargo bay door and removed his cap. He scratched his head. "I’ll be danged."

"No kidding. I was sure we’d be taking at least three trips." Mark lifted his small duffel bag from the ground and slung it over his shoulder.

Emil threw his head back and laughed. "I learn to pack. Very quick and tight." He patted the side of the truck. "Fuel is hard to come by, but we are lucky. So far, the German’s have stayed out of Switzerland. So, men like me—we bring our families into these mountains. And we do what we have to…including bring supplies in from the airport." He struck the air above his head with his finger. "We go! Marta has made a fine meal to share."

Mark’s stomach growled at the mention of food. "Thank you. We could use a meal and a good night sleep."

"How many families did you travel with?" Flannery squeezed in between Emil and Mark on the bench seat. Emil started up the engine before answering the question.

With his side pressed up against the door, Mark hung his elbow out the window. The fresh cool mountain air swirled through the window and into the cab. Mark caught the scent of hard work and sweat mixed with the mountain heather.

"In March five new families come from Germany. All together, there are eleven, three from Poland, three more from France, and one couple from Prague--newlyweds."

Mark’s mind wandered as Emil ran through a list of everyone’s name, what they liked, how long it took them to get to the farm… His head fell back against the seat and he rested his eyes as the truck rumbled through the quiet streets of Langnua before becoming dirt.

Flannery must have understood his fatigue because he kept up the easy banter, relieving Mark of the obligation.

He jerked awake when the truck ground to a halt. A tall house rose out of green rolling hills that were backdropped by the magnificent rise of the Alps. Gray peaks with tops of white, a fortress for this small farming community. Mark yawned away the vestiges of much needed sleep.

picture found at FiddlersGreen.net

Fumbling the Pass

Can you believe it??!!

My first week and I miss the pass. Tight End, Irie Sponsible interecepted during the touchdown. The coach has benched me for the week...and given me a loooong list a exercises and plays to get through before next Monday's game.

1) Finish C5,6,7 for Leigh Royals--Completed 5 and 6, stopped at seven cuz i haven't heard from Leigh about the first two. :( If you read this Leigh, send me a line and let me know what's going on.

2) Continue work through Lauren Murphy's ms...a few more chapters--I didn't get to this yet. But I thought about it. Will do it this week.

3) Keep up with CP, Estelle Harte. Critiques, recritiques--her story is going to rock! I'm very excited for her. A contemporary romance for the American Story line at Harlequin. Go Estelle!--critiqued Estelle's new 1 and 2, have C3 in my inbox for this week.

For me:

1) rewrite Switzerland scene.--579 words. Became really frustrated, emailed CP, realized I hadn't revised 10...or sent 11 and 12 out for critiques, figured that was why I had no idea where my story was or was going. So, revised C10 and reviewed C11 in order to send to CP[s]. Should get that out this week along with C12.

2) reread 7 books [if I have time ;-)] You know, in between everything else...--Read Two Alone by Sandra Brown, started a Heather Graham and my book club book, The Rest of Her Life by Laura Moriarty. Um...added 4 more books to my pile, two of which are new releases. One a Suzanne Brockmann... Yeeeeeeee!!!! I'm forcing myself to wait. Also forcing myself to go through books and pare down. :D It's time to make a list and take some back for later. [there are 13 full length novels on my halltree]

3) adding for consideration: I'm going to hook up with Charlotte Dillon's critique group again...I think. I'm hoping, in a week when number 3 goes to school, that i'll really be able to fly through this ms. I want to finish!!!!!

Giving Life

Forgoing Fiction Friday for BeadforLife.org

Around the world, over one billion people live in extreme poverty, defined as living on less than one dollar a day. This means people haveing to make choices between food and medicine, or which child gets medical care. All of the memebers of BeadforLife were living in extreme poverty before joining -- now they are eating well, sending their children to school, and starting small businesses.

Exteme poverty can be ended. BFL members are typical of impoverished people around the world -- determined, hardworking, and smart, but lacking opportunities to lift their families from poverty.

Here are ways you can make a difference on extreme poverty worldwide.

~~~~~

My Aunt MaryAnn is a nurse who works in an AIDS clinic in NYC. 2 weeks ago she attended the world AIDS conference in Mexico City. My sister lives in Monterrey so they were able to meet up for a visit[the lucky girl!...er, aunt!]

Nurses all across America are selling these beaded necklaces in order to raise money to help Ugandan women. Have you seen them? The necklaces are made out of rolled dyed paper and then coated. They are very, very cool. and what a great cause! 93 cents of every dollar make is invested in community development work fighting extreme poverty, including projects in health care, vocational training for out-of-school youth, affordable housing, and entrepeneurial skills development. BeadforLife is a 501(c)(3) non-porfit organization (tax ID: 20-1683139) so donations are deductible to teh extent of the law.

My sister at Melanie Reyes Photography is having a contest in support of this organization. She wants YOU to post a link on your webpage-blog-facebook-myspace-wherever to http://www.beadforlife.org/ and help spread the word. Leave a link in the comments on her blog, http://www.melaniereyesphotography.wordpress.com/, and she will enter you to win a pack of 5 of her Bubblicious Notecards.

What happened when I read two books

A few things:
I finished crits for Leigh, 5 and 6, will do 7 today.

CP Estelle is in hiding. ;-)

Read Two Alone by Sandra Brown...ended up not being a reread. A nice surprise. The book was okay.

Funny thing, Two Alone is about a plane crash in the mountains. The second book I picked up is about a plane crash, Night, Sea and Stars by Heather Graham.

Coincidence, yes.

I'm going to make salsa today...do a crit on C7, plus some crit on LMurphy.... I opened my own stuff last night then ended up doing ironing instead. :P Procrastination? I think so.

Monday Night Goalposts

Well, it's the start of a new school year tomorrow. I have three kids who will scamper off the wonderfully scheduled world of classrooms and assignments, recess and new friends. Unlike while at home, they will actually have something to do. :D

For me this will mean a few [or several, if I'm lucky] extra hours to write in the week. Yay! [Imagine in October when ALL the kids will be in school! Eeeek!]

Inspired by my dear friend, Moira Keith, I am going to start posting my weekly goals here on Monday night. I want to be disciplined...if even just a little bit. :D

August 18, 2008 - Critique week:
1) Finish C5,6,7 for Leigh Royals
2) Continue work through Lauren Murphy's ms...a few more chapters
3) Keep up with CP, Estelle Harte. Critiques, recritiques--her story is going to rock! I'm very excited for her. A contemporary romance for the American Story line at Harlequin. Go Estelle!
For me:
1) rewrite Switzerland scene.
2) reread 7 books [if I have time ;-)] You know, in between everything else...

With football season approaching... I wonder, why is the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio? I've been there a dozen times [Canton, I mean] or more... still I don't know.

Quote of the Day

I'm getting rid of my Quote of the Day feature... brought to you by some internet junkie or another. I noticed already that the quotes are repeating themselves. Ugh. come on now! Get original!

When you just want to finish

I've hit another spot...and I think what I did before was race to the end. In this spot I have my hero, Mark, flying into Switzerland then coming back out...with a momentous happening. But, still, the scene is more of a flashback while he's flying away from the country. NOT GOOD!

So, here I am, writing another chapter/scene. I want to get more into it, scenery, emotions, people... everything. Shouldn't take too long to get back on track. I'm going to remember this incident next time, though. Racing to the end makes me leave things out. :P Don't want that.

Here's an excerpt of the bit I'm changing.

~~~~~~~~

Flannery rolled over causing the cot to squeal in protest and vomited into the pail. A thud accompanied the resounding splash when he fell back.

Mark opened a vent and looked to heaven. Their quick flight to France had included a side trip to Sweden—which had taken an entire four days—and now, a hop over to Belgium. And wasn’t that fun?

Somewhere along the line, Flannery had picked up a bug. Three days ago, he’d passed out at a farm in a small village in Switzerland. Filled with refugees, Christians and Jews, it sorely needed supplies—food, clothing, and medicines. Hollow faces filled with a spark of hope. They’d kept their faith and Mark had to wonder how, when everything they owned had been ripped from them. Sickness and death marked more than a few of the families. His greatest fear stared him in the face—losing what meant the most to him, Maggie. The stark reality made it difficult to guard his heart.

From across the rocky yard, a girl of surely no more than seven years approached. Her soft, blonde curls reminded him of his youngest sister.

"I speak English." The soft slur of her accent brought a smile to his face.

"I’m glad. I’ll need your help. Would you like to introduce me to your family?"

She nodded her head and, holding his hand, took him to each of the families. He’d swallowed pity and the knot in his throat. Shaking hands and sharing stories, just knowing a name meant being drawn into their circle of brotherly love.

No. Pity wasn’t needed there. The men he’d met had overcome no mere obstacle to protect the people they loved. The very lives of those loved ones had been placed in the hands of God. A faith, unshakable.

His paled in comparison.

Without a word at his departure, Emma had run to him and wrapped her arms around his knees. He patted her head and lifted her to place a kiss at the tip of her nose.

"Thank you, Mr. Danbury." She returned his kiss. "I love you."

Emotions blocked any response he wanted to make, should have made. A tight feeling in his chest reminded him of the day he married Maggie. Until this moment he hadn’t realized the depth of that love.

"I’ll say a prayer for your friend, Mr. Danbury."

Out of necessity, he cleared his throat. "Thank you," he whispered before squatting and returning her to her feet on the dry dirt road. "He’ll appreciate that."

Six hours after they left, the stink of sickness wafted through the cabin, and Mark brought the Belgium airstrip into his sights. Skies were clear and brilliant blue. He’d prayed for clouds. Getting in undetected would be nearly impossible on a day like today.

Finding a Mate

I know this sounds silly, but romance is defined by Man meets Woman, Woman meets Man. They conflict a ton then end up together. I find it really difficult to keep this conflict fresh throughout my story.

When I think it's so obvious that my hero is in love with the heroine, he's supposed to be clueless. But I wonder, when is it too soon to reveal this revelation? Chapter Two? Chapter Six? Nine?

When we add the external conflict of war and suspense and villains...then, can we allow for an earlier revelation of personal interest? What will keep our readers reading? Will they get to a point where they want to rip their hair out and scream, "Stop being such an IDIOT! You are IN LOVE."

I think my hero MUST give in a little. Chapter Ten...I think I'm okay. To allow him to use this friendship as an excuse anymore will only make his character hard to like. Soooo, I will give in. I will allow him to admit that, yes. He has feelings for her. He doesn't know what to do with them...even though they are married, but his feelings are too obvious.

My job as the author is to keep them real. This is real.

Just thought you might like to know. And, also, when I write it out this way, I feel kinda stupid. Chapter TEN?! That's alot. That's plenty of time to have a change of heart. So, thank you Blogspot for helping me brainstorm and sort through my ideas. :D

Please excuse my French

You can't possibly understand how pissed off I was last night during the Olympic opening ceremonies. I watched all these beautiful people people parade in with their beautiful dresses...their scarves...their hats...pretty shoes. I don't remember which country wore them, but the women had on these sassy red dresses. Reminded me of Audrey Hepburn...

I remember thinking at that point, Oh, I can't wait to see what the US is wearing.

OMG! OMG! OMG!

First of all, if you saw our team from a distance you wouldn't be able to distinguish man from woman. It was the most disappointed I've ever been!!!! I mean, what stupid Freak women's Liber decided we had to be Fucking equal to men??? HMMM? There was nothing, absolutely NOTHING pretty about any of the women's clothing. They looked just like the men. Pansy ass men wearing Polo-ish Caddyshack-reminiscent WHITE pants, blue[yes, Navy] sports jackets, and stupid, freaking, country-club set scarves at their necks.

I'm a republican...but, EW. EW.EW.EW. They looked like cookie cutter conservative, golfing..SEXLESS SHITHEADS.

[My daughter saw this picture when I was complaining about the outfits...she said, "but the dress is pretty." YES! THANK YOU, smart 9 year old female. I LOVE YOU.]

When is our country going to WAKE UP and realize that woman have more to offer!

Put a dress on, you morons!!!!!!!!!!

Neglectful...again

I'm just going to stop apologizing for now.
as I don't have a fan base...
no marketing strategist to prod me into selling myself...
Just me, at the computer, using my time wisely. <--most of the time...

I picked up another Nora Roberts book. A reread, the Lovers and Dreamers Trilogy. I finished the second book this evening. While reading, over the past couple of days, i figured out why I wanted to be just like Nora. I can read her books and not once think of the craft of writing. I'm submerged in the story so completely, i don't notice anything else.

It's not the writing of a novel that sells...
It's the telling of the story.

I'm trying to keep that in mind. I think it's working, but i'll keep practicing until my CP, my friends and I aren't the only one who think it. LOL. That is also key... So, keep your hats on fellow writers, friends, and family. It's coming... I swear it! :D

Just Another Manic Monday

I did a review on Nora Robert's Blood Brothers [cover in sidebar].

I'm a HUGE Nora fan. I've read every book she's written under that name except The Circle Trilogy. When those came out, I wasn't really reading paranormal much and I was kind of tired of the witch theme. I may go back and read them...

I've been doing a lot of paranormal reading in the last month or so.

Anyway, my point is...

Nora Roberts' style has changed. Her writing is different.

Her creation of the story is still above par, if you ask me. There is no contest there.

But if you've been reading NR like I have, you would note the differences. Her dialogue is short and choppy. In my opinion, too short and choppy. I've also noted the obvious stages of plotting in her books. Does this mean I don't like her books? NO! I mean, come on! The hero's journey is a strong plotting device that LOTS of authors use. HEll, I've used it more than a few times. You can catch one of my comparisons HERE.

I read Blood Brothers in a day. Does that sound like someone who didn't like the story? No. That sounds like someone who appreciates a good story in spite of imperfections. Hmm. A lot like being married I think. :)

You can read my review HERE.

Thursday Thirteen -- Teresa D'Amario

Thirteen things about

Tigress by the Tail

Within every breed of creature lies a subspecies where evolution took an odd turn. In the darkness hides a world where animal and man are one.

Man and Beast.

Beast and Man.

Together, their hearts reign.An unknown war has been fought in the city streets, and Man is no longer the strongest predator.For in city jungles, The Beast has won.

Lance is a Wizard. He’s not a great wizard, but he’s all right. Descended from a long line of wizards, his brothers taunt him for being slow to learn. And as the youngest, it’s his due course to accept such teasing. Life is good, and normal. For a wizard that is.

Cassie is a Shifter. A tigress to be exact. Raised by her father after her mother’s death she’s as well adjusted as any shifter can be, and still live in the human world, hiding who and what she is.

Bliss comes to a screeching halt the night Satanists kidnap Cassie and her best friend to use as sacrifices to bring forth their Dark Lord. When Cassie literally collides into Lance, she begs him to help them escape their captors, despite the dangers. The couple work together to save the life of Cassie’s friend, only to discover a shocking passion driving them closer together at a time when both should be devastated. But when Lance overhears Cassie’s father threaten his life, he heads for the hills. Cassie follows, determined to clear up the confusion. But evil is still afoot and Cassie is taken by a secret government organization dedicated to the eradication of all things magick. Is Lance willing to put his life on the line for a woman he believes is out to kill him? Especially when he realizes the organization that’s taken her, is the one he works for?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A week ago a read an awesome shifter story. My first ever paranormal shifter story. Teresa D'Amario is an talented writer. She brought to life a cast of characters that I was sure I was going to scoff at. I was pleasantly suprised.

If you've never read a shifter story, never read anything by Teresa, you must give it a try! You will be on the edge of your seat from page one through to the end.

Lucky me! I contacted Teresa and she agreed to do an interview for my Thursday Thirteen. So...without further ado. 13 things about Ms. D'Amario and her newest book, Tigress by the Tail, available through All Romance eBooks by Tease Publishing

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. What is Lance's most admirable [lovable...and I don't mean his looks, although a picture would be nice too] quality?

His bravery, or insanity, depending on how you look at it. He's not afraid of Cassie, though any sane man should be!

Mmmm. Okay.

2. Heroines today are ultra strong and independent. What quality in Cassie makes her weak?

Cassie has a major fear of losing herself to the beast, which is tested to the extreme in this book.

3. How long did it take you to finish this novel?

It took about 4 months total.

4. What's your favorite thing to do on a cool summer evening?

Sit out on my deck and count the stars, cuddling with hubby and the 2 dogs.

5. So, you slaved over the creation of this novel for weeks, months... are you the type of author who worries over how good it is? or do you take it all in stride?

Oh yes, I am deathly worried about whether this is good enough.

6. I was really impressed with your bad 'guys'. When you created them, who did you have in mind?

Nobody in particular really. There are two distinct separate factions in this book, and the first one is every scary movie I ever watched. LOL. The second hasn't been revealed fully. We have the one villain who is an underling, but the major one is not revealed here, but will be in future books.

7. How much wood would a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

The amount of wood that woodchucks would chuck on a given day varies greatly with the individual woodchuck. If he is tired, he may not chuck as much wood as he would on a good day. However, it stands to reason that if a woodchuck could chuck wood, he would chuck approximately 700 pounds. Ok, I admit it, I found that answer at raptureready.com

9. So, you've got brothers, you've got friends. I loved how your characters interacted with each other. Of all of your secondary characters, whom is your favorite?

Logan is probably the favorite of my secondary characters with Tigress By the Tail. I had to work hard to keep him from "stealing the show." He's a true alpha male comfortable in his own skin.

10. What was your greatest fear as a child and has that influenced your writing today?

I would say anonymity. Like Cassie, I have myself to fight, more than anything else. I was raised to be seen and not heard.... that leaves you with this sense you are more invisible than visible.

11. If you were a shifter, what animal would be?

Tigress, which is probably why I chose the tigress for Cassie. It's one powerful, aggressive beast. One everyone fears and respects.

12. Your first two books are connected. Can we expect another book to sequel The Tigress?

Possibly. Tigress is not a direct sequel to SheWolf, though they are definitely connected. There are no specific crossover characters, though if you have read SheWolf, you will recognize a few names at one point. I plan on a sequel to SheWolf next, but do have thoughts about bringing Logan out of his self imposed darkness.

13. Who is your absolute favorite Romance Diva with the nickname IrishBetty?

Gee... I don't know. I think uhm. ahh. No, I must be getting confused. Who's blog is this again? LOL Just kidding. Hi Betty! (waving). Thanks so much for having me!!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This was definitely one of the best books I've read in a long time. It is also, by far, the best epublished book I've ever read. Thank you Teresa for coming here and typing with me.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Clean up in Aisle Five

A little Snafu in the revision process.
Working through it... just a blip before I'm back on track.

Here's some inspiration.