V - VILLAINS

V IS FOR VILLAINS

Villain's are some of the most fun to create and most actors say, the most fun to play. The antagonist or villain in the world of writing has the job of playing the foil to the hero. Today the goal is to create a sympathetic villain, and some authors are so good at it that the villain becomes the favorite character.

The Saint comes to mind as a villain with the heart of gold.

Maybe critic, Roger Ebert, said it best:

"Each film is only as good as its villain. Since the heroes and the gimmicks tend to repeat from film to film, only a great villain can transform a good try into a triumph."

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In Murder & Obsession the villain does just that. He turns a chargeable offense into a cheer-able result. Public opinion almost grants him a pass.

Using this quote as my guide:

“The villains were always ugly in books and movies. Necessarily so, it seemed. Because if they were attractive—if their looks matched their charm and their cunning—they wouldn't only be dangerous.

They would be irresistible.”

 ― Nenia Campbell, Horrorscape

But the truth is:

“The fact is that we have no way of knowing if the person who we think we are is at the core of our being. Are you a decent girl with the potential to someday become an evil monster, or are you an evil monster that thinks it's a decent girl?"

"Wouldn't I know which one I was?"

"Good God, no. The lies we tell other people are nothing to the lies we tell ourselves.”

 ― Derek Landy, Death Bringer

Cheers to creating interesting villains!

*****

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U - UNUSUAL

U IS FOR UNUSUAL SURVIVAL TIPS

In Alaska and Canada there are guidelines in place for what pilots must carry in their planes. Alaskan Survival Kit Regulation.

If you're a hiker, snowmobiler or just a tourist and traveling into the Alaskan wilderness, even if only for a few miles or a few hours, your life may depend on what you're carrying.

Basic Wilderness Survival Skills

If you're foolish enough to go into the wilderness without a survival kit, you may still save your life.

Water, shelter, and warmth should be your first priorities:

• Find a dry location and use the vegetation like pine boughs to build yourself a nest.
• Lipstick or chap stick could help you start a fire. It's petroleum based.
• A mirror can signal for help.
• Dental Floss can be used as a fishing line, for cutting food, or even capturing it.
• Duct Tape is a favorite of mine and one I used in Murder & Obsession. There are numerous uses for Duct Tape! From first aid to creating containers.

This survival kit has everything you might need - no matter what emergency you find yourself in. You should keep one in your car!

• Gerber® Miniature Multi-tool
• Needle Nose Pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Fine Edge Knife
• Phillips Screwdriver
• Small Flat Driver
• Medium Flat Driver
• Lanyard Ring
• Bottle Opener
• Tweezers
• Waterproof Bag
• Miniature Light
• Hand Saw
• Signaling Mirror
• Survival Blanket
• Fire Starter
• Waterproof matches
• Cotton Ball - Fire Tinder
• Snare Wire
• Emergency Cord
• Waxed Thread
• Fishing Kit
• Sewing kit
• Lanyard Whistle
• Lightweight, ripstop nylon bag with waterproof zipper
• Land to air rescue instructions
• Priorities of Survival - Pocket guide contains Bear’s survival essentials

Do you have an unusual survival tip you can share?

Stay safe!

*****

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T - TLINGIT

T IS FOR TLINGIT

"The Tlingit (pronounced clink it) are an indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America and the Southeast Coast of Alaska. The Tlingit are a matrilineal society, which is the tracing of descent through the female line." In my books, you'll find Steven's mother holds the true power.

As Michael Di Gesu, says in the blurb he wrote for Murder, Madness & Love:

"Detective Steven Quaid waits. His Tlingit Indian features, as though carved from granite, mask his Irish passion..."

During my research it was the true story of a Tlingit warrior's sacrifice during the war in Iraq that influenced my choice for the background of Detective Steven Quaid. But this photograph played a big part too!

Photo Copyright

Murder & Obsession

Excerpt: (when Steven was sixteen)

“Atian,” Doreen addressed Steven, “do you still want to be a tracker like your uncle?” Doreen had always called Steven “Little Atian” when his uncle lived, and hearing the name as his own lifted his confidence. (Atian (Ah-tee-ahn) is Native American for Steven)

Doreen dished a bowl of stew for him. “You sound so much older this year, Atian. Don’t grow up too fast.”

“Show off,” Gayln uttered with a mouth full of roll. He swallowed and continued, “Steve says stifling, but what he really means is bullies make the city unbearable.”

Steven glared at Gayln.

“When this summer is over, you’ll have no more worries with bullies. I’ll make warriors out of the both of you,” Quinn promised.

Steven smiled and dipped his roll into his stew. Warrior. He rolled the idea around in his head. Warrior sounded like a much better title than half-breed did. His Tlingit mother and Irish father had given him everything a young man could want, but material items did not mean acceptance by either the white population or the native population. School was a struggle―not the classes, but the social interaction―the acceptance of his peers.

*****

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S - SLEEPING LADY

S IS FOR SLEEPING LADY

Sleeping Lady Mountain or Mt. Susitna is one of my favorite views from Anchorage. I think I've talked about the mountain in each of my novels.

The Legend says: Mt. Susitna acquired the name ‘Sleeping Lady’, because its shape resembled a maiden at rest. Legend said the young woman came from a tribe of giants that occupied the land in a bygone age, and, when warring factions required her groom to negotiate a peace settlement, she lay down to sleep, and awaited his return. He died in the war, and no one wanted to awaken her to give her the news.

Photo Copyright

Murder & Obsession

Excerpt:

Captain Reed drummed his fingers on the top of his thigh. Forty-five years old, with salt and pepper hair, Bill Reed was the youngest officer to hold the position of Captain in Anchorage. An ulcer, testament to his dedication, had flared due to this mess with his top investigator. His phone, on speaker, sounded the ring of a placed call. He waited for someone to answer. 

Through the window to his left, Sleeping Lady Mountain’s new covering of snow reflected the purple hue of the sky. Captain Reed repeated in his head the childhood rhyme about a red sky at night. He wondered if a purple sky meant this living nightmare would get worse. He couldn’t believe Steven Quaid, an officer he’d chosen as his replacement, had run from authorities instead of facing the music. He considered Quaid a friend, but his position would not allow anything but professionalism and a hands-off attitude.

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And a very special shout out to Chrys Fey
on the release of her first novel.

DIGITAL LINKS:

Amazon / Barnes & Noble /

 KOBO / The Wild Rose Press

ALSO AVAILABLE IN PRINT!

Congratulations, Chrys!

R - RESEARCH

R IS FOR RESEARCH

Research Resource for Writers

No matter the type of book you're writing, some type of research needs to be done, whether it's trying to find a name, a point of law, or a question of forensics for a crime novel.

HERE, and all in one place is an item that may help you. Usually, I just type the title of my research question into Google and get a list of items. But I came across this wonderful site and thought I'd share.

Click the HERE for access!

For Murder & Obsession I did quite a lot of research and one subject involved flying to Russia.

Murder & Obsession

Excerpt:

“It’s not easy getting into Russia. You have to file a request for flight authorization with Moscow. He’d also have to file flight plans twenty-four hours in advance. What did his paperwork show?” Steven asked.

“I’m assuming from your knowledge of the procedures you had considered this a possibility?” Agent Lopez said.

“Of course, with his heritage,” Steven said.

“Good, good.” Lopez seemed to relax with Steven’s acceptance of his theory. “Paperwork is pending; we’re still waiting to hear from Moscow, but I did get a few details from an officer at the Provideniya airport.”

“Did they pass through customs? Does he have connections in Russia?” Steven asked.

“That I don’t know yet. The paperwork will give us those details. I do know he landed at noon on October 21st. His associates we’re still investigating.”

“October 21st, but he was spotted in Nome on October 18th. Where was he before the flight to Russia?” Steven rubbed his chin and began to pace.

           “Again, it’s early in the investigation. There are hundreds of landing strips in Alaska, but we are assuming he came here to Anchorage since his home is here, and it’s where the flight to Russia originated. We’re checking all cameras at the airport, and the FBI will be doing another sweep of his home for possible evidence.”

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Q - QUINN

Q IS FOR SKY QUINN

One of my favorite characters in Murder & Obsession is Sky Quinn. An Inuit, better known by most as an Eskimo. Sky, is Steven's Uncle, in name only. He was a friend of Steven's Uncle Atian, and had a huge part in training Steven for wilderness survival. (I chose not to use the term Eskimo because some find it derogatory.)

This photo was my inspiration for Sky Quinn.

Photo Copyright

Murder & Obsession

Excerpt:

A warrior with the heart of Santa Claus, Sky Quinn epitomized the man Steven desired to be. A tracker and guide of unmatched skill, Quinn stood five foot seven, wiry, with weather worn, russet skin, deep brown eyes, and a constitution that kept him forever young. Quinn’s unparalleled courage made him Steven’s hero.

“No one gives up The Ghost of the North Slope, but you they’ll sell out in a heartbeat," Quinn said with a grin.

Despite his pain, Steven smiled. Quinn’s nickname, The Ghost of the North Slope, fit the man. Sky Quinn had a legendary reputation. No man, enemy or friend would ever speak ill of Quinn. He had earned the respect, but Steven hadn’t yet reached mythical status.

                                                   

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P – PROVIDENIYA

P IS FOR PROVIDENIYA

Provideniya, a Russian city on the Bering Sea, is sometimes referred to as the Doorway to the Arctic is a popular sight for tourists that fly in from Nome and Anchorage.

Yes, you can fly to Russia from Nome, or Anchorage. As long as you file all the right papers!

I use the close proximity of this airfield in Murder & Obsession.

Photo Copyright

Murder & Obsession

Excerpt:

“Well, I guess I should quantify my statement: we’ve traced one of the men who killed Sarah to Russia. The authorities called us about an hour ago. His plane is sitting at the Provideniya airport. The flight originated in Anchorage. We’re working with the Russian authorities to track him down. When they give permission, I’ll be flying there to aid in the investigation. Right now the Russian Federation and the United States aren’t exactly bosom buddies. We’re working with the State Department, but I’m also trying to pull in favors with friendly counterparts in Russia,” Agent Lopez said.

*****

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O - OBSESSION

O IS FOR OBSESSION

Obsession – an idea or thought that continually preoccupies or intrudes on a person's mind. In Murder & Obsession, a man is obsessed with a woman. He will do anything and everything in his power to gain the object of his obsession, even murder.

Rapunzel's tower is a symbol of the Obsession.

Photo Copyright

Murder & Obsession

Excerpt:

This is a nightmare that represents obsession; it's one that haunts Steven as he searches for answers.

 A scenic trail, bright sunshine, and clear skies. Steven and Sarah followed the river south.

“You do realize we’ll take the same trail back,” Steven informed her after they’d stopped yet again to take photographs.

“I know, but not until after lunch. The light will be different then.”

“The middle of winter and you want to eat lunch in the cold.”

“I want to do more than eat lunch. This is a honeymoon, isn’t it? You brought a tent and sleeping bag for a reason.”

Steven laughed. His angel loved getting naked in the snow. Only half a mile later, Sarah stopped again to snap a few pictures of the valley laid out before them, and Steven had to admit, the day was perfect. No, he thought, she’s perfect. He gazed at his wife with admiration.

The red laser light of a rifle sight bounced off the white of her fur collar, and the fracture of a gunshot registered just as Sarah dropped to the ground.

Steven was instantly at her side, his gaze on the area where the blast originated.

The shooter stepped out from his hiding place and declared, “If I can’t have her, neither will you. See how you enjoy life without Sarah by your side.”

*****

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N - NOME

N IS FOR NOME

Nome, one of the best known cities in Alaska. Nome is the city where a diphtheria epidemic required a relay of dog sled teams to deliver the life saving serum in 1925. In memory of the event, a race is run every year in March called the Iditarod.

In Murder & Obsession, Nome is one of the places Detective Steven Quaid visits in his pursuit of the criminals.

Photo Copyright

Murder & Obsession

Excerpt:

Their plane came in for a landing at the Nome Airport on a clear, bright, but cold, day.

The airport manager met them on the tarmac. “Detective Quaid, so good to make your acquaintance. I’ve been reading about you in the papers.” He shook each man’s hand. “Mr. Thomas, Mr. Summers. I have coffee and donuts waiting in my office.” He pointed to the nearest hanger. “You picked a great day to visit. The winds have been ferocious this last week; today it’s deceptively mild.”

Steven grinned. “Nonresidents would never call these winds mild. Thank you for taking the time to meet with us, Mr. Thane.” Rand Thane, a portly man, had a pleasing personality. His bright smile and welcoming attitude worked for the man in charge.

“Rand, please. My condolences, Detective. I hope you find the bastard soon.”

Before Steven could answer, a gunshot sent the men to the tarmac. “Anyone hit?” Steven said, as he drew his gun and surveyed the area in a search of the shooter.

“No,” they chorused.

“Rand, you okay?”

“I might have to change my pants, but I wasn’t hit,” Rand said.

Shouts came from behind the hangar. With guns drawn, the men ran in search of the shooter.

*****

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Please add my books to your Goodreads Account.
Murder, Madness & Love
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Murder & Obsession

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Murder & Obsession on Amazon.
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