DEFENDING THE PEN
It’s all about murder . . . romance – writing it!
I post flash fiction, book announcements, interviews, and the things I love.
Careful . . . you may end up the victim . . .
of fun!
Hey
everyone, I thought I’d post a personal blog today. All about me and what I’ve
been doing. Not writing, heaven forbid, writing –
what is that? I know, excuses, excuses. Here's what I've been doing instead?
Preparing
the data on income and expenses for tax purposes. Always a fun adventure. NOT!
But a necessary evil. The good news, 2017 ended up being a positive year for
sales – no red ink.
Also, I’ve
been working with the authors of Tick Tock: A Stitch
In Crime on a marketing plan for the May 1st release. But you can Pre-order NOW!
And
then I’ve been trying to get the Detective Quaid Series set up with the
Kindle eBook feature – X-Ray.
What is X-Ray?
X-Ray automatically creates a list of characters and
terms in your book, for which you can provide descriptions and expanded information.
Readers can view your content while reading your Kindle eBook.
How do I add to my book?
1.Review an item and add a
description.
2.Click the "Item reviewed"
switch to add the character or term to the list of items to be published.
3.Repeat steps 1 and 2 for as many
items as you want. You do not need to add all characters and terms at once.
4.When you are ready to make your
content visible to readers, click the "Review and publish X-Ray"
button. You will receive an email when your content is available to readers.
Have you added X-Ray to your books? It’s a job and a half, but I
think it can add a lot to the reader's
experience. What do you think?
Can a dead
child’s cross-stitch pendant find a missing nun? Is revenge possible in just 48
minutes? Can a killer be stopped before the rescuers are engulfed by a city
ablaze? Who killed what the tide brought in? Can a soliloquizing gumshoe stay
out of jail?
Exploring the
facets of time, eleven authors delve into mysteries and crimes that linger in
both dark corners and plain sight. Featuring
the talents of Gwen Gardner, Rebecca M. Douglass, Tara Tyler, S. R. Betler, C.D. Gallant-King, Jemi Fraser, J. R.
Ferguson, Yolanda Renée, C. Lee McKenzie, Christine Clemetson, and Mary
Aalgaard.
Hand-picked by
a panel of agents and authors, these eleven tales will take you on a thrilling
ride into jeopardy and secrecy. Trail
along, find the clues, and stay out of
danger. Time is wasting...
This month’s Question is - What steps have you taken or plan
to take to put a schedule in place for
your writing and publishing?
My answer: I’m always working on a plan. Setting goals are and always has been an essential part of my life. The first thing I
did this New Year’s Day was to write out
a definite set of goals and a plan to achieve them.
This year was a wild one, but in
the end, several goals were achieved. A
book was published, and we are now living
on the coast with a lovely view of the ocean. A dream come true. The journey
here was a bit crazy, but not all paths run straight. Still, we are blessed!
While I was absent
most of the time from blogging and social media, I did manage a few posts, and I did my best to keep up with friends. I
know I’ve missed some critical changes in
many lives, but I hope to catch up and will try my best to be more active this
year.
I feel that it’s
important to acknowledge several of the folks that never lost faith in me this last year. Most significant is Denise Covey, my
partner in crime at the WEP. I may be speaking out of turn, but the relationship
that we’ve developed over the years proved invaluable this year with all the
emergencies, travel plans & moves, and all the chaos that filled 2017.
Thank you, my
friend! I love you dearly!
And I value the creativity and
artistic input of NilanjanaBose andOlga Godim.
We are now an unbeatable team! Thank you, Denise, Nila,
and Olga! I
am so proud to be part of such a unique writing team!
I also need to
thank Susan Swiderski, Michael Di Gesu, Chrys
Fey. Without them, The Snowman
would not have been released in 2017. But more important than just support for
the writing these amazing individuals
were there when the personal got to be
too much! Thank you!
Thank you all
for always being there when I needed input, editing, and hand holding! A special Thank You for all those who've read and commented on my blog posts. Your support has inspired my faith and keeps me striving for the possible!
May the New
Year help you reach the goals you've set!
Dawn inserted the last invitation
into the envelope and sighed. “Just weeks
away, can you believe it? Charles will have a full month of leave before his
next deployment. Our wedding and honeymoon will be heavenly.”
“I’m
sure it will be dear. You’ve been very
patient, both of you. Your father, and
I are very proud of you.”
“It’s
been difficult, but we’ve both wanted to fulfill our obligations. Working at
the Pentagon has been a great honor, and
Charles has spent three years in Afghanistan. Now he’ll join me in Washington, and we’ll complete our military careers
together.”
“I’m
amazed that you’ve both stuck to your goals so stringently, but it’s why we’re
so proud of you.”
“Thanks, Mom. This wedding proves that.”
“Your
dad thought it was the least we could do. You’ll need your money to furnish
that new house.”
“Has Charles told you where you’ll be going on your
honeymoon?”
“No,
he’s got it all arranged though. Charles said I won’t know until we land. A
private jet and all first class. The one thing I’m sure of is that I’ll need a
bikini.”
~~**~~**~~
The minister started the ceremony
with Isaiah 32:
“Each will be like a hiding place from the wind, a covert
from the tempest, like streams of water in a dry place, like the shade of a
great rock in a weary land. Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and
righteousness abide in the fruitful
field. The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of
righteousness, quietness, and trust
forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings,
and in quiet resting places. Please be seated.”
“The bride and groom have written
their own vows. Dawn, please share with us your words for Charles.”
Nervously Dawn cleared her
throat, smiled at Charles, and their eyes locked. “Charles, you are my life, my
love, my hero. I promise to cherish, honor and always be ready for a new
adventure.I pledge to hold your hand through
life, to never interrupt your football games, and to always seek your guidance
for the important decisions. I am blessed with
your love, your friendship, and vow my devotion, forever and always.”
She smiled through her tears when
she saw his eyes fill with moisture and delicately wiped the escaping drops as
they rolled down his cheek.
“Now it’s your turn, Charles,” The minister said.
“You are the most blessed thing
that has ever happened to me. I cherish you, your honesty, your strength and
especially your smile. I promise that laughter will always outweigh the tears. I
vow a shared future, of fulfilled dreams, diminishing obstacles, and a balanced
life of love, family, and personal satisfaction. You are my hero, and I will love
you until the end of time.”
They exchanged rings, and the priest pronounced them husband and
wife. At the reception, their first dance
as man and wife held so much meaning as it was their first real moment together
since his arrival was last minute and just hours before the start of the
wedding. Dawn finally relaxed in his arms, and
they clung together in silence. Swaying to the music, appreciating each other,
and looking forward to their future together.
~~**~~**~~
Spending Christmas and their honeymoon
on the beach in Hawaii was everything Dawn had ever dreamed of, and as they soaked up the sun, she noticed their glasses were empty. Rock,
Paper, Scissors decided who would refresh their drinks. Charles won again, but
after declaring himself the winner, he
kissed his wife and told her. “Relax, Mrs. Collins. It will always be my
pleasure to serve you.”
Charles had only been gone minutes
when the air raid sirens went off. Thinking it was just another drill Dawn
remained in her seat but searched the sky. Hearing shouts of "it's not a
drill! I can see it. Look!" She jumped to her feet and sprinted toward the
bar and her husband.
During those same moments, Charles
dropped the drinks he'd just purchased. He witnessed the missile hurtling toward
them and raced back to Dawn. They met in an embrace just seconds before their
world ended.
My apologies to those looking for
a happy ending, I honestly meant for my story to be light and uplifting when I
first started. I began writing it while at the dealership waiting for the oil
change on my car. The television station on in the waiting room was set to CNN,
and a story about Hawaii reinstating regular
Nuclear
Attack Warning Siren tests caught my eye and sadly changed my story.
