by Sarah | May 13, 2013 | Books, Holiday, Tuesday Tales, Writing
The prompt this week is the picture to the left.
For the second week in a row I’m changing stories. This one is one of my new contemporary romance series’. The first one, Santa, Maybe, may or may not have a contract…and I wrote it as a stand-alone short story for a submission call, but I loved the town so much, I now have about 6 other stories plotted, all around holidays.
This particular short is as yet unnamed, but is to be set around Independence Day. This blurb won’t be the start of the story, but a chapter or two in…
Remember, this is a meme with many contributing authors, so make sure to click the link at the bottom of the image to take you to see more!
Anyhow, as always this is un-edited mostly, so forgive any errors. :
Amanda could hardly stand it. From where she sat at a table outside a small corner restaurant, the view was—eerie. A row of businesses lined up like old fashioned America, flags flying proudly.
A few people littered the streets, each greeting one-another by name.
By name? Who’d heard of that? Who lived like that? What town was really that small.
It was too good to be true. This whole damn thing was, not to mention that sexy mechanic that kept glancing her way. Clay’s clichéd good-ol’-boy attitude coupled with that southern accent was just too much.
When she thought he wouldn’t catch her, she’d take the opportunity to admire his long legs wrapped up tight in his Wranglers. The strong arms that his t-shirt revealed made her want to curl up in them and hear him tell her she was safe now. She’d almost believe it if he said in his cheesy, stupid accent.
He was probably just like Tony, anyway. If he wasn’t, then he was too good for her.
The wink Clay threw her way made her realize she’d been staring again. Heat flooded her cheeks and she turned deliberately away to take in the town again.
Lake Point.
Pffft. She hadn’t wanted to stop here, certainly had no intentions to stay long. According to Clay’s assessment of the crap car she’d managed to buy, she was quite stuck. It took her days of nursing the clunker along halfway across country.
It had to give up outside of what she could only deduce was Pleasantville.
Was that it? Had she ended up in an old TV show?
If only. Her luck couldn’t be that good. It never had been before.
*~*
Hope you enjoyed it! Click on the Tuesday Tales badge to see more excellent entries!!
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by Sarah | May 9, 2013 | Guest Authors, Writing
I’m excited to have Lacie Nation stop by today to tell us a little about herself. She’s been here once or twice before, and with her new release coming up, I’m glad she hopped on over again. 🙂
*~*
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I was born and raised in GA and while I’ve lived in other states such as Kansas City, Jacksonville FL, and a couple other places, I have always been and always will be a country girl. I like to wear pretty clothes, but I don’t mind getting dirty either.
2. Are you a pantser or a plotter?
Pantser for sure. I have never plotted a book out. I may know a general direction I want the story to go, but for the most part I just let the characters do their thing, or as we say in the south, their thang!
3. Can you tell us about the challenges you faced getting your first book published?
Ahh the first book blues…lol. I wrote a story called So Beautifully Broken. I went through so many ups and downs while trying to get it published. I finally found Secret Cravings and throughout the entire process of editing, editing, and oh yes, more editing, the staff was there for me through the whole thing. I am so thankful for they gave me a shot.
4. What was your favorite chapter to write and why?
Honestly, my favorite part of Gravity Beach to write was the prologue. I was able to really get into the emotions of the heroine. I guess a little of that was because I was a hot mess after writing the first book in this series, Courageous Dare.
5. Were all of your characters easy to write, or did some of them give you trouble? Any particular character you didn’t like at all?
Surprisingly, all the characters in this book were easy to write. I can’t really say I didn’t like any one particular character. Even the villain showed emotional depth…eventually.
6. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Keep trying, keep writing, and never EVER let anyone tell you, you can’t do what you love.
7. In researching your book what did you learn that surprised you? Or, alternatively, what thing did you research that you never thought you would (and considered deleting from your browsing history)?
There wasn’t really any research to be done for this book. In Courageous Dare though I had to research certain aspects of what happens when a solider…on second thought, I won’t give anything away about the first book. *insert evil laugh*
8. Narrow down your novel. Why must we read it? (besides the obvious, it’s awesome answer…because of course it is!)
That’s a really touch one! I’m a firm believer that we can’t please everyone, so that being said I will let readers make that decision for themselves. I will say that if you like a story about second chances at love and healing from a tragedy, then this might just be the book for you.
9. Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?
I like to make book covers. Other than that, I’m pretty much your down home southern lady.
10. Which character speaks the loudest to you?
Jolie, the heroine. She is a tough chick who has been through hell and still came out on top.
11. Do you have another book coming out soon?
Not yet, but the plot bunnies are a screaming!
12. (For series authors) How many books can we expect to see in your series? Is the number tentative or set?
There are two, but there just might be a third from the ever hilarious Jamie. She’s a really fun character, but there may be darker days to come for her. The number is tentative. There are three friends so it would make sense for all three of them to get their own story.
*~*~*~*
Blurb:
Jolie Baker had it all, amazing friends, a college degree, and a man she planned to spend the rest of her life with. When her love is killed in action, Jolie has to learn to live again. Three years after Ethan’s death, she moves to Gravity Beach to start a new life. At her new teaching job, one of her students is surprised when her father returns home from war. Jolie never imagined how important the returning solider and his daughter would become.
David Stokes wants nothing more than to raise his daughter, Madison, and give her the best life he can. Because Madison’s mother abandoned them, David is all she has. When he meets his little girl’s teacher on the beach, he is surprised by how much he wants to know her. David sees the pain in Jolie’s eyes, but will his love be enough to ease her tattered soul?
Excerpt:
Jolie wanted to say something profound to him. She wanted to tell him how much she loved him. How important he was to her very being. But, when she pressed her hand against his chest every single word left her brain. There was not a single trace of his normal warmth. His chest, normally firm, because he was a muscular man, now was hard to the touch and she could feel the coldness radiating through the thick layers of his uniform. Jolie jerked her hand away and stumbled back. She couldn’t catch her breath. Her heart beat so fast it was painful. She needed air, so she rushed back through the mourning people and crashed through the front doors of the funeral home. The fingers she’s pressed to his chest still felt cold and the chill seemed to be spreading throughout her entire body. Jolie wanted her love back. She wanted her life back. She wanted Ethan.
by Sarah | May 9, 2013 | All About Denver, All About Family, The Teenager
I think we all remember being grounded at least once in our lives.
Or many times.
I never minded – I’d be ordered to my room and have to stay there…
But I had my books. Nothing better than being made to sit in my room and read.
It might have been more punishment to make me go out an socialize.
Crippling social fear can do that to a person.
*~*
These days I’m the parent.
The one doing the grounding.
I’ve got it easier than my parents (only in this instance…in many ways my parents had it easier…).
Because I can send down the worst punishment of all with one keystroke.
Change the internet access password.
BOOM.
It’s the end of the earth as he knows it.
No online games.
No chatting with the girlfriend.
No netflix.
All.
Gone.
Punishment dealt.
*~*
I do love a good password protected router.
by Sarah | May 8, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
I’m happy to say that Mark Love was able to bring along his character, Jamie Richmond of Devious by today. I like her spunk…any time a heroine has a smartass side to her, she makes me happy.
*~*
1. Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?
Jamie: Well, I’m 31, single, the only child in an Irish American family. My father was a sculptor who was very successful. Unfortunately, he died when I was about seven years old. My mother decided that staying with one man made no sense, so she has been married many times since then, which makes me a little skittish about relationships. I’ve always been interested in writing, studied journalism in college and worked for newspapers for about eight years. I learned a lot about people and writing, which I now utilized for the kind of writing I was born to do. Mysteries! I recently sold my first novel and I’m working on my next one.
The author read some of my columns and features when I was still working as a reporter. We met for coffee a couple of times. I think he liked my style. At times I can be a bit of a smart ass. I’m pretty observant, quick with a laugh. But I’m a redhead, so you know I’ve got a quick temper too!
2. What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?
Jamie: Wow, that’s a tough one. There are different types of love. I mean, I really love Bert, my step-father. He was my mother’s third husband, from the time I was thirteen until I went to college. He’s always treated me as an adult, has always been there for me. We’re still close. Then there’s Linda, my best friend since we were six years old. I’d do anything for her. Now if you’re talking about romantic love, there’s a guy who recently entered my life. Malone. He’s charming and self confident and smart. One look from him and my knees come unhinged. He’s got these incredible blue eyes that pierce my heart. We’re still getting to know each other. I think what appealed to me is that we met through my work several times before we started to date. By that time, we had developed this low key friendship. I was still nervous on our first date, but that’s fairly normal. (Laughs) He still makes me nervous.
3. What’s your greatest fear?
Jamie: That I’ll do something to ruin the great thing I have with Malone. When it comes to relationships, I’m always looking over my shoulder at my mother’s crazy antics. I’m afraid that it’s hereditary and I’ll end up driving Malone away. But the longer we’re together, the more confident I’m becoming. I think.
4. What’s your motto in life?
Jamie: What the hell. It’s an old expression from a dear friend. When I wanted to try something different, like writing mysteries, I figured, ‘what the hell’. You can either keep doing the same thing, or take some chances with life and see where it goes. I owe a good part of that philosophy to Bert, who has always encouraged me.
5. How do the other characters in your book view you?
Jamie: (laughs) Stubborn, determined, self-conscious, shy, (yeah, I know) a smart ass, focused and creative. I’m stubborn about getting to the truth. I’m self-conscious about my body. I am definitely shy and a little awkward with guys. And everyone says I can be a real smart ass.
6. What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?
Jamie: Oh baby, I want to create the gossip fodder. And it’s even sweeter if it’s about me. (Laughs) I like to think I can keep a secret, but only if I have to.
7. What is it about you that is going to draw us readers in?
Jamie: Readers will be able to identify with me. I’m a real woman, not some Hollywood creation that required assembly. While I doubt my body would stop traffic unless I am sprawled across the highway, I’m pretty okay with the way I look. Like many women, I struggle sometimes with my self-confidence. I might read too much into what someone says or does, wondering if there’s more to it than what’s on the surface. But my heart is strong and true. I want the same things we all do: to have a few good friends we can count on, a job that I’m successful at, and someone to curl up with at the end of the day and love.
8. What was your happiest moment?
Jamie: To share my successes with those closest to me. Having Bert, Linda and Malone in my life bring me happiness. Lately, having Malone in my life has certainly made me happy.
9. What trait in others do you find most deplorable?
Jamie: Dishonesty. I can’t stand liars. Sadly, I’ve dated a few and when their lies tripped them up, they were out the door.
10. The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
Jamie: (laughs) Oh, I’ve got to say red. Since I’m already a redhead, it only makes sense. Red can be bright and vibrant and glowing. My face turns red when I’m excited or embarrassed. It’s the color of roses, of blazing sunsets, of passion, of love. Yes, I am definitely a red.
*~*~*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B00C51MZPU” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | SCP | B&N | ARe |
Blurb
Jamie Richmond, reporter turned author, is doing research for her next book. Attempting to capture the realism of a police officer’s duties while on patrol, she manages to tag along for a shift with a state police trooper. A few traffic stops and a high speed chase later, Jamie’s ride takes an unexpected turn when she witnesses the trooper being shot. Although it is not a fatal injury, Jamie becomes obsessed with unraveling the facts behind this violent act. While she is trying to sort out this puzzle, she becomes romantically involved with Malone, another trooper with a few mysteries of his own. Now Jamie’s attention is divided between a blooming romance and solving the crime which is haunting her. Jamie begins to question the events that took place and exactly who could be behind the shooting. It was a devious mind. But who?
Excerpt
The first time on the sofa was wild. There was no chance for foreplay. We both wanted it too much for that. Clothes were flung so far that I didn’t find my red bra until two days later. It must have bounced off the wall and slid behind the planter. After the initial rush, Malone introduced me to the romantic aspects of each room in my apartment. At one point after a warm bath together, I was on my stomach in bed and he proceeded to drive me crazy by slowly making patterns down my spine with one solitary fingertip.
Each time after the first started out slow and tender. A kiss here, fingers stroking there. Malone was toying with me, bringing me to the edge of excitement now, his lips following his finger. My whole body felt alive, energized with the reactions to his touch.
He kissed his way up my body, taking his time. A nuzzle here, another tantalizing kiss there. My skin was singing. My face was flushed, probably as red as my hair. At about the time I could actually feel my body starting to recover, he zeroed in on my breasts.
Now I can’t say this is true for all women. I can only speak for me. Maybe it’s because of the infrequency of romantic interludes. Or maybe it’s my age. Or maybe the moon was rising.
My breasts are small. I hinted at that before. There are fourteen-year old girls out there with bigger breasts than mine. To clarify the situation, all my bras are padded and yes, the cup size is A. I don’t know if that’s good or bad, but it’s what I’ve got and I’d never consider surgery to pump them up. All I know is that when Malone starting stroking and kissing my breasts, it’s like there was a direct connection down below. I was immediately wet with anticipation yet again.
“What am I going to do with you,” I whispered my voice little more than a feathery gasp.
“Whatever you would like, I’m open to suggestions.”
*~*
Bio:
Yes, my name really is Mark Love. I am a Michigan native, who up until recently lived in the Metro Detroit area, where crime and corruption always seem to be at the top of everyone’s news. So there’s always the chance to find something that can trigger a story idea and enough interesting characters to jump start your imagination.
While I have worked in many industries and career paths over the years, one of my passions has always been writing. I was even able to parlay that passion for a while, working as a freelance reporter for a couple of newspapers in the Detroit area. Writing features and hard news helped me hone my talents. But while newspaper work was interesting and paid a few bills, it was a far cry from the fiction writing that I enjoy the most.
I’ve always been drawn to mysteries and thrillers, the kind of stories that have a fast pace, that keep you moving and keep you guessing as to what’s going to happen next. Mix those in with some elements of crime, perhaps a glimpse of the seedier side and you’ve got me. So it’s always been one of my goals to write stories like that.
Blog: http://marklove024.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarkLoveAuthor
by Sarah | May 8, 2013 | All About Family, All About Indiana, All About Me, All of Us, Blogging Life, Indy Geek Girls, Random, The Reluctant Hoosier
I make no secret of my geek status.
I wear it proudly.
What makes me even more proud is when my kids show their geek.
Begging for movies that only proud geeks would watch instead of yet another re-watching of an animated story.
So when I got wind of the Indiana State Museum’s Star Wars®: Where Science Meets Imagination exhibit? I knew we had to go.
And thanks to this awesome job I have…I got to go to a special preview of the Millennium Falcon ride with the great group of local bloggers I’ve been privileged to be a part of.
And?
It. Was. Awesome!!
The 4-D effect of the ride, sitting in he cockpit and feeling the ship jump into lightspeed and rock and bump, the shock of space objects crossing close by. was amazing.
On top of that, we had storm troopers and sand people to help take the experience to the next level.
In just a few weeks this incredible exhibit is going to open for real, and I cannot wait to take my kids! It’s just one of those rare activities that is great for both adults and kids. There are definitely not enough of those around, we tend to try to soak them all up.
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The prompt this week is the picture to the left.
