Today is Freaky Friday and I'll be appearing at Lori's Reading Corner. I hope you'll stop by and read an excerpt from my latest book, Secrets of a Dangerous Woman, and read a special post I wrote for Lori. One lucky follower will win a basket of goodies from the town of Lumberton, where the series takes place.
When I was in school (oh so many decades ago) I was taught there were 9 planets in our solar system.
But just in the past 20 years (that's since 1992) scientists have discovered our solar system may have as many as 500,000,000,000 planets. (Yep, that is 500 Billion.)
When we look at the night sky with naked eyes, we see stars and our moon. If we're lucky, we might catch a meteor or at certain times of the year, another planet.
When we look through a telescope invented prior to 1990, we see more of our solar system - the additional planets, stars and moons were there all along but it took a special lens to see them.
Today we have high powered telescopes such as those operated by the Southern European Observatory in northern Chili. These telescopes can detect objects that are 400,000,000,000 times fainter than the naked eye can see.
We also have unmanned spacecraft such as Kepler that are capable of detecting and analyzing planets, stars, moons and suns in our galaxy and beyond.
In the coming years, will we discover life on other planets? What do you think? Is our perception of our universe changing right before our eyes?
Friday, November 30, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Thursday Thoughts
A constant source of fascination to me is in watching various authors' careers unfold. I am always interested in seeing the choices they make and the paths they follow.
Lately, I've had the opportunity to watch two authors at roughly the same place in their careers follow very different paths.
The first author recently self-published a book for young adults. The book is quite good, the writing is tight, the plot intriguing. As time has marched on, however, he has become frustrated in his attempts to get the attention he believes the book deserves. So in an effort to stand out, he has become more and more x-rated in his blogs. His theory is that he will gain the following through his over-the-top posts and once he becomes a bestselling author, he will tone things down because then people will be watching.
The other author is finishing his first book and will soon self-publish it. He has been growing a following based on the genre he has targeted. Because his books deal with romance, he has carefully constructed romantic posts that appeal to the audience he wants as his fan base. He is very careful with each post to make certain it fits within the guidelines he has set for himself and he is already acting the part of a successful author, knowing he will grow his fan base by posting the type of scenes that will play out in his book.
My opinion about the first author is he may not realize it, but people are watching right now. There isn't a light switch that suddenly is flipped; an author's career is all about the journey itself.
My opinion about the second author: with a following on Twitter that already approaches 30,000, he's going about this in exactly the right way. I expect to see this man on the bestseller lists.
What do you think?
Lately, I've had the opportunity to watch two authors at roughly the same place in their careers follow very different paths.
The first author recently self-published a book for young adults. The book is quite good, the writing is tight, the plot intriguing. As time has marched on, however, he has become frustrated in his attempts to get the attention he believes the book deserves. So in an effort to stand out, he has become more and more x-rated in his blogs. His theory is that he will gain the following through his over-the-top posts and once he becomes a bestselling author, he will tone things down because then people will be watching.
The other author is finishing his first book and will soon self-publish it. He has been growing a following based on the genre he has targeted. Because his books deal with romance, he has carefully constructed romantic posts that appeal to the audience he wants as his fan base. He is very careful with each post to make certain it fits within the guidelines he has set for himself and he is already acting the part of a successful author, knowing he will grow his fan base by posting the type of scenes that will play out in his book.
My opinion about the first author is he may not realize it, but people are watching right now. There isn't a light switch that suddenly is flipped; an author's career is all about the journey itself.
My opinion about the second author: with a following on Twitter that already approaches 30,000, he's going about this in exactly the right way. I expect to see this man on the bestseller lists.
What do you think?
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
WIP Wednesday and Mass Musings
Please join me today at Mass Musings, where I am being interviewed about my latest book, Secrets of a Dangerous Woman, the third in the Black Swamp Mysteries series.
Next spring, the fourth book in the series will be released. Dylan's Song has been a departure for me because it takes place primarily in Ireland.
Most people don't realize how far north Ireland is. If you look at a world atlas, you might be surprised to see that Ireland is as far north as Canada. And just as Alaska has times of the year in which darkness pervades and other times where it's light most of the day and night, Ireland is similar.
In January, for example, there can be at most eight hours of daylight per day. I say "at most" because if it's raining or the clouds have moved in, you might not see the sun at all. In the middle of June, however, you might have only 4 to 6 hours of darkness.
Because of the jet stream, however, the island avoids temperature extremes. The summers are generally warm but not hot or humid. And the winters are generally mild, considerably warmer than other countries within the same latitude. Because of the North Atlantic Current, it also remains ice-free throughout the winter months.
I have completed the first in a new series featuring Irishman Ryan O'Clery. The story actually begins in January 1839, in which a freakish storm blew in from the Atlantic, sweeping across Ireland from the west coast to the east. It was known as The Night of the Big Wind. It took place on Epiphany and because some of the Irish people thought the world would end on Epiphany, they thought it was the end of the world when the seas washed completely over the island, sweeping away people, homes, livestock and all they had ever known.
Next spring, the fourth book in the series will be released. Dylan's Song has been a departure for me because it takes place primarily in Ireland.
Most people don't realize how far north Ireland is. If you look at a world atlas, you might be surprised to see that Ireland is as far north as Canada. And just as Alaska has times of the year in which darkness pervades and other times where it's light most of the day and night, Ireland is similar.
In January, for example, there can be at most eight hours of daylight per day. I say "at most" because if it's raining or the clouds have moved in, you might not see the sun at all. In the middle of June, however, you might have only 4 to 6 hours of darkness.
Because of the jet stream, however, the island avoids temperature extremes. The summers are generally warm but not hot or humid. And the winters are generally mild, considerably warmer than other countries within the same latitude. Because of the North Atlantic Current, it also remains ice-free throughout the winter months.
I have completed the first in a new series featuring Irishman Ryan O'Clery. The story actually begins in January 1839, in which a freakish storm blew in from the Atlantic, sweeping across Ireland from the west coast to the east. It was known as The Night of the Big Wind. It took place on Epiphany and because some of the Irish people thought the world would end on Epiphany, they thought it was the end of the world when the seas washed completely over the island, sweeping away people, homes, livestock and all they had ever known.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Tuesday Teaser
It's time for the Tuesday Teaser, and this week I've selected another scene from Secrets of a Dangerous Woman:
Dylan was deep in thought and hadn’t noticed the thickening fog that had set in until he was just a block from home. As he glanced up to get his bearings he realized the house was barely visible; only the yellow bulbs on the front porch glowed eerily through the mist to beckon him home.
He halted in his tracks and looked down the street as if seeing it for the first time. The giant trees that stretched their branches from each side, meeting in the middle to form a canopy above the road, appeared like shadowy, craggy fingers. As the fog shifted with the rising breeze, the tops of the trees swayed in and out of the mist almost like apparitions.
As the fog rolled in, it cloaked the remaining houses so he felt as if he was standing in the middle of nowhere, as though he’d been transported to a remote region.
He felt an odd lump forming in the pit of his stomach as he forced his legs to continue moving. But as he neared the house, his strides became slower and narrower and his feet heavier, until just the act of moving up the steps onto the front porch were exhausting.
He hesitated at the front door, his hand hovering over the knob, before he backed away and sat in the porch swing.
It reminded him of Ireland, of the mists that rolled in during the wee hours of the morning, settling into the valleys and obscuring all in its path. He thought of the times when he stood on the small stoop of a porch, drinking his coffee or tea and watching the mists rise above the pond at the edge of the lawn. The mists of Ireland were something alive, something that could soothe a man’s soul or destroy it, something that cloaked a man when he wanted to be hidden or obscured that which he needed to see.
It reminded him of the precipitation that always seemed to hover over the land. One was always looking at the sky commenting on the rains that were coming or the rains that had just left, gauging the difficulty of the day’s activities by which way the wind was blowing the mist. It was the kind of precipitation that could soak into the bones in the coldest hours and sweeten the skin on the warmest of days.
And he missed it. He missed the feel of it on his brow, the ghostly way it surrounded and hugged him. He missed the way it could soften her features. No, he thought, involuntarily shaking his head as he rose. He wouldn’t think of her. Not now. Not ever.
He’d left those memories behind forever when he left Ireland, and he wouldn’t be going back.
Of course, Dylan does return to Ireland in the next book in the series, Dylan's Song, due to be released in the spring of 2013. And in that book, Vicki discovers the real reason why he left all he had ever known to come to America - and what secrets he thought he'd left behind.
Dylan was deep in thought and hadn’t noticed the thickening fog that had set in until he was just a block from home. As he glanced up to get his bearings he realized the house was barely visible; only the yellow bulbs on the front porch glowed eerily through the mist to beckon him home.
As the fog rolled in, it cloaked the remaining houses so he felt as if he was standing in the middle of nowhere, as though he’d been transported to a remote region.
He felt an odd lump forming in the pit of his stomach as he forced his legs to continue moving. But as he neared the house, his strides became slower and narrower and his feet heavier, until just the act of moving up the steps onto the front porch were exhausting.
He hesitated at the front door, his hand hovering over the knob, before he backed away and sat in the porch swing.
It reminded him of Ireland, of the mists that rolled in during the wee hours of the morning, settling into the valleys and obscuring all in its path. He thought of the times when he stood on the small stoop of a porch, drinking his coffee or tea and watching the mists rise above the pond at the edge of the lawn. The mists of Ireland were something alive, something that could soothe a man’s soul or destroy it, something that cloaked a man when he wanted to be hidden or obscured that which he needed to see.
It reminded him of the precipitation that always seemed to hover over the land. One was always looking at the sky commenting on the rains that were coming or the rains that had just left, gauging the difficulty of the day’s activities by which way the wind was blowing the mist. It was the kind of precipitation that could soak into the bones in the coldest hours and sweeten the skin on the warmest of days.
And he missed it. He missed the feel of it on his brow, the ghostly way it surrounded and hugged him. He missed the way it could soften her features. No, he thought, involuntarily shaking his head as he rose. He wouldn’t think of her. Not now. Not ever.
He’d left those memories behind forever when he left Ireland, and he wouldn’t be going back.
Of course, Dylan does return to Ireland in the next book in the series, Dylan's Song, due to be released in the spring of 2013. And in that book, Vicki discovers the real reason why he left all he had ever known to come to America - and what secrets he thought he'd left behind.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Monday Musings - Waiting on Sunday to Drown
Today I am visiting with Waiting on Sunday to Drown. I hope you'll pop in and read an excerpt from my latest book as well as an informative blog about my writing and myself. One lucky follower will win an awesome basket of goodies from the town of Lumberton, where my series Black Swamp Mysteries takes place.
There are three books in my series thus far:
Exit 22
Vicki's Key
Secrets of a Dangerous Woman
If you've read all three, which is your favorite? And why?
There are three books in my series thus far:
Exit 22
Vicki's Key
Secrets of a Dangerous Woman
If you've read all three, which is your favorite? And why?
Friday, November 23, 2012
Freaky Friday and Writing Innovations
It's Freaky Friday and today I am visiting with Writing Innovations. I hope you'll pop in and see some fun facts about me. You might think I am totally freaky!
Science fiction writers have often come up with some far-fetched ideas. But is it possible that some of their ideas have actually spawned a new age of covert intelligence activities?
In Secrets of a Dangerous Woman, Vicki Boyd is a psychic spy. But psychic spies are really used in the United States Government, the Russian government and several others. Is it possible to see into high level meetings, to tour nuclear facilities, to board our warships and draw detailed diagrams of our weapons?
What do you think?
In Secrets of a Dangerous Woman, Vicki Boyd is a psychic spy. But psychic spies are really used in the United States Government, the Russian government and several others. Is it possible to see into high level meetings, to tour nuclear facilities, to board our warships and draw detailed diagrams of our weapons?
What do you think?
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Thursday Thanksgiving Thoughts
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
I am taking the day off so my dogs and angels have written what they are most thankful for today:
Mattie the foxhound is thankful for the cats who live behind us; they give her hours upon hours of exercise and excitement.
Simone the collie is thankful for a home where people don't yell and argue and other than the two Jack Russells, life is pretty laid back.
Eddie the Jack Russell is thankful for the doggie doors because he can run back and forth from the house to the back yard all day long. And all night long.
Lucy the Jack Russell is thankful for the boxes of toys throughout the house, which supply endless hours of joy as she rips each toy apart. She is also thankful for the steps next to Mommy's bed so she can hunker down after exhausting herself.
Lindsay Buckingfish and Stevie Fishnick (shown at right with Lucy) are thankful that I gave them their own honeymoon suite, which they are putting to good use.
The Buckingfish-Fishnick angel babies are thankful for their own infant ward, free from predators.
And all the other little angels are thankful that we eat turkey for Thanksgiving and not angelfish.
I am taking the day off so my dogs and angels have written what they are most thankful for today:
Mattie the foxhound is thankful for the cats who live behind us; they give her hours upon hours of exercise and excitement.
Simone the collie is thankful for a home where people don't yell and argue and other than the two Jack Russells, life is pretty laid back.
Eddie the Jack Russell is thankful for the doggie doors because he can run back and forth from the house to the back yard all day long. And all night long.
Lindsay Buckingfish and Stevie Fishnick (shown at right with Lucy) are thankful that I gave them their own honeymoon suite, which they are putting to good use.
The Buckingfish-Fishnick angel babies are thankful for their own infant ward, free from predators.
And all the other little angels are thankful that we eat turkey for Thanksgiving and not angelfish.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
WIP Wednesday
I'll be giving away a free basket of goodies to one blogger who follows my tour and leaves comments, so I hope you'll pop in!
Secrets of a Dangerous Woman will be followed next spring by the fourth in my Black Swamp Mysteries series, Dylan's Song. Dylan is given an assignment in Ireland: to find and extract a missing CIA operative. There's just one problem: he doesn't want to go to Ireland. As Vicki and Sam try to convince him that he must go - and visit his dying grandmother while he's there - he thinks up one excuse after another to avoid the trip.
"It's rained one time in Ireland," he shouted in frustration. He held up a finger. "One time. In me whole entire life!"
"One time?" Vicki repeated. "Really?"
"But it's lasted for thirty years!"
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Tuesday Teaser
It's time for the Tuesday Teaser! This week, I've selected a passage from my latest release, Secrets of a Dangerous Woman.
To set the scene: Dylan Maguire, in his first assignment with the CIA, interrogated recently captured Brenda Carnegie. But when she escaped again, his assignment changed to finding her and bringing her back in. At the same time, Vicki Boyd has been looking for the sister she was separated from after their parents' airplane accident - Brenda Ann Boyd.
Imagine Dylan's surprise when this happens:
“Vicki!” Dylan said as Vicki grabbed him from behind and gave him a bear hug. “Where ‘ave you been all afternoon? I’ve been quite concerned.”
He started to turn around, but she held him in place.
“What are you doin’ to me, Darlin’?”
“I have a surprise,” Vicki said.
“You found your sister?”
“Yes. And she’s here.”
“Well, let me go, Woman,” he laughed, “so’s I can meet ‘er.”
She dropped her arms from around him. As he turned around, she stood between him and her sister but over her head, he caught the crown of a cowboy hat beside the back door.
As she stepped to the side, a wide grin on her face, he studied the figure beside the back door. Her eyes were obscured by the hat’s long, curved bill. But as he peered at her chin and her jawline, a feeling began in the pit of his stomach and worked upwards, freezing the words on his lips that he’d expected to say.
The woman stepped forward and with a jaunty sweep of the cowboy hat, removed it from her head, allowing masses of wavy copper hair to spill across her shoulders. It reached almost to her waist and was so voluminous that he wondered how she’d managed to fit it all beneath the hat.
As she stepped forward, his eyes went to the butterfly bandage on her forehead. A slow, sly smile swept across her face and as she neared him, he found himself staring into the same amber eyes shared by her sister.
She placed her hand around his neck and rose onto her toes to kiss him lightly on the cheek, her lips lingering along his cheekbone. “So you’re Dylan Maguire,” she said in a confident, husky voice, “and she’s ‘Bennie’ and Vicki’s ‘Woman.’ I just can’t wait to hear what sweet little pet name you dream up for me.”
Dylan’s eyes met hers as he slowly reached for her hand and removed it from his neck. “Vicki, Darlin’,” he said, “may I have a word with you, Dear?”
“Sure,” Vicki said. She remained facing him with a wide grin on her face.
“In private?” he added.
To set the scene: Dylan Maguire, in his first assignment with the CIA, interrogated recently captured Brenda Carnegie. But when she escaped again, his assignment changed to finding her and bringing her back in. At the same time, Vicki Boyd has been looking for the sister she was separated from after their parents' airplane accident - Brenda Ann Boyd.
Imagine Dylan's surprise when this happens:
“Vicki!” Dylan said as Vicki grabbed him from behind and gave him a bear hug. “Where ‘ave you been all afternoon? I’ve been quite concerned.”
He started to turn around, but she held him in place.
“I have a surprise,” Vicki said.
“You found your sister?”
“Yes. And she’s here.”
“Well, let me go, Woman,” he laughed, “so’s I can meet ‘er.”
She dropped her arms from around him. As he turned around, she stood between him and her sister but over her head, he caught the crown of a cowboy hat beside the back door.
As she stepped to the side, a wide grin on her face, he studied the figure beside the back door. Her eyes were obscured by the hat’s long, curved bill. But as he peered at her chin and her jawline, a feeling began in the pit of his stomach and worked upwards, freezing the words on his lips that he’d expected to say.
The woman stepped forward and with a jaunty sweep of the cowboy hat, removed it from her head, allowing masses of wavy copper hair to spill across her shoulders. It reached almost to her waist and was so voluminous that he wondered how she’d managed to fit it all beneath the hat.
As she stepped forward, his eyes went to the butterfly bandage on her forehead. A slow, sly smile swept across her face and as she neared him, he found himself staring into the same amber eyes shared by her sister.
She placed her hand around his neck and rose onto her toes to kiss him lightly on the cheek, her lips lingering along his cheekbone. “So you’re Dylan Maguire,” she said in a confident, husky voice, “and she’s ‘Bennie’ and Vicki’s ‘Woman.’ I just can’t wait to hear what sweet little pet name you dream up for me.”
Dylan’s eyes met hers as he slowly reached for her hand and removed it from his neck. “Vicki, Darlin’,” he said, “may I have a word with you, Dear?”
“Sure,” Vicki said. She remained facing him with a wide grin on her face.
“In private?” he added.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Monday Musings and Special Appearances
I have two exciting appearances today and some vey exciting news.
I was notified last Friday that Vicki's Key, my 13th release and part of the Black Swamp Mysteries series, was a finalist in the 2012 USA Best Books Awards. It also was one of five finalists in the 2012 International Book Awards!
My first appearance today is at The Changing Face of Publishing, where I have a guest blog. I hope you'll pop in and read it and leave a comment. A special gift basket is being awarded to a blogger who follows my tour.
Then at 11:30, you can catch me on WPDE TV, where I am being interviewed by Cecil Chandler. We'll be discussing the upcoming Book 'Em North Carolina conference, the writer's conference and book fair that I founded. If you are in the South Carolina or North Carolina viewing area, I hope you'll tune in!
The publishing industry is changing. It's undeniable. Brick and mortar book stores that used to be in virtually every town and across the nation have closed - Borders, Waldenbooks and B. Dalton among them. eBooks are exploding. Where once the big New York publishers ruled the industry, they now share it with small and mid-size publishers - and indies. What do you think will happen to this industry over the next ten years?
Come to Book 'Em North Carolina in February to find out what authors, publishers, literary agents and publicists are saying! For more information on the event, visit www.bookemnc.org.
I was notified last Friday that Vicki's Key, my 13th release and part of the Black Swamp Mysteries series, was a finalist in the 2012 USA Best Books Awards. It also was one of five finalists in the 2012 International Book Awards!
My first appearance today is at The Changing Face of Publishing, where I have a guest blog. I hope you'll pop in and read it and leave a comment. A special gift basket is being awarded to a blogger who follows my tour.
Then at 11:30, you can catch me on WPDE TV, where I am being interviewed by Cecil Chandler. We'll be discussing the upcoming Book 'Em North Carolina conference, the writer's conference and book fair that I founded. If you are in the South Carolina or North Carolina viewing area, I hope you'll tune in!
The publishing industry is changing. It's undeniable. Brick and mortar book stores that used to be in virtually every town and across the nation have closed - Borders, Waldenbooks and B. Dalton among them. eBooks are exploding. Where once the big New York publishers ruled the industry, they now share it with small and mid-size publishers - and indies. What do you think will happen to this industry over the next ten years?
Come to Book 'Em North Carolina in February to find out what authors, publishers, literary agents and publicists are saying! For more information on the event, visit www.bookemnc.org.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Freaky Friday: Mermaids
We all grew up with stories of mermaids. But is it possible that mermaids not only existed in ancient times but they are here now, sharing our world with us?
I watched The Discovery Channel with fascination when they aired Mermaids: The Body Found. The source is credible: NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Made up of scientists and experts on oceanic life, they make a compelling argument that a group of humans evolved into creatures that live in the water.
They picked up audio that is not known to belong to any marine creature. It reminded me of the sirens that sailors spoke about as they crossed the vast oceans.
They also have video of one such creature found on the beach. Its body was immediately removed by the Department of the Navy:
They have DNA evidence that creatures found in the ocean have both human DNA and marine DNA.
So, what do you think? Watch the videos at this link and let me know: do you believe in mermaids?
I watched The Discovery Channel with fascination when they aired Mermaids: The Body Found. The source is credible: NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Made up of scientists and experts on oceanic life, they make a compelling argument that a group of humans evolved into creatures that live in the water.
They picked up audio that is not known to belong to any marine creature. It reminded me of the sirens that sailors spoke about as they crossed the vast oceans.
They also have video of one such creature found on the beach. Its body was immediately removed by the Department of the Navy:
They have DNA evidence that creatures found in the ocean have both human DNA and marine DNA.
So, what do you think? Watch the videos at this link and let me know: do you believe in mermaids?
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Thursday Thoughts - Beware of Politics
I remember reading that Henry Fonda and Jimmy Stewart, who were the best of friends, got into a fist fight one day because they had begun discussing politics. Once the fight was over, they agreed to remain friends - but vowed never to discuss politics again.
I have friends and family at opposite ends of the political spectrum. And if you look at all of the voting figures from our most recent election, it's obvious that no one political ideology or party has a vast majority of followers. At best, you could easily make the statement that the country is almost evenly divided.
So are our fans.
Some of my books are considered political thrillers. In The China Conspiracy, for example, I delve into how easily our elections could be rigged through voting touch-screen technology. However, I make the dirty politician an Independent.
Why?
The reason is simple: if I had made the bad guy a Republican or a Democrat, I would have instantly lost half my fan base.
There is a reason why I never discuss religion or politics. It's been my experience that those who insist on talking about it are trying to persuade others to think exactly as they do. This works well as long as they're preaching to the proverbial choir. But when they find someone who thinks differently, it very quickly gets evil.
When someone is in the public eye, it becomes even more important to keep religion and politics to oneself. Not only can it lose friends but it can also lose fans. And is there any writer out there who can afford to lose one half of their readership?
Please visit me today at VBT Cafe, where I start my next blog tour - filled with interviews, guest blogs and more. And I won't be discussing politics!
I have friends and family at opposite ends of the political spectrum. And if you look at all of the voting figures from our most recent election, it's obvious that no one political ideology or party has a vast majority of followers. At best, you could easily make the statement that the country is almost evenly divided.
So are our fans.
Why?
The reason is simple: if I had made the bad guy a Republican or a Democrat, I would have instantly lost half my fan base.
There is a reason why I never discuss religion or politics. It's been my experience that those who insist on talking about it are trying to persuade others to think exactly as they do. This works well as long as they're preaching to the proverbial choir. But when they find someone who thinks differently, it very quickly gets evil.
When someone is in the public eye, it becomes even more important to keep religion and politics to oneself. Not only can it lose friends but it can also lose fans. And is there any writer out there who can afford to lose one half of their readership?
Please visit me today at VBT Cafe, where I start my next blog tour - filled with interviews, guest blogs and more. And I won't be discussing politics!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
WIP Wednesday
It's Work In Progress Wednesday. I've been editing Dylan's Song, the fourth book in the Black Swamp Mysteries series. The scene below takes place in castle dungeons in Ireland during one of Vicki Boyd's remote viewing missions.
Dylan's Song is scheduled for release in the spring of 2013, hopefully in time for Book 'Em North Carolina!
“Four men,” she
reported, “possibly more.” She cocked her head as if the gesture allowed her to
hear more clearly. “They’re not Irish,” she added.
“Middle Eastern.”
It was said as a statement but Vicki sensed that Sam was expecting
confirmation.
After a moment,
she said, “No. They’re German.”
“German?” Sam did
not attempt to conceal his surprise.
“Yes,” she said,
her voice firm. “German.” Instinctively, she moved further into the shadows.
Their voices grew
louder as they moved closer. Then a light appeared at an angle from their cell;
a light that danced and swayed like the torches had in the stairway. As the men
emerged, she realized two of them carried torches; one to lead the way and the
other taking up the rear. They illuminated the area around them quite well.
They wore field
gray uniforms with wide black belts and tall boots. As she recognized the way
the pants billowed before disappearing into the boots, her mouth went dry. Her
eyes swept upward, knowing as she stared at them that her own expression must
be incredulous. Even before she saw the collar insignia and shoulder boards,
there could be no mistake of their identity. The red armband with the
distinctive swastika left no doubt.
She could feel
Sam’s confusion as she described the uniforms. Yet she knew these were not
reenactors of some type. Their fit, chiseled appearance and the strong, almost
harsh inflections in their voices were as easily recognizable as the Nazi
symbols they wore.
They did not stop
at Stephen Anders’ cell but continued past it as if they were unaware of their
presence.
As Vicki watched
them, she could feel her jaw dropping and the blood draining from her face. She
felt a wave of fear and panic as palpable as though she was a political
prisoner in a den of German soldiers. But as she watched them wide-eyed, they
abruptly disappeared.
She gasped, her
hand instinctively moving to her mouth. She continued to stare at the hall, now
dark and empty. As she moved closer to the cell bars, she stared in the
direction they’d been moving. They had not rounded a corner or ducked into an
adjoining cell. They had simply vanished.
Dylan's Song is scheduled for release in the spring of 2013, hopefully in time for Book 'Em North Carolina!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Tuesday Teaser
It's time for the Tuesday Teaser! This week, the excerpt is from Songbirds are Free, my most popular book. It is based on the true story of my ancestor, Mary Neely, who was captured by Shawnee warriors in 1780. She was held as a slave for three years until she managed to escape and journey thousands of miles home alone. She was truly a great lady.
"It is your choice," White Messenger said. "You may serve Medicine Woman or become one with Msipessi."
Mary drew herself up to her full height. "If it is my choice," she said in a clear voice that carried through the hall, "then I wish to return to my people."
His eyes flashed in conficting emotions as he weighed her words. When he spoke, it was not to her but to Eagle Feathers. His head was high and noble, his words melodious in the quieted room. He waved toward Medicine Woman.
Msipessi's face grew dark. He made his way through the crowd, where he disappeared from view. Medicine Woman nodded approvingly.
Mary turned to White Messenger. "What did you tell them?"
"I told them you chose to serve Medicine Woman. Your name is now Songbird."
A young squaw pulled at Mary's arm. As she was led away, a refrain began in her head: I am a slave. I am a slave.
She stopped as she reached the door of the community building and turned to face White Messenger. She stood tall and felt her square jaw jut forward. "Songbirds," she said in a clear, strong voice, "are free."
"It is your choice," White Messenger said. "You may serve Medicine Woman or become one with Msipessi."
His eyes flashed in conficting emotions as he weighed her words. When he spoke, it was not to her but to Eagle Feathers. His head was high and noble, his words melodious in the quieted room. He waved toward Medicine Woman.
Msipessi's face grew dark. He made his way through the crowd, where he disappeared from view. Medicine Woman nodded approvingly.
Mary turned to White Messenger. "What did you tell them?"
"I told them you chose to serve Medicine Woman. Your name is now Songbird."
A young squaw pulled at Mary's arm. As she was led away, a refrain began in her head: I am a slave. I am a slave.
She stopped as she reached the door of the community building and turned to face White Messenger. She stood tall and felt her square jaw jut forward. "Songbirds," she said in a clear, strong voice, "are free."
Monday, November 12, 2012
Monday Musing Demographics
I've had some fascinating conversations with Hollywood producer Chuck Williams lately. He's caused me to rethink my marketing and promotional efforts regarding my books. Since he talks about ten times faster than I can think, I've spent many an hour digesting everything he said so you'll probably find several more posts here with his advice.
One thing he asked me: who are my demographics?
My books are generally read by the same audience that would read John Grisham. Meaning: equally divided between men and women aged 18 to 92.
Wrong answer, Chuck said.
Hollywood is very specific. A lot of authors have no plans to have their books made into movies or television series. But I do.
And when you're dealing with Hollywood, they want specific demographics.
As we continued our conversation, I realized that while I hadn't sat down and crunched numbers, I did make a very big change in my audience when I began the Black Swamp Mysteries series (Exit 22, Vicki's Key, Secrets of a Dangerous Woman and Dylan's Song.)
My target is a younger audience aged 20 to 35. Though I've had people read these books and love them who are 50 to 92, I added two elements that appeal more to a younger crowd.
First is the paranormal. Vicki Boyd is a psychic spy. The paranormal is a huge market right now and growing-among younger audiences.
Second is romance. There is more romance in the Black Swamp Mysteries series, thanks in large part to Irishman Dylan Maguire. Younger audiences like more romance and they tend toward more detail in lieu of the shadowy scenes of the oldest audiences.
The changes paid off. I am reaching the same audience as I did previously but broadened it substantially with the addition of these two elements.
And it turns out, Hollywood would regard it as a good move, also. Their target market is the younger crowd - 35 or below. I love James Bond movies and Daniel Craig but I am not their target audience. It's probably the reason Sean Connery isn't still playing the famous spy.
Have you thought of your books in terms of demographics?
(And thank you, Chuck Williams. No wonder everyone loves you!!)
One thing he asked me: who are my demographics?
My books are generally read by the same audience that would read John Grisham. Meaning: equally divided between men and women aged 18 to 92.
Wrong answer, Chuck said.
Hollywood is very specific. A lot of authors have no plans to have their books made into movies or television series. But I do.
And when you're dealing with Hollywood, they want specific demographics.
As we continued our conversation, I realized that while I hadn't sat down and crunched numbers, I did make a very big change in my audience when I began the Black Swamp Mysteries series (Exit 22, Vicki's Key, Secrets of a Dangerous Woman and Dylan's Song.)
My target is a younger audience aged 20 to 35. Though I've had people read these books and love them who are 50 to 92, I added two elements that appeal more to a younger crowd.
Second is romance. There is more romance in the Black Swamp Mysteries series, thanks in large part to Irishman Dylan Maguire. Younger audiences like more romance and they tend toward more detail in lieu of the shadowy scenes of the oldest audiences.
The changes paid off. I am reaching the same audience as I did previously but broadened it substantially with the addition of these two elements.
And it turns out, Hollywood would regard it as a good move, also. Their target market is the younger crowd - 35 or below. I love James Bond movies and Daniel Craig but I am not their target audience. It's probably the reason Sean Connery isn't still playing the famous spy.
Have you thought of your books in terms of demographics?
(And thank you, Chuck Williams. No wonder everyone loves you!!)
Friday, November 9, 2012
Freaky Friday
I love the Discovery channel and Science channel. And it's always true what they say:
Truth is stranger than fiction.
Archeologists have found paintings around the world that depict beings that look like extraterrestrials. In the past, scientists, researchers and archeologists have often claimed that these were the figments of the caveman's imagination.
So I've been wondering:
These cavemen barely knew how to make fire. In some cases, they hadn't even accomplished that. Their days were spent trying to survive. Their nights were probably worse.
So are we to believe that they really had an active imagination?
Or is imagination something cultivated over the centuries as our basic needs were fulfilled?
What do you think? Could these cave drawings have come purely from the imagination of a man just barely able to stand upright? Or could they be drawings of something they actually saw?
Do you read science fiction? If so, have you questioned how close to the truth those stories could be?
Truth is stranger than fiction.
Archeologists have found paintings around the world that depict beings that look like extraterrestrials. In the past, scientists, researchers and archeologists have often claimed that these were the figments of the caveman's imagination.
So I've been wondering:
These cavemen barely knew how to make fire. In some cases, they hadn't even accomplished that. Their days were spent trying to survive. Their nights were probably worse.
So are we to believe that they really had an active imagination?
Or is imagination something cultivated over the centuries as our basic needs were fulfilled?
What do you think? Could these cave drawings have come purely from the imagination of a man just barely able to stand upright? Or could they be drawings of something they actually saw?
Do you read science fiction? If so, have you questioned how close to the truth those stories could be?
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Thursday Thoughts
Over the past few months, I've read a lot of blogs that announce to authors how difficult it is to make it in this industry.
One industry expert said a person is 400 times more likely to move to Hollywood and become the next Angelina Jolie than to make a living as an author.
A literary agent spoke of the monumental task of selling 20,000 copies of one title - the magic number for agents and publishers to begin to take notice of a previously published author.
Survey results showed that the vast majority of authors earn less than $500 a year.
So, what's up?
In my opinion, it's so easy for anyone to publish their own work that everyone thinks they can be a successful author. But not everything that is written deserves to be published.
Too many people think all they have to do is have a book printed and the world is their oyster; people will line up around the block to buy it, they'll be celebrities and their phones will ring off the hook.
There are very few writers who can write a book that requires minimal editing. And those are best-selling authors who have been at this for decades. Yet, many self-published writers think their first work is beyond reproach. Why is that?
Time after time, I hear a writer say their first book, which they intend to self-publish, will be an instant bestseller. Really?
Yes, the statistics I mentioned at the beginning of this post can be depressing. But they are meant to be a wake-up call. I've been in this industry since 1984 and full-time since 2000. And I'm here to tell you: being a successful author is hard work.
You need a team behind you: a fierce line editor, a dedicated publicist, sales and marketing plans and people to implement them. To try and do it all on your own is like going to Hollywood and becoming the producer, director, screenwriter and all the actors in your own film. Say you film it successfully. Now how are you going to distribute it, get it into the public eye, and convince people to buy it?
At Book 'Em North Carolina, we'll have a SuperTeam panel discussion filled with the people who make things happen: literary agents, traditional publishers, promoters and editors. If you want to make it in this industry, you need to be there - Saturday, February 23, 2013. And it's free. For more information, visit Book 'Em North Carolina.
One industry expert said a person is 400 times more likely to move to Hollywood and become the next Angelina Jolie than to make a living as an author.
A literary agent spoke of the monumental task of selling 20,000 copies of one title - the magic number for agents and publishers to begin to take notice of a previously published author.
Survey results showed that the vast majority of authors earn less than $500 a year.
So, what's up?
In my opinion, it's so easy for anyone to publish their own work that everyone thinks they can be a successful author. But not everything that is written deserves to be published.
Too many people think all they have to do is have a book printed and the world is their oyster; people will line up around the block to buy it, they'll be celebrities and their phones will ring off the hook.
There are very few writers who can write a book that requires minimal editing. And those are best-selling authors who have been at this for decades. Yet, many self-published writers think their first work is beyond reproach. Why is that?
Time after time, I hear a writer say their first book, which they intend to self-publish, will be an instant bestseller. Really?
Yes, the statistics I mentioned at the beginning of this post can be depressing. But they are meant to be a wake-up call. I've been in this industry since 1984 and full-time since 2000. And I'm here to tell you: being a successful author is hard work.
You need a team behind you: a fierce line editor, a dedicated publicist, sales and marketing plans and people to implement them. To try and do it all on your own is like going to Hollywood and becoming the producer, director, screenwriter and all the actors in your own film. Say you film it successfully. Now how are you going to distribute it, get it into the public eye, and convince people to buy it?
At Book 'Em North Carolina, we'll have a SuperTeam panel discussion filled with the people who make things happen: literary agents, traditional publishers, promoters and editors. If you want to make it in this industry, you need to be there - Saturday, February 23, 2013. And it's free. For more information, visit Book 'Em North Carolina.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
WIP Wednesday
It's Work-in-Progress Wednesday and I am completing the first draft of Dylan's Song.
It's the fourth book in the Black Swamp Mysteries series. The others take place in the real town of Lumberton, North Carolina. Dylan's Song takes a bit of a departure. It begins in Lumberton but Dylan has received news that his grandmother is dying in Ireland, a country he thought he'd turned his back on forever.
Vicki has been working on a psychic mission in which a CIA operative follows a terrorist to Ireland and disappears.
So the two head to the Emerald Isle. Dylan's purpose is two-fold: when his grandmother dies during their visit, he must arrange her wake and burial. He must also extract the CIA operative from the position Vicki pinpoints in her remote viewing sessions and get him safely out of the country.
And along the way, he must confront the demons that caused him to leave Ireland.
Dylan's Song is due to be released in the spring of 2013.
It's the fourth book in the Black Swamp Mysteries series. The others take place in the real town of Lumberton, North Carolina. Dylan's Song takes a bit of a departure. It begins in Lumberton but Dylan has received news that his grandmother is dying in Ireland, a country he thought he'd turned his back on forever.
Vicki has been working on a psychic mission in which a CIA operative follows a terrorist to Ireland and disappears.
So the two head to the Emerald Isle. Dylan's purpose is two-fold: when his grandmother dies during their visit, he must arrange her wake and burial. He must also extract the CIA operative from the position Vicki pinpoints in her remote viewing sessions and get him safely out of the country.
And along the way, he must confront the demons that caused him to leave Ireland.
Dylan's Song is due to be released in the spring of 2013.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Teaser Tuesday
He grabbed her hand and wrapped it around the knife handle. Then he pressed his own hand on top of hers, guiding the knife against her throat. "There's nothing you can do to stop it," he said. "You're crazy; everybody at the CIA knows it. Now you've gone over the deep end. Taken your own life."
"Let me go!" Vicki managed to croak through clenched teeth.
He pushed against her, pinning her to the wall with his body while one arm held her neck in place. She tried to struggle but with each movement she made, it only served to tighten his grip on her. One hand was on her throat, cutting off her oxygen as the other hand guided the knife against her skin.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Monday Musings
As late as five years ago, it seemed the New York publishers were determined to operate as they had in the 1980's, although the rest of the world was moving past them in leaps and bounds.
It's no secret that eBooks are part of the equation that is forcing the publishing industry into the future.
So the question on a lot of authors' lips these days is:
If I can ePublish my own book, why do I need a publisher?
What do you think? If you have a traditional publisher who epublishes your titles, what advantages do you have with them that a self-published author does not have?
Or if you are a self-published author, why did you choose not to go with a traditional publisher?
It's no secret that eBooks are part of the equation that is forcing the publishing industry into the future.
So the question on a lot of authors' lips these days is:
If I can ePublish my own book, why do I need a publisher?
What do you think? If you have a traditional publisher who epublishes your titles, what advantages do you have with them that a self-published author does not have?
Or if you are a self-published author, why did you choose not to go with a traditional publisher?
Friday, November 2, 2012
Where the Greener Grass Grows
Ever plan for the day your kids leave home and you actually have the house to yourself?
I hope you'll pop into Book 'Em North Carolina today to read about Lin Brooks' newest fiction, Where the Greener Grass Grows, about a woman finding her way when she's left with an empty nest. All the plans she made seemed to fly out the window once the room was empty and clean. The house was still; too still...
What did you do when your kids left home and you became an empty nester?
I hope you'll pop into Book 'Em North Carolina today to read about Lin Brooks' newest fiction, Where the Greener Grass Grows, about a woman finding her way when she's left with an empty nest. All the plans she made seemed to fly out the window once the room was empty and clean. The house was still; too still...
What did you do when your kids left home and you became an empty nester?
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Thursday Thoughts
The plot for Secrets of a Dangerous Woman came to me during a year that was particularly loaded with politicians doing bad things.
There was the congressman who thought he was photographing his private parts for one woman when he inadvertantly tweeted it to tens of thousands.
More than one who resigned over illicit affairs.
One who claimed to be on his state's business but it turns out he was in South America... having an affair.
Brenda Carnegie is a computer hacker who loves living on the wrong side of the law. And with so many politicians doing bad things, making a list of all those who haven't been "outed" yet and selling to the highest bidder is just too good of an opportunity to pass up.
Having been in the computer field myself for more than 40 years (my God, I'm old) I do have to wonder how anyone in this day and age can have any expectation of privacy. Even private emails bounce from server to server and when the user thinks they're deleted... They really are not.
Do you have any expectation of privacy?
There was the congressman who thought he was photographing his private parts for one woman when he inadvertantly tweeted it to tens of thousands.
More than one who resigned over illicit affairs.
One who claimed to be on his state's business but it turns out he was in South America... having an affair.
Having been in the computer field myself for more than 40 years (my God, I'm old) I do have to wonder how anyone in this day and age can have any expectation of privacy. Even private emails bounce from server to server and when the user thinks they're deleted... They really are not.
Do you have any expectation of privacy?
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