Monthly Archives: March 2017

Hope’s Wonder by M. L. Prescott

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Thank you, thank you, Cindy for welcoming me once again to highlight the fifth book in the Morgan’s Run Romances series, Hope’s Wonder , available for pre-order on Amazon now and debuting on June 5, 2017!

My last blog post was about juggling three popular series so I thought, in addition to highlighting , Hope’s Wonder and it’s beautiful cover (my favorite yet!),  I’d write this time about keeping up with all the settings, characters and details in one series, in this case Morgan’s Run– yikes! Fortunately my amazing copyeditor keeps track and provides me with really helpful and detailed summaries.

These books are set in the southwest, where an “orographic effect” has created a fertile valley ringed by mountains and desert. Sexy romances, the books tell the story of the Morgan family, as well as their neighbors and friends. Each clan has taken a role as the stories of this close, vibrant community continue to unfold. As I said in my last blog, these books practically write themselves as I always love returning to the Valley!

The challenges I face are keeping track and continuing to write while working at another full-time job that I love (college professor). I have not yet been able to make the decision to leave my students and colleagues. So hard. Like many of you, I hear from readers all the time wanting to know when the next book in the series will be out. Last fall, in the midst of a very busy semester, I sat myself down and vowed, “no major writing until summer 2017, period, end of story.” Then I read a slew of reader messages and by January, I had broken my vow and was halfway through draft one of Hope’s Wonder in a semester that is even busier than last! I also have my beloved grandchildren and they always come first.

So… keeping things straight…hmm… My best advice is to stay organized, know your characters inside and out (my readers often know them better than me, which can be disconcerting…) and leave LOTS of time for revising. I actually enjoy revising. For me, the emotional wallop happens during revisions. Under the gun, the character bios, setting bios and graphic organizers are hugely important. However one uses these tools – virtually or plastered on every wall (my method)– they are invaluable in keeping people, animals (every horse on the ranch has a bio!), places and things straight. BUT bios and summaries aside, during revisions, the real magic is that wallop as I switch to the reader role. I believe that if I don’t love my characters then, my readers won’t either. If I expect people to laugh, cry, and live through my stories, I’d better be there right along with them! Make sense? I hope so!

Warm wishes to all. I hope we meet some day!

Cheers,

Lee

EXCERPT

Hope’s Wonder

Book 5: Morgan’s Run Romances

              

Chapter 1

Ten miles from Morgan’s Run, Hope Seymour wondered if she was making a huge mistake inflicting her misery on her friend, Beth Morgan and her family. The hell of the past year dominated her thoughts as she drove, oblivious to the landscape surrounding her. Bruce’s death still hurt and the death of his baby at her hands haunted her dreams as well as almost every waking moment. She still saw his face when he discovered what she had done. Heartbroken, he had scooped her off the floor and drove her to the hospital. “Incomplete abortion,” the physician said as they wheeled her into surgery.

Infection and hemorrhaging necessitated a hysterectomy to save her life. Bruce had taken leave and stayed by her side until she recovered, even as she knew it was painful for him to be around her. When her body was finally healed, he came to her one morning, “I’m going back to work. It’s undercover below the border so you won’t hear from me for a while.” A border patrol agent, Bruce spoke fluent Spanish and had taken the dangerous assignment in Mexico that he never would have touched before.

“No, you can’t!” she had pleaded. “This is wrong. Please, don’t do this, Bruce!”

He leaned over and kissed her forehead. “It’s done, buddy.”

The pregnancy had been a foolish mistake, the result of a night of lovemaking when they’d both been lonely and between partners. She loved Bruce, but she was not in love with him. She knew he felt the same, but also knew that he wanted children more than anything in the world. His strong Catholic faith would never have condoned an abortion. “I’m sorry,” she had said, holding onto his arm, eyes pleading one last time.

“Why?” he said, softly, then turned and walked out of her life forever. For the rest of her life, Hope would wonder if her dearest friend had accepted the assignment because of her, because his heart and soul had died along with his child. Two months later they found his body in the desert. He had been tortured for days before his death.

Now she was headed to nanny for Beth’s baby who was due any day. “Are you crazy?” is what her mother had said when she announced her intention to spend four or five months in Saguaro Valley. “It’s beautiful up there, sweetie, but are you ready to be around a baby?”

“I’m fine,” Hope had responded. It was a lie, but she knew that being with friends would be healing. Beth and she had met through a hiking group organized by Beth’s former boyfriend, Bill Sampson. Hope occasionally ran into Bill, but she had dropped out of the group when she moved back to TinTown, a suburb of Tucson.

In truth, she didn’t know Beth all that well, but she liked her. She was warm and level-headed, qualities Hope very much appreciated. Beth had visited her several times after the abortion, then again when Bruce died. Her steady presence had been such a precious gift that Hope could never repay. When the offer to nanny arose during one of their weekly phone conversations, Hope had surprised herself and Beth by saying, “yes!” So, here she was, a few miles from Morgan’s Ranch with no clue if this a wise decision or if her mom was right, she really was crazy.

On her few visits to the ranch, she had fallen in love with the loving, raucous Morgan family with its two daughters and four gorgeous sons. There had been memorable moments for Hope at the ranch, dancing with Beth’s brother, Robbie at her friend’s wedding, riding in the foothills and meadows of the valley, and hours talking by the fire. Beth’s dad was the father she always wished she had. Her own father, Tom Seymour, had abandoned his young family when Hope was a baby. By all accounts, he was a bastard to his wife and sons. Her mom was now on her third husband, Ralph and had finally found a nice guy, stable and financially secure. Will I ever find that? Hope wondered as she turned off the Gila Highway.

AUTHOR WEBPAGE AND NEWSLETTER SIGN UP

Connect with M. Lee Prescott

WEBSITE                                            AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE                               GOODREADS

BUY LINKS (please note: Hope’s Wonder is only available on Amazon until June, but I included the other links to the previous book in the series, Rose’s Choice). Feel free to delete if not useful!

AMAZON                                           KOBO                                  NOOK                                  APPLE

Come Dance with Me! by Sylvia McDaniel

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Thanks Cynthia for having me on your blog today. As a writer, I love hearing about new stories, different kinds of plots and characters. My husband and I go to the movies a couple of times a month just to see what filmmakers are doing. Of course I don’t enjoy blow up/shoot-em up, save the world kind of storires, unless they’re done well. Sorry, I’m not a Marvel Comics fan. This year we saw some really good movies: Hidden Figures, La La Land, Arrival, Passengers, Rogue One, The Jungle Book, The Nice Guys, Sully, The Accountant, Star Trek Beyond, Deepwater Horizon, and Snowden.

 To me the one thing these films all had in common was a great character. Real life stories are my favorites and this year there were four fantastic ones. Hidden Figures, Sully, Deep Water Horizon and even Snowden made you stop and think about how he reacted to his circumstances.

 The movie Snowden, Passengers and The Accountant showed you the dark side of humanity and how far people go and yet you learned why they acted the way they did and while you didn’t agree with their actions, you understood and were intriqued.

 Authors struggle to find a great plot, with a strong, vibrant character who has to change and grow throughout the novel and in the end receive their reward. Whether that be the gold, the land or the heroine/hero Whatever they’re seeking, they must first fight a battle, overcome something in themselves before they achieve their goal.

 For me, this is the hardest part of plotting. Figuring out what the character needs to learn and what the reward is at the end. I’m just starting a new novel and about eighty percent of my plot is worked out and suddenly it’ dawned on me what’s his goal besides the heroine? What is he striving for? How is this person different in the end?

 When I plot, I always leave a few empty scenes because usually something dawns on me while I’m writing. It’s the aw ha moment and you know it needs to go in there.

 Now, I’m a fluffy writer. I want to laugh. I want to have fun. I want the people I create to find a happily ever after. But I also want them to struggle and realize they have a weakness and with the help of the hero/heroine, overcome their flaw and find happiness.

 If you’re a writer…go to the movies. Watch the character development on screen. If you love to read, go to the movies and let them take you to another world, another dimension or experience landing a plane on the Hudson. Or experience being an intelligent woman who can’t use the main bathroom because she’s black, but knows how to put our rocket into orbit. Or a CIA agent who learns the government is listening. Or an accountant who is a genius with no personnal skills and works as a forensic accountant, who catches the bad guys.

 Character…what keeps me enthralled with the movies, turning pages as I read and trying to replicate in my own stories. My characters will never be as serious as some of the ones in films, but hopefully you’ll still fall in love with them.

 If you’re looking for a book that will keep you laughing with quirky characters, come dance naked around the Cupid Fountain and find your true love.

Amazon Link:   http://amzn.to/2lTQsqR

A visit with TR Fischer

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Please tell my readers a little bit about your book. 

Changing Sky is my most recent book. Skylar Biondi, a former high school math teacher now works for UPS. On her route, she crosses paths with hard-edged Army veteran Enrique Avalos, a motorcycle mechanic in charge is his late uncle’s ailing repair shop. Enrique is coming off a painful divorce and Skylar is reeling from the sudden end of her engagement to marry a major league baseball player. Skylar encounters a young girl in trouble, drawing Enrique into the fray when she attempts a daring rescue.

Do you have any words of inspiration for aspiring authors?

Hmm. That’s a tough one, but now that I have some hindsight, it’s easier to answer. I’ll focus on two things.

  • Learn your craft. If you’re not good at basic grammar and sentence structure, get Painless Grammar  and Painless Writing. I’m actually skilled at the basics but those books have been helpful for things I forgot, or gaps that needed to be filled. (Like how to use lie, lay, and lain. Oy!) There are many ways to improve, including networking with other writers, reading books on craft, taking classes and getting honest feedback on your work.

We all start out in a unique place. I had no formal training in writing, so once I got the bug to write a book I took a writing class at my local library. It was both helpful and fun and I made some good connections there.

  • Find the right balance between developing your unique voice and accepting feedback. Chew on it, but don’t allow other’s perceptions of your work to take over. Honestly, this can be a big challenge. I’ve known writers who are unable to see flaws in their work no matter what anyone said. I, on the other hand, took any and all input to heart. As time went by, I was able to discern what kind of input I needed and am now more discerning about whom I seek out for input. Also, my writing has improved significantly so I no longer need as much help.

Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?

No! I always loved reading but I hated writing. I’m a little rebellious (okay, not just a little) so I bucked writing assignments. They were often on subjects I had little or no interest in, or there were too many formatting rules to follow. I began writing novels on a fluke. It’s been a circuitous route…and I love it. Vive la fluke!

Do you or have you belonged to a writing organization?  Which one?  Have the helped you with your writing?  How?

I joined a few online groups when I first got started but they petered out. People didn’t follow through with critiques and others always asked for help at the last minute. I joined Pikes Peak Writers a long time ago and that was a great decision. I was able to attend classes on craft that were very helpful, but the biggest benefit to me was connecting with two critique groups. My writing flourished once I joined the second group. Everyone was committed and we had a great vibe. The input I received enabled me to see the weaknesses in my work so I was able to focus on those areas.

What are you currently working on?

I’m working on the second book in my Colorado Tempest series. The working title is Where There’s Smoke. My main characters are a small town fire investigator and his fiancé. I currently have a total of four books planned for the series. It’s been a lot of fun to write. I geek out on research and there’s plenty of that required for the series.

Do you have a view in your writing space?  What does your space look like? 

I have a great view of Pikes Peak out my office window. I can also see our cattle grazing. We live out in the toolies. J Once our daughter left for college, I waited about five minutes to redo the room so I would have a writing space. It’s a mix of country French wall colors and décor, including curtains in black and white toile fabric with a classic pastoral scene in lieu of sliding closet doors. There are two large windows so I get plenty of light. It’s my happy place.

Excerpt from Changing Sky:

“Enrique, this is Skylar,” Bill said enthusiastically, the moment she’d cleared the door.

A man behind the counter got to his feet. He had dark hair, even darker eyes. His yesterday-morning shadow was split by a brilliant smile that probably got him whatever he wanted whenever he wanted it. Gorgeous.

Suddenly the smile fell away and his golden-brown face darkened like the sky in a sudden summer storm. Skylar’s steps faltered at the onslaught of black emotion that emanated from him. She blinked, filled her lungs, struggling to make sense of it. Unsure what to do and fearful she might actually turn tail and sprint out the door, she planted her feet and glanced at Bill. His face fell, his eyes signaling a silent apology. A set-up gone south?

Enrique said nothing.

Skylar slipped on her I-can-handle-this mask and maneuvered the dolly toward the counter. Bill must not know Enrique as well as he thought. He was too nice a man to have done this otherwise. As she scanned the boxes, she silently repeated what she’d said to her reflection hours before. This wasn’t forever. Just until she caught her balance. Found her feet. She passed the scanner to Enrique for his signature. “Any pick-ups today?”

He grunted something that sounded like yes and scribbled his name on the small screen.

Skylar slacked one hip. “So, yes?”

His eyes, now hooded beneath a forest of dark lashes, seemed to telegraph that he didn’t appreciate clear communication. “Yes,” he said coolly.

Skylar wanted to clap and congratulate him for enunciating properly. But he looked to be about thirty, rather than eight. Knowing she would have to come here often, it wouldn’t be wise to stir the pot any more. “Okay.”

Links:

Facebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/TRFischerAuthor/

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8445393.T_R_Fischer

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/TR-Fischer/e/B00PR7C9A0/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1470100721&sr=1-2-ent

Website: http://www.trfischer.com

Bio:

Author of several titles, including Changing Sky and A Man Around The House, TR Fischer grew up in Colorado. After moving to California and sampling life in San Diego, San Francisco and Los Angeles, TR and her husband moved back to the Denver area. That didn’t satisfy, so the city-dwellers bought some land and took up raising buffalo. Each day is an adventure, on and off the page

 

A visit with Jennifer Perkins

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Thank you, Cynthia, for having me back as a guest. I believe the last time I was here was in October. I’m very excited to be back to tell everyone about my newest novella, Daring Return, which is part of the Dare To Love Amazon Kindle World. As some of you may know, my release last year, Forever Yours, was part of another Amazon Kindle World. I’ll be self-publishing again in May with yet a third kindle world book, so stay tuned!

How has your experience with self-publishing been?

It’s actually been an exciting experience. I was originally invited by Roxanne St. Clair to write my story, Forever Yours, in her Barefoot Bay world. This has led to being able to write in other kindle worlds, for which I’m grateful.

What advice do you have for other authors wanting to self-publish?

Writing a good story doesn’t end there. After a writer goes through their story and revises many times, they should hire a professional editor. They are an invaluable part in any writing process, because no matter how good an editor you think you are, the professional editor always find something that needs to be redone. Having a published author recommend someone or looking at the acknowledgements in a book is a good place to start the search. Next, they’ll want to have a good cover artist create a professional cover, and they’ll also want to hire someone to professionally format the book if they don’t already know the process. They shouldn’t be afraid to join professional writing organizations to learn as much as possible about self-publishing. There’s a lot involved in self-publishing, and doing it right will help them reach out to readers.

 How likely are people you meet to end up in your next book?

Haha, that’s funny because I’ve also written a cozy mystery and had someone I used to work with ask if I could put him in my next mystery as the dead body. I recently ran a contest where everyone knew the prize was the winners name in a future book, so that wouldn’t be an issue because it was up front. Other than that, I can see putting people’s habits or quirks in a book. We’re all different and we run across many unique people all the time with the same habits but, other than a contest winner’s name, I wouldn’t write anything that identified anyone. I just don’t know how someone would react.

Do you write every day? Every week? Odd times?

I definitely write every week and try to write every day. I haven’t gotten my routine down where I could tell you I write thousands of words every day. Sometimes the words don’t flow as easily as I’d like. I’m up early every morning writing before breakfast and sometimes I’m even at my computer until 1 in the morning writing. So, I don’t have a set schedule, but I try to get some words written every day.

If you weren’t writing as a career, what would you be doing?

Okay, that’s a joke, right? Ha, I can’t imagine not being able to write! I have so many different story ideas that I don’t think I’ll ever stop writing. I know I said that sometimes the words don’t flow as easily, but that’s different than not knowing what story you have in mind. One thing people don’t know is that I’ve written several children’s stories. They’re not published, but that’s one avenue I’d like to pursue in the near future.

I’d like to thank you for hosting me today and I hope everyone enjoys my new novella.

I’ll end with my book blurb:

Rose Perez is a physical therapist who shares a secret with Miami Thunder halfback, Bruce Hawkins. They also have separate careers outside of their shared world that could become derailed if their secret gets out. Neither had wanted a relationship.

Does Rose have what it takes to look past the life Bruce is trying to portray or is she starting to fall in love?

Bruce decided early in life that true love was something other men wanted. Does he have what it takes to help Rose find real happiness without risking his heart?

EXCERPT

Before Bruce could say anything else, he heard the slam of Rick’s phone in his ear. The noise factor was probably one of the reasons Rick hadn’t used his cell. After the falling out he had with Rose, Bruce decided she’d be the best person to work with. He’d acted as a jerk, not letting her explain what happened. He needed to give her the benefit of the doubt and if he had to, he’d apologize to her. This day couldn’t get any worse. Then Bruce’s phone rang and he saw Randy’s number on the display.

“How much are you looking for or are you calling to tell me you found a real job?”

“That’s no way to greet your little brother,” Randy said.

“You stopped being my brother when you decided drugs, booze, and women were more important than family.” Bruce got out of his car and slammed his door shut in frustration. This was one conversation he’d rather not have.

“That’s why I’m here. So we can bond. Actually, it was mom’s idea. She suggested I crash here with you a while. You know, maybe pick up some kinda inspiration.”

Bruce had just gotten in the elevator and punched the number for his floor when his brother’s request registered with what he said. “What do you mean crash here? Where the hell are you?”

“Sitting on your couch looking at the great views you have. You know you’ve got a really nice place.”

Bio:

Jennifer Perkins grew up in a small New England town where quaint neighborhoods still remain hidden. This combination has led to a sweet mix of her love of family, romance, and imagination.

With a degree in Marketing, she’s held a potpourri of jobs. She’s an active member of RWA. Her two young adult children, while pursuing their careers are, with her husband, her greatest cheerleaders. Jennifer lives in Florida with her husband. When she isn’t dreaming of interesting ways to enable everyone to join in her characters’ lives, she loves to spend time with family, garden, dabble in photography, and go for long walks on the beach.

Links:

Website:    http://www.authorjperkins.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/authorjperkins

Twitter:      https://twitter.com/AuthorJPerkins

Pinterest:    https://www.pinterest.com/authorjperkins/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15968745.Jennifer_Perkins

Buy Link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XC5WTST/ref=la_B01M992WVJ_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1488261204&sr=1-2