Sunday, August 30, 2020

Small World


Every once in a while, I’m reminded that the world we share is always changing. While we’re all scattered across the globe, technology has a way of bringing us closer.  Families and friends reside in different parts of the country. Some are in different countries. Yet with a click of a button, we can connect with the phone or computer and share our lives.

Proof of that can be found in “Don’t Mess With the Gods”, the novella that I wrote with Elle Nina Castle. We live in different hemispheres, have never met in person, yet collaborated on this story thanks to the wonders of technology. I can’t imagine accomplishing this by mailing pages back and forth through the postal service.



And sometimes, you bump into a person who has crossed many of the same paths that you have. It’s a wonder that you haven’t actually met face to face, especially in the days before the pandemic struck.

That occurred for me just last week.

Melissa from Inkspell Publishing had a new release and suggested the author contact me, since we’re both from the Detroit area.  By the way, Melissa and I  attended the same private college in Ann Arbor.  We were in different years and different programs, but that’s another connection.

So Kate MacInnis reached out.  We traded a few texts and shared some details.  Turns out we both worked as freelance reporters for the Oakland Press.  Kate did a lot of features. I wrote a mixture of hard news articles, features and a few editorials. This was a second job for us, a way to polish our writing skills and bring in a little extra income.

I’m not a big fan of coincidence. But connections are real. Interactions like this just confirm that it’s truly a small world. 

Which of course, might just end up in a story.




Here’s a bit about Kate’s new release.

Just because you haven’t seen a ghost, it doesn’t mean they aren’t around. You can’t see germs either, but you know they exist everywhere. Besides, everybody has a ghost story or unexplained experience—yet no one wants to admit that they believe in spirits.

What if your life was turned upside down and you suddenly had the ability to see, hear and communicate with those on the other side? How would you handle the situation?

Distant Heart Sounds takes a look at what Morgan Cutler encounters after an unexpected near-death-experience leaves her with psychic abilities. As a 40-ish, skeptical, heard-it-all-before, metro Detroit emergency center nurse, Morgan believes she has seen just about everything in her 20+ years on the job, but then one day, she feels someone she cannot see.

The new Morgan opens herself to a relationship with a hunky doctor at the emergency center, who has some psychic ability as well. Romance, humor, mystery, and being connected to others bring peace and joy into her life.
But what happens when Morgan witnesses the evil inside one man’s heart? Some secrets are better left unseen.

Excerpt 
Morgan crossed the room and grabbed the baseball bat from her bedroom closet and placed it on her shoulder in a “batter up” gesture. She stepped into the dark hall outside the bedroom where a glow from the first floor of the house gave off enough light to flood the stairs. She frowned at the intense smell of freshly baked bread and rich food that made her mouth water since she could neither cook nor bake. At the top of the staircase, she crouched with her back against the wall and planted one bare foot on the first step as she leaned closer to the banister.

With the bat now cradled on her lap, she peered downstairs. In the foyer below, she counted more than thirty people gathered in the entry, library, and living room of her small home. She was sure she didn’t even know that many people. The lights blazed as the revelers laughed, ate hors d’oeuvres from silver platters, smoked cigarettes, stood around the shiny black piano as they sang Cole Porter tunes, and clinked champagne glasses filled to the brim. Several people made toasts for good luck and great health. One gentleman spilled the bubbly liquid with a flourish onto the shiny marble floor as he tried to hit the target of another gentleman who lay there with his mouth wide open. A few couples snuggled into corners while others danced, shimmied, and vied for attention. Everyone was dressed in black and white silks and satins with dazzling jewels and long strings of pearls.

“I don’t own a piano,” Morgan said out loud. “And my house doesn’t have marble floors.”

Buy Links:

Music today comes from Canadian guitarist Jesse Cook



Wednesday, August 19, 2020

THE AUGUST ISSUE





The Sixth Issue!  Halfway through a year.  While I continue to write the occasional blog posts, the newsletter covers a number of topics related to writing, in one form or another. This month I’ll discuss settings, a current work in progress, an interview with an author of many talents and music. For what is life without music? Too damn quiet for me.

WRITING

There are three cardinal rules when it comes to real estate. Location, location, location. You can say the same thing about writing fiction. Where the story occurs can have an impact on your readers, particularly if it’s a well-known city. If you’re creating a fictional place, that’s fine, but you need to include some details that will help the readers relate to it and picture where the action is going on.  

Nearly all of my stories take place in the metropolitan Detroit area, known for years as The Motor City or Motown.  This stretches out beyond the city limits to the suburbs that make up Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties with a population of nearly 4 million.  There are seedy inner city neighborhoods and just miles away you can find posh suburbs with multi-million dollar mansions.  

Often I’ll use landmarks or events that readers can recognize, popping up in any of my tales. Comerica Park, Ford Field, The Fox Theater, The Whitney, Belle Isle, The Elwood Bar and Grill and others have all shared a page or two.  

If you’re writing about a real city, you’d better make sure you have your details straight.  Detroit is about 600 feet above sea level and there are no significant hills in the area. There is a street named Mt. Elliot and a suburb named Mount Clemens, but that’s it.  Detroit has professional sports teams, a diverse ethnic population and several casinos.  But no mountains!

Don’t forget the food. When you’re describing your setting, there’s gotta be some local cuisine that readers can almost taste. Detroit has many ethnics restaurants. Whether it’s Greek salads and lamb kabobs, sushi, gourmet meals, seafood, pizza or Coney Island hotdogs from Lafayette, you can find it in Motown.


Settings can play a key role.  As does the time. Is it a current day story? Something set a hundred years in the past, or a hundred in the future. Primarily my stories take place in a contemporary time frame. There may be traces of history in my novels, but I haven’t tackled going into the future. 

Yet.

Work in Progress

My latest effort is the third book in the Jefferson Chene series.  I haven’t come up with a working title that captures the mind yet, but that usually crops up along the way.  This story picks up about a month after the Morrissey homicide from “Your Turn to Die” has been solved.  Chene and the squad are drawn into investigating a cold case from fifteen years ago.  What started out as a missing persons case evolves into a homicide.  The squad is racing against a deadline.  There’s also tension from other departments and the FBI to add a little pressure.

At 48,000 words, the story is moving along fairly well. But this is the first draft and who knows how many twists and turns can develop. Since I don’t use an outline, I’ll just keep plugging away and see where Chene and the squad lead me.

More to follow.

Author Interview

It is my pleasure to bring KG Fletcher to the party. This delightful writer has many talents, including a dynamic singing voice and a love of the theater.  How she finds time to pursue all of these interests, raise a family and write continues to amaze me.

Welcome, KG!




Where are you from? 
Atlanta, GA

What’s your ‘someday’ or dream vacation spot and why?
 I’ve always loved the beach. Would love to live on the East Coast shores of Florida someday – it’s my “happy place.”

What’s your favorite thing to do for relaxation?
Read books. Watch romantic movies or rom-coms.

Any favorite hobbies?
I love to cook with my husband – sipping wine and listening to music as we go.

How long have you been writing?
All of my life. I was a singer/songwriter in Nashville. I’ve written drama sketches for elementary schools and churches. It wasn’t until 2015 that I wrote my first romance novel.

Are you able to write full time or do you also have a job/career?
 I’m a full-time indie artist. I am in a National Tour as a backup singer & also have my own cabaret show. I bring my laptop everywhere we go. I’m always writing on trains, planes, automobiles, backstage, hotel rooms, etc.

Is there a particular genre that you write?  Or more than one?  What led you to there?
I write Contemporary Romance and Romantic Suspense.

Do you use friends or family as characters in your work?
Absolutely.

What authors had an impact on you growing up and as an adult? 
Nora Roberts, LaVyrle Spencer, Sandra Brown – any kind of romance paperback I could get my hands on, really.

Has anyone in your life influenced you or encouraged you to pursue your interests of writing? (teacher, family member, friend)
 Friends and family, definitely. My husband and sons are my biggest encouragers. #frathouse

What is your favorite aspect or writing? Your least favorite?
 I LOVE editing! I love cleaning up my rough draft when it’s finished, then sending it off to my editor. When I get her email back with her edits, I’m giddy with excitement and love going in again and making more changes. I don’t particularly enjoy the marketing part of this business. It’s a time/money suck, but imperative if you want to make any money.

What aspect of writing would you most like to improve on? 
Blurb writing. I’m getting better, but I would love to nail a blurb the first time.

Do you have any “must haves” with you while you’re writing?  (Food, drink, silence, noise, location, scented candles)
 I prefer to write in total silence, but I live in a frat-house full of noisy guys. Classical or instrumental music is my go-to. I can’t listen to music with lyrics because I am also a song writer. I get caught up in the lyrics and story which totally takes away from my writing.

Is there a common theme or item that appears in each of your work?
Sweet and steamy, and of course, a happily-ever-after. I am also big on imagery. My readers often comment how they feel like they are in the setting or can taste the food I’m describing.  
 
What have you learned the most from being in the writing business? 
The author community is AMAZING! I am not afraid to reach out and ask questions. Nine times out of ten, the author will kindly respond. I’ve made dozens of author friends who support my releases and even share on their social media or newsletters.

Tell us about your latest work: 
I am currently working on Book Four in my Reigning Hearts Series. The title is, “I’ll See You Again.” This is my first book with a Scottish rock and roll hero – my readers are VERY excited.



She plans happily-ever-afters. He sings about them. But will their star-struck connection last?

As a small town wedding planner, Nicky Sinclair craves true love and decadent cakes. But her world is rocked when a famous Scottish musician shows her the kind of affection she’s only dreamt about.  Except just as their hearts are humming in tune, she receives terrifying news and finds herself caught in the headlines.

On the brink of superstardom, Reid Macpherson pours all his energy into his band. But after showing up at a small town bar to test out his latest song, the last thing he expected was to fall for a gorgeous local who has no idea who he is. So when he realizes he has feelings for her, he invites her to New York City for the kick-off of his first world tour.

After Nicky learns devastating news that’s hit the airwaves, emotions run high and she fears Mac will leave her and return to Scotland forever. And Mac worries with Nicky left behind, his voice will forever be silenced, the love they shared nothing but a lingering lyric in one of his hit songs.

Will the harmonious couple see each other again, or have they uttered their final goodbye? 

I’ll See You Again is the fourth book in a series of standalone contemporary romance novels. If you like steamy opposites-attract stories, and heart-wrenching feels, then you’ll adore KG Fletcher’s rock star romance.

Buy I’ll See You Again for a ballad of loyalty and longing today! 

How did you decide on your story plot? 
 Because this is book four in the series, I chose a likeable character from the series and created her own story. Her name is Nicky and she’s a successful wedding planner in the small fictional town of Cold Creek, NY.

Describe how this method works best for you. Outline or ‘seat of the pants’?
I am DEFINITELY a “pantster” – I write by the seat of my pants. I have a BFA in Theatre, so character development is very important to me. When I’m writing, my imaginary friends are constantly talking to me and taking me down roads I didn’t see coming! I know it sounds odd, but I usually start out with an idea and let the characters take me on the journey. 

Do you have a favorite scene you’ve written? What makes it special? 
Gosh, I have several. My favorite scenes are those I know are gonna make the reader gasp or cry. In Book One of my Reigning Hearts Series, RUN TO THE SEA, there is a scene on the beach inspired by the movie, “Somewhere in Time.” It’s very emotional with lots of feels. In Book One of my Southern Promises Series, GEORGIA CLAY, there is a scene where my heroine is frantic to get to the Grand Ole Opry stage for her famous singer/songwriter boyfriend’s show and ends up hitching a ride on a Harley with an older guy. When he leaves the scene, his license plate reveals something my readers LOVED! Gotta read the book to find out, LOL!

How about sharing a little taste of this story?
This is an excerpt from my upcoming Scottish rock star romance, “I’ll See You Again” 

  “Start at the beginning, when you left with Mr. Macpherson after the show Saturday night,” Amber insisted, pouring her another shot, filling it to the rim. Her perfect brow knitted in a ‘v’ in the space between her eyes.
   Nicky swallowed in an offhand nod. “Well, we ended up at my place. He spent the night…”
   “Oh, boy!” Amber interrupted, her face lighting up with glee.
   “No... nothing happened. We just… slept together – you know, as in sleep. Nothing else.”
   “You’ve got to be kidding me,” Amber sarcastically replied, tilting her blonde head as if flabbergasted by her admission. “You mean to tell me, you had a legitimate rock star in your bed, and you didn’t…”
    “Amber, please!” she shushed, swiping at her eyes with a napkin she’d pulled out of the holder. Amber hushed in dismay, crossing her arms and unable to hide her scowl. Nicky sighed, ready to press forward. “We spent the entire day together yesterday, canoeing and exploring Bannerman Island. Then we ended up back at his hotel.”
    Amber’s lips curled up to one side in a cajoling smile, and she seemed to relax. “Go on. What happened at the hotel? Did you spend the night there?”
     Nicky shook her head. “No. We ended up at my place again. We got up early and took a horse to the east meadow to watch the sunrise.”
   “Dammit, Nick!” Amber stomped, like a spoiled child. “Did you close the deal with the hot-Scot or not?”


Pre-order TODAY! Available August 26.
I’ll See You Again
Reigning Hearts ~ Book Four by KG Fletcher
(A Scottish rock star, standalone opposites-attract romance)
FREE in Kindle Unlimited!









The Singing Author - Audio/Video: https://www.kgfletcherauthor.com/audiovideo.html



YouTube Channel with book trailers: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxD4r0_mOYWWiVmlT_JSSdg


 Music

A lot of variety over the last few weeks, thanks to Spotify and Pandora.  Pat Benatar’s voice keeps popping up. With a list of top ten songs, platinum and gold albums, she’s been nominated this year for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.  Here’s my top five favorites.



Hit Me With Your Best Shot:  https://youtu.be/0JRgHol94Xc
Love is a Battlefield: https://youtu.be/IGVZOLV9SPo



Sunday, August 2, 2020

Technology and The Dinosaur


Anyone who knows me understands that I’m a bit of a dinosaur when it comes to technology. Yes, I use a laptop computer. And a few years ago, I broke down and got a smartphone, with the idea being that it would be helpful at book events when I could utilize a device and accept credit cards.  As a music junkie, I’ve often got Pandora or another streaming service engaged.  I’ve gotten accustomed to video calls from family and friends.


But recently, with the onslaught of the pandemic in late March, I had to start using video conferences to teach the remainder of the winter semester. I’ve never been one that likes being in front of a camera, but it was necessary to get the job done.  As the virus continues to be a problem, it’s had a huge impact on social gatherings. So I, like so many others have been utilizing video conference calls! Ye Gods!  An old friend once told me “You have the perfect face for radio.”  I couldn’t argue with that. In fact, I readily agreed.
 
Within the last month, I’ve participated in a group promotional effort for the release of “Magic & Mischief” anthology, did a podcast interview and was part of a three panel video discussion of authors for the local public library. You might think I’m enjoying this time in front of the camera.

Yeah, well, you’d be wrong.

But when the opportunity presents itself to promote my work as an author, I’m going to take it.  Rest assured, no casting director from Hollywood is going to be tracking me down.

Here are the links for the recent interviews to introduce the anthology.
Radio Interview
Zoom Group interview short
Long version



During the bit with the library, we were asked to read an excerpt from one of our stories.  So I selected an excerpt from “Your Turn to Die” book two in the Jefferson Chene series.



In this scene, Detective Jefferson Chene is interviewing Valerie Mann. She is the office manager for Kyle Morrissey, who was brutally murdered during a war game of paintball.

“It’s a bad idea to lie to a cop, Valerie. Sooner or later, the truth comes back to bite you in the ass."
Her body jolted as if I’d slapped her. “There may be something in Kyle’s contact list. He didn’t keep business cards. When someone gave him one, he’d put the details on his computer.”
“And you have access to that file?”
“Yes. It’s on the network.”
“Let’s take a look.”
I could have had the Cyber Unit scan the files but there was a chance she’d give me more than just a name and a number. Valerie turned to the computer and pulled the chair closer to the desk as I came around beside her.
“Why did you lie to me?”
She shifted her head just enough to look me in the eye. “I don’t like you.”
“It’s not a popularity contest. I’m trying to figure out who killed your boss.”
“You’re abrasive.”
I shrugged. “If I have to be.”
“Your mother must be so proud.” Her voice was dripping with sarcasm.
“I wouldn’t know. I never met her.”
Valerie opened her mouth to say something, but no words came out. Her cheeks and throat flushed scarlet. She swallowed once and turned her attention to the computer. I watched as she scrolled through a list of files and brought up a folder labeled ‘contacts’.
“So there must be some other reason you lied, other than not liking me.”
“I just don’t see how any of this could help you find his killer.”
I pointed at the computer monitor. Slowly she ran through the list of names. Valerie stopped occasionally to jot down the details for several people listed as attorneys. It was tempting to see if there were any recent emails between them and Morrissey. I was about to ask but figured the Cyber Unit would be able to tell me. We finished with the list. Valerie switched off the computer.
“Want to tell me about the lie?”
She let out a ragged breath. “You’re impossible.”
I rested a hip on the desk. She remained in the big chair. Self-consciously she crossed her legs, then tugged the hem of her skirt down toward her knee. It didn’t cover much. “I’m in no hurry.”
“I thought you were trying to catch a killer.”
“I am. But my boss gets pissed if I do a sloppy job and miss something.”
Valerie folded her hands in her lap. “I have nothing more to say. Unless you have questions related to Mr. Morrissey’s business dealings, I’m going to ask you to leave. We have a number of things to finish up before tomorrow’s services.”
I decided not to push it. She was obviously holding something back. Whether it was pertinent to the case was anyone’s guess. Tucking the papers into my pocket, I pushed away from the desk. Valerie stayed in the chair.
“Good-bye, Sergeant.”
“I’ll see you around, Ms. Mann.”
It obviously wasn’t the response she was hoping for.

Buy Links

Music this week comes from Carlos Santana with one of his best.