Motown Mysteries: The Ninth Issue

How can it suddenly be November? Wasn’t the sun shining yesterday with balmy breezes and warm temperatures. Actually here in Michigan we hit 70 degrees several times this month, so the idea of cold and snow and ice being just around the corner is a difficult concept to grasp.

Regardless, it’s time for the next issue of my ramblings about writing, a glimpse at a work in progress and an interview with another talented author. Of course, there’s music to be shared and this month bring a little change in pace.

So to quote legendary comedian Jackie Gleason “Away We Go!”

Jackie Gleason

Writing

Many people know that I don’t work with an outline. It’s too restrictive for me. I haven’t used one since elementary school and even then, I wrote the outline after completing the assignment. If you listen closely, you’ll hear the good Catholic sisters spinning in their graves at my admission of this education related sin.

The method I use seems bizarre to some people. I begin with just a basic story idea in mind and my main character. Then I write a scene to get things rolling. This may not necessarily be at the beginning of the story. It can be anywhere. I rarely know how the story will end, so it’s not like I write the tale in reverse. It could be a setting, or a bit of dialogue. I may overhear a bit of conversation or witness something that triggers an idea that becomes part of a story.

Often the character’s actions and comments will trigger ideas about what happens next or what should have happened before.

As more scenes are written, I’ll start to put them in some kind of order or sequence. When they add up, then I can go back and see what’s missing and figure out what is needed to tie the story together. I know this style doesn’t work for everybody. But it works for me. Life isn’t orderly. Why should my writing style be that way?

Work In Progress

Lately my free time to write has been somewhat limited with other demands on my schedule. But the ideas keep coming. I’m working on the third novel in the Jefferson Chene series. I take every opportunity to spend a little time that gang. In addition to the investigation, I’m inclined to continue developing the relationship with Chene and Simone.

Recently during a chat with Elle Nina Castle, my collaborator on “Don’t Mess With the Gods” Elle (pronounced Ellie, if you’re wondering) commented about Michigan being called “The Mitten” in reference to the shape of the lower peninsula. What followed was a mini-geography lesson and her suggestion that this sounded like something Chene would do with Simone. Inspiration struck! And just as I described in the section above, there was the idea for a scene with the two of them. Here’s an excerpt of that. Bear in mind this is a Work In Progress, so there’s no guarantee it will make it into the final book.

Elle Nina Castle

In this scene Chene and Simone have met for a quick drink. Simone’s eager to talk about something other than the investigation he’s working on at the moment.

“Do you realize in the time we’ve been dating, there are still so many things about you I don’t know?” she said.

“I’m an open book.”

That earned me a burst of laughter from her. “Yes, and I’m Venus de Milo.”

“Nice to see you, Venus.” It was impossible not to smile with her, no matter how tired I was. “What do you want to know? Keep in mind we both have a very early morning.”

She thought that over briefly. “How did you ever learn your way around town after being raised in an orphanage? I’m pretty good with the area, but you seem to know where everything is.”

I motioned to her. “Raise your left hand.”

She did, giving me a quizzical look.

“Welcome to Michigan. You know the lower peninsula is shaped like this.”

“Of course.”

Taking her by the wrist, I turned her palm so she could see it in the dim outdoor lights. “Down here, near the heel of your thumb, is roughly where Detroit is.” I slid two fingertips across the surface toward her index finger. Her skin was soft and warm. “This gets you near Dearborn and maybe a little bit towards Westland.”

Her shoulders were swaying a little. Simone gave me her undivided attention.

“A little further this way, it gets closer to Romulus, Belleville and Ann Arbor.” I continued in what would be a western direction, then moved up from the palm to the base of her first two fingers. “Livonia, Plymouth, Northville, Farmington, Novi and Wixom are this way.”

Simone drew a deep breath and moved in front of me. She turned, pressing her back against my chest. Her hips were moving in rhythm with her shoulders. In the background, the jazz music seemed to grow louder. “Keep going,” she said.

I dragged my fingertips back toward her thumb. “Southfield, Royal Oak, Clawson, Birmingham. Further east you get Mt. Clemens and St. Clair Shores. A little lower, you have the Grosse Pointes.”

Without noticing it earlier, I was matching her movements, a slight sway of the shoulders and hips. She leaned back against me. My left hand still held hers. At some point my right hand found her hip. Movement at the doors of the saloon caught my attention as the waitress started to come check on us. She hesitated, flashed a smile and ducked back inside.

“Chene.” Her voice was little more than a whisper.

“Yes?”

“Either take me home or I’m going to jump you in the parking lot.”

“What about your early morning?”
“I’ll be fine. The question is, will you be?”

I couldn’t see her face, but knew she was smiling.

“Without a doubt.”

Simone turned around in my arms. “You’d better kiss me now, to keep me interested.”

“No man alive could resist that request.” A long, slow kiss followed. Then she pushed me away, grabbed her purse and headed for the door. I threw cash on the table, nodded to the waitress and followed.

At her apartment, Simone returned to the comfort of my arms.

“You expect me to believe you know your way around town because of landmarks on your hand?”

I shrugged. “That, along with maps and a GPS.”

Author’s Interview.

Tammy Mannersly

With the wonders of technology, we’re able to enjoy the works of writers from around the globe, without leaving the comfort of our own home. Which is important in these days of a pandemic. So it’s time to get to know Tammy Mannersly, an award winning author who has plenty of stories to share.

Where are you from?

A stunning seaside town just north of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

What’s your ‘someday’ or dream vacation spot and why?

It’s my ultimate dream to go to Bora Bora and stay in a little hut out over the water. Living in Queensland, I’ve been to my fair share of islands, but there is something particularly spectacular about Bora Bora. I also love swimming and am a waterbaby at heart, so anywhere with a beach or pool is my kind of vacation spot.

What’s your favorite thing to do for relaxation?

Going for a walk along the beach with my dog or watching a good movie.

Any favorite hobbies?

Between work and writing, I don’t always get time for my hobbies, but when I do I love to swim, read, draw and go bushwalking.

How long have you been writing?

It happened naturally on it’s own when I was in primary school. I used to try to re-write my storybooks at first and then started creating my own characters and storylines. It’s been a driving passion ever since.

Are you able to write full time or do you also have a job/career?

I write part-time and work at a library for most of the week and some weekends.

Is there a particular genre that you write? Or more than one? What led you to there?

Growing up, I used to write a lot of fantasy and paranormal romance. It wasn’t until I gave contemporary romance a chance that I finally found my niche. I’d still love to write in other genres though—maybe try fantasy again one day, or even horror.

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

I aim not to, although some of my friends and family try to find themselves in the work. However, I have used many of my personal life experiences and those of friends and family as inspiration for my storylines.

What authors had an impact on you growing up and as an adult?

I read many genres growing up, but lived for books with romance in the narrative. In my teens and early twenties, I loved anything by Laurell K. Hamilton, Meg Cabot, Anne Rice, J. R. Ward, Patricia Briggs and Sherrilyn Kenyon. Now, I enjoy reading more non-fiction, especially Jon Ronson, Linda S. Godfrey and various autobiographical works. I think all of my favorite authors have had an impact on me in some way and have helped me develop and improve my writing style over time. It’s hard not to be influenced by other authors, especially when you enjoy their writing so much that it stays with you.

Has anyone in your life influenced you or encouraged you to pursue your interests of writing?

I’d never considered writing as a career pathway until my grade 7 teacher suggested I apply for entry into a Brisbane-based writers camp. From there I met and participated in workshops with published Queensland writers and learned that there were more opportunities than I’d realized. I received similar encouragement from my English teachers in high school and went on to study creative writing at university. My parents have also grown to be especially supportive of my passion and I love sharing my achievements with them.

What is your favorite aspect of writing? Your least favorite?

I love coming up with ideas for new stories and characters, and roughly planning the trajectory of the love story. It’s always so exciting to create something new, knowing that anything is possible. My least favorite aspect of writing a book would probably be those moments of self-doubt that hit you along the way. Sometimes you doubt yourself, other times it’s the storyline, but every time it takes a lot of determination and positivity to fight your way through and continue until the work is complete.

What aspect of writing would you most like to improve on?

There are too many things to mention just one, but I believe that my technique and style get gradually better with each book.

Do you have any “must haves” with you while you’re writing?

I must have the TV on, usually with a familiar movie or TV show running. I can’t work in silence or with music. I find silence can become unnerving and music always sways and changes the emotional aspects of my dialogue and character interaction. I must also be able to sit cross-legged or be able to stretch my legs out or else I get uncomfortable.

Is there a common theme or item that appears in each of your work?

Water and swimming pools occur a lot throughout my work because of my absolute obsession with the two. I also like to write about my favorite places in Australia and the special local spots I frequently visit.

What have you learned the most from being in the writing business?

Quite a lot over the years, really. Here are a few tips: Perseverence is key. Don’t give up on your passion. Writing is extremely subjective. Rejection isn’t the end of the line. Just believe in yourself and stick to your goals. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Everyone experiences their own journey in this industry.

Tell us about your latest work:

I actually wrote this book, “Finding His Zen”, during our isolation period of the pandemic. I had set myself a goal to complete a novella by a particular deadline and didn’t want the changing circumstances in the world around me to affect that. Considering everything else happening at the time, I found the book relatively easy to write and ended up being very pleased with what I’d created. “Finding His Zen” is a short sweet romance about valuing simple things and listening to your heart.

Blurb:

Swimming superstar, Sebastian DuMont, agrees to headline the reopening of the Poseidon’s Shore Health Club at a discounted fee, grateful for an excuse to visit his beloved hometown. However, he hadn’t expected to be tempted by the lovely Zenia, owner and operator of the fitness facility.

All of Zenia Andino’s dreams come true with swimming superstar, Sebastian DuMont, attending her gymnasium’s reopening. She’d idolized him as a teenager with his poster pinned to her bedroom wall, but meeting the hunky celebrity in person gives her heartbeat an excited new rhythm.

Before they can test the waters, Seb’s agent interferes and Zen’s fame-hungry sister alludes to an affair with the Olympian. Will Seb keep up the lie for continued fame and fortune? Or is it finally time to follow his heart and feed the special spark he felt with Zen before the opportunity extinguishes forever?

How did you decide on your story plot?

Actually, the story was inspired by something that occurred to someone in my family. They work in the fitness industry and were having a celebrity help promote the re-opening of a local, seaside health and fitness center. There was no magical love story in real life as both parties were in relationships and from different generations, but it got me thinking about the possibilities.

Describe how this method works best for you. Outline or ‘seat of the pants’?

I always do a little of both. I need a basic outline to know where I’m heading. I basically try to have the big points roughly mapped out, but how I reach them is usually “seat of the pants”. I also have a tendency to let my characters drive the story, so sometimes those big plot points change depending on my characters wants and needs.

Do you have a favorite scene you’ve written? What makes it special?

There’s a scene in Finding His Zen where Sebastian and Zenia go for a walk on the beach with Zen’s golden retriever. It’s something so simple and yet, so pleasurable and relaxing—just being outside, enjoying the sun, sand and water, and seeing the grin of delight on the dog’s face. I absolutely love it and it’s one of my favorite things to do in my personal life!

Here’s an excerpt from the story.

“So, do you think there might be love in the air?” Sara, the reporter from the Courier Mail enquired again.

A wide, ecstatic grin was like a gash across Lexy’s face. She gazed up into his eyes, searched them for a second before once again acknowledging the assembly. “When it comes to Seb and me, anything is possible.”

At that, the bottom fell out of Seb’s stomach and he felt as like he was riding the steep, rushing decent of a rollercoaster dip.

The audience erupted at Lexy’s answer, newly galvanized and interested in the possibility of a sexy affair to report on and obsess over. The insinuation of a relationship made Seb feel sick, nausea roiling in his gut. He wanted to correct the mistake, but couldn’t see a way out without embarrassing both of them.

Seb felt a pat on his shoulder as the raucous roar of the gathering continued, the audience’s arms waving, camera’s flashing and he heard Mayor Jones commend him.

“Congratulations,” the older man said, his tone genuinely joyous, oblivious to the reality.

With his heart racing, palms sweating, his gut churning on the verge of sickness, Seb cast a look at the one person in the world whose opinion really mattered to him in that instant. He caught Zenia’s eye, saw her solemn smile and…seeing that look, her fallen spirt, had pain stabbing into his heart, breaking it a little.

What the hell had he done? What the hell had he agreed to? And what could he do to show Zenia that his true interest lay with her and not her sister?

BUY LINKS:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CY8NY6M

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/finding-his-zen

BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1137341973

Itunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1523544097

You can find out more information about Tammy and her work on her website: www.tammymannersly.com or by visiting:

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16935790.Tammy_Mannersly

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tammymannersly/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TammyMannersly

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/tammy-mannersly

Music