Happy
Holidays!
I am
definitely part of the majority that cannot wait for this year to end. We’re
all very hopeful that 2021 will be dramatically better in so many ways. For the
writers among us, quarantines and restrictions on social gatherings have resulted
in time to write. December is a time to
reflect on what I’ve accomplished as a writer and what the future holds.
So it’s time
for my next newsletter offering, with a glimpse at a work in progress and an
interview with one of my favorite characters.
Of course, there’s music to be shared. Let’s roll!
Writing
Earlier this
month, one of my students (I teach business courses at the local college) asked
where I get ideas from for my stories.
She’s expressed interest before about writing. I explained that an idea can strike me anywhere,
at any time. It could be something I witnessed, a conversation that’s overheard
or triggered by a song on the stereo.
Sometimes it’s like Zeus zaps me with a lightning bolt. Or it can be a
little voice beside me that whispers “Oh, that would be a sneaky twist!”
My student
didn’t seem satisfied with that response. Perhaps she was expecting me to refer
to a store or a website. I can see it now.
Story ideas, 3 for $10! Holiday Sale! Maybe there are different sites for different
genres. Or there could be a little
corner of the Barnes & Noble store where a gnarled old man sits on a stool
behind the counter. When you tell him what kind of story you’re interested in,
he spits out an idea, like a writing prompt.
The student
didn’t seem convinced. Maybe she thinks I’m withholding information, not
wanting to divulge trade secrets. But that’s not the case. Most writers will
tell you the same thing. It’s a matter of observation, of watching and
listening and letting your imagination kick in. A good idea for a story is no
different that a good idea for a product or service.
It can come
from anywhere.
As the
school semester comes to an end, I’m looking forward to some time on the
keyboard, working on the next Chene novel.
It’s coming together nicely, but there are still many scenes to carve
out. Some interactions between
characters are essential, to help develop the players and to keep the story
moving. Understand that this is a Work in Progress, so there’s no
guarantee this scene will make the editor’s cut. But I’m always hopeful.
Here’s a
little interaction between Chene and FBI agent Banks, who are taking a lunch
break in the middle of the joint investigation.
We
entered and took a table in the back. I prefer to sit facing the door, so I can
see trouble if it’s headed my way. Banks settled in across from me and picked
up a laminated menu.
“What’s
good?”
“Everything.
People will line up for corned beef and not just on St. Patrick’s Day. It’s
legendary.”
She
scanned the menu as the waitress appeared. I got a brief nod of recognition.
“Pastrami
on rye, with deli mustard and iced tea,” I ordered.
Banks
looked up. “I’ll try the turkey with Swiss cheese and mayo, on white bread and
a Diet Coke.”
The
waitress did her level best not to burst out laughing. She hustled away to
place the order.
“Turkey
on white bread with mayonnaise. You sure know how to live on the wild side,
Banks.”
She
shrugged. “I’m a suburban WASP. Deal with it.”
“Wouldn’t
hurt you to expand those culinary horizons a little.”
I
pulled the list from Sister Augusta. Near the bottom was the name and contact
information for Leon LaChance, a retired science teacher. Banks gave me a
quizzical look as I circled the number.
“What
happened to doing the interviews in person?”
“LaChance
retired and moved away. From what Mary Margaret said, he lives up in the
Traverse City area during the summer and Savannah, Georgia in the winter. So,
unless you have access to the FBI corporate jet, we’ll talk with him on video.”
Banks
nodded. “That jet is way above my paygrade. The video call makes sense.” Her
eyes went wide as the waitress returned with the sandwiches on two gigantic
platters. “You have got to be shitting me!”
“You
can always get a doggy bag.”
I
cut my sandwich in quarters and dug in. Banks hesitated, then copied my moves.
Her eyes went wide as she took a bite. The cookies and coffee we’d had with
Father Dovensky was the closest I’d gotten to breakfast. Food was definitely
needed. Banks tried to start a conversation at one point, but it was impossible
to understand her around a mouthful of turkey.
I took a slice of the pastrami and set it on her plate.
“Try
it. Just take a bite.”
She
eyed me suspiciously and daintily wiped the corner of her mouth with the paper
napkin.
“It
won’t kill you.”
“Is
this considered soul food?”
I
almost choked on my iced tea. “It’s made from a beef brisket. Just seasoned and
sliced thin. You want soul food, that’s in another part of town.”
Banks
speared it with her fork and took a tentative bite. She chewed it thoroughly,
then set the rest on her plate. She reached across and snagged the quarter of
the sandwich where the sample came from.
“You’re
right. A girl does need to expand her culinary horizons.”
Interview
In the past,
I’ve utilized this space to introduce you to another author. With the holidays
on the horizon, it seemed appropriate to change things up a little and since it’s
a time for giving, offer up a gift too. I
will give away five e-book copies of “Devious”.
Just tell me your favorite holiday meal.
Today you
can learn about Jamie Richmond, the protagonist from three novels “Devious”, “Vanishing
Act”, “Fleeing Beauty” and the novella “Stealing Haven”.
(Here's a possible image for Jamie)
Tell us a little about yourself.
Jamie: Well, I’m 31, single, the only child in an
Irish American family. My father was a sculptor who was very successful. Unfortunately,
he died when I was seven years old. My mother decided that staying with one man
made no sense, so she has been married many times since then, which makes me a
little skittish about relationships. I’ve always been interested in writing.
After studying journalism in college, I worked for newspapers for eight years.
I learned a lot about people and writing, which I now utilized for the kind of
writing I was born to do. Mysteries! I have
published three novels and I’m working on my next one.
I can be a bit of a smart ass. I’m pretty
observant, quick with a laugh. But as a redhead, you know I’ve got a fast
temper too!
Who is the greatest love of your life? What drew
you to them?
Jamie: Wow, that’s a tough
one. There are different types of love. I mean, I really love Bert, my
step-father. He was my mother’s third husband from the time I was thirteen
until I went to college. He’s always treated me as an adult, has always been
there for me. We’re still close. Then there’s Linda, my best friend since we
were six years old. I’d do anything for her. Now if you’re talking about
romantic love, there’s Malone. He’s charming and self-confident and smart. One
look from him and my knees come unhinged. He’s got these incredible blue eyes
that pierce my heart. We’re still getting to know each other. I think what appealed to me is that we met
through my work several times before we started to date. By that time, we had
developed this low-key friendship. I was extremely nervous on our first date,
but that’s normal. (Laughs) He still makes me nervous.
What’s your greatest fear?
Jamie: That I’ll do something
to ruin the great thing I have with Malone. When it comes to relationships, I’m
always looking over my shoulder at my mother’s crazy antics. I’m afraid that
it’s hereditary. But the longer we’re together, the more confident I’m
becoming. I think.
What’s your motto in life?
Jamie: What the hell. It’s an old expression from a dear friend.
When I wanted to try something different, like writing mysteries, I figured,
‘what the hell’. You can either keep doing the same thing or take some chances
with life and see where it goes. I owe a good part of that philosophy to Bert.
He has always encouraged me.
How would others describe you?
Jamie: (laughs) Stubborn,
determined, self-conscious, shy, (yeah, I know) a smart ass, focused, loyal and
creative. I’m stubborn about getting to the truth. I’m self-conscious about my
body. I am definitely shy and a little awkward with guys. And everyone agrees
that I can be a real smart ass.
What is it about you that is going to draw readers
in?
Jamie: Readers will be able to identify with me. I’m
a real woman, not some Hollywood creation that required assembly. While I doubt
my body would stop traffic unless I am sprawled across the highway, I’m alright
with that. Like many women, I struggle sometimes with my self-confidence. I
might read too much into what someone says or does, wondering if there’s more
to it than what’s on the surface. But my
heart is strong and true. I want the same things we all do: a few good friends
we can count on, a job that I’m happy and successful at, and someone to curl up
with at the end of the day and love.
What trait in others do you find most deplorable?
Jamie: Dishonesty. I can’t
stand liars. Sadly, I’ve dated a few and when their lies tripped them up, they
were out the door.
Now for a weird random question: If you were a
color, what color would you be and why?
Jamie: (laughs) Oh, I’ve got
to say red. As a redhead, it only makes sense. Red can be bright and vibrant
and glowing. My face turns red when I’m excited or embarrassed. It’s the color
of roses, of blazing sunsets, of passion, of love. Yes, I am definitely a red.
Links:
Devious
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017Y9XMHC
Vanishing
Act
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0190T15Y6
Fleeing Beauty
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019WPCIBM
Stealing Haven (Part of Once Upon A Summer)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1945910682
Music:
Stevie Wonder has been making music since the 1960s. This award-winning artist (more than twenty Grammys and an Oscar) has sold more than 100 Million records worldwide. Wonder has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.
Isn’t She
Lovely https://youtu.be/oE56g61mW44
My Eyes Don’t
Cry https://youtu.be/IgH2yswwywI
I Just
Called https://youtu.be/NiRj5m63oig
Boogie On
Reggae Woman https://youtu.be/ylQMhYqSntk
For Once in
My Life https://youtu.be/l3qi3E40aWE
May your
holidays be filled with laughter, love, good health and happiness. If you can’t
share them in person, dig out the memories.
