The Twenty-first Issue

 

Wherever you call home, November has made its presence known.  Here in the states, especially the land of the Mitten, we went from balmy temperatures in the upper sixties to the rude awakening of frozen white pellets and blustery winds.  All of this occurred in just twenty-four hours.  Snow and cold have arrived.

Since it’s less than pleasant outside, it should provide me with more opportunities to do some writing.  That might work. Provided there isn’t a good football game to watch.

So let’s get started. It’s time for a bit about writing and a sneak at my latest project.  There’s also a twist on the interview process and music.  If you were looking for Christmas carols, you’re in the wrong place.  Let’s roll!

 

                                         Writing

 

During a discussion with some of my students last week, the question about outlining came up. This was related to a project the class was working on. I encouraged them to plan out their efforts and referred to the requirements for the assignment.  The conversation was going well with most of the students participating. 

Until someone asked about my use of outlines when working on my stories.

I explained that fiction is different, at least for me.  The idea of plotting out every action, every conversation, every twist and turn in advance to actually sitting down and working on the story leaves me cold. I’d rather get it started with an idea or two and just let the characters take the lead.

My students didn’t believe me.  So I gave them an ancient example.

While in an English class in elementary school, one of the nuns gave us an assignment. We were to write an outline and turn it in.  Then a few days later, we were to write the story and submit it.  I explained to the good sister that this was impossible for me. My brain doesn’t work that way. She listened, shook her head and told me that was the assignment and no amount of complaining was going to change that.

So I took a different approach. 

I went home and wrote the story.  Then after it was done, I went back and wrote the outline. 

The outline was turned in right on schedule.  Then when it was due, the story was submitted.   I waited for criticism or comments, but nothing happened.  Then the sister returned both parts of the project with her grade.  I aced both segments.  Leaving the room, she gave me a smile and said “See. I knew you could do it.”

“You’re absolutely right, Sister.”

I didn’t have the heart to admit my trickery.  But to this day, I still can’t work with an outline. I find the process too restrictive.  In some respects, I take the same approach with a synopsis for a book.  I can do it after the story is written, but not in advance.

To paraphrase Shakespeare: To outline or not to outline. That is the question.

I’ll stick with NOT!

 

Work in Progress

 

Slow steps are being taken with “The Wayward Path”.  This week I received the first round of comments from Ally, the editor.  Now it’s my turn to review the manuscript and accept or reject her suggestions. This is the third novel we’ve worked on together.  That connection helps.  Ally is familiar with Chene, Pappy and the rest of the crew.

I’m determined to take my time with this round, in the hopes of eliminating any goofs that would inadvertently slip through the system. Meanwhile, I’m anxious to see what the cover art looks like.

Unfortunately I’ve not been able to spend as much time on the fourth Jamie Richmond novel as I’d like. But the ideas continue to come forward and a couple of new twists have materialized.  A little research may help. You see, there’s a chance that Jamie may get involved in not just one mystery this time, but two.  And then…

But I don’t want to spoil it.

 

Events

 

One of the things I really miss since the pandemic began is the opportunity to get together with fellow authors and readers. In the past I’ve often attended festivals where people enjoy chatting with authors and discovering new books.

It turns out that a friendly librarian from the local library is having such an event on the second Friday in December.  A number of local authors will gather on that evening, eager to share their efforts and sell a few books. There may even be a giveaway or two.  Since it’s so close to the holidays, this could be a great way to pick up a special book for the readers on your list.  

 

 

                                        Character Interview.

 

          Change is inevitable unless you’re standing in front of a vending machine.  With that in mind, it’s time to change things up a little.  Usually in this space I’ll share an interview with an author, giving the readers the opportunity to discover some new stories.  

Here's a photo of Kristine Lynn.

          This month, we’re going to feature a character from “An Heir for the Secret Prince”, the new novel by Kristine Lynn.  Here’s your chance to get a sneak peek, since the book will be released next month.  So let’s say hello to Gregory, the Crowned Prince of Aldonia.  He may not be the hero of this story, but he’s definitely the star of his own show. In the movie version, Nicholas Galitzine would play Gregory. 

Tell us a little about yourself: First of all, thanks for actually wanting to talk to me. Aurelia was supposed to, but it seems like Philip took the spotlight from me. Except, for this question, there’s not much I can tell you, here. Seriously. I’m under a gag order not to say anything about my, uh, role as prince, but you know, what I can tell you? I don’t mind watching Philip fumble over himself around Aurelia. She’s the only one who can make him squirm like this, and I’m here for it. Oh, one thing I can tell you. I hate orange juice. Especially with pulp. It’s like drinking sour tree water. Gross.

How did your background get you involved in this novel? Man, you’re asking all the tough questions, huh? Well, as the, um, Prince of Aldonia, I’m a natural person to be part of this story. After all, isn’t that who Aurelia wanted to interview? So, knowing that, wouldn’t you think she’d like to spend more time with me and not Philip? Geez. You’d think this was his story the way those two prattle on. Anyway, I’ve been best friends with Philip for a while so us sharing a background is why he’s so dang present in my story.

What’s your greatest strength? And your greatest weakness. Okay, well, naturally, I’m gonna mention how great I am at running the country. I’ve kept our heads above water while the king and queen are away, and that’s no easy feat, am I right? My weakness? Well, I may not, uh, take myself as seriously as Philip wishes I did. Not that he’s the boss or anything, but yeah, maybe he’s got a point. But what’s life worth if you can’t have a little fun. Philip, are you listening?

What is it about this latest story that sets it apart from the others? Well, it’s important for Aurelia to tell the royal story so our country’s narrative is shared with the western world. That being said, Philip has some things that he’s eager to share, but we need to chat about how he does that before I talk to you. I can say, his news will change things for him and the country. And me, of course. After Aurelia, you’ll be the first to know.

Tell us something about your background that may or may not be revealed in the book? Oooh, you’re gonna have to read the book to see my background reveals, but I will say there is something about my sibling that you’ll find interesting to learn. They… love horses. There. That’s all I’ll share.

Are you the type of person who always seeks out the company of others? Um, yeah. Always. I hate to be alone.

Which do you prefer, music or television? TV all the way. American TV to be specific. Gilmore Girls is a top pick, as is NCIS.

What has been the most romantic thing you’ve ever done or instigated? Way to call out my single status… huh. Nothing much comes to mind, so maybe you should check in with Philip. He’s the romantic at heart. I like the ladies, but romance and all that sap isn’t for me.

Family background (number of siblings, especially if they appear in the book) One sibling. Likes horses. That’s all I can say right now. Thanks for having me, though! I’ve got to check in with Philip and Aurelia now, but have a great day!

Back Cover Blurb:

"Okay, who invited the journalist?

Philip, advisor to the Prince of Aldonia, is livid when he discovers someone invited a nosy reporter to the palace to write a salacious story about the royal family. The problem is, the more she digs into their
pasts, the more she will find out about him—and his private life is none of her damn business. Which is why no one is more shocked than him when, on a whim, he asks her to stay on as his guest.

Aurelia is only certain of two things when she meets Philip on assignment in Aldonia: he’s hot as melted sin on a cracker and he’s hiding something. Too bad he’s NOT the story she’s there for. However, that won’t stop her from finding out just why he’s so reclusive—and tempting. However, when their growing attraction takes an unexpected turn, Philip may be forced to share hisdarkest secrets with Aurelia—secrets that will change her life. Will their new relationship be strong
enough to overcome the adversity these revelations bring?
            Discover the breathtaking country of Aldonia as you root for Philip and Aurelia’s love story! For more of the Aldonian royal world (and the next installment of the Aldonia Royals series), check out “A Bride for the Aldonian King."

 

Here’s an except you’ll want to read.

 

He let a smirk tip the corners of his lips upward as he closed the distance between them. He inhaled the scent of lavender and mint and tried like heck not to notice her full, pursed bottom lip that she nibbled on.

“You aren’t the only one who does their research, Ms. Beck.”

“Touché,” she said, her perfect, plump lips drawn up in a sneer.

Never had that one snarky word seemed so sensuous. Or dangerous.

As Philip turned toward the door, he halted mid-step as if he’d run smack into an invisible wall. Without pausing to consider the ramifications of the word that followed, he whipped around and told Aurelia simply, “Stay.”

She stared at him with the same expression his subconscious shot at her—a look of mild confusion mixed with curiosity.

“What’s that supposed to mean? Where would I be going?”

When she rested her hands on her hips, drawing his gaze to the soft curves just barely covered by fabric, he groaned. The last shred of his resolve diminished, leaving him with half a hard-on and a bemused expression on his face. He closed the distance between them in a stride until he was a breath away from those lips that had him in a trance. Damn if they weren’t the one thing keeping him there, grounded in place, wondering what they might do, or say next.

“Stay here,” he added, not sure where he was headed with this asinine conversation until his brain picked up where other parts of him had clearly been leading the way before. “Stay here for the month. I’ll give you the story you’re looking for, answer the questions Prince Gregory wouldn’t.”

 

You can learn more about Kristine and preorder the book by checking out the links below.

Twitter: @kristinelauthor

www.facebook.com/kristinelynn

http://www.inkspellpublishing.com/blog/fall-for-royalty-you-bet-preordertoday-coverreveal

 

 

                                            MUSIC

Variety is the spice of life, especially when it comes to music. I can’t work in silence. It drives me to distraction. Before my classes begin, I often have music playing.  One afternoon recently someone stopped in my classroom as the students were filing in and asked if the class was the history of rock and roll.  At the time Huey Lewis and The News were playing.  So let’s put the spotlight on that band.

Huey Lewis has been a successful singer, songwriter since the late 1960s. Lewis also plays a wicked harmonica and the story goes that he learned to play in his youth while hitchhiking across the country.

 

Here’s my top five favorites.

Hip to be Square: https://youtu.be/LB5YkmjalDg

Power of Love: https://youtu.be/wIiVp3poe2c

Heart of Rock & Roll: https://youtu.be/M7JVlpm0eRs

Heart & Soul: https://youtu.be/8TdaXhpjHws

Workin’ for a Living: https://youtu.be/lcIK3akktLU

 

 

 

The Twentieth Issue

 

    Shocktober!   Ghosts and goblins are about, along with jack-o-lanterns, skeletons and festive decorations galore.  Of course, the stores are already decked out with Christmas goodies, but I’ve never been one to rush into the holidays. Instead, let’s focus on the more important topics.  A bit about writing, my latest work in progress, an interview with another talented author, and of course, music.  Imagine how dull life would be without music.

 

Writing

          As Captain Jack Sparrow once said “If you were waiting for the opportune moment, that was it.”

A few months ago, Melissa, the creative genius behind the Inkspell Publishing family, put out a call for a holiday cookbook.  But she wanted more than just simple recipes. Melissa wanted a little story about the recipe itself, along with a holiday tradition.  This sounded like something quick and easy, so I was able to put something together in an hour or so.  I sent it off and quickly forgot about it.

Then a couple of weeks ago, I saw a notice from Melissa.  The cookbook was ready, with more than a dozen authors contributing favorites to the work.  This also includes a snippet from one of our one books, giving readers a sneak peek into the stories.

It was a pleasant surprise to see the finished product. A bigger surprise was to discover that I had top billing and my contribution was the first one in the book.  In case you’re wondering, that’s not me and Melissa on the cover. 

Work in Progress

          It’s official.  “The Wayward Path”  book three in the Jefferson Chene mystery series, has been accepted for publication with The Wild Rose Press.  This is the same house that has released the first two books.  The papers have been signed.  Now comes the challenging part. 

          I have to create the blurb, which will adorn the back cover, choose an excerpt for the first page inside the cover to hook the readers and share my thoughts about what the cover should look like.  All these steps and more need to be completed before we get into the editing process.  It’s all a part of writing. This is where the valuable feedback from others comes in handy.

          I don’t have a publication date as yet.  All these other steps take some time. Now I must be patient.  Which, as the good Domincan nuns from my elementary school would be quick to agree, has never been my strong suit.

          Just knowing that Chene number three has been accepted is encouraging.  I’m already getting idea for Chene number four.

          When a friend asked me to describe how I envisioned the cover for “The Wayward Path” the picture below came to mind.  It’s not exact but the image is a good starting point.

The fourth book in the Jamie series has been momentarily sidelined. But that doesn’t mean I’m not working on it.  Rereading some of the earlier scenes I’ve written has triggered some interesting verbal exchanges between Jamie and Linda and of course, Jamie and Malone. 

          Ideas for another subplot continue to percolate, which seems to be part of the mystique with Jamie’s stories.  Maybe it has something to do with that stubborn redhead.

          While I’m awaiting feedback from the editor on the Chene book,” I fully intend to resume working on Jamie’s story.  This might be a pensive Jamie's picture. 

Spotlight

          

          Each month presents an opportunity to turn the spotlight on another author or a memorable character.  This is a great way to learn more about new stories and the background of a great writer.

          With that in mind, let’s roll out the fictional red carpet for this month’s guest, Isobel Reed.

 

Where are you from? 

I was born and raised in London, England and could never bring myself to move away.

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

Someday I would love to travel to South Africa and go on a safari.

What’s your favorite thing to do for relaxation?

I’m a bit of a homebody so I love spending time at home. There’s nothing more relaxing than curling up on the sofa with a good book.


How long have you been writing?

English was my favourite subject at school and I used to spend a lot of time writing short stories but I never braved writing a whole book until recently. Now, I’ve written two, I’m positively addicted – I don’t know what took me so long!

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

One day I would love to write full time but for now I have a day job and I write my novels in between. Luckily, writing is a big part of my job, so I still get to do what I enjoy even when I’m not writing love stories.  

Is there a particular genre that you write?  What led you there?

I write contemporary romance books. Mostly because I’ve always been a bit of a hopeless romantic, that and I regulary binge romance books and fell in love with the genre from a young age.

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

My friends are the best inspiration, especially when I’m writing female leads.

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

Finding out what happens next. Everyone writes differently, for me, when I start writing I usually only have the first scene in mind and I go from there. I’m just as excited to find out what happens when I write a story as I am when I’m reading one.

My least favourite thing has to be proofing. I lose count of how many times I have read a book by the time it’s ready to be published.

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

I’ve learnt the hard way to have a snack nearby. I often get lost in my writing and forget to eat, so when it’s time to come up for air I’m normally “hangry”.

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

All my books so far are set in small towns, it just so happens to be my favourite romantic backdrop despite growing up in the city. I blame my love of Hallmark films.
 

Tell us about your latest work:

My debut novel Torn was released earlier in the year. Torn is Jenny and Jackson’s love story. Jenny is a fiery war correspondent from London while Jackson owns a local construction company in small town Texas.

How did you decide on your story plot?  

As a city girl myself I’ve always romanticised small town living. It’s what inspired me to take a character like Jenny and drop her into a small town in America and see how she fares. 

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

My favourite scene is when Jenny first meets Jackson. When Jenny finds him in her kitchen in the middle of the night, survival mode kicks in and she ends up jumping on his back and taking a few swings at him with a tennis racket.

 

Here’s the back cover. 

Jenny is lost. She was sure that dedicating her life to being a war correspondent was enough. She didn’t need a relationship, she didn’t want a family and spending only a few weeks a year back home in London wasn’t a big deal. That was until it all went wrong. That was until she watched her friend die in her arms. That day changed everything.

So what’s a girl to do? Run away, that’s what. Luckily, running is what Jenny does best. The small town of Portamaine, Texas is everything she thinks she needs to get her head sorted. It’s safe, it’s quiet and no one is shooting at her. Little did she know that bullets were the least of her problems when Jackson barges his way into her life. One awkward first encounter and several run-ins later, she’s doing her very best not to succumb to his southern charm, but her traitorous body has other ideas. 

Jackson, a local construction worker gave up on love a long time ago. So when a brunette beauty launches herself at him and manages to get in a few punches, even he’s surprised by his reaction to her. There’s no doubt she’s trouble but he can’t seem to keep away. 

 

This sounds intriguing.  Let’s check out an excerpt:

She lay still and tried to listen out for something else. This time she heard a creak. She started to panic and her mind was racing, bursting with questions. Could it be a burglar? Did they think the place was empty? Did they see her arrive?

Trying to be as quiet as possible, Jenny slowly rose from the bed and frantically looked around the room for something to protect her.

“Why didn’t I buy a gun? I should have bought a gun. Who goes to America and doesn’t buy a bloody gun?” she mumbled to herself.

Grabbing a tennis racket, she tiptoed down the stairs while trying to listen out for more noises. A strange jingling was coming from the kitchen. Someone or something was in there.

In the dark she could make out a figure standing by the backdoor next to the kitchen countertop. At first glance it looked like a man. Her heart started racing. Suddenly feeling very alone and unprepared, she tried to remember all those self-defence classes she’d been forced to take but her mind went blank. There was no time. She leaped on top of the figure and unleashed the racket to any body part she could reach.

“What the hell!” the man yelled. “What the hell are you doing?!”

“Get out of my house!” Jenny screamed back. “The police are on their way!”

The stranger managed to grab the racket out of Jenny’s hands and threw it as far as he could across the floor. Dodging Jenny’s fists, he swung her around to get her off his back. She pushed back, and losing his balance, they both toppled to the floor. His heavy chest lay on top of hers, both of them gasping for air.

“Who the hell are you?” The man searched her face for clues.

Adrenaline turned to rage. “Me? Who the hell are you? And why are you in my kitchen in the middle of the night?”

“Your kitchen? This is my aunt’s house! Who the hell are you? Other than some crazy ass lady beating me with a tennis racket!” he said furiously.

Jenny’s muscles untensed. “Your aunt? Your aunt lives here? Um, what’s her name?”

“Yeah, this is my aunt’s house. Her name is Harper, Charlotte Harper. Now who the hell are you?”

“Fuck.” Jenny pushed him off her and stood up. She turned on the light and caught sight of what appeared to be a very good-looking man. Realising she hadn’t made the greatest first impression, she felt herself shudder.

Still out of breath, Jenny started to explain, “Charlotte rented out her house to me, for the next few months. She said she was going to visit some family in Florida. Did she not mention it?”

The look on his face changed; he’d also realised his mistake. “She did mention something to that affect, but I didn’t realise she would be renting out the house.”

He went silent. Jenny started to get annoyed. Why was he not explaining what he was doing there or apologizing for scaring her?

“So perhaps a sorry? Sorry for scaring the shit out of me maybe?” she said, annoyed.

Shocked, he cried out, “Me?! Which one of us was just beaten with a tennis racket?” Visibly irritated, he grabbed his keys and headed towards the door. “You’re lucky, I’m not the one calling the cops darlin’.” With that, he slammed the backdoor and made his way into the night.

“Excellent, already making friends Jenny.” She inhaled sharply and skulked back up to her room.

 

What’s next?

I’m currently writing book two of a three-part series. Book one in the series will be published by Inkspell Publishing in December 2022.

You can find out more about Isobel at the links below.  Thanks for stopping by.   

Website: https://www.isobelreed.net/

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

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B091ZM6RXJ

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/torn-reed-isobel/1139622937

Apple: https://books.apple.com/gb/book/torn/id1566802299

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/torn-191

 

                                                    Music

 

 

Smokey Robinson just keeps on going.  Lately he’s been cropping up on various music feeds on my system. 

Robinson started the group The Miracles while still in high in Detroit. It was h is influence with friend Berry Gordy that led to the creation of Motown Records.  For over four decades, Robinson has continued to write, sing and produce songs.  He remains a vice president with Motown and pursues his passion of discovering and producing new talent.

Robinson has won multiple Grammy awards for his efforts with the Miracles and as a solo artist.  He had also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.  Robinson was recognized by the Kennedy Center as well.

Here’s my top five hits:

Ooo Baby Baby (duet with Ayra): https://youtu.be/DTX6slXs32E

Cruisin’:  https://youtu.be/WlzY6cWpoMQ

Really Got A Hold On Me: https://youtu.be/AdDnqSFYXFs

Second That Emotion: https://youtu.be/KI_0tQdEA5k

Being With You: https://youtu.be/0P2a6aLDkkM

 

 

The Nineteenth Issue

 

September!  A time to enjoy the changes Mother Nature has in store for us. Here in The Mitten, as many natives refer to Michigan, we’ll be experiencing the wonders as leaves turn colors, the air gets a little cooler, the arrival of caramel apples, cider and donuts. The days will get shorter. It’s time for football in all it’s athletic splendor.  So here’s my take on writing, my latest work in progress, an interview with another author, and music.  Yes, there must be music. Time to kick this one off.

Writing

          A few years ago, I facilitated a writer’s workshop that morphed into a writer’s group. We would meet twice a month and discuss different aspects of writing. Each participant was encouraged to bring something they’d written that would be read aloud. Constructive criticism was encouraged.

          One fellow would always sit back, listen to the others and then ask, “How long did it take you to write that?”  It gave me the impression that he expected you to slave over the four or five pages that had just been shared for at least several days.  When he tried his standard question on me, I asked “Why is that important?”

          I explained that in addition to my time spent at the keyboard, I will often be thinking about the story while I’m driving or on a walk, doing yardwork or working out.  Yes, I can indeed multi-task!

          He was baffled. “But that’s not actually writing!”

          To paraphrase the late General Norman Schwarzkopf,  “That response is bovine scatology.”

To me, it’s all about writing.  All thoughts about the story, whether actually typing out the scene and the dialogue or working out details in my head, are part of it.  There are some authors I know who are able to set aside a specific time each day, whether it’s an hour or ten, to focus on their writing.  I’m lucky to squeeze in an hour or two most days on the computer.  But that doesn’t mean I’m not working on segments of the story outside of that time.

          As I told the pesky participant, “It’s all writing.”

Work In Progress

          The fourth novel in the Jamie Richmond series continues to evolve. A few new twists have found their way into the story.  More interactions with Malone, Linda and Ian continue to help flesh out the subplots.

Two characters who have been frequent players in the Jefferson Chene mysteries have weaseled their way in here as well.  This must be what happens when I leave an imaginary door open and they just wandered in.

And to complicate matters, I’ve had the urge to dust off an old novel and see if I can bring that back to life with a little editing and updating.  Notices about new publishers seeking manuscripts have caught my eye.  Maybe this other story will appeal to them.

Time will tell.

 

Author Interview

It’s my pleasure to introduce you to another writer who is part of the Inkspell family. Our tribe continues to grow.  Let’s find out more about Phyllis Cherry.

Welcome, Phyllis.  Tell us a little about yourself

I recently retired from a career in the hospitality industry and living the dream in Florida with my husband of thirty-nine years. Our children are grown with children of their own. This year we welcomed our first two great-grandsons. Discovering the ability to own my own time is the greatest gift I’ve ever received.

Any favorite hobbies?

Travel, both at home and abroad continues to be my favorite pastime, and there are still places I want to explore.

Reading is my favorite pastime. In grade school we swapped comic books, series like Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys as well as fantasy and folk tales, mystery and romance. I joined a several writer’s groups hoping to learn the secrets of writing and publishing a book.

How long have you been writing?

 My first attempt to write a short story was a disaster, ripped apart by my critique group leaving me in tears. I didn’t write anything for a long time afterwards but continued to be a member of a few writing groups.

I wrote several food and travel articles for trade magazines and newspapers and self-published two books. I signed my first contract for publication with Inkspell Publishing in 2019. White Feathers Academy was published in May 2020 and the sequel, Mystery at Camp Esther, is scheduled for publication in October 2021.

Are you able to write full time?

 I don’t have the discipline to be a full-time writer. My favorite part of the process is developing the story, plotting the chapters and scenes, and getting to know the characters. Of course, the story and plot continue to change during the writing and editing, or when an unexpected character shows up.

Is there a particular genre that you write? 

My two published books are Young Teen and Young Adult. My self-published book, The Preacher Lady is a Coming-of-Age Romance.

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

No, I like my friends and family too much to use them as characters.

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

I've had friends along the way who knew I wanted to try a new career. A few years ago, I met Desiree Holt, a wonderful friend and best-selling author. She gave me great advice, answered my questions, and has been a mentor to me as well as other want-to-be authors. 

What aspect of writing would you like to improve on?

Revealing the character’s feelings using descriptive body actions.

Is there anything you must have while you’re writing?

Black coffee or green tea always.

How did you decide on your story’s plot?

I’ve been thinking about a mystery involving a summer camp for a long time. The camp is a great setting for this story. It’s all about the young angels first mission to Earth and the dangers they face.

Tell us about your latest work.

Mystery at Camp Esther is scheduled for release October 2021.

Halo’s life changed the day she flew up to study with the angel academy. Now she has wings of her own, and so does Midas, the big golden dog and her best friend. They are ready for their first real mission--a dangerous one that could cost them everything.

Arriving at Camp Esther, Halo and Midas become the target of a killer after helping an injured man. But they are determined to fulfill their mission, even if they are not sure what it is.  Could it be helping Marie, a lonely teenager confined to a wheelchair?

Marie’s dreams often come true and foreshadow the danger surrounding Halo and Midas. Things are further complicated when Halo questions the sincerity of Marie’s new crush. Could he be the person who hurt Midas? Halo doesn’t know who to trust.

At the camp, accidents, sabotage, and death threats happen, and everything points to the new girl and her dog. Someone wants them to fail their mission and will kill to get rid of Halo and Midas. Will they survive return to White Feathers Academy as failures, or will this mission cost them their lives?

Here’s an excerpt:

Shortly after we returned to our cabin my wrist link buzzed. “Hi this is Marie Lee. I hope it is alright for me to call you.” I heard her sweet soft voice, but before I could say a word, she continued to talk.

“I would like to be your friend. Do you have many friends?”

“No, I’m new here,” but she kept talking before I could answer her question.

“How old are you? I’m sixteen. I don’t have any friends either. I like to sketch things and I have a blog.”

“What’s a blog?” I asked quickly, before she had time to interrupt me again.

“It is a secret blog. A lot of people read it. Do you have a computer?”

“No. Maybe Miss Bird will let me borrow hers. How do I find your blog?”

“It’s easy. I’ll write the web address down for you, but you can’t share it with anyone,” she emphasized. “The real creator of Free Marie is a secret”. She lowered her voice to tell me “Sometimes I see things at night while I’m asleep.”

“You mean like a dream?” I wanted to know.

“No, I’ll tell you a secret if you promise not to tell.  Sometimes I dream things that are about to happen or see people who lived a long time ago.”

“Like a ghost?” I asked, but she interrupted again.

“Sometimes I draw things while I’m still asleep and I don’t remember drawing them at all. It’s scary. I’m afraid to tell father or Topps because they might think something is mentally wrong with me and make me talk to a doctor about seeing things. You won’t tell anyone my secrets, will you?” She talked without stopping to take a breath. I had trouble following her conversation.

“Did you see something today?” I asked.

No. Sometimes the things I dream happen later, but I saw something new last night. I sketched it on the board as soon as I got up this morning. Please don’t tell anyone.”

“Will you show it to me?” I asked. Then I heard Mr. Lee’s voice say “Bedtime Marie. Goodnight.” It sounded like he was speaking from another room in the house.

“Goodnight, Father.” She clicked off and a few seconds later the message light on my wrist link lit up.

“My website is FreeMarie@Leespot.com. Open the tab on the computer to see last night’s sketch.

Buy Links

AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FN72QSM

KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/mystery-at-camp-esther

BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1140140486

APPLE: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1584858005

You can learn more about Phyllis and her books on these links.

Facebook /phyllischerrybooks

https://www.phyllischerry.com

 

                                          Music

Variety has been rocking my speakers for some time now. One popular act is Brian Setzer. This founder of the Stray Cats has spun his tunes for years, even building up to a nineteen-piece band that breathes fresh life into those old classics from the swing era.

Setzer has won more than 3 Grammy awards and received the Gibson Guitar Lifetime Achievement Award for his innovative style.

Here are my top five favorites. 

Jump Jive and Wail: https://youtu.be/aHWcN5YxuYc

Rock this Town: https://youtu.be/0RxBHRZpIdg

House is Rockin’: https://youtu.be/heclluJwOzU

Let’s Shake: https://youtu.be/xQaSBw_LEtM

In the Mood: https://youtu.be/pUWP8d930mg