If you’re
the type that likes to make resolutions, we’re three weeks into 2021. How are they going for you? I’m more inclined to set short term goals and
try to achieve those. Then as the song
goes “One Thing Leads to Another.”
That applies
to my efforts at writing, promoting and the newsletter. It’s my goal to share
some information with you about various topics, a little snippet from a current
project, introduce you to another author and, of course, music. Even a dinosaur such as me understands the power
that music can have.
So, let’s
get to it!
Writing
Every great story revolves around a conflict or two. Or three. You can
see this in books, television shows or movies.
It could be the good cop trying to catch the killer. Perhaps it’s about
the bashful guy trying to win over the beautiful girl. Maybe it’s a young
woman, striving to achieve her goals, putting herself through college and
beginning her career.
Identifying those conflicts can be easy. Resolving them can be a
challenge. What steps will your characters take? In “Why 319?” Chene and his
squad are determined to find the serial killer, who leaves that daunting
message at each crime scene. They have
to solve the riddle and stop the killer.
In “Vanishing Act” Jamie strives to identify Linda’s kidnapper and where
she’s being held.
There may be secondary conflicts in a story as well. In “Your Turn to
Die” Chene visits with retired mobster Leo Agonasti to gather information. The
fact that he’s still connecting with him irritates Pappy Cantrell and puts
stress on their working relationship.
But these type of situations can occur in real life, which makes the
characters and issues believable. These
subplots make your players multi-dimensional, just like real people. And that’s
what your readers want. People they can identify with.
Work In Progress
The latest installment in the Jefferson Chene series continues to develop
as more scenes are added. Stitching
these together into something that makes sense is how I imagine quilts are
made.
Here’s an excerpt. Chene and FBI
agent Banks are beginning their first day of the joint cold case investigation
into the murder of Charity Gray.
“So where are we headed?” Banks asked.
“Going to talk to a source. Make some connections.”
She shifted and looked right at me. “You’ve had the case files less than twelve
hours and you already have a source?”
“Sometimes it works that way.”
I could have made this drive with my eyes closed. The
Pontiac seemed to know exactly where to go.
I pulled into the lot besides the old building. There was plenty of room
to park.
Banks gave me an incredulous look. “We’re going to
church?”
“Like I said, meeting a source.”
“You trying to tell me that your source attends early
morning religious services on a Tuesday?”
I bit back a grin. “Something like that.”
We headed to the rear doors. Inside the large
cathedral there was a small gathering, about thirty people, scattered amongst
the pews closer to the altar. We ducked
into a row near the back of the church and watched the priest and an altar boy
distribute communion. There was a blessing, followed by a brief prayer and a
hymn. The altar boy collected a crucifix on a long pole and led the priest to
the back of the church as the song faded. The priest’s hands were pressed
together in prayer as he drew close. I caught the nod and the wink he threw.
We waited while the faithful trickled out the various
doors. Banks raised her palms and shot me a quizzical look. Only when I heard
his footsteps behind us did I get to my feet.
“Hello, Jefferson. It’s been a long time.”
“That is has, Father Dovensky. You’re looking well.”
He scoffed and patted his protruding stomach beneath
the vestments. “Maybe I will take up jogging. Or tennis.”
“Start with a long walk. Ease into it.”
“Should I assume your appearance today is related more
to your profession than mine?”
“That’s a safe assumption.” I gestured to Banks. “This is Special Agent Banks with the FBI.
We’re working on a case together.”
Dovensky turned his full attention on her and extended
his hand. Banks gave him a firm shake but the old man didn’t let go. Instead he
took her hand in both of his and stared intently at her eyes.
“I’m a humble priest, but it’s always been my habit to
address others by their given name. What do your parents call you, my dear?”
Banks hesitated. I noticed a flush of color creeping
up her neck as she responded. “Robin.”
“Robin?”
She nodded. The color rose to her cheeks as a smile
tugged at her lips.
“Robin Banks?” Dovensky was unable to keep from
snorting out a laugh. “And you’re an agent with the Federal Bureau of
Investigations! Your parents obviously had a sense of humor.”
“It’s a long story.”
Dovensky was still chuckling. “Those are the best
kind. Jefferson, why don’t you escort Robin to my office while I finish up. I’m
sure you remember the way.”
“Of course, Father. C’mon, Banks.”
I led her up a side aisle as the priest walked to the
altar. In my peripheral vision, he was still laughing, shaking his head.
It’s
always interesting to meet new authors. Over the years while attending various
events, I’ve crossed paths with Marianne Waddill Wieland. She’s been busy,
putting together a catalog of stories in several genres. Now’s a perfect time to visit with her.
Where are you from?
I was born in Beckley, West Virginia, which is
the setting for my 'Mountain Mama'
series. However, I was raised on the east coast in the tourist town of
Williamsburg, Virginia. Currently I live in Bellevue, MI.
What’s your ‘someday’ or dream vacation spot and why?
I would like to go to Bangladesh or Malaysia. I have lots of
friends in those places.
What’s your favorite thing to do for
relaxation?
Rest and watch Netflix or DVDs. Or read a good book. Rarely
happens, though!
Any favorite hobbies?
I’ve been on stage most of my life singing and dancing. I like
to sing in bands. But my favorite thing is writing and directing musicals. If I
could do that full time, I would be happy. Also cooking. I have a cookbook
coming out later in the month with food mentioned in all my books.
How long have you been writing?
I have been writing most of my life. Lots of short stories. I
never did anything with them. Just put them in a box in the closet. I started
writing musicals for different venues many years ago but never thought to try
to have them published. I wrote my first novel in 2015, when I was stuck at
home after surgery. It has escalated since then.
Are you able to write full time or
do you also have a job/career?
I have been a nurse and a teacher for many years. I started
working for myself doing counseling a couple of years ago. That has allowed me
to be able to write full time, but without any family support, it’s hard to do.
Is there a particular genre that you
write? Or more than one? What led you there?
I started out writing romance. The ‘Mountain Mama’ series is contemporary romance. ‘Covert Mission Files’ series is adult military
intrigue. The ‘Moments in Time’ has
one book of romance stories and the other suspense and dark comedy. It was a
challenge to write in that genre but some friends dared me to do it. Both novel
series have elements of mystery, comedy, tragedy, food and music. Cooking and
music are very close to my heart.
Do you use friends or family as
characters in your work?
Some of myself is in every book. I have characters patterned
after some family members and I have a friend that asked to be part of my ‘Mountain Mama’ series, so I wrote a
character for him. He has since passed away, but I promised his family he would
live on in my writing. My 'Henry' books are based on the fake Facebook profile
of a friend of mine. He asked me to write our fictional meeting and make it
'racy'. We never had the kind of relationship, but I never believed he was who
he said he was. So I wrote the book in that manner. Later he came clean and
admitted he was really a Nigerian scam artist. But I liked the fake character
so I kept it and got a good book series out of it!
What authors had an impact on you
growing up and as an adult?
Dr. Seuss was my first favorite author. In my
teens I loved mysteries written by Phyllis Whitney. Eventually I became
interested in the books by Frank Perretti. Now I like books by Julie James. She
writes romance surrounding the legal field.
Has anyone in your life influenced
you or encouraged you to pursue your interests of writing?
My friend Richard that passed away was my biggest supporter. He
is the one that is a character in my book. Richard inspired me to start writing
short stories and helped me step out of my comfort zone. My friend Paula
Hawkins has been with me, giving support and input into my books since the
beginning. She does some editing as well.
What is your favorite aspect or
writing? Your least favorite?
I love building the characters and incorporating them into a
good plot. My least favorite is editing, but I do most of that as I am writing.
Buy Links
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08KSW23XS/
Music
An artist whose work is frequently on my playlist is Bruce
Springsteen. For over fifty years, Springsteen has been entertaining the world
with his songs. He’s covered the gamut from hard rock to soft, with many tunes
that speak to the heartland.
Bruce Springsteen has sold more than 150 million albums
across the globe, capturing more than 20 Grammy awards, along with an Oscar,
and a Tony award. He was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The
Songwriter’s Hall of Fame and received the Kennedy Center Honors and the
Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Here’s my top five list of favorites.
Fire: https://youtu.be/d5PoIrcyd34
Dancing in the Dark: https://youtu.be/129kuDCQtHs
Rosalita: https://youtu.be/CYHGh6lmSbo
Thunder Road: https://youtu.be/JGBXnw86Mgc
10th Avenue Freezeout: https://youtu.be/KzrtlXuiV3Y
