The Anniversary Issue (Lucky 13!)

 

“What a long, strange trip it’s been’. That’s a lyric from the Grateful Dead song, “Truckin’.  Seems like the perfect description for the last year.  On March 19, 2020, I launched the newsletter.  319 resonates with me, since it ties into the title of the first Jefferson Chene mystery.  Having the newsletter released on the 19^th of each month just sets it apart from so many others.

I’ll continue to share tidbits about my own writing, a glimpse at my latest project, an interview with another author and of course, music.  So let’s get the party started.

 

Writing

As a young reader decades ago, I would occasionally stumble upon a story that appeared interesting, but all of the characters looked, acted and sounded the same. It was as if Ernie, the Keebler Elf, was cranking out these players from the magic oven.  All the names were the same bland mixture. The story quickly bored me and I tossed it aside.

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would still smell as sweet.”  Shakespeare wrote that over 400 years ago in Romeo and Juliet.  But the names of characters are vitally important. Think of some of your favorite books, movies or TV shows. Each key player has a distinctive name.  That helps you to identify and possibly connect with them.

I’ll usually pick a name for a character that may give the reader a clue as to how they may think or behave. Other times, it’s a little more challenging. Jefferson Chene, the protagonist in two novels so far (number three is under construction) is named for an intersection in Detroit. His backstory is that Chene was abandoned at birth and the cops inadvertently listed the corner where he was found on the paperwork as the infant’s name. Hence, the moniker stuck.

“What’s in a name?” 

Anything and everything to help tell the story.

 

Work In Progress

          Progress continues on the new Chene book.  One of my favorite characters in this series is Captain Prescott “Pappy” Cantrell.  I’ve heard from a number of readers that he’s the kind of boss they’d like to have.  Pappy’s got his own moral code. His sense of honor motivates the squad. 

                       (Here's a shot of what Pappy might look like.)

          In this excerpt, Pappy and Chene first get involved in the cold case.

Early Monday evening found me in Pappy’s office. From the open casement window behind him, I could hear the ebb and flow of traffic racing along Gratiot Avenue. For many people the workday was over, which meant rush hour was winding down. In Motown, rush hour can last for two hours on either end of the usual nine to five.  The rest of the squad was gone.  Cantrell and I were reviewing pending investigations. A month ago we’d wrapped up a complicated homicide that uncovered almost half a million dollars in precious gems, multiple extramarital affairs and involved more than a hundred suspects. But that’s the kind of major case this team handles. Now we were looking at a string of home invasion robberies, a series of luxury car thefts and an extortion case with a local surgeon who may have been indiscreet.

          “Don’t need the hole squad on any of ‘em,” Cantrell muttered in his Southern drawl. “Y’all probably crack the blackmail afore the weekend.”

          “We can have Kozlowski and Atwater run the home invasions.  I’ll take Suarez with me on the extortion.”

          “Y’all droppin’ the girlie on the cars?”

          I shook my head. “Spears can review the files and look for a pattern. She did well with that on the serial killer. If there’s a system in play, she’ll find it. Then I’ll take her and Suarez to follow it up.”

          Pappy grunted his approval. A tilt of his head preceded a plume of cigarette smoke. It drifted out the window. Smoking wasn’t allowed in public buildings in the state. Pappy torched the memo. If he stepped outside every time the nicotine urge hit, his office would have to be a lean-to in the parking lot.

          “Thought you were going on vacation,” I said.

          “Yup. Leavin’ Friday.  Two weeks in the Blue Ridge Mountains. No Yankees allowed. Y’all on yer own. Think you can handle the young’uns?”

          “We got it covered.”

          “Lot can happen inna few days.”

          A knock on the doorframe interrupted my response. The desk sergeant poked his head in the room.  “Sorry to bother you, Captain. Chene has a very impatient visitor.”

          “Expectin’ someone?”

          I shook my head. “You get a name, Burnley?”

          The sergeant nodded. “Not sure I believe it. Maximo Aurelio.”

          I’d been slumped in the chair, legs out and crossed at the ankles. Before I could move Cantrell was at his computer, clicking buttons and pulling up the security camera that focused on the lobby. “Fuck me hard,” he muttered.

          Maximo Aurelio was standing three feet from the reception desk. His hands were out, palms open. He was looking right up at the camera.

          “Hope y’all ain’t got a date, Chene.”

          I pushed out of the chair. “I’ll go see what he wants.”

          Pappy was right beside me. “We go together.

          Max greeted me with a bone crushing handshake and a brief attempt at a grin. He and Cantrell exchanged nods. We led him to the conference room and got settled around the table. This was no social call. Just the idea of Max being here was enough to put me on edge. No doubt he was as well.

          Maximo Aurelio was formerly a reputed lieutenant for one of the Detroit area’s largest organized crime families.  There was a history of violence that many had tried to attribute to him over the years, without success. Ten years ago, Max, who was also known as Maxie A, had gone into retirement.  The mob had changed a lot in the 21^st century. Max was supposedly living a quiet life, spending a great deal of his free time with Leo Agonasti, a childhood friend.  If Max was a lieutenant, then Leo was a captain. Our paths had crossed occasionally since I became a cop.

          Pappy took his usual spot at the head of the conference table. He turned his full attention on Max.  The idea of him sitting calmly in the middle of state police post was not lost on any of us. Cantrell wagged a finger back and forth, his variation of ‘get on with it’. Max sensed what it meant.

          “The FBI has an arrest warrant out on Leo for murder,” Max said slowly, his gravelly voice reaching even lower on the register than normal.

          “Why come to us?” I asked.

          “Leo’s instructions. When he heard the charges, he told his lawyer two words. ‘Get Chene’. Far as I know, he’s not saying anything else.  The lawyer called me. Guess she didn’t know you.”

          “Where’s Leo at?”

          “Doing his impersonation of Harry Houdini,” Max said.

          “Who dat?”

          Max swiveled slightly to face Cantrell. “He disappeared. I think he’s still in the area, but can’t even begin to guess where he’s at. Chances are he’s going to keep moving.”

          “Will Agonasti try to leave the country?” I asked. “The FBI may be watching the airports. TSA could have an alert already.”

          “I don’t think he’s running. Leo’s never been the type to run away. But he’s no murderer, Chene. You gotta believe that.”

          Pappy squinted at Max. “We ain’t gotta believe nuthin’. We’re talkin’ ‘bout criminal activity. Y’all ain’t exactly a couple a Girl Scouts sellin’ cookies.”

          “Say whatever you want, but Leo was a background guy. He’s not violent. Never was. He couldn’t murder someone.”

          “He had y’all for that?”

          Max clenched his jaw before swinging to face me. “This isn’t about me. It’s about Leo.  He needs your help, Chene. Can you at least check into the warrant?”

          My gaze flicked to Cantrell. There was a miniscule nod in response.  “The FBI does not normally handle homicide investigations. Are you sure the information you got is accurate?”

          Max slid a business card across the table to me. It bore the FBI logo and contact information for the Detroit office.  I turned it so Pappy could see it. His stare was burning through me. Getting involved in an ongoing federal investigation was contrary to the way Cantrell operated.  There would be the question of jurisdiction. The feds were rarely inclined to play nice with other agencies. But I didn’t think walking away was an option.

          “I’m going down there.”

          Pappy shook his head. “Un nuh. We goin’.”

 

Author’s Interview. J. Dianne Dotson

          Through the wonders of technology and social media, I’ve made connections with many authors over the years, from different genres and different parts of the globe.  This month, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to J. Dianne Dotson.

 

Let’s get to know you a little. Where are you from?

I was born in Kingsport, Tennessee, considered Southern Appalachia. I have lived in the Southeast, Northwest, and Southwest.

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

There are many places around the world I would like to visit, and follow in my dad’s exploring footsteps. I would love to see Tromsø, Norway, islands in the South Pacific, Japan, India, Ireland, Italy, and the UK, for starters, and the Universe-willing. 

What’s your favorite thing to do for relaxation?

That is one word this writer does not have in my vocabulary! The best I can do is to go for brisk walks.

Any favorite hobbies?

Other than writing stories? I paint and illustrate, bake, hike, take road trips, birdwatch. I’ve been known to fly-fish, and sometimes I play board games and puzzles.

How long have you been writing?
I have been writing most of my life; as soon as I could write, I began making poems and stories, illustrating some of them.

Are you able to write full time or do you also have a job/career?
My career is three-pronged. I am a science and content writer (currently for biotech/STEM), artist, and novelist.
Is there a particular genre that you write?  Or more than one?  What led you there?

The Questrison SagaÒ is science fiction and fantasy; a space opera. I also write short stories in fantasy, science fiction, horror, humor, and non-fiction. I have always been a nerd; Star Wars was the first movie I remember seeing in theaters, at age three. I wanted to invent my own space opera, so I began that at age 13. Those stories built the series I have published today.

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

There are no direct copies of people I know in my characters. Some are homages, some are amalgums, many are just whole-cloth straight from my brain, pure distillate. Some of them came to me in dreams (Aeriod, when I was a young teen, and Forster, as an adult, for example).
What authors had an impact on you growing up and as an adult? 

Growing up, I read voraciously all of L. Frank Baum’s Oz books (there are 14). I also read a fair amount of Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, Frank Herbert, Lucy Maud Montgomery, and Laura Ingalls Wilder.

As an adult I have partcularly loved Philip Pullman’s books, especially His Dark Materials. I also like Joanne Harris, John Gierach (because I like to fish, and he’s hilarious), and John Le Carré.

Has anyone in your life influenced you or encouraged you to pursue your interests of writing? (teacher, family member, friend)

Most of my elementary teachers saw quickly that I was a writer, and encouraged that track. My father, Fred Gammon, was a constant storyteller, and wrote his own poems and books as well.

My 8^th grade English teacher, Mrs. Phillips (I meantion her in the acknowledgements for Heliopause) absolutely believed in my work. The first book I finished, while in her class, she encouraged me to approach publishing companies about. She helped me to do that, and some even responded. I did not pursue publication then, as I was too young, but that book became the basis for my current series.

Numerous friends have always encouraged my writing. Nathan Camp aka “The Man Who Saved Heliopause” is a dear friend who pushed me to finish that book in 2017.

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

To me, writing is as elemental as breathing. There is no chosing favorites. It is simply what I do. Even if there is no pen or keyboard close by, I am always writing in my mind.

What aspect of writing would you most like to improve on? 
I do wish I wasn’t so fond of the adrenaline I get from procrastinating.

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

I need quiet. No music playing. My left-hand desk drawer holds dark chocolate. 

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

I like to have a bit of fun, a wink-wink at things. Sometimes I slip in puns, which I love to make. I also like there to be a dreamlike quality, so that if you lowered your eyelids just right, you might actually believe that what I wrote did, in fact, happen in reality.

What have you learned the most from being in the writing business?
The business of writing is far different from the art of it. Being an indie author means I am the writer, publisher, producer, promoter, head designer, etc. and I have a very particular vision about how I want my books to look, feel, and where they sell. I have learned that you really do have to invest in professionals to help you. It’s worth it.

Tell us about the series:

The Questrison SagaÒ begins with Heliopause, set in the late 23^rd Century on Mandira Research Station at the edge of interstellar space (the heliopause). Forster sees flashes of light that no one else can, and soon a ship en route to the station is attacked by an invisible foe. This entity may be responsible for a missing daughter of his coworker Meredith. An enigmatic crew member, Efron, knows more than he at first reveals about this invader, and Forster demonstrates a latent ability he didn’t know he had. A dramatic showdown changes everyone’s lives at the station forever, as they try to stop the enemy from entering the rest of the solar system. 

The second book, Ephemeris, take place before, during, and after Heliopause. Impetuous Galla-Deia, who looks human but is not, was raised in a star-city of androids. She is chosen as a Representative of humans by the galactic governing body, the Associates. The malignant entity Paosh Tohon extends its reach, seeking telepaths and lackeys to do its bidding. Galla is one of the only beings in the galaxy who can repel this enemy, but she must grow as a commander of humans and aliens, and discover her own abilities to join the fight. 

Accretion, the penultimate, third book, sees Galla-Deia and her team facing a galactic natural disaster, the Event, which she must try to stop. Paosh Tohon feeds on the suffering caused by the Event, growing ever stronger to attempt to take over the galaxy. This is punishing chapter for the heroes and all they have built. 

In Book Four (title reveal and cover coming in April 2021), the galaxy has been brought to the brink of destruction by Paosh Tohon, and all worlds are in battle, defense, or defeat, except for one: a hidden planet. There resides the last bastions of hope for the galaxy, if they can escape the mercurial planet and its own defenses and mysteries, to face the monster in the void.

The Questrison Saga trademark is registered by J. Dianne Dotson

How did you decide on your story plot?  

I came up with Book Four first, when I was 13 years old, back in 1987. I knew the endgame well ahead of time, and the steps to get there. I worked retroactively to polish this series over time, and to introduce humans to the galaxy writ large.

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

Everything is in my head. I just get it out!

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

I have so many favorite scenes, in each book! Book Four has many of my favorites. There are scenes in Book Four that are extremely intimate (some even steamy), while others are heartwarming, others still are terrifying, and some are just full of insane set pieces that are really fun to visualize.

You can find out more about all of my books at jdiannedotson.com/books.

Social media links:

Twitter/Instagram: @jdiannedotson

Facebook: @jdiannedotsonwriter

 

Music

          I’m a sucker for the streaming music services like Pandora and Youtube.  Sometimes I pick a genre, others I’ll just let the favorites roll on.  Lately there has been a lot of hits from The Eagles, both as a group and individually.

          After starting out as a back up band for Linda Ronstandt, The Eagles began recording in 1971 and have remained popular ever since. Even after a sabbatical for more than a dozen years they returned to the studios and concert halls.  Elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The Eagles have sold more than 200 million records worldwide.

Here’s my top five favorites.

The Heat is On (Glenn Frey)

https://youtu.be/uZD8HKVKneI

Heartache Tonight

https://youtu.be/Kcrs6XxUAqE

Life in the Fast Lane

https://youtu.be/xhszOM0Rth8

Already Gone

https://youtu.be/SoduRTF9J-o

All She Wants to Do is Dance (Don Henley)

https://youtu.be/7QSyaBHr1jU

 

The Twelfth Issue

 

How did that happen? I blinked and suddenly it’s February.  You’d think a guy named Love would be looking forward to all the special attention that comes with Valentine’s Day, the celebration of romance and true love smack dab in the middle of the shortest month. That’s never been the case.  I’ve never even gotten a discount from a restaurant on that day.   Ah well.

As Chuck Berry once sang, “‘C’est la vie’. It goes to show you never can tell.” Time to get back to work with a few bits about writing, a sneak peek at my latest efforts, an interview with a great author and of course, music.  So enough misdirection. Let’s get the party started.

 

Writing

Inspiration can strike at any moment. For a writer, that can often happen when you least expect it. I can be sitting there, minding my own business, maybe grading papers or listening to music and suddenly, Zeus hits me in the ass with a lightning bolt. Well, that may not be exactly how it works, but its close.

Here's a recent example.

I was talking with Eric, an old buddy I haven’t seen in half a dozen years or more. We were catching up on a video call when he asked about my latest project. I explained the premise of the cold case investigation, where Charity Gray, a 15 year-old girl, had disappeared on her way home from school and her remains had been found fifteen years later.  At this stage in the story, Chene was interviewing teachers from the school who might remember the girl.

Enter Zeus.

Eric has a love of all things related to the Civil War. He’s participated in reenactments and probably has over 800 books on the subject.  It occurred to me that Charity should have taken American History.  What better means of engaging the students in the topic of the war than to have the teacher involved in reenactments?  I hit Eric with a few questions.  It took less than a nanosecond to persuade him to be a source for the character and the book.

          Thanks, Zeus.

 

Work In Progress

Steady work on the next Chene book continues. Now that professional football is done until September, I should have more time to work on this book. In theory. The pieces keep clicking together. My unofficial target is to get the first draft done by the end of April.  Then it’s time for a revision or two and recruiting a couple of beta readers to get some much needed feedback and direction.

Once I have a good character in mind, it’s difficult to keep them out of the story.  Both Chene and Jamie Richmond have made guest appearances in each other’s novels. While it wasn’t intended, Jamie fit in well with the latest story.  Here’s an excerpt where Chene turns to her for some off the record assistance.

 

“Where are we headed?” Donna asked.  We were back in the Jag, travelling west on I 696.  She reached up and pressed a button near the ceiling. A smoky glass panel rolled back, letting fresh air into the cabin.  I could get used to this kind of ride.

“I need someone who is good with research.  Somebody accustomed to digging deep. We’ve got about thirty hours left on Pappy’s deadline.”

Donna tilted her head back, feeling the breeze on her face. “Something tells me you’re not headed to see a librarian.”

“Not exactly. But she does have a knack for gathering information. And she could crush the image of a librarian to pieces.”

“So, a naughty librarian.”

“Shut up.”

I rolled to a stop in front of the little ranch house. Movement inside the window caught my attention. The door opened before we were halfway up the walk and a slender redhead emerged. There was concern in her green eyes. She skipped down from the stoop and covered the distance between us quickly.

“Hey, Jamie,” I said.

“Hello, cowboy. You don’t need to get shot to come and visit.” Avoiding my wounded arm, she moved to the other side and gave me a gentle hug.

I’m still awkward around most women. There was a slight hesitation before my right arm circled her waist for a brief squeeze. “You remember Donna?”

Jamie let me go and stepped back. “Sure. We met during the Morrissey case.  Let’s go inside and you can explain.”

We settled around the kitchen table. There were tall glasses filled with ice and a pitcher of lemonade in the center. Jamie served us and settled on the edge of her chair to my right, a legal pad and pen within easy reach.

“How’s Malone doing?” Donna asked.  Jamie lived with another cop, a sergeant with the MSP. Malone worked at a post nearby that managed the highway patrols for part of the Motown area.

“He’s good. Had to be in court this morning.”

On the phone earlier I’d been reluctant to say much. It was entirely possible the feds or someone else was tapping my line.  Now I spelled it out for her. I needed whatever information she could uncover about organized crime, particularly the families that were involved thirty years ago.  While I talked, Jamie scribbled notes in her own style of shorthand.

“You mentioned a deadline?” she asked while I sipped the lemonade.

“I hate to impose, but we’ve got maybe twenty-four hours before things get even crazier. The feds are trying to make a statement, with a bust related to one syndicate or another. Right now, it’s all about politics, bullshit and headlines.”

Jamie smiled and batted her lashes at me. “Smooth talker, you know that’s what makes the world go ‘round.”

“Which is why you came to mind. You were extremely helpful with the Morrissey case and you certainly know how to dig. My only concern is that you might get someone’s attention who doesn’t want you poking around.”

She waved her hands apart as if chasing a pesky fly.  “I’ve got enough contacts who are still working that know how to bury any connection with me. I should get some information by early evening. And a lot may be available on the internet. Besides, I’m just a harmless little old lady writing mystery novels.”

“Old doesn’t come close to you,” Donna said with a laugh. “And Chene told me about some of your previous escapades. I’m not buying the ‘harmless’ image.”

Jamie shrugged away the compliment. I doubted she was even in her mid-thirties.  I waited until her gaze shifted back to me. “Is there any way you can dig without leaving a trail?  Whoever is really behind this didn’t hesitate to bring out the guns last night. And despite your past, I’m disinclined to let your stubbornness get in the way of your safety.”

“I can use some back channel approaches. There are a couple of academics I know who’ve done papers on Detroit’s organized crime dynasties,” Jamie said. She tapped a polished fingernail on the legal pad. “Besides, it’s just research for a book. My focus is on fiction now.”

Donna glanced at me. “Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction.”

“Sounds like something from Mark Twain,” Jamie said.

“Yeah, but there’s no arguing it,” I said.

“You didn’t want to talk about this on the phone. How do I get you the details on whatever I find out?”

I’d been thinking about that for a while. “Let’s go old school. Nothing digital, just print whatever you can find.”

“Then what?”

“Is Malone working tonight?”

She nodded.  “Three to eleven.”

“Well, if you put whatever you find in an envelope that would be easy to deliver to the post, along with a burger or two. Or maybe some sushi.”

That earned me a grin. “That’s a good plan, cowboy. And once Malone has the details, he can pass them on to you.”

“One brother cop to another. That also keeps you in the shadows.”

Jamie pushed back from the table and stood. “Then I’d better get started.”

“You don’t sit still long enough to get dusty,” Donna said.

She walked us back outside.  As was her custom, Jamie looped her arms around my neck and gave me a tender kiss on the lips.  Donna just stood there with a sloppy grin on her face.

“Give Simone a hug for me,” she whispered as she pulled away.

“Will do. And thanks, Jamie.”

“Go to work, Chene. There are bad guys that need catching.”

 

Interview

 

February has a number of events, such as Groundhog’s Day, Super Bowl Sunday, President’s Day and yes, Valentine’s Day.  So for a little change of pace, it seemed only appropriate to interview a guy who would actually know how to deal with Cupid’s holiday.  Enter Malone, the guy who takes Jamie Richmond’s breath away.

Here’s a picture of what Malone might look like.

How did you and Jamie meet?   I was at work. She came in to do a ride along with one of the state police troopers, to get background for a character she wanted to include in a book. (Shrugs) I was in charge of the shift.

 

What first drew you to Jamie?  There was a little spark when Jamie and I met. It wasn’t ‘love or even lust at first sight’, (chuckles) but there was definitely something there. She’s very bright, with a great sense of humor. And she’s a bit of a smart ass. That’s refreshing. A lot of people I meet are either intimidated by my job or tend to be a little cocky. I’m just a regular guy. That’s how Jamie treated me.  Of course, that red hair got my attention in a hurry.

What was the most memorable moment for you?  There’s the scene where Jamie and I become lovers. The tension between us had been gradually building up. In my mind it was going to be this slow, romantic, passionate encounter. Two adults seeking to give intimate pleasure to their partner, taking their time. (Laughs and shakes his head at the memory) Instead it was like two horny teenagers who finally had ten minutes alone. We practically tore each other’s clothes off.

What do you do for fun?  I like to cook. It’s a way to be creative with a very immediate reward. You get to eat what you make.  I grew tired of dining in restaurants all the time. So I have a number of recipes that always turn out well. And I’ve been known to check out a cookbook or two.  Which is helpful because Jamie’s culinary talents are rather…limited.

What is your greatest fear?  That someday Jamie will get in over her head. She seems to attract trouble like a redheaded magnet.  Each time things get a little more dangerous.  We have a good thing going.  I don’t want to lose that. Or her.

What do you think is your strongest attribute? A sense of calm. I’ve been through a lot in the military and on the job. It’s important to be able to remain calm and take charge of the situation if need be.

What is most attractive to you about the opposite sex?  A dazzling smile. One that encompasses the whole being, not just the mouth, but the eyes, the face, the whole persona. Sometimes it’s not overpowering, but you know it’s there, just beneath the surface.

What trait or characteristic do you most dislike about the opposite sex? Phonies. I don’t like it when people try to act how they think I want them to. Just be yourself.  Be honest. Be real. It doesn’t matter if you’re wearing the latest designer doodad or drive a snazzy car.

What’s your favorite thing to do on a snowy afternoon?  I like old movies. Maybe catch a game on the television. Chase Jamie around the house. Not necessarily in that order.

You can get to know more about Malone in the Jamie Richmond series.

  

Devious

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017Y9XMHC

Vanishing Act

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0190T15Y6

Fleeing Beauty

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019WPCIBM

 

Music

Variety is always part of my playlist.  Lately there have been a lot of tunes from Stevie Ray Vaughan.

 

Vaughan’s music was a mixture of blues, rock and jazz.  A sensation in Texas at the start of his career, he gained notoriety at the Montreux Jazz Festival.  From there he became a national treasure.  His career included winning a Grammy and being inducted in both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Blues Hall of Fame.

While his life was cut short in 1990, dying in a helicopter crash, his legacy lives on. Vaughan’s style continues to inspire other performers, including John Mayer, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and others. 

Here’s my top five favorites. 

Pride & Joy https://youtu.be/0vo23H9J8o8

Riviera Paradise:  https://youtu.be/KfGBQHM1EzI

The House is Rocking: https://youtu.be/vYb0ZylEMbg

Hide Away: https://youtu.be/3F0dSPqPnpU

Give Me Back My Wig: https://youtu.be/83Ep9CTzQmQ

 

 

 

 

The Eleventh Issue

 

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.

 

 Here's a possible picture of Agent Banks

 

 

 

                                              Author Interview

 

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

10^th Avenue Freezeout:  https://youtu.be/KzrtlXuiV3Y