Thanks for stopping by.If this is your first visit, welcome. If you’re a regular, a huge thank you for your support every week. I love reunion stories where two people who were once in love find their way back to each other. So this week, I’m taking my six sentences from my romantic suspense novel, Out of Time.
“Josh … I have a bad feeling about this …”
He could feel her fear through the phone. And no matter what had happened between them in the past, he couldn’t ignore her unspoken cry for help. She was afraid, afraid enough to call him after no communication for almost two years. And no matter how difficult it would be to see her again, after everything that had happened between them, he had no choice. “I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
I love to hear your comments, so please tell me what you think. Don’t forget to check out the other authors here. Thanks again for dropping in.
Today I have the pleasure of welcoming author Elysa Hendricks to my little corner of the cyberworld. And guess what? Not only is she going to share a few details about her life and her fabulous books, she’s also giving away copies of one of her books. The details are at the end of this post.
Elysa, tell us a little about yourself
I’m 5’6″ tall. I have curly hair and brown eyes. I’m an author, a wife, a mother and a daughter. Everything else is subject to change without notice.
Good answer lol. Let’s talk about your author self. Do you have any advice for those authors just beginning this journey?
Read – a lot – especially in the genres you want to write. Write – even more than you read. Finish a book. Join a critique group, a writer’s organization, take writing classes. Hone your craft. Submit to publishers, but be ready to face rejection – lots of it. Write some more and keep writing until you reach your goal.
Great advice. But what about writer’s block? Do you ever suffer from it? If so, what do you do to combat it?
All the time. I love writing (or rather I hate writing, but love having written), but it’s hard work. Mostly my writer’s block comes from my insecurity about my abilities. Though my rational, logical mind tells me I write well, that my books are good reads, inside my inner child stomps her feet and cries that I don’t know what I’m doing. When the brat starts whining I lose confidence and momentum and the writing dries up.
The best way I’ve found to get her to shut up and let me get back to writing is to read. If I read a good book she settles down, enjoys herself and forgets to whine. If I read a poorly written book she gets excited and realizes that maybe, just maybe we can write better than that. Either way I win and am able to write again.
I think most of us go through that insecurity now and then. For you, which comes first – the plot or the characters?
This is a hard one. Sometimes it’s the plot or rather a situation that poses the all important What If question. In my sci-fi romance STAR CRASH I wanted to write a story about two people trapped in an alien zoo. Once I had the idea then I had to figure out the who, what, where, when and why of the story. So even though I’m more of a panster than a plotter I guess I’d have to say the plot (story idea) comes first then I discover who the characters are as I write the book.
Where do your best ideas come from?
My ideas and inspirations come from everywhere, life, the news, books, TV, and movies. The entire world is my idea garden. My sci-fi romance STAR CRASH was partially inspired by the Roddy McDowall Twilight Zone episode People Are Alike All Over. I also drew on my love of Star Trek and the Planet of the Apes movies.
What’s a typical writing day like?
In my life there is no such thing as a “typical writing day.” I’ve tried working on a schedule and failed miserably. Deadlines do motivate me, but I’ve yet to find a way to force myself to write on any kind of schedule.
Generally I try to do my creative work first thing in the morning when I’m fresh, then after lunch I’ll work on email, Facebook, blogs, promo and edits. Unfortunately, I’m weak-willed and often times find myself browsing the Internet, playing on Facebook and reading emails while I’m eating breakfast. The day goes downhill pretty quick after that.
I know exactly what you mean. Me, I often end up watching videos or movies on the Internet. What is your favorite movie? Why?
It’s a toss-up between White Christmas and The Day The Earth Stood Still (the original version.) I love romance and even though the conflict in the story is bit contrived White Christmas is a classic romance. Plus it has Danny Kaye, Bing Crosby, Vera Ellen, and Rosemary Clooney singing and dancing to some great music.
The Day The Earth Stood Still is one of the first science fiction movies I ever saw. Though compared to today the special effects are low tech, the storyline remains relevant. The filmmakers and actors managed to portray human reaction to first contact in a believable manor.
Can you tell us about your upcoming release(s)?
My next release is STAR RAIDERS. While pursuing criminals whose evil plans threaten the safety of the universe, an intergalactic lawman finds himself at the mercy of the woman he’s always loved — the woman he once betrayed.
What inspired you to write THE SWORD AND THE PEN?
I’m a BIG fan of The Twilight Zone and there’s one episode that has always captured my interest – A World Of His Own starring Keenan Wynn. It’s about a playwright who can bring his characters to life by describing them.
I wondered what if an author’s fictional character suddenly appeared in his living room. What if that author was trying to kill off that character? And what if that character was a sword-wielding warrior woman with a mile-long sword and a badass attitude?
THE SWORD AND THE PEN is my answer to these questions.
Blurb:
If your fantasy became reality, what would you do?
It was time. After penning ten popular sword-and-sorcery novels, Brandon Alexander Davis was ready to move on. Ready to stop hiding in his fictional world.Ready to start living a real life. There was just one problem: as he plotted the noble death of Serilda D’Lar, his fictional creation, complete with mile-long sword, skimpy leather outfit and badass attitude, appeared in his study.
Was she nothing more than a crazy fan, or had Brandon finally cracked?
This warrior woman whom he knew so well, so strong yet vulnerable, was both fantasy and reality. She was an invitation to rediscover all he once knew–that life is an incredible, magical journey and, for love, any man can be a hero.
Excerpt:
“You’ll enjoy this more.” He handed her a hotdog smothered with all the fixings.
She took the offering and sniffed it. The aroma of grilled meat, onions, mustard and ketchup must have pleased her, because she took a bite. A look of delight spread over her face. In seconds she had devoured the hotdog and reached for a hamburger.
Fascinated by her appetite, he almost forgot to eat. Most women he’d known– his mother, Wanda and Hillary– merely nibbled at their food. They always claimed to be on diets, yet never seemed to lose any weight. His grandmother had been the exception. Until her death, she’d eaten anything and everything and never gained an ounce. She’d claimed magic kept her thin.
Seri ate with gusto and didn’t seem interested in counting calories or carbohydrates. Whatever she did in life she kept her body trim and fit. The pile of food diminished. She glanced at him. Her hand paused as she reached for the now melting ice cream.
“Why aren’t you eating?”
The sudden suspicion in her tone reminded him to tread carefully. He grabbed a handful of fries.
She relaxed and picked up the dish of ice cream. “What is this?”
“Chocolate ice cream. You’ll like it.”
“Mmmm,” she groaned around a mouthful. “This is astonishing. I think I could easily live on this alone.”
“It’s full of fat and sugar, and loaded with calories.”
“I know fat and sugar. But what are calories? Are they dangerous?” She gave the now empty container a wary glance.
“Only to your waistline.”
Understanding spread over her face. She grinned. “Ah, I see. You fear I’ll grow obese and lazy.”
“No, I didn’t mean that… I only meant…well, I…” He stumbled.
She leaned forward and placed her fingers over his lips. “I but tease. Only the very rich and powerful can afford to grow stout and indolent. And those that do so, soon lose their wealth and their power to those who are hungry.”
Slick from the fries and cool from the ice cream, the feel of her fingers against his lips sent a jolt of awareness straight to his groin. Without thinking, he sucked one finger into his mouth. The taste of salt and Seri exploded on his tongue.
Her voice trailed away. He pushed aside the tray with the remains of their lunch and leaned across the concrete table. She pulled her hand from his mouth and replaced it with her lips.
She tasted of chocolate, cool chocolate ice cream. The smell of grilled hotdogs and onion rings filled his nostrils. But the hunger inside Brandon wasn’t for food. Eager for the taste of the woman he kissed, he ran his tongue over her lips. They parted on a sigh and he delved within.
Hot and tangy, her flavor sucked him in. Heat burned away rational thought as he lost himself in the kiss. Their tongues thrust and parried, the tempo increasing with every breath. Not satisfied with the limited contact of their mouths, he put his hand around the back of her head. Soft red curls twined around his fingers.
Honk! Honk!
“Hey man! Get a room!” a loud voice rang out. Laughter followed, as a car filled with teenagers pulled into the lot.
Brandon jerked away. His elbow cracked against the stone table. Pain ran up his arm. He welcomed the distraction. Seri looked dazed as she settled back on her bench.
Contact links:
Web Site: http://www.elysahendricks.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elysa-Hendricks-Author/137316289643103
Amazon Page: http://www.amazon.com/Elysa-Hendricks/e/B0034PZQP2/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Buy Links:THE SWORD AND THE PEN
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/sword-pen
STAR CRASH
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Star-Crash-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B007T2J9T0
As a Thank You to everyone who stops by and leaves a comment I’d like to give a FREE ecopy of my contemporary romance COUNTERFEIT LOVE. Just drop me an email at: elysa@elysahendricks.com and I’ll send you a Smashwords Coupon Code for a FREE download.
Thanks for stopping by. It’s that time again. Time for six sentences from one of my books. This week, I’m taking my sentences from my brand-new release, The Surgeon’s Homecoming. In this scene, Mark has met up with Diana, his ex, for the first time since he’s been home.
Even after all this time, the pain of her desertion was still strong.
It was hard enough to hear about Diana’s life from his mother when he called every Sunday, but to be face to face with her again – well, it was better to stay away from her completely.
Not that she’d want to see him anyway, he assumed. Hell, she’d left without a backward glance that afternoon, and he hadn’t laid eyes on her since. Not an “I’m sorry”, a “it didn’t work out”. Nothing!
I’d love to hear your comments. Be sure to check out the other authors here
As an added bonus, my romantic suspense novel, The Next Victim, is FREE on Amazontoday only. If you enjoy it, I’d appreciate a review.
Thanks for dropping by. Hope to see you again next week.
Yes, it’s true. My romantic suspense novel, THE NEXT VICTIM, is free from Amazon this weekend only, August 10-12.
Workaholic detective Ben Carver is convinced the next target of a serial killer is Shannon Ames, the sexy reporter who lives in his apartment complex. As he works to prevent her from becoming the next victim, he starts to feel emotions he’d long thought dead. But the secret Shannon carries could destroy any hope of a future together – and might even get her killed.
Detective Ben Carver is convinced the next target of a serial killer is Shannon Ames, the sexy reporter who lives in his apartment complex in a sleepy Florida beach town. As he works to prevent her from becoming the next victim, he starts to feel emotions he’d long thought dead. But the secret Shannon carries could destroy any hope of a future together – and might even get her killed.
You don’t need a Kindle to read The Next Victim. You can download a Kindle app to your phone, Ipad or computer.
I hope you like Ben and Shannon’s story. If you do, please leave a review on Amazon.
I’m delighted to welcome Jerri Drennen to my blog today to answer a few questions about herself and talk about her latest book, Her Man Flint.
Jerri, tell us a little about yourself.
Here’s the short version. I was raised on a farm in a small town in Minnesota. I met my husband and moved to Southeastern Missouri where we live today with 2 of our 4 children and an array of furbabies.
I’m sure there’s lots more to tell 🙂 You have two new releases coming up. Care to talk about them?
Well, I have a romantic suspense, Hook, Line, Murder coming out at the end of October with Crimson Romance. Here is the tentative blurb for the book.
Homicide detective Steve Morgan is at Crane Lodge on forced sabbatical, hoping to overcome the guilt he carries from a convenience store robbery gone bad. Day one of fishing at the resorts lake has him casting his line straight into a crime scene, reeling in a dead woman from the murky bottom. Thinking the murderer must be a local, Steve offers the small town police help in the investigation. What he doesn’t count on is the gorgeous housekeeper at the lodge resembling the victim in the lake and her survival becoming more important than finding the killer.
Whitney McAllister is raising her daughter on her own, working long, grueling hours at the local resort cleaning guest cabins. Police siren’s pique her curiosity, and have her rushing to the lake. What she finds is the sexiest, yet pigheaded man alive. The detective may be just doing his job, but after their run-in, she intends to steer clear of him. Until someone breaks into her house and she’s forced, for her daughter’s sake, to stay at the cabin with the man. Her attraction is overpowering, yet she refuses to give him her heart. Not when she knows once the murder is solved, he’ll be gone, leaving her to pick up the pieces of her shattered heart exactly as her child’s father had.
When a string of unsolved murders from across the country, all matching the same description, single mother’s with dark hair and green eyes are unearthed, tension mounts. Steve knows he has to find this serial killer fast, before he commits the only woman he’s ever loved to a watery grave.
My next comes out June of next year. Dark Moon Magic, which will be released by Ruby Lioness.
Here is the blurb for the book.
Practicing wiccan Regina Moon is starting over in the tiny town of Groves, Arkansas, hoping her New Age shop will succeed despite her friends objections. A ritual-type killing of a local man transforms the quiet little community into 1692 Salem, with all eyes on her, and has the sheriff, Trace Langston not only trying to solve a murder but disbanding a mob of angry townspeople hell-bent on burning her at the stake. In all the upheaval, a cold case, sealed within a circle, is unearthed and an evil no one knew existed revealed.
They both sound great. Margery: Where do your best ideas come from?
I’d have to say dreams. I’ve written a number of books after having had a dream to trigger it.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I’m a panster all the way. I’ve try to write with an outline before but I never finished that book. I like to learn as I go, just like the reader.
Complete this sentence: When I want to kick back and relax, I ___________
Watch mindless hours of television.
I’m so with you there. Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do to combat it?
All the time. At least once or twice a book anymore. I really struggle with writing a satisfying ending–so I usually stall at writing them. As far as getting past them, I just force myself to write. Having someone to push me works well.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading A Little Slice of Heaven by Gina Ardito. Loving it so far.
Jerri’s latest romantic suspense novel, Her Man Flint, is available on Amazon and will be FREE on August 11 and 12, 2012. Be sure to get your copy.
Blurb:
If James Bond and Cleopatra Jones had a daughter, Adriana Kent would kick her ass.
Everything Adriana knows about being a top-notch, undercover agent she’s learned from her partner, Flint Morgan, in and out of the sheets. That is, until he’s caught between those same bed linens with another woman. Heartbroken, Adriana refuses to forgive him. But when ‘the other woman’ is found dead in Flint’s apartment, she steps up to prove his innocence–he might be a womanizer, but he’s no killer.
As Adriana closes in on a suspect, she’s kidnapped and sent overseas to a sadistic prince who collects women like priceless pieces of art. Now this tough as nails agent finds herself playing the helpless courtesan to a man hell-bent on breaking her spirit. Flint arrives in the nick of time, dressed as a harem girl, fighting off randy guards and surly camels to rescue Adriana so they can fly back to the states to find a way to exonerate him for murder.
Excerpt:
Adriana swatted Billy’s hand away. “Stop it. I’m fine.â€
Billy nudged her down. “You’re not fine, you have a concussion. The doctor said you have to stay in bed.â€
“Nonsense, it’s just a little bump. I feel okay.†She tried to sit up straight, but a wave of dizziness hit and sent her back to the pillow.
“See, I told you. You need rest.â€
“Maybe you’re right. But I’m not staying here all day. I have things to do. I’ve already missed my session with Antonio.â€
Adriana pounded the mattress with her fists, which sent a sharp, knifelike pain through her head.
She sighed. More than anything, she hated feeling helpless.
Billy sat in the chair next to her bed. “Can you tell me what happened?â€
Adriana turned to face him. “A black sedan rear-ended me twice. I tried to keep the Porsche on the road. Oh God, how’s my car?†She gnawed anxiously at her bottom lip. “Is my baby okay?â€
“It’ll live. But it’s going to need some grill work.†Billy raised a questioning eyebrow. “It wasn’t an accident, was it?â€
Adriana clutched his arm. “No. But for Heaven sakes don’t tell Flint. He’ll make a big stink about it. Promise me.â€
“He has a right to know.â€
“Who has a right to know? And what?†Flint asked from the doorway.
Adriana’s gaze flew to him, now leaning against the open door in a pair of cut to fit blue jeans, and a black sweater that clung to every muscle and contour of his chest and shoulders. He looked incredible.
She caught herself before she audibly sighed.
Memories of his naked, wonderfully toned chest against hers stirred her senses.
For a year and a half she’d gotten used to having Flint around—a year and a half spent cohabiting. And in that time, she’d fallen in love, even when most of the time he’d been a conceited horse’s ass. Now she desperately wished she hadn’t lost her heart to him because it hadn’t mended the way she’d hoped it would.
It had been six months since he moved out. Long, agonizing weeks of missing his toothbrush in the cup next to hers, his dirty socks scattered on the floor, or waking to his latest baritone rendition of some Barry White tune he knew. She missed that most of all. Hell, she missed everything about the man, including his inflated ego, and at times it hurt so bad she couldn’t even look at him. But their relationship was over, and she had to move on.
“The doctor told me you took quite a blow to the head. I’d say you’re lucky. We both know how hard it is.†Flint’s words brought her attention back to him.
“Right!â€
“So what happened?†He looked to Billy for the answer.
“She ran off the road.â€
“You ran off the road? Where you putting on make-up again? I told you, you should never do that while you’re driving.â€
“I know. I wasn’t thinking.†Adriana turned away. She couldn’t look him in the eye and lie. He’d always been too good at reading her.
“How’s the Porsche?†Flint asked.
“Leave it to you to ask about my car before asking how I’m doing.†Adriana snorted, then looked at Billy, her eyes thanking him for not telling Flint the truth.
Flint’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “You know how much I love that car.â€
Adriana’s stomach tightened. Right. He’d loved her car, but never her.
“What do you want, Flint? Did you come here to see if I’d died so you could have my baby? If so, I’m sorry to disappoint you. Wait, I thought you were in D.C.â€
“I was. I flew back when I heard you were in an accident.â€
She frowned. “Why? I should warn you now that I’m leaving the Porsche to Billy.â€
She gently fingered the huge bump on her forehead. What she wouldn’t give for a mirror. She was sure she must look a mess, and with Flint standing just inches away, looking like he’d stepped off the cover of GQ, she felt a little self-conscious.
“Billy wouldn’t know the first thing about handling a car like that and you know it. He’d kill himself.†Flint stepped over to the bed and tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear.
“Thanks.†Billy glared at Flint.
“Hey, just trying to keep you alive.â€
Adriana pushed Flint’s hand away. “Right. You’re just itching to get your hands on my car, but let me tell you this, Flint Morgan, I’m not going anywhere for a long time. So you needn’t worry about the Porsche.â€
“Calm down. I don’t want your damn car.â€
“How’s the patient?†a handsome, dark-haired man in a white lab coat asked, as he made his way into the room.
“I’m fine.†Adriana smiled demurely at him. “Can I go home now?â€
He smiled down at her. “That depends on whether you’re planning to rest or not. If you’re not, then no, if yes, then we’ll see what we can do about getting you discharged.â€
Adriana’s heart skipped at beat. The man definitely had a winning smile, with his straight white teeth and deep inset dimples on either side of his mouth.
“Thank you, Dr–?â€
“Terrell. Mike Terrell.â€
“Nice to meet you, Mike. So, will you let me go home if I promise to stay in bed?†She batted her lashes at him. “You’re welcome to come over and check on me if you’d like.â€
His smile widened. “Is that an invitation?â€
Beside her Flint snorted.
Adriana scowled at him, then returned her attention to the doctor.
“That depends.â€
“On,†Mike asked.
“If you’re married or not?†She glanced at Flint and caught him rolling his eyes.
“No, not married, or dating anyone right now.â€
“Really?†Adriana’s gaze held the doctor’s for what seemed like minutes. “How nice for me.â€
Flint cleared his throat. “Before the two of you go down on each other right here, I gotta go.†He turned and bolted out the door, leaving everyone in the room looking dumbstruck.
“What’s with him?†Dr. Terrell asked, obviously confused by Flint’s outburst.
Adriana shrugged. “He’s just mad I didn’t die and leave him my Porsche.â€
Thanks so much for visiting today, Jerri. Please come back any time.
You can learn more about Jerri and her books on her website and her blog, and follow her on Facebook, and Twitter
Hmm, you guys know me too well 🙂 Dentists: I procrastinate as long as humanly possible. Hair styling: I’m way too fidgety to sit in a salon longer than a quick cut. Vacation: not yet, but with any luck, within the next couple of months. New car: I need one, but sadly, not in the budget right now. So the correct answer is: I’m releasing a new book today. And here it is! It’s the second of the three medical romances that will be released this summer.
Trauma surgeon Mark Chambers never expected to see family physician Diana Guthrie again after she turned her back on their love and went back to their home town in northern Ontario. But when her father, the only surgeon in the area, is injured, Mark, who happens to be home for his brother’s wedding, is persuaded to pitch in. Soon, he’s not only healing Cooper’s Crossing, but it seems he and Diana might be able to rekindle what they once had. But can he ever forgive her when he discovers the real reason she left him?
It’s available now on Amazon and Kobo and will be available soon on B&N, and other outlets where ebooks are sold.
Now for the important part – the winner of a copy of Devil’s Harvest is :drum roll please: Kristina Knight.
Kristina, please email me at margery@margeryscott.com and let me know what format you’d like.
And in the meantime, I’ll make a note to myself that the next contest should be much, much harder :).