Spring Brings a New Writing Project (and Baseball!)

Well, the writing bug has hit again and I’ve started Book 7, in which I’ve tentatively entitled GHOSTLY INTERLUDE (this one follows a character introduced in GHOSTLY LIAISON). It’s about a woman who is being possessed by a ghost, but doesn’t realize it, and the man she hires to help her. I know, thin, but that’s about all I know about it now. Hello! Pantser here!

I posted what I thought would be the beginning of the story HERE (an opening I wrote on the spur of the moment for a fun assignment) and sure enough, it is! Well, there were some minor changes, but for the most part, that’s the beginning of my book. Fun, fun, fun!!!

Just because I’m writing, doesn’t mean I’m not editing. Book 6 (BLIND TEMPTATION), is nowhere near finished, but I find I can only edit for so long and then I’m really zoned out. That’s why I started the new project. Apparently the writing side of my brain doesn’t have that zoning-out kind of problem! Whew!

I find it interesting that I’m starting another book now (so close to April). I began writing the last four books in April. Heck, the first book I ever wrote was 5 years ago in April! I’m beginning to think it has something to do with spring! J

Now my only choice each day is whether to write first and then edit or edit first and then write. Yesterday I wrote first. Didn’t get much editing in, but then I don’t do all that much writing/editing on the weekend as it is (especially when I remember I want to write a post for my blog--oops!). But I’m thinking I better edit first. I really want BLIND finished so I can give it to another reader.

 

And then there are these two other projects that will take precedence over everything--you know, those that Lyrical/Kensington will be publishing (hee hee). Still haven’t heard from my editor, but then the contracts were just delivered on Friday (USPS isn’t exactly speedy, even with priority mail!). I expect it won’t be long before I’m knee deep into those edits.

Busy, busy, huh? But I’m loving it!

I’m going to my first Dayton Dragons baseball game of the season this week! Yay! Yes, it really IS spring! I just hope I don’t freeze out there. Even though the temp’s supposed to be in the sixties, that’s still not exactly toasty warm, you know? I’ll just make sure to take a blanket (or three).

So…What event tells YOU it’s spring?

Stacy

 

Choosing Items for a Gift Basket

I’m putting together a gift basket for Club RT (that would be at the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention). Why? Well, it puts my name on RT’s website (click HERE and scroll toward the end of page 2) and maybe gets me some recognition.

So what am I giving away? I’ll have a copy of my book and the two anthologies, but just having books is kind of boring. Don’t you think? While in California, I bought some yarn (Homespun--super soft!!) and made this quick scarf:

Isn’t it pretty? I also made a bookmark, but it didn’t turn out quite like I thought:

 

Of course, I tend to be picky, so I should just put it in there anyway.

I also have a Pittsburgh Steelers mug I might put in there, because, well, there’s this scene in My Sunny Vampire… If you’ve read the book, you know what I mean. And if you haven’t, maybe I’ve piqued your interest now? Hmmm?

The last thing I might add would be a chocolate bar or maybe some coffee (items Sunny misses--also in the book). The only thing I can’t think of is what kind of basket to put it all into. Or should I even USE a basket? Maybe a bag instead? I mean, most people are traveling, probably by air, so I should try to make it as easy as possible to transport back home. Got any suggestions?

The thing that gets me is how BIG (translation: EXPENSIVE) some of the gift baskets are ($50 gift cards, Kindles, iPads, that sort of stuff). It doesn’t cost anything to enter to win these things, so the prizes really baffle me. Well, not if it comes from a publisher. I can almost understand that. But from an author? I can’t justify giving a lot away, you know? And I’m thinking of donating a basket to Lori Foster’s event, too (of which tickets for those gift baskets are sold, though, and proceeds go to charity), so I really don’t want to go overboard.

So…what kind of things do you look for in a gift basket? Oh, and did you see the University of Dayton win last night??? Go UD Flyers!!! Elite Eight!!!

Have a good weekend. I think it’s supposed to get warm!! Whoo hoo!!

Stacy

 

Wednesday Reads and Some Great News!

I’ve been waiting, and waiting, and waiting to share this news, but wouldn’t until I knew it was for real (And do you know how hard that is? It’s HARD!). Well, it’s for real now, since I’ve signed the contracts and mailed them out. Lyrical/Kensington will be publishing my next two books: “Bite Me, I’m Yours” and “Ghostly Liaison”!

Yay! Let’s all dance!!

So, I’m guessing that just may put a little bit of a crimp in my reading. We’ll see. I’m all caught up in my goal for now. Here’s what I read during the week:

Mar 20: “The Dragon’s Heart” by Eden Ashe, a paranormal romance. Blurb from Goodreads: The dragon-shifter king will do anything to keep his mate alive...even if it means war. After millennia as king of the dragon-shifters, Daniel Ashborne wants a little peace and quiet, especially from the beautiful Hollywood starlet who haunts his memories. His escape tactics end abruptly when he is called to the ER to save the one woman he wants to forget, but who now bears his mark. Shelby Kincade's life and movie career were nearly destroyed when Daniel vanished a year ago. Now he's back, claiming they have been accidentally mated. Getting over him once was hard enough, but she must choose either the life of her dreams or the man she can't live without. With peace finally on the horizon between the dragon-shifters and the Hunters, an assassination attempt on the dragon king and his mate shatters everything. Tensions rebuild as Daniel and his loyal team of shifters try to discover who put out the hit. Enemy and ally lines are crossed, but in the end--after the battle ash has settled--no one could have foreseen who has plotted for their own gain. Wow! This book hooked me from the get-go and never let go. To say I was nervous reading it is an understatement. I’ve had some bad experiences lately. So glad this one did not disappoint! I gave it 5 stars on Goodreads.

Mar 22: “Playing the Game,” by M.Q. Barber, an erotic romance. I won this book, but had it on my list to buy. Blurb from Goodreads: She expects dinner with neighbors, but gets sex with a side of safewords. Mechanical engineer Alice still drools over her sexy neighbors a year after she’s moved in. She can’t decide whether they’re roommates or partners, but either way, they spark a wanton desire in her that has her imagination–and vibrator–working overtime. Henry, director of everything around him, studies human nature and applies philosophies to his paintings as well as his relationships. Quirky, polite to a fault, and formal, he follows his own code of honor even when it means denying himself. Flirtatious and playful, Jay needs stability, guidance, and to please others. His antics counterbalance Henry’s stuffy ways while he brings a level of vulnerability and fun to everything the trio does. BDSM play with the enigmatic artist and flirtatious joker across the hall allows Alice to put aside the linear thought processes which have kept her unsatisfied and distant with other lovers. She must dismiss her preconception of love, sacrificing her independence, if she’s to find a permanent place in their beds and hearts. This book is way more than just sex (and trust me, it titillates, but good!); I LOVE these characters. They are so fascinating. And the book ended way too soon. I really look forward to reading more about Henry, Jay, and Alice! Heck, it was the short story I read in “First Frost” that made me want to read this book. I gave this 5 stars on Goodreads (and I’m craving, craving, craving the next one--so much so I already purchased it!).

Mar 24: “Watershed” by Cd Brennan, a contemporary romance. I won this book, too, but also had it on my to-buy list. Blurb on back: Maggie isn’t looking for love on her backpacking trip through Australia. She’s got enough man troubles back in Ireland. Australia is her escape, a place of adventure where she can create memories to last a lifetime. But some memories won’t be left behind. Gray is ready to quit hiring backpackers to help with the work on his remote Queensland cattle station when Maggie turns up. She’s just passing through, but the connection they forge during the long nights herding cattle won’t be so easily cast aside. This is a sweet romance (meaning no sex scenes), which I knew going into it, so I was okay with that (although I prefer more spice in my romances). Even sweet, I enjoyed this book, loved the characters, and breezed right through it. I gave it 4 stars on Goodreads.

 

So...did any of you have some cold weather yesterday? It snowed here (ugh). At least it should be in the 50s by Thursday. Of course, it's supposed to rain, too. Gee, can't we get some warm and sunny weather? I think Santa Barbara spoiled me!

Happy reading!

Stacy

 

Soon to be Freaking Out, I Think

This year I will be attending at least three conventions: Romantic Times Booklovers Convention (RT), Lori Foster Reader/Author Get Together (RAGT), and Dragon*Con (DC).

I’m all set up as attending as an author for RT and RAGT. I plan on selling and signing copies of the anthologies at RT (I’ll let people know My Sunny Vampire is available electronically--not that I can sign a copy) and haven’t exactly decided what I’ll do at RAGT (hopefully I’ll hear from the publicist from my publisher so I can figure out what I CAN do before the deadline to submit books has come). And while I usually attend DC for fun and writing information, this year I actually put in an application to be a Guest.

Aack! What was I thinking??

Just filling out the application unnerved me. Am I expecting them to pay my transportation there? Or my lodging? (Uhh…no, but heck, wouldn’t THAT be something?) Do I have an assistant I want to accompany me? (While my daughter would love nothing more than to brag about that, I didn’t list anyone.) They cap the Guest spots at 400. I’m sure I’ll be way down at the bottom, added only if they haven’t reached their limit. Heck, I’m not even sure WHAT I would do. I was just kind of looking to be on a panel. And maybe get a special badge! And maybe…you know…get reimbursed my membership fee.

So if I don’t get picked, no biggie. If I do…yeah, that’s when I’ll start freaking out. But hey, I gotta get used to doing the uncomfortable if I hope to have any chance at being a success at this writing thing.

So…are you attending any conventions this year? Let me tell you, I’m so glad I attended them BEFORE I became published. Sure does take some of the stress off, since I’m going in knowing what they’re like.

Stacy

 

Cliff Hangers (**growl**)

Television is famous for cliff hangers. End of season? You can almost put money on it that the show will end wondering what’s to happen next. NCIS ended one year making us watchers wonder if Ducky was killed off! Now I’m finding it in the books I’m reading. Or maybe it’s always been there and I’m just noticing.

I say STOP IT!

I like reading series. I’m okay with one character battling one issue (e.g. Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake series) but prefer a different couple in the same world where previous characters can show up (e.g. Kerrelyn Sparks’ Love at Stake series or J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series). I can understand an over-all storyline not being wrapped up at the end of a book in a series, but the current skirmish should end.

So why the cliff hangers? Are writers (of TV and books) afraid we won’t come back? If the writer makes the story good enough, if the writer makes us care about the characters, then why the heck WOULDN’T we come back?

Make the story strong. Make us care about the characters. Don’t cheat us out of an ending. End the damn story!

I promise that I will never end my book on a cliff hanger. I want you to come back and read the next one because you like my writing.

Okay. End of rant.

So… What’s pissed you off lately?

Have a good weekend. Maybe it’ll get warm.

Stacy

 

Wednesday Reads And a Day Shot to Heck

Yesterday I filed our federal taxes. Took all gosh-darn day! And if H&R Block software didn’t charge $19.99 to file the state tax, I would have filed that, too. At least it’s done, so I only have to insert the numbers into the state e-file form (which is free--go figure!). I’ll be so glad when I can get back into writing. Maybe today??

Anway, here’s what I read during the week:

Mar 12: “Twisted” by Rebecca Zanetti, a paranormal romance novella. Blurb from Goodreads: Maggie is a wolf shifter who was captured and experimented on by the Kurjans. Now that a cure has finally been found for shifters (although not for vampire mates or witches), she can concentrate on creating a new life for herself and finally accepting that her memories are gone forever. Most memories, that is. Sometimes in the hazy world between dreams and dawn, she hears a Scottish voice, dark and deep, that sounds suspiciously like wolf-shifter Terrent Vilks. A man she happened to anger by kidnapping a few years back. Hey, it was for a good cause. Terrent Vilks knows more than he’s let on for the past several years. After digging for answers, he knows exactly why the demons want Maggie dead. And he remembers his past with Maggie…very well. She is finally where he wants her. Now all he has to do is discover what exactly the Kurjans did to her, beat the demons into so much submission they leave her alone, and get her to fall in love with him. Again. Good thing he’s used to wrangling monsters. This series is becoming a “must read” one for me. That, or I was really hungry for a paranormal romance. I gave it 5 stars on Goodreads.

Mar 16. “Fashionably Dead” by Robyn Peterman, a comedic paranormal romance. Blurb from Goodreads: Vampyres don’t exist. They absolutely do not exist. At least I didn’t think they did ‘til I tried to quit smoking and ended up Undead. Who in the hell did I screw over in a former life that my getting healthy equates with dead? Now I’m a Vampyre. Yes, we exist whether we want to or not. However, I have to admit, the perks aren’t bad. My girls no longer jiggle, my ass is higher than a kite and the latest Prada keeps finding its way to my wardrobe. On the downside, I’m stuck with an obscenely profane Guardian Angel who looks like Oprah and a Fairy Fighting Coach who’s teaching me to annihilate like the Terminator. To complicate matters, my libido has increased to Vampyric proportions and my attraction to a hotter than Satan’s underpants killer rogue Vampyre is not only dangerous . . . it’s possibly deadly. For real dead. Permanent death isn’t on my agenda. Avoiding him is my only option. Of course, since he thinks I’m his, it’s easier said than done. Like THAT’S not enough to deal with, all the other Vampyres think I’m some sort of Chosen One. Holy Hell, if I’m in charge of saving an entire race of blood suckers, the Undead are in for one hell of a ride. I labeled it a romance, but there’s no HEA or HFN, so probably more like romantic elements??  And the reason there isn’t any happy ending is because it’s the first in a series, so there’s this huge cliff hanger. I did enjoy the story, though. It started slow, but once Ethan showed up, I became hooked. Hot, hot, hot! I knocked a star off due to that cliff hanger and gave it 4 stars on Goodreads.

 

So...have you filed your taxes? Does it take you all day to do yours, too?

Happy reading!

Stacy

 

Pictures of Santa Barbara--Part III (And a Facebook Event)

On Tuesday, several of us Lyrical authors are hosting an event on Facebook celebrating the relaunching of our books. Well, it's actually a LAUNCH for me, but hey, I'll take what I can. Anyway, if you join the event (link HERE), you could win some stuff. Big prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card. We're only holding it from 7-10pm EDT, so it's not like a whole-day event. Hope to see you there!





Well, since no one said I posted too MANY pictures, here are some more of my trip to Santa Barbara. Oh, and by the way, when we left SB, it was in the mid to high seventies. When we arrived in Dayton, it was 21 and windy. Dang!! At least there wasn't any snow!

 This is Goleta Beach.

During low tide.

View of beach from pier.

Pigeons? Where's the sea gulls? :)

This is Cachuma Lake. It's man-made and 52 feet below normal levels. See all those steps? They should be under water!

Here's one of the few floating porta potties. Kind of neat. And of course our little cruise had to stop at one because one of the little girls couldn't hold it in any longer!

The lake was originally the Santa Ynez River. This road (the old Route 154) used to follow it. Yep, it should be under water!

This is where the water is pumped from the lake and sent to Santa Barbara. It is anticipated the lake will run dry if it doesn't rain in the next two years. Luckily, El Nino is expected to hit in the fall, which calls for...rain. Our guide said one good  rain storm will raise the lake by 32 feet.

I caught a white pelican taking off!

After our Nature Cruise on the lake, we went to Solvang and had dinner. Solvang is a danish town. Unfortunately, I didn't get to the bakery in time. I wanted some dessert, but it closed just as we got there. Figures!

Here's a view from the back of my parents' house. Used to be able to see the ocean from this point, but the houses and trees across the street get in the way of the view.

Here's the front of their house. This is where I lived from 1968-1976 (and then in 1987, when my husband was stationed in Korea). It's such a nice and quiet neighborhood. Pretty, too.

I hope you enjoyed my photos. Makes me warm just seeing them again!

So, you got any plans this Saint Patrick's Day? I'm wearing green and that's about it! Have a good one!

Stacy

Pictures of Santa Barbara--Part II (And my 600th Post!)

600 posts. Who knew I'd last this long? Not me. I'm the person who burns out easily. Loses interest half-way through a project and quits. So the fact I'm still blogging and wrote 5 more books after that first one, is really a shocker to me. I guess it just took the right project to stick with it!

Now on with my pictures, and I know, they're not all of Santa Barbara. Most are of our trip down to LA.

 This is the Santa Barbara Zoo. It's really pretty and the weather was great (again)!!

 And what trip to the zoo isn't complete without seeing a giraffe pee! I just wish I hadn't been standing downwind. PU!

On Tuesday we traveled down to Los Angeles. This is a view of the LaBrea tar pits. Doesn't look all that special, does it?

This is what most of the tar pits look like. Surprisingly, the tar is not hot. But it sure is stinky. And it's actually asphalt that is seeping upward.

Those bubbles are caused from the seepage of tar. The workers there go through a lot of the tar and discover fossils (some many years old--talking 10,000 years, here). The fossils are on display in the museum, which we didn't go through.

Next, we drove up to the Griffith Observatory.

Here's a panoramic shot of LA from the observatory. Kind of a hazy (okay, smoggy) day. But hey, I've seen worse!

Yep, you can see the Hollywood sign from the observatory. We really lucked out with the weather, let me tell you. Sometimes you can't even SEE the mountains!

After the observatory, we drove down to Torrance so my daughter could see Torrance High School (which, bad me, I didn't take a picture of). What's so special about that school? Well...it's the school used on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and my daughter is a huge fan of the show. We made her day!

Our final stop was at the Santa Monica Pier (which is apparently also the end of Route 66).

And this is where we had dinner. I got my magnet, too! Oh, okay, not an actual magnet. They were out (figures). But I bought the keychain that is the same as the magnets. I'll remove the ring and attach a magnet to the back. TaaDaa!

Yesterday we went out to Goleta Beach and today we will go up to Lake Cachuma. I'll get those pictures posted Monday.

Can't believe my vacation is almost over. Boo hoo. I'm not looking forward to the long flight or the cold weather waiting for us. Man, if only I could make a million dollars with my books... Yeah, I know, I better start writing more books!

Hope you enjoy the photos! Am I showing too many, not enough, or just the right amount?

Stacy

Wednesday Reads

I finally got on track with my Goodreads goal. Here’s what I read during the week:

Mar 7: “The Girl and the Raven” by Pauline Gruber, a paranormal young adult novel. Blurb from Goodreads: Sixteen-year-old Lucy Walker just wants a normal life, until she learns she is half-witch, half-demon. Now she's got other problems, like keeping her demon dad from killing her boyfriend, keeping the witches in her life from killing her demon dad, and keeping her non-supernatural friends safe from both sides. All the while she’s desperately searching for the family raven that carries her magical legacy. She's walking a tightrope between good and evil, drawn to both, uncertain which she will ultimately choose. I’m beginning to think I shouldn’t read any more YA books. I gave this 3 stars on Goodreads.

Mar 9: “Dangerous Affairs” by Nina Pierce, three erotic romance novellas (“Blind Her With Bliss,” “Deceive Her With Desire,” and “Cheat Her With Charm”). Blurb from back: Three sisters looking for love. Three men seeking redemption. Three reckless romances that will push each of them into the dangerous world of revenge. I enjoyed reading these stories back-to-back. It was like reading one regular-sized book, with different little stories of each sister, but a continuous story about the family. If not for the wacked out ending in the last, I’d be giving this book top honors, instead it gets 4 stars on Goodreads. Still, it was such a joy to read something I didn’t have to struggle with. 

Had lots of fun yesterday in the Los Angeles area. Should post pictures on Friday. Today I’m taking a break and doing the laundry. Whoo hoo! Fun times!

What fun stuff are you doing today?

Happy reading!

Stacy

 

Pictures of Santa Barbara-Part I

I put Part I in the title, because I'm sure I'll have more pictures to post.

But before I post the pictures I took yesterday, let me show you what it was like at home (as always, if you click on the photo, it will enlarge).

This is a picture of my street on Feb 16. Pretty dreary, huh?

This was a picture of my backyard on March 6th. This portion doesn't get much sunlight, and the temps haven't been very high. I know, it's not as bad as some, but man, I'm just sick of snow!

Yesterday, on Stearns Wharf! Look, no snow!!!

Walk/bike path. I could get used to coming here everyday!

The beach. Yes, that's still California there in the distance (Santa Barbara beaches face south). And that cliff off to the left, just a little downways is the Santa Barbara cemetery (Well, the cemetery is on TOP of the cliff!). My grandmother is buried there.

Here's a panoramic view. Stearns Wharf is from center to right.

I got a little bit of sun. Well, we all did. We planned on going to the Santa Barbara Zoo today, but now we're rethinking that. Might hold off. On Tuesday we plan on going to Santa Monica and Los Angeles. I want to see the LaBrea Tar Pits!!

It's not a given I'll have access to the internet during the day (you know, because I don't have one of THOSE phones--haha!), but I'll check in when I can. 

Where do you wish you could be right now? I'm where I wish! In fact, I think it's going to be real hard leaving this place.

 

Stacy

 

Travel Day

No blogging today. My traveling time begins at 8:00 am and ends around 11:00pm (EST). Hopefully, I’ll get around to blogging on Monday. But if I don’t, just know I’m having a blast in California! J

Because, I mean, how couldn’t I? It’s the land of my birth!

Bye-bye snow! Don’t wait around for me.

Stacy

 

Wednesday Reads and a Trip!

In two days I leave for California. The family and I are going to visit my parents. And while I’m looking forward to seeing them again, I’m almost looking forward to the warmer weather more. Almost. Honest!

I hope to get some extra reading in (and won’t that make for a long blog!). I’m certainly starting to get caught up in my reading goals now. Here’s what I read during the week:

Feb 26: “Ignite Me” by Tahereh Mafi, young adult dystopian, the third and final book of the Shatter Me series. Blurb from book: Nothing will ever be the same. The fate of Omega Point is unknown. Everyone Juliette has ever cared about could be dead. The war could be over before it ever really began. Juliette is the only one standing in The Reestablishment’s way. She knows that if she’s going to survive, The Reestablishment cannot. But to take down The Reestablishment and the man who very nearly killed her, Juliette will need the help of the one person she never thought she could trust: Warner. And as they work together to bring down their enemy, Juliette will discover that everything she thought she new--about Warner, her abilities, and even Adam--was wrong. I suppose it’s a fitting end to the series. I definitely enjoyed the ride. I gave it 4 stars on Goodreads.

Mar 2: “The Promised One” by C.D. Hersh, a paranormal romantic suspense. I won this book in a giveaway from the authors. Blurb from book: In the wrong hands, the Turning Stone ring is a powerful weapon for evil. So, when homicide detective Alexi Jordan discovers her secret society mentor has been murdered and his magic ring stolen, she is forced to use her shape-shifting powers to catch the killer. By doing so, she risks the two most important things in her life--her badge and the man she loves. Rhys Temple always knew his fiery cop partner and would-be-girlfriend, Alexi Jordan, had a few secrets. He considers that part of her charm. But when she changes into a man, he doesn’t find that as charming. He’ll keep her secret to keep her safe, but he’s not certain he can keep up a relationship--professional or personal. Danny Shaw needs cash for the elaborate wedding his fiancée has planned, so he goes on a mugging spree. But when he kills a member of the secret society of Turning Stones, and steals a magic ring that gives him the power to shape shift, Shaw gets more than he bargained for. You’d think with the title this book would be religious, and if I hadn’t met the authors (a husband & wife team) and heard them talk about the story, I would have probably never taken another look at it. Sorry--titles can repel this reader and I’m not one to read religious books. But the story intrigued me. Unfortunately (for me) all sex is behind closed doors. Boo hoo! The story in this book ended, but other events are left open, since this is apparently the first of a series. I liked the story well enough, but I had a lot of nit-picky issues that other people might not even notice (or care), which was enough for me to knock off a star. I gave it 3 stars on Goodreads.

Mar 3: “After Dead” by Charlaine Harris. Blurb from book: Dead Ever After marked the end of the Sookie Stackhouse series--novels that garnered millions of fans and spawned the hit HBO television show True Blood. It also stoked a hunger that will never die…a hunger to know what happened next. With characters arranged alphabetically--from the Ancient Pythoness to Bethany Zanelli--bestselling author Charlaine Harris takes fans into the future of their favorite residents of Bon Temps and environs. You’ll learn how Michele and Jason’s marriage fared, what happened to Sookie’s cousin Hunter, and whether Tara and JB’s twins grew up to be solid citizens. This coda provides the answers to your lingering questions--including details of Sookie’s own happily-ever-after… I kind of expected more from this pricy hardcover. Heck, I couldn’t remember most of the characters listed. Oh well…I’m counting it toward a book read! I gave it 3 stars on Goodreads.

I’m looking forward to my vacation, but dreading it, too. Why? Because I hate to fly. Not the actual flying portion (I love being up high), but the hassle-of-the-airlines portion. That’s why I usually drive. Unfortunately, driving would just take too much time. What about you? Do you prefer to drive or fly?

Happy reading!

Stacy

 

The Start of Another Book?

My aunt and her husband have this blog, Pro Writers Blog, where they give out some good tips on writing. On Friday they had a fun “What if?” writing exercise about beginnings (and hooking readers) that I decided to give it a go. Who knew I could hook myself? This little beginning I wrote now has Maggie clamoring to be heard. 

The “What if?” scenario was this:  It is a café, it is 11:00 p.m., a young woman sits, empty dishes in front of her. Here’s what I came up with (and it took me about 15 minutes):

Maggie blinked her eyes open and grabbed onto the table in front of her as the room came into focus.

What the hell? She was supposed to be in bed, not having a meal at the café down the street. Yet the dirty dishes in front of her indicated as such and she wasn’t wearing her pajamas. Instead she had on a sweater and jeans. Oh shit. That wasn’t a good sign. She placed a hand over her racing heart.

A waiter approached and laid the check on the table. “Ma’am, we’re closing up. You have to leave.”

She grabbed his arm. “What day is it?”

“It’s 11. We’re closing.”

“Not time. Day. Day!”

His eyes widened and he shrugged free. “Friday. The eleventh.”

“The eleventh?” No, that couldn’t be. She’d just lost two days. Two freakin’ days! Shit. What had she done this time?

So, do you think I have the beginnings of another book? You can be honest! 

Stacy