MONDAY MUSINGS—MY MAGPIE MIND

All my life I've been a Magpie collecting shiny bits of information and storing them. As a little kid those ideas played out in drawings or illustrated stories—like a comic book. Sometimes those ideas just created a world in my brain and played. Other times the ideas were used as pretend adventures to be played out by my brothers and I. When I brought my brothers into the story they embellished and fleshed out the ideas and we had days of fun with the results.

Wonder what's going on over there?

Where many people would see a pretty piece of landscape, my mind would react to the beauty visually but then it would gallop off into storylines of hidden people and animals living there. The shadow between two trees would become a door into another world. One place we lived had a honeysuckle caves in the woods with paths moving between them and they were fun to explore physically. Some of them were quite large and big enough to, with a little work, create living quarters. Mentally, in my imagination, this is where all sorts of interesting creatures lived—faeries lived there, you see, or the people who were magic and could turn into animals. I was playing paranormal shapeshifter games long before it became a genre. But those tunnels and caves became paths to different worlds and people.

Ah, that's the perfect shade of green...how do I get it 

home? Wait, was that a mermaid I just saw? No, maybe a 

lady with 

a sword? 

My mind has always worked like this. Even today, when I take a walk there is a part of my mind that sees stories and snippets of adventures. Granted, the ideas aren't in the forefront of my mind like they were as a preteen or teen but they’re still there. Many times those places I've walked or things I've observed in my walks will play out some adventure, later, in my dreams. To me it’s normal and I thought everyone had that moving video in their head, lol!

As I got older I started writing down some of those vivid dreams. I have notebooks of ideas and snippets of scenes I've written. When I got my computer I would store those outlines, ideas, scenes in a writing file. My writing files are quite large and filled with fascinating, to me, research on things I've seen in dreams or just thought about.  I’m inquisitive about many things and my files reflect that curiosity.

My inner magpie is a collector of lots of shiny ideas and some of them have made it to a basic story outline, others have not. I say outline but its more like a paragraph of storyline and some character sketches and maybe glimpses of the world I’m playing in. Any teacher would raise an eyebrow at my use of the term, outline, but it works for me. When I go beyond flashes of ideas

and create a basic storyline it moves from my writing file to it’s own file and my magpie flies around collecting more shiny bits of  research to add to it.

Yep, I have a curious magpie mind. J

How about you? How do you collect your story
ideas. 

Do you write down ideas and file them or let them ping around your mind for awhile?

Wednesday: I have the incomparable Kathryne Kennedy sharing her new book and her very cute puppy with us.

MEET JENNIFER WALKUP

Today’s writer rarely has the perfect time and place to write.  For most, it’s a matter of carving out the necessary time while taking care of their responsibilities to family and job. It’s a tough juggling act. 

My guest, Jennifer Walkup, talks about some things that have helped her stay on track and overcome the negatives.

• How do you juggle working and family obligations with your writing career?

This is a tough one! I have a job, two young kids, a husband, a dog and a house. Plus I freelance edit for a few publishers and a literary magazine. I’m pretty good at multitasking but there is still only so much time. There are some things I won’t cut corners on - like family time with my husband and kids – but other things I have no problem slacking off on. I’m looking at you, housework! Ha! I’m not saying I completely ignore it, but there may be a few more weeds in my garden and a bit more dust in my house than there should be.

Many of us working mom types think we can do it all, but throw writing into the mix and it becomes literally impossible to get it all done. The sooner I let go of getting it ALL done, the better I felt. In other words: don’t sweat the small stuff! 

• What does your writing day look like?

Unfortunately, I don’t have a typical writing day. Being a mom to two young boys, my day is often upside down and backwards. Between that and working, I sneak in writing where I can. I try to write every night when the kids go to sleep, and can usually fit in a few hours. I’m a much more efficient writer early in the day, however, so when I can sneak in some morning writing hours, I’m a happy girl! 

• How do you handle negatives?

I try really hard not to let them bring me down. I’d like to say I don’t read reviews – I know some authors don’t – but I’m not that strong. I read them from time to time. When a reader doesn't agree with (or downright doesn't like) something about my book, I try not to absorb it. And it mostly works. Not every book is for everyone. And that’s okay! It’s just like when we writers are querying agents and submitting to editors and publishers. Not every agent or editor is going to love our work. Same with readers. As long as I’m entertaining some readers, I take it as a win! 

• How has associating with other writers helped you?

In all my years of writing and trying to get published, the writing community has helped me more than anything else in the world!

I have learned so much from fellow writers about the craft itself. Without the writing community I never would have gotten my manuscripts in shape to try and publish, and certainly never would have gotten published. The writing community is amazing – supportive, understanding and after all these years, filled with wonderful friends. Love my myriad critique partners and writing buddies! 

• What do you still struggle with as an author?

Everything! Ha, it’s funny, but true! Every single novel I write has its set of challenges. And every single story, every new character has the same approach. Is this interesting? Is this real enough? Will this grab the reader? Will this bore people? Will they like this character? Hate this character? Will this keep them guessing enough? All the fears I've had since book one are still the same. 

Now it’s a little scarier, actually. Since Second Verse came out, I've had people emailing to ask: “I loved your book! When’s the sequel?” It’s amazing feedback and it makes me feel great! But I’m terrified too. What if the sequel doesn't deliver? What if these readers don’t love it as much? So those fears, I think, they are always there. The key is channeling that into productivity, which I am slowly but surely learning how to do. 

• Second Verse is a ghost story—a bit dark and definitely on the scary side—with a rich portion of romance stirred in. What inspired this series or characters?

Second Verse is a mystery/thriller with paranormal elements. Not one bit of the story was inspired by anything in real life. Like most writers, I have a huge imagination and like many, I get inspired by seemingly innocuous things that cross my path. The inspiration for Second Verse was one of those instances. To make a long story short, it was inspired by the 30^th anniversary of a famous musician’s death. The whole story can be found on my site. 

• I’m always curious to see how people respond to the question of personal heroes. Who is your real life hero? Why?

My real life hero is my oldest son. He’s 7 years old and is the strongest, bravest boy I know. He was diagnosed with epilepsy a few years ago and even though things aren't always easy for him, he works so hard at everything he does and deals with so much that I wish he didn't have to. But he takes it all in stride and just keeps going. 

On that note, this would be a good time to mention that I’m donating a portion of all book sales in November to fund epilepsy research in honor of Epilepsy Awareness Month. 

So if you are interested in my book or know someone who’d like one as a holiday gift, if you purchase this month, part of the sale will go to epilepsy research!

Thanks so much for having me on OVER COFFEE today! I really appreciated getting to hang out here and chat with your readers!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

BUY: AMAZON, B&N, INDIEBOUND

Bad things come in threes. In Shady Springs, that includes murder.

Murder Now
Lange Crawford's move to Shady Springs, Pennsylvania, lands her a group of awesome friends, a major crush on songwriter Vaughn, and life in a haunted, 200-year-old farmhouse. It also brings The Hunt: an infamous murder mystery festival where students solve a fake, gruesome murder scheme during the week of Halloween. Well, supposedly fake.  

Murder Then
Weeks before The Hunt, Lange and her friends hold a séance in the farmhouse's eerie barn. When a voice rushes through, whispering haunting words that only she and Vaughn can hear, Lange realizes it's begging for help. The mysterious voice leads Lange and Vaughn to uncover letters and photos left behind by a murdered girl, Ginny, and they become obsessed with her story and the horrifying threats that led to her murder.  

Murder Yet to Come
But someone doesn't like their snooping, and Lange and Vaughn begin receiving the same threats that Ginny once did. The mysterious words from the barn become crucial to figuring out Ginny's past and discovering how their own past is connected to hers. They must work fast to uncover the truth or risk finding out if history really does repeat itself. Excerpt

                                                                                                                                                         

When Jennifer Walkup isn't writing or reading, she’s spending time with her husband and young sons, listening to Red Hot Chili Peppers, and coming up with costume ideas for Halloween. She’s obsessed with good coffee and new recipes and likes broccoli on her pizza, flowers in her hair, flip-flops on her feet, and the number 13. A member of SCBWI and RWA, Jennifer also serves as fiction editor for The Meadowland Review and teaches creative writing at The Writers Circle. Second Verse is her first novel. 

You can find Jennifer: Website, Blog, Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter.

ANNE CLEELAND —RECHARGING HER CREATIVITY

~My apologies for the late posting. Blogger did not follow scheduling directions.~ 

My guest is historical/mystery author, Anne Cleeland. Anne writes a good story with some intriguing twists. The story may be Regency in setting but the story is anything but predictable! 

She discusses a few things about her and offers some good advice about unleashing creativity—dive right and let it flow. 

• Why this genre instead of another? What excites you about this genre? 

            I've always loved historicals, and the Regency era in particular.  I think it stems from the Jane Austen/Georgette Heyer/Stephanie Laurens stories that are so enjoyable—partly because the setting provides an immediate tension; young women in society had to operate under strict rules, while love and longing simmered just beneath the surface.  Remember how in Pride and Prejudice, Lizzie changes her mind about Darcy but she’s fretting because she’s not allowed to tell him?  Or how shocked everybody was in Sense and Sensibility because Marianne was writing letters to a man she wasn't engaged to?   There’s something almost chivalric about the love affairs, and I think that’s very appealing in a fairy-tale sort of way.

            Meanwhile, while tea was decorously sipped in formal drawing rooms, the world was in absolute turmoil.  I use this contrast in Daughter of the God-King; the heroine has lived a protected and uneventful life until the world intrudes and she is suddenly swept up in dire events.   Much of the story takes place in Egypt, because it was during the Regency era that the treasures of Egypt—locked away for centuries—were finally unearthed for everyone to see.  Egypt is romantic and mysterious at the same time, and the setting is perfect for an adventure story.  

• How important is belonging to a writing group, such as RWA, to an aspiring or published author?

            To those of you who are thinking about writing your own book, I strongly encourage you to find a writing group of similarly-minded souls. I joined RWA after I wandered in one day to hear an author speak, and kept going back month after month—the combined knowledge and experience in the room was priceless, and everyone was amazingly supportive and helpful.   It’s no easy thing to write a book, and you’ll find all kinds of encouragement and practical advice on the how-tos.  And I think this industry more than most is built on networking and contacts—so go out and find your fellow pre-published authors; you’ll make lifetime friendships and have a lot of fun while you are embarking on your new hobby and/or career. 

• How do you refresh and recharge yourself so you can continue writing? 

            It’s the strangest thing—the day I decided to sit at the laptop and bang out the stake-out scene in Murder in Thrall I started a new obsession.  Now, I’d rather be writing than doing just about anything else, and I think most other writers know exactly what I’m talking about—it even takes up my reading time, which is something I never thought would happen, since I love to read. 

            Sometime my best ideas come when I’m tired after a long day and I think that I’ll just do a few edits on the last chapter.  The idea for the big twist in Daughter of the God-King came to me in such a way—late at night when I was trying to get to bed.  (As a reader, I love being surprised and so all my stories have at least one big, shocking twist.)

            Sometimes the ideas come when I’m not thinking about anything in particular—walking the dog is the perfect example.  So I suppose my answer to this question is vice-versa:  it’s the writing that refreshes and recharges me for everything else I have to handle in day-to-day living.  Again, to those of you who are considering it, my advice is to dive right in—don’t worry about the logistics until later. You’ll be surprised and amazed by your own creativity.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

BUY: AMAZON, B&N, BAM, INDIEBOUND

The Cursed Tombs of Egypt Hold Many Secrets...

Miss Hattie Blackhouse has never been close to her parents...and no wonder, since the Blackhouses are renowned scholars who spend most of their time excavating ancient tombs in Egypt. But news of their disappearance forces Hattie to leave England and embark on a voyage that will reveal the long-buried secrets of her past.

An encrypted senet board and a gold medallion lead Hattie on a perilous quest to track down her missing parents—and discover why people associated with the Blackhouses continue to turn up dead. What she uncovers is a secret that could alter the course of history... 

Excerpt (chapter one)

Filled with intrigue, romance, and ancient secrets, Anne Cleeland's thrilling novel takes you on an unforgettable Egyptian adventure.

                                                                                                                                      

Anne Cleeland holds a degree in English from UCLA as well as a degree in law from Pepperdine University, and is a member of the California State Bar.

She writes a historical fiction series set in the Regency period as well as a contemporary mystery series set in New Scotland Yard. A member of the Historical Novel Society and Mystery Writers of America, she lives in California and has four children. 

A WRITER'S THANKSGIVING LIST

It's my pleasure to have romance author, Amanda Forester, again visiting with us Over Coffee. I like her list. :-)

Thank you for inviting me today!  November is a great month for thanksgiving so I thought I'd share (in no particular order of importance) my Writer's Thanksgiving List!

1.      Writers groups.  I am grateful for Romance Writers of America and my local writers groups.  When I started writing, I knew nothing about writing a novel and the business of publishing so I had a steep learning curve.  Through the monthly magazine, online groups, and conferences I have learned a lot!

2.      A good chair.  Never underestimate the importance of a good ergonomic chair if your tushy is going to spend hours sitting in it - your back will thank you!  A close second is my split ergonomic keyboard. 

3.      Scrivener. I have enjoyed the Scrivener writing program which allows me to easily

Miles, author stress reliever

rearrange scenes as I go and has sections for character descriptions and even a section for research, which is so important for historical authors.

4.      Editorial.  It is still amazing to me that I can send in a manuscript that I think is near perfect and then go several rounds of edits followed by a sea of red ink copy edits.  My editor, Deb Werksman, and the editorial team at Sourcebooks make me look good!
5.      Barbara!  My agent, Barbara Poelle, takes care of details before I even understand them, has an inflated sense of my worth, and is a huge cheerleader!

6.      Chocolate.  What writer doesn't run on chocolate? Around this time of year I'm a sucker for chocolate peppermint bark and the classic chocolate orange.

7.      Miles the Cat.  When I get stuck or frustrated with a story, my extra large Persian says, "don't worry, pet me!"

 

Crazy Daisy, author editorial assistant (those plot points
weren't really necessary to the story).

  8.  Whiteboard.  When I get stuck I break out the colored whiteboard pens.  My storyboard may end up looking like a preschool project, but it works for me.

  9.  Crazy Daisy and the kidlets.  I would get stuck writing all day until my head hit the keyboard if my crazy puppy and equally rambunctious children didn't drag me out to play.

  10. My loving husband. My hubby is not only the inspiration for romance, but also tells me those four magic words, "I'll do the dishes."  Thanks honey!

So what are you thankful for?  Comment for a chance to win a copy of Midsummer Bride!

Thanks so much for inviting me.  I hope a little Midsummer Bride will warm your hearts this holiday season!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

I'm thrilled to share my latest release, Midsummer Bride, Regency Marriage Mart series

One Unconventional American Heiress Can Be Even Wilder Than the Highlands...

Miss Harriet Burton, a horrendously rich American heiress, laughs too loud, states her opinion directly, and even conducts science experiments. Her aristocratic grandfather is desperate to get her respectably wed and is offering a king's ransom to anyone able to arrange a suitable marriage that comes with a title. In contrast, Harriet is interested in science and avoiding matrimony – until she meets Duncan Maclachlan, Earl of Thornton. 

Thornton has sworn to never marry for money, but is drawn to the irrepressible Harriet. What begins as friendship, and a desire to prevent his castle from being destroyed by some chemistry experiments gone wrong, sparks into a reaction that threatens to consume them both.

EXCERPT

BUY:  Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Chapters | Powells

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

I love to hear from readers so come visit me at my website, facebook, or twitter.

Amanda Forester holds a PhD in psychology and worked for many years in academia before discovering that writing historical romance was decidedly more fun. Whether in the rugged Highlands of medieval Scotland or the decadent ballrooms of Regency England, her novels offer fast-paced adventures filled with wit, intrigue, and romance.

MONDAYS MUSING—SUNSHINE AND WRITING

The last few days have been beautiful and warm. Lots of golden sunshine this weekend.  NaNo or no, the idea of sitting in my office at the computer has been an anathema to me. I spend over thirty hours a week sitting at that blasted computer and that’s just for work. I probably spend another twenty dealing with blogging—probably more. So, while I have been writing I've chosen to savor the sunshine  this weekend and spent quite a bit of time outside (especially with our first snow in a matter of days, sigh) and took the time to relax and rest. It’s been grand.

I have been having fun with my NaNo story. It’s been in my head for sometime. I've researched and gotten the feel of the world. It wasn't my intention to write it as a NaNo entry and given my current schedule, I wasn't even planning on taking part this year. However, many in my writing group (I've mentioned them before and we've been together for over six years), do the NaNo every year. Let me say, moaning about my schedule cuts no ice with them, lol! So, with a strong boot in the ass encouragement from them; I’m in.

Realistically, I doubt I will get 50k done in November but I will get a substantial amount done which is what I need to do. It will also get me back into taking the time to write fiction daily and buying out the time I have—usually early morning—to add to the story. It does help me stay on track knowing others are doing the same. It gives incentive to keep going even when I get stuck, like I am right now. I put that section aside and am working on another scene while my mind mulls over the other section. Of course at the rate I’m going I might hit 50k by Christmas. J

Are you doing NaNo this year? How’s it going?

Guests this week:

Wednesday:  Historical romance author, Amanda Forester. Midsummer Bride Love is one experiment this scientist hasn't tested
Friday: Anne Cleeland, Daughter of the God-King In the dark, mysterious tombs of Cairo, a thrilling puzzle awaits to be discovered

ANNE ELIZABETH ON ROMANCE, COMICS, AND HEROES

My guest is romance author, Anne Elizabeth. Anne, welcome to Over Coffee! 

You write both for adults, such as the sexy action packed story, Once A Seal, and for teens. I found it interesting that you also write graphic novels. 

How did your Pulse of Power comic world come to be?

• It was created when I was in high school. I wrote several short stories as part of an assignment and [the stories] continued to grow through college and graduate school. Now the series is blooming with the main storyline and off-shoot journeys.

How has being published changed your life? In what ways?

• Being published has changed my life in many ways. I find myself walking around with a constant writing track in my head. It was happening before my books were released, but now there is direction and purpose and the words come faster. I also find I need to be attentive to how I write and what I’m working on. It’s hard to dial-out when the day is done, but it’s important to me to be present in my marriage and personal life. No wants a mate or friend that’s only half-there. Being whole is monumentally important.

What’s a hobby you enjoy?

• I hike, mountain bike, kayak, swim, volunteer for the California Parks, and do a multitude of outdoor sports. It’s fun to get my inner-athlete excited and I like to bring that love to sports and activities into my writing.

Does a hobby play into your writing?

• My hero and heroine are into the outdoors. They are engaged in their environment, which is also very typical of individuals living in Southern California. People spend a lot of time outdoors.

What temptation do you wish you could resist?

• Chocolate. I cannot decide if it’s evil or angelic.

Who is your real life hero and why?

• My real-life hero is my husband. He’s a retired Navy SEAL who continues to contribute to the community and teaches what he’s learned to others. His humbleness and thoughtfulness are two attributes that awe me, and that true kindness inspires me to face each day with joy in my heart.

What’s the last thing that made you laugh?

• I just watched an episode of The Neighbors. The Weavers were a BLT sandwich (Seriously, they were dressed as parts of a sandwich) and that image is seared into my brain. Anything that has aliens and/or humor is something I’m going to watch, read or collect.

What’s the last time you stopped and reflected and realized you’re happy just where you are?

• I like to hike. Oftentimes, I will sit and meditate or commune with the world around me. It was during one of these experiences I realized how blessed and grateful I am. 

If they made a movie of your life, what would it look like? What genre would it be? 

• If a movie could be made out of my life, I’d like to be animated. My characters from my PULSE OF POWER comic book world would be there and they’d be participating as well as narrating it. Everyone would concentrate on having fun and the only hard moments would be teachable moments and they would resonate with the audience. The ending would be a happily-ever-after and it would bring peace everywhere, national fiscal solutions, and solve world-hunger, too. Hey...a writer can dream. :)

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why there?

• In Hawaii. My husband and I feel very connected to Oahu. The sand, the surf, the rhythm...it’s very peaceful.

                                                                                                                                                     

ONCE A SEAL

A Hero of Her Own

What woman hasn't dreamed of what it would be like to marry a Navy SEAL? Dan McCullum is everything Aria has ever imagined—sweet, strong, and sexy as hell. She just never expected how tough the SEAL life would be. Dan could be gone at a moment's notice and not allowed to tell her where he's going or when he'll be back.

Dan has never backed down from a challenge in his life. But this one is his hardest yet. How does he balance his duty to his country with a soul-deep love for Aria? It's going to require patience, ingenuity, and some of the hottest homecomings he can dream up. Because for him, this isn't a fling: this is forever...

EXCERPT (Chapter 1 Sourcebooks)
BUY: Amazon, B&N, INDIEBOUND

                                                                                                                                                        

Anne Elizabeth is an award winning romance author, the creator of the teen PULSE OF POWER comic book series, and the Columnist on Comics, Manga, and Graphics Novels for RT BOOK REVIEWS magazine. With a BS in Business and MS in Communications from Boston University, she is a regular presenter at the RT Book Lovers Convention as well as a member of the Authors Guild and Romance Writers of America. Her published credits include stories with Atria/Simon & Schuster, Highland Press, Dynamite Entertainment, Sea Lion Books, Bravo Zulu Studios, LLC, and Sourcebooks, Inc. She grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut, and now lives in the mountains above San Diego with her husband, a retired Navy SEAL. In her free time, she is also a serious Amelia Earhart who is always on the hunt for a new adventure. Catch AE on the Web at AnneElizabeth.net.

Yolanda Renée—A GLAMOROUS LIFE

I asked Sia what topic she wanted for this post and this is what she suggested:  

"Remember they don’t see us in our ratty jammies, torn jeans, growling and cursing at everything, or with no makeup, and our hair looking like a herd of horses ran through it. Thank God for that, right? They see you as your author pic shows you and the online personality you've developed.
 "To your readers you’re a glamorous author. Okay, quit laughing," she wrote. 

I was laughing, because glamorous means exciting and desirable and my life is anything but exciting or desirable.

A framed picture from
Sia's office

I live in an old house in constant need of repair, go barefoot in the summer, and wear socks, sometimes several pairs, all winter. And yes, I write in my nightgown. Sometimes I'm so caught up in the process, it's afternoon when a knock at the door reminds me I'm half naked, still have bed head, and have forgotten to eat! Almost daily, I pick up socks from the living room floor, a discarded pair of jeans from a kitchen chair, and underwear from the most curious of places. My hubby has a habit of shedding clothes as soon as he walks in the door, and since I love him, I don't nag, at least not any more. He has to deal with my writing moods, and that's an even exchange for sure.

Just recently, I helped my son take an air conditioner out of his window and capture stinkbugs by the dozens as they sought the warmth of our house for shelter and hibernation. The word yuck, doesn't describe the chasing down of the little buggers or the smell if you accidentally touch them, and don't even consider smashing them. Their odor is almost worse than a skunks. We captured them in empty plastic bottles, where they suffocate in their own bouquet. Getting rid of stinkbugs is a horrid job and one that gives me the heebie-jeebies, simply because bugs are just so, so gross!

Does any of that sound exciting or desirable? Yet many folks see it all another way. I did too, once, after all authors are revered, not as much a rock stars or some movie stars (if you measure it by screaming hordes of fans) but they do appear as guests on television talk shows, act as consultants on movie shoots,  and the more successful ones have bank accounts in the millions. The pinnacle of success, money in the bank, and while it's a dream we all share, it's a vision few of us will achieve.

I'll bet the life of most writers is not far from mine. Therefore, while the life of a few of the most successful authors may be glamorous, most of us are just regular folk.

Although occasionally, something cool does happen, and it touches the ego, right where a writers ego needs to be touched. Just this week I handed a very nice lady my business card and a bookmark for my most recent release. I asked to speak to the manager, and told her about my book, and that I wanted to arrange a book signing. She gushed, and I do mean gush.

"Oh my gosh, you're an author. Really! It's so exciting to meet an author."

And I'm like, "It's so nice to meet someone who thinks so." I laughed, but it was.

At our favorite restaurant the other night, the cashier says to me. "Are you that book lady?"

So for me, in between scrubbing toilets, dusting, vacuuming, and laundry, I keep trying to convince folks that I've written a book they can't live without, therefore, while glamour would be nice, it's certainly not reality!

I'll know I've arrived the day I can hire someone else to do the mundane for me! I know, keep dreaming, but if all I get from my glamorous writing life is to be known as that book lady, I'll take it!

Well folks, that pretty much describes the glamorous life of this writer, what about you, what glamorous tale of success, or ego boost, can you share?


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

BUY:  AMAZON, B&N, KOBO

MEMORIES OF MURDER

Decades ago, the seeds were planted...

Today, dark, fathomless eyes rake the image before him. One final task and the transformation is complete. Steady fingers screw intricately carved horns on each side of a stiff brow, and a gargoyle suitable for Notre Dame scowls from the smoky mirror in satisfaction. A jagged smile rips through his smooth, hairless face, and inked, reptilian scales caress his naked body. A laugh of hideous resonance emanates from his gut as the demons of hell welcome Lucifer into their fold. 

In a dungeon-like chamber, his Lilith awaits. The kidnapped daughter of a nun, groomed to fit the final piece in the complex puzzle for world domination. Will Lucifer marry his bride, on the summer solstice?

Only two things stand in his way. His greed... ...and Detective Steven Quaid.  
EXCERPT

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Yolanda Renée really wanted to be a drummer, or a racecar driver. Obviously she's neither, but they are on her bucket list, that, and owning her very own fire breathing dragon!

Renée claims to have always loved books, and that it was through books that she escaped and experienced all the things she'd only been able to dream about. Through the stories, the characters, and the places created by talented authors, such as Caroline Keene, Margaret Mitchell, and Stephen King. She now reads K J Larsen , Jennifer Hillier, Joanie McDonell, J D Robb, and well, pretty much everyone and anyone who gets their words in front of her! SHE LOVES BOOKS!

Renée says she's always been a writer, and that making things up gets her through the day - a crazy imagination is a good thing - right?

An adventurous spirit took Yolanda Renée to Alaska where she hiked the Brooks Range, traveled from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, and learned to sleep under the midnight sun.

She claims her vivid imagination as a blessing, a habit, a hobby, a calling and sometimes a curse.

Renée now resides in Central Pennsylvania with her husband, two sons, and Boston terrier, Patches.

You can find Yolanda:

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