Time to Emerge

Spring is a time of new life as seeds burst out of their shells and emerge from the ground, sprouting green stems and colorful flowers... until the crazy weather freezes them out with a last cold snap! But they survive. Spring is rough, but full of hope! Similar to writing.

via GIPHY

The Book Garden
by Lee White

Those shiny new ideas and characters tease us into starting the buds of a fresh story. But so much else goes into our writing. Just like a garden, we have to nourish it and water it, weaving in a back story and details without drowning it. Though our characters face tortuous weeds of catastrophe and storms of emotions, we help them grow and overcome their struggles--the weeds are cast out, and the storms pass. All our hard work eventually pays off with a beautiful garden of an MS in the summer. But the work isn't done. As autumn approaches, we call on our friends to help with the harvest: editing, publishing, and promoting.

Writing may feel like a lonely tulip struggling to survive the harsh ups and downs of Spring, but we aren't alone. We all go through the same blocks, dry spells, and time constraints. That's why I love the IWSG. It keeps me going. You all keep me going. Thank you!

Now, here are a few Updates:

• It's been great to hear feedback from readers about CONDUCTION. The cliffhanger ending is enticing them to want more and making me eager to get into the sequel, MAGNETRON (a taste of the first chapter is included in CONDUCTION)
• In the meantime, I was struck with a new idea. It's a murder mystery with a twist. I've always wanted to try one. It's very exciting as the ideas keep coming, for now...
• And lastly, I wanted to write a poem about my crazy puppies for the Wergle-Flomp humor poetry contest. April Fools! - the deadline was April 1st and I didn't make it. I'd still like to finish it and was happy to be inspired to write it!

Hold on! I have a lovely new book announcement!

A QUICK TEST: Quick Tale #4

by Patricia Josephine Lynne

Aliens

Outer Space

Experiments

These mysteries fascinate our minds.

Explore the unknown in this exciting collection of tales. Each story is told in exactly 200 words and designed to stimulate your brain no matter how busy your day is.

THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE.

Available on Amazon

Patricia J.L. is too creative for her own good. A paranormal and fantasy junkee, she loves to craft fantasy and paranormal stories about vampires, mermaids, angels, demons, zombies, and other mythical creatures. Aliens might even appear in her stories. No matter what mythical beast you crave. Patricia  has a fantasy for every imagination.

When she’s not lost writing in fantasy worlds, she relaxes with knitting, drawing and art, and jigsaw puzzles. And of course, good paranormal fantasy books. Patricia J.L. currently lives with her husband in Upper Michigan. One day, they both hope to have enough pets to resemble a petting zoo. (Until then, can she pet your cat or dog?)

Follow her to discover new worlds...

Newsletter  ::  X/Twitter  ::  Pinterest  ::  Blue Sky

Keep the words blooming!

The Holidays are Exhausting!

I'm a little late posting for IWSG today... but I'm happy I made it! I'm keeping up with my holiday to do list by the skin of my teeth. And it's draining my energy! I hope you are getting the most out of these shorter days and fitting in time for you as you search for gifts and stocking stuffers and prepare for company or travel. I'm very excited to see my boys as they continue their adventures through life.

One great thing about the holidays is they always bring out stories--reminiscing over fond memories and creating new ones. Do you ever get inspired to write a holiday story? What are your favorite books and movies to enjoy at this time of year? Harry Potter is one of my holiday faves in addition to some fun Christmas specials. And I love relaxing with the family under the glow of the tree as we watch together.

Though I haven't had much time to write lately, I am very excited to be a part of a Christmas anthology with a short story about my Pop Travel main characters, Cooper & Geri that I wrote this summer.

MAGICK & MISTLETOE

by Dragon Soul Press

my contribution...

A Cold Case for Christmas

by Tara Tyler

Though Geri is a tough FBI Agent, she's nervous about going home with Cooper for the holidays to meet his parents. When she arrives, her trepidation is magnified by a cloud of mystery hanging over the  cozy, old farmhouse that no one wants to talk about. She vows to fight back her urge to investigate so she can make a good impression, especially for the beloved, spooky, and judgmental cat. But as the clues pile up, her nagging need to uncover the truth might spoil everything.

Pre-Order Now!

Available Dec 20

I'm excited to read the rest of them!

I hope your holidays are warm and cuddly and full of magical moments!

via GIPHY

Recharged!

Welcome to another edition of the IWSG - where fellow writers share their hopes and woes and highs and lows. I want to thank everyone who stopped by last month when I was a co-host. It was great to visit around and receive feedback!

So, how has your writing been lately? If you are on a roll, BRAVO! But if you've lost your motivation lately, I feel you. 2020 was like a mini-Armageddon! Everyone felt ramifications from the loss and loneliness. Some are still recovering. It took me two years to find inspiration to write again. I thought I was done. I tried a couple of events, but had no luck selling. I was really low and didn't think there was a point. 

But the writing bug was still in my system. So I went back to the beginning. I started with some poetry then dusted off some short stories. I decided I would write for myself and self-publish or query if it felt right. I ended up finishing my Pop Travel Christmas mystery starring Geri and...

I have exciting news! My story was accepted into an anthology!

I've always wanted to do a Christmas anthology. And I have to thank The Warrior Muse, Shannon Lawrence for pointing out this opportunity. Shannon lists loads of sites looking for submissions. I definitely recommend subscribing to her!

The name of the anthology is MAGICK AND MISTLETOE, the publisher, Dragon Soul Press.

Everything fell together with this one. While I was finishing the story, I started my search for submissions, but didn't have high hopes since it was already 12000 words. But then I found MAGICK AND MISTLETOE ready to accept any genre up to 15000 words! Yay! I submitted a week before the deadline, and only a few days after they started reading submissions, I got an offer. Double Yay! I'm so excited!

Here's my mock up cover to go with the blurb:

A COLD CASE FOR CHRISTMAS

While trying to make a good first impression on Cooper's parents over Christmas, Geri discovers a mystery to solve, keeping her sane while she's under all that pressure--especially from the cat! 

So the moral of the IWSG story this month is: Don't Give Up!

Life will throw tons of obstacles at us, emotionally and physically. It's okay to take a break from writing to deal with whatever pops up or whatever self-doubt lingers. But things tend to turn around and lead you to what you need and what will make you happy. Don't give up!

Sailing...takes me away!

How's your SUMMER READING going? Love having a little extra reading time! And today, I'm excited to share another review with you...

I give you the first novel in a fun cozy mystery series...

MURDER AT THE MARINA

by Ellen Jacobson

Mollie McGhie is hoping for diamonds for her tenth wedding anniversary. Instead, her clueless hubby presents her with a rundown boat. She's not impressed.

When she discovers someone murdered on board, things get even worse. Mollie hopes it will convince her husband to rethink his hare-brained scheme of sailing off into the sunset. Instead, he's more determined than ever to fix the boat up and set off to sea.

Poking her nose in where it doesn't belong, Mollie finds herself drawn into the tight-knit community living at Palm Tree Marina in Coconut Cove, a small town on the Florida coast. She uncovers a crime ring dealing in stolen marine equipment, eats way too many chocolate bars, adopts a cat, and learns far more about sailing than she ever wanted to.

Will Mollie be able to discover who the murderer is before her nosiness gets her killed?

Amazon ~~~ Goodreads

My Review...

Sailing, Murder, and Chocolate!

Murder at the Marina was a fun, quirky mystery set in a cozy sailing community where Mollie never expected to find herself. With a pocketbook full of sweets and an intuitive feline helper, Mollie leads us on a hilarious hunt for a killer with a motive and more chocolate. I was left guessing who the murderer could be right up to the end. Looking forward to Mollie's next mysterious misadventure!

Welcome to a Murder, Just Because

Yolanda Renee is a great encourager of other writers and full of advice on the details of writing a good Murder Mystery... So glad to have her here today to support her latest release: MURDER, JUST BECAUSE!

Here's a little Q & A to tell you a little more about Yolanda's book, writing, and life...

1.  Tell us about Murder, Just Because. Who is Stowy Jenkins?

Murder, Just Because takes place ten years after The Snowman is caught and imprisoned. The Snowman escapes, and revenge is his goal, especially against Detective Steven Quaid, the man who put him in prison.

Stowy Jenkins is a former resident of West Virginia, a computer graphic designer who lives with his mother. He is charismatic, intelligent, and highly motivated. Stowy Jenkins is evil at its worst.

2.  What does literary success look like to you?

When I think of literary success, I see Margaret Mitchell. She only wrote one book, but it was a fantastic piece of literature, despite political correctness. Her book is a gift to the world. To have her dedication to perfection, even if I only wrote one book, would be ideal.

3.  Tell us about the book you’re working on now.

A Passion for Murder is the sixth book in the Detective Quaid series. I’m returning to the plot where the killer/antagonist is unknown. He/she will be one of the characters, but their identity will not be released until the end. I’m a bit used up when it comes to allowing the antagonist too much reign. My goal is to add more humor and less horror.

4.  What is your favorite season, and why?

Spring! The season of rebirth, love, hope, and magnificent colors. It’s also my birth month, and my name, Renee, means rebirth.

5.  What’s the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen?

The aurora borealis. I used to fall asleep at night watching the northern lights dance across the Alaskan sky. Words could never express the beauty.

Thank you, Tara, for hosting me today on your blog and for highlighting my book, Murder, Just Because. It’s a fun escape from the world around us.

MURDER, JUST BECAUSE Blog Tour
through MC Book Tours.

Rookie detective Steven Quaid’s reputation as an elite investigator skyrocketed when he captured one of the most sadistic serial killers in Alaskan history: Stowy Jenkins, AKA the Snowman. Some said it was beginner's luck. And that was ten years ago.

Now, Jenkins is back. Escaped from prison and on the move, his bloodlust is stronger than ever, and his methods of torture are even more horrifying than before. As his maniacal rampage continues and the number of mutilated bodies mounts, terrified Alaskans increasingly doubt Quaid’s ability to catch the killer again. Not only is his reputation is on the line, this time, Jenkins is out for revenge…

In a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, Jenkins picks off the people in Quaid’s life…slowly, gradually tightening his circle of corpses and drawing ever closer to the most important person in Quaid’s life...his wife. Can Quaid do the impossible again? Can he outmaneuver the killer, or has the detective's luck finally run out?

About the Author...

Author Yolanda Renee

At one time Alaska called to me, and I answered. I learned to sleep under the midnight sun, survive in below zero temperatures, and hike the Mountain Ranges. I’ve traveled from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, and the memories are some of my most valued. The wonders, mysteries and incredible beauty that is Alaska has never left me and thus now influences my writing.

Despite my adventurous spirit, I achieved my educational goals, married, and I have two handsome sons. Writing is now my focus, my newest adventure!

For more on Yolanda and her writing, connect with her here:

Blog    *     Facebook     *     Twitter     *     Pinterest    

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

This tour-wide giveaway is for a complete set of the Detective Quaid Mystery series books for one winner, paperback copies of MURDER, JUST BECAUSE for five winners, and a Kindle copy of MURDER, JUST BECAUSE for 10 winners.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. If the widget doesn’t show up, just click HERE and you’ll be directed to the widget.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to follow Yolanda on her week-long tour HERE. You never know what you might find out. Do you enjoy watching a character grow from one story to the next?

a Rafflecopter giveaway