The Joy of … Writing

A memory popped up on my FB page which reminded me how much I love writing, even when books don't go to plan. My editor often sends me the random comment or things like this this (I knew I liked her for a reason). When she sent me this, I'd told I was planning to title Epitaph 7 THE GARDEN and she said this popped into her head. (The story isn't anything like this fabulous So You Think You Can Dance routine, but it is fun to watch!)

Being an author can be a thankless job. These movies - they play out in my head and I don't seem to have a choice but to put them on paper - virtual or otherwise. Sometimes, it's an exercise to clear my head and sometimes I feel like I'm creating magic. Word Alchemy. For all the days I have writer's angst or imposter syndrome, there are times when I finish a project and read what I wrote and am shocked to have been able to create something I can be proud of. Something I enjoy reading. Rediscovering this memory made me smile and reminded me how much fun I had writing the Epitaph series.

I'm starting a new series, which makes me stop to wonder if I'm off the mark with my ideas (an inevitable part of being an author). Will other people be interested in my ideas? When I started the EPITAPH series, I met with an editor for a publisher I was trying to work with who loved the idea, loved the writing, loved the story. She got me all the way to the acquisition meeting before the powers that be told me ghosts wouldn't sell, that vampires were hot. As much as I've enjoyed vampire stories (the original Dracula is still one of my favorite books), that wasn't my sweet spot. I'd reached the end of the road with that publisher. Several years and seven ghost books later, I have no regrets sticking to my vision. 

So what's next? I've returned to the beginning. On my very first web page, I posed the question, "Imagine if you will..." (NOT an actual Rod Serling quote, although it's often attributed to him) "...a world of possibilities. Déjà vu. That dream you had last night is suddenly playing out during your waking hours. Have you ever had a moment when you were struck by the feeling there was more to what you see? Hearing a voice that you recognize, but you’ve never met that person. Seeing a shadow that no one else does, something just out of line of sight and you just know who/what it is."

The new series I'm envisioning is called "Suddenly Psychic," in which the main characters experience these unusual moments and aren't sure what to make of them. When such a moment redirects their lives. Sort of a return to The Twilight Zone, or Night Gallery, or One Step Beyond. Into the world of my imagination.

In the meantime, you can help support a struggling author by buying her books 😁 In case you're wondering what to buy an author for Christmas. I have two books you might enjoy this holiday season - MIST ON THE MEADOW, a sexy romance with paranormal elements, and WHILE WE WERE SHOPPING, a sweet "Hallmark" style romance that's a bit more fluffy. In newly released audio, you can listen to THE MIRROR, and coming in February, just in time for Valentines Day, is BREAKING THE MOLD, a romance set in the fictional town of Hoffman Grove, and a new addition to the family of friends.

My December newsletter will be going out this week, so make sure you're signed up to get a cookie idea and a book recommendation, along with a chance to win a copy of the new audiobook.