My guest today is Allison Pearl, author of the romantic suspense “Love and Danger in St. Claire” series. Allison, I’ve enjoyed reading Glazed Suspicion. I especially liked the characters you created and the small town setting. Thank you for joining me today. I’m excited to introduce you to my readers.
Let’s get started by telling us a little bit about yourself.
I’m way more boring than my books. I’m a bit of a country girl who has lived in a lot of different places. But no matter where I am, I tend to be doing the same things: reading and playing with my pets.
What is your series about?
My ‘Love and Danger in St. Claire’ series is a collection of stories about the folks living in a small Pennsylvania town that has a few secrets buried underneath its country charm.
Were there any surprises that came up as you wrote your story?
Well… I’m not much of a planner or brain-stormer. I think of an idea, sit down and see what happens. So, to me, even the next sentence is a surprise.
How did you come up with the names of your hero and/or heroine?
When choosing names, I always focus on syllables and what names will sound kind of sing-song-ish together. Do I want a one to one syllable ratio, two to two, or a mix? Then, I just plug different names into the rhythm as I’m writing and hope they stick.
Are you a plotter or a panster?
I wish I was a plotter, but the word ‘Outline’ is not in my vocabulary.The words ‘caffeine, deadline, and all-nighter’ replaced it a long time ago.
Do you reward yourself when a book is finished?
I reward myself when I finish a sentence. It’s a problem. Not for my books but for my waistline. I always snack when I write. My favorite writing snack is puppy chow. At least, that’s what I call it. I think in stores it’s called Muddy Buddies.
If you didn’t write books, what would you do for a living?
I’ve always wanted to own a used bookstore. I love recommending books to people and I love those cool little things about used books. Like notes in the margin, signatures on the front page, and old library stamps. All those little pieces of someone else’s history make the books so special.
Share your favorite excerpt from your book:
I love the back and forth between Josh and his sister, Lizzy, and this excerpt is a good example of that:
Nikki had disappeared upstairs. He thought he’d heard her crying as she fled. Lizzy stood by the staircase, gripping one of the white spindles. When she turned and glared at him, her jaw clenched. “Let me see. Nikki running upstairs upset after you say something stupid? Hmm… ” She tapped her bottom lip. “I think we’ve been here before, haven’t we, Joshie?”
What’s next for you as an author?
I think I’ll be living in this series for the near future. There’s still a lot of unanswered questions and hurtles the characters need to overcome. Look out for Book 3, Sprinkled with Sabotage, coming out in October.
Where can readers find you online?
To keep in touch and get updates on new releases follow my Facebook page ‘Books by Pearl’ at www.facebook.com/allisonnicolepearl/ or follow me on Twitter at @AllisonPearl5 and Instagram at @allisonnicolepearl.
Book three in the series, Sprinkled with Sabotage, will be released in October.
Today my guest is Julie Arnold, author of the Christian romantic suspense novel, Nothing Ventured. Her book is set in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. As a Michigander myself, it is one of my favorite vacation spots. I’m so glad to have you join me today, Julie.
Let’s start by telling us a little bit about yourself.
I love indulging in romantic suspense whenever I get a chance. I’m a married mom of three, and I teach French in an all-girls private school. I’ve been a runner since I was thirteen, and Hallmark movies and milk chocolate are my guilty pleasures 🙂
What is Nothing Ventured about?
When Maizey’s fiancé dumps her one month before the wedding, she decides her life needs a reboot. But when mysterious threats put her life in danger, handsome business rival Jax Lawson runs to her rescue. Only trouble is…Sometimes your knight in shining armor is the one you can’t trust…
What was the inspiration behind the setting?
My grandparents, who are Canadian, retired in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I have great memories from my teenage years, romping around on their eighty acres and sleeping up in the loft bedroom with my sister and cousins. My character Maizey’s house is the exact replica of Grandma and Grandpa’s house. Writing this story gave me the chance to relive some great memories in the wilds of the U.P.
What was the catalyst for your interest in writing?
I love to get lost in a story, whether I’m reading it or writing it. Fiction has always been my favorite escape. Novels allow me to live inside the minds of fascinating characters, visit faraway places or charming hometowns, and rejoice in heartwarming happily-ever-afters. I’ve always known I wanted to be a part of that world, even since I wrote my first story at seven years old.
Do you have a day job? If so, how do you find time in your day to write?
I’m a full-time French teacher at an all-girls college preparatory school. I absolutely love my day job, because my students are the BEST and I love teaching them French, another passion of mine. I’m also the mother of three young children, so yes, writing time is scarce. I carve out time by avoiding other responsibilities, such as dusting my house, LOL. In all seriousness, I do sacrifice a great deal of down-time in order to write. I hardly watch TV, chat on the phone, or troll social media. My “me time” is dedicated to my writing.
Do you reward yourself when a book is finished?
My reward is hours of editing!
No, seriously, getting to spend time with my “imaginary friends” (my characters) is my reward. When I complete a manuscript, I always experience a twinge of sadness. Like I’m breaking up with a boyfriend I still really love. I feel accomplishment and loss simultaneously, because I get really attached to my characters. Thank goodness for book series!
Who was your favorite character to create?
Nothing Ventured‘s heroine, Maizey. She’s the perfect balance of strong and fragile, like so many of us women. She’s smart and talented, but doubts herself sometimes. I relate to her humanness, her insecurities, and I also admire her courage and pluck in tackling those insecurities. My favorite character is one I can both admire and relate to.
Who was the first person you allowed to read your completed book?
My husband, Daniel. He’s always my beta reader. He’s a lawyer and a bit of a gear head, so he lets me know if my work contains any legal or vehicular inaccuracies. He also helps me pick out my characters’ cars.
Do you have a favorite author or book?
I really admire Denise Hunter and Colleen Coble. Denise Hunter creates sweet, heart-melting romances that linger in your mind long after you’ve read the last page. And Colleen Coble finds that perfect balance between love and suspense that keeps your heart racing. Love all their books!
Share your favorite excerpt from your book:
“Dance with me,” Jax murmured, his lips brushing over her skin.
Dance with Jax? No, no, no! Her coordination was roughly on par with a swarm of mayflies blowing arbitrarily into people’s vinyl siding.
“Um…”
“C’mon, Maizey.” He chuckled at her gawkiness. “I promise I’ll return you just how I found you.”
“Thanks, but no.”
He gave her a look that could charm a grizzly bear. “Is it the dancing thing, or the ‘with me’ thing?”
She sighed. “I am the worst dancer on the planet. And with the added complication of high heels, I would be falling all over you.”
“Maizey, I’ve held on to twelve-foot trees in tree shakers with icy wind and snow pelting me in the face. I think I can handle a little slip of a girl in heels.”
Hoo, boy. She was jumpier than a crooked politician before a senate investigation committee. What if she danced with Jax and didn’t like it? What if she danced with Jax and liked it?
My guest today is Kara Leigh Miller, author of Young Adult fiction. She is joining me to talk about her new book, Perfectly Imperfect. Kara, thank you for being my guest today.
Let’s start bytelling us a little bit aboutyourself.
My name is Kara Leigh Miller. I’m a wife and stay at home mom to 4 kids, 3 pit bulls, and 6 cats. I’m also the Editorial Director for Anaiah Press. When I’m not herding my family, I’m writing, reading, going to the gym, and playing Monster Busters on my phone. I write young adult books for both the Christian and secular market.
What is Perfectly Imperfect about?
As Isabelle Carson’s life spirals out of control and her carefully crafted, picture-perfect image begins to shatter, Grayson Alexander does what no one else can: he makes her laugh and allows her to be imperfect. With rekindled faith, Isabelle sets out to right all the wrongs in her life. But Grayson has been damaged by his own family secrets, and Isabelle will have to decide if the boy she’s falling for more and more each day is a right or a wrong.
Are you a night owl or morning person?
I always used to be a night owl, but the older I get, the more I like mornings. When everyone is still asleep and the house is quiet, I tend to write the most words. It’s very peaceful, and I always feel more productive when I start my day early.
Do you reward yourself when a book is finished? If so, what is your favorite treat?
Not when I finish writing a book, but when a book is published, I always celebrate, usually by going to dinner with my husband. I love a nice steak dinner from Texas Roadhouse, or alfredo from Olive Garden.
What book do you wish you would have written?
The Twilight Saga. This is my favorite series of all time because it’s just so simple, and despite its inherent problems, it’s an epic love story. I’m actually working on a young adult paranormal series right now that’s an homage to Twilight.
Are you a plotter or a panster?
I’m a hardcore panster. I cannot plot a book, because once I do, I feel like I’ve already told the story, so I lose the ambition to write it. Not to mention, when I plot and then the story strays from what I have planned, I become extremely frustrated. I have to let the characters lead the story, and it’s so much fun to experience what happens as it’s happening.
What does your family think of your writing?
My husband doesn’t really care that much about it. LOL. He knows it brings me joy, so he’s supportive. But my kids love it. They’re always telling their friends that their mom is an author and sharing my website. Oh, and they love to direct people to my Twitter because they think it’s cool I have so many followers.
Are you part of a writing group?
I used to be when I lived in New York—it was a small but really amazing group, and I miss them. There’s not much in the way of writing groups where I live now, unless I want to drive 45 minutes one way to get to a meeting. I do have a small group of friends online, though, that I trust to read and critique my work.
Who was the first person you allowed to read your completed book?
My close writing friend, Kat Daemon. She’s usually always the first person I send my work to. She’s honest in telling me what things I need to fix, but she’s always uplifting and gentle.
Do you experience writer’s block? What do you do to get through it?
Sometimes, and when I do, I tend to work out. Exercise always gets my creative juices flowing. I also binge watch TV shows and read a lot. And when all that fails, I start throwing ideas out to my writing friends and try to talk through what’s blocking me.
Please share your favorite excerpt from your book.
I have so many favorite scenes from this book, but the one that seems to really stand out to my beta readers—and my editor—is the scene where Isabelle and Grayson are in the arcade. Here’s a sneak peek at it…
Grayson…
I follow her into the arcade, and other than a couple of younger kids playing a basketball game, the place is empty. I pull a twenty out of my wallet and feed it into the token machine; then I divide the tokens equally between us.
“So, what game do you want to lose first?” I ask.
“Well, considering you’re going to be the loser, you pick.”
She’s smart, funny, beautiful, and she’s competitive, too? Is there anything about this girl that isn’t perfect for me?
“All right. That one.” I point to a motorcycle racing game.
“That’s not fair. I’ve never driven a motorcycle. You have.”
“I’ll give you a lesson before we start. Deal?”
Isabelle narrows her eyes as if trying to figure out if I’m lying or trying to trick her.
“Okay. Deal.”
The game is set up so there are two bikes contained within a dome structure. She climbs on one and drops two tokens into the slots to get the game started.
“Scoot forward.” I motion with my hands for her to move. When she does, I swing my leg over the seat and settle in behind her. These bikes are intended for only one person, so there’s not much room.
She chooses one player, and the game starts. I place my hands over hers on the handlebars. Her hands are softer than I expected.
“This button makes you go, and this one makes you stop,” I explain.
Nodding, she pushes the button to go, and on the screen, the bike lurches. She yelps and slams on the brake button.
I laugh. “It’s just a game, Belle. Relax.”
She twists her head to look at me. “I guess just Belle is better than Belle the Bible Thumper.”
“Then, from now on, you’re just Belle.” I grin.
Her gaze drops to my mouth, but then she quickly turns her attention back to the game. “All right, so what am I supposed to do on this stupid game?”
I blow out a breath, but my heart is still racing so hard and fast, I’m convinced she can feel it. “The trick is to find your center of gravity and use it. Sitting upright puts you off balance. Lean forward.” I gently push her forward until she’s in the right position.
“Good.” I once again cover her hands with mine. “Now, press the go button.”
She does, and the bike on the screen takes off quickly down the straight road. Ahead, a curve looms. I don’t say anything because I want to see what she’ll do. She cranks the handlebars to the right, and the bike wipes out. I laugh, and she playfully elbows me.
“What did I do wrong?” she asks.
“You’re driving like it’s a car. It’s not. You need to use your body.”
She continues the game, and this time, when she approaches the curve, I move my hands to her waist. I have no business touching her at all, let alone like this, but I can’t deny how nice it feels.
“Lean into the turn,” I say, guiding her body to the right. “And then straighten.”
She does exactly as I say, and she maneuvers the turn like a pro. I watch over her shoulder while she continues the race. This close, the scent of her floral perfume wraps around me, and I inhale deeply.
The race ends, and she comes in sixth place. She straightens, bringing her back flush to my chest. “Good job, just Belle.”
She gathers her hair and drapes it over her right shoulder then twists her head to the left so we’re face to face. “Thanks for the lesson.”
“You’re welcome.” My voice cracks, and I momentarily freeze at our proximity. My gaze lingers on her mouth, my thoughts consumed with kissing her. “You’re a fast learner.”
“Well, you’re a good teacher.” She smiles.
I feign shock. “Is that a compliment?”
“Nope.” She laughs.
“Of course not. Want another practice run?”
“No, I think I got it.”
“You sure?” I raise a brow.
She hesitates and rubs her palms on her jeans, grazing her hand over mine, and I instinctively tighten my grip on her. Her sharp intake of breath sets my heart racing.
“I got this,” she says.
“All right. Your loss.” Reluctantly, I get off her bike and climb onto the other one.
Isabelle scoots back and wiggles on the seat like she’s trying to get comfortable. She’s got a boyfriend. She’s got a boyfriend. She’s got a boyfriend… I focus on getting the gamestarted. She beats me off the starting line, but I quickly and easily pass her. I’m in thezone, hyper focused and determined to win. But then there’s a tap on my rear wheel, andI spin out of control. Isabelle zooms past me.
I glance over, and she’s giggling like crazy.
“You’re such a cheater,” I say.
She laughs harder. A moment later, she crosses the finish line—in first place. She pumps her fists and lets out a victorious whoop. I shake my head, but I can’t stop smiling.
Even if she did cheat to win, I don’t care. Seeing her like this—face flushed, eyes sparkling, hair a mess, and happy—is so much better than winning any game.
Thanks again for joining me today, Kara.Where can readers go to find out more about your and your books?
My guest today is Sara Beth Williams, author of the contemporary Christian romance When Hearts Collide. Sara Beth, I’ve read your book and I really enjoyed it. The characters and their struggles were very real. I’m so glad to have you here with me today to talk about your books.
Let’s start by telling us a little bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in California. I’m married, with two sweet girls, an old lady pit, and a spunky pom-shi tzu. I love writing, reading, playing guitar, and being with my family. I love California, and much of the experiences I’ve had of traveling all over California as a child and a teen somehow end up in my books!
What is your book about?
When Hearts Collide is my debut novel and tells the story of college student Lacey Bennett who wants nothing more than to forget everything about her tragic past. In doing so, she has shut herself off from a relationship with God. Enter Jacob Mathews – an irresistible, mysterious ex con who turns her life, and her perspective on faith, upside down.
What book do you wish you would have written?
The Out of Time series by Nadine Brandes. It’s a Christian Dystopian Speculative Fiction series of three novels chronicling the harrowing journey of a girl caught in between a dying, impoverished world on one side of a 1000 foot wall, and the high-tech, surprisingly free-spirited world on the other side.
It was SO much fun to read. I wish I could have written or could write dystopian novels. Maybe some day. But while I enjoy reading YA novels I rather enjoy writing for adults. Though my books are currently in a ‘cross-over’ genre called New Adult so I suppose I write for both ages? A lot of adults like to read YA anyway. #NAlove!
Were there any surprises that came up as you wrote your story?
When I began writing When Hearts Collide, I did NOT plan to write a series. I only wistfully hoped I could. But a series was not even in the forefront of my mind until about halfway through the first Manuscript, when I began to really dig deep into all of the characters that were sprouting out of the first story line. 3/4 of the way through my Manuscript, I began to sit and draft storylines for other characters. I actually worked on books 2 and 3 simultaneously and I wrote most of book 3 (to release in 2021) FIRST, before I actually finished book 2. I even contemplated swapping the timelines, but ultimately decided I liked the timelines the way they were.
Who was your favorite character to create?
For some odd reason, male characters tend to come to me the easiest. I have no idea why… their back stories seem to come together seamlessly. For Jay, I had come up with his back story a decade prior to even writing the whole manuscript. Lacey was fun to write because I infused some of my personality into her, but I don’t particularly want to write about who I am. Rather, I want to challenge myself and create different, unique characters that reflect all the billions of different lives that roam the earth. Crafting Jay’s character, for me, was both challenging and intriguing, and taught me a great deal.
Are you a plotter or a panster?
I am both. I enjoy plotting a little – just to give myself a reference point, a map of where to take my story line. Also plotting has helped me determine the ending to my stories because for some reasons that’s the most difficult part lol. But to quote Pirates of the Caribbean “the code is more what you’d call “guidelines” than actual rules.”
Which is why I consider myself a hybrid. I love free-writing. I love the spontaneous plot that develops, the spontaneous dialogue that surprises me; the spontaneous direction in which my characters may tangent. Even if I end up redirecting them, it is still most freeing and it also reveals to me their true character’s nature, which I can then use to continue to craft them throughout the rest of the story. The longer in which I write non-stop, the more story ideas flow. I have to have at least 2 to 4 hours of non-stop writing to really get into a groove.
Who was the first person you allowed to read your completed book?
My mom was always the first person to read my stories before she passed away. So she was the first to read When Hearts Collide. I miss having her read my stories. But I’ve been lucky enough to find some lovely critique partners since then!
Are you part of a writing group?
I am finally, finally apart of a critique group. It takes a while to find a good one. Before this year, I had various friends and authors beta read and critique, but hadn’t joined a group. At the end of December, my author friend Tabitha created the Book Dragon Critique group and I am excited to be a part of it!
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Share your favorite excerpt from your book:
From Chapter 3 – Lacey and Jay are at a game night and Jay inexplicably leaves to find solace in the backyard. Lacey follows. This picks up halfway through some of their conversation.
He laughed, a deep and resounding sound inviting her to laugh along with him. If she could have recorded his laugh and listened to it over again, she would have.
“What’s so funny?” She bumped his shoulder with hers.
His hand accidentally brushed against her arm, sending new shivers through her body.
“You can’t always judge a man by the way he looks on the outside,” he said in a low, sobered voice. Then he rested his palm on her bare skin. “You’re shaking.”
The raw heat of his large, rough hand seemed to warm the entire right side of her body. When he dropped his hand and stood, the chill of the air chased away the heat. “Where are you going?”
“I’ll be right back.” His shadow moved through the darkness. That bright light flicked on again, throwing long shadows over the corner of the yard. Thanks, neighbor.
She waited there a minute, rubbing her arms. Even though they’d only been sitting next to each other, without his warmth, the chill in the air intensified. At least they lived in Sacramento and not the mountains. Although, now that she thought about it, being with him among snow-covered mountains sounded romantic.
She wasn’t sure she could take the cold much longer. She rose and strolled back toward the patio door. As she rounded the corner, he reappeared in front of her.
“Here.” He handed her one of her padded jackets. The shiny, deep maroon fabric glinted in the light flooding over the fence. She pulled each arm through and zipped it up. “Better?” he asked.
“Yes, thank you.” She pulled the collar tight around her neck and buried her hands inside the pockets. He walked back toward the cluster of patio chairs; she followed. “How did you know which one was mine?”
“I figured Joel wouldn’t be caught dead in that color.”
She laughed again.
“And it has that special cut only made for a woman.” The way he described the silhouette of her jacket sent her heart skittering, as if he were describing her actual figure rather than the jacket itself. “So…” he said. “I haven’t seen you at church. Have you gone to college group before?”
Oh, no, here we go. “I don’t do church.” She kept her explanation simple. “Joel is my brother. We split the rent here.” Well, more like he pays three fourths. “Anyway, I was supposed to go out with a friend tonight, but she canceled on me.”
“I’m sorry to hear that… I mean, that you don’t do church.” He sounded so sincere. She waited for him to ask her why she didn’t, but he never did. “I didn’t go for a long time, either,” he said instead. “Matt introduced me, and I couldn’t help but be drawn to the power of God’s love and forgiveness.”
She resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “That’s great, but I just don’t have the time.” She wanted to let him down easy. She was in no mood to go into all the reasons why she despised church and God and all the things God did or didn’t do, or the power God had or didn’t have.
He moved toward her. “You don’t have to explain yourself.” Just by taking two steps closer, his body heat enveloped her.
Her heart raced, for more than one reason. Desperate to change the subject, she cleared her throat. “I have a question…” He tilted his head slightly down, brown irises probing hers. “I know you and Tara have a class together. And you go to church together, too, I assume, right? That’s why you’re here tonight?” He nodded once. “Are you two dating or something?”
The corners of his mouth lifted. A few curls fell over his forehead as he shook his head.
“No.”
“No?” She exhaled and grinned. “I just wanted to make sure…” She bit her tongue and forced herself to keep her feelings to herself. She wasn’t generally so forward with guys.
He continued to stare at her expectantly. “Okay?”
The wail of a siren pierced the air. Jay audibly sucked in a breath and spun to face the house. Lacey followed his gaze.
What’s next for you as an author?
My next book, (shh I haven’t announced the title yet) is set to release in February or March 2021. It’s the story of characters Matt and Tara, who appear in both my first and second novels. If you want to know more, you’ll have to come visit me on the Friends of Anaiah Press group for some fun and games and a SNEAK PEAK at my 3rd book’s pitch
A reckless mistake landed Jay Mathews behind bars as a teen. His inescapable guilt led him to God. Focusing on serving the God who redeemed him and getting his life in order, the last thing Jay wants is a girlfriend. Until he meets Lacey Bennett. Burying a past she’d like nothing more than to forget, college and theater are Lacey’s only goals; falling for the one type of guy she swore to avoid—a Christian—is nowhere on her radar.
As their relationship deepens, past secrets collide, threatening to shatter the love they’d built. Can they learn to trust and forgive? Or is there relationship fractured beyond repair?
Don’t miss the second book in the series, A Worthy Heart.
My guest today is Christina Sinisi, author of the novella, Christmas Confusion. Christina, thank you for joining me today. I read your novella and really liked the story and characters.
Let’s start by telling us a little bit about yourself:
First, thank you so much, Carol, for having me on your blog! I’m a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, I write stories about families, both the broken and blessed. My works include a semi-finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest and the American Title IV Contest where I appeared in the top ten in the Romantic Times magazine. By day, I am a psychology professor and lives in the LowCountry of South Carolina with my husband and two children and l Iove a good cooking challenge!
What is your book about?
In The Christmas Confusion, high school sweethearts Tiffany Marano and Nick Walsh are reunited after years apart and sparks fly. But not the happy glittering kind, because each of them thinks the other responsible for their estrangement. Before they can work it out, though, Tiffany’s sister disappears. Left with custody of her niece and forced to work with new police detective Nick to find her sister, old feelings begin to resurface. As they start to unravel the truths that left them confused and apart for too long, Nick must learn to let go of his past. But can Tiffany let go of her fear and learn to trust that God isn’t the only one who won’t abandon her?
What is the inspiration behind your story?
On June 9, I saw a call for Christmas novellas on the American Christian Fiction Writer’s email loop. The novellas were due at the end of the month and I saw a challenge. Then, I had to come up with a story–and one particular young lady at my church, whose faith has been an inspiration to me–came to mind. Then, while she was the start, the story took on a life all its own. Plus, I got it done in those next two and a half weeks–challenge met.
What was the catalyst for your interest in writing?
This is my first book to be published. I’ve actually been writing my whole life–poems starting in 3rd grade, a play in 5th grade, and my first (awful) novel in 8th grade. I’ve had poems and short stories, essays and articles published before, but this is my first book. As far as my interest in writing, it’s just in me.
Do you have a day job? If so, how do you find time in your day to write?
Yes, I’m a psychology professor. As a full-time, tenured professor, I now have a lot of flexibility in my hours. Before the virus, I scheduled my classes on MWF so I had time in the mornings to write. Even when that’s not possible, I somehow squeeze it in, even if not every day. When I don’t write and then I do find time, the words just pour out as if they had been dammed up inside.
Are you a night owl or morning person?
Morning. My husband’s a very late night person so there’s a very small gap of time when there’s not someone up in our house–burglars beware.
Do you reward yourself when a book is finished?
If so, what is your favorite treat? I love going out to fancy restaurants–the shrimp and grits here in Charleston, South Carolina is amazing. If you haven’t visited down here, you really should.
Were there any surprises that came up as you wrote your story?
I think stories are part character-driven, part plot, and part they all take over. It’s wonderful when your characters come alive. I truly had no idea how much I’d fall in love with Tiffany’s niece.
Are you part of a writing group?
I am a charter member of the American Christian Fiction Writers–LowCountry chapter here in Charleston. We literally just started this January. So far, they’re a wonderful group–so supportive! I highly encourage any would-be writers to find a group and learn from each other–we have instruction, critiques, and share each other’s triumphs.
Share your favorite excerpt from your book:
Someone had stolen her black heels. That was the only explanation. Tiffany Marano had checked her bedroom closet—where they belonged—that’s where she’d left them. Now, she was working her way through the cavernous hall closet, which seemed to contain half the items she’d been missing. But not her shoes. If this closet didn’t produce results, then she’d have to bend down in this skirt and search under the couch, a very bad idea.
The Santa ornament wearing beach shorts and flip flops randomly started singing about an island Christmas. She groaned. The volume seemed permanently set on annoy the neighbors– the last thing she needed was for them to complain about the noise again.
“I don’t have time for this.” Tiffany raced down the hallway and grabbed Santa off her miniature Christmas tree. She slid across the bare pine floor in her stocking-clad feet and flailed her arms. By some small miracle, she grabbed a wall to stop her forward progress.
After a deep breath of relief, and a few more seconds of auditory torture by a Christmas recording, Tiffany crept down the hall, trying to avoid another wipeout. She stepped on one of her niece, Haley’s, hair barrettes. “Ouch, ouch,” she whisper-shouted, hopping like a crazy woman. Thunk. Her forehead made contact with the open guest bedroom door. She closed her eyes against the pain. For a few minutes, she gripped the door frame with one hand and her head with the other. Santa reached the chorus.
Haley stood at the end of the hall, eyes open wide. “Aunt Tiffy, are you okay?”
Tiffany faked a nod and made her way into the living room. Hurrying, she clapped a hand over Santa’s tiny little mouth. She glanced at her niece, who was also without shoes, as if the lack was contagious. “Haley, I thought you were dressed. If we don’t hurry, we’re going to be late for church.”
“Yes, ma’am.” The girl giggled and ran down the hall, skating in her socks on purpose.
Tiffany tried not to laugh, because moving hurt her head. She stuffed the Santa in her pocket, walked into the bathroom, and switched on the lights. She contemplated the red mark on her forehead in the mirror. “Great,” she whispered. “That’s going to bruise.”
Not good. In less than an hour, if she made it out of this apartment alive, she would need all the energy she could get to teach an energetic bunch of preschoolers about Jesus. Every parent would see the evidence of her klutziness one more time. “Oh, well.” She leaned forward so her dirty blonde bangs covered the angry welt. “I am who I am.”
She shoved Santa in the linen closet between two monogrammed towels, and found her shoes by the tub.
Inspirational Author 