Thursday Excerpt from Escape Affinities Book 1 - Janet Lane Walters #MFRWAuthor #BWLAuthor #Fantasy #YA

A flash of lightning brightened the sleeping chamber. Ash woke with a start and burrowed into the pillows. The scent of trouble rode the air currents that threaded through the open window slats. Her heart thudded in her chest. Like the beating of a giant’s club against a massive drum, thunder sounded. Again, lightning flashed and cast green, red, white and blue slashes across the sky.
     The air held no threat of rain. ‘Twas like the heat storms of summer, unnatural at this time of year, for the waning days of autumn marked the season.
     Ash calmed her racing thoughts and tasted the air, for that was her element. A frown formed within and without. From the land beyond the four walls of the henge, she caught the odors of fires, animals and men. From inside the keep, there was little except the aromas of her parents and siblings.   
     Something was wrong. Where were those who served the Dom and Doma of Wesren? Ash propped herself against the pillows. If she had her younger brother’s affinity for things of earth, she could read the stones of the ancient tower and know what had passed while she slept. Where were the men servants and maids? ‘Twas as though the henge had been abandoned by those who lived within the four walls.
     The chamber door creaked. Ash froze until a familiar scent reached her. “Mama, what’s wrong?”
     The Doma Calanda slipped across the room and sat on the bed. “Ashlea, still your thoughts.”
     Ash struggled to obey the sharp command. Her mother seldom spoke this way. “Why?”
    “Thoughts travel on the wind and may be read by those who wish us ill.” She grasped Ash’s hand.      “Dress in your warmest clothes. As soon as you’ve finished, go to the inner room.”
     The urgency in her mother’s voice raised fear. “What’s happening?”
     “We’ve been betrayed. An army surrounds the henge. Your father and I believe the secret of the openings in the walls is known by those who seek to force us to use our powers for their ends.”
     “Who has done this? Do I know the enemy’s smell? Have I seen his face?”
     “Several years ago, your father’s step-brother came to the henge. He’s one of those who stand against us.”
     Ash thought about her step-uncle. His face slipped into her thoughts. Prince Zedron had brought gifts for her and her siblings. He’d seemed nice, but she had a vague memory of hearing voices—his and her parents’—raised in argument.
     Why would he want to destroy the henge? When Papa had shown affinities for the elements, he’d given up his claim to Wesren. Zedron of the House Wesren had been named prince. As well as being papa’s step-brother, they were distant cousins.
     Ash grasped her mother’s hand. “Why did he send the army here? Doesn’t he know what you and Papa do?”
     “He doesn’t believe or care. Greed, envy and a lust to rule where once four henges held the land in balance drive him. He doesn’t act alone. Your father and I fear he’s aided by one of the Doms.”
     “Kin?”

Wednesday Words from the Villain from Code Blue #MFRWHooks #BWLAuthor #Villain #Medical #Suspense

Join the authors at #MFRWHooks here    http://mfrwbookhooks.blogspot.com  for some great excerpts. Mine is from Code Blue and Features the villain.

Blurb:

In the medical suspense Code Blue by Janet Lane Walters, published by Books We Love and previously published as Obsessions, nurse Susan finds the body of the hospital’s “gossip queen” in the orthopedic storage room. She doesn’t realize this is the first of a series of murders involving her colleagues or that her life is in danger. She is a widow and is exploring a new romantic relationship that promises love but she fears the man she is falling for is as controlling as her dead husband. The arrival of courtship gifts, at first, seen as innocuous soon takes on a sinister note.

Reviews

This book kept me on edge from the first page to the last. Several times I just 'knew' I'd figured out who the killer was, but each time, there was a bit of doubt there until the very last paragraph! I highly recommend this book. 4 Stars (Excellent!)"--Tracie's Book Reviews by Kathy's Faves and Raves

"A series of murders, suspense, action, a tad of love makes OBSESSIONS an intriguing tale designed to mystify your mind. If you love mysteries, you'll love Janet Lane Walters newest release. 4 Stars!"--Just Views

"Fast-paced mainstream novel ... Walters plots carefully, each scene constructed to perfection. For readers who enjoy being terrified, this is an author to turn to for entertainment. She tells all, while managing to create paranoia among the characters."--Affaire de Coeur

Excerpts:
1.

He stood in the shadows just beyond the brightly-lit Emergency Room entrance. She was here. A series of quickly inhaled breaths brought a feeling of euphoria. He caught his lower lip between his teeth and savored visions of what was to come.

He felt the softness of her skin and of his fists pummeling her body. Susan would be with Mommy and he would be free. There would be no one to scold him for doing the things that made him feel so powerful and so strong.

He slapped his jacket pocket and growled. No hard piece of metal pressed against his hip. Susan was here. What had he done? He had planned this event so carefully but somehow, he had forgotten a vital piece of the plan. He pulled off his gloves and shoved his hands into his pockets.

What would he do now? He rocked from his heels to his toes. It had to be tonight. He couldn't wait.

The glow of anticipation faded. He struggled to renew the fire.

Susan was like Mommy. Until he closed her eyes, he couldn't act. Before he had a chance to make those people pay for what they had done to Mommy she had to die. He knew she would tell on him.

"I'll never leave you. They'll have to kill me first."

"Mommy, don't leave me."

2.

He checked his watch. Twenty minutes of his vigil remained. Since ten-thirty, he had waited in his car on the lower tier of the parking lot across from the hospital. Last night, he had realized he knew so little about Susan. He had to discover more. In less than an hour, he would know where she lived. The knowledge would help him make new plans so she would be like Mommy.

A smile formed. Had Susan liked the chocolates he had left at the desk for her? Had she put a piece in her mouth and rolled her tongue over the candy to savor the flavor? Mommy liked chocolates. Had Susan guessed he had left them to show her he had been bad.

Ten minutes and counting. Would Susan be on time? Her sporty white sedan waited on the second tier.

Time crept. Waiting made him restless. He turned the key in the ignition. The gentle rumbling of the engine soothed his ragged emotions. Hurry. Hurry. He chewed the inside of his lower lip and stared at the digital clock.

Rather than the numbers, he saw Susan. She opened the door of a house just like the one where he lived with Mommy. A white satin nightgown clung to her slender body. Her smile made him shiver with delight. Would she touch him and send heat to the private parts of his body? Her face became Mommy's. He smiled.

At eleven thirty, the sound of slamming car doors and the roar of engines woke him from his reverie. Lights from Susan's car cut through the darkness. Blood pulsed in his veins.

Her car passed his parking space. He switched on the lights and pulled into line behind her. Then keeping enough distance to prevent recognition, he followed her.

On the highway, her speed remained at a steady fifty-five. When she exited, his hand hovered over the horn. Someone should warn her about the danger of not using turn signals. He could have lost her and that would have made him angry. Mommy always tried to keep him happy. Why had Susan forgotten the rule?

Her car made a series of turns along streets where Victorian houses mingled with those of more recent vintage. He inched closer. Five turns later, the white sedan pulled into the driveway of a large gray house tucked behind a high yew hedge. After circling the block, he parked across the street, stared down the dark driveway and noted the pattern of lights on one side of the house. A second car was parked near Susan's.

Did Susan live alone? Who owned the car? Some widows took in boarders. Mommy had. She had believed the presence of a man provided safety. He was a man. Mommy didn't need any man but him, so one day, the boarder vanished.

The presence of the other car troubled him. Mommy, why? Don't you remember the last time?

He left the car and stood at the head of the driveway. A lawn stretched on either side of the asphalt. The yew hedge separated the house from the neighboring one. At the corner of the wide porch, a clump of rhododendrons grew.

Perfect. Anticipation stirred the embers of desire. Tomorrow Susan would be like Mommy.

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Tuesday's Writer's Tip - A final bit here - Simple and Succinct #MFRWAuthor #BWLAuthor #Tip #Simple

I've reached the end of this series of tips and we'll look at the SS theory. This means simple and succinct. It also mans things to avoid.

Avoid vague or incorrect words. It is one of the major very vague words. It was dark blue and sleak. Now this could be many things but suppose the heroine was describing a car or an art object. The reader would be scratching their head. Another of these vague things is the word thing. He wanted the thing with every ounceof energy. The reader would wonder just what this thing was. This carries over into nouns. Car is a great word but sedan, convertible, sports car all give a better picture of the car. I often find myself doing this so I'm not alone. Neither are you.

Now we come to the senses. She smelled. He saw. can run you into problems. She smelled something awful. Rather vague. She caught the aroma of death, a musty odor that made her stomach churn. He saw a bird. He feasted on the roasted turkey all golden brown and rousing his appetite.

Another way to confuse your reader is to use the wrong word, perhaps one that sounds alike the word you want to use. Hope flaired in her eyes or Hope flared in her eyes. Which one is right. He piered at the sky or He peered at the sky. The English language is full of these little glitches.

So when you're revising that manuscript look for these things. Next week we'll talk about Simple and Succinct.

Meandering on mOnday with Janet Lane Walters #MFRWAuthor #BWLAuthor #Poem #Writing #News

Meander 1 ==Poem -- Taps --

Your echo footsteps cast a spell.
My dreams are faded mists today.
Soft murmuring trumpets sound the knell.

Once I lost my heart's sentinel.
I whispered call I ran to obey.
Your echo footsteps cast a spell

Your golden laughter pierced my cell,
Chased ancient shadows far away.
Soft murmuring trumpets sound the knell.

I felt dark thoughts of gloom dispel
No longer morbid memories prey.
Your echo footsteps cast a spell.

Nights of silver love, singing bells.
Gather flower days in sweet bouquet.
Soft murmuring trumpets sound the knell.

The moment flees. I can't rebel.
I hide my tears. I can't inveigh
Your echo footsteps cast a spell
Soft murmuring trumpets sound the knell.

Meander 2 - News - I used to hit the news stations when there were commercials during the programs I watched. Seldom happens these days. The news isn't good. Things are happening that the average person can't do much about. Betrayal, lies, and other things not needed. Sure wish something would change soon.

Meander 3 - Writing. Have four chapters ready for the final read through and just over a month to finish the other eight. Sure hope I make the deadline. I've decided though I want to write three books next year, I won't commit to dates. When that happens as it has this year is that I must finish each project in a rush. Hopefully Jude will allow me to tell her there will be three and I will let her know when each one is dong and she can then fit them when there's a hole in the schedule.

Sunday's Book Escape - Book 1 of the Affinities Series by Janet Lane Walters #MFRWAuthor #BWLAuthor #Fantasy #YA

Escape is the first of the fantasy adventures I wrote for my grandchildren. At that time they were much younger and there were only four with three waiting in China for their parents. What began as a single book over the years became four.

Sent away from their home by their parents to protect them from trouble, two sets of halfling twins, Ashlea, Brandien, Jaydren and Kylandra search for mentors to teach them how to use their affinities. Each of these young teens has an affinity for one of the elements. Ash for Air, Bran for Water, Jay for Earth and Ky for Fire. During the escape, they face many problems forcing them to use their affinities by trial and error. They also meet Alizand, the son of the ruling prince of Wesren. Zand has an affinity for Fire and this will keep him from gaining the rule. Dom Senet, an advisor to his father, and once a friend of the quartet’s parents suspects Zand’s affinity. He wishes to corrupt the teen and use him to gain control of the four princedoms of the land and of the highlands. The evil dom has all four affinities. The four must reach a secret place and find teachers before the evil man discovers them.

Saturday Books by Tricia McGill are featured on Saturday's Blurbs #MFRWAuthor #BWLAurthor #Historical #Romance #Australia

Mystic Mountains (Settlers Book 1):

In the early 1800s the penal colony of Botany Bay was an unforgiving and harsh place. Isabella O'Shea is transported to New South Wales for wounding a member of the British aristocracy who raped her, so it is understandable that she loathes members of the upper class and the system that punished her; sentenced her to seven years transportation.

Tiger Carstairs is rich, ambitious and English-so is it any wonder she is determined to hate her new master. Tiger dreams of making a new life beyond the aptly named Blue Mountains, so called because of the perpetual haze of blue surrounding them.

Mystic Mountains is a story of courage and persistence-traits that were essential for the settlers who carved out a new life in a raw land where suffering and heartbreak were commonplace.

Isabella and Tiger face tragedy and many hardships in their quest for a new life in this untamed land.

Buy link: https://books2read.com/Mystic-Mountains

Distant Mountains (Settlers Book 2):

Even in the prospering colony of New South Wales, it would be far-fetched to think a convicted man could consider marrying the daughter of a wealthy property owner.

But Remy has larger problems to contend with than Sara’s bigoted father. Forced to leave the woman he loves behind, Remy faces overwhelming odds and an ordeal that threatens to strip him of everything; his pride, his strength, his health—even his life.

Sara has many struggles of her own and when Remy finally thinks he has a future with Sara within his grasp, he is sent to a place where pain and suffering are everyday occurrences. Will the lovers ever find true happiness?

Buy Link: https://books2read.com/Distant-Mountains

Challenging Mountains (Settlers Book 3):

By 1840 the colony of New South Wales was expanding. Transportation of convicts to the east coast ended, and many free squatters set out to settle on lands to the south. In 1836, the Government in London authorised Governor Bourke to establish a settlement in The Port Philip District of New South Wales, and an Association was formed to make the district a separate colony.

Timothy, Tiger and Bella Carstairs’ eldest son has turned 21. Bored with his Government job and intent on seeking adventure and a new life away from Sydney, Tim decides to journey south in an endeavour to find this adventure, accompanied by his Uncle Carlos. Where else to find it, but in a newly formed settlement. 

In the 1840s the road south might not be as hazardous as the one across the mountains travelled by his parents when he was a child, but the month long journey overland holds many dangers and challenges to be faced. Escaped and ex-convicts seek the easy life by forming gangs to take what they can where they can. Forced to fight off the intruders who take claim to the land they have cared for over many, many generations, the Indigenous people are faced with many trials and battles of their own.

Not the least of Tim’s personal challenges is a young headstrong woman who, uninvited, takes it upon herself to join him on his travels.  When they reach their destination, their troubles have only just begun.

Buy link: https://books2read.com/Challenging-Mountains

Friday Tricia McGill is visiting and talking about her latest book #MFRWAuthor #BWLAuthor #Writing #Genre

1.      Tell me about your latest release? Genre?

Thanks so much for having me on your blog again, Janet. It is always a pleasure to be here. Challenging Mountains, Book 3 in my Settlers series, traces the lives and adventures of members of a family. Set in the early 1840s in Australia, Tim, eldest son of Bella and Tiger Carstairs, is fed up with his Government job in Sydney, and decides to set out on a month long trek to the budding settlement of Port Philip in the south. Accompanied by his uncle Carlos, and Josephine, a headstrong young woman who decides to join them, they encounter many setbacks along the way in the mostly untamed land.

2.      Where did the idea arise?

Book 3 in this series had been brewing in my head for a long time. My dilemma was who to set in the lead role, as Bella and Tiger had a large family. Once I began to plan the story, I realised that the main character was always meant to be Timothy Carstairs, their eldest son. Tim was born in tumultuous times and was a small child when his father, Tiger, decided to head west to greener pastures. The road across the mountains was barely defined in those early days and so Tim was no stranger to dangerous journeys.

3.      How much research was involved? Did you stay on point or be distracted by wanting to look at just one more thing?

There was still an immense amount of research to do to keep the facts correct, even though it is set in the 1800s as were book 1 and 2. The trip the travellers undertook covered many miles and the landscape was changing constantly as new towns sprang up along the way in those early days of discovery. They covered many miles on horseback or wagon. There were numerous rivers and creeks to be crossed, some hazardous, and in those days once Sydney was left behind, the bridges were few. There was little in the way of law; few churches and even less schools, so it was a fact that the children of squatters ran wild and as untamed as the land. When the travellers reached their destination there was another set of problems coping in a barely settled town, where bushrangers sought an easy life and were a constant threat. This was supposed to be the last in this series, but now Tim’s sister Annie is pestering me to write her story so that is in its early stages, while I wait for her to tell me exactly which direction she wants to go.

4.      How long did you take to write the book?

I’m not really sure as I have no record of when I began, but think it was something like 8 to 10 months from when the idea started keeping me awake at night to when I typed ‘the end’.

5.      Now a bit about you. How long have you been writing? What is your Sun Sign?

I guess my short answer to that is, always, but I began writing in earnest about 30 years ago. Most writers, like me, started scribbling stories from the moment we discovered how to put words together. My first published book was Mystic Mountains (Settlers Book 1) then published under another title. Readers seem fascinated by the early days of Australia.  I am a Scorpio.

6.      Do you write in a number of genres or stick to one?

I have written Historicals, Time-Travels, Contemporaries, Family Sagas, and had a crack at a Fantasy/Sci-Fi, but all have romance at their heart, so I am most definitely a romance writer. Only one of my books strays from the Romance genre and that is Crying is for Babies, which is based on the life of one of my sisters.

7.      Where can you be found?

Find me and my books here on my Books We Love author page:

http://bookswelove.net/authors/mcgill-tricia-romance-historical-australia/

            Or here on my Web page: http://www.triciamcgill.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorTriciaMcGill

My Blog: http://triciamg.blogspot.com/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authortriciamcg/

Thursday - Code Blue excerpt #MFRWAuthor #BWLAuthor #Suspense #Medical #hospital #nurses

     He crouched in the cemetery that embraced three sides of the hillside parking lot across from Bradley Memorial Hospital. A massive family marker shielded him from view, yet allowed him a clear view of the steps, the street and the door of the Emergency Room. Dark clouds slid across the surface of the moon. Lights, set high on poles around the perimeter of the lot sent finger shadows groping among the cars.
     The watcher straightened and edged from behind the granite marker. White puffs of vapor from the shallow, rapid breaths he took coalesced around his face. He held his body as rigid as a tombstone. As he waited for the evening nurses to end their tour of duty and hurry across the street to their cars, his narrowed eyes focused on the brightly-lit hospital entrance. Every night for a week, he had watched while excitement and anticipation had circled like a swarm of hornets. Would she come tonight?
     "I'll never leave you." When he was eight, Mommy had said the words that had become his litany. That broken promise had brought him here.
     He stared at the steps. When would Susan come?
     When Mommy was a patient, Susan had been her favorite nurse. He had liked Susan, too, but she hadn't stopped those other people from hurting Mommy. His shoulders tensed.
     "I'll never leave you. They'll have to kill me first."
     The night Mommy had died was etched into his memories. On that dreadful night, he had begun his plan to make them pay.
     Mommy would be unhappy about what he meant to do. To her, nurses were special and Susan more wonderful than the rest.
     He rocked from his heels to his toes. The last time he had disobeyed, Mommy had threatened to tell everyone how bad he was. He had promised her he would be good. His hands curled into fists. Sometimes he wanted to feel the heat of accomplishment so much he felt sick.
     He gulped a breath. Tonight the heat would blossom and he would feel powerful again.
     Susan was like Mommy. She would tell. He chewed on his lower lip. Her death would free him to still the people who had hurt Mommy on that dreadful night.
     His smile became a grimace.
     He had trusted Susan but she had failed to keep Mommy safe. Though he wished to see the others dead, Susan had to be first. He had laid his plans carefully, and while he had considered all the things that could go wrong, days had become weeks and then months.
     The bright lights across the street caught his attention and stirred his hopes. She had to come tonight. He wanted to be free.
     His hand brushed Mommy's tombstone. He pressed his fingers against the engraved letters of her name. He cocked his head and listened to the whisper of the wind.
     "Nurses give so much to others. Someone should take care of them."
     Mommy's husky voice thrummed in a corner of his mind. Her face appeared. Tears spilled from her eyes. He shook his head. Why should he listen to her when she had left him?

Wednesday More characters Code Blue #MFRWHooks #BWLAuthor #Medical #Suspense #Hospital #Nurses

Join the writers at #MFRWHooks Here  http://mfrwbookhooks.blogspot.com  for some great excerpts. Mine is from Code Blue and features more of the characters.

BLURB:
In the medical suspense Code Blue by Janet Lane Walters, published by Books We Love and previously published as Obsessions, nurse Susan finds the body of the hospital’s “gossip queen” in the orthopedic storage room. She doesn’t realize this is the first of a series of murders involving her colleagues or that her life is in danger. She is a widow and is exploring a new romantic relationship that promises love but she fears the man she is falling for is as controlling as her dead husband. The arrival of courtship gifts, at first, seen as innocuous soon takes on a sinister note.

Reviews

This book kept me on edge from the first page to the last. Several times I just 'knew' I'd figured out who the killer was, but each time, there was a bit of doubt there until the very last paragraph! I highly recommend this book. 4 Stars (Excellent!)"--Tracie's Book Reviews by Kathy's Faves and Raves

"A series of murders, suspense, action, a tad of love makes OBSESSIONS an intriguing tale designed to mystify your mind. If you love mysteries, you'll love Janet Lane Walters newest release. 4 Stars!"--Just Views

"Fast-paced mainstream novel ... Walters plots carefully, each scene constructed to perfection. For readers who enjoy being terrified, this is an author to turn to for entertainment. She tells all, while managing to create paranoia among the characters."--Affaire de Coeur


Excerpts:

Dr. De Witt
   Julie turned in the chair at the doctors' desk where she sat beside De Witt. "Is there a problem?" she asked. "Can I help?"
     "Just an admission and no Barbara." On her way to the clean utility room, Susan paused beside the younger nurse.
     De Witt captured Julie's hand the way a lion grasps its prey. "Don't be late." As he rose, he smoothed his ash blond hair and slung a black leather jacket over his shoulder. He strode down the hall.



Trish:
     Trish pushed past Susan and trotted down the hall. Julie and the pair of practicals scurried after the thin nurse. Unable to move or think, Susan leaned against the counter.
     A piercing scream pulled the unit secretary from her chair at the desk. The scream thawed Susan's frozen thoughts. If someone didn't take charge, the unit would dissolve into chaos.
     "Kit, you can't go yet. Call Security and the house doctor. We need them stat. Then call the Nursing Office. I'll speak to any supervisor who answers."
     "What's wrong with Barbara?" Kit asked.
     "She's dead." Susan glanced up. Above nearly every door, a call light shone. A patient on crutches swung down the hall. Immediately behind him, a woman walked with crab-like movements. Susan left the desk to intercept the pair.
     "What happened?" the man asked.

Dr. Mendoza
     From the corner of her eye, Susan saw the stocky house doctor stride past the end of the hall. She hurried to catch up with him. "Dr. Mendoza, one of the nurses had an accident. She's in the storage room. You need to check her."
     His dark eyes flashed irritation. "Why do you not take her to the Emergency Room? I am here to care for the patients, not the nurses."
     "We can't move her until Security comes." Susan lowered her voice. "She's dead."
     "What?"
     Susan inhaled. Why was Dr. Mendoza the doctor in the house tonight? He always behaved as though unexpected incidents had been staged to annoy him. "She's--"
     "Susan, Ms. Vernon's on the line," Kit said.
     Trish grabbed Mendoza's arm. "Come on. I'll go with you."

My Places

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bid=113639528680724

 http://bookswelove.net/

 http://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com

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Buy Mark

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Tuesday's Writer's Tip - The Book is Done - Questions to Ask #MFRWAuthor #BWLAuthor #Writing #Questions

You have finished your book and are going tin for a final read before sending this out to an agent or an editor. There are questions to ask and things to look for as you do that final read through.  One thing to remember, though you're tired of the book those you're sending it to will have fresh eyes. So here are a few of the questions.

Are the scenes and the interactions between the characters active or passive? It's so easy to fall into the passive voice. Little things like She felt, he sensed tend to lead to passive sentences.
She felt a shiver roll through her body. That's relatively passive but A shiver rolled through her body makes the sentence active. He sensed a coming storm. Passive. Clouds darkened the sky. The air felt heavy with the coming storm. That's active.

Do your participles dangle? Now this can cause some chuckles. Walking down the street, a dog barked. Was the dog walking or was the viewpoint character walking. As she walked down the street, she encountered a barking dog. This leaves no question of who was walking.

Have you tied up loose ends? I once read a friend's book and enjoyed the book but when the book ended, I kept wondering why she had mentioned the hero's mother had worn men's clothes. This was a historical novel. The line seemed to be a throwaway except i kept wondering and wondering why the older woman confessed such a thing. I think I've sort of done this in one of my books. The hero has broken completely with his parents. I never show if they have reconciled? Maybe someday I'll give the book a rewrite and solve that problem for several readers.

I'll be back next week with some more.

Meandering on Monday with Janet Lane Walters #MFRWAuthor #BWLAuthor #Writing #Poem #Kneew

Meander 1  Poem -- Call the Kids for Dinner, Dear --

Summer sidewalks shimmer heat.
The men come home from the mills,
Black lunchboxes,thermoses rattle
Against the empty sides.
Dinner's cooking, smells in the air,
Cabbage, spaghetti, meatloaf, potatoes.
Call the kids for dinner, dear.

My father, bald, hawked beaked,
Walks to the wooden porch,
T-shirt, scooped neck,
Pittsburgh gray
Beats his chest in Tarzan cry,
Calling his kids for dinner.

Why does he have to yortle so?
Flushed, red and not from the sun,
I sneak, slink to the backyard door
So no one knows he's my old man.

Meander 2 - Knees - Last week I took a spill and managed to hit my knee of the concrete. There's a brushburn that hurts but is healing. The real problem is my study is on the second floor. My ailing husband and the kitchen are on the first floor. This means every time I need something found, I must go down the seventeen steps. This is not quickly done. Someone asked why I didn't move to the first floor for the time being. Two reasons. Moving the computer and printer will take too much work. Also I couldn't work to the strains of CNN and all the rotten news occurring. At least now I can go up stairs in a more normal wal. Still slow but i figure another week and I'll forget the joys of being a klutz.

Meander 3 - Writing - Am now starting to type the last written draft and after this there will be only one more and that is an editing draft. Then the story will be done. Then I'll start another. Writers live on a circular path.

Sunday's Book Code Blue #MFRWAuthor #BWLAuthor #Medical suspense Hudson River

I began gatherine material for this book when I worked as a nurse. I've enjoyed medical suspense stories but there were usually evil doctors and sometimes nurses as the villains. This was my take with a little twist.

In the medical suspense Code Blue by Janet Lane Walters, published by Books We Love and previously published as Obsessions, nurse Susan finds the body of the hospital’s “gossip queen” in the orthopedic storage room. She doesn’t realize this is the first of a series of murders involving her colleagues or that her life is in danger. She is a widow and is exploring a new romantic relationship that promises love but she fears the man she is falling for is as controlling as her dead husband. The arrival of courtship gifts, at first, seen as innocuous soon takes on a sinister note.

Reviews

This book kept me on edge from the first page to the last. Several times I just 'knew' I'd figured out who the killer was, but each time, there was a bit of doubt there until the very last paragraph! I highly recommend this book. 4 Stars (Excellent!)"--Tracie's Book Reviews by Kathy's Faves and Raves

"A series of murders, suspense, action, a tad of love makes OBSESSIONS an intriguing tale designed to mystify your mind. If you love mysteries, you'll love Janet Lane Walters newest release. 4 Stars!"--Just Views

"Fast-paced mainstream novel ... Walters plots carefully, each scene constructed to perfection. For readers who enjoy being terrified, this is an author to turn to for entertainment. She tells all, while managing to create paranoia among the characters."--Affaire de Coeur

Saturday's Blurb features a Book by Joan Havelange #BWLAuthor #Mystery #golf

When Mabel slices her golf ball into the town cemetery. She and her best friend Violet think the worst that could happen would be a lost ball. That is until they discover a dead body, and it isn't six feet under. Mabel's golf ball lays in the middle of his forehead, it’s murder.

The ladies take it upon themselves to solve the mystery of the dead body in the graveyard. Using the information gleaned from Coffee Row, a collection of eccentric townspeople. Leads them to investigate golfers and relatives of the deceased. Their investigation frustrates a newly appointed RCMP officer, who does his best to put a stop to their interference.
But nothing stops the intrepid detectives. Not the RCMP, a stampede of cattle or even shots fired at them in the dark. They have an uncanny ability to find trouble and dead bodies. Almost getting themselves killed before solving the murders

Friday, Joan Havelange is Visiting and Talking About Writing

1. What were you before you became a writer? Did this influence your career as an author.

I have worn a few hats, I worked for a mining company in Northern Manitoba. This was when computers were just ramping up. It was great fun being on the ground floor so to speak. I have also acted and been a little theatre director. I find writing a lot like directing, only your actors show up on time and know their lines, although sometimes they still go off in a direction that surprises me.

2. Are you genre specific or general? I don't mean major genres but do you write in a subgenre of romance, mystery or paranormal?

I’m a mystery buff, I tried writing romances, but I wasn’t romantic enough. So it’s murder for me. The Cozy Mystery kind.

3. What is your latest release?

Wayward Shot

https://books2read.com/Wayward-Shot

4. What are you working on now?

My next mystery is set in Egypt, a country I enjoyed visiting a few years ago

5. Does your reading influence your choice of a genre?

I read many genres, but I’m a big fan of mysteries 

6. Where can we find you?

https://www.facebook.com/mabelmysteries/

https://instagram.com/joanhave

http://twitter.com/@JoanJhave

Thursday - Murder and Sweet Tea - a look at Robespierre #MFRWAuthor #BWLAuthor #Cozy mystery #Maine Coon Cat

I turned into River Edge Road. Robespierre ambled up the street toward me. When he reached my side, the Maine Coon cat butted my legs with his head. Was this a welcome or a bid for more food? At twenty-two pounds, he was huge and his fluffy black, brown and white coat added to his bulk.

The cat dashed inside and did a little dance in front of his bowl. Lars sat at the table cradling a steaming mug of coffee. I sprinkled a few bits of dry food in Robespierre’s dish and filled a glass with iced spearmint tea. I sat across from my husband.

Lars looked up from the newspaper. “Did you and the coven solve the problems of the world?”

The next day, I spent time in the garden tending the mint beds in front of the bedroom area of the house. Their aromas filtered into the rooms and helped me sleep. Megan and Rose Prairie played with a ball on a string. Robespierre sat in his Sphinx position on the stone walk leading from the front door to the street. I wonder if he thought he was too old to play.

While watching the move, I gathered basil and mints for our evening meal. I pulled weeds from the beds.

“Hungry, Grandma Kate.” The small girl planted herself in front of me.

“Is it lunchtime already?”

“My tummy says yes.”

I clasped her hand and we walked to the house. A parade of cats followed. The pair scampered over the slate foyer and turned toward the kitchen. Robespierre and Rose Prairie dashed to sit beside their bowls in expectation of being fed. I chuckled. Megan’s pet had learned the drill.

She giggled. “They are so silly.” She shook a few nuggets into each bowl.

Wednesday Meet some of the characters Code Blue #MFRWHooks #BWLAuthor #Medical suspense

Join the writers at #MFRWHooks here http://mfrwbookhooks.blogspot.com for some great excerpts. Mine is Code Blue, a medical Suspense. 
BLURB:
In the medical suspense Code Blue by Janet Lane Walters, published by Books We Love and previously published as Obsessions, nurse Susan finds the body of the hospital’s “gossip queen” in the orthopedic storage room. She doesn’t realize this is the first of a series of murders involving her colleagues or that her life is in danger. She is a widow and is exploring a new romantic relationship that promises love but she fears the man she is falling for is as controlling as her dead husband. The arrival of courtship gifts, at first, seen as innocuous soon takes on a sinister note.

Reviews

This book kept me on edge from the first page to the last. Several times I just 'knew' I'd figured out who the killer was, but each time, there was a bit of doubt there until the very last paragraph! I highly recommend this book. 4 Stars (Excellent!)"--Tracie's Book Reviews by Kathy's Faves and Raves

"A series of murders, suspense, action, a tad of love makes OBSESSIONS an intriguing tale designed to mystify your mind. If you love mysteries, you'll love Janet Lane Walters newest release. 4 Stars!"--Just Views

"Fast-paced mainstream novel ... Walters plots carefully, each scene constructed to perfection. For readers who enjoy being terrified, this is an author to turn to for entertainment. She tells all, while managing to create paranoia among the characters."--Affaire de Coeur




Some of the Characters

Barbara
     "Do you really think I'll tell you?" Barbara Denton's strident voice rasped against Susan's nerve endings. "Believe me, when I say it's dynamite. Someone isn't going to like what I've learned. And let me tell you, this time, I have all the facts."
     The practical nurse's harsh laughter and the veiled threat in her voice added to Susan's uneasiness. Whom had Barbara targeted this time? Her stories always contained a dram of truth but little more. Susan halted in the doorway and waited to hear further hints of scandal. When the practical remained silent, Susan stepped into the room and closed the door.
     The hospital's gossip queen sprawled on the bright green loveseat facing the door. She stabbed a cigarette toward the round table that was partly hidden by the jutting powder room wall. A gold bracelet glittered on her arm and slid up and down as she used the cigarette to emphasize the importance of the tidbit she dangled.
     Susan shook her head. Had anyone reminded Barbara that smoking in the hospital was illegal? Would it matter? The practical had chosen to break the rule, but so did the unit's nurse manager.
     "Don't tease," Susan said. "We know you're dying to tell all."

Julie
     Julie emerged from the med room. "How's your father? Barbara had me so rattled I forgot to ask."
     "As stubborn as ever. When I lectured him about the need for fiber in his diet, he laughed. What does one do with a father who's a junk food addict?"
     "Love him."
     Susan chuckled. "He handles the temporary colostomy like a pro."
     "Then I was right. He has diverticulitis."
     Susan nodded. "I owe you a dinner. Let me know when you're ready to collect." She reached for the district care plan book and motioned to one of the day nurses. As the woman began report, Barbara sauntered into the station and leaned against the counter.
     The early hours of the shift were hectic. Susan felt as though she chased the hours she'd lost on the airport runway and in crawling past construction barriers. With eleven unfamiliar patients, she had no time to dwell on the undercurrents she had sensed in the lounge or on her own restlessness.

Leila
     "Goodbye, Barbara." Susan carried a salad and a cup of coffee to the table. Fifteen minutes later, the lounge door opened and Leila walked in.
     "You're late," Susan said.
     Leila poured a cup of coffee. "It's been one of those evenings. ICU had a visitor who refused to leave. The OR needed four units of blood stat. A patient on Five Med/Surg fell." She sat across from Susan. "I like the hair. It's about time you colored the gray."
     "That's what my mother said, plus a lot of other advice." Susan closed the salad container. "Why don't we get together for lunch tomorrow and I'll fill you in about the state of nursing practice in Florida?"
     Leila lit a cigarette.
     Susan raised an eyebrow. "I thought you quit."
     "Stress."
     "And the rules?"
     "Will you turn me in?"
     "I might. About lunch?"
     "I can't. I have class. Just one more semester."
     Susan cleaned the area of the table she had used. "Wednesday?"
     Leila shook her head. "I'm picking up my new car. Do you have time to talk about one of your co-workers?"
     "Here? I wouldn't want to chance being overheard. What about Friday?"
     "I'll be away. It's a four-day weekend."
     "Joe?" Susan asked.
     A dreamy look misted Leila's dark eyes. "We're going to his hunting cabin."
     "Don't you ever get tired of spending so little time with him?"
     "Quality counts." Leila's smile brought an elegant charm to her pointed features. "It's a good relationship. We both know how much we're willing to give. I don't want him to leave his wife and marry me."
     A fleeting shadow in her friend's eyes made Susan wonder why Leila lied to herself. On the surface, her friend acted like a realist, but Susan knew the hidden romantic. For twelve years, she had watched Leila hide that part of her nature.

My Places

https://twitter.com/JanetL717

 https://www.facebook.com/janet.l.walters.3?v=wall&story_f

bid=113639528680724

 http://bookswelove.net/

 http://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com

https://www.pinterest.com/shadyl717/

Buy Mark

http://bookswelove.net/authors/walters-janet-lane-romance-fantasy-suspense-medical/

Tuesday's Writer's Tip -- Speaking of Roaming Body Parts Janet Lane Walters #Writing #Body parts

There are some things when I read I start giggling. Like this gem> His eyes roamed around the room. Can you  picture him removing his eyes so they can look everywhere. Now if the writer had said his gaze roamed around the room, there would be no laughter. Removing the body parts from the characters can always bring a chuckle or two. Perhaps if you were writing horror they might work. Unfortunately this is a trap that's easy to step into. I know I've done it a hundred times and hopefully have caught at least 99 if them, There's usually something that slips through no matter how many times you go over the script or how many editors look at the pages.

Another area where parts don't make sense. Objects don't act on their own. The car swerved. Depends on if the viewpoint character is driving or observing. If he's driving, he swerves the car. If he's watching, the car does swerve. This is an area where I have trouble making sure the viewpoint character is in the right spot for the sentence. Boots scuffed the cement. Could be her boots scuffed the cement. A stranger;s boots etc. You get the picture

Meandering on Monday with Janet Lane Walters #MFRWAuthor #BWLAuthor #Poem #Klutz #Writing

Meander 1 Poem -- Book Jacket --

I face you and i smile
Naked, surrounded by air.
A gleam of mischief lights my eyes.
Glasses slightly askew.
And while you see my flesh
Exposed.
My inner core is hidden under words.
It's you must puzzle meanings.
In my hand a corncob pipe.
 It lends an air of dignity.
The sweater, holes in sleeves tied round my neck.
Should have leather patches.
But I can't sew.

Meander 2 - Klutz - I fell today because I wasn't paying attention. This had to happen at the mall where people could see me. At least they helped my to my feet. I assured them I was all right. And I was but I must stop thinking about what I'm going to do next and realize there's a curb and not the pavement.

Meander 3 - Writing - I have started the last written draft of the book. They it will be a matter of proffing. Of course that's a way to go since there are probably a hundred or more pages to write. Twenty minutes to a page so I should finish by the deadline. I've made a bargain with myself. I intend to write three books next eyar but I'll tell my publisher and friend that I will write them and when each one is dong I'll let her know and she can fit me into the story. There are too many things happening in life to be on constant deadlines.

Sunday's Book Murder and Sweet Tea #MFRWAuthor #BWLAuthor #Cozy mystery #Hudson River Valley

This is the last book in the series and maybe in the future, Katherine will find anothe rmurder to become involved with. One never knows. Saying goodbye to Robespierre was sad years ago but I'm glad he now lives in memory and on the pages of these books.

Blurb
Lars is her new husband. He loves Katherine but doesn’t understand why she’s always trying to protect her near and dear. Even though she saved his life while visiting him in Santa Fe, he often questions her involvement in other people’ lives.

Into their lives arrives a new neighbor, Sabrina Gates. Sabrina bought the house next door. She has had a phenomenal success as a new author but moes from her past and present threaten her peace and ability to write. There is the blogger who posts snide and not so nice posts about other authors. Sabrina’s former agent wants a share of the huge amount of money Sabrina has received for a trilogy. And there is her ex-husband, a needy greedy coward who wants money.

Above all there is Robespierre who makes his presence known.

Saturday's Blurbs featuring Books by Paul DeBlassie III #MFRWAuthor #Visionary Fiction #Award winner

Winner of the Independent Press Award and the NYC Big Book Award for Visionary Fiction!

Eve Sanchez, a scholar of esoteric studies, is driven into unreal dimensions of horror and hope as she encounters a seductive and frightening man, criminal lawyer Sam Shear.

Sam introduces Eve to a supernatural world in which the wicked powers of a surrogate mother’s twisted affection threaten love and life. Struggling to sort through right from wrong, frightened yet determined, Eve nears despair.

In the magical realm of Aztlan del Sur, a mythopoeic land of hidden horrors and guiding spirits, Eve, with three friends and a wise old woman, is caught in an age-old struggle about love—whether bad love is better than no love— and discovers that love is a wild thing.

Goddess of the Wild Thing reveals the dramatic tale of one woman’s spiritual journey where metaphysical happenings, unexpected turns of fate, and unseen forces impact her ability to love and be loved. 

The Unholy: Amazon - mybook.to/TheUnholy

Winner of the International Book Award and Pinnacle Book Award for Visionary Fiction!

Haunted by the memory of her mother’s murder, Claire has lived most of her life in fear.

But the Archbishop’s mounting horror compels her to expose the dark side of his religion and face the truth: good is not always what it appears to be.

Confronting Anarch means risking her life and uncovering the closely guarded secrets of her past.

Set in the mystic land of Aztlan, a metaphysical realm of hidden terrors and guiding spirits, The Unholy is a supernatural tale of Claire’s confrontation with destiny as healer and slayer.

Website: https://www.pauldeblassieiii.com/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pdeblassieiii

Friday Paul DeBlassei III is visiting and Talking about Who He Was Before #MFRWAuthor #Psycologist #Archetypal #Supernatural

1. What were you in your life before you became a writer? Did this influence your writing? It’s my take that I’ve always had the words and books fulminating, churning, and readying for birth. I think writers are born and life hones that calling. So, I’d say by profession I’m a depth psychologist and writer, treating the deep unconscious mind and writing books about archetypal/supernatural happenings for the past thirty-five years. Stories I’ve lived through with traumatized patients have confirmed the workings of an unseen world, a mysterious zone that’s forever been an influence from childhood to adulthood. The magic of the mystic helped my wife of forty-years, Kate, and I to raise our four children – two phantasmagoric writers and two alchemical artists.

2 Are you genre specific or general? Why? I don't mean genres like romance, mystery, fantasy etc. There are many subgenres of the above. As far as genre, my reads are visionary/metaphysical, supernatural/occult, and horror. They got the stuff that pops the top off the rule bound and rigid mind.

3. Did your reading choices have anything to do with your choice of a genre or genres? What I read is laced with visionary intrigue. They’re the psychically titillating stories that whisper to me, tell me things about life and the images and symbols of the dark recesses of the mind.

4. What's your latest release? Goddess of the Wild Thing breaks into the question of love and whether bad love is better than no love. You’ve got a consciousness oriented narrative replete with archetypal themes of the wise-old woman, the witch, and a man and woman struggling to find their way through a complex and, at times, horror-ridden relationship.

5. What are you working on now?  I’m finishing up The Goddess of Everything. It’s a horrifying, visionary thriller about mother love gone bad and the need to break free. It’s got action going from what folks live out to one degree or another, the instinct to be free of stifling parenting, free to live and be according to our own choosing.

6. Where can we find you? pauldeblassieiii.com