Diane Burton: Numbers Never Lie

Showing posts with label Numbers Never Lie. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

#IWSG: June

Happy Insecure Writers Support Group Day.

Apologies for not putting up all the usual info. My laptop is down and using an iPad is more difficult than I thought. Please check out our home page https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com

Secrets is the question this month. I can’t think of a secret that my readers can’t figure out from my stories. Families are important to me, which is why my characters have families. In my cozy mystery series (Alex O’Hara novels), I show Alex interacting with her dad and her surrogate mother in book 3, The Case of the Meddling Mother. Her family and Nick’s family play a large part in book 4 (work in progress).

The main character in One Red Shoe, a romantic suspense, is the youngest and only girl in a family of five. Having overprotective brothers is a pain for her, but always my secret wish since I’m the oldest. In Numbers Never Lie, another romantic suspense, Maggie’s driving force is finding her brother’s killer.

Readers can learn a lot about us from our stories. Maybe not from just one, but from the whole body of work.

Hope you have a great month and continue to stay safe.

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

IWSG: End of the Year

Happy Insecure Writers Support Group Day. IWSG is the brainchild of Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! Thanks, Alex, for starting this group and keeping it going.

Thanks to this month's awesome hosts: J.H. Moncrieff, Tonja Drecker , Patsy Collins, and Chrys Fey!

Congratulations to everyone who entered NaNoWriMo, whether or not you officially "won" (by writing 50k words). Congratulate yourself. You have more words written now than you did at the end of October. Consider yourself a winner. I do.

I hope you’ve had a great month and a terrific year. We’ve all had our ups and downs. Winter in Michigan is so dreary. It really got to me in February. My daughter gave me a “happy” lamp to boost my intake of Vitamin D. Despite the emotional aspect, when I feel "down" I don’t want to move. I veg out in front of the TV. Not moving is bad for my back. Then, moving is painful because I’m stiff. A vicious cycle. So, I’m determined to move more and write more.

Despite the rough beginning, 2018 has been pretty good. I released one new book, Numbers Never Lie, a Romantic Suspense, re-released One Red Shoe (another romantic suspense) in ebook form (I need to get it out in print), and released two books that had been ebooks only as print ones: Romance Rekindled and Mission to New Earth. When I released the last two novellas, I hadn’t planned on putting them in print. But, as I did more book events (11 this year), I realized I should offer less expensive books as well as the longer novels.

What’s left for this month? Since 2013, I’ve been a regular contributor for The Roses of Prose blog. In December, each author posts a 3-day holiday short story. Mine will be up starting this Saturday, December 8^th. I hope you’ll check it out.

Something I realized while doing the book events is that people are more willing to buy for their kids (and grandkids) than they are for themselves. I have a YA science fiction story in my computer that I’ve done nothing with. My plan for 2019 is to refresh and publish it.

Here's my dilemma: my earlier books are spicy (R-rated) while my more recent books aren't but still are more for adults. For a YA, should I develop a new author persona (I have the domain name) along with a new website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.? Rick Riordan and James Patterson write both adult and YA books under one name, so why am I concerned? Am I being overprotective of my (future) young readers? I'm really interested in your opinion.

I hope you’ll enjoy the holidays.

Click here to find others on the Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop. Or go to IWSG on Facebook to see who’s blogging today.

Diane Burton

Diane Burton combines her love of mystery, adventure, science fiction and romance into writing romantic fiction. For more info and excerpts from her books, visit Diane’s website: http://www.dianeburton.com

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

#IWSG: September

Happy Insecure Writers Support Group Day. IWSG is the brainchild of Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Thanks to this month's awesome hosts: Toi Thomas, T. Powell Coltrin, M.J. Fifield, and Tara Tyler!

Like most months, this past month has been one of highs and lows.

The Highs:

3 local book events--sold more books than at any other event
print version of NUMBERS NEVER LIE is now for sale
wrote 1k-word flash fiction for WEP (fun!)
got the rights back for ONE RED SHOE
celebrated grand-nephew's 1st birthday on Labor Day (so much fun)

The Lows:

flooded basement--sump pump quit while we were away over the weekend to the 1st birthday celebration
purging papers and other things that got wet (maybe purging isn't that bad)
ripping up 4-yr-old carpet (groan)
restoration costs--$$$

The Best:

wrote 17,000 words on THE SPY, An Outer Rim Novel
the Highs outnumbering the Lows

September's optional question - What publishing path are you considering/did you take, and why?

I've been published by two small presses and self-published. I choose self-publishing. I like the control. Yes, it costs money upfront (professional editing and cover design), but I control the cover, the price, and the distribution. I can do sales when I want. With the small presses, I did 99% of the advertising. As an indie, I do all the promotion. From my second publisher, I received 35% of the price of the digital copies and 7% of the print. I'd rather receive 65-70% (digital) and 40% (print). Distribution to bookstores is limited for both small presses and self-publishing. By doing the legwork, I'm getting my self-published books into more libraries and brick-and-mortar bookstores.

Would I earn more money with a big press? Absolutely. With the small presses, no. This is my career. I love to write, but my goal has always been to earn money. With self-publishing, I am achieving that.

Check out the new anthology contest:

IWSG Anthology

The 2018 Annual IWSG Anthology Contest

Word count: 3500-6000

Genre: Young Adult Romance

Theme:

Masquerade

A Masquerade can be a false show or pretense, someone pretending to be someone they aren't. It can be a ball, a fancy dress party, it can be a mask. Open to interpretation.

Click here to find others on the Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop. Or go to IWSG on Facebook to see who’s blogging today.

Diane Burton

Saturday, August 4, 2018

#WeWriWa - NUMBERS NEVER LIE: A Successful Camp-out

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors where authors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

This is the last snippet from my new release NUMBERS NEVER LIE, a romantic suspense. Maggie, Drew, and the girls have returned from the weekend camping trip. One of the dads approaches Drew.

Please excuse the creative punctuation, necessary to keep this within the guidelines.

“Another successful camp-out?” Mike Randolph asked Drew, “Gretchen sure does like them, and it’s been good for her—she used to be such a bookworm.”

“Da-ad,” Gretchen protested.

Drew had seen Mike in the neighborhood—he was a runner—but hadn’t connected him with Gretchen, “Yes,” Drew said, “We had a great time.”

“I was surprised to hear they roped you into helping,” Mike went on, “Wouldn’t catch me eating bugs and berries.”

“But, Dad—” Gretchen began.

Drew cut her off, “You’d be surprised how tasty grasshoppers and slugs taste cooked over a campfire—almost like chicken,” Drew managed to keep a straight face especially when Gretchen dissolved into giggles.

“Well, um . . . if you say so, guess we’d better get home, munchkin.” Mike led his daughter down the drive. From the man’s pained expression, Drew knew Mike wasn’t sure whether to believe Drew or not.

Gretchen looked back at Drew and winked, “Yeah, Dad, Maggie has this great recipe for fried earwigs and . . .”

Blurb:

A shocking secret brings danger to Jack Sinclair and his sister Maggie.

As kids, they were the fearless threesome. As adults, Jack's an accountant; Drew, a lawyer; Maggie, a teacher and camping troop leader. Returning from a weekend camping trip, Maggie receives horrifying news. She refuses to believe her brother’s fatal car crash was an accident. If the police won’t investigate, she’ll do it herself. Convincing Drew Campbell to help is her only recourse.

Drew Campbell was too busy to return his best friend’s phone call. Too busy to attend a camping meeting important to his teen daughter. Too busy to stay in touch with Jack. Logic and reason indicate Jack’s accident was just that--an accident caused by fatigue and fog. Prodded by guilt, he’ll help Maggie even if he thinks she’s wrong.

A break-in at Jack’s condo convinces Maggie she’s right. Then her home is searched. What did Jack do that puts Maggie in danger?

NUMBERS NEVER LIE is available at Amazon

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors .

Friday, August 3, 2018

We Have a Winner!

Congratulations to Denise J.

who won the

NUMBERS NEVER LIE

blog tour

Giveaway!

Thank you to everyone who followed my tour. I hope you enjoyed the excerpts from my new release, NUMBERS NEVER LIE, a romantic suspense.

A shocking secret brings danger to Jack Sinclair and his sister Maggie.

As kids, they were the fearless threesome. As adults, Jack's an accountant; Drew, a lawyer; Maggie, a teacher and camping troop leader. Upon returning from a weekend camping trip, Maggie receives horrifying news. She refuses to believe her brother Jack’s fatal car crash was an accident. If the police won’t investigate, she’ll do it herself. Convincing Drew Campbell to help is her only recourse.

A break-in at Jack’s condo convinces Maggie she’s right. Then her home is searched. What did Jack do that puts Maggie in danger?

Available at Amazon http://a.co/gUmO9wZ

Free with Kindle Unlimited

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

#IWSG: Good Month

Happy Insecure Writers Support Group Day. IWSG is the brainchild of Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Thanks to this month's awesome hosts: Erika Beebe, Sandra Hoover, Susan Gourley, and Lee Lowery!

The first few months of this year were not good for me. This group and others plus friends and family helped a lot. July was a great month. A new book released, two more stories are coming along nicely, and I lost twenty pounds.

When my doctor said I'd finally hit the magic A1C number that indicated diabetes, he told me losing weight would help my chronic back pain as well as the diabetes. I joined Weight Watchers because it's helped before. I'm pleased that my weight loss is slow and steady. My plan when I see my doctor later this month is to have lost twenty-five pounds. It took me a long time to gain the weight so I know it will take a long time to shed it. The main thing is healthy eating, and I've been working on that.

In January, I started a new story--the fourth in the Alex O'Hara mystery series. I stopped to finished a different book, and now I'm sort of back to it. I say "sort of" because I'm also working on a science fiction romance, THE SPY, featuring two characters who appeared in other stories. I haven't released a sci-fi romance for two years. I need to get this one out this year. When I run into a glitch, instead of not writing at all, I shift over to Alex O'Hara #4 (I don't have a title yet). It's been a back and forth so both stories are progressing well.

The best news from July is the release of NUMBERS NEVER LIE, a romantic suspense. Then I a subsequent blog tour. Thanks so much to the many people who invited me to guest, especially people from this group. This Saturday, I'll be at Ellen Jacobsen's blog, The Cynical Sailor & His Salty Sidekick.

NUMBERS NEVER DIE began over 15 years ago, was set aside then picked up again this winter. I am so proud of this story.

NUMBERS NEVER LIE

A Romantic Suspense

By Diane Burton

Release Date: July 9, 2018

Length: approx. 80,000 words

Available at Amazon http://a.co/gUmO9wZ

Free with Kindle Unlimited

Optional question: What pitfalls would you warn other writers to avoid on their publication journey?

Life is going to throw you curves. Demands from family and job will create a lot of stress. So much so that your creative muse will take a hike. You feel guilty that you can't write, or write as much as you used to. Take deep breaths and let it go. Roll with the those curves. Do what you need to do. The story will always be there--even 15 years later LOL Does it sound like I've been there? Yep, and wished I'd handled it better.

Click here to find others on the Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop. Or go to IWSG on Facebook to see who’s blogging today.

Diane Burton

Saturday, July 28, 2018

#WeWriWa - NUMBERS NEVER LIE: Sex Ed on the Road

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors where authors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

I'm sharing snippets from my new release NUMBERS NEVER LIE, a romantic suspense. After sharing such emotional snippets for the past weeks, I thought I'd lighten it up. Drew and Maggie took the group of 14-year-old girls camping again--a way to help her get back to normal after her brother's funeral. This is the conversation in Drew's car on the way home. BTW, Ellen is his daughter.

Please excuse the creative punctuation, necessary to keep this within the guidelines.

“I guess I wouldn’t mind if you did kiss Maggie . . . or someone,” Ellen tentatively broke into his thoughts, “I mean, guys have to have . . . sex . . . or they go crazy.”

Drew almost drove off the highway, “Where did you hear that?”

“That’s what Janie’s sister’s boyfriend told her when she wouldn’t do it with him.”

“El-len,” Beth leaned forward, “My sister said guys just say that to get you to do it. They don’t really go crazy, do they, Mr. Campbell? I mean you’re a guy, and you would know about stuff like that.”

Oh Christ, sex ed on the road?

“Uh, no,” he said, “They don’t.” They just think they will. “And, yes, that is a line a guy who doesn’t care about a girl will say to get her to say yes.”

“What other things do they say?” asked Gretchen, who like Madison, was leaning forward as far as the seatbelts would allow, “We should know stuff like that so we’re prepared.”

Blurb:

A shocking secret brings danger to Jack Sinclair and his sister Maggie.

A break-in at Jack’s condo convinces Maggie she’s right. Then her home is searched. What did Jack do that puts Maggie in danger?

NUMBERS NEVER LIE is available at Amazon

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors .

Saturday, July 21, 2018

#WeWriWa - NUMBERS NEVER LIE: Come Back From The Abyss

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors where authors share an 8 - 10 sentence snippet. Be sure to visit the other authors. You can find them here.

Apologies for not getting to everyone last week. Time got away from me. I'll try to do better this week.

I'm sharing snippets from my new release NUMBERS NEVER LIE, a romantic suspense. This snippet comes after Maggie answered the call from the sheriff.

Please excuse the creative punctuation, necessary to keep this within the guidelines.

Drew forced his grief to the back of his mind to concentrate on Jack’s sister, her pony-tail flopped over her shoulder, while wisps of dark brown hair framed a face that had gone whiter than her T-shirt.

“Stay put,” he grabbed the teakettle resting on the back burner, dumped out the water, and refilled it, “Tea, be ready in a minute.”

As he set the kettle to boil, he tried to think what to do next. His First Aid class had been ten years ago, or longer, think, he told himself.

She had to be in shock. Warmth, that’s what she needed. He rushed through the archway to the living room, grabbed a blue and red flannel quilt off the couch, and wrapped it around her, then he stooped to rub her shoulders while her hands dangled between her knees, her head bowed.

With his knuckle, he raised her chin, her eyes appeared unfocused. “Come on, Maggie, look at me.” Come back from whatever abyss you’re standing too close to.

Blurb:

A shocking secret brings danger to Jack Sinclair and his sister Maggie.

A break-in at Jack’s condo convinces Maggie she’s right. Then her home is searched. What did Jack do that puts Maggie in danger?

NUMBERS NEVER LIE is available at Amazon

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors .

Saturday, July 14, 2018

#WeWriWa NUMBERS NEVER LIE - Jack Is Dead

“I-I can’t believe he’s—”

Drew helped Maggie into a kitchen chair and forced her head between her knees. Talking to the deputy sheriff created such pain in his chest Drew feared it might be a heart attack—a tremendous heartache, instead. No wonder Maggie slid to the floor, ready to pass out, she who always appeared so confident, strong, capable, now she looked . . . vulnerable.

Maggie sat up, her expression haunted.

“Take deep breaths, c’mon, Maggie May.”

He deliberately used her full name, the way he did when they were kids, knowing she hated to be reminded that she’d been named after a song. His own breath hitched, he tightened his jaw and swallowed past the thickening in his throat—his best friend was dead, killed in a single-car accident near Muskegon in the early hours of Saturday morning--while he groused about the inconveniences of primitive camping, Jack lay dead. Thrown from his SUV that had rolled down a river embankment, undiscovered until late morning, after the fog burned off.

Blurb:

A shocking secret brings danger to Jack Sinclair and his sister Maggie.