WeWriWa - The Fabulous Fiancé: Don't Go There

 Welcome to the Weekend Writing Warriors 

Happy New Year, all. After a 5-month hiatus, I'm back and starting the new year right. One of my goals is to rejoin WeWriWa. I've missed you guys and your stories. My apologies for leaving you hanging back in July. My life was in turmoil. Consequently, The Spy is in limbo. 

I'm sharing a snippet from the 2nd Alex O'Hara mystery novel, The Case of the Fabulous Fiancé. Alex is a P.I. in the small Lake Michigan resort town. She's not as financially desperate as she was in the first novel, thanks to the Feds who rewarded her for capturing an assassin.

Blurb:

She’s at it again. Alex O’Hara just can’t say no to a new investigation. What do a 45-year-old boyfriend, a deadbeat dad, and a teenage runaway have in common? All new cases. With no receptionist, phone and internet problems, and her own boyfriend in the wind, Alex has no idea how she’ll manage. But the question for the past three months is why did Nick disappear. Is this the end of O’Hara & Palzetti? 

Snippet: 

“Lexie, hold up.”

I looked around to see who was calling me by my childhood name—as if I didn’t recognize her voice. A watery sun shone through the trees of Riverside Park. I’d been on autopilot on my morning run since leaving downtown Far Haven. When I looked over my shoulder, I tripped on a tree root. Klutzy Alex O’Hara strikes again.

Windmilling my arms, I righted myself before doing a face plant in the snow. Dottie Matthews, in bright red sweats and a gray vest with fluorescent green stripes, staggered up to me.

“Hey, girl.” Dottie leaned over, hands on her knees, and panted. “Were you ignoring me?”

I jogged in place. “No. Just thinking.”

“About Nick? Have you heard from him yet?”

“Don’t go there, Dottie.”

My best friend since kindergarten knew all my secrets regarding Nick “The Rat” Palzetti. She knew more than she should about his return last October and my falling in love with him. With interrogation techniques honed on three preschoolers, she also knew about his disappearance over two months ago.

And a little more:

“Any news from Chief Hoesen?” she asked.

“I told you before. No. Now stop asking.”

“You have to give me more than that.”

“No, I don’t.”

She didn’t need to know he’d check hospitals and morgues in a fifty-mile radius from Far Haven. And on his own time. Our chief of police could be discreet when he wanted to.

“C’mon . . . what did your . . . investigation . . . turn up?” Her words came out in clumps. She was getting winded. “I can’t believe . . .he left you on Christmas Eve—”

“I know exactly when he left, Dorothy.”

“—and on your—”

“If you keep talking, I’m going to leave you in the dust.”

Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Kobo ~ iBooks ~ B&N ~ Smashwords

Be sure to check out the other WeWriWa authors. Stay safe and have a great week!

 

Guest: ALICIA DEAN New Release: BLOOD AND BREAKFAST

 Welcome to my friend Alicia Dean who has a new release.

 Hello…Alicia Dean here. Myself and twelve other authors (13 total, get it? 😊) each wrote a spooky, suspenseful story in the ‘A Friday the 13^th Story’ series. They are stand-alone but have recurring threads and they were all released on Friday, November 13^th.

My contribution to the series is titled Blood and Breakfast. Check it out below. And be sure to check out my contest where you can win an Amazon gift card! Find details here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCUDvF4YrTa1YzADCvrQIWbK8Q6Ro7Gnb0yRxxl3Kg2Fkd-Q/viewform?usp=sf_link (Contest ends Dec 15, 2020)

Fun Fact:

 

I was plotting my story and trying to figure out why a normal family man would suddenly snap and murder his family. I realized that hallucinations could cause people to do crazy things, so I researched what could make people hallucinate. I discovered that the plant, jimson weed, can cause serious hallucinations. I also wanted to incorporate some kind of an authentic local legend in my story, so I researched legends in various states and came across the Devil’s Footrock in Rhode Island.  I was able to mesh the two–jimson weed and the Devil’s Footrock–to come up with how the husband/father in my story lost his mind and killed his family. It’s so much fun when ideas click and make a story come together. Here’s a photo of Devil’s Foot Rock:

Earlier this year, I had the idea about writing Friday the 13th themed stories. I gathered a group of 13 authors and asked them to each write a 'horror/suspense' story to be released on the final Friday the 13th in 2020, November 13th. We discussed how the stories should be stand-alone but should contain recurring threads I found an article about a superstition that people with 13 letters in their name had 'the devil's luck' and that many serial killers had 13 letters in their name (Charles Manson, Osama Bin Laden, Jack the Ripper, Jeffrey Dahmer, Theodore Bundy, Saddam Hussein, and Albert De Salvo.) So, one of the threads we used was that the victims should each have 13 letters in their name. (although, in my story, each character had 13 letters in their name so as not to give a hint as to who the victims would be if readers knew ahead of time about the 13 letters). It made sense to me that the victims would have 13 letters in their name since they most definitely had bad luck--or 'the devil's luck'.  We created a fun contest where readers had the opportunity to guess the connections and the winner would receive a free book from each of the 13 authors. Now that the contest is over, I can share the other connections: Each story had 13 chapters. A broken mirror had to play a role in each story, although it could be a very minor role. And, finally, a murder had to occur on Friday the 13th. We all had fun creating these stories and incorporating the threads. We hope readers have as much fun reading them!

https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Breakfast-Friday-13th-Story-ebook/dp/B08NF5GH9C/

 

 

Blurb:

 

Determined to boost the sagging ratings of her internet radio show, “A Dark Place,” murder junkie Sasha Gillette checks into the Talley House Bed and Breakfast in North Kingston, Rhode Island. She and her co-host plan to broadcast an episode about the murders that took place there thirteen years earlier on a Friday the 13th, when a man butchered his entire family.

Not long after Sasha arrives, the other guests begin to disappear. Has a killer from the past resurfaced or is there a copycat on the loose?

One of the lone survivors, Sasha finds herself trapped with a sadistic killer and, suddenly, murder isn’t as much fun as she thought.

Excerpt:

“I’m going to look for her. It’s not okay that she’s been gone for hours when she said she’d be back in thirty minutes. Do you know where she was taking her walk?”

“I-in the woods.”

“Well, of course she was,” I muttered. “Agnes, do you have a flashlight I can borrow? And maybe something I can use for a weapon?”

Agnes nodded. “I’ll get you a flashlight. I have a hammer.”

Dorset rose as well. “I’ll go with you.” He cut his gaze to Bradley, but the dufus just sat there without volunteering to help. “Nothing, old chap? Not going to offer to come along?”

“I should stay here in case she comes back,” Bradley murmured but he didn’t look at them. Was he afraid…or feeling guilty?

 I shivered when we stepped outside, drawing my hoodie tighter around my body. The nearly half full moon hovered in the cloudy sky behind the branches of a Tulip tree. Lightning flashed, illuminating the back yard. The icy air held the scent of rain. “We need to hurry,” I told Dorset. “It looks like it might storm.”

He nodded. “I’d say let’s split up to cover more ground, but with one flashlight and hammer, and with the odd happenings lately, maybe we should stick together.”

“Agreed.” My teeth chattered, though it wasn’t all that cold.

We walked along the wood line, shouting for Macy, shining the flashlight between the trees. Nothing. As if by mutual agreement, we entered the woods. I shuddered, not only concerned about a potential maniac, but also leery of whatever creatures might be scurrying around at my feet. I was a city girl and didn’t even own a pet. I was not okay with encountering an animal, of any kind.

We searched for another half hour with no sign of Macy. We were deep into the woods when the sky opened up and doused us with buckets of rain. Thunder rumbled and more lightning flashed. We gave up and hurried back to the house.

The others were waiting for us.

“Anything?” Bradley asked, his voice high-pitched with anxiety. He seemed much more concerned about Macy than he had been about his wife.

“Not a sign,” I said. “We need to call the police.”

“I did.” Agnes was seated in the forest green wing chair in the corner of the library. “They took the information but said she’s an adult and can leave any time she wants.” She rose. “We waited dinner for you. Let’s eat.”

A pall hung over the room as we ate in silence, the air thick with fear and confusion.

Afterward, I excused myself and headed upstairs, anxiety weighing on me. I had an overwhelming feeling that I wouldn’t sleep a wink. Nor would anyone else.

 

 

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Please like Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/Fri13thShortStories

 

All stories in the Friday the 13^th series:

 

Links to Evil by Rolynn Anderson

Till Death by Maureen Bonatch

Blood and Breakfast by Alicia Dean

Retribution by D.J. FitzSimons

Shattered Reflections by Tamrie Foxtail

A Deadly Game by Jannine Gallant

Dead to Rights by Margo Hoornstra

In the Still of the Night by Callie Hutton

Glimpse, the Dinner Guest by Stephen B. King

Scorned by Anna Kittrell

Vanity Kills by Dianne McCartney

Fatal Legacy by Krysta Scott

Azrael’s Chosen by Leah St. James

 

Bio:

Alicia Dean began writing stories as a child. At age 10, she wrote her first ever romance (featuring a hero who looked just like Elvis Presley, and who shared the name of Elvis’ character in the movie, Tickle Me), and she still has the tattered, pencil-written copy. Alicia is from Moore, Oklahoma and now lives in Edmond. She has three grown children and a huge network of supportive friends and family. She writes mostly contemporary suspense and paranormal, but has also written in other genres, including a few vintage historicals.

Other than reading and writing, her passions are Elvis Presley (she almost always works in a mention of him into her stories) and watching (and rewatching) her favorite televisions shows like Ozark, Dexter, Justified, Breaking Bad, Sons of Anarchy, and Vampire Diaries. Some of her favorite authors are Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane, Stephen King, Lee Child, Lisa Gardner, Ridley Pearson, Joseph Finder, and Jonathan Kellerman…to name a few.

 

Email: Alicia@AliciaDean.com

Website: http://aliciadean.com/

Blog: http://aliciadean.com/alicias-blog/

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

Twitter: @Alicia_Dean_

Instagram: AliciaDeanAuthor

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/alicia-dean

Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/aliciamdean/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/468339.Alicia_Dean

 

 

#IWSG: When Are You Most Productive?

 

Happy Insecure Writer's 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. We are rockin' the neurotic writing world!

The awesome co-hosts for the December 2 posting of the IWSG are Pat Garcia, Sylvia Ney, Liesbet @ Roaming About Cathrina Constantine, and Natalie Aguirre!

December 2 question - Are there months or times of the year that you are more productive with your writing than other months, and why?

I'm more productive when the sun is shining. In Michigan, that eliminates November and February, the two dreariest months of the year. The Great Lakes affect the weather. Not just lake-effect snow, which is tremendous, but the lakes bring clouds. 

Like many people, I'm affected by the lack of sunshine. That's when my productivity plummets. A sunny day makes me feel like I have a ton of energy. Usually, my writing increases. I say "usually." This year, my mind has been scattered. I know I'm not alone in this. I can't seem to focus.

However . . .

Tara Tyler started a blog hop called "30 Days of Gratitude." I joined. I figured I needed to focus on positivity and think about the good things in my life. Every day I posted I thought about what I have to be grateful for. Such a great reminder. The blog hop ended on the day before Thanksgiving. That made me more grateful than ever because, despite covid and not seeing my family as much as I wanted to, I had a lot to be thankful for.

I'm very grateful to Tara for another reason. I wrote every day for 30 days. For someone who hasn't written much all year, this was big. It was also encouraging. It lifted me out of the doldrums, reminding me I needed something to spur me on. A goal for each day. I need to keep it going. I'd like finish 2020 on a high point instead of the quasi-depression I'd fallen into.

I hope all of you are staying safe. That you stay safe through the holidays. See you next year. 

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.

#30 Days of Gratitude - Day 30: Traditions

Two days ago I talked about the wedding tradition in my family. While that only happened every 20-30 years, gathering together to celebrate Thanksgiving happens annually. Well, at least it did until this year.

Covid.

Unfortunately, covid cases have risen dramatically in west Michigan. To stay safe, Hubs and I will celebrate by ourselves, while our children will celebrate with their families. It will be different. We'll still watch the parades, esp. the one in Detroit since that's where we both grew up. Maybe we'll watch the Lions game, if there is one. We'll FaceTime with each family and think about how we'll get together for Thanksgiving next year.

I want to thank Tara Tyler for starting this 30 Days of Gratitude. Since March, I've felt overwhelmed, upset, and down. I'd forgotten I have so much to be thankful for. Blogging for the past 30 days reinforced that even in bad times, I need to remember our blessings.

 

#30 Days of Gratitude - Day 29: Guilty Pleasures

 

I love to read in bed. Hubs doesn't mind. LOL He just pulls the covers over his head, even though I turn out the light. Often, I'll be so engaged by a story that I read into the wee hours.

Unlike my mom, mother-in-law, and most women, I'm not that fond of chocolate. Heresy, I know. Now, mix chocolate with ice cream . . . mmm.

Movies. Either at home or in the theater (not now, of course), I love movies. Like books, movies transport me to another place or time, even another world. Give me an action-adventure flick or a romantic comedy and I'm thrilled.

I'm thankful I can enjoy all my guilty pleasures.

What are yours?

 

Here's info about the #30 Days of Gratitude.

It's not too late to join in. Here's the Form: 30 Days of Gratitude 2020 Blog Hop

Stop by Tara Tyler's blog to see who else is participating.

#30 Days of Gratitude - Day 28: My Husband

Forty-eight years ago, I married my best friend. We hadn't known each other for very long, but we knew we were meant to be. 

In keeping with what has become a family tradition, we married on Thanksgiving Day. My maternal grandparents did because Grandpa got the day off from his milk delivery job. My parents did because my dad got a furlough from the Army Air Force that weekend. So, I thought it would be cool to do the same. Then (no pressure) our daughter married on Thanksgiving Day, too.

I'm thankful for the special man in my life who still brings me joy, happiness, laughter, and, most of all, love.

 

#30 Days of Gratitude - Day 27: Accomplishments

 

I'm very proud of what I've accomplished in my life. I'm most proud of recognitions for service. The picture above is the Angel Pin from the Mid-Michigan chapter of Romance Writers of America.

We give service because we want to help, not for recognition. I'm grateful for all I've learned and support received from the members of MMRWA.

I was not a Girl Scout as a girl. Considering all I learned as an adult Girl Scout, I wish I had been. Through Girl Scouts of the USA, I learned that you can accomplish anything when you're part of a team. 

I'm so grateful for the experiences I've had and all I've accomplished. And I'm not done yet.