Back to the grind

After the hell of the past couple of months I am once again working--yet another book! (#31, I think!) The Hangman's Noose takes place in Ireland, a country that I have been to once, but am planning to visit in March. So far the story is showing itself to be in line with my earlier books that have to do with gods and goddesses, witches and mysticism. Maybe somewhat along the lines of my very first series, Wolfmoon.

I won't reveal more than this because there is a big mystery and a bunch of back story and in all honesty I don't know where the story is going! I have mentioned before that I'm a pantser (someone who doesn't outline or plan my stories) But I do have a cover already:

I LOVE this cover! What does it say to you? I see a lot of themes brewing in the imagery, and the noose is a big one...it offers a clue. Mercury is in retrograde at the moment so not much work has been done...I think I've made it up to chapter 4 so far...characters are revealing themselves and the unfolding story is hinted at. But where will it take me? I love not knowing!

If you are a writer what is it that inspires your stories? I love designing the covers--not that I do the work, but I find imagery that I like and then talk with my designer about what I'm thinking. We work well together. If you need someone great and you like my book covers, this designer is on Fiverr and goes by the name Kozakura. Once I have a cover I can kind of see the trajectory of the story...I am an artist too so it helps my imagination with general ideas...no real planning, just vague rumblings.

Writing is a mysterious process. I have noticed that when I try and tell someone about what I'm working on, the correct wordage does not come, nor can I repeat a sentence I've just written...writing comes from a different part of the brain and isn't linked to the part we use for talking. So being a storyteller does not necessarily make you a good writer! It's fascinating to me and I always wonder where the ideas come from. The prologue for this one just came to me out of the blue! And then a loose idea for a story...

Writing keeps my mind active and is my outlet for the secret world that lives inside me--it is filled with animals, mystical creatures and worlds not entirely like this one). I write on substack and medium as well but those are usually rants about how I'm feeling regarding politics! Now I'm trying to steer away from that...it's too negative and I found myself in a dark hole of depression. I managed to climb out, but I don't want to fall into it again!

What does writing do for you? what are your reasons for writing? There are as many reasons as there are writers, I would imagine. We all have our secret lives and the unique things that interest us.

Stay tuned as I think I may be using this blog to write down tips I might have gleaned in the twenty years I've been at this...questions and responses are very welcome!

Thank you for reading!

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If you love fantasy/romance you may want to read book 1 and 2 first. The new one is a stand-alone but it's always nice to have background information which reveals how they came to be in the fix that they are. Because in my writing there is always some catastrophe to be worked through! Especially when it comes to Annie and Sam's relationship.

Now a little about my process. In series I usually try and pick up where I ended, explaining the last parts of the former book before I continue with the new one. I don't plot out the story. I've never been able to write an outline, which annoyed my English professors and my teachers in high school. How can you write an outline when you don't know where the story will go?

My stories write themselves--there is no other way to explain it. Characters arrive on the page and I have no idea who they are...they reveal themselves as the story unfolds. To me it is a bit like reading. I'm following along like a reader even though my fingers are typing. Sometimes I'm amazed and sometimes I laugh at what is happening. That happened a lot in my Coyote books.

Tolkien was also a 'panster', the word they use to describe this particular writing style. I recently read an article about Tolkien in which he said that Strider appeared in a pub sitting in a dark corner. Tolkien did not know who he was! As in my writing this character had to reveal himself. Doesn't this sound more fun than plotting everything out? Personally I LOVE it! If you have not read The Lord of the Rings, I suggest you do so. It is completely absorbing with fantastic characters.

Maybe we have no choice in the matter as to which style we work in, either plotter or panster. I am grateful to be the latter because I get so much pleasure out of my books! And when tell my husband something funny that occurred, it feels like I'm talking about something that happened to a friend, when in reality I wrote it! It sounds very odd when I explain it--but there it is.

Have a wonderful holiday and enjoy reading! Books make delightful Christmas gifts!

Unveiling the Mystery: The Ultimate Book Release Countdown Begins Now!

Are you ready to dive into a world of mystery and intrigue? Book 3 of The Library of Time is just around the corner! Join us as we embark on this journey together, filled with anticipation for what's to come!

The Buzz Begins

As the clock ticks down the buzz begins. Fans and book enthusiasts alike are eagerly waiting the latest offering from a talented author whose words have the power to transport readers to other realms. Here is the cover to whet your appetite:

Behind the Scenes

What goes into the creation of a book that has the potential to captivate hearts and minds? The author's creative process remains shrouded in mystery, adding to the allure of the impending release. From crafting intricate plotlines to developing unforgettable characters, every aspect of the book promises an exciting reading experience.

Sneak Peek

While we eagerly await the book's official release, here's a sneak peek into what you can expect. Prepare to be transported to a world where secrets lurk around every corner, where suspense hangs in the air like a veil, and where every page turn brings a new revelation.

Here is an excerpt:

Dawn light filtered in through the lacy curtains, the brightness landing on Annie’s eyelids where she lay cozy under a down quilt. She’d been dreaming about a beautiful hawk, its wide wings spread as it lifted into a snowy sky. She yawned and sat up, remembering where she was. 

A gray silk dress had been placed at the end of her bed, one more in keeping with the 1800’s than her jeans and heavy sweater. A full skirt was gathered at the waist with a tight bodice and a lacy square neckline. Next to it was a corset. Annie sighed and rose from bed and dressed, her body rebelling against the corset as she fastened it as best she could. The dress, of course, fit her perfectly—it belonged to her twin. She tried to take in a deep breath and was stopped by the article of clothing tight around her rib cage. “Crap,” she muttered. Without it this dress would not fit her.

Countdown Commences

The countdown has officially begun. The last chapters are being crafted and the The End is near. Keep an eye out for the announcement!

Join the Excitement!

Stay tuned for updates, teasers, and exclusive sneak peeks as we inch closer to the grand unveiling. Are you ready to be taken to different realms where magic is alive and well?

Within the pages of this upcoming book lies a world of mystery waiting to be explored. The stage is set, the countdown is on ...

Exciting times are ahead, so stay tuned for more updates as we edge closer to the grand unveiling of a page-turner that completes The Library of Time series.

If you have not read Book 1 and Book 2, now is the perfect time. Find them here:

https://www.amazon.com/Library-Time-Book-ebook/dp/B0CJTCGXLC