Something from Nothing

When I got my monthly email about needing an article for a newsletter I contribute to, I’d just sent off my fifth Thea Campbell mystery to the final editor. I was feeling more than a bit tapped-out and was wondering if I would be able to summon any words. I cast about for inspiration and was, pretty much, finding nothing. Then it occurred to me that perhaps inspiration and how we corral it would be a good topic. After all, each of us deal with it – or the lack of it.

What a great idea! I could write about Nothing (notice the capital).

We’ve all been there, right? -- The “I got nothing” for the next book/story. I’ll bet 99% of us have even designed the T-shirt. I’ll also bet we each have a pattern we follow in order to grab inspiration by the throat and tie her to the chair.

I usually start a story with a body. Sometimes I don’t know who it is or how they died, but I know something, and I start to build the plot around that. The organic, story-growing process for me always moves next into why that person has been killed, and then  who would do such a thing.

I know a number or writers who joyfully dive into their story without a single notion of “who done it.” I’ve tried that approach, and it doesn’t work for me. I find I actually enjoy getting to know my villain. Sometimes there are several antagonists and I frankly relish poking around in their warped little minds (a bit of confession here: I freaked myself out researching the villain for this latest mystery) (seriously).

Sometimes it isn’t a character, but an event. Maybe it’s singular, like the I-5 bridge collapse in Mt. Vernon, Washington (we can hope it’s a singular event, although from what I’ve been reading about the state of our state’s bridges, we should worry). Maybe it’s an ongoing social phenomenon like insider trading, or identity theft. Maybe it’s something as old as the ages like sibling rivalry.

Okay, now that I’ve confessed to the Big Void and my usual plan for conquering it, what about you? Do you like to spend quality time with the bad-guys? Are they your inspiration? What kinds of things scream “story material” at you? What stokes the “what if” spark into the kind of fire that makes you write the story?

There's a New Bun ... er, Book in the Oven

I’ve been absent. But 83,241 words later, I’m back, and with a new book begging for release. It is in editors’ hands now, so I’m waiting patiently (sort of) to hear from them. I’m waffling on the title, and don’t have the cover art done yet, but all of that is in progress. 

Here's some questions I've been fielding lately (other than "what took you so long?"):

So, what’s it all about? 

It’s about two, maybe three weddings and at least one funeral.

Who gets married? Is it Thea and Paul? 

Well, maybe. Anybody remember me saying once that when they got married something awful and unexpected would happen? You don’t? Oh. Too bad.

And what’s this about three weddings? 

I said “maybe.” Pay attention.

All right then, who dies? Someone I had a lot of trouble killing, and a couple other people. There was a higher body count in the end that what I originally intended. And more blood. 

What about Juliet? Has she gotten over Eric? Juliet is nothing if not resilient. She’s up to the top of her curly head in intrigue. And Eric … hmmm ….

Does Blackie get more page time? Blackie figures strongly in this story. We’re spending a good deal of time at the barn, I’m happy to say.

And the title?

I’m waffling between “Fatal Injection” and “Shooting to Kill”

Have you got a preference on the title? Which would you pick up? And while you're at it -- if you've got any questions for me or any of the characters, toss them in the comments. We'll try to satisfy your curiosity without giving too much away.

More Presents!

A late Christmas gift -- or a Boxing Day gift, if you prefer -- from me to you, one last time 

An Error In Judgment

The third Thea Campbell Mystery

Free on 12/26/2012 & 12/27/2012

An Error In Judgment -- NOT!

Nope, no mistake here. Just letting all of you know that the e-book version An Error in Judgment will be FREE for 3 days beginning 12/2/12 through 12/4/12 on Amazon!

You don't have to own a Kindle to take advantage of this promo. Kindle software is free for you computer, tablet and smart phone. To be honest, I've read a bunch of books on my phone and find it very convenient -- and an excellent use of technology!

Go ahead, tell your mystery-loving friends to get their copy, too. You don't have to have read the first two books in the Thea Campbell series to find yourself pulled head first into this mystery/thriller/romance! 

Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/Judgment-Campbell-Mystery-Series-ebook/dp/B005EA02QI

Or, click on the book cover below

The suspense winds tight, pitting Thea against a killer and embattling her at every turn. Her sleuthing could clear her long time friend of a murder charge – or backfire. Her romance with rugged paleontology professor Paul Hudson teeters on the edge disaster. An old nemesis returns to the scene threatening to expose Thea’s closest held secret.  This time she’s alone in a fight to save everyone she holds dear – and herself. 

New Book Covers

While I've been preoccupied with a number of tasks, chores and drama (including working on the newest Thea Campbell mystery) my talented friend Tracy Hayes has been creating brand new covers for the print version covers of Death By A Dark Horse, Levels Of Deception and An Error In Judgment. Yes, the photographs are mine, but without Tracy's ability to take raw material and make magic happen, they would have been just ordinary photographs. So, as they say .... Ladies and Gentlemen, I present ---

The horse in this picture is not my Eddie -- who is white (gray, if you're being absolutely correct), and therefore unsuitable -- but Stacey Sikorski's very excellent dressage horse High Spirrits. The photograph was taken at a clinic with Henrik Johansen, and Spirrit was exhibiting the exuberance that earned him his name. Stacey, ever the tactful rider, was simply sitting quietly and waiting for him to settle down. I think his energy comes through in the picture and particularly the book cover! 

This photograph is actually a "negative" of the original. Fossilized Trilobites are not white, as you may know, but black. With the exception of the trilobite in the center, all the images are fossils my husband and I dug at a little place in Eastern Washington called Stonerose Interpretive Center (go ahead and follow the link if you are intrigued). I do own the trilobite, but bought it so many years ago that I can't remember where now.

This is a photograph of my daughter -- and yes, she is this beautiful, but she's not blue. And no, guys, you don't get a link to her. We staged the photograph specifically for the book cover. Bless her heart, she was very patient with me. Of course, she could simply be used to her quirky mother by now!

I hope you all enjoy these new covers even half as much as I do. The images above are for the print covers. The ebook covers will follow suit, if they haven't already. Many thanks to everyone who has aided and abetted my wild schemes and nutty ideas!

Blog Tag!

My work-in-progress has been tagged by author Judy Alter --visit her at Judy’s Stew and read about her work in progress tentatively titled "Innocents in Danger" (although we all know how titles change). It sounds like fun, and I certainly enjoyed her first book Skeleton In A Dead Space, a Kelly O’Connell Mystery. 

Now it's my turn to answer the same ten questions. Here’s your first look at my fifth Thea Campbell Mystery!

What is the title of your book?

The working title is “Other People’s Money” but it will change, of course.

Where did the idea for the book come from?

Several places. Since I work part time in a veterinarian’s office, and know the drama that can go on in barns, as well as the dangers inherent in many of the medications I felt it was a perfect set up for a crime. Then I read an article about a totally different type of crime that intrigued me. I can’t tell you about the it because it would give away my story. Also, all the publicity lately about Super Pacs made me think something along those lines would make an interesting twist to the plot. Yes, I can make it all fit together!

When genre does your book fall under?

Mystery. But there’s also a good bit of romance in it. The main characters, Thea Campbell and Paul Hudson, are rather intensely involved. They verbally spar in a manner that reminds some readers of Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

Hugh Jackman as Paul and Audrey Hepburn as Thea. Obviously a little time travel will be required.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of the book:

Thea and Paul are blackmailed into investigating the murder of her horse’s vet for the purpose of clearing the person they know is guilty.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agent?

Self published. After 4 books I’ve become very comfortable with this avenue for getting my mysteries to readers and have worked out my resources and team members.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?

Still working on it. I outline first, and that can take a while. The first draft can take me up to two months to complete.

What other books would you compare this to within your genre?

Some of my favorite authors who write mysteries with family, close friends, humor and romance are; Evelyn David, Kate George, Nancy Martin, Ann Charles, Janet Evanovich to name a few. 

Who or What inspired you to write this book?

There’s lots of credits to go out. The characters themselves often suggest the next book, and the readers of the earlier books are always nudging me along to the next adventure.

What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?

Thea’s horse Blackie plays a bigger role in this latest adventure. Some believe he’s psychic. He certainly has an expansive personality. Also, many favorite characters will return in this book – some just to stir up trouble! And wait! Could I be hearing wedding bells? And if I am, who are they for?

An Error In Judgment -- redressed

Book covers are important. They entice -- and tell the browser a bit about the book, the tone, and information they will need to make the all important decision:

To read or not to read.

In my never-ending quest to come up with just the right cover ... here's the newest one for AN ERROR IN JUDGMENT.

This is the e-book version. The print will be similar. What do you think?