My! As if the season could get any busier, my husband and I (Evans & Rogers) just got booked for a party on New Years Day. It promises to be a lot of fun, and we're both looking forward to it. We have lots of parties to go to with good friends to see. Life is good. God is good.
For my Sassy Saturday friends, here's the latest tidbit to show off of my heroine, Janette West. This comes from my latest book, Man Trouble.
-----------------------
Excerpt from Man Trouble, chapter two
It was quite chilly outside in the desert night air, but not inside that car. Kiss after long kiss, the windows began to steam up just like my head. Something told me it was time to end the evening before it got any hotter.
“Alan, we’d better go,” I wanted to say, once I could come up for air, but then I was distracted by a breeze down my back. I tried to ignore it until I felt his hands touch my skin where he shouldn’t have been able to. Immediately the fog lifted.
My outfit was a straight skirt that fastened in the back and a simple sweater that buttoned down the back as well. Alan, deft as a pickpocket, had undone them both.
“Stop it!!” I shouted and yanked myself away. “Stop it right now, Alan, and take me home!”
Instead of doing as I asked, he reached for me again with a seductive touch, stroking my skin and pulling me closer. “Look, just relax,” he said softly. “We won’t do anything bad. We’ll just cuddle close for a minute, that’s all.”
What a touch! This guy knew his stuff, and had I been a weaker person, it would have posed a real problem. But I stood firm and kept up my efforts to elude his grasp. “Alan, I mean it. Stop it and take me home!”
Still he would not comply and continued his attempts to make love, pulling me close again as he said,
“Don’t worry, baby. I’ll be good. I promise, I’ll be real good.”
But that didn’t work. Squirming until my hands were in front of me, I pushed against his arms with all my might. And still he wouldn’t give up. Once free from his embrace I didn’t expect him to keep going, but he grabbed me again to hold me tenderly, keeping me from putting my clothes back together and causing them to be even looser.
That was the last straw. This time I got away and jumped back to the far side of the seat. When he came after me again with more love and kisses, I made sure it was the last time.
Alan drove us home slowly with one hand on the steering wheel while the other nursed a bloody nose and a swollen eye; his lip was also cut. I thought of offering to drive once I saw the awful damage my little fists had done, but believed the lesson might be better learned without trying to make things easier.
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Saturday, December 12, 2015
Writing Fiction: Past vs. Present Day
Many writers enjoy creating stories in a modern setting. Not me. Perhaps those who write historic novels and regency romances do so for some of the same reasons that I choose the past for a good story setting.
Somehow it is much easier to create intrigue and cause your characters all sorts of problems without the convenience of modern technology. No cell phones to make a quick phone call or computers to get information. Without modern media, communications and other technology, a person can disappear and not be found--intentionally or unintentionally. All sorts of deeds and misdeeds can be done and not be so quickly, if ever, discovered.
But also there is a warmth about looking backward to simpler, less complicated times, when the outside world was farther away and not sitting on our desk top. My mystery/romance series, The War This Side Of Heaven, is set in the late 1960's. The town is Albuquerque, New Mexico, but like Route 66, the story line winds from Chicago to L.A., especially the second and third books. This period was the time that still held much of the old charm of the American Southwest. The Mother Road was still the way to travel, with all sorts of interesting places to stop, including the ones you counted on, like Stucky's. ABQ is where I saw my first drive-through liquor store, and the little motels on the west end of town had that wonderful look of paint on old adobe. It had much more charm than the sprawling metropolis of today.
Ah! Those were the days, especially for the kind of stories I like to write. Mystery, romance, suspense, adventure, during a time when families sat down together at the dinner table on a daily basis and a highball was often the only drug of choice. I would be curious to hear from some of you out there who write fiction, to hear your thoughts on Past vs. Present Day for story settings. Any takers?
The War This Side Of Heaven:
Somehow it is much easier to create intrigue and cause your characters all sorts of problems without the convenience of modern technology. No cell phones to make a quick phone call or computers to get information. Without modern media, communications and other technology, a person can disappear and not be found--intentionally or unintentionally. All sorts of deeds and misdeeds can be done and not be so quickly, if ever, discovered.
But also there is a warmth about looking backward to simpler, less complicated times, when the outside world was farther away and not sitting on our desk top. My mystery/romance series, The War This Side Of Heaven, is set in the late 1960's. The town is Albuquerque, New Mexico, but like Route 66, the story line winds from Chicago to L.A., especially the second and third books. This period was the time that still held much of the old charm of the American Southwest. The Mother Road was still the way to travel, with all sorts of interesting places to stop, including the ones you counted on, like Stucky's. ABQ is where I saw my first drive-through liquor store, and the little motels on the west end of town had that wonderful look of paint on old adobe. It had much more charm than the sprawling metropolis of today.
Ah! Those were the days, especially for the kind of stories I like to write. Mystery, romance, suspense, adventure, during a time when families sat down together at the dinner table on a daily basis and a highball was often the only drug of choice. I would be curious to hear from some of you out there who write fiction, to hear your thoughts on Past vs. Present Day for story settings. Any takers?
The War This Side Of Heaven:
- Book 1 -- The After School Murders (on Amazon) Trailer: https://youtu.be/nPqwJ34CuCY
- Book 2 -- Man Trouble (on Amazon) Trailer: https://youtu.be/ta0XpOxMUAk
- Short Story -- Heart of a Man In Love (on Amazon) Trailer: https://youtu.be/D73k30F6ZZ0
- Book 3 -- Killing Old Ghosts (expected release date Summer 2016)
SASSY SATURDAY HOP
This post is from the first chapter of The After School Murders. Our heroine, Janette West, has been away for a while and her old friend Margo Townsend is catching her up on things.
We finished our sandwiches and then went to her room to take a look at the file on Conrad. The one thing Margo kept in impeccable order was her ADG file cabinet. It only took her a second to put Mr. Conrad in my hands.
“I’m impressed, Muggs. Even on paper he looks good. And so much information! I’ve never seen a file this fat that wasn’t Jake Noonan’s.”
“It was a labor of love, believe me. He’s very nice and fairly easy to talk to, believe it or not. On the surface you’ll find that he tends to be rather quiet and even withdrawn at times, but don’t let that fool you. When he’s out of the classroom and relaxed, you’ll see that there really is a personality there and a very pleasant one. It’s all on the Personal Observation sheet.”
“I’m still checking out the Personal Information sheet. And these photos! How many did you take?” I picked up a bulging envelope that held about thirty snapshots and skipped through them. “Haut boy! That’s a nice car.”
“It’s a Jaguar. Custom made, if you can believe that. That’s what the boys tell me.”
“Yeah and I’ve always wanted one of those. Hey, far out! I see what you mean about the apartment. Margo, did he let you take all of these pictures?”
“Well—not exactly.”
“Margo, were you breaking and entering again?”
“No, dear, B & E wasn’t necessary. I went in with a partner. She actually managed to get him out of the apartment while we were there and I worked very fast while they were out. Also, some of the pictures are from the party he had. Still I had to do it without drawing his attention. I’m getting pretty good, ain’t I?”
“Yeah, but don’t let Fletcher find out you’re doing this kind of thing.”
“Aw, what’s he gonna do? Besides, he’s the one that taught me how so I can be a hotshot reporter someday. Thanks to him I got a new camera, too. Makes a big difference.”
Don’t let Margo’s words give you the wrong idea. We teased the man about his nervous habits and sometimes called him by his first name, but everyone in the Guild greatly loved and respected Bill Fletcher. He was a good friend whose wisdom and advice we valued. Without Bill the ADG might not have continued to exist; and it certainly would not be anywhere near the success it had become without the help and guidance he had so freely given.
“You will get me copies of this won’t you, Muggs? I mean the paper. I don’t think I’ll need the photos.”
“Sure. But in a few weeks I want to know your observations on Conrad. I’ve got a feeling about him. I don’t think it’s anything big, you understand, just something out of the ordinary. He’s got me curious.”
“Or maybe he’s got you smitten. Sure, I’ll tell you anything you want to know.”
“I am not smitten. He’s out of my league, too, you know. Oh, and that reminds me. There’s another file that goes with his.” She reached into a different drawer and brought out a thin little folder. “This is the one big chink I’ve found in his armor. Remember her?”
“Vicky Marshall. . . . Yeah, I remember her—the campus sex pot. Man! It was the funniest thing when Old Mac got a hold of her.” ‘Old Mac’ was what we called our principal, Mrs. MacGregor. “That dame had to buy a whole new wardrobe just for school. So she’s latched onto Conrad, huh?”
“I’m afraid so. Disgusting, isn’t it?”
“Yes, but men will be men. I mean, just look at her. She’s practically another Jayne Mansfield. But what’s worse than that is he’s dating someone he works with. That’s not very smart.”
“Oh? How so?”
“Well, a serious courtship is one thing because people have empathy for you if there are problems. But if he’s not serious—and who could be serious about her—what happens when you want to call things off? You don’t need scandal on a job you’re interested in keeping. It’s not worth it.”
“I never thought of that. Financially he probably doesn’t need a job, but—”
“There’s something inside him that needs it. And whatever that is, I suspect it’s a part of the mystery we’d like to solve.”
“I’m glad you said ‘we.’ Now the case is yours, since I don’t have him for any classes. Do you want a copy of Marshall’s file, too? I don’t have as much info on her as some of the guys might, but you’re welcome to what I’ve got.”
“Sure, I’ll take it. Why not? If I need more later, I’ll get it then. The boys’ll have plenty.”
“I’ll run them both through the mimeograph the first chance I get. Eventually I’ll get you the updates for your file on Jake the Snake, too. Say, can I get you a drink? I’m gonna have one.”
“Yeah.”
She disappeared for a moment and came back with glasses and ice. While I took a last look at Mr. Conrad’s file, she poured the wet stuff and put a drink in my hand. The first sip brought my taste buds an interesting sensation. It was my old usual, dark rum and RC Cola on the Rocks. I’d been away so long that I had forgotten what having a drink at Margo’s meant.
###
Writers, please take note of my other post for today. I would love to have your comments there as well.
----------------------------------------------
The War This Side Of Heaven:
- Book 1 -- The After School Murders (on Amazon) Trailer: https://youtu.be/nPqwJ34CuCY
- Book 2 -- Man Trouble (on Amazon) Trailer: https://youtu.be/ta0XpOxMUAk
- Short Story -- Heart of a Man In Love (on Amazon) Trailer: https://youtu.be/D73k30F6ZZ0
- Book 3 -- Killing Old Ghosts (expected release date Summer 2016)
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Good News & Sassy Saturday Post
On Monday of this past week (Nov. 30th), the Ascot Library here in Los Angeles--a place that was such a pleasant and important part of my childhood--was dedicated to my late sister, Wanda Coleman. Wanda was a brilliant poet and short story writer and activist who won numerous awards for her work, including an Emmy and a Guggenheim. Her books are available through the Los Angeles Public Library system, and soon mine will be as well. The first two books in my series, The War This Side of Heaven, are The After School Murders and Man Trouble, and the librarians have happily said that they will acquire copies and make them available through the Los Angeles Public Library system.
To my delight, lots of people are showing interest in my latest book, Man Trouble. But I'm planning to branch out and write other stories not related to the series. I've got some interesting ideas outlined, and I'm getting excited about them as well. But now, for those who have yet to read my stories, here is another vignette which shows off the heroine of The War This Side of Heaven, Janette West. Enjoy.
----
Excerpt from Man Trouble,
Chapter Three "Christmas Jeer"
Then, as if life wasn’t interesting enough, it waxed more colorful on Wednesday, the 13th.
“Janette,” called a feminine voice. I turned and saw Vicky Marshall out in the hallway, hands on hips and staring at me with an expression strongly suggestive of being put out. The smile on her lips was strained, her head was tilted, and the daggers coming from her big green eyes were almost visible. Her voice was pleasant, however as she said, “Janette, could you come here a minute, please? I’d like to talk to you.”
Oh, God! Now what is it? I could have ignored her, but decided to get whatever it was out of the way. I followed along to her classroom and she closed the door behind us.
“Janette, have you been telling Mr Conrad that he ought not to go out with me?”
“What? No, of course not.”
“Are you sure of that?”
“Yes, I’m sure. We never talk about that sort of thing.”
“Well, I’m sorry but I don’t believe it. And I’m telling you right now that I don’t appreciate the way you’ve interfered in my relationship with him. You come along and then he starts asking me questions about God and what I think about faith and religion; now he’s called things off with us for no good reason. The only thing he had to say was that what we were doing wasn’t right, and that he just didn’t think we should see each other anymore. Now, why else would he say something like that if you hadn’t influenced him?”
Am I hearing things? He said that? That’s tough to believe. For a moment I was too stunned to answer. When I did find my voice I asked, “Are you sure that’s what he said?”
“I most certainly am. I made him repeat it. Then I asked him several times if I had done anything wrong and he said that I hadn’t.”
“What else did he say?”
“He said that if God was real then he needed him on his side and didn’t want to offend him. Now, naturally I asked him if there was somebody else he was interested in, but all he said was that it wouldn’t make any difference one way or the other because it was over with us.”
“Well, I’ll be! I had no idea. Honestly, Miss Marshall, Mr Conrad rarely mentions you or any of his other girlfriends.”
“Other girlfriends?”
“Oh, I just figured he had others. I don’t know for sure. Anyway, I never told him he shouldn’t see you anymore or even suggested it. Now, if you’ll please excuse me, I’d better get to class.”
“Not just yet.” She blocked the door until she could finish saying her piece. “Now, since you were the one that messed things up, I want you to have a little talk with Mr Conrad and fix it. Do you understand me?”
Lady, what side of stupid did you get up on this morning? Do you know who you’re talking to? A smile spread across my face and I nearly laughed out loud. “And if I don’t fix it?”
“Then maybe people might find it interesting to know that you’re trying to take my place with Mr Conrad, because I’m beginning to think you are; turning his head with your fancy clothes and that religious talk. Maybe the other woman he’s got is you.”
Now I did laugh openly. “Oh, man! You can’t be serious!” It felt like old times, having a teacher call me on the carpet. My anger didn’t rise up like it used to, though. Actually it was rather amusing, and would have even been flattering had the place she held with Mr Conrad not been such a low one. Finally, since this whole business was making me late to class, I began to get annoyed and decided to bring this conversation to a close. “Miss Marshall, do you have any idea why you still have a job at this school? Maybe you think it’s because you’ve changed the way you dress and stopped all those little games you used to play with the boys, but that’s not the reason. The reason is that certain friends of mine weren’t willing to give you up as a hobby, so they withheld evidence against you. Well, Miss Vicky, I have some of that evidence, and there are others who have collected even more since then. Now, if at any time you feel you would like everybody else to have it, too, then you just try and make good on your threat. Now, please step aside so I can go to class.”
Miss Marshall turned pale and swallowed hard. Then without another word, she moved aside and let me pass.
I wasn’t sure I would mention the incident to Mr C because it would likely upset him far more than it did me. Still, I was dying to know what was going on with him. Was that his real and only reason for dumping her, because it “wasn’t right”? I’d often thought he’d tire of her eventually and find another main squeeze, but this looked like something else. Well, whatever his reason, this news was a bright spot in an otherwise dismal season. But then I hadn’t made it to my next class yet.
BOOK TRAILER AT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ta0XpOxMUAk
ON AMAZON AT: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B009YPOQ7U
To my delight, lots of people are showing interest in my latest book, Man Trouble. But I'm planning to branch out and write other stories not related to the series. I've got some interesting ideas outlined, and I'm getting excited about them as well. But now, for those who have yet to read my stories, here is another vignette which shows off the heroine of The War This Side of Heaven, Janette West. Enjoy.
----
Excerpt from Man Trouble,
Chapter Three "Christmas Jeer"
Then, as if life wasn’t interesting enough, it waxed more colorful on Wednesday, the 13th.
“Janette,” called a feminine voice. I turned and saw Vicky Marshall out in the hallway, hands on hips and staring at me with an expression strongly suggestive of being put out. The smile on her lips was strained, her head was tilted, and the daggers coming from her big green eyes were almost visible. Her voice was pleasant, however as she said, “Janette, could you come here a minute, please? I’d like to talk to you.”
Oh, God! Now what is it? I could have ignored her, but decided to get whatever it was out of the way. I followed along to her classroom and she closed the door behind us.
“Janette, have you been telling Mr Conrad that he ought not to go out with me?”
“What? No, of course not.”
“Are you sure of that?”
“Yes, I’m sure. We never talk about that sort of thing.”
“Well, I’m sorry but I don’t believe it. And I’m telling you right now that I don’t appreciate the way you’ve interfered in my relationship with him. You come along and then he starts asking me questions about God and what I think about faith and religion; now he’s called things off with us for no good reason. The only thing he had to say was that what we were doing wasn’t right, and that he just didn’t think we should see each other anymore. Now, why else would he say something like that if you hadn’t influenced him?”
Am I hearing things? He said that? That’s tough to believe. For a moment I was too stunned to answer. When I did find my voice I asked, “Are you sure that’s what he said?”
“I most certainly am. I made him repeat it. Then I asked him several times if I had done anything wrong and he said that I hadn’t.”
“What else did he say?”
“He said that if God was real then he needed him on his side and didn’t want to offend him. Now, naturally I asked him if there was somebody else he was interested in, but all he said was that it wouldn’t make any difference one way or the other because it was over with us.”
“Well, I’ll be! I had no idea. Honestly, Miss Marshall, Mr Conrad rarely mentions you or any of his other girlfriends.”
“Other girlfriends?”
“Oh, I just figured he had others. I don’t know for sure. Anyway, I never told him he shouldn’t see you anymore or even suggested it. Now, if you’ll please excuse me, I’d better get to class.”
“Not just yet.” She blocked the door until she could finish saying her piece. “Now, since you were the one that messed things up, I want you to have a little talk with Mr Conrad and fix it. Do you understand me?”
Lady, what side of stupid did you get up on this morning? Do you know who you’re talking to? A smile spread across my face and I nearly laughed out loud. “And if I don’t fix it?”
“Then maybe people might find it interesting to know that you’re trying to take my place with Mr Conrad, because I’m beginning to think you are; turning his head with your fancy clothes and that religious talk. Maybe the other woman he’s got is you.”
Now I did laugh openly. “Oh, man! You can’t be serious!” It felt like old times, having a teacher call me on the carpet. My anger didn’t rise up like it used to, though. Actually it was rather amusing, and would have even been flattering had the place she held with Mr Conrad not been such a low one. Finally, since this whole business was making me late to class, I began to get annoyed and decided to bring this conversation to a close. “Miss Marshall, do you have any idea why you still have a job at this school? Maybe you think it’s because you’ve changed the way you dress and stopped all those little games you used to play with the boys, but that’s not the reason. The reason is that certain friends of mine weren’t willing to give you up as a hobby, so they withheld evidence against you. Well, Miss Vicky, I have some of that evidence, and there are others who have collected even more since then. Now, if at any time you feel you would like everybody else to have it, too, then you just try and make good on your threat. Now, please step aside so I can go to class.”
Miss Marshall turned pale and swallowed hard. Then without another word, she moved aside and let me pass.
I wasn’t sure I would mention the incident to Mr C because it would likely upset him far more than it did me. Still, I was dying to know what was going on with him. Was that his real and only reason for dumping her, because it “wasn’t right”? I’d often thought he’d tire of her eventually and find another main squeeze, but this looked like something else. Well, whatever his reason, this news was a bright spot in an otherwise dismal season. But then I hadn’t made it to my next class yet.
BOOK TRAILER AT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ta0XpOxMUAk
ON AMAZON AT: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B009YPOQ7U
Saturday, November 14, 2015
Sassy Saturday Post -- The After School Murders, Chapter 2
I wasn't able to post last Saturday for the Sassy Saturday group, due to entertaining the troops and the Moorpark Civil War re-enactment. But here's another look at the heroine in my series, The War This Side of Heaven. And in the following scene we also get a look at the killer who teaches one of Janette's classes.
------
From The After School Murders -- Chapter Two
Friday, September 6:
Before we knew it, lunch was over and the next class period well under way; but we took our time walking back. Mr. Fletcher had no class that hour and it was much too late to hurry anyway. Once back in the Journalism room, he wrote me a note and sent me off to what was left of Gymnastics.
Being late from lunch also affected my getting to U.S. Government. It was a scream to see the look on Noonan’s face when I walked in. Not having dressed for Gymnastics, I arrived cool and completely unruffled five minutes before the second bell rang. And there he was all set to jump down my throat for being late again. Being well aware of the situation from the excuse he’d heard the day before, Noonan naturally expected a repeat of tardiness. His look of disappointment and perplexity was a pleasure to behold.
Academically, it was going to be a breeze to make it through this class, but still I made notes while there. Then in between my study notes were written my observations on Noonan’s interactions with the girls in the class.
I had never been one to sit in the back of any classroom. That was the place chosen by troublemakers and the dopes that didn’t care about getting a decent education—as if that were really possible without effort outside the classroom. Blending in had been my M.O. until I went to war and began terrorizing teachers. But now, sitting against the back wall, the position afforded the opportunity for such important revelations that I wondered why I hadn’t thought of it sooner. Sitting in the corner by the rear door and with a number of vacant seats around me, I could easily see most of what went on. The only thing was that I didn’t dare let Noonan see how carefully I was watching him.
It was a relief that the man was finally teaching his class as he was supposed to. This meant less boredom and frustration for me. Of course, under the heavy hand and watchful eye of the school’s principal, Mrs. MacGregor, Noonan had no choice if he wanted to keep his job. His style also afforded some amusement. After observing for only a few days, it was easy to see what his political leanings were, even though he didn’t take a soapbox approach to persuasion. This entertainment value would help in getting through the class each day.
Though he didn’t flirt openly as he once did, there were those that Jake the Snake gave more smiles, more complements and over-all attention to. Some were more susceptible to it than others, but I kept an eye on them all, just in case. Since my view from the back didn’t allow me to read all the expressions on the faces of these girls, I couldn’t get the whole picture and didn’t dare make assumptions. Then again, knowing what I did about my enemy and what he was after, their reactions really were secondary.
Noonan didn’t like dark meat. He had a particular liking for the brown-eyed senoritas, if they had that Castilian look about them. Otherwise it was the fair skinned, rosy-cheeked girls he preferred. I was the only exception, and the reason had nothing to do with a physical attraction; where I was concerned, it was simply hatred and revenge. Still, it was possible that, as Margo had said, my new look just might put some thoughts in his head about me—and that thought made me want to vomit.
The other exception was Noonan’s wife. It didn’t take a genius to figure out that he consistently liked his females young and vivacious, while Marybeth Noonan was twelve years his senior and suffered from polio. To the naïve, the man was a saint for joyfully taking on such a burden; but it was obvious that all he had wanted was her money—and she had plenty from Texas oil and cattle after her father died. Noonan was, however, enough of a charmer to make her and lots of other people believe he had a genuine affection for her. Either that or her family was glad to have someone to finally foist her off on, and had simply looked the other way.
So I would make my notes daily, and amongst my observations would be thoughts on which girls would most likely accept his advances, and which were most likely to heed a warning.
------- The After School Murders is available on Amazon
------
From The After School Murders -- Chapter Two
Friday, September 6:
Before we knew it, lunch was over and the next class period well under way; but we took our time walking back. Mr. Fletcher had no class that hour and it was much too late to hurry anyway. Once back in the Journalism room, he wrote me a note and sent me off to what was left of Gymnastics.
Being late from lunch also affected my getting to U.S. Government. It was a scream to see the look on Noonan’s face when I walked in. Not having dressed for Gymnastics, I arrived cool and completely unruffled five minutes before the second bell rang. And there he was all set to jump down my throat for being late again. Being well aware of the situation from the excuse he’d heard the day before, Noonan naturally expected a repeat of tardiness. His look of disappointment and perplexity was a pleasure to behold.
Academically, it was going to be a breeze to make it through this class, but still I made notes while there. Then in between my study notes were written my observations on Noonan’s interactions with the girls in the class.
I had never been one to sit in the back of any classroom. That was the place chosen by troublemakers and the dopes that didn’t care about getting a decent education—as if that were really possible without effort outside the classroom. Blending in had been my M.O. until I went to war and began terrorizing teachers. But now, sitting against the back wall, the position afforded the opportunity for such important revelations that I wondered why I hadn’t thought of it sooner. Sitting in the corner by the rear door and with a number of vacant seats around me, I could easily see most of what went on. The only thing was that I didn’t dare let Noonan see how carefully I was watching him.
It was a relief that the man was finally teaching his class as he was supposed to. This meant less boredom and frustration for me. Of course, under the heavy hand and watchful eye of the school’s principal, Mrs. MacGregor, Noonan had no choice if he wanted to keep his job. His style also afforded some amusement. After observing for only a few days, it was easy to see what his political leanings were, even though he didn’t take a soapbox approach to persuasion. This entertainment value would help in getting through the class each day.
Though he didn’t flirt openly as he once did, there were those that Jake the Snake gave more smiles, more complements and over-all attention to. Some were more susceptible to it than others, but I kept an eye on them all, just in case. Since my view from the back didn’t allow me to read all the expressions on the faces of these girls, I couldn’t get the whole picture and didn’t dare make assumptions. Then again, knowing what I did about my enemy and what he was after, their reactions really were secondary.
Noonan didn’t like dark meat. He had a particular liking for the brown-eyed senoritas, if they had that Castilian look about them. Otherwise it was the fair skinned, rosy-cheeked girls he preferred. I was the only exception, and the reason had nothing to do with a physical attraction; where I was concerned, it was simply hatred and revenge. Still, it was possible that, as Margo had said, my new look just might put some thoughts in his head about me—and that thought made me want to vomit.
The other exception was Noonan’s wife. It didn’t take a genius to figure out that he consistently liked his females young and vivacious, while Marybeth Noonan was twelve years his senior and suffered from polio. To the naïve, the man was a saint for joyfully taking on such a burden; but it was obvious that all he had wanted was her money—and she had plenty from Texas oil and cattle after her father died. Noonan was, however, enough of a charmer to make her and lots of other people believe he had a genuine affection for her. Either that or her family was glad to have someone to finally foist her off on, and had simply looked the other way.
So I would make my notes daily, and amongst my observations would be thoughts on which girls would most likely accept his advances, and which were most likely to heed a warning.
------- The After School Murders is available on Amazon
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Exerpt: The After School Murders -- Chapter 1
Today's blog and others that I will post on Saturdays, will introduce you to Janette West, the heroine of my trilogy and ongoing series, The War This Side of Heaven. This edited tidbit from The After School Murders is from the very beginning of the first chapter. With the recent release of the second book in the series, Man Trouble, look for The After School Murders to be available at a discount, particularly on Kindle.
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1968:
Apprehension gave way to awe as I made my way through the small but growing crowd very early that first day of school. The definite sound of my high heels on the linoleum tile echoed the growing confidence in my heart. Up the stairs and down long hallways, people I’d known for years looked at me without recognition—and smiled! It was almost like being invisible.
There was Mr “Heavy on the Onions” Garcia, the Algebra teacher, unlocking the door to his room. The very mention of my name made the hair on the back of his neck stand to attention. As I walked by, he offered a pleasant smile and said good morning. The question in his eyes said that he wondered who I was.
Reaching the stairwell a few feet away, I released the laughter I held back.
Oh, man! This is gonna be fun!
Upstairs to the third floor of the main building was my first class of the day, French III. Walking briskly, I managed to be the first student to arrive. Instead of the lady I’d known from previous years, a man stood at the blackboard writing his name at the top: Monsieur Conrad. He was a new one, at least to me. Brushing chalk from his hands, he turned to reach for the jacket on the back of his chair when I caught his eye. He did a double take and then unabashedly surveyed me from head to toe.
Obviously Monsieur Conrad assumed I was an adult—as did everyone else. But it was no wonder. The makeup alone must have added ten years or more to my brown-eyed baby face. Then there was my outfit: a gorgeous deep burgundy, three-buttoned silk suit that perfectly hugged my 34”-22”-36” figure. The tailored jacket had pale gold fabric on the deep cut open collar and the cuffs of the 3/4 length sleeves. The unadorned straight skirt had a hemline, which ended two and a half inches below the knee with a kick pleat in the back. My jewelry was gold toned Aurora Borealis earrings with matching necklace. Long, cream colored gloves graced my hands and forearms. My medium brown complexion, darkened by the summer sun, made the coffee colored stockings almost invisible on my legs, except for the seams up the back. Wearing simple dark brown leather pumps with slender ankle straps, the two-inch heels gave my petite, five foot one and a half inch frame a nice little boost. And naturally my hair had to go with all the rest. Thick and black, it was permed straight and trimmed to about three inches past shoulder length, curled and pompadour-ed in front, then down in back for a typical 1940’s do.
Although this teacher certainly liked what he saw, it wasn’t a lecherous look he gave me. More than anything, his expression showed pleasant surprise. For in this era of beads, fringe, plastic mini skirts, plastic flowers, and polyester double knit, my clothes were a serious departure from the latest fashion, even for adults.
Slowly slipping into his suit coat, he focused on my face and hair with interest and curiosity. Then pulling the garment into proper alignment with his body, Monsieur Conrad smiled slightly broader and stepped closer. His nostrils flared as they caught my perfume: roses.
“May I help you?” he asked in a deep, warm baritone voice that almost buckled my knees.
“No, I don’t think so,” I replied pleasantly and took my usual seat, front-row center.
I checked him out, too, but was more discreet. A well tailored three-piece, charcoal gray pinstriped suit, white monogrammed shirt, dark blue tie, gold stickpin, and shiny black leather shoes were the clothes that made this man. The man was even better. Close to six-foot tall, medium build, nice broad shoulders, medium blond hair—slightly wavy, perfect white teeth set off by evenly tanned skin, classic Caucasian facial features, and blue-gray eyes behind rimless glasses. And no wedding ring!
“This is French II and III,” he went on, still trying to convince me of being in the wrong place.
“Mais oui. Je sais bien, Monsieur.”
With my casual acknowledgment of the facts, he realized I was a student. Monsieur’s color deepened with embarrassment and he looked me over again in disbelief before sputtering, “Uh—tres bien, Mademoiselle. C-comment vous appellez vous?”
“Je m’appelle Janette. Janette West.”
My reputation had certainly preceded me. At the sound of my name he gasped and the smile quickly faded and his blushing color faded to ashen. Again he looked me over, then finally exhaled. Though not as wide or genuine, the smile returned shortly. The color took a little longer. At last he said,
“Enchanté, Mademoiselle. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
---
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1968:
Apprehension gave way to awe as I made my way through the small but growing crowd very early that first day of school. The definite sound of my high heels on the linoleum tile echoed the growing confidence in my heart. Up the stairs and down long hallways, people I’d known for years looked at me without recognition—and smiled! It was almost like being invisible.
There was Mr “Heavy on the Onions” Garcia, the Algebra teacher, unlocking the door to his room. The very mention of my name made the hair on the back of his neck stand to attention. As I walked by, he offered a pleasant smile and said good morning. The question in his eyes said that he wondered who I was.
Reaching the stairwell a few feet away, I released the laughter I held back.
Oh, man! This is gonna be fun!
Upstairs to the third floor of the main building was my first class of the day, French III. Walking briskly, I managed to be the first student to arrive. Instead of the lady I’d known from previous years, a man stood at the blackboard writing his name at the top: Monsieur Conrad. He was a new one, at least to me. Brushing chalk from his hands, he turned to reach for the jacket on the back of his chair when I caught his eye. He did a double take and then unabashedly surveyed me from head to toe.
Obviously Monsieur Conrad assumed I was an adult—as did everyone else. But it was no wonder. The makeup alone must have added ten years or more to my brown-eyed baby face. Then there was my outfit: a gorgeous deep burgundy, three-buttoned silk suit that perfectly hugged my 34”-22”-36” figure. The tailored jacket had pale gold fabric on the deep cut open collar and the cuffs of the 3/4 length sleeves. The unadorned straight skirt had a hemline, which ended two and a half inches below the knee with a kick pleat in the back. My jewelry was gold toned Aurora Borealis earrings with matching necklace. Long, cream colored gloves graced my hands and forearms. My medium brown complexion, darkened by the summer sun, made the coffee colored stockings almost invisible on my legs, except for the seams up the back. Wearing simple dark brown leather pumps with slender ankle straps, the two-inch heels gave my petite, five foot one and a half inch frame a nice little boost. And naturally my hair had to go with all the rest. Thick and black, it was permed straight and trimmed to about three inches past shoulder length, curled and pompadour-ed in front, then down in back for a typical 1940’s do.
Although this teacher certainly liked what he saw, it wasn’t a lecherous look he gave me. More than anything, his expression showed pleasant surprise. For in this era of beads, fringe, plastic mini skirts, plastic flowers, and polyester double knit, my clothes were a serious departure from the latest fashion, even for adults.
Slowly slipping into his suit coat, he focused on my face and hair with interest and curiosity. Then pulling the garment into proper alignment with his body, Monsieur Conrad smiled slightly broader and stepped closer. His nostrils flared as they caught my perfume: roses.
“May I help you?” he asked in a deep, warm baritone voice that almost buckled my knees.
“No, I don’t think so,” I replied pleasantly and took my usual seat, front-row center.
I checked him out, too, but was more discreet. A well tailored three-piece, charcoal gray pinstriped suit, white monogrammed shirt, dark blue tie, gold stickpin, and shiny black leather shoes were the clothes that made this man. The man was even better. Close to six-foot tall, medium build, nice broad shoulders, medium blond hair—slightly wavy, perfect white teeth set off by evenly tanned skin, classic Caucasian facial features, and blue-gray eyes behind rimless glasses. And no wedding ring!
“This is French II and III,” he went on, still trying to convince me of being in the wrong place.
“Mais oui. Je sais bien, Monsieur.”
With my casual acknowledgment of the facts, he realized I was a student. Monsieur’s color deepened with embarrassment and he looked me over again in disbelief before sputtering, “Uh—tres bien, Mademoiselle. C-comment vous appellez vous?”
“Je m’appelle Janette. Janette West.”
My reputation had certainly preceded me. At the sound of my name he gasped and the smile quickly faded and his blushing color faded to ashen. Again he looked me over, then finally exhaled. Though not as wide or genuine, the smile returned shortly. The color took a little longer. At last he said,
“Enchanté, Mademoiselle. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Sunday, October 25, 2015
I'm Baaaaack! New book and busy, busy life
Some things must go by the wayside, like writing a regular blog. How can the artist work on his craft if he must constantly promote and involve himself with social media, email lists and whatnot? With all the modern technology and time-saving conveniences of this present age, we have much less time to relax and enjoy life than we did 30 or 40 years ago. And it's not about to get any better.
But now, here I am again, an entertainer (www.evansandrogers.com) as well as the mother of a new non-profit organization (www.Dreamville.org) and giving the blog a try, while I prepare to start a new job. With the soon release of the second book in my series (in about 5 days), I want to reach out and let my online friends know to look for it. This new book is my husband's favorite in the trilogy. I think my favorite is the third book, but I have certainly enjoyed them all.
The title of the new book is Man Trouble. In this one, my heroine, Janette West, has her hands full with all kinds of adventures. Then on top of that, the man who is her teacher, David Conrad, seems to have far more than an academic interest in her. In the beginning she figures she can handle it, while she subtly digs for clues to whatever secret the man is hiding. Before she knows it, though, she falls in love with this middle aged playboy and is terrified of the consequences of involvement.
But that's just one of her men. Aside from a couple of young ones from her peer group, she gets introduced to another older man, and just in time for the holidays. A handsome blond beefcake by the name of Teddy Molloy blows in from Chicago and shows up at the church house one evening in December. In his late twenties, he is also out of her league age-wise, but that doesn't put her off. After a rough introduction, the two find some good common ground and quickly grow into a tight relationship. There's only one big obstacle to the two getting even better acquainted. Molloy happens to be a Roman Catholic priest.
So here we have one lovely teenaged girl (yes, "teenaged" is a proper word, just like "middle aged," which also closes with a "d") who has two very attractive older men who have greatly attached themselves to her, and she to them. While she doesn't think of it as a triangle, once the men discover each other, war breaks out. And while all this is going on, here comes the setup for uncovering and solving the mystery in David Conrad's past.
I've had lots of fun writing these books, and the fun will always continue, whether I have the time to blog about it or not. Take a look at the new trailer that I've created for Man Trouble on You Tube. It's there along with the others in the series, The After School Murders and Heart Of A Man In Love. The link to the video is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ta0XpOxMUAk
I do hope that you'll like the video and that you'll pick up a copy of Man Trouble--either paperback or on Kindle. You will certainly find some very good entertainment in its pages. I made sure of that.
But now, here I am again, an entertainer (www.evansandrogers.com) as well as the mother of a new non-profit organization (www.Dreamville.org) and giving the blog a try, while I prepare to start a new job. With the soon release of the second book in my series (in about 5 days), I want to reach out and let my online friends know to look for it. This new book is my husband's favorite in the trilogy. I think my favorite is the third book, but I have certainly enjoyed them all.
The title of the new book is Man Trouble. In this one, my heroine, Janette West, has her hands full with all kinds of adventures. Then on top of that, the man who is her teacher, David Conrad, seems to have far more than an academic interest in her. In the beginning she figures she can handle it, while she subtly digs for clues to whatever secret the man is hiding. Before she knows it, though, she falls in love with this middle aged playboy and is terrified of the consequences of involvement.
But that's just one of her men. Aside from a couple of young ones from her peer group, she gets introduced to another older man, and just in time for the holidays. A handsome blond beefcake by the name of Teddy Molloy blows in from Chicago and shows up at the church house one evening in December. In his late twenties, he is also out of her league age-wise, but that doesn't put her off. After a rough introduction, the two find some good common ground and quickly grow into a tight relationship. There's only one big obstacle to the two getting even better acquainted. Molloy happens to be a Roman Catholic priest.
So here we have one lovely teenaged girl (yes, "teenaged" is a proper word, just like "middle aged," which also closes with a "d") who has two very attractive older men who have greatly attached themselves to her, and she to them. While she doesn't think of it as a triangle, once the men discover each other, war breaks out. And while all this is going on, here comes the setup for uncovering and solving the mystery in David Conrad's past.
I've had lots of fun writing these books, and the fun will always continue, whether I have the time to blog about it or not. Take a look at the new trailer that I've created for Man Trouble on You Tube. It's there along with the others in the series, The After School Murders and Heart Of A Man In Love. The link to the video is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ta0XpOxMUAk
I do hope that you'll like the video and that you'll pick up a copy of Man Trouble--either paperback or on Kindle. You will certainly find some very good entertainment in its pages. I made sure of that.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Long Overdue Update
My life in entertainment has taken up much of my time, lately, and the loss of my sister Wanda Coleman last November has affected my writing somewhat. Suddenly I have lost what some people may call a muse. While writing I would often think to myself, "What would Wanda say about it?" That has been a way of policing myself and making me reach higher regarding what I put in print. Wanda, the unofficial poet laureate of Los Angeles, had won numerous awards for her writing, including an Emmy and a Guggenheim. I can still police myself with that thought, of course, but now it doesn't carry the threat that it once did. If you had known my outspoken sister, you would probably understand.
I am happy to have released another book and a video to go with it. The book is a short story based on the full length trilogy, and the title is Heart of a Man In Love. It is about love from a man's viewpoint, and this particular man is hiding a colorful past--and present, all of which he knows he must let go of in order to have the girl he wants. The video is on You Tube.
Since my last post I've been to Huntsville, Alabama on a business trip, helping my hubby, and we've both fallen in love with the South. That was last year. This year we had the pleasure of being booked in Baltimore, Maryland, to entertain at the International Al Jolson Festival. We've been booked at several festivals this year, and it's a lot of hard work and fun. But I am also working on getting done with my seconded full length book in The War This Side of Heaven trilogy. The title is Man Trouble and my heroine does have her hands full with older men and others closer to her own age. And that man with the shadowy past is clouding her judgement to the point that he's getting harder and harder to resist. What's a girl to do? Get a copy and escape to 1968 and adventure in the Land of Enchantment.
###
www.sharonevansauthor.com
I am happy to have released another book and a video to go with it. The book is a short story based on the full length trilogy, and the title is Heart of a Man In Love. It is about love from a man's viewpoint, and this particular man is hiding a colorful past--and present, all of which he knows he must let go of in order to have the girl he wants. The video is on You Tube.
Since my last post I've been to Huntsville, Alabama on a business trip, helping my hubby, and we've both fallen in love with the South. That was last year. This year we had the pleasure of being booked in Baltimore, Maryland, to entertain at the International Al Jolson Festival. We've been booked at several festivals this year, and it's a lot of hard work and fun. But I am also working on getting done with my seconded full length book in The War This Side of Heaven trilogy. The title is Man Trouble and my heroine does have her hands full with older men and others closer to her own age. And that man with the shadowy past is clouding her judgement to the point that he's getting harder and harder to resist. What's a girl to do? Get a copy and escape to 1968 and adventure in the Land of Enchantment.
###
www.sharonevansauthor.com
Saturday, October 12, 2013
New Book Trailer!
Take a look at my new book trailer. It took a bit of doing, but I like the way it turned out. I hope you will enjoy it.
I hope that all of my friends are doing well. Things are slowly moving forward for me while others seem to be at a stand still. It helps to have something to look forward to, as well as having good things to keep you busy.
I will soon publish my short story, Heart of a Man in Love. It will be on Amazon, of course. Eventually I'll also get around to formatting it for Kindle. I've added some good stuff to it, extending it quite a bit with more dialogue and detail. Short stories are not really that easy to write. Not for me, anyway, but I did enjoy the challenge and plan to keep trying my hand at it.
The second book in The War This Side of Heaven trilogy is not likely to get published this year as planned. I'm much too picky, and there is still much to work on in Man Trouble. At last I may have someone who is willing to help me with editing. She's a delightful new friend of mine in Arizona. She and her husband are retired and she loves to read. She read The After School Murders and is looking forward to the next book. I just may let her take a look at some of it. Feedback from others before publishing is so important and yet can be so hard to get.
Well, it is late now and I really should be going to bed. I wanted to post this because I'm so happy and excited about the new trailer. Thanks for staying in touch.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Happy, Happy Holidays!
This has been a tough year for many of us, financially and otherwise. But certainly there have been bright spots that we can look back on and draw strength from, which will help us to enjoy a happier Hanukkah, Christmas and New Years.
For me there have been some landmarks this year. My husband and I finally signed with an agent/manager. We performed at the prestigious star-studded Silver Spur Awards, entertaining and rubbing elbows with such delightful people as Lou Gossett, Jr., Wilford Brimley, Bo Hopkins, and Bo Svenson. Of course, the biggest landmark for me was finally, after umpteen years, publishing my first novel, The After School Murders. Sales for my book are finally starting to move, and I love it when people say, "I can't wait to read it!" Still Rick and I are far from reaching many of the goals we've set for ourselves. We struggle as so many do to stay afloat and keep moving ahead. But we are encouraged as opportunities continue to present themselves.
Rick and I are fortunate in that this is always a busy and very enjoyable party season--and sometimes it even brings work. But as the holidays approach I am especially aware of those who are not enjoying good health or have lost loved ones this year. I just heard of a friend, a fellow performer, who is fighting for his livelihood and his first love after suffering a stroke and losing the use of a hand; his beloved pet died shortly after he sustained the stroke. Another friend had to cancel her annual Christmas party because her elderly husband is very ill. My sister Wanda has been in and out of the hospital with problems the doctors aren't quite able to deal with. Another friend lost his mother right around the Thanksgiving holiday. I am glad to be able to reach out and offer comfort to them and to pray that God in his love and mercy will lift them up.
Because this is a season of remembering great miracles, let us all turn to God for help in our present circumstances, whatever they may be; and let us also pray for others in pain and in need. God is love personified, and he is greater than all our human frailties and limitations. In Messiah Y'shua (Jesus) our creator has provided for all that we need, and we only need to reach out to him in faith. Of course, it is best to give him everything in our lives--our successes, our failures, our shortcomings--and to give him full sway in all that concerns us. His love toward us is great, and to trust in his love is a wonderful thing.
My prayer for you, and all of those who have connected with me online, is that God will bring you the miracles you need in your life now and in the year ahead. That he will open your eyes to see the doors that lead to his blessings and to give you understanding when he closes doors to the things not beneficial.
All of God's best to you at this season and in the coming year!
www.evansandrogers.com
For me there have been some landmarks this year. My husband and I finally signed with an agent/manager. We performed at the prestigious star-studded Silver Spur Awards, entertaining and rubbing elbows with such delightful people as Lou Gossett, Jr., Wilford Brimley, Bo Hopkins, and Bo Svenson. Of course, the biggest landmark for me was finally, after umpteen years, publishing my first novel, The After School Murders. Sales for my book are finally starting to move, and I love it when people say, "I can't wait to read it!" Still Rick and I are far from reaching many of the goals we've set for ourselves. We struggle as so many do to stay afloat and keep moving ahead. But we are encouraged as opportunities continue to present themselves.
Rick and I are fortunate in that this is always a busy and very enjoyable party season--and sometimes it even brings work. But as the holidays approach I am especially aware of those who are not enjoying good health or have lost loved ones this year. I just heard of a friend, a fellow performer, who is fighting for his livelihood and his first love after suffering a stroke and losing the use of a hand; his beloved pet died shortly after he sustained the stroke. Another friend had to cancel her annual Christmas party because her elderly husband is very ill. My sister Wanda has been in and out of the hospital with problems the doctors aren't quite able to deal with. Another friend lost his mother right around the Thanksgiving holiday. I am glad to be able to reach out and offer comfort to them and to pray that God in his love and mercy will lift them up.
Because this is a season of remembering great miracles, let us all turn to God for help in our present circumstances, whatever they may be; and let us also pray for others in pain and in need. God is love personified, and he is greater than all our human frailties and limitations. In Messiah Y'shua (Jesus) our creator has provided for all that we need, and we only need to reach out to him in faith. Of course, it is best to give him everything in our lives--our successes, our failures, our shortcomings--and to give him full sway in all that concerns us. His love toward us is great, and to trust in his love is a wonderful thing.
My prayer for you, and all of those who have connected with me online, is that God will bring you the miracles you need in your life now and in the year ahead. That he will open your eyes to see the doors that lead to his blessings and to give you understanding when he closes doors to the things not beneficial.
All of God's best to you at this season and in the coming year!
www.evansandrogers.com
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Duty Called -- Had to Answer
Life often deals a strange hand. We don't always know what is going on until things play out.
Some of my plans this past week have interrupted the flow of my life as an author and I have had to rise to a rather unpleasant occasion that, if it goes the direction it is likely to, it will just take up more time for no good reason. Thus the lateness of this blog.
But on to more pleasant things. This week a wonderful video was posted on Facebook by an old friend from high school. Just recently I saw her for the first time in years at our high school reunion. Then when she posted the video and said it was by her cousins, I discovered that her cousins are also mine because the music was by my cousin's family up on Lancaster. Yes, life is pleasantly peculiar.
My new book, The After School Murders, is finally beginning to sell, and I am very pleased. Not only am I looking forward to a serious career as an author, I am looking for people with whom I can really share my imaginary world with in a more detailed fashion. When an old friend read an earlier version of the trilogy (it was one book then) she used to call me up and ask all kinds of questions which I was delighted to answer. She, too, fell in love with my characters and wanted to know more about them. That's what I want, only multiplied. I've written something that can be a happy escape to which readers will return again and again.
But I do have ideas for other books apart from The War This Side of Heaven series. One idea I am toying with would be a non-fiction book designed to help writers and other creative types with their blockage of creativity. I never get writer's block and I know why. If this is something you'd be interested in reading about, please let me know.
The other idea I'm kicking around is a Gothic romance novel set in California just after the turn of the last century or in the 1920's. Lots of fun and scandalous history here in politics and entertainment, and lots of historians whose brains I can pick, not to mention the people who are old enough to remember some of those days and/or knew the people. One friend of mine started his film career in silent films! Another has worked at Paramount Studios since 1928. It's nice to know people who know where the bodies are buried. Would you like to read such a story?
Well, duty yet demands my attention and I must comply . . . or must I?
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Living My Dream
Now that my first book is on Kindle, sales are starting to happen. It's tough to build an audience from the ground up, no matter what you've got to offer. Those who love the genres of Mystery and/or Romance have no idea who I am and whether or not I can write at all, and then write well enough to give them the entertaining escape they are paying for. Not many will take a chance on an unknown.
But as I said, sales are starting to happen which is the real part of living the dream. Not just the selling of the book to make money, but the sharing of what is between the covers. I love sharing the characters and the stories in my books and want others to become just as attached to them as I've become. An old friend of mine is one of the few who has read the entire trilogy in an earlier (unpublished) stage and she became an addict just like me. I've greatly enjoyed our conversations about the stories and her questions, and I hope that others will react as she did.
As a romantic, I have selected the age-old idea which is the teenage dream of so many girls--the strikingly handsome and wealthy older man who is the object of school girl crushes and the desire of many grown women. That's David Conrad, French and music teacher. He even has a tragic past that he keeps carefully hidden (a theme of mystery which runs through all three books). Now as a lover of mysteries since childhood, whom have I made the heroine but a teenage girl detective! This is Janette West, the "if I knew then what I know now" version of myself who always gets her man--in more ways than one. Yes, she's seventeen going on forty and has an inside track that her peers and all the older women don't have, which puts her up close and personal with her gorgeous hunk of school teacher. (Oh, boy!) The supporting cast includes various classmates and faculty members, amongst whom are a serial killer (book one only), a detective club (Janette's friends) and some jealous females that don't care for the relationship between Janette and her Mr. Conrad. Later on in book two, Man Trouble, I throw in an oddball sort of love interest with a handsome and rather buff Catholic priest who is taking a detour from tradition in his search for deeper truth. He shows up at Janette's church around Christmas time. What a present, huh? He digs her Indian motorcycle, amongst other things. Let's find out just how badly he wants to stay celibate.
So there's plenty of romantic fun, adventure and a trail of mystery in the stories I've created. If what I've written here is entertaining to you, it is doubtless that you will enjoy The After School Murders and all the books in The War This Side of Heaven trilogy and series. It's fun stuff. Let's share it together.
But as I said, sales are starting to happen which is the real part of living the dream. Not just the selling of the book to make money, but the sharing of what is between the covers. I love sharing the characters and the stories in my books and want others to become just as attached to them as I've become. An old friend of mine is one of the few who has read the entire trilogy in an earlier (unpublished) stage and she became an addict just like me. I've greatly enjoyed our conversations about the stories and her questions, and I hope that others will react as she did.
As a romantic, I have selected the age-old idea which is the teenage dream of so many girls--the strikingly handsome and wealthy older man who is the object of school girl crushes and the desire of many grown women. That's David Conrad, French and music teacher. He even has a tragic past that he keeps carefully hidden (a theme of mystery which runs through all three books). Now as a lover of mysteries since childhood, whom have I made the heroine but a teenage girl detective! This is Janette West, the "if I knew then what I know now" version of myself who always gets her man--in more ways than one. Yes, she's seventeen going on forty and has an inside track that her peers and all the older women don't have, which puts her up close and personal with her gorgeous hunk of school teacher. (Oh, boy!) The supporting cast includes various classmates and faculty members, amongst whom are a serial killer (book one only), a detective club (Janette's friends) and some jealous females that don't care for the relationship between Janette and her Mr. Conrad. Later on in book two, Man Trouble, I throw in an oddball sort of love interest with a handsome and rather buff Catholic priest who is taking a detour from tradition in his search for deeper truth. He shows up at Janette's church around Christmas time. What a present, huh? He digs her Indian motorcycle, amongst other things. Let's find out just how badly he wants to stay celibate.
So there's plenty of romantic fun, adventure and a trail of mystery in the stories I've created. If what I've written here is entertaining to you, it is doubtless that you will enjoy The After School Murders and all the books in The War This Side of Heaven trilogy and series. It's fun stuff. Let's share it together.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
New Ideas -- Expanding Horizons!
Right now I'm working to get The After School Murders up on Kindle. I hope to have it up by next week (November 12th). Although it's designed to attract lovers of mystery and suspense, I do hope that those who love romance will give it serious consideration. The series is loaded with love triangles and I've created some yummy characters in David Conrad (introduced in book one) and Teddy Molloy (introduced in book two) that the ladies will certainly enjoy.
Though I must confess that I am deeply attached to the characters in The War This Side of Heaven, a new idea began to form in my brain that harkens back to my days of reading one Gothic romance after another and watching countless hours of Dark Shadows. Although I will be editing the next book, Man Trouble, for release next spring (hopefully), I kind of dig this new idea a lot and will be working to develop it for all of the ladies out there who love a juicy ROMANCE novel. Hmmm, which era should I choose?
I'm also considering a project for writers and other creative people who struggle with dry periods of creativity. Everyone talks about writer's block and with some it's a serious thing. For me, I find that any dry periods I encounter last only a few minutes, and I believe I know the reason why. I'm considering writing a short book that will show others how they can prime the pump of their own creativity and keep the ideas coming. Is that something you'd be interested in? Let me know.
Now, what do Patty Hearst, JFK, Cornell Wilde, Salvadore Dali, Mark David Chapman, and Charlton Heston all have in common? Her name is Dorothy Kann and she's my mother-in-law. Dorothy is in her 90s and yesterday my husband and I made some serious effort to get info out of her for a book that will include her biography, her art work and her poetry. Dorothy was and still is quite an artist and has done some interesting portraits--such as Patty Hearst. She's also dated some interesting men. And the stories that go with the art--well, you'll just have to read the book. I'll post some of the photos of her on Facebook when I get a moment to scan a few. She was quite fetching in her day. I may even challenge you to guess which one is Dorothy and which is her twin sister Lucille.
Well, duty calls. I must take care of non-creative stuff. Your comments are appreciated, so don't be shy.
Till next time.
Sharon
Though I must confess that I am deeply attached to the characters in The War This Side of Heaven, a new idea began to form in my brain that harkens back to my days of reading one Gothic romance after another and watching countless hours of Dark Shadows. Although I will be editing the next book, Man Trouble, for release next spring (hopefully), I kind of dig this new idea a lot and will be working to develop it for all of the ladies out there who love a juicy ROMANCE novel. Hmmm, which era should I choose?
I'm also considering a project for writers and other creative people who struggle with dry periods of creativity. Everyone talks about writer's block and with some it's a serious thing. For me, I find that any dry periods I encounter last only a few minutes, and I believe I know the reason why. I'm considering writing a short book that will show others how they can prime the pump of their own creativity and keep the ideas coming. Is that something you'd be interested in? Let me know.
Now, what do Patty Hearst, JFK, Cornell Wilde, Salvadore Dali, Mark David Chapman, and Charlton Heston all have in common? Her name is Dorothy Kann and she's my mother-in-law. Dorothy is in her 90s and yesterday my husband and I made some serious effort to get info out of her for a book that will include her biography, her art work and her poetry. Dorothy was and still is quite an artist and has done some interesting portraits--such as Patty Hearst. She's also dated some interesting men. And the stories that go with the art--well, you'll just have to read the book. I'll post some of the photos of her on Facebook when I get a moment to scan a few. She was quite fetching in her day. I may even challenge you to guess which one is Dorothy and which is her twin sister Lucille.
Well, duty calls. I must take care of non-creative stuff. Your comments are appreciated, so don't be shy.
Till next time.
Sharon
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Ready to move into more
NOW THAT THE first book in The War This Side of Heaven is on Amazon and my big commitment to the Silver Spur Awards is over, I can breath much easier and focus on other things.
But one thing I managed to do in the midst of all the mayhem of the past few weeks is to write a great short story based on Book Two: Man Trouble. It's call "Heart of a Man in Love" and its written from the viewpoint of David Conrad, the chief love interest. Stories of love and romance are seldom written from the viewpoint of a man, and that's one of the things I like about it. I tested it on a man (my husband) and he really enjoyed reading it. So I invite both ladies and gentlemen to read the story. You can find it on this site:
http://www.ebookmall.com/author/sharon-evans
http://www.ebookmall.com/author/sharon-evans
Once you've read it, please vote for the story, and if you like, leave a nice review. Both the vote and the review will be a big help to me.
I will eventually write more short stories based on the series, but I need to do some serious picking at Book Two, not to mention getting Book One--The After School Murders--onto Kindle.
Well, back to the salt mines. Until next time.
Sharon
But one thing I managed to do in the midst of all the mayhem of the past few weeks is to write a great short story based on Book Two: Man Trouble. It's call "Heart of a Man in Love" and its written from the viewpoint of David Conrad, the chief love interest. Stories of love and romance are seldom written from the viewpoint of a man, and that's one of the things I like about it. I tested it on a man (my husband) and he really enjoyed reading it. So I invite both ladies and gentlemen to read the story. You can find it on this site:
http://www.ebookmall.com/author/sharon-evans
http://www.ebookmall.com/author/sharon-evans
Once you've read it, please vote for the story, and if you like, leave a nice review. Both the vote and the review will be a big help to me.
I will eventually write more short stories based on the series, but I need to do some serious picking at Book Two, not to mention getting Book One--The After School Murders--onto Kindle.
Well, back to the salt mines. Until next time.
Sharon
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
So Very Excited!
There are a number of reasons that I am especially happy and excited right now. First of all, I just can't get over the cover that I created for the second book in my trilogy. It makes me so thankful to God for my talents and my heritage--in this case, what I learned from my father. He was a graphic artist, and all of us kids used to spend time (back then it was more like "doing time") at his shop. Sometimes I was there all by myself answering the phone and I would get bored to tears. But then there were times when daddy would show me how to do things. It was the most fun when we could go to work with him and help out.
The other reasons have to do with all of the people who are excited about my book(s) and are willing to help me to promote it. Some are people that I've only met online. Others are family and old friends, and new friends, too. I've done a guest blog for Trish Jackson and now a lady I met on Link In named Vivienne Diane Neal has asked me to submit a blog on her site: http://oneworldsingles.blogspotcom. It will appear on August 20, 2012 beginning at 12 a.m
When people reach out to bless someone in seemingly small ways, it is not a small thing. We never know how much it can mean to encourage someone in their endeavors, or to utter a few words that point them to something that will elevate their circumstances. For me, the kindness that people show make the evil in the world seem less powerful and life even more worth living.
So here is a word of thanks to all of you who are coming along side of me, to support and just to be my friend and share some of the things we both enjoy. I have many new friends through Facebook and Linked in, and it's more fun than ever. Thank you all. And may the best of God's blessings fill your lives to overflowing.
The other reasons have to do with all of the people who are excited about my book(s) and are willing to help me to promote it. Some are people that I've only met online. Others are family and old friends, and new friends, too. I've done a guest blog for Trish Jackson and now a lady I met on Link In named Vivienne Diane Neal has asked me to submit a blog on her site: http://oneworldsingles.blogspotcom. It will appear on August 20, 2012 beginning at 12 a.m
When people reach out to bless someone in seemingly small ways, it is not a small thing. We never know how much it can mean to encourage someone in their endeavors, or to utter a few words that point them to something that will elevate their circumstances. For me, the kindness that people show make the evil in the world seem less powerful and life even more worth living.
So here is a word of thanks to all of you who are coming along side of me, to support and just to be my friend and share some of the things we both enjoy. I have many new friends through Facebook and Linked in, and it's more fun than ever. Thank you all. And may the best of God's blessings fill your lives to overflowing.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Romance Ramble: Writing Romantic Mysteries by Guest Author Sharon ...
Romance Ramble: Writing Romantic Mysteries by Guest Author Sharon ...: The Mystery in Romance Can a teenaged girl find happiness solving crimes and driving older men crazy? Find the answer to this and ot...
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
The War This Side of Heaven and Me
Here I am, finally about to be published. My first book, titled The After School Murders, should be released in September of 2012. But although it is my first book and the event is monumental in my life, as it would be with any other writer, it means much more to me on a deeply personal level. What will be shared with the release of this book is the precious world of fantasy that I've been living in for decades, and the people in it that I have grown extremely familiar with and fond of.
In The After School Murders (book one of The War This Side of Heaven series), you are introduced to Janette West, the heroine, and her friends in the Amateur Detective’s Guild. Here also is the hero, David Conrad, who gradually becomes her love interest. The love relationship gels in book two, Man Trouble, and Conrad’s competition (a Catholic Priest) also comes along. The setting of these stories is a place that must be seen: New Mexico. And yes, it is in the United States. At this point in time in 1968-69, Albuquerque is a large town that has yet to become the bustling city it is today, still having some of the quiet, rustic Southwestern charm of old Route 66.
The characters in The War This Side of Heaven, and much of what they go through, are a reflection of my life in reality and my life in the world of fiction through books, radio, television, movies, and my active imagination as a child. This is the writer writing not only of what she knows, but of what she loves, and detective fiction has been a passion for me since I first learned to read. With myself being a singer, songwriter, and musician, I have made Janette West the same. Also, having lived in Albuquerque and having an appreciation for the unique culture and beautiful landscape there, I share that culture and landscape throughout the series. But the names of my hero and heroine reveal some very early influences of western film and television on my life. See if you can guess where their names came from.
For those who have fallen in love with Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre as much as I have, you will find small elements of this beloved story in my book. And for those who enjoy Raymond Chandler, Earl Stanley Gardner, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and other fine writers of detective fiction, you’ll have fun with the humor, the mystery and the suspense in The War This Side of Heaven series.
So all you who love the thrill of suspense and the tasty titillation of romance, school is about to begin–and it’s killer. Look for The After School Murders on Amazon–and get another copy for your teacher.
© 7/31/2012 Sharon Evans
www.facebook.com/thewarthissideofheaven
Web site coming soon!
In The After School Murders (book one of The War This Side of Heaven series), you are introduced to Janette West, the heroine, and her friends in the Amateur Detective’s Guild. Here also is the hero, David Conrad, who gradually becomes her love interest. The love relationship gels in book two, Man Trouble, and Conrad’s competition (a Catholic Priest) also comes along. The setting of these stories is a place that must be seen: New Mexico. And yes, it is in the United States. At this point in time in 1968-69, Albuquerque is a large town that has yet to become the bustling city it is today, still having some of the quiet, rustic Southwestern charm of old Route 66.
The characters in The War This Side of Heaven, and much of what they go through, are a reflection of my life in reality and my life in the world of fiction through books, radio, television, movies, and my active imagination as a child. This is the writer writing not only of what she knows, but of what she loves, and detective fiction has been a passion for me since I first learned to read. With myself being a singer, songwriter, and musician, I have made Janette West the same. Also, having lived in Albuquerque and having an appreciation for the unique culture and beautiful landscape there, I share that culture and landscape throughout the series. But the names of my hero and heroine reveal some very early influences of western film and television on my life. See if you can guess where their names came from.
For those who have fallen in love with Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre as much as I have, you will find small elements of this beloved story in my book. And for those who enjoy Raymond Chandler, Earl Stanley Gardner, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and other fine writers of detective fiction, you’ll have fun with the humor, the mystery and the suspense in The War This Side of Heaven series.
So all you who love the thrill of suspense and the tasty titillation of romance, school is about to begin–and it’s killer. Look for The After School Murders on Amazon–and get another copy for your teacher.
© 7/31/2012 Sharon Evans
www.facebook.com/thewarthissideofheaven
Web site coming soon!
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