Frozen February
- motownmysteries
- Feb 19
- 8 min read
Baby, it's cold outside! Most of the continental US is dealing with the wrath of Mother Nature. Here in Michigan, there has been a record number of sub zero days and more snow than I ever wanted. In a recent 10 day stretch, more than two feet of snow arrived, mostly in the middle of the night.
But we keep going. Perhaps things will be warming up in the near future. This week we actually saw the sun for a few days. Here's hoping it's a preview of what's on the horizon. I for one am definitely ready for Spring to show up.
Meanwhile, here's my latest thoughts on writing, a sneak peek from one of the book, updates on current projects and upcoming events. You'll also find an interview with author Laura Kemp and music. Gotta have music.
Ready?
Let's roll.
Writing
First and third.
Some authors prefer to find one voice that works for them and stick with it. Some prefer first-person narration, where your protagonist tells the story, either in the present tense or in the recent past. Others prefer to use the third-person, where the narrator is omniscient, knowing what every character is thinking and feeling. Still others will use a limited version of the third person.
I'm a firm believer in adjusting the voice to fit the character and the stories. The first book I wrote was "Devious" in the Jamie Richmond series. It was a challenge for me to write that in the first person, since Jamie is definitely female. I wanted to see if that was something I could accomplish.
Turns out, I could and still do. Last summer, Anna, another professor at the college where I teach expressed interest in reading about my favorite redhead. She enjoyed "Stealing Haven" and even wrote a glowing review for me. While talking about the story, Anna commented that I did a great job portraying Jamie's character and her attitudes. At one point, she was so engrossed in the story that Anna momentarily forgot it was written by a guy! With the Jefferson Chene books, I've written those from Chene's point of view. Again, it was a shift for me to get comfortable with the character. Immersing myself in Chene's fictional background helped a lot. That's the approach that works best for me with the series.
But it's not always the case.
When writing the third Chene novel "The Wayward Path" I wanted to experiment a little. In certain sections of the book, it felt natural to switch to the third person as if someone was observing Leo Agonasti, who was being sought by the FBI. The feds want to pin an old homicide on the retired mobster. I have seen this approach used effectively by other authors. I didn't shift back and forth in consecutive chapters, only when it felt right. That process worked well.
With "Rules of Desperation" I opted for third person narration. Having an observer tell the story was a good way to keep the readers guessing what Nicholas Burr was really up. And to determine if he was really following the rules.
That was the same voice I used for "Part-Time Criminal". I wanted Simon Ellis to be an ordinary, average guy. It's only when he discovers that his boss has been taking credit for all of his hard work does Simon become something more. Telling his story from a distance fit perfectly.
Which brings me to "Fade Away". My latest work is done completely in the first person. I liked digging deeper in Vince Tyrell's head. Attitudes, emotions and motivations are all laid out nice and clearly. It's the journey he takes that keeps the story moving.
Bottom line?
Different stories require a different touch. I don't think there's any one perfect way for everyone. If you're a writer, you have to find the voice that works best. Experiment. Write a scene from one voice, then use another one. Figure out what you're comfortable with.
The important thing: keep writing!
The Sneak Peek
Turns out that "Fleeing Beauty" is coming up on a birthday at the end of this month, so it's a perfect time to include a scene from that story.
This sculpture was titled “Fleeing Beauty”.
It was a woman caught in the act of running. Tendrils of slender marble in various lengths and thicknesses extended from her head, as if they were locks of hair billowing out behind her. Part of her face was obscured, turned against her shoulder as if attempting to hide her features from whoever was chasing her. The woman’s body was voluptuous, full of dangerous curves. There was something haunting about this piece. The guys became quiet, which was unusual. Linda slowly moved around it, taking pictures.
“Holy shit,” Ian muttered.
“Watch your language,” Malone said, cuffing him lightly on the back on the head.
“How did he do that?” Ian said, taking a step away. “She looks real.”
“She looks alive,” Malone said.
“Check the file,” I suggested.
None of us could take our eyes off the sculpture.
We spread the file out on the worktable. There were pictures of a woman standing in front of a drop cloth. She was blonde, with an impish smile on her face. She could have been in her early to middle twenties. It was impossible to tell how tall she was. Her figure was eye catching, with a tiny waist and round hips. Most of the pictures showed her in a one piece bathing suit. There was one where she wore a sheer negligee. There were shots of her standing on a pedestal, others with her arms outstretched, and still others where she was looking over her shoulder. In a couple of photos he must have used a fan to blow her hair back.
“She’s a doll,” Ian said.
“Jamie, I think this is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” Linda said softly.
“You’ll get no argument from me.”
Works in Progress
Time has been elusive lately. I got back to work on the next Jefferson Chene novel. Since it's been a while, I opened the file and started reading the different scenes. This triggered ideas for other segments that would be helpful to connect the story. As with any of my books, there are subplots that need attention. For Chene, that means Simone, the lovely lady he's been dating since the first book.
With any luck I'll be able to get a jump on the action and get back to creating new scenes shortly.
But there's this other project that's been demanding my attention. A lot!
Yes, Fade Away is a couple of steps closer to being published. My beta readers were extremely helpful as always. There were a few key segments that needed to be reworked. Special note of thanks to Mary, who helped clarify some of the military situations the protagonist would experience. Once the revisions were done and the manuscript was ready, it was sent to my new editor. Since this title will be self-published, I wanted a fresh set of eyes on this.
This week I received the report and feedback from the editor. There reaction was positive. Only a handful of corrections need to made. Then it's time for me to write the blurb for the back cover. I've got a couple of leads on getting the artwork done. If all goes well, my goal is to have this ready to roll in March.
Events
The first two events or shows for the year happened in early February. It was great to be out and interact with readers and shoppers. Sales at both were good. That motivates me to discover some new venues and events for the year.
At the moment, I've got three lined up for March.
First up is on March 7th. I'll be at Paw Paw High School 30609 Red Arrow Highway, from 9 to 4 for the Spring Craft Show.
Then on Saturday, March 14th, I'll be at Booked Up Kalamazoo 4518 W. Main
The following week, I'll be participating in the second annual Third Coast Author and Book Festival in Grand Haven. Specific location and times will be determined soon.
Author Spotlight
Laura Kemp and I have been dancing around for several years now. Well, not really dancing, set to music and swaying around the floor. In this case we've been following each others posts and efforts on social media.
Back in December, we both served on a panel at the Kalamazoo Public Library, discussing our efforts with publishing and promotion.
After a few nudges, Laura graciously agreed to be featured here. Let's get to know more about her.
Everyone takes a different path to becoming a published author. What was your journey like?
I went from being a traditionally published author, to leaving my pub house, to working with an author co-op. I’ve done most of my own marketing, even when I was with a traditional publisher.
Let’s get wild. Your latest book has been selected by a streaming service to be made into a movie (or series). The producers have asked for your thoughts on casting the top three characters. Who would you choose?
Hmm… for my Yellow Wood Series it would be Britt Robertson for Justine, Paul Walker (yes, I know he’d no longer with us but I can dream ) for Dylan, and Henry Cavill for Troy.
Do you prepare an outline before you start writing a story?
Nope! I am a discovery writer. I have plot points and write from one plot point to the next organically. If it doesn’t feel right, I’ll delete the entire thing.
Tell us about your latest book.
I’m writing a sequel to ‘I Paint the Sky’ entitled ‘A Song of Walking Rain.’
Got a scene to share?
The midday sun pressed against Emily Merritt’s neck, sending a bead of sweat between her shoulder blades and down her back. She put a hand to her forehead, smoothed the wisps of honey blonde hair that had escaped her braid and turned to her husband.
Caleb stood, smiling as he often did, and held out his hands.
“I’ll take her,” he said, and their daughter stuffed one plump hand in her mouth as she reached for him with the other.
“It’s hot as Lucifer’s oven,” Emily sighed, wondering why she had chosen today to come into town when their cabin overlooked the Pacific, the ocean breezes offering a comfort Petaluma couldn’t.
Caleb smiled again, clucked her under the chin in a way that made her forget how uncomfortable she was.
“Someone’s been wanting a new dress,” he reminded her. “And this young man’s been talking of peppermint sticks so much that I’m starting to dream about them.”
What’s the next project you’ll be working on?
Probably book three in this western series. I like keeping things in groups of three!
There are a few upcoming author events where readers can meet you and get a copy of your books.
I’ll be at the Portage Library Author Hop on Friday, April 17 and the Vicksburg Literary Festival on Saturday, April 25.. I’m always on Mackinac Island the last weekend in July. And I often visit the Mendon Farmer’s Market.
Here are some links to Laura’s books and to her website.
Music
Every once in a while, a new group of musicians or a solo artist pops up on one of the streaming services I listen to frequently. While they may not be brand new, they are definitely new to me.
Recently I learned about Rumpus Machine. Four talented siblings from New Zealand have been performing together for several years, covering great classic songs. The fact that they're all in their teens just adds to the story.
Here are my top five songs from Rumpus Machine.
Mustang Sally: https://youtu.be/b0yumTQlBFM?si=gPbBvjxD7_N2fUjm
Crazy Little Thing Called Love: https://youtu.be/lp6XiMd3SSk?si=vlOsQT-uJVc9Uc8d
Pride and Joy: https://youtu.be/3Gh7yZZbSdY?si=BD2s3bEJX2xXcqAz
Sultans of Swing: https://youtu.be/-yUfW2u8hMg?si=8esosIMlk20sTrbY
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