WHY BOTH BROTHERS AND POISONS IN MY TRILOGY?

Did you read my weekend post about Autism Awareness? If not and you know someone with autism, please scroll down below today's post (AFTER you read this one, of course) and read the weekend's post then watch the video. And please remember to leave a comment if you wish to be included in the drawing for one of my books, winner's choice. Remember to leave your email with your comment. A follow counts as an extra entry. Yada, yada, blah, blah...you know all that, right? My winner will be announced here on Wednesday, April 18th.


WHY BOTH BROTHERS AND POISONS IN MY NEW TRILOGY?

My new trilogy, Men of Stone Mountain, is about the three Stone brothers: Micah, Zach, and Joel. Each is strong, handsome, and has high principles. Aren’t brothers enough of a link for a trilogy?

Yes, but there’s another link to these three books. Each involves poison in some way. No, I’m not bloodthirsty and I don’t intend to use any of my knowledge to wipe out real people. In this trilogy, however, I do kill a few people. Ah, the joys of being a writer. (Laughing fiendishly.)


Studying herbal medicine is sort of a mini-hobby. I’ve taken the herbal class Beth Trissel teaches, as well as perusing my own stash of books on folk medicine and Writer's Digest's DEADLY DOSES. Pioneers relied heavily on their ability to recognize healing plants as well as those that discouraged pests and vermin. No Walgreens or WalMart around in those days. Early settlers also learned that what can heal, if administered improperly, can harm. Don’t you suspect a lot of so-called natural deaths were helped along before modern forensics discouraged using potions and tinctures to kill? Maybe I’m suspicious by nature, but I suspect a lot of troublesome people died prematurely, helped along by a loving family member.


BRAZOS BRIDE is a western historical romance, but it is also a mystery.

Hope Montoya

Hope Montoya, the heroine, is a smart woman and figures out that someone is poisoning her. Who and why are more difficult problems. Until she knows, she can trust no one who has access to her food or medicine. Hope is a very wealthy woman who owns huge cattle ranch on the Brazos River and lives there in a large hacienda.





California version of a hacienda. Substitute cactus for the palm trees
and include an adobe wall around a large
courtyard and fountain for Hope's home.

She vows to fight for her life, but she’s so weakened by the poison that she can’t fight alone. Enter our hero, Micah Stone to the rescue. Do you hear the “1812 Overture” playing as the hero rides up? You know, I’ve heard a highbrow is someone who can hear that music without thinking of the Lone Ranger. But I digress. 





Micah Stone, Rancher



Micah also has enemies in their area. He fought for the Union Army and the Civil War has left many North Texas citizens bitter. Micah’s own brothers fought for the Confederacy. Despite their political views, the Stone brothers are closely knit. When Micah was falsely accused of killing Hope’s father, Zach and Joel came to Micah’s aid.

The story opens two months after the trial in which Micah was acquitted. A severe drought has Micah desperate for water. His own water sources have dried up and his cattle are dying of thirst. Micah and his brothers and ranch hands haul water daily from Zach’s spread further west.

Here’s a review of BRAZOS BRIDE:

A NIGHT OWL REVIEWS BOOK REVIEW
Reviewed by: Barb


I found this book to be very entertaining. I read it in one afternoon because I had to know who was trying to murder Hope, the heroine. Her interaction with Micah and their relationship was the heart of the story. I really got into the story and the characters. The mystery of just who of the many characters were the evil ones kept me reading and turning pages (so to speak) on my Kindle. I was unable to stop reading this book until I finished it. That really says something for the author's plot and cast of characters. I enjoy these types of books, but this one was exceptional. I will be patiently waiting for the stories of Micah's brothers, Zach and Joel. I see the potential for some very good stories following these brothers' lives. Good job in making me want more.
Mar 28, 2012
B007HS10SY
Top Pick 4.5 stars

Isn’t that a lovely review? I love when a reader/reviewer "gets" my books. And the book is ONLY 99 CENTS. What a great deal!

The BRAZOS BRIDE villain is vicious and almost non-stop. After an attempt on their life their wedding night, here’s an excerpt of another strike the next day when they stop by Micah’s ranch on the way to Hope’s hacienda. Bert and Slim are Micah’s ranch hands. I’ve already mentioned that Zach and Joel are his brothers:

Hope savored a bit of the stew, then bit into a fresh biscuit covered with syrup. Closing her eyes in bliss, she chewed slowly. “Oh my, this is wonderful. Never have I tasted better stew. And these biscuits are light enough to float away.”


Bert blushed and lowered his head. “Thank you, Miz Stone.”


Micah’s dimpled smile demonstrated his appreciation for her comment. Why should that please her so?


Hope learned more about their struggle for water, how they'd hauled barrels of it from some spring a good ways off on Zach's land, apparently their only remaining dependable source of water.


She remembered her father’s angry reprimand and the blow he’d delivered when she’d suggested he install windmills on their land. Her eye was swollen and purple for days, but he told the servants she’d fallen against the door. They knew, of course, and wouldn’t look at her until the bruises faded. She pushed the sad memory aside and returned to the present. Did she dare make a suggestion to Micah?


She gathered her courage. “Have you thought about a couple of the Mitchell Self-Governing Patent Windmills? I saw an ad for them and plan to install them in several spots on my land.”


Excitement gleamed in Micah’s eyes. “Hey, I saw an ad also, and I’d love to have them. Until now, I haven’t had the cash.”


He’d planned the same thing. And he didn’t appear to resent her suggestion. She wanted to shout with glee. He actually respected her opinion, and didn’t say a woman had no business thinking such thoughts. “Oh, well, maybe we can get a discount on the freight and cost if we order together.”


Zach nodded. “Good idea, Hope. I wouldn’t mind a couple of them myself, soon as we get your and Micah’s problems settled.”


They talked about where the windmills would be placed and guessed how long it would take them to arrive. All through their discussion, Hope was treated as if her ideas were equal to those of the men. Their response surprised and soothed her. Maybe this arrangement would work for everyone.


Micah laid his spoon aside while Bert served up the pie. "I need to talk about something less pleasant. Someone tried to kill us last night." For a minute everyone stopped talking and stared at Micah. The only sound was a horse’s nervous whinny.


Bert cocked his head toward the window and paused as if listening to the horse, but it quieted so he resumed serving. Everyone forked up the pie while Micah explained about the ordeal.


"Sheriff know?" Joel asked between bites.


Micah nodded. "Surprised me. Acted halfway decent about it. Said he'd keep investigating, but don't suppose anything will come of it. Without a witness, it could be anyone."


"So what's your plan, Cap’n?" Slim asked.


Micah swallowed and said, "I'm leaving you and Bert in charge here. For months now someone’s been poisoning my wife. You know her father was murdered, and now someone's tried to kill us. We have to be on guard all the time. You two are charged with taking care of this place while the rest of us take care of my wife." He dug into the last of his pie.


Slim looked indignant. "Poisoning a purty lady like Miz Stone? Low down sidewinders!"


"You’re right about that.” Micah pushed his plate aside. “Tomorrow you can start the cattle toward the river. One of us will stay at the Montoya ranch with Hope so she's always protected, but the other two will be over to help."


Always protected. She repeated the words in her head while she nibbled at her pie. The words reassured her and she looked at each of the men at the table. She might not have her home to herself, but safety in numbers popped into her mind. She no longer faced danger alone. Things would be all right now.


Bert asked, "Reckon I ought to go cook for you? I could make sure no one messed with Miz Stone's vittles."


Zach smiled apologetically at Hope as if he'd known she should have been included in the decision. "Our two aunts will arrive soon to help our new sister, maybe today if they caught the stage."


Micah said, "You're badly needed here, Bert, to look after this place."


Bert actually smiled. "Me and Slim can do it, cain't we?"


Slim nodded and started to say something, but another horse whinnied and this one sounded alarmed. Slim frowned and sniffed the air. "You smell smoke?"


Micah sniffed at the same time. "Something burning, Bert?"


"Nope, I done put the fire out on account of how dry it is. Covered it good with dirt." He rose and ambled to the window.


"Lord A’mighty, the barn's afire!"

In case you want to rush right over and buy BRAZOS BRIDE at Amazon Kindle (and I truly hope you will), the buy link is:


http://www.amazon.com/Brazos-Bride-Stone-Mountain-ebook/dp/B007HS10SY/ref=sr_1_18?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1331156267&sr=1-18


Thanks for stopping by!



DOUBLIE BILL: KAREN MUELLER BRYSON; AUTISM

This week bloggers have banded together to heighten awareness of a growing disability sweeping the U. S. - Autism. Perhaps one of the reasons Austism is increasing is due to specialists' ability to diagnose and treat this puzzling condition. Several friends and relatives daily seek to reach and aid children and adults who are locked inside autism. I think of them as a person bound by an invisible wall which they battle daily but cannot completely break through. To call attention to autism, Kathy has set up an Autism Awareness Giveaway Hop. You can find a list of participating websites at http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com or click the badge at the top of my sidebar to be taken to her site. My giveaway is one of my ebooks, winner's choice, and the offer is open to international readers. Please leave your email with your comment. As always, a follow counts as a second entry.

Now on to today's fabulous guest. Please welcome Karen Mueller Bryson:

Karen Mueller Bryson - Author, Professor, Publisher

CC: Readers love to get to know authors. Please tell us about growing up

KMB: I grew up in rural northern New Jersey with one brother, who is 3 ½ years younger. Our family would be considered middle class but our parents spoiled us. They expected us to do well in school and my brother and I both excelled academically. My brother was extremely outgoing and funny and I was a quiet bookworm. I didn’t like to play outside or get dirty when I was a child, so I spent a lot of time reading and writing. Having high academic expectations paid off. My brother is now a scientist and I am a university professor and writer.

I am married and live in Arizona with my husband and our two wonderful bloodhounds.

CC: I also live in the Southwest. Who are your favorite authors and favorite genres?

KMB: My two favorite authors are Lewis Carroll (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland) and L. Frank Baum (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz). Both writers created iconic characters that are still beloved over a hundred years later. My first two novels, HEY DOROTHY YOU'RE NOT IN KANSAS ANYMORE and WHERE IS WONDERLAND ANYWAY, were inspired by the works of these two literary legends.

CC: Both books have contributed many phrases to the common vocabulary. When you’re not writing, what’s your favorite way to relax and recharge? Hobbies?

KMB: Writing fiction is what I do to relax when I’m not at my day job as a university professor. Some of my other hobbies include working out, watching movies, reading, traveling and playing instruments like the keyboard and dulcimer.

CC: Writing is balm to me, unless I'm having trouble with a scene. I’m impressed you’re so diverse. Describe yourself in three or four words.

KMB: The first word I always use to describe myself is tenacious. What I lack in talent, I always make up for in pure determination to succeed.

The second word I would use to describe myself is passionate. I am extremely passionate about writing!

The third word I would use to describe myself is willing. I am always willing to take risks to achieve my goals and I am always willing to help other travelers on the journey called life.

CC: Great answers. Would you like to share any guilty pleasures that feed your muse?

KMB: I have three “guilty pleasures” that keep me sane. First, I have a subscription to People magazine and I read it every week. As a storyteller, I love reading stories about people’s lives!

Second, I love to watch “sappy” Lifetime movies and RomComs (aka ‘chick-flicks’). As writer, who enjoys entertaining people, these are my sources of entertainment.

Third, I love to cuddle with my bloodhounds. Even when everything seems to be going wrong, I cuddle a bloodhound, and the world seems okay again.

CC: Isn’t it nice to have the unconditional love dogs provide? How long have you been writing?

KMB: I learned to read when I was four years old and, very soon after, my mom helped me write my first book. I have been writing ever since!

CC: I also learned to read before school. Nice head start for becoming a writer, right? Where do you prefer to write? Do you need quiet, music, solitude? PC or laptop?

KMB: I prefer to write on my laptop in my library in complete silence. I am not able to write with music on; I find it too distracting.

CC: I write to classical. Anything with lyrics distracts me. 0Are you a plotter or a panzer?

KMB: I would have to go with panzer. I’m a Leo (a fire sign). People, who are fire signs, generally get a “spark” of an idea and take off running with it! Once the fire has ignited, there’s no turning back; it’s usually just “full steam ahead.”

CC: Do you do your research before you begin a new project, or as you go along?

KMB: It depends upon the project. When I wrote my middle grades time travel adventure, THE INCREDIBLY AWESOME ADVENTURES OF PUGGIE LIDDELL, I had to do a lot of research because the kids travel back in time to the 1890s. Even though it was a work of fiction, I wanted it to be as historically accurate as possible. The book took about a year to complete because I did so much research (and had so much fun immersing myself in the time period).

When I write adult contemporary fiction, I usually do my research along the way, as needed.

CC:Tell us about your writing schedule. Do you set goals? Do you write daily?

KMB: I try to write every day but I work full-time, so there are days I don’t get as much writing done as I would like. I write a lot on the weekends and in the morning before I go to work. I set fairly rigid writing goals and generally stick to them.

CC: What is your day job?

KMB: When I’m not writing, I work as an Associate Professor of Psychology and Human Services at a private, liberal arts university.

CC: Wonderful background for building realistic characters. Tell us something about yourself that might surprise readers.

KMB: I’m not sure what would surprise people! People find it interesting that I am a vegetarian and have been for 27 years. I also think it’s unique that I have been to 47 of the 50 United States and four of the seven continents on Earth!

CC: My daughter has been a vegetarian for most of her life. What is something unusual you learned while researching and writing this book?

KMB: When I was writing TWYLA’S LAST TRIP, I did a lot of research on Rt. 66, which is an historic highway that runs from Illinois to California. There are many unusual and odd attractions along Rt. 66 but one of the most unique, in my opinion, is "Stubby Stonehenge," which is The Missouri S & T’s reproduction of the prehistoric wonder and half the size of its original English counterpart. The replica is made of 160 tons of granite and was dedicated in 1984 during the summer solstice.

CC: One of the things I have one my bucket list is to travel down Route 66. I love the song "Get Your Kicks on Route 66." What do you hope your writing brings to readers?

KMB: My company, Short on Time Books, provides readers with fast-paced and fun novels they can finish in one sitting. My hope is to provide entertainment to people, who don’t have much time to read, but would still like to enjoy an engaging story.

CC: I’m sure those fast-paced novels are popular. What advice would you give to unpublished authors?

KMB: Never give up on your dreams and remember that “write” is a verb. You have to do the writing to be a writer!

CC: Pefect advice. One of your latest releases involves traveling on the famous Route 66. Have you ever driven this highway?

KMB: I have never driven along Rt. 66 but I would love to someday. As I mention in the book’s dedication, I came up with the idea for the story after one of my best friends died of cancer at a young age. Her husband and daughter took my friend’s ashes on a trip along Rt. 66 because it was something my friend had always wanted to do but never got the chance. Although TWYLA’S LAST TRIP is a romantic comedy, there are some serious undertones in the story because I wanted to express some feelings I had about losing my friend and the idea that people need to take time for the things in life that are important.

CC: Exactly what my husband and I decided. No point putting off your dreams until "later." Tell us about your latest releases.

Blurb: TWYLA’S LAST TRIP: Twenty eight-year old, Lucinda Starr is an uptight research psychologist, whose deadline to complete her doctoral dissertation is completely derailed by her estranged mother, Twyla Starr's sudden death. Lucinda must take her mother's ashes on a road trip on Route 66, in order to fulfill the requirements of her will and inherit her fortune. To make matters worse, Lucinda finds herself forced to travel across the country with her mother's easygoing country lawyer, T.J. Yates, who drives her crazy, and his drooling bloodhound, Dakota, who Lucinda finds revolting.

CC: Ooh, I like it already. Where can readers find TWYLA’S LAST TRIP?

http://www.amazon.com/Twylas-Last-Trip-ebook/dp/B0063TMP32

Blurb: ONE LAST CLASS: Thirty-two year old, Zak Spencer, is a washed-up teen idol, who decides to rebuild his life by returning to college in Arizona. Trouble ensues when Zak falls in love with the young professor, Amy Campbell, who teaches the one class he needs to complete his degree.

CC: Sounds like fun. Where can readers find ONE LAST CLASS?

http://www.amazon.com/One-Last-Class-ebook/dp/B007144NXI


How can readers learn more about you?

Website: http://www.ahorsewithnoname.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/karenmuellerbryson

Twitter: http://twitter.com/karenmbryson

Blog: http://shortontimebooks.tumblr.com/

Short on Time Books: http://www.shortontimebooks.com

Karen, thanks so much for sharing with us today.

Readers, thanks for stopping by!