THE PENDULUM FILES

Once again I have the pleasure of hosting p m terrell here at A Writer’s Life. She is promoting her new release, THE PENDULUM FILES via a Goddess Fish Book Tour. She's also giving away a lovely Celtic necklace to one commenter on her tour. 

So, let’s get to pm’s interview.

Caroline: Share with us something about growing up.

PM: Thanks for hosting me today, Caroline!

I was born in Washington, DC. My father was an FBI Agent so my early life was spent in a variety of states as he was being transferred from one office to another. By 1967, we ended up in the Mississippi Delta during one of the most violent times in the South’s history. I left there in the early 1970s, returning to the Washington area. Now I live in coastal North Carolina, far from the traffic and crowds.

Caroline: Were you a bookworm or a jock?

PM: I have definitely been a bookworm my entire life. I was always the last one to be chosen when forming ball teams at school and have a reputation for being quite clutzy! I can even fall while going up stairs, which I do quite frequently.

Books allow me to take on different personas; often ones that are athletic, strong, physically capable and hero-like.

Caroline: Who are your favorite authors and favorite genres?

PM: I have eclectic tastes when it comes to books. I enjoy true adventure in which ordinary people encounter extraordinary circumstances, such as Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer (about climbing Mount Everest); The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger and Left for Dead by Beck Weathers.

I love exploring new places, bygone eras and cultures through the pages of books. Gone with the Wind was an early favorite, read when I had the time for such a hefty book. Lately, my reading has included The Irish Lady, which opened the world of Northern Ireland to me.

Caroline: What’s your favorite way to relax and recharge? Hobbies?

PM: I breed freshwater angelfish and I find working with my fish tanks is extremely relaxing and a diversion from writing and researching. Some of my angels are ten inches tall and range from rare blue angels and flaming red angels to the classic silver striped angels, marbles and platinums. My angels are sold through a local pet shop; I’m told I’m the only breeder where the pet shop owners can actually see the parents and the environment in which the baby fish were raised.

My work with the angelfish became the CIA cover for Vicki Boyd and Dylan Maguire in the Black Swamp Mysteries series. I found whenever I talked about my fish, peoples’ eyes glazed over and I thought, “What a wonderful fake career for a CIA operative! Everyone would think they were terribly boring and stay away!”

Caroline: Watching fish is relaxing, but I remember that keeping the aquarium clean involved work. Do you have a favorite quote that sums up how you feel about life?

PM: I don’t know who originally wrote this but the quote is: Be quiet for the world is filled with noise and God speaks in a whisper.

Caroline: I love that and it’s new to me. The quote reminds me of a line from the Bible. How long have you been writing?

PM: I began writing in 1967, so I’ve been writing for close to fifty years. Just writing that makes me feel old! My first book, a non-fiction was published in 1984 and my first suspense in 2002. I’ve seen a lot of changes in the publishing industry throughout my career. It is unrecognizable from what it once was.

Caroline: This industry seems to change every day. Where do you prefer to write? Do you need quiet, music, solitude? PC or laptop?

PM: If I have the house to myself, I prefer to write in my living room, surrounded by some of my community fish tanks. Otherwise, I work in my office, which has a 360 degree view of the grounds. I write in solitude on a desktop (office) or laptop (living room) and can’t imagine how anyone can write in longhand.

Caroline: Are you a plotter or a panzer?

PM: I am definitely a plotter. I know before starting the book where it begins and where it will end. I also define a mid-point which resembles a climactic scene. The first half of the book is spent placing the building blocks for that mid-point. When I reach that particular chapter, it turns everything on its head, catapulting the reader through the end of the book.

Caroline: Do you use real events or persons in your stories or as an inspiration for stories?

PM: In my Black Swamp Mysteries Series, I’ve used several real characters and businesses. Vicki’s and Dylan’s favorite restaurant is The Village Station, owned by Arnold West. A pivotal scene played out at Just Teazin’ Beauty Salon, which featured real salon owner Beth Powers.

I often get inspiration for plots from going through declassified CIA documents or through news stories about true espionage or crime. Truth really is stranger than fiction!

Caroline: That certainly is true. What do you hope your writing brings to readers?

PM: I hope that my writing brings entertainment value to my readers, allowing them to escape into the pages of my books like I escape through the books I read. I also seek to enlighten and educate, while leaving the opinions up to the readers themselves.

Caroline: What long-term plans do you have for your career?

PM: Well, since I’ve been writing for nearly 50 years, my long-term goals have become short-term goals! I have been extremely fortunate to have been able to write for as many years as I have, and I only hope to continue doing what I love for the rest of my life.

Caroline: Would you like to tell us what you’re working on now?

PM: I am finishing the sequel to THE TEMPEST MURDERS, an award-winning book that was released last fall. In THE WHITE DEVIL OF DUBLIN, Irish Detective Ryan O’Clery receives a call from a noted historian who claims she has uncovered information about his family’s past. When he arrives to meet with her, he finds her throat slashed and her computer stolen. Finding the killer and solving the crime will take him back nearly a thousand years to the time of the Viking invasion of Ireland—and into family secrets that had lain hidden for generations.

The book is due to be released this fall (2014).

Caroline: You’ve hooked me. What advice would you give to unpublished authors?

PM: If you are truly meant to be a published author, you will find the time to write regardless of what else is going on in your life.

Take your ego out of your work and listen to advice.

Authors have more resources available to them today than ever before. Use them; network and learn your craft to the best of your ability.

Caroline: Wonderful advice. Now let’s learn more about your new release.

The Pendulum Files

By

pm terrell

THE PENDULUM FILES Blurb:

CIA operative Dylan Maguire joins forces with psychic spy Vicki Boyd to find out who is bombing merchant vessels bound for the United States from China. The mission will lead them to Black Sites, the high seas, and into covert operations. and when an assassin escapes from prison determined to finish the job he started, they find their personal lives and their missions are about to collide in ways they never could have imagined.

Excerpt from THE PENDULUM FILES:

She wasn’t quite sure what roused her from sleep. But as Vicki slowly opened her eyes, she became aware of her nude body lying on one side with Dylan’s larger, muscular form curled up behind her. One arm was stretched over her protectively and her derriere rested against his lap, their legs intertwined.

Normally some moonlight found its way inside, but the room was so murky that she wondered if there was any moon at all this night. She narrowed her eyes in an effort to adjust to the darkness as Dylan’s measured, soft breathing remained against her ear.

She nearly gasped as her eyes fell upon a figure just a few feet from the bed. She frowned as it swayed in front of her; it was not flesh and blood—that much was obvious. It was almost opaque and as she continued to stare, it grew more luminous until a tiny woman stood in front of her with long, flowing white hair billowing about her as if blown by the wind.

She wore a thin nightgown that reached from the base of her neck all the way to her feet, and as Vicki continued to stare, she smiled.

“Mam,” Vicki breathed as she recognized Dylan’s grandmother.

Dylan murmured something incomprehensible and held her more tightly against him.

“Be careful what you do, child,” Mam said in a clear voice. “There are eyes on you.”

Vicki gasped and grabbed at the bed covering. “You shouldn’t be watching us!” she exclaimed.

Dylan awakened and leaned over her to look at her face. “What is it, Darlin’?”

Vicki could feel the heat in her cheeks. She half-turned to Dylan to see him watching her with sleepy eyes. “I—” She turned back to where his grandmother had stood, but she was gone.

“Another bad dream, mayhap?” he asked before settling back. “There’s nothin’ at’al to be frightened of, Darlin’. I’ll take good care o’ you.”

She tried to relax against his body once more. She kept her eyes open and her ears on alert but she was met only with silence and a darkness that reminded her that she’d had precious little sleep. Still, she pulled the bedcovers over them, covering their naked bodies.

The grandfather clock downstairs ticked off the seconds, the sound reminding her of just how silent the rest of the house really was. She finally felt herself snuggling into that warm cocoon of sleep.

She could feel Dylan’s breath against the back of her neck; it was the steady breathing of a man deeply asleep. Then she became aware of something else, something against her nose as if someone was breathing on her face.

Her eyes flew open to find Mam leaning down in front of her, her face just inches from hers.

“It isn’t me you need to be concernin’ y’self with, child,” she said. “Other eyes are watchin’.”

Amazon trade paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Pendulum-Files-Black-Mysteries-Volume/dp/1935970097/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395929941&sr=8-1&keywords=the+pendulum+files

Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Pendulum-Files-Black-Swamp-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B00INC34Z0/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1395929941

Smashwords (all ebook formats): http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/412506

p m terrell, Author

p.m.terrell is the pen name for Patricia McClelland Terrell, the award-winning, internationally acclaimed author of more than 20 books in five genres. A full-time author since 2002, Black Swamp Mysteries is her first series, inspired by the success of Exit 22 in 2008. The books include EXIT 22, VICKI’S KEY, SECRETS OF A DANGEROUS WOMAN, DYLAN’S SONG and THE PENDULUM FILES. VICKI’S KEY placed as one of four finalists in the 2012 International Book Awards. Her historical book, RIVER PASSAGE, won the 2010 Best Drama Award, and her romantic suspense, THE TEMPEST MURDERS, placed as one of four finalists in the 2013 USA Best Book Awards.

Prior to becoming a full-time writer, she founded and operated two computer companies in the Washington, DC area. Her specialties were computer crime and computer intelligence and her clients included the CIA, Secret Service and Department of Defense. Computer technology often weaves its way through her contemporary suspense/thrillers.

She is also the co-founder of The Book 'Em Foundation and the founder of The Book 'Em North Carolina Writers Conference and Book Fair, an annual event to raise money for literacy campaigns. She also serves on the boards of the Friends of the Robeson County Public Library and the Robeson County Arts Council, and served as the first female president for the Chesterfield County/ Colonial Heights Crime Solvers.

website: www.pmterrell.com

blog: www.pmterrell.blogspot.com

twitter: @pmterrell

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.p.m.terrell

Thanks for stopping by!

ANOTHER HAIR DISASTER!

In my lifetime, I’ve had major hair disasters. Once I asked for a rinse to make my hair shine with red highlights because I was going to a party wearing a new red chiffon dress. I came out with hair the color of Raggedy Ann. And the hairdresser wouldn't redo my hair because she wanted to close up and go home. Humiliating---but I went to the party.

Raggedy Ann

Another time, I tried to dye my hair blonde the day before we were leaving on a trip to visit relatives. I didn’t really understand the steps to going blonde and my hair turned out sort of orange-ish. Our young nephew told me he loved my hair because it was the same color as Lassie’s. And it was. 

Lassie

And there was the time Darling Daughter 2 had me color her hair while she was home for the weekend from university. I turned her hair lavender instead of blond. Quick trip to a hairdresser rescued her. Still, I’m forbidden from mentioning coloring her hair ever again. ☺

Darling Daughter 2 as a blonde

Which is not quite as bad as my friend Maxine who turned her hair green. She had to miss half a day of work while she used Palmolive Dishwashing Detergent to strip the color from her hair. Too bad it wasn't St. Patrick's Day. ☺

Not all of my efforts have turned out badly. For about ten years I used Lady Clairol every weekend so my hair would have more body and shine. I used Ash Blonde, which turned my dishwater blonde hair to dark brown. Looked pretty good, if I do say so myself. Hero liked it. When I tired of dying my hair each weekend, I asked a hairdresser to strip the color so I could go natural. She informed me that was my natural color. Go figure. I wonder how many Sunday mornings I’d arisen at four to color my hair before church when it was already that color?

Me not knowing I'd become brunette

After the disaster with DD2's hair, I've given up the home hair color business. For the last fifteen years, I had the same hairdresser. She knew precisely how I wanted my hair done. She did highlights and lowlights to enhance nature. I loved the consistent outcome she achieved. But then we moved from a rural area to an urban setting an hour away.

Hero and I had decided when we moved we’d switch as many services as possible to our new neighborhood. You know a woman and her hairdresser have a sacred relationship. For a few months, I drove the hour back to our old town to have my hair done. That seemed silly, though, when a high end salon is only four blocks away from our house.

One day, I desperately needed a cut, so I tried a hairdresser in the nearby salon. She does a really nice haircut. By this time, however, the enhancements were growing out. On my next visit, I asked for highlights. She talked me into getting heavy highlights via a cap so that my flimsy, thin hair would have more body. The result was very, very light blond (grayish) with a line of brown around my face where the cap edge had been.

Me as a blonde

Oops. Hated it, but my hair had more body and stayed styled much better than ever before. So, not a total loss.

As tactfully as possible at my next visit, I expressed my reservations. My hairdresser said all we needed was to put in lowlights, plus she’d cover up the brown framing my face. Okay, scheduled it for the next appointment.

No-o-o-o-o, this result is not okay. Now my hair is auburn leaning toward eggplant. Don’t misunderstand, I love those shades on other people but this is not what I envisioned for myself.

I want my old hair back, please!

For once, I hope my hair grows rapidly. Unfortunately, nothing grows as slowly as a disastrous hairdo.  

Have you ever had a hair disaster?

Thanks for stopping by!

Raggedy Ann and Lassie photos from Google Creative Commons

ENTHUSIASM!

We have a puppy. Neither Hero nor I knows diddly about training a puppy. We had never planned to have a dog this young. He and I are not learning very rapidly and neither is the puppy.

Darling Daughter 2 and I were driving home from a garden center on March 16^th when we saw a double cab pickup truck slow down, open a door, and toss something out of the vehicle. When we drove nearer, a puppy was in the middle of the highway. Thankfully, this was Sunday afternoon and traffic was light.

Well, what could we do? We (meaning I waited in the car while DD2 walked back and picked up the puppy) rescued the dog and brought her home. Her name is Bridget, so named because that's the name of an Irish saint and we found her on St. Patrick’s Day weekend. She's part Chihuahua and part Dachshund. Sounds weird, but apparently that's a trendy mix. She looks like a black Dachshund with long legs. After her initial trauma and soreness from hitting the pavement, she's recovered.

Has she ever!

But she's no saint. Bridget is enthusiastic, curious, and usually eager to please. Everything is an adventure to her. She never appears depressed or bored. 

How could she be with so many things to be chewed to pieces indoors and squirrels to chase outdoors? When she’s excited, her entire body wags, not just her tail.

Hero and I are at a loss as to her house training. She loves to rush outside (always on a leash because only one side and the back of our property have a fence) but she doesn’t really understand the purpose of her walks across the lawn. You might think walking with our other dog would clue her in. You'd be wrong. 

Apparently she believes her job is to chase squirrels. She waits until she’s back inside to poop. No point messing up the nice green grass, is there? And how can she concentrate on her bodily functions when she has to guard her people against the squirrel invasion?

All our pets are rescues. Our older dog, Webster, is such a quiet little gentleman who came to us at around age three. Our older cat, Sebastian, fit in Hero's hand when we rescued him and is now large and dignified. Max, our Manx mischief maker kitten, has settled in nicely. 

Sebastian

Bridget, on the other hand, has been quite a shock to our household and remains a challenge. If she weren’t so sweet, we’d be terribly angry because of her chewing and pooping habits. But how can we remain upset with her when she is so eager to please and be loved?

The other day I was thinking how nice it would be if we were all more like Bridget. No, not the lack of house training nor the animosity toward squirrels. I mean her good qualities.  

What if every day when we awakened we bounded out of bed, eager to see what the day held in store?

What if everything made us happy just to be alive? 

What if our enthusiasm bubbled up and made us bounce with joy?

Maybe we should all be more like puppies.

Thanks for stopping by! 

MAGNOLIA BAY SERIES

Erika and Kim will be awarding a $15 Starbucks card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

BET THE HOUSE

Willamena Dunn is having a lousy week. Not only is her baby sister about to marry into the family of Dunn-Right Preservation’s biggest professional rival, but the historic bungalow of her dreams has just been bought by the most infuriating (not to mention exceedingly handsome and notoriously wicked) man to ever hammer a nail in Magnolia Bay, Knox Loveless. 


But when Knox offers her a wager she can’t refuse, a bet with the coveted bungalow as its prize, Willa is sure her bad luck might finally be turning around—until Knox surprises her with a passionate kiss, and suddenly all bets are off.

Could this be just another one of Knox Loveless’ games, or will two rivals finally surrender to a long-simmering attraction and declare a truce once and for all?

Amazon

Author Erika Marks

Erika Marks is a native New Englander, raised in Maine, who went to New Orleans to study architectural preservation and promptly fell in love with a man named Ian when they were each walking their dogs on the levee in the rain. They now live in North Carolina with their two children. Erika has worked as a carpenter, an illustrator, an art director for a woodworking magazine, and a cake decorator, and after many years of marriage to a native New Orleanian she is proud to say that she can make a mean gumbo and a praline that peels cleanly off a sheet of waxed paper.

SWEET HOME CAROLINA

Darcy Vance has sunk every cent she has into making Mimosa House the best bed and breakfast in Magnolia Bay. But the key to her success lies in the hands of the Historic Preservation Society run by the Bloom bitches who are embarrassed about their father’s connection to the storied house and they have no intention of validating it with a spot on the society’s registry.

After losing his PGA card, Trent Mauldin has come home to Magnolia Bay to lick his wounds and has no plans to stay. Until he falls for Darcy. Things heat up between the two until Trent’s good intentions to help Darcy go sideways. While Darcy works to save her house, Trent fights to win her back and keep her in Magnolia Bay for good.

  Amazon

Author Kim Boykin

Kim Boykin is a women's fiction author with a sassy Southern streak. Her debut novel, THE WISDOM OF HAIR, explores the camaraderie in beauty school & the holy connection that exists between stylists and their clients. The book also is based on the truth that women believe if they can change their hair, they can change their lives.

While her heart is always in South Carolina, she lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband, 3 dogs, and 126 rose bushes.

Thanks for stopping by!

I'M WITH YOU BY TAYLOR DEAN

Can three little words irrevocably change your life?

When the doctors inform Chloe Brennan that her pregnancy is “incompatible with life,” her subsequent choices will change her path forever.

She becomes one of the quiet, unsung heroes of this world, incredibly strong, yet somehow wrongly looked upon as damaged.

Three people will pierce Chloe’s existence: her husband, a stranger, and a precious baby.

One will say goodbye, one will say hello, and one will say both at the same time.

I’m With You is a novel about selfless love and the sacredness of life.

Please note: While this book is a romance novel, it also deals with the sensitive issue of baby loss grief.
The emotions are real, and sometimes dark.
If you are sensitive to this issue, this may not be the book for you.

Praise for I'M WITH YOU:

Taylor Dean creates a beautiful story of loss, grief, and love.

~Jana (Book Reviewer)

Chloe’s story of grief, growth and healing is poignant and had me wanting to shed tears one moment, and then smiling as hope took root and bloomed in her heart.

~Charissa of Joy in the Moments

It's amazing how these tragic moments in our lives shape our futures, and this wonderful grandson of Ms. Dean's gave her the strength, courage and words to let others know about grief as well as Trisomy 18.

~Katherine (Book Reviewer)

Amazon

Excerpt from I'M WITH YOU:

Jack turned and looked at her, his eyes wet with tears. “I’m sorry you had to go through it alone.”

“If I could have, maybe I would’ve left too. I didn’t have that option. I don’t blame Mark, I really don’t. Who wouldn’t want to escape? It was a horrific experience.”

“I don’t think it was,” Jack stated quietly.

Startled by his words, Chloe said, “Excuse me?”

“I don’t believe you.”

Chloe felt surprised by his perceptiveness. Her breath caught in her throat as she said, “You’re right. Losing him was horrific. But the experience was one of the most precious times of my life. I’ve never felt so full of love for another individual. It consumed me. I loved him with an intensity I’ve never felt before. He’s the greatest blessing I’ve ever received in my life and I don’t regret a single moment. Maybe I never actually heard him speak, but he said more to me in his short life than anyone has ever said to me in my lifetime. He spoke to my heart in ways that are unfathomable. He changed me and left an imprint on my life that I will never forget. He taught me the true meaning of love and what it’s like to love someone else more than yourself.”

Jack shook his head, fighting emotion. “I can see that, I can feel that. This room is a testament to that love. I can feel your overwhelming love for your child just by glancing in here. That’s how strong it is.”

“Not everyone would agree with you. Mark hates this room. It represents loss to him.”

Jack took a step closer, his eyes blazing. “It represents love, completely unselfish love that few people in this world will ever understand or experience. I’m amazed by you, Chloe.”

Amazon

A word about I'M WITH YOU:

Baby loss is a difficult subject. The accompanying grief is complicated and heartbreaking.
In December of 2011, my daughter lost a baby at eight months gestation to Trisomy 18. If you don't know what that is, I didn't either, until it happened to us. (You will learn all about this devastating condition during the course of the book.) I'm With You is a romance novel that includes my daughter's Trisomy 18 story. I knew I wanted to write about the experience one day, but it took me awhile to emotionally prepare myself to actually do it. It has been highly therapeutic. My daughter granted me permission to share her Trisomy 18 story with the hope that it will help others who are dealing with baby loss grief.

There is a song written for and dedicated to the families of Trisomy 18 and 13 babies. It is beautiful and deeply expresses the love parents feel for these special babies.


Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

Author Taylor Dean

Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it's paranormal, contemporary, or suspense-you'll find all sub-genres of CLEAN Romance in her line-up.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

Blast Giveaway


$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash


Ends 5/31/14


Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.




a Rafflecopter giveaway







--

~Inspired Kathy~





I Am A Reader

LAWRENCE KELTER INTERVIEW

Please welcome Lawrence Kelter to A Writer’s Life today. He’s a new-to-me author whose work I just purchased. Don’t you love finding a new author and learning he’s written a series? 

Lawrence will be awarding a $25 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour and 5 runners up will receive an autographed print copy of BABY GIRL DOE (US and Canada only).

Caroline:  Please tell us something about yourself and growing up. Do you go by Lawrence?

Larry: I go by Larry. Whenever someone calls me Lawrence I know that I’m in deep stuff. I grew up on Avenue F in Brooklyn, NY, in a not-so-well-known neighborhood named Kensington. It certainly didn’t have the caché of Flatbush or Bensonhurst, but it was home for me. It was only six blocks long. Can you imagine, a child’s entire world being that small? I guess I didn’t know any better because I loved it; playing handball and basketball at the park on the corner, right down the block from Gold’s Horseradish factory. Trust me, the smell of the cooking horseradish beets cleared out the park pretty quickly on those days when we were down wind.

I grew up with an older brother who I was and still am very close with. I have two half-brothers but they were considerably older by the time I came on the scene and I saw them mostly for family get-togethers and holidays. I was a replacement baby. My parents lost a daughter and I was born a year after she passed away. My father was about fifty so I doubt he was planning to become a father again at that time. I guess I was born to fill a void in their lives. I hope I did a good job.

As I said, I was born in Brooklyn and never got too far away. I’ve been a Long Island resident for the past thirty years. I’ve got an absolutely terrific wife and two great kids who are now off and on their own.

Caroline: Yours sounds like a wonderful childhood. Were you considered a bookworm?

Larry: I was never considered a bookworm. As a matter of fact I was voted The Individual Least Likely to Visit a Library while in high school. If you don’t believe it I’ll scan my yearbook and post it on Facebook for the entire world to see. Just a painful heads-up—my yearbook picture is absolutely dreadful.

Caroline: Everyone’s yearbook photo is dreadful, isn’t it? What do you like to read and which authors made an impression on you?

Larry: I’m a mystery and thriller junkie. I read the stuff everyone else is reading: Nelson DeMille, Harlan Coben, Thomas Harris, Patterson, Deaver—I think you get the idea.

Caroline: What do you do to relax?

Larry: I’m a tennis bum. Well maybe not so much a bum as an addict. It’s a great sport, which I can still play with a reasonable level of competence, and foresee playing into my advanced years.

I love movies; thrillers, comedies, and dramas. If I had to pick my favorite movie of all time it would be My Cousin Vinny. I’ve seen it so many times that I can recite most of the lines by heart. Are you sure? I’m pos-i-tive!

Caroline: My family loves that movie, too. Can you tell readers a quote that sums up your philosophy of life?

Larry: My favorite quote came from Einstein, who said, “Before God we are all equally wise and equally foolish.” I think that one statement fairly well sums all of humanity.

Caroline: Wonderful quote. How long have you been writing?

Larry: I’ve been writing almost fifteen years. I first began writing on a portable Smith-Corona word processor, which I took with me on the Long Island Railroad—commuting back and forth from work (It was the only time I had). Of course now, like most, I’m a laptop writer. My Mac book goes everywhere I go, but I do most of my writing in my office at home. I need a quiet environment to write. With all those characters blabbering in my head there’s no room for external noise.

Caroline: With all the characters in his or her head, writers are never alone, are they? Are you a plotter or a panzer?

Larry:  Am I a plotter or a panzer? Well … Neither. Once I have a premise and have researched it to death, I quickly bang out about fifty pages and then read it repeatedly to see if I have something I can build into a full-length novel. I lay out a basic plot if I plan to proceed but revise it every few days as new ideas, twists and turns come to mind.

Caroline: I believe that’s called a plotzer. ☺Do you base your characters on real people or your scenes on actual incidents?

Larry:  The premises for my books are as original as I can make them. It’s been said that all the original ideas in the world have already been thought of and that we’re all just stealing from one another. I do my best to dispute that premise, but I definitely study the real world and I’d be lying if I said none of it made its way into my work.

Caroline: I try to be original too, Larry. As you said, there are only so many plots and we have to work making them fresh. What do you hope your writing brings to readers?

Larry: I hope my writing entertains my readers. I hated to read when I was young and think that was because the reading selections way back when consisted of putrid, boring stuff. I’m not saying for a minute that The Classics aren’t … well classic, but each of us has our own specific preference. I try to make my books exciting with quickly-paced plots, humor, and suspense. My job is to keep the readers turning pages.

Caroline: Well said, although I always loved reading. Not the classics, but from Nancy Drew up through Robert B. Parker. Tell us about your current book.

Larry: My current release is BABY GIRL DOE, which is the fifth book in the international best-selling Stephanie Chalice Thriller Series. I’m not entirely sure why the series has been so successful but in the past two years several hundred thousand readers have welcomed Stephanie Chalice into their libraries. I’m not writing WAR AND PEACE, I’m writing thrillers so I try very hard to entertain the reader at all times, blending suspense, humor, and story-interest into each page.

Caroline: You’re a new author for me, Larry. I’m so happy to learn about Stephanie Chalice and look forward to reading the series. What advice can you give to upcoming authors?

Larry:  PERSEVERE! The publishing business has never been an easy one and it’s certainly not getting any easier. Everyone with access to a computer is writing a book and trying to publish it. The good news is that the basics still hold true: Get as good at your craft as humanly possible before you enter the publishing arena. If your work is truly good and unique it will sell. Marketing and hype are more important to your success than every before so remember that after you type the word “END” your real job is just beginning.

Caroline: Isn’t that the truth? Can you share a fun fact with us?

Larry: Here are two fun facts: I will always be deeply indebted to Nelson DeMille, who actually picked up a pencil and edited portions of my first manuscript. Way before he ever said, “Lawrence Kelter is an exciting new novelist, who reminds me of an early Robert Ludlum,” he said, “Kid, your work needs editing, but that’s a hell of a lot better than not having writing talent. Keep it up.” I was also part of a small writer’s workshop led by Ann Loring. Some of you may remember Ann for her role as Tammy Forrest in the soap opera Love of Life. Ann really helped me to develop my sense of drama. The knowledge she imparted to me was priceless.

Caroline: Wow, what a wonderful background you have. Tell us about BABY GIRL DOE.

Larry:  In Baby Girl Doe Chalice tackles murder, arson, abduction, and government secrets held as closely to the vest as those related to the existence of UFOs at Area 51 in Roswell, New Mexico. The new story finds Chalice and her eye candy husband, Lido on the East End of Long Island, vacationing with Max, their new arrival. Things go wrong from the very start. Their vacation rental burns to the ground, bodies pile up, and just to make things interesting, Lido . . . All I’ll say is that you’ll never believe it. Chalice may be out of her jurisdiction but she's never out of questions or determination and soon connects two unsolved homicides. As always, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and her initial findings plunge her deeper and deeper into the most extraordinary investigation of her career. BABY GIRL DOE was released on April 25, 2014 in e-book and paperback formats. Early ratings are averaging 4.9 out of a maximum 5 stars.

Caroline: Where can readers learn more about you?

Larry: Readers can learn more about me on my website: www.lawrencekelter.com or on Facebook where I post regularly: www.facebook.com/larrykelter. I welcome questions and comments. I love to hear from my readers. They can write to me at: larrykelter@aol.com

Caroline: Is there anything  else you’d like readers to know about you?

Larry: I think we’ve given them a large enough dose of Larry Kelter for one sitting. Thanks for taking the time for this chat.

Baby Girl Doe: Chalice #5

by Lawrence Kelter

BABY GIRL DOE Burb:

Everyone deserves a well-earned vacation, don’t they? Guess again!

Plans have been made and the bags are packed but Detective Stephanie Chalice is having about as much fun as Michael Vick at an ASPCA fundraiser.

The new story finds Chalice and Lido on the East End of Long Island, vacationing with Max, their new arrival. Things go wrong from the very start. Their vacation rental burns to the ground, bodies pile up, and just to make things interesting Lido . . . Well, I’ll just leave it to you to find out.

Chalice may be out of her jurisdiction but she's never out of questions or determination and soon connects two unsolved homicides. As always, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and her initial findings plunge her deeper and deeper into the most extraordinary investigation of her career.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt from BABY GIRL DOE:

“There’s nothing wrong with the Menuccis, but you know how Dina earns a living, don’t you?”

“She works evenings selling restaurant supplies. Are you crazy or something?”

“Ma, listen to yourself. Who sells restaurant supplies at night? She’s a call girl. My God, how gullible can a person be?”

“Madonna mia, sweet little Dina? Are you sure? She said Vesuvius is her biggest customer.”

“Vesuvius, the Italian restaurant on 49th Street?”

Ma nodded.

“Yeah, I’m sure there’s an eruption there every time she walks through the door.”

“How can that be? You know Mickey V, the owner; he’s a family man.”

“First of all he’s not Italian, even though he professes to be. He’s Greek. That’s why he never uses his full last name.”

“For real?”

“Yes for real. His last name is Vloganitis, or Vaginitis, or something you’d need antibiotics to clear up, and he’s the biggest sleazeball on two feet. Believe me when Dina visits him in the restaurant, his soufflé isn’t the only thing that rises.”

“So Mickey is Greek?”

I nodded with conviction. “Mickey is short for Mikolas. He got into a jam over unpaid traffic tickets several months back and asked me to help him out. That’s why I know his real name.”

“Were you able to help him?”

“I made a call over to my friend Tay at the DA’s office. She pulled some strings. They let him pay the fines, and he was able to avoid criminal charges.”

“And he’s Greek.”

“Like baklava, Mama.”

“Oh my? Does that mean . . .”

“That’s right, Ma, Dina’s probably multi-portal.”

She cringed. “Stephanie, that’s disgusting.”

“You brought it up. Do you prefer I use the term backdoor specialist?”

“Madonna, too much information.” Ma pretended to retch.

“Ma, you’re such a prude. You’ve never heard of ass play?”

“What play?”

“Ass play.”

“Isn’t that the group that sings about clocks?”

“Oh my God.” What am I going to do with this woman? “No, Ma, that’s Coldplay.”

“Stephanie, I’m confused.”

Evidently. “Ma, ass play . . . anal sex. Stop being such a Girl Scout.”

She shrugged. “You mean like for a gay man.”

“It’s not just for gay men, Ma. Straight couples do it too.”

“But why?” Ma was completely out of her comfort zone. Fine droplets of sweat broke out across her lip.

How can I put this delicately? “Sometimes a man prefers to squeeze his car into the garage instead of just leaving it to hang out in the nice wide driveway.”

“You’re losing me. What does this have to do with cars?”

Sometimes there’s just no beating around the bush. Yikes. I can’t believe I just said that. “Because, Ma, after a woman shoots two or three linebackers out of her vagina, it isn’t exactly a snug fit anymore.”

Ma smiled with revelation. “Ah. So you’re talking about a man’s pleasure.”

“Correct.”

“What about the woman?”

I flashed my palm like a stop sign. “I’m not going there, Ma.” I wasn’t saying I don’t go there, but I wasn’t going there with my mother.

“I still don’t believe it. Dina told me flat out that she sells macaroni.”

I giggled. “A hooker whose cover story is that she sells macaroni? Does that make her a pasta-tute?”

Link to Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Girl-Stephanie-Chalice-Thrillers-ebook/dp/B00ITFOBIA/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0B8F5BABHZDRQBHNSBN1

Link to Barnes & Noble page: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/baby-girl-doe-lawrence-kelter/1118867532?ean=2940149536108&itm=1&usri=baby+girl+doe

Author Lawrence Kelter

A resident New Yorker, Kelter often uses Manhattan and Long Island as backdrops for his stories. He is the author of the Stephanie Chalice Mystery Series and other works of fiction.

Early in his writing career, he received support from best-selling novelist, Nelson DeMille, who reviewed his work and actually put pencil to paper to assist in the editing of the first novel. When completed, DeMille said, “Lawrence Kelter is an exciting new novelist, who reminds me of an early Robert Ludlum.”

His novels are quickly paced and feature a twist ending.

http://www.lawrencekelter.com  

www.facebook.com/larrykelter

 https://twitter.com/LarryKelter

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RECHARGING OUR PERSONAL BATTERIES

Are you one of those people fortunate enough to have boundless energy? Does the Energizer Bunny come to you to have his batteries recharged? If so, I envy you.

I’m one of the less fortunate whose energy level is low—read lethargic. So how do I recharge my well? So glad you asked.

One of the ways is to meet with friends. This past weekend, four of us met for a writers' plotting marathon. We loaded up our suitcases, snacks, supplies, and trekked to a local motel where we locked ourselves in to work.  We worked hard from noon Friday until almost noon Sunday. I mean serious work.

Not that we were always serious. Laughter? Was there ever! Until we had tears running down our cheeks. The fun did not take away from our productivity. Actually, our merriment added to the quality of our output. Chocolate didn't hurt, either. And I ask you, is there ever too much chocolate? Of course not. 

Armed with plotting boards, Post-it Notes, and laptops, we brainstormed eight books. Two of those books and one novella were for me. Hooray! I can hardly wait to start writing them.

Each of us brought our ideas/premises for our books. The other three authors helped nail the linear progress of those stories. Writing from one of these strongly plotted outlines is much faster and saner for us than the seat-of-the-pants method. 

There are writers who start with the premise and jump in writing by the seat-of-the-pants. This works for them, or at least they feel it does. Two successful authors who do this are Diana Gabaldon and Alison Brennan. For many other writers we know, the method leaves them floundering and cutting material they've worked hard to create. Or jettisoning a story because "it's just not working." 

The four of us prefer to have a firmly plotted road map for our stories. That doesn't mean we can't take detours along the way as the muse inspires us, but we always return to the main highway of our plot map. For us, this produces a better story.

The result is that in spite of almost no sleep, way too much junk food, and being tired, I came home with my internal writing batteries recharged. 

If you’re not a writer, you probably don’t care about turning points, inciting incidents, black moments, and resolution. You’re interested in a great read. So are we, and we strive to make certain our books will offer readers the very best we have to offer.

How do you recharge?

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