Spring at Texas Tech University (2011)
...I'm a bad blogger. Why? I'm a writer. Blogging should be natural for me, right?? Not so much...LOL.
I admit...I need to figure out a new plan for the blog. Coming on and constantly talking about my upcoming book just seems wrong (I'm not a heavy-handed seller), but my life isn't real exciting.
I take care of my family and I write and eat skittles. The big drama for the day usually involves whether my skittles addiction is under control (single serving size eaten) or whether I've inhaled the huge bag in one writing session. The good news is that on those days when I inhale an entire bag, I do tend to have HUGE word counts. It's definitely related. Unfortunately, those days result in a HUGE ass too. *le sigh* It's a conundrum.
Hehe...see, this is the exciting life of a writer. I know...I can tell you're riveted through my screen.
So that brings to mind...what would you like to see on my blog? Tell me....I'm DEFINITELY open to options.
But now, I will tell you what's been going on around here.
1. Operation: Endurance is with my editor right now. The release date set on it is April 30th. That's coming super-quick.
They shared a single night of passion.
18 hours on a mission-gone-wrong was all it took to shatter everything they barely hoped to dream.
He survived 6 months of captivity and torture, kept alive by dreams of her.
She thought he was dead and moved on, only to have her world fall apart all over again.
Two people who have been hurt more than any two people ever should have to suffer. Can they find redemption and healing with each other or will another threat shatter what's left?
A tortured and scarred hero.
A grieving heroine.
A serial rapist who won't give up.
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I'll admit, I'm super-nervous about this book. The good news is...you all love the characters and are clamoring for this book. The bad news is...you all love the characters and are clamoring for this book. *eeks* There's a LOT of pressure to make sure this one lives up to your expectations.
But, I'll warn you right now....this book is NOT going to be for everyone. I know going into it that this is probably my most controversial book. The suspense story line deals with a serial rapist...that isn't easy. Julie's issues are anchored on an attack that happened to her at age eleven...that isn't easy. You all already know Chris's history...that isn't easy.
There's a lot of emotion in this book and I hope that I've done Julie and Chris justice in how I've delivered it to you, but I absolutely am biting my nails over it. I will tell you that those of you that have issues with rape, you can skip those parts of the book and just read Chris and Julie's romance. For the most part, until the end...they are separate in the book. When reading, just skip the prologue and the short chapters which are told from the serial rapists point of view.
Are you as scared as me now? That wasn't my intent. I just don't want someone going into this book without full knowledge of the possible emotional impact.
So how about something fun from the book....want a sneak peek??
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...but Jake obviously wasn’t ready to let Cassie go yet. “So where are you girls headed tonight?” He nuzzled along the back of her neck while he waited for her answer.
Penelope, seeing that Cassie was distracted, answered for her. “Oh, we have the same kind of game plan that you all do.”
Jake’s head snapped up. “What do you mean?”
Colton had his own frown marring his forehead.
Penelope flipped her hair. Uh oh, that was never a good sign. She started to speak very slowly like you would talk to a small child. “Well, it’s the night before the wedding. If I understand it correctly, you all are going to a strip club.” She met eyes with Julie and Cassie, before turning back to the men who had all frozen.
Chris wasn’t sure if they were in trouble or not, but this sure didn’t feel right. Suddenly he had ice flowing through his veins.
Penelope continued like she wasn’t about to drop a bombshell on the little party. “We’re doing the same. There’s an all-male review club that I’ve heard great things about down by the Depot. We have reservations there.”
“Oh, hell no!” Chris was as surprised as everyone else at his outburst, but seriously, this was their plan for the evening? Why weren’t they going to that nice girly wine bar they all liked so much? They surely couldn’t want to go watch guys strip, could they? He looked at Colton and Jake and could see they felt exactly the same way.
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2. Spring Break...we just got back from a week-long retreat to the beach of Galveston, TX. You know, I've spent almost my entire life in Texas, but that was my first time to the coast. It was nice. Spring Break was perfect for me (i.e. the girl who doesn't wear shorts or a swimsuit) because it was cool and crisp and honestly was just a perfect little getaway.
Our rental house...gorgeous 100 year old bungalow with an orange tree on the left.
My kidlets....Jacob and Kat
Sunrise photo by Jacob (yes, he's majoring in photography next year at Texas Tech)
Kat & Sea Turtle at the aquarium
Jacob, Kat, and Ben on top of a submarine
Jacob swinging through one the hatches in the sub
3. Upcoming Secret Project... I've started writing a little secret project. I'm not sure when I'm going to be able to share about it, but I'm so excited. It's set right now to come out in August. And I'm telling you....it's so fun! Spies and firefighters and West Texas football....all good things. I'll be sharing more....hopefully soon!