Showing posts with label In The Presence Of Evil. Show all posts
Showing posts with label In The Presence Of Evil. Show all posts
Friday, July 6, 2012
The Bartender In The Sky
Late last evening, feeling angst and sporting a headache that throbbed against my skull, I took a walk in the dark. My only companion, the moon. With his hair over one eye, he watched over me—saved me from the dark shadows. I gazed up into his face and wondered about the billions of people who’ve gone on to the next world before me, the ones who had dumped their troubles on him. The ones who had shared with him their dreams. The ones who had laughed and loved under his twilight.
I wondered about their stories. Some are known by all of us. Some by a few.
As I walked, I gaze over the valley that was my great grandparent’s farm, now divided among their children’s children. I know my great grandparent’s names. I can tell you they lay in the cemetery on the rise to the east. I can tell you their birth and death dates. However, I don’t know what they were like as people. Did they enjoy music or reading? Were reserve or outgoing? What was their favorite time of the year? Or their favorite foods? Did they believe and trust in the Almighty? What were their dreams?
We have pictures of course with names scribbled on the back, but by who? We have ledgers and invoices of transactions stored in the old farm house attic, but no personal memoirs. Knowing this, sadness crept in my heart as I crossed an open field. I wished someone had left behind their words for me. Told me who they were. Left a clue as to who I called my past.
At that moment, the moon winked at me and from within I heard, “You were given the gift of the written word. Why haven’t you left behind words for your children or grandchildren or great grandchildren? Not all will seek them, but there will be one who will. Like you, they will cherish the memories you share and pass them on to another who well cherish their heritage. And so on.”
Stunned, I gaped into his one eye. The ancient man was right. He winked again and turned into a cloud, probably to advise someone else. I finished one swallow of crisp night and with a light step headed for home. I pulled from a drawer a diary given to me one Christmas years ago and wrote. Within these pages you will come to know who I was, what I felt passionate about, and what were my dreams. My hope is I will teach something of the past, something that will make you a stronger person and that I’ll touch you in some way. With love, your heritage.
This is a reprint of my blog from July 2009. I remember it everytime I see the full moon. Since its first printing, I have written two journals and inserted pictures for my grandchildren to enjoy with their children. The future will enjoy the stories of the past-the ones created by their parents.
Have a wonderful week. AJ
Welcome to my blog. Each week I share my life, my work, and writing tips. At times, I might have wonderful guests stop by. If you like what you read, please comment and/or become a follower.
Want to learn more about my works or me? Hop over to my website. www.autumnjordon.com While you're there, join my newsletter.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
April Fool's
April 1, 2012
LOL. I’ve been giggling to myself ever since
I decided to pull the prank on FaceBook. I’m so sorry to have fooled you, but I'm happy you took the time to wish me a happy birthday and then to jump over here.
My birthday? I'm a Scorpio. I know, I'm bad. LOL
PRESENTS FOR YOU, read on...
As a consolation for my bad April’s Fools prank, everyone who has wished me a Happy FB Birthday and who leaves a comment here, (no you’re going to kill me messages of any type) will be entered into a contest where I'll award five winners (that's 4+1 for April first) e-copies of His Witness To Evil. I’ll announce my winners on Monday afternoon at five EST, because, we'll I'm giving away five copies. You have until then to enter. No joke, really.
Already have a copy of His Witness To Evil, you can have an e-copy of Obsessed By Wildfire instead or gift His Witness To Evil to a friend. A great Eastre present! WINK
Good luck and happy April!
LOL. I’ve been giggling to myself ever since
I decided to pull the prank on FaceBook. I’m so sorry to have fooled you, but I'm happy you took the time to wish me a happy birthday and then to jump over here. 
My birthday? I'm a Scorpio. I know, I'm bad. LOL
PRESENTS FOR YOU, read on...
As a consolation for my bad April’s Fools prank, everyone who has wished me a Happy FB Birthday and who leaves a comment here, (no you’re going to kill me messages of any type) will be entered into a contest where I'll award five winners (that's 4+1 for April first) e-copies of His Witness To Evil. I’ll announce my winners on Monday afternoon at five EST, because, we'll I'm giving away five copies. You have until then to enter. No joke, really.
Already have a copy of His Witness To Evil, you can have an e-copy of Obsessed By Wildfire instead or gift His Witness To Evil to a friend. A great Eastre present! WINK
Good luck and happy April!
Welcome to my blog. Each week I share my life, my work, and writing tips. At times, I might have wonderful guests stop by. If you like what you read, please comment and/or become a follower.
Want to learn more about my works or me? Hop over to my website. www.autumnjordon.com While you're there, join my newsletter.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
In My World
In My World
Winter. I love this time of year. I always have. Why?
My answer; why not?
I know many look at the winter as being gloomy, filled with empty trees limbs, often cloudy skies and bone chilling weather. I see those things, and more, in a different light.
I mean look at this tree. It stands in my front yard.
I love studying its bones. How they reach up to the sky. How they bend and give away to a northern gust. You can’t see those bones in the summer.
And here is a picture of an early morning sky (same tree). Magnificent! It’s like royalty waking.
I love throwing on my huge, cuddly sweater and taking a hike on mornings like this…..
….
and on mornings like this, with the snow falling, filling the branches of the pines. There’s nothing like walking, feeling the brisk air kissing your skin.
I love watching nature enjoying the winter scene too. My Irish Setter loves to dig his nose deep into a snow drift and sniff out what is underneath.
And the birds surround my feeders like it’s a banquet.
And the quiet. There is nothing as peaceful as a crisp morning or evening. Most times, the only sound I hear is the crunch of the snow beneath my feet or only my breaths.
And there is nothing like coming inside and warming yourself up with a cup of hot chocolate by a fire. Especially, if your sharing that fire with someone.
I love winter and I guess that is why many of my stories are set in the season. In The Presence Of Evil is. Let me share an excerpt with you. I hope you enjoy.
AJ
EXCERPT FROM 'IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL'
Copyright protected by Autumn Jordon
Rusty left the same moment they had, hopefully drawing the attention of anyone watching the house.
Under the cover of a blinding snow squall, Gina and Cole crossed the open field which stretched for several acres behind the house. Cole kept his gaze sharp. Even though they’d slipped from the house without incident by way of the backdoor, he wished he had more weapons other than the ski poles in his hands and his Glock with two clips.
He looked over his shoulder, checking on Gina. She was off to his left, a hair behind him. So as not to deepen their tracks, her ski imprints banked his.
She saw him looking back and did the same.
Through the driving snow, he saw the faint glimmer of the oil lamp they’d left lit on the kitchen table. A soft glow cast against several of the windows. It would extinguish on its own in approximately thirty minutes, making it appear they’d gone to bed. Anyone watching the home would see Gina’s car in the garage and his snow-covered jeep still parked outside. They’d naturally assume they were still in the house.
In the morning, when they didn’t appear at the very least to clean off his jeep and for Gina to prepare to go about her normal routine, their enemy would enter. Cole had no doubt they would, and they’d find them gone. By then the wind and snow would cover the tracks left by their ski blades.
As they neared the wood line, Gina sprinted next to him. “Let me take the lead. I know the path. We’ll make better time.”
Cole hesitated a moment, not liking the idea, before he nodded. She was right. They had limited time, and it was ticking away. “Go ahead.”
Cold air burned his lungs as they skied through the forest. He flexed his fingers around the metal poles. Because of his injuries, he hadn’t come to Mountain Pine prepared for outdoor activities. The only pair of gloves Gina had that would fit his hands was an old pair of gardening gloves. They provided little protection against the frigid air, but he’d endured worse.
The black markings of the birch trees reminded him of hidden faces and made him second-guess more than once his judgment to let Gina take the lead. The forest was filled with dark murky shadows anyone of which could be David’s killer who had turned his sights on Gina.
Cole stared ahead of her. He should be shielding Gina.
His senses remained on high alert watching, waiting for an attack to come.
Within fifteen minutes, the snow squall capped the mountain to the east, and the moon threw their shadows onto the snow in front of them as they topped a ridge.
Cole pulled up alongside of her.
With a finger, Gina tugged the scarf covering the lower half of her cheeks and pointed down into the valley below. “There it is.” Her breath spiraled off on a gust.
The two-story log cabin built in the late forties, right after World War II, was flanked on all sides by fifty acres of perfectly coned evergreens ranking in size on the hillside. A barn, which had seen its better days a long time ago, stood off to the home’s rear. A few small buildings, which Cole took as a tool shed, a chicken coop and possibily an out house dotted the white landscape. A road snaked among the trees to the south and disappeared from view over the mountain side. Snow drifted across the lane at places, and provided a good sign no one had been here in the last few days or would have easy access to it now.
This was the place Rusty wanted him to buy. A place where he could find peace. His gaze drifted to Gina. A place where he could raise a family.
www.autumnjordon.com
Winter. I love this time of year. I always have. Why?
My answer; why not?
I know many look at the winter as being gloomy, filled with empty trees limbs, often cloudy skies and bone chilling weather. I see those things, and more, in a different light.
I mean look at this tree. It stands in my front yard.
I love studying its bones. How they reach up to the sky. How they bend and give away to a northern gust. You can’t see those bones in the summer. And here is a picture of an early morning sky (same tree). Magnificent! It’s like royalty waking.
I love throwing on my huge, cuddly sweater and taking a hike on mornings like this…..
….
and on mornings like this, with the snow falling, filling the branches of the pines. There’s nothing like walking, feeling the brisk air kissing your skin.I love watching nature enjoying the winter scene too. My Irish Setter loves to dig his nose deep into a snow drift and sniff out what is underneath.
And the birds surround my feeders like it’s a banquet.
And the quiet. There is nothing as peaceful as a crisp morning or evening. Most times, the only sound I hear is the crunch of the snow beneath my feet or only my breaths.
And there is nothing like coming inside and warming yourself up with a cup of hot chocolate by a fire. Especially, if your sharing that fire with someone.
I love winter and I guess that is why many of my stories are set in the season. In The Presence Of Evil is. Let me share an excerpt with you. I hope you enjoy.
AJ
EXCERPT FROM 'IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL'
Copyright protected by Autumn Jordon
Rusty left the same moment they had, hopefully drawing the attention of anyone watching the house.
Under the cover of a blinding snow squall, Gina and Cole crossed the open field which stretched for several acres behind the house. Cole kept his gaze sharp. Even though they’d slipped from the house without incident by way of the backdoor, he wished he had more weapons other than the ski poles in his hands and his Glock with two clips.
He looked over his shoulder, checking on Gina. She was off to his left, a hair behind him. So as not to deepen their tracks, her ski imprints banked his.
She saw him looking back and did the same.
Through the driving snow, he saw the faint glimmer of the oil lamp they’d left lit on the kitchen table. A soft glow cast against several of the windows. It would extinguish on its own in approximately thirty minutes, making it appear they’d gone to bed. Anyone watching the home would see Gina’s car in the garage and his snow-covered jeep still parked outside. They’d naturally assume they were still in the house.
In the morning, when they didn’t appear at the very least to clean off his jeep and for Gina to prepare to go about her normal routine, their enemy would enter. Cole had no doubt they would, and they’d find them gone. By then the wind and snow would cover the tracks left by their ski blades.
As they neared the wood line, Gina sprinted next to him. “Let me take the lead. I know the path. We’ll make better time.”
Cole hesitated a moment, not liking the idea, before he nodded. She was right. They had limited time, and it was ticking away. “Go ahead.”
Cold air burned his lungs as they skied through the forest. He flexed his fingers around the metal poles. Because of his injuries, he hadn’t come to Mountain Pine prepared for outdoor activities. The only pair of gloves Gina had that would fit his hands was an old pair of gardening gloves. They provided little protection against the frigid air, but he’d endured worse.
The black markings of the birch trees reminded him of hidden faces and made him second-guess more than once his judgment to let Gina take the lead. The forest was filled with dark murky shadows anyone of which could be David’s killer who had turned his sights on Gina.
Cole stared ahead of her. He should be shielding Gina.
His senses remained on high alert watching, waiting for an attack to come.
Within fifteen minutes, the snow squall capped the mountain to the east, and the moon threw their shadows onto the snow in front of them as they topped a ridge.
Cole pulled up alongside of her.
With a finger, Gina tugged the scarf covering the lower half of her cheeks and pointed down into the valley below. “There it is.” Her breath spiraled off on a gust.
The two-story log cabin built in the late forties, right after World War II, was flanked on all sides by fifty acres of perfectly coned evergreens ranking in size on the hillside. A barn, which had seen its better days a long time ago, stood off to the home’s rear. A few small buildings, which Cole took as a tool shed, a chicken coop and possibily an out house dotted the white landscape. A road snaked among the trees to the south and disappeared from view over the mountain side. Snow drifted across the lane at places, and provided a good sign no one had been here in the last few days or would have easy access to it now.
This was the place Rusty wanted him to buy. A place where he could find peace. His gaze drifted to Gina. A place where he could raise a family.
www.autumnjordon.com
Welcome to my blog. Each week I share my life, my work, and writing tips. At times, I might have wonderful guests stop by. If you like what you read, please comment and/or become a follower.
Want to learn more about my works or me? Hop over to my website. www.autumnjordon.com While you're there, join my newsletter.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Small Town Holiday Stories
I love small town holiday stories, don't you? They can be inspirtional or funny or filled with suspense, it really doesn't matter. If there are snowflakes and Christmas lights and decorations and the feeling of hope and love, I devour them.In 'In The presence Of Evil', Christmas is only a week away. At the insistence of his best-friend, Marine Cole Hanson returns to Mountain Pine, Pennsylvania for the holiday celebration. While he is not looking forward to facing the woman who broke his heart and has haunted his dreams, a small part of him hopes part of their past can be erased and they could start their relationship a new. When he sees Gina trembling in handcuffs, accused of murder, he steps up as her alibi, but can he keep her safe from the real killer.
One minute, Gina is planning the perfect holiday with her new boyfriend and the next she is in handcuffs and facing murder charges. Just when she thinks she’ll spend Christmas in jail, she looks up into the eyes that once had promised to love her
forever. Cole. The memory of how he’d crushed her heart, keeps her from jumping into his arms until the truth of their past is revealed. But, is it too late for them? A killer is determined to make Gina his next victim. Here's an excerpt from the pages of 'In The Presence of Evil'. I hope you enjoy.
***
Cole’s sixth sense kicked in. A tall, slim shadow grew larger on the wall he faced.
Gina slept the last time he’d checked on her, and Rusty won’t creep.
Had someone gotten past Rusty? Was Gina okay? He fought the urge to bulldoze the guy over and race to her side.
Rule one; self-preservation. He couldn’t be distracted by the image of Rusty or Gina injured or dead. Rule two; take out the intruder. Rule three; find Gina and Rusty, and get them medical help if—
He wouldn’t think the worse.
He had to follow the rules.
Cole concentrated on keeping his breathing normal and waited for the right moment to make his move. The hairs on the nape of his neck prickled as if the cold finger of death toyed with him.
He nuzzled his cheek into the pillow and felt the butt of his gun. His muscles tensed. Under his breath he silently counted one, two, three, and then in a fluid motion, he grabbed his weapon and spiraled off the bed toward his predator, hoping to catch him off guard.
Cole wrapped his arm around legs and dropped the body to the floor, surprised by the light weight.
A high-pitched yelp cut through the night.
“Cole, stop. It’s me.”
“Jesus, Gina.” He halted slamming his gun into her head by a fiction of an inch and braced himself on his elbows.
Her soft body moved under him, and he went hard all over.
A shard of moonlight beamed through the window above them and cut across her shocked expression. “What the hell are you doing?”
“I was just checking on you.”
Her voice shook, and Cole’s heart hammered his sternum. “You almost got yourself killed. Do you know that?”
“I do now.”
Gina’s nails bit into his forearms. The rapid rise and fall of her breasts tickled his chest hair. The satin fabric of her nightgown brushed against his stomach. He recalled the red nightie he’d seen thrown across her bed the night before, and his blood pulsed to areas south of his boxer’s waistband imagining her wearing it now.
He took in the feel of her, recording each soft curve to memory for those nights when he needed to remember a happier time.
Cole’s nostrils flared. Gina’s sweet scent surrounded him like a London fog. The silky strands of her hair lay beneath his hand, tangled in his fingers, and he couldn’t resist the urge to play with the curls, relish their feel. Why was she here?
“What do you want, Gina?”
“Nothing.”
“Don’t lie to me. There is something. I can feel it.”
***
In The Presence Of Evil is available in both paperback and e-format through TWRP, B&N, and Amazon, both USA and Amazon Europe.
Happy holidays and have fun reading,
AJ
Welcome to my blog. Each week I share my life, my work, and writing tips. At times, I might have wonderful guests stop by. If you like what you read, please comment and/or become a follower.
Want to learn more about my works or me? Hop over to my website. www.autumnjordon.com While you're there, join my newsletter.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Does Cole Get His Answer?
If you love action, suspense and romance all rolled in one then you will truly love, In the Presence of Evil. Enjoy reading all the twists in this story and see if Gina and Cole were able to forget the past and seek the future in each others embrace.
Happily Ever After Reviews 4 1/2 cups
Good news for you. My publisher is offering 25% off e copies of 'In The Presence Of Evil' and 'Evil's Witness', but you have to hurry. The discount code ( 17a6baaeb8 ) is only good until September 30th. All you need to do is enter this discount code ( 17a6baaeb8 ) when checking out. Here's the link to my page;
http://tinyurl.com/5wrer6o
I'd like to share another excerpt from 'In The Presence Of Evil'. Enjoy!
Cole’s sixth sense kicked in. A tall, slim shadow grew larger on the wall he faced.
Gina slept the last time he’d checked on her, and Rusty wouldn’t creep.
Had someone gotten past Rusty? Was Gina okay? He fought the urge to bulldoze the guy over and race to her side.
Rule one; self-preservation. He couldn’t be distracted by the image of Rusty or Gina injured or dead. Rule two; take out the intruder. Rule three; find Gina and Rusty, and get them medical help if—
He wouldn’t think the worse.
He had to follow the rules.
Cole concentrated on keeping his breathing normal and waited for the right moment to make his move. The hairs on the nape of his neck prickled as if the cold finger of death toyed with him.
He nuzzled his cheek into the pillow and felt the butt of his gun. His muscles tensed. Under his breath he silently counted one, two, three, and then in a fluid motion, he grabbed his weapon and spiraled off the bed toward his predator, hoping to catch him off guard.
Cole wrapped his arm around legs and dropped the body to the floor, surprised by the light weight.
A high-pitched yelp cut through the night.
“Cole, stop. It’s me.”
“Jesus, Gina.” He halted slamming his gun into her head by a fiction of an inch and braced himself on his elbows.
Her soft body moved under him, and he went hard all over.
A shard of moonlight beamed through the window above them and cut across her shocked expression. “What the hell are you doing?”
“I was just checking on you.”
Her voice shook, and Cole’s heart hammered his sternum. “You almost got yourself killed. Do you know that?”
“I do now.”
Gina’s nails bit into his forearms. The rapid rise and fall of her breasts tickled his chest hair. The satin fabric of her nightgown brushed against his stomach. He recalled the red nightie he’d seen thrown across her bed the night before, and his blood pulsed to areas south of his boxer’s waistband imagining her wearing it now.
He took in the feel of her, recording each soft curve to memory for those nights when he needed to remember a happier time.
Cole’s nostrils flared. Gina’s sweet scent surrounded him like a London fog. The silky strands of her hair lay beneath his hand, tangled in his fingers, and he couldn’t resist the urge to play with the curls, relish their feel. Why was she here?
“What do you want, Gina?”
“Nothing.”
“Don’t lie to me. There is something. I can feel it.”
Happily Ever After Reviews 4 1/2 cups
Good news for you. My publisher is offering 25% off e copies of 'In The Presence Of Evil' and 'Evil's Witness', but you have to hurry. The discount code ( 17a6baaeb8 ) is only good until September 30th. All you need to do is enter this discount code ( 17a6baaeb8 ) when checking out. Here's the link to my page;
http://tinyurl.com/5wrer6o
I'd like to share another excerpt from 'In The Presence Of Evil'. Enjoy!
Cole’s sixth sense kicked in. A tall, slim shadow grew larger on the wall he faced.
Gina slept the last time he’d checked on her, and Rusty wouldn’t creep.
Had someone gotten past Rusty? Was Gina okay? He fought the urge to bulldoze the guy over and race to her side.
Rule one; self-preservation. He couldn’t be distracted by the image of Rusty or Gina injured or dead. Rule two; take out the intruder. Rule three; find Gina and Rusty, and get them medical help if—
He wouldn’t think the worse.
He had to follow the rules.
Cole concentrated on keeping his breathing normal and waited for the right moment to make his move. The hairs on the nape of his neck prickled as if the cold finger of death toyed with him.
He nuzzled his cheek into the pillow and felt the butt of his gun. His muscles tensed. Under his breath he silently counted one, two, three, and then in a fluid motion, he grabbed his weapon and spiraled off the bed toward his predator, hoping to catch him off guard.
Cole wrapped his arm around legs and dropped the body to the floor, surprised by the light weight.
A high-pitched yelp cut through the night.
“Cole, stop. It’s me.”
“Jesus, Gina.” He halted slamming his gun into her head by a fiction of an inch and braced himself on his elbows.
Her soft body moved under him, and he went hard all over.
A shard of moonlight beamed through the window above them and cut across her shocked expression. “What the hell are you doing?”
“I was just checking on you.”
Her voice shook, and Cole’s heart hammered his sternum. “You almost got yourself killed. Do you know that?”
“I do now.”
Gina’s nails bit into his forearms. The rapid rise and fall of her breasts tickled his chest hair. The satin fabric of her nightgown brushed against his stomach. He recalled the red nightie he’d seen thrown across her bed the night before, and his blood pulsed to areas south of his boxer’s waistband imagining her wearing it now.
He took in the feel of her, recording each soft curve to memory for those nights when he needed to remember a happier time.
Cole’s nostrils flared. Gina’s sweet scent surrounded him like a London fog. The silky strands of her hair lay beneath his hand, tangled in his fingers, and he couldn’t resist the urge to play with the curls, relish their feel. Why was she here?
“What do you want, Gina?”
“Nothing.”
“Don’t lie to me. There is something. I can feel it.”
Welcome to my blog. Each week I share my life, my work, and writing tips. At times, I might have wonderful guests stop by. If you like what you read, please comment and/or become a follower.
Want to learn more about my works or me? Hop over to my website. www.autumnjordon.com While you're there, join my newsletter.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Inspired By Vamps and Zombies, Oh no!
Sometimes inspiration comes from a source you hadn’t expected. That happened to me this weekend, twice.
I’ve always said, “You can learn something from anyone.” And it’s, true.
This past Saturday my local writing chapter, The Pocono Lehigh Romance Writers, held a two hour workshop with speaker Jonathan Maberry.
(Pictured here with PLRW members Kathy Kulig, Me, Christine Bush, Kathy Coddington and Tina Gallagher)
Jonathan is very industry savvy and a phenomenal speaker. He’s also a paranormal author of vampires, werewolfs and zombies. I hate zombies. The classic movie ‘Night Of The Living Dead’ scared the bejeus out of me. Just writing zombies makes me shiver.
I digress, sorry. Anyway, why would I go to a workshop by a guy who writes about those topics? Because… Come on, you got it. I can learn something from anyone and Jonathan is a great speaker.
So what did Jonathan teach me? Besides how to really kill a vampire and that you need to bury a werewolf in a coffin with silver upon its lid in order to keep the monster buried. He taught me other avenues to do research for my own books, which in turn will make my characters or stories unique. We’ve all heard from editors and agents that they’re looking for the tried and true but with a unique twist. Well, look to the past, where folklores began.
Jonathan inspired me to research my novel in the unlikely places. My second inspiration came in the form of a review for In The Presence Of Evil. I check on readers now and then, because I want to know what they like, what they think is dull and boring, and what makes them rave from the rooftops about an author’s work and I came across this review on Goodreads.
...IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL is the third book released by Autumn Jordon, but the first book written by her that I have read. I must say, after reading a fast-paced, on edge story like it, I will be back for more....
You can read the entire thing here: http://tinyurl.com/3ojn7he
This woman got my writing. She enjoyed a story I created and slaved over for months. Let me tell you, for an author, a review like this is like winning the lottery. It gives us hope that someone will read the review and buy our work and perhaps like it just as much and they will tell a friend and they will mention you to another reader, and so on and so on. Word of mouth is still the best marketing tool. You know I’m hoping for flash fire of readers to passing along my name. I can dream, can’t I?
Sorry, I digressed again. This review and the others I received so far for In The Presence Of Evil inspired me to go deeper into my characters’ psyche (I started right away) and make my next novel even more emotionally stronger. I want my characters to connect with my readers. I want the reader to feel my characters’ angst and love. I want them to think of my characters as friends and wonder about them after they’ve put down the book. I want my books to be on their keeper shelves.
While I might not be there yet, I promise I’m going to keep trying. Maybe one day reader threads will start with my name as the topic and some of the people will say my work is a keeper.
Okay, that is what inspired be this weekend to hit my keyboard. What inspires you?
I’ve always said, “You can learn something from anyone.” And it’s, true.
This past Saturday my local writing chapter, The Pocono Lehigh Romance Writers, held a two hour workshop with speaker Jonathan Maberry.
(Pictured here with PLRW members Kathy Kulig, Me, Christine Bush, Kathy Coddington and Tina Gallagher)Jonathan is very industry savvy and a phenomenal speaker. He’s also a paranormal author of vampires, werewolfs and zombies. I hate zombies. The classic movie ‘Night Of The Living Dead’ scared the bejeus out of me. Just writing zombies makes me shiver.
I digress, sorry. Anyway, why would I go to a workshop by a guy who writes about those topics? Because… Come on, you got it. I can learn something from anyone and Jonathan is a great speaker.
So what did Jonathan teach me? Besides how to really kill a vampire and that you need to bury a werewolf in a coffin with silver upon its lid in order to keep the monster buried. He taught me other avenues to do research for my own books, which in turn will make my characters or stories unique. We’ve all heard from editors and agents that they’re looking for the tried and true but with a unique twist. Well, look to the past, where folklores began.
Jonathan inspired me to research my novel in the unlikely places. My second inspiration came in the form of a review for In The Presence Of Evil. I check on readers now and then, because I want to know what they like, what they think is dull and boring, and what makes them rave from the rooftops about an author’s work and I came across this review on Goodreads.
...IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL is the third book released by Autumn Jordon, but the first book written by her that I have read. I must say, after reading a fast-paced, on edge story like it, I will be back for more....
You can read the entire thing here: http://tinyurl.com/3ojn7he
This woman got my writing. She enjoyed a story I created and slaved over for months. Let me tell you, for an author, a review like this is like winning the lottery. It gives us hope that someone will read the review and buy our work and perhaps like it just as much and they will tell a friend and they will mention you to another reader, and so on and so on. Word of mouth is still the best marketing tool. You know I’m hoping for flash fire of readers to passing along my name. I can dream, can’t I?
Sorry, I digressed again. This review and the others I received so far for In The Presence Of Evil inspired me to go deeper into my characters’ psyche (I started right away) and make my next novel even more emotionally stronger. I want my characters to connect with my readers. I want the reader to feel my characters’ angst and love. I want them to think of my characters as friends and wonder about them after they’ve put down the book. I want my books to be on their keeper shelves.
While I might not be there yet, I promise I’m going to keep trying. Maybe one day reader threads will start with my name as the topic and some of the people will say my work is a keeper.
Okay, that is what inspired be this weekend to hit my keyboard. What inspires you?
Welcome to my blog. Each week I share my life, my work, and writing tips. At times, I might have wonderful guests stop by. If you like what you read, please comment and/or become a follower.
Want to learn more about my works or me? Hop over to my website. www.autumnjordon.com While you're there, join my newsletter.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
A Long Weekend Needs Something, Right?
Cursor..
With the holiday weekend starting in like hours, I thought I'd share an excerpt of
my new release, In The Presence Of Evil. This book was inspired by an incident that got me question by the FBI. Of course, I asked questions of my own. WINK
In this scene things really begin to heat up between Gina and Cole. They've had a hard time fighting their feelings for each other and the walls begin to crumple.
In The Presence Of Evil is availble on Amazon and B&N and many other e-book sites, including my publisher's TWRP (which I earn more royalties through--WINK), so you can download it now and read this weekend.
Enjoy!
The fire in his eyes was meant to make her back off, but she held her position.
Cole stood and stretched his arms out and above his head.
Gina couldn’t help but stare at his magnificent male form. As her gaze trailed up over him, their eyes locked, and Gina quickly looked down at the papers in front of her. She didn’t want to be attracted to Cole, but there was no denying she was very attracted to him.
Her heart fluttered in her chest. The air in the office grew warmer each second, and Cole’s scent was a clear distraction. She had to insist he get out of her sight before he confused her more.
She stood. “Be reasonable. No one is going to come here with guns blazing and try to take me out.”
“You haven’t changed.”
She dropped her pen. “What do you mean by that?”
“You’re as stubborn as a mule.”
She splayed her hand on her chest. “Me, stubborn?”
“Yes. You always were.”
“I don’t think so.”
“I know so.” He chuckled. “We’ll continue this conversation tonight when Rusty is with us.”
“We will not.”
“Are you afraid your boyfriend will find out who you really are?”
“Leo knows who I am.”
“Does he?”
Somehow they both had moved to the middle of the room where they stood face to face.
The dancing sparkle in his dark eyes warmed her insides like hot cocoa on a blistery night. Her gaze dropped to his full lips, and she wondered if he still tasted like a sweet plum.
“You haven’t changed inside, Gina,” he said in a hoarse whisper as he stepped closer. “Neither have I.”
His hand slipped around her waist.
“Cole.”
He drew her to him. Their bodies aligned as they always had, fitting perfectly against one another. Her skin tingled under his touch as he caressed her collarbone and then slid his hand under her hair around the nape of her neck.
Only for a moment did he search her soul before his lips feathered across hers with the promise of love.
This was wrong and she knew it, but at this very moment she didn’t care.
Buy Links:
TWRP www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=137&products_id=4531"
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Presence-Evil-ebook/dp/B00563GGLS/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2
B&N
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-the-presence-of-evil-autumn-jordon/1103789115?ean=2940012867070&itm=1&usri=in%2bthe%2bpresence%2bof%2bevil
With the holiday weekend starting in like hours, I thought I'd share an excerpt of
my new release, In The Presence Of Evil. This book was inspired by an incident that got me question by the FBI. Of course, I asked questions of my own. WINK
In this scene things really begin to heat up between Gina and Cole. They've had a hard time fighting their feelings for each other and the walls begin to crumple.
In The Presence Of Evil is availble on Amazon and B&N and many other e-book sites, including my publisher's TWRP (which I earn more royalties through--WINK), so you can download it now and read this weekend.
Enjoy!
The fire in his eyes was meant to make her back off, but she held her position.
Cole stood and stretched his arms out and above his head.
Gina couldn’t help but stare at his magnificent male form. As her gaze trailed up over him, their eyes locked, and Gina quickly looked down at the papers in front of her. She didn’t want to be attracted to Cole, but there was no denying she was very attracted to him.
Her heart fluttered in her chest. The air in the office grew warmer each second, and Cole’s scent was a clear distraction. She had to insist he get out of her sight before he confused her more.
She stood. “Be reasonable. No one is going to come here with guns blazing and try to take me out.”
“You haven’t changed.”
She dropped her pen. “What do you mean by that?”
“You’re as stubborn as a mule.”
She splayed her hand on her chest. “Me, stubborn?”
“Yes. You always were.”
“I don’t think so.”
“I know so.” He chuckled. “We’ll continue this conversation tonight when Rusty is with us.”
“We will not.”
“Are you afraid your boyfriend will find out who you really are?”
“Leo knows who I am.”
“Does he?”
Somehow they both had moved to the middle of the room where they stood face to face.
The dancing sparkle in his dark eyes warmed her insides like hot cocoa on a blistery night. Her gaze dropped to his full lips, and she wondered if he still tasted like a sweet plum.
“You haven’t changed inside, Gina,” he said in a hoarse whisper as he stepped closer. “Neither have I.”
His hand slipped around her waist.
“Cole.”
He drew her to him. Their bodies aligned as they always had, fitting perfectly against one another. Her skin tingled under his touch as he caressed her collarbone and then slid his hand under her hair around the nape of her neck.
Only for a moment did he search her soul before his lips feathered across hers with the promise of love.
This was wrong and she knew it, but at this very moment she didn’t care.
Buy Links:
TWRP www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=137&products_id=4531"
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Presence-Evil-ebook/dp/B00563GGLS/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2
B&N
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-the-presence-of-evil-autumn-jordon/1103789115?ean=2940012867070&itm=1&usri=in%2bthe%2bpresence%2bof%2bevil
Welcome to my blog. Each week I share my life, my work, and writing tips. At times, I might have wonderful guests stop by. If you like what you read, please comment and/or become a follower.
Want to learn more about my works or me? Hop over to my website. www.autumnjordon.com While you're there, join my newsletter.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Friday's Friend
August 26, 2011
I’m thrilled to have my good friend Rita Henuber with me today. Her debut release, ‘Under Fire’, is now out from Carina Press. Guaranteed lovers of romantic suspense and strong, smart heroines and really hot action heroes will love this fast pace read. I’ve asked Rita to share an blurb and excerpts. Check them out. And while I continue to fill the flutes with cyber-champagne and pass the chocolate strawberries, Rita will answer your questions.
Hi, Rita! Congrats on your debut release! Why don’t you start by sharing a
blurb for Under Fire?
Rita: Sure. I’d love to.
Coast Guard helicopter pilot Olivia Carver is on a personal mission. Her twin brother, an undercover officer, was murdered by a drug cartel and she won’t stop until she finds the person responsible for his death.
In the course of her own investigation, Olivia meets informant Rico Cortes. He’s mysterious and sexy, and despite her reservations, the two share a night of passion. But Rico turns out to be more than a one-night stand. He’s a DEA agent, deep undercover in Miami’s drug world, and possibly the one person who can help Olivia find the justice she seeks. When Rico realizes his cover is compromised, he isn’t sure whether it was someone in the cartel or an inside agent. Olivia is the only one he can trust and together they venture on a dangerous, rogue mission to infiltrate a drug lord’s inner circle…with Olivia as bait.
Authors have favorite parts in a book and this week it’s been fun seeing that reviewers like some of my favorites. So I thought I’d share a few.
(Olivia) “I’m stopping at the next exit for gas. I’ll get rid of the scrubs. You get out and walk around or by the time we get to Miami you’ll be too stiff to move.”
“Don’t worry, when I get stiff I move very well,” he muttered as he turned away.
“I heard that.”
He (Rico) moved to look at the speedometer.
“Come on, Olivia. The speed limit is 70. You’re doing 95, and this car is ticket bait. I don’t want to risk getting stopped.”
“I’m traveling with the flow. This is I-95. If I go the speed limit I’ll stand out.”
He scowled.
“Okay.”She slowed the Corvette.
“Thanks,” he muttered. “You always drive like this?”
“Yep, I grew up in Texas. Speed limits there are only a suggestion.”
AJ: She is such a clip. I love Olivia!
Excerpt #2
(Olivia) “What is all of this, your James Bond room?”
“You could say that. It’s my backup.” He opened cabinets, took out a pill bottle and downed a Percocet. “In here I have weapons, computers, transportation, medical supplies, money and anything else I might need for my survival. Things we’ll need to complete this job.”
Olivia ran her fingers across several of the weapons on the counter and shelf. “Where’s your toothbrush radio and exploding briefcase?”
Excerpt#3
AJ: Readers, I absolutely loved this scene. Seriously. You need to read the whole thing.
They (Olivia and Rico)lay entwined and silent, watching the sky, listening to the faint sounds of the city.
“Olivia?” She loved the way her name sounded when he said it.
“Umm?”
Rico lightly ran his fingers along her spine. “The night we met, why did you leave the bar with me?”
“Are you complaining?”
“I’m serious.”
She pressed away and angled her head to look into his face. “I wanted to be with you.”
“Just like that?”
“It wasn’t just like that. I needed to let go. My life is about control. You were…”
“What made you decide?”
“Why are you asking me this?”
“Humor me and answer the question.”
She sighed deeply and tucked her cheek against his chest. “It’s all very cliché.” Another sigh. “There was a chemistry. Your smile. You made me laugh, I felt comfortable with you.” She could go on and on - his scent, the taste of him, the feel of his hard body—but she didn’t.
Authors also know there will be some scenes edited from each book. We love those scenes but understand it’s better for pacing or the story. Some reviewers have commented how they enjoyed how close Olivia and her team are and it got me thinking of a scene that explained it in detail. The scene was condensed to five sentences. And, it worked very well, but I still like the big picture version .
Senior Chief Bill Defoe sat in the small room watching Crenshaw pacing. He glanced at Turner who stood still, staring out the room’s only window.
“Lieutenant, if you aren’t sure about this, now is the time to leave. Once we get in the Captain’s office there won’t be any going back.” He looked over at Turner. “Same with you.”
“I owe her, Senior Chief. I’m in.” Turner said
“Lieutenant?”
“What do you mean Turner?” Crenshaw ignored Defoe’s question.
Turner walked to the door and pulled it closed. “She got me out of a jam. I owe her.”
Crenshaw and Defoe said nothing, waiting for Turner to tell his story.
“Cree-rist. She made me promise I would never tell anyone.”
Defoe stood and walked to Turner. “Talk.” He ordered.
“My brother was killed in Iraq. I went a little crazy. Drinking, fighting, wrapped my car around a pole. Was in the hospital and jail. She paid the hospital bill and all the damages so no one here would find out. Bailed me out of jail and talked a judge into letting her handle me.” Turner took a deep breath and rubbed his forehead. “She refused to let me pay her back. Said all I need to do is stay out of trouble and make my life count for me and my brother.” He looked at Defoe, then Crenshaw. “I owe her.”
“You, Senior Chief?” Crenshaw said.
“Nothing like that, but I owe her too. She was straight out of flight school the first time I flew with her. She never failed to write commendations for her crews. A lot of pilots won’t, saying we get paid to be good. Those commendations helped me get promoted faster.
“There’s gotta be more than that,” Crenshaw said.
“Yeah.” Defoe stood with his hands locked behind head, his elbows sticking out. “The second time we were stationed together, my wife and I were having--you know, problems.” He dropped his arms to his side. “The crew was out having a few beers and I...eh...I was coming on to this broad. We left together and Commander Carver, stopped me. We exchanged a few words in the parking lot. She cold-cocked me. Came to in her car. She ripped me a new one and said I would get my ass to counseling or she’d take it on as a personal mission to make the rest of my life miserable.” Defoe blew out a loud breath. “Saved my marriage.”
Turner and Defoe stared at Crenshaw. “Lieutenant, we have reasons to be doing this, you don’t. You’ve got your whole career ahead of you. You might want--”
“I owe her.” Crenshaw swallowed hard. “This is my third duty station out of school. My first two pilots requested I be transferred. Said I’m too nervous.” Crenshaw hung his head, seemingly examining the tile floor. “We were at one of those Homeland training things. She came up to me and asked if I wanted to second-seat the Dolphin with her. I thought she was joking. Everyone there talked about her, how great she is.” Crenshaw straightened. “We talked for awhile. She asked a few questions. Don’t know how or why, but two days later I had transfer papers. A month later I was sitting next to her in the Dolphin.”
Check out the video to see what kind of helicopter Olivia flies. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CjQ3yex9lE
I hope you enjoy reading Under Fire as much as I enjoyed writing it.
I'm sure they will, Rita. I loved it.
Where can readers learn about you and your books?
http://ritahenuber.com
I’m thrilled to have my good friend Rita Henuber with me today. Her debut release, ‘Under Fire’, is now out from Carina Press. Guaranteed lovers of romantic suspense and strong, smart heroines and really hot action heroes will love this fast pace read. I’ve asked Rita to share an blurb and excerpts. Check them out. And while I continue to fill the flutes with cyber-champagne and pass the chocolate strawberries, Rita will answer your questions.
Hi, Rita! Congrats on your debut release! Why don’t you start by sharing a
blurb for Under Fire?
Rita: Sure. I’d love to.
Coast Guard helicopter pilot Olivia Carver is on a personal mission. Her twin brother, an undercover officer, was murdered by a drug cartel and she won’t stop until she finds the person responsible for his death.
In the course of her own investigation, Olivia meets informant Rico Cortes. He’s mysterious and sexy, and despite her reservations, the two share a night of passion. But Rico turns out to be more than a one-night stand. He’s a DEA agent, deep undercover in Miami’s drug world, and possibly the one person who can help Olivia find the justice she seeks. When Rico realizes his cover is compromised, he isn’t sure whether it was someone in the cartel or an inside agent. Olivia is the only one he can trust and together they venture on a dangerous, rogue mission to infiltrate a drug lord’s inner circle…with Olivia as bait.
Authors have favorite parts in a book and this week it’s been fun seeing that reviewers like some of my favorites. So I thought I’d share a few.
(Olivia) “I’m stopping at the next exit for gas. I’ll get rid of the scrubs. You get out and walk around or by the time we get to Miami you’ll be too stiff to move.”
“Don’t worry, when I get stiff I move very well,” he muttered as he turned away.
“I heard that.”
He (Rico) moved to look at the speedometer.
“Come on, Olivia. The speed limit is 70. You’re doing 95, and this car is ticket bait. I don’t want to risk getting stopped.”
“I’m traveling with the flow. This is I-95. If I go the speed limit I’ll stand out.”
He scowled.
“Okay.”She slowed the Corvette.
“Thanks,” he muttered. “You always drive like this?”
“Yep, I grew up in Texas. Speed limits there are only a suggestion.”
AJ: She is such a clip. I love Olivia!
Excerpt #2
(Olivia) “What is all of this, your James Bond room?”
“You could say that. It’s my backup.” He opened cabinets, took out a pill bottle and downed a Percocet. “In here I have weapons, computers, transportation, medical supplies, money and anything else I might need for my survival. Things we’ll need to complete this job.”
Olivia ran her fingers across several of the weapons on the counter and shelf. “Where’s your toothbrush radio and exploding briefcase?”
Excerpt#3
AJ: Readers, I absolutely loved this scene. Seriously. You need to read the whole thing.
They (Olivia and Rico)lay entwined and silent, watching the sky, listening to the faint sounds of the city.
“Olivia?” She loved the way her name sounded when he said it.
“Umm?”
Rico lightly ran his fingers along her spine. “The night we met, why did you leave the bar with me?”
“Are you complaining?”
“I’m serious.”
She pressed away and angled her head to look into his face. “I wanted to be with you.”
“Just like that?”
“It wasn’t just like that. I needed to let go. My life is about control. You were…”
“What made you decide?”
“Why are you asking me this?”
“Humor me and answer the question.”
She sighed deeply and tucked her cheek against his chest. “It’s all very cliché.” Another sigh. “There was a chemistry. Your smile. You made me laugh, I felt comfortable with you.” She could go on and on - his scent, the taste of him, the feel of his hard body—but she didn’t.
Authors also know there will be some scenes edited from each book. We love those scenes but understand it’s better for pacing or the story. Some reviewers have commented how they enjoyed how close Olivia and her team are and it got me thinking of a scene that explained it in detail. The scene was condensed to five sentences. And, it worked very well, but I still like the big picture version .
Senior Chief Bill Defoe sat in the small room watching Crenshaw pacing. He glanced at Turner who stood still, staring out the room’s only window.
“Lieutenant, if you aren’t sure about this, now is the time to leave. Once we get in the Captain’s office there won’t be any going back.” He looked over at Turner. “Same with you.”
“I owe her, Senior Chief. I’m in.” Turner said
“Lieutenant?”
“What do you mean Turner?” Crenshaw ignored Defoe’s question.
Turner walked to the door and pulled it closed. “She got me out of a jam. I owe her.”
Crenshaw and Defoe said nothing, waiting for Turner to tell his story.
“Cree-rist. She made me promise I would never tell anyone.”
Defoe stood and walked to Turner. “Talk.” He ordered.
“My brother was killed in Iraq. I went a little crazy. Drinking, fighting, wrapped my car around a pole. Was in the hospital and jail. She paid the hospital bill and all the damages so no one here would find out. Bailed me out of jail and talked a judge into letting her handle me.” Turner took a deep breath and rubbed his forehead. “She refused to let me pay her back. Said all I need to do is stay out of trouble and make my life count for me and my brother.” He looked at Defoe, then Crenshaw. “I owe her.”
“You, Senior Chief?” Crenshaw said.
“Nothing like that, but I owe her too. She was straight out of flight school the first time I flew with her. She never failed to write commendations for her crews. A lot of pilots won’t, saying we get paid to be good. Those commendations helped me get promoted faster.
“There’s gotta be more than that,” Crenshaw said.
“Yeah.” Defoe stood with his hands locked behind head, his elbows sticking out. “The second time we were stationed together, my wife and I were having--you know, problems.” He dropped his arms to his side. “The crew was out having a few beers and I...eh...I was coming on to this broad. We left together and Commander Carver, stopped me. We exchanged a few words in the parking lot. She cold-cocked me. Came to in her car. She ripped me a new one and said I would get my ass to counseling or she’d take it on as a personal mission to make the rest of my life miserable.” Defoe blew out a loud breath. “Saved my marriage.”
Turner and Defoe stared at Crenshaw. “Lieutenant, we have reasons to be doing this, you don’t. You’ve got your whole career ahead of you. You might want--”
“I owe her.” Crenshaw swallowed hard. “This is my third duty station out of school. My first two pilots requested I be transferred. Said I’m too nervous.” Crenshaw hung his head, seemingly examining the tile floor. “We were at one of those Homeland training things. She came up to me and asked if I wanted to second-seat the Dolphin with her. I thought she was joking. Everyone there talked about her, how great she is.” Crenshaw straightened. “We talked for awhile. She asked a few questions. Don’t know how or why, but two days later I had transfer papers. A month later I was sitting next to her in the Dolphin.”
Check out the video to see what kind of helicopter Olivia flies. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CjQ3yex9lE
I hope you enjoy reading Under Fire as much as I enjoyed writing it.
I'm sure they will, Rita. I loved it.
Where can readers learn about you and your books?
http://ritahenuber.com
Welcome to my blog. Each week I share my life, my work, and writing tips. At times, I might have wonderful guests stop by. If you like what you read, please comment and/or become a follower.
Want to learn more about my works or me? Hop over to my website. www.autumnjordon.com While you're there, join my newsletter.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
AC Here We Come
Cursor… Cursor…
Four-thirty a.m. As a child, once a year I’d rise to the sound of my parents alarm clock buzzing at the early hour and would shoot from between the sheets as if they
were on fire . The alarm went off other mornings, but it’s ringing never meant there was an adventure in store for me. My sister and I would scramble to use the bathroom before our three brothers were shaken from their beds by dad and chased after by mom. Afterwards we’d rip into the outfits we meticulously chosen the night before, grab our suitcases and head to the car. The sky’s center was always as black as the well in the hollow. One star always dangled on the canvas and sky’s lower edge burned with the rising sun.
This event occurred the first weekend of August every year for fifteen years. It
was always a Friday, Saturday and Sunday and we called it our summer vacation to ATLANTIC CITY, even though it was the only vacation we ever took.
Within the hour, my two uncles and aunts, and my twelve cousins filled the two cars who met us at the edge of the drive. We, the older cousins, were truly filled with excitement. We had worked doing odd jobs all summer and saved in anticipation of spending our earnings anyway we wanted. I always came home with a ceramic horse.
We never had reservations. While my dad and my two uncles would go inside the hotel and acquire rooms for all twenty-three of us, we’d sit in the car. Our necks grew damp as the morning sun rose and beat down on the car, glaring off its hood. French fries, candy cotton and fish wafted in the air. The buzz of the big city, the roar of the ocean beyond the boardwalk , the call of “Watch the Tramcar, please” made our legs twitch. After a three hour ride, we wanted out.
Three days is what we had to enjoy another world. A world where hundreds of Miss America’s had strolled the boardwalk. Where a white stallion dove into a swimming pool. Three days is all it took to etch into my memory the feel of the hot sand as we hopped toward the cool foam of the waves, the laughter shared as we romped in the ocean and Uncle Lee lost his teeth, and the way my blood rushed searching for my little lost cousin George among the crowd of thousands. To this day, the Coppertone Baby signifies a carefree summer for me and the scent from the lotion will take me back to the innocent time. And, to this day, I haven’t found ice cream sandwiches as good as the ones we devoured on the AC beach, the sandwiches laced with sea salt and sand.
I think I’ll go poolside today with a good book and crack the lotion bottle.
I’d love to hear one of your summer vacation memories.
Four-thirty a.m. As a child, once a year I’d rise to the sound of my parents alarm clock buzzing at the early hour and would shoot from between the sheets as if they
were on fire . The alarm went off other mornings, but it’s ringing never meant there was an adventure in store for me. My sister and I would scramble to use the bathroom before our three brothers were shaken from their beds by dad and chased after by mom. Afterwards we’d rip into the outfits we meticulously chosen the night before, grab our suitcases and head to the car. The sky’s center was always as black as the well in the hollow. One star always dangled on the canvas and sky’s lower edge burned with the rising sun.
This event occurred the first weekend of August every year for fifteen years. It
was always a Friday, Saturday and Sunday and we called it our summer vacation to ATLANTIC CITY, even though it was the only vacation we ever took.
Within the hour, my two uncles and aunts, and my twelve cousins filled the two cars who met us at the edge of the drive. We, the older cousins, were truly filled with excitement. We had worked doing odd jobs all summer and saved in anticipation of spending our earnings anyway we wanted. I always came home with a ceramic horse.
We never had reservations. While my dad and my two uncles would go inside the hotel and acquire rooms for all twenty-three of us, we’d sit in the car. Our necks grew damp as the morning sun rose and beat down on the car, glaring off its hood. French fries, candy cotton and fish wafted in the air. The buzz of the big city, the roar of the ocean beyond the boardwalk , the call of “Watch the Tramcar, please” made our legs twitch. After a three hour ride, we wanted out.
Three days is what we had to enjoy another world. A world where hundreds of Miss America’s had strolled the boardwalk. Where a white stallion dove into a swimming pool. Three days is all it took to etch into my memory the feel of the hot sand as we hopped toward the cool foam of the waves, the laughter shared as we romped in the ocean and Uncle Lee lost his teeth, and the way my blood rushed searching for my little lost cousin George among the crowd of thousands. To this day, the Coppertone Baby signifies a carefree summer for me and the scent from the lotion will take me back to the innocent time. And, to this day, I haven’t found ice cream sandwiches as good as the ones we devoured on the AC beach, the sandwiches laced with sea salt and sand.
I think I’ll go poolside today with a good book and crack the lotion bottle.
I’d love to hear one of your summer vacation memories.
Welcome to my blog. Each week I share my life, my work, and writing tips. At times, I might have wonderful guests stop by. If you like what you read, please comment and/or become a follower.
Want to learn more about my works or me? Hop over to my website. www.autumnjordon.com While you're there, join my newsletter.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Love Scene; Love Them Or Hate Them?
Cursor.. Cursor…
Who loves a good love scene?
I do too, but lately while reading, I find myself flipping pages and skipping over them. Why?
And why are there books on my shelves that will fall open to the love scenes?
I pass over some love scenes and devour others because of the characters. It’s that simple. The author made me love the characters. While reading the stories I became invested in their lives and their dreams. I would refer to them by name instead of the heroine and hero when telling others about the story. I wanted the woman to find the man of her dreams because, damn, she deserved a good man. And I want the man to realize she was the piece of his heart he’d been searching for all his life. I wanted the perfect-for-each-other couple to come together as one. (excuse the pun)
The thing about love scenes, when the author has written remarkably real characters
and has me totally invested, I don’t need the total physical description of mating for me to enjoy the story. A scene leading up to a hungry first kiss with the door closing shortly afterwards will leave me just as satisfied. In fact, leaving the details of the physical connection to my own imagination is sometimes much better. I hate slot A into slot B writing.
So what is your opinion— What makes a good love scene for you? And do you prefer the door to remain open?
Welcome to my blog. Each week I share my life, my work, and writing tips. At times, I might have wonderful guests stop by. If you like what you read, please comment and/or become a follower.
Want to learn more about my works or me? Hop over to my website. www.autumnjordon.com While you're there, join my newsletter.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
To Know Him Is To Love Him
Have you ever planted a seed?
What does planting a seed have to do with writing or a story called ‘IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL’ you ask? Stay with me. I promise you’ll get it.
Planting a seed…. You take this little, tiny thing, something so small that it could be a speck of dust you normally wouldn’t even notice and carefully place it in the soil you’ve prepared and then cover it. Every day you water it and watch, waiting for the moment the seedling sprouts through the ground and turns its head toward the sun. The sense of joy you feel is hard to contain, right? Sure it is. Admit it. You what to jump up and down and shout to the world, “See what I did.” No one will think you a whuz for saying so, so go ahead and admit it.
As the sprout grows, you feed it, protect it from harm and hoe away all the nasty weeds that take away its nutrients. You watch it grow bigger and stronger until it is the prettiest thing. (Darn, I wish you could hear me say that in my mock southern twang) You can’t express how proud you feel showing off what you have created, but you show it by sticking your chest out and wearing a grin the size of the Grand Canyon. And it started all start with a tiny seed.
Writing a book mirrors the process and authors feel the same sense of pride when their books hit the cyber and hard shelves? IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL, my new release from The Wild Rose Press, started with an idea, based on an actual personal experience. I can only tell you a bit. A request for a bank wire transfer from my work somehow got intercepted and was requested to be routed to a Russian bank account. This happened after Evil’s Witness was released, so needless to say, eyes turned toward me. “Me, come on.” I laughed until the FBI entered the investigation. I’m a country girl, born Army brat, who never wanted to be rich and bleeds red, white and blue. Please believe me.
Anyway, I wondered ‘what if’ a woman stumbles into a hornet’s nest where the Mafia is laundering money by controlling wire transfers from a small private owned bank. How would she stop them and who could she ask to help her? Okay the answers to that question is easy the FBI, CIA, or police. But we can’t have easy when writing a book. Easy is the weed that takes away from a good story. What if she didn’t know what was going on, until it was too late and her life was put into danger?
Again easy. Once she found out what the bad guys were after, our heroine being the heroine we’d all aspire to be would die for her country, thus screwing the bad guys. Yeah, Gina. So I fed the story and added in a cast of secondary characters that love Gina and who she loves, including one yummy marine hero, Cole Hanson. Yup that’s him. SIGH.
I played ‘what if again’ and asked what you do if the lives of those you love were to hang on the whether you help to commit a crime? Would you do anything asked of you? Or would you try to be a hero?
Like nurturing a seed from a dominate state into something to enjoyed, a great deal of time goes into writing a story that whisks you away to another world.
Excerpt from IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL:
Rusty’s gaze shifted beyond Cole’s shoulder and an uneasy feeling crept up his back.
He turned. A beautiful woman walked toward them.
“I thought you had to get back to the hardware store, Rusty.” Her gaze locked with Cole’s, and she stopped cold.
Cole’s heartbeat echoed in his ears like the sharp, piercing, rapid fire that had ended his career. Those eyes. He remembered them whenever loneliness slipped past his guard and grabbed him by the throat. “Gina?”
A slight, hesitant smile formed on her face.
Rusty went up on his toes. “Look who’s here.”
“Son-of-a-bitch,” Gina said.
She took the words right out of his mouth. Cole took in every inch of her, starting at the leather boots she wore which added a few inches to her five-foot-five height, and worked his way up. Gina had changed. She wasn’t the lanky sixteen year-old girl he remembered. She had the curves of a woman.
Her rust-colored dress brought out the red highlights in her mass of long curls.
Curls he knew coiled tighter when wet after a late afternoon skinny-dip in Harvey’s Lake.
Gina crossed the short distance between them, holding his stare until she looked at Rusty. “You didn’t tell me Cole was coming.”
His name carried a quiver.
“I wanted to surprise you.” It was evident Rusty was enjoying the scene. The guy was practically hoppin’ in place.
“Well, you did that.”
Cole saw the rise of her breasts with an intake of air. Then, with the stark determination he remembered she met his gaze head on.
“So what brings you back to Mountain Pine? I know small town is not your lifestyle of choice.”
“That’s true. Rusty invited me for the holidays.”
Gina’s dark lashes did little to hide a flash of the storm seething inside her, and he wondered why she thought she had the right to be angry.
“Is that how you greet an old friend? Go ahead, hug the guy.” Rusty grabbed her elbow and urged her closer.
“Right.” She took a step and stuck out her hand. “It’s been a long time.”
From behind, Rusty gave her a swift nudge, and Gina fell against him.
Cole stiffened and fought to keep his breathing normal. At one time, they’d been friends. Close friends. First-time lovers.
“I’m going to kill him.”
Her warm whisper tickled Cole’s cheek. His eyes drifted shut as he leaned into her, wrapping her in his arms. Her hair smelled the same as it did years ago, like a summer field of wildflowers. Her body fit perfectly against his, just as it always had, and he felt the years slip away.
If you’d like to learn more about Autumn Jordon and her novels, visit www.autumnjordon.com
What does planting a seed have to do with writing or a story called ‘IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL’ you ask? Stay with me. I promise you’ll get it.
Planting a seed…. You take this little, tiny thing, something so small that it could be a speck of dust you normally wouldn’t even notice and carefully place it in the soil you’ve prepared and then cover it. Every day you water it and watch, waiting for the moment the seedling sprouts through the ground and turns its head toward the sun. The sense of joy you feel is hard to contain, right? Sure it is. Admit it. You what to jump up and down and shout to the world, “See what I did.” No one will think you a whuz for saying so, so go ahead and admit it.
As the sprout grows, you feed it, protect it from harm and hoe away all the nasty weeds that take away its nutrients. You watch it grow bigger and stronger until it is the prettiest thing. (Darn, I wish you could hear me say that in my mock southern twang) You can’t express how proud you feel showing off what you have created, but you show it by sticking your chest out and wearing a grin the size of the Grand Canyon. And it started all start with a tiny seed.
Writing a book mirrors the process and authors feel the same sense of pride when their books hit the cyber and hard shelves? IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL, my new release from The Wild Rose Press, started with an idea, based on an actual personal experience. I can only tell you a bit. A request for a bank wire transfer from my work somehow got intercepted and was requested to be routed to a Russian bank account. This happened after Evil’s Witness was released, so needless to say, eyes turned toward me. “Me, come on.” I laughed until the FBI entered the investigation. I’m a country girl, born Army brat, who never wanted to be rich and bleeds red, white and blue. Please believe me.
Anyway, I wondered ‘what if’ a woman stumbles into a hornet’s nest where the Mafia is laundering money by controlling wire transfers from a small private owned bank. How would she stop them and who could she ask to help her? Okay the answers to that question is easy the FBI, CIA, or police. But we can’t have easy when writing a book. Easy is the weed that takes away from a good story. What if she didn’t know what was going on, until it was too late and her life was put into danger?
Again easy. Once she found out what the bad guys were after, our heroine being the heroine we’d all aspire to be would die for her country, thus screwing the bad guys. Yeah, Gina. So I fed the story and added in a cast of secondary characters that love Gina and who she loves, including one yummy marine hero, Cole Hanson. Yup that’s him. SIGH.
I played ‘what if again’ and asked what you do if the lives of those you love were to hang on the whether you help to commit a crime? Would you do anything asked of you? Or would you try to be a hero?
Like nurturing a seed from a dominate state into something to enjoyed, a great deal of time goes into writing a story that whisks you away to another world.
Excerpt from IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL:
Rusty’s gaze shifted beyond Cole’s shoulder and an uneasy feeling crept up his back.
He turned. A beautiful woman walked toward them.
“I thought you had to get back to the hardware store, Rusty.” Her gaze locked with Cole’s, and she stopped cold.
Cole’s heartbeat echoed in his ears like the sharp, piercing, rapid fire that had ended his career. Those eyes. He remembered them whenever loneliness slipped past his guard and grabbed him by the throat. “Gina?”
A slight, hesitant smile formed on her face.
Rusty went up on his toes. “Look who’s here.”
“Son-of-a-bitch,” Gina said.
She took the words right out of his mouth. Cole took in every inch of her, starting at the leather boots she wore which added a few inches to her five-foot-five height, and worked his way up. Gina had changed. She wasn’t the lanky sixteen year-old girl he remembered. She had the curves of a woman.
Her rust-colored dress brought out the red highlights in her mass of long curls.
Curls he knew coiled tighter when wet after a late afternoon skinny-dip in Harvey’s Lake.
Gina crossed the short distance between them, holding his stare until she looked at Rusty. “You didn’t tell me Cole was coming.”
His name carried a quiver.
“I wanted to surprise you.” It was evident Rusty was enjoying the scene. The guy was practically hoppin’ in place.
“Well, you did that.”
Cole saw the rise of her breasts with an intake of air. Then, with the stark determination he remembered she met his gaze head on.
“So what brings you back to Mountain Pine? I know small town is not your lifestyle of choice.”
“That’s true. Rusty invited me for the holidays.”
Gina’s dark lashes did little to hide a flash of the storm seething inside her, and he wondered why she thought she had the right to be angry.
“Is that how you greet an old friend? Go ahead, hug the guy.” Rusty grabbed her elbow and urged her closer.
“Right.” She took a step and stuck out her hand. “It’s been a long time.”
From behind, Rusty gave her a swift nudge, and Gina fell against him.
Cole stiffened and fought to keep his breathing normal. At one time, they’d been friends. Close friends. First-time lovers.
“I’m going to kill him.”
Her warm whisper tickled Cole’s cheek. His eyes drifted shut as he leaned into her, wrapping her in his arms. Her hair smelled the same as it did years ago, like a summer field of wildflowers. Her body fit perfectly against his, just as it always had, and he felt the years slip away.
If you’d like to learn more about Autumn Jordon and her novels, visit www.autumnjordon.com
Welcome to my blog. Each week I share my life, my work, and writing tips. At times, I might have wonderful guests stop by. If you like what you read, please comment and/or become a follower.
Want to learn more about my works or me? Hop over to my website. www.autumnjordon.com While you're there, join my newsletter.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
No One Will Push You
Cursor...
Welcome to my blog. First, I want to thank all who, this past week, purchased a copy of IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL, my new romantic suspense. It is up on Kindle and Nook books now.
Second, it's time to reveal my contest winners. Each will receive an e-copy of
IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL. Some of you were totally amazing, entering the contest in every way possible and sending me personal notes on how much you enjoyed the excerpts. Okay, you waited long enough. My winners are; Cindy Bennett, Kelly B and Christina.
Woohoo. Congrats, ladies. I'll be contacting you shortly for your download. I hope you enjoy and will consider posting a review for me on Amazon, B&N and Goodreads.
Now, to today's thought.
This morning, while at the gym, I met a gentleman who I had observed lifting an enormous amount of weight on Monday. Now a big deal, right? This man is sixty-nine years old and the weight he was lifting was 580 lbs. Yes. Now you see my awe.
While he was loading up a machine next to me with more weight, I commented on his ability. I'm new to the gym. My second week. Lifting my own body weight (no, I will reveal that) is an impossibility for me right now. We started a conversation. His story was amazing. He started lifting and working out after he retired three years ago after feeling the aches and pains of retiring. He went on to offer me advice which was totally inspiring.
Simply put. Don't worry about eveeryone else and what they're doing. Don't think I can't do this. Think I can do this and more. Set your goal, push yourself, because no one else will.
Great advice for outside of the gym too, don't you think?
Next week, I'll be at the RWA national conference in NY. I'm shy. Really, I am. I'm going to take this man's advice and apply it. I'm goal to set my goals for attending the conference in my mind and I'm going to push myself from the wall and to take steps to make those goals.
So, what do you think of his advice?
**** NOTICE for Kelly B. I need your email addie. Thanks.****
Welcome to my blog. First, I want to thank all who, this past week, purchased a copy of IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL, my new romantic suspense. It is up on Kindle and Nook books now.
Second, it's time to reveal my contest winners. Each will receive an e-copy of
IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL. Some of you were totally amazing, entering the contest in every way possible and sending me personal notes on how much you enjoyed the excerpts. Okay, you waited long enough. My winners are; Cindy Bennett, Kelly B and Christina. Woohoo. Congrats, ladies. I'll be contacting you shortly for your download. I hope you enjoy and will consider posting a review for me on Amazon, B&N and Goodreads.
Now, to today's thought.
This morning, while at the gym, I met a gentleman who I had observed lifting an enormous amount of weight on Monday. Now a big deal, right? This man is sixty-nine years old and the weight he was lifting was 580 lbs. Yes. Now you see my awe.
While he was loading up a machine next to me with more weight, I commented on his ability. I'm new to the gym. My second week. Lifting my own body weight (no, I will reveal that) is an impossibility for me right now. We started a conversation. His story was amazing. He started lifting and working out after he retired three years ago after feeling the aches and pains of retiring. He went on to offer me advice which was totally inspiring.
Simply put. Don't worry about eveeryone else and what they're doing. Don't think I can't do this. Think I can do this and more. Set your goal, push yourself, because no one else will.
Great advice for outside of the gym too, don't you think?
Next week, I'll be at the RWA national conference in NY. I'm shy. Really, I am. I'm going to take this man's advice and apply it. I'm goal to set my goals for attending the conference in my mind and I'm going to push myself from the wall and to take steps to make those goals.
So, what do you think of his advice?
**** NOTICE for Kelly B. I need your email addie. Thanks.****
Welcome to my blog. Each week I share my life, my work, and writing tips. At times, I might have wonderful guests stop by. If you like what you read, please comment and/or become a follower.
Want to learn more about my works or me? Hop over to my website. www.autumnjordon.com While you're there, join my newsletter.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
'IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL' is out!
June 15-21, 2011 Release Day Contest!
You know the excitement of a new release hasn’t dulled. Not one bit. Woohoo. I’m doing the happy dance. ‘IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL’ officially releases from The Wild Rose Press, today!
Don’t you love the cover?
I love the cover. Love, love, love it. Rae Monet did a fabulous job pulling all the elements I asked for together.
Now, in celebration of the release of ‘IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL’, I’m going to give away three e-copies* of the story to three different lucky readers.
All names will go into my cute little basket.
No, the wine will be removed and not included in the contest. Sorry.
Here is how to win.
1. Leave a nice comment here and your name is entered once. (I'll need your name and a way of contacting you in the comment or you'll have to check the blog next Wednesday to see if you're a winner)
2. Hop over to TWRP http://tinyurl.com/6h5z89v, copy the paragraph that begins, 'She grabbed.." and email mail it to me at autumnjordon@yahoo.com, with ITPOE contest in the subject line and your name will be entered two times.
3. Or go to Amazon http://tinyurl.com/6443535, click the cover to look inside the first pages, and email me the answers to these three questions at autumnjordon@yahoo.com , with ITPOE contest in the subject line.
1. Ivan’s kitten’s eyes are what color?
2. What is the name of Gina’s boss?
3. Where does Gina work?
All entries must be received by June 21, 2011 noon EST. The winners will be announced here next Wednesday afternoon, June 22.
*(The e-copies will be forwarded as soon as available from either the TWRP or Amazon-which is my preference)
Here’s an excerpt. I hope you enjoy! And don't forget to jump over to my website and join my newsletter for more chances to win prizes
The fire in his eyes was meant to make her back off, but she held her position.
Cole stood and stretched his arms out and above his head.
Gina couldn’t help but stare at his magnificent male form. As her gaze trailed up over him, their eyes locked, and Gina quickly looked down at the papers in front of her. She didn’t want to be attracted to Cole, but there was no denying she was very attracted to him.
Her heart fluttered in her chest. The air in the office grew warmer each second, and Cole’s scent was a clear distraction. She had to insist he get out of her sight before he confused her more.
She stood. “Be reasonable. No one is going to come here with guns blazing and try to take me out.”
“You haven’t changed.”
She dropped her pen. “What do you mean by that?”
“You’re as stubborn as a mule.”
She splayed her hand on her chest. “Me, stubborn?”
“Yes. You always were.”
“I don’t think so.”
“I know so.” He chuckled. “We’ll continue this conversation tonight when Rusty is with us.”
“We will not.”
“Are you afraid your boyfriend will find out who you really are?”
“Leo knows who I am.”
“Does he?”
Somehow they both had moved to the middle of the room where they stood face to face.
The dancing sparkle in his dark eyes warmed her insides like hot cocoa on a blistery night. Her gaze dropped to his full lips, and she wondered if he still tasted like a sweet plum.
“You haven’t changed inside, Gina,” he said in a hoarse whisper as he stepped closer. “Neither have I.”
His hand slipped around her waist.
“Cole.”
He drew her to him. Their bodies aligned as they always had, fitting perfectly against one another. Her skin tingled under his touch as he caressed her collarbone and then slid his hand under her hair around the nape of her neck.
Only for a moment did he search her soul before his lips feathered across hers with the promise of love.
This was wrong and she knew it, but at this very moment she didn’t care.
****
Thanks for stopping by and good luck!
You know the excitement of a new release hasn’t dulled. Not one bit. Woohoo. I’m doing the happy dance. ‘IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL’ officially releases from The Wild Rose Press, today!
Don’t you love the cover?
I love the cover. Love, love, love it. Rae Monet did a fabulous job pulling all the elements I asked for together.
Now, in celebration of the release of ‘IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL’, I’m going to give away three e-copies* of the story to three different lucky readers.
All names will go into my cute little basket.
No, the wine will be removed and not included in the contest. Sorry.Here is how to win.
1. Leave a nice comment here and your name is entered once. (I'll need your name and a way of contacting you in the comment or you'll have to check the blog next Wednesday to see if you're a winner)
2. Hop over to TWRP http://tinyurl.com/6h5z89v, copy the paragraph that begins, 'She grabbed.." and email mail it to me at autumnjordon@yahoo.com, with ITPOE contest in the subject line and your name will be entered two times.
3. Or go to Amazon http://tinyurl.com/6443535, click the cover to look inside the first pages, and email me the answers to these three questions at autumnjordon@yahoo.com , with ITPOE contest in the subject line.
1. Ivan’s kitten’s eyes are what color?
2. What is the name of Gina’s boss?
3. Where does Gina work?
All entries must be received by June 21, 2011 noon EST. The winners will be announced here next Wednesday afternoon, June 22.
*(The e-copies will be forwarded as soon as available from either the TWRP or Amazon-which is my preference)
Here’s an excerpt. I hope you enjoy! And don't forget to jump over to my website and join my newsletter for more chances to win prizes
The fire in his eyes was meant to make her back off, but she held her position.
Cole stood and stretched his arms out and above his head.
Gina couldn’t help but stare at his magnificent male form. As her gaze trailed up over him, their eyes locked, and Gina quickly looked down at the papers in front of her. She didn’t want to be attracted to Cole, but there was no denying she was very attracted to him.
Her heart fluttered in her chest. The air in the office grew warmer each second, and Cole’s scent was a clear distraction. She had to insist he get out of her sight before he confused her more.
She stood. “Be reasonable. No one is going to come here with guns blazing and try to take me out.”
“You haven’t changed.”
She dropped her pen. “What do you mean by that?”
“You’re as stubborn as a mule.”
She splayed her hand on her chest. “Me, stubborn?”
“Yes. You always were.”
“I don’t think so.”
“I know so.” He chuckled. “We’ll continue this conversation tonight when Rusty is with us.”
“We will not.”
“Are you afraid your boyfriend will find out who you really are?”
“Leo knows who I am.”
“Does he?”
Somehow they both had moved to the middle of the room where they stood face to face.
The dancing sparkle in his dark eyes warmed her insides like hot cocoa on a blistery night. Her gaze dropped to his full lips, and she wondered if he still tasted like a sweet plum.
“You haven’t changed inside, Gina,” he said in a hoarse whisper as he stepped closer. “Neither have I.”
His hand slipped around her waist.
“Cole.”
He drew her to him. Their bodies aligned as they always had, fitting perfectly against one another. Her skin tingled under his touch as he caressed her collarbone and then slid his hand under her hair around the nape of her neck.
Only for a moment did he search her soul before his lips feathered across hers with the promise of love.
This was wrong and she knew it, but at this very moment she didn’t care.
****
Thanks for stopping by and good luck!
Welcome to my blog. Each week I share my life, my work, and writing tips. At times, I might have wonderful guests stop by. If you like what you read, please comment and/or become a follower.
Want to learn more about my works or me? Hop over to my website. www.autumnjordon.com While you're there, join my newsletter.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Summer Sizzling Reads Chat
JOIN me June 16, 2011 for an all day chat! I'm going to talk more about my new release, IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL
Prepare to Sizzle!
Over $5,000 prizes up for grabs!
Total of 8 pairs of tickets to RomCon 2011 to be won!!!
(each pair worth $490)
Sizzling Summer Reads (Romance)
From June 1 to 28, 2011
at http://www.theromancereviews.com/event.php
Play the games. Explore new books.
Chat with authors. Rack up your points!
CAN YOU UNLOCK THE PUZZLE?
Visit everyday to increase your chances to win awesome prizes!
*****
ANNOUCEMENT! Only Hours Left!
Enter to win a copy of IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL at www.autumnjordon.com
WINNER announced here Wednesday June 15, 2011 at 9 AM to kick off my release day party!
Prepare to Sizzle!
Over $5,000 prizes up for grabs!
Total of 8 pairs of tickets to RomCon 2011 to be won!!!
(each pair worth $490)
Sizzling Summer Reads (Romance)
From June 1 to 28, 2011
at http://www.theromancereviews.com/event.php
Play the games. Explore new books.
Chat with authors. Rack up your points!
CAN YOU UNLOCK THE PUZZLE?
Visit everyday to increase your chances to win awesome prizes!
*****
ANNOUCEMENT! Only Hours Left!
Enter to win a copy of IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL at www.autumnjordon.com
WINNER announced here Wednesday June 15, 2011 at 9 AM to kick off my release day party!
Welcome to my blog. Each week I share my life, my work, and writing tips. At times, I might have wonderful guests stop by. If you like what you read, please comment and/or become a follower.
Want to learn more about my works or me? Hop over to my website. www.autumnjordon.com While you're there, join my newsletter.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Time In A Bottle
Cursor...
Time. We all wished we had more stashed away somewhere so on those occasions when we really do need to be cloned three times over we could open the proverbial bottle and dump time over our heads. But atlas, the concept of time and how to capture it remains a mystery.
So what is our alternative? How about organization?
We all know how to organize? Well, maybe 99% of us do. Mankind has been organizing things since day one. They kept their food in one area of the cave and their fossil fuels in another and slept in another. They organized hunting parties to gather or capture their food, and we know herbalist have been around since, well, day one. I’m sure they kept their ginkgo separate from their dandelion. (To learn more about herbs and their uses visit http://www.age-oldherbs.com/ailmentherb.php ) But how do we organize to save/make time?
First, thing that comes to my mind is to get rid of clutter. Over the last year, I’ve been tossing, recycling, and giving things away that I do not use any longer, and I still have a truck load that needs to go. I watched a newscast a few months ago on the new minimalist movement. One man had less than one-hundred items, excluding food, underwear and socks in that count, but every other article of clothing, cooking and eating utensils and everything else he owned was included. The show really made me think about what I actually need in my life and how much having a ton of stuff can blog you down.
Second, I think of lists. The days I make a list are the days I get so much more done. I know some of you have heard the old story about the woman who goes out to get her newspaper and sees her flowers need water so she goes to get the hose and notices her car windows are open. She drops the hose and goes inside to get her keys and picks up her husband’s socks off the floor and carries them to the hamper only to realize it’s full and she needs to start the laundry. Etc, etc, etc. Until the end of the story she is exhausted and never gets anything done. (I’m raising my hand here.) That is so me on some days-days that I don’t make a list, prioritize the items and stay focus on accomplishing the tasks. The world is filled with many attractions bidding for our attention. Without super human powers, we can’t do it all.
One more. (This blog is getting too long. I hate long blogs. I don’t have time to read everything. I’m sure you don’t either) Choice what is important to you and do it first. If gardening is your love, make it your priority and the first thing you do in the morning, or on your off time. If exercise is your game, do it. If it’s writing, sit down and knock out a page or two. Do what you truly love first and your step will be lighter doing the rest of the items on your I’ve-got-to-get-done list.
We’ll continue this discussion again soon. But Friday, I have a guest dropping by. Author Lilly Gayle. Please pop in and say hi. And, remember, next week, I’m hosting a release day party for IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL. If you haven’t popped over to my website and entered the contest to win an autographed copy, please do. The winner will be announced here, June 15, 2011 at 9 AM EST.
Time. We all wished we had more stashed away somewhere so on those occasions when we really do need to be cloned three times over we could open the proverbial bottle and dump time over our heads. But atlas, the concept of time and how to capture it remains a mystery.
So what is our alternative? How about organization?
We all know how to organize? Well, maybe 99% of us do. Mankind has been organizing things since day one. They kept their food in one area of the cave and their fossil fuels in another and slept in another. They organized hunting parties to gather or capture their food, and we know herbalist have been around since, well, day one. I’m sure they kept their ginkgo separate from their dandelion. (To learn more about herbs and their uses visit http://www.age-oldherbs.com/ailmentherb.php ) But how do we organize to save/make time?
First, thing that comes to my mind is to get rid of clutter. Over the last year, I’ve been tossing, recycling, and giving things away that I do not use any longer, and I still have a truck load that needs to go. I watched a newscast a few months ago on the new minimalist movement. One man had less than one-hundred items, excluding food, underwear and socks in that count, but every other article of clothing, cooking and eating utensils and everything else he owned was included. The show really made me think about what I actually need in my life and how much having a ton of stuff can blog you down.
Second, I think of lists. The days I make a list are the days I get so much more done. I know some of you have heard the old story about the woman who goes out to get her newspaper and sees her flowers need water so she goes to get the hose and notices her car windows are open. She drops the hose and goes inside to get her keys and picks up her husband’s socks off the floor and carries them to the hamper only to realize it’s full and she needs to start the laundry. Etc, etc, etc. Until the end of the story she is exhausted and never gets anything done. (I’m raising my hand here.) That is so me on some days-days that I don’t make a list, prioritize the items and stay focus on accomplishing the tasks. The world is filled with many attractions bidding for our attention. Without super human powers, we can’t do it all.
One more. (This blog is getting too long. I hate long blogs. I don’t have time to read everything. I’m sure you don’t either) Choice what is important to you and do it first. If gardening is your love, make it your priority and the first thing you do in the morning, or on your off time. If exercise is your game, do it. If it’s writing, sit down and knock out a page or two. Do what you truly love first and your step will be lighter doing the rest of the items on your I’ve-got-to-get-done list.
We’ll continue this discussion again soon. But Friday, I have a guest dropping by. Author Lilly Gayle. Please pop in and say hi. And, remember, next week, I’m hosting a release day party for IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL. If you haven’t popped over to my website and entered the contest to win an autographed copy, please do. The winner will be announced here, June 15, 2011 at 9 AM EST.
Welcome to my blog. Each week I share my life, my work, and writing tips. At times, I might have wonderful guests stop by. If you like what you read, please comment and/or become a follower.
Want to learn more about my works or me? Hop over to my website. www.autumnjordon.com While you're there, join my newsletter.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Summer Sizzling Reads
Prepare to Sizzle!
Over $5,000 prizes up for grabs!
Total of 8 pairs of tickets to RomCon 2011 to be won!!!
(each pair worth $490)
Sizzling Summer Reads (Romance)
From June 1 to 28, 2011
at http://www.theromancereviews.com/event.php
Play the games. Explore new books.
Chat with authors. Rack up your points!
CAN YOU UNLOCK THE PUZZLE?
Visit everyday to increase your chances to win awesome prizes!
JOIN me June 16, 2011 for an all day chat!
*****
ANNOUCEMENT! Only Hours Left!
Enter to win a copy of IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL at www.autumnjordon.com
Welcome to my blog. Each week I share my life, my work, and writing tips. At times, I might have wonderful guests stop by. If you like what you read, please comment and/or become a follower.
Want to learn more about my works or me? Hop over to my website. www.autumnjordon.com While you're there, join my newsletter.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Three Weeks Until..
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Three weeks. Twenty-one days. Tick tock.
Sorry for posting late. Blogger is having major issues, so don't frustrate yourself trying to comment right now. The fact you stopped by really makes my day. (Yes, I can see the stats)
Time is flying by, and darn, it's so busy and exciting around my house. Three weeks until In The Presence of Evil releases, I'm gearing up for a blog tour, and I'll be heading to New York for the National RWA conference where I'll be signing my books on Wednesday night. And, I'll be part of a panel discussing the Road To Novel Completion on Thursday morning. If you're coming to the conference, I hope you catch me and say hi.
(Okay, BLOGGER WON'T load video, but it is posted below in week five. Please take a peek. Or jump over to my website.)
Now, you've watched the video. When this Blogger problem is fixed, let me know what you think of my attempt to work in film production? And if you'd like to read a few excerpts check out the past two weeks. I'll be back with more next week.
Have a wonderful, safe holiday weekend. Take the time to honor the men and women who died for our freedoms by remembering them.
Thanks for stopping by. AJ
Three weeks. Twenty-one days. Tick tock.
Sorry for posting late. Blogger is having major issues, so don't frustrate yourself trying to comment right now. The fact you stopped by really makes my day. (Yes, I can see the stats)
Time is flying by, and darn, it's so busy and exciting around my house. Three weeks until In The Presence of Evil releases, I'm gearing up for a blog tour, and I'll be heading to New York for the National RWA conference where I'll be signing my books on Wednesday night. And, I'll be part of a panel discussing the Road To Novel Completion on Thursday morning. If you're coming to the conference, I hope you catch me and say hi.
(Okay, BLOGGER WON'T load video, but it is posted below in week five. Please take a peek. Or jump over to my website.)
Now, you've watched the video. When this Blogger problem is fixed, let me know what you think of my attempt to work in film production? And if you'd like to read a few excerpts check out the past two weeks. I'll be back with more next week.
Have a wonderful, safe holiday weekend. Take the time to honor the men and women who died for our freedoms by remembering them.
Thanks for stopping by. AJ
Welcome to my blog. Each week I share my life, my work, and writing tips. At times, I might have wonderful guests stop by. If you like what you read, please comment and/or become a follower.
Want to learn more about my works or me? Hop over to my website. www.autumnjordon.com While you're there, join my newsletter.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Who Will Die In Four Weeks?
Cursor...
Only four weeks until IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL releases. Time is zipping by.
Last week I told you this story was based on a true experience. It was, really? The Russian Mafia actually somehow attached wire transfers exiting from our companies account if which I was in charge. The FBI was all over the situation. I can't give you more details. You understand.
Now for excerpt number # 2: Cole turns on his charm for the first time since his return and realizes his feeling for Gina are still very real. I hope you enjoy.
“I always wondered what your bedroom looked like,” Cole said.
Gina’s breasts tightened under the thin fabric of the scrubs. As much as she didn’t want to be affected by him, she couldn’t help her reaction. Her cheeks warmed under his hooded gaze. They were years older. Well beyond the legal age of consent, but she was not going to go there again. He left her once, and he would again.
“Well, now you know.” Gina pushed away from the sink, making Cole back up. Her fists curled but not because she was angry. She was so tempted to touch him in ways he wouldn’t soon forget. Quickly, she slipped by him.
“Yup. Now, I know,” Cole said after her.
Gina stalked through her bedroom and out into the hall.
Cole nearly dropped to his knees watching the sway of her hips under her scrubs. He shouldn’t be thinking about helping her out of them, but damn it, he was a man, and his Gina had grown into one beautiful woman.
He rushed after her and caught her hand at the top of the stairs. “Wait.”
She sighed loudly as she turned. “What now? You’ve checked the entire house. There is no one here except the two of us.”
“You’re exhausted.”
“You’re sharp.”
Cole frowned. He deserved that. Maybe he was wrong. Maybe there was no one after Gina. He’d just searched her house and gave her heart failure several times. He wanted to make it up to her.
She darted her eyes briefly to the floor before meeting his gaze. “I’m sorry.”
“Forget it. I deserved it.”
She didn’t pull her hand away. He brushed the soft skin under his fingers.
“No. You don’t.” Gina shook her head. Her hair shimmered under the overhead light. “You’re only trying to help me. You did help tonight. Why, Cole? Why did you lie to Chief Dean? You weren’t there. You don’t know if I killed David or not?”
“You’re right. I don’t know.”
Her eyes widened into oval pools of amber honey. She yanked her hand from his and paced the length of the small landing. “Why are you here?”
“Because I have a feeling whoever killed David might want to harm you. I just want to make sure you’re safe.”
“Why? You don’t owe me anything.”
“Because protecting is what I do. And the local cops aren’t going to do it. If anything, I think they’re looking at you for the murder.”
She sunk onto the hard backed chair at the end of the hallway and sulked forward, holding her head in her hands. Her long hair fell forward and covered her knees. She looked smaller in the almost fetal position. Helpless.
Cole wanted to gather her in his arms, but he wasn’t sure she’d allow it.
He walked over and nudged her arm. “What you need right now is a hot bath and something to eat.”
“I’m really not hungry.”
“Well, I am.” He grabbed her arms and pulled her from the chair. His strong man approach slipped away at the sight of the tears glistening on her cheeks. Cole fought the urge to pull her closer. The reason would be to comfort her, let her know she was safe, but feeling her soft body against his could be downright dangerous.
His hands moved down her arms to her hands. Small and soft, he squeezed them gently. “You take a bath, and I’ll go downstairs and brew a pot of coffee and make us something to eat.”
“I don’t want anything.”
“Go. No arguing.” He twirled her on her heel and sent her off in the direction of her bedroom.
She stopped at the door. Her long fingers held the frame. “Cole.”
“Don’t worry. I’m not going anywhere.”
“I’m not. I just wanted to say thank you.” Her smile was faint, but as small as it was, her smile had brought a warmth to his heart he hadn’t felt in a longtime.
“No problem, Gina.”
She shut the door behind her.
Cole heard the lock click. She hadn’t secured the door because of him. Gina was scared.
While he was here, she had no reason to be.
Only four weeks until IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL releases. Time is zipping by.
Last week I told you this story was based on a true experience. It was, really? The Russian Mafia actually somehow attached wire transfers exiting from our companies account if which I was in charge. The FBI was all over the situation. I can't give you more details. You understand.
Now for excerpt number # 2: Cole turns on his charm for the first time since his return and realizes his feeling for Gina are still very real. I hope you enjoy.
“I always wondered what your bedroom looked like,” Cole said.
Gina’s breasts tightened under the thin fabric of the scrubs. As much as she didn’t want to be affected by him, she couldn’t help her reaction. Her cheeks warmed under his hooded gaze. They were years older. Well beyond the legal age of consent, but she was not going to go there again. He left her once, and he would again.
“Well, now you know.” Gina pushed away from the sink, making Cole back up. Her fists curled but not because she was angry. She was so tempted to touch him in ways he wouldn’t soon forget. Quickly, she slipped by him.
“Yup. Now, I know,” Cole said after her.
Gina stalked through her bedroom and out into the hall.
Cole nearly dropped to his knees watching the sway of her hips under her scrubs. He shouldn’t be thinking about helping her out of them, but damn it, he was a man, and his Gina had grown into one beautiful woman.
He rushed after her and caught her hand at the top of the stairs. “Wait.”
She sighed loudly as she turned. “What now? You’ve checked the entire house. There is no one here except the two of us.”
“You’re exhausted.”
“You’re sharp.”
Cole frowned. He deserved that. Maybe he was wrong. Maybe there was no one after Gina. He’d just searched her house and gave her heart failure several times. He wanted to make it up to her.
She darted her eyes briefly to the floor before meeting his gaze. “I’m sorry.”
“Forget it. I deserved it.”
She didn’t pull her hand away. He brushed the soft skin under his fingers.
“No. You don’t.” Gina shook her head. Her hair shimmered under the overhead light. “You’re only trying to help me. You did help tonight. Why, Cole? Why did you lie to Chief Dean? You weren’t there. You don’t know if I killed David or not?”
“You’re right. I don’t know.”
Her eyes widened into oval pools of amber honey. She yanked her hand from his and paced the length of the small landing. “Why are you here?”
“Because I have a feeling whoever killed David might want to harm you. I just want to make sure you’re safe.”
“Why? You don’t owe me anything.”
“Because protecting is what I do. And the local cops aren’t going to do it. If anything, I think they’re looking at you for the murder.”
She sunk onto the hard backed chair at the end of the hallway and sulked forward, holding her head in her hands. Her long hair fell forward and covered her knees. She looked smaller in the almost fetal position. Helpless.
Cole wanted to gather her in his arms, but he wasn’t sure she’d allow it.
He walked over and nudged her arm. “What you need right now is a hot bath and something to eat.”
“I’m really not hungry.”
“Well, I am.” He grabbed her arms and pulled her from the chair. His strong man approach slipped away at the sight of the tears glistening on her cheeks. Cole fought the urge to pull her closer. The reason would be to comfort her, let her know she was safe, but feeling her soft body against his could be downright dangerous.
His hands moved down her arms to her hands. Small and soft, he squeezed them gently. “You take a bath, and I’ll go downstairs and brew a pot of coffee and make us something to eat.”
“I don’t want anything.”
“Go. No arguing.” He twirled her on her heel and sent her off in the direction of her bedroom.
She stopped at the door. Her long fingers held the frame. “Cole.”
“Don’t worry. I’m not going anywhere.”
“I’m not. I just wanted to say thank you.” Her smile was faint, but as small as it was, her smile had brought a warmth to his heart he hadn’t felt in a longtime.
“No problem, Gina.”
She shut the door behind her.
Cole heard the lock click. She hadn’t secured the door because of him. Gina was scared.
While he was here, she had no reason to be.
Welcome to my blog. Each week I share my life, my work, and writing tips. At times, I might have wonderful guests stop by. If you like what you read, please comment and/or become a follower.
Want to learn more about my works or me? Hop over to my website. www.autumnjordon.com While you're there, join my newsletter.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Who Will Get Killed In Five Weeks?
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As promised, I'm back with an excerpt of my new release, 'IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL', which releases when? That's right. June 15, 2011 from the Wild Rose Press. I'm so happy you've been following me. If you haven't peeked at the trailer, please below look to the post Who Will Get Killed In Six Weeks.
If you read that blog you also know 'IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL' is based one of my actual experiences. You know, I still shiver thinking about the moment I learn the Russian Mafia was watching me.
Now the excerpt. It's from chapter three and is the moment our hero marine Cole Hanson returns to Mountian Pine to face the woman who stills holds his heart but betrayed him in the past. Rusty is their common friend. I hope you enjoy.
Rusty’s gaze shifted beyond Cole’s shoulder and an uneasy feeling crept up his back.
He turned. A beautiful woman walked toward them.
“I thought you had to get back to the hardware store, Rusty.” Her gaze locked with Cole’s, and she stopped cold.
Cole’s heartbeat echoed in his ears like the sharp, piercing, rapid fire that had ended his career. Those eyes. He remembered them whenever loneliness slipped past his guard and grabbed him by the throat. “Gina?”
A slight, hesitant smile formed on her face.
Rusty went up on his toes. “Look who’s here.”
“Son-of-a-bitch,” Gina said.
She took the words right out of his mouth. Cole took in every inch of her, starting at the leather boots she wore which added a few inches to her five-foot-five height, and worked his way up. Gina had changed. She wasn’t the lanky sixteen year-old girl he remembered. She had the curves of a woman.
Her rust-colored dress brought out the red highlights in her mass of long curls. Curls he knew coiled tighter when wet after a late afternoon skinny-dip in Harvey’s Lake.
Gina crossed the short distance between them, holding his stare until she looked at Rusty. “You didn’t tell me Cole was coming.”
His name carried a quiver.
“I wanted to surprise you.” It was evident Rusty was enjoying the scene. The guy was practically hoppin’ in place.
“Well, you did that.”
Cole saw the rise of her breasts with an intake of air. Then, with the stark determination he remembered she met his gaze head on.
“So what brings you back to Mountain Pine? I know small town is not your lifestyle of choice.”
“That’s true. Rusty invited me for the holidays.”
Gina’s dark lashes did little to hide a flash of the storm seething inside her, and he wondered why she thought she had the right to be angry.
“Is that how you greet an old friend? Go ahead, hug the guy.” Rusty grabbed her elbow and urged her closer.
“Right.” She took a step and stuck out her hand. “It’s been a long time.”
From behind, Rusty gave her a swift nudge, and Gina fell against him.
Cole stiffened and fought to keep his breathing normal. At one time, they’d been friends. Close friends. First-time lovers.
“I’m going to kill him.”
Her warm whisper tickled Cole’s cheek. His eyes drifted shut as he leaned into her, wrapping her in his arms. Her hair smelled the same as it did years ago, like a summer field of wildflowers. Her body fit perfectly against his, just as it always had, and he felt the years slip away.
As promised, I'm back with an excerpt of my new release, 'IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL', which releases when? That's right. June 15, 2011 from the Wild Rose Press. I'm so happy you've been following me. If you haven't peeked at the trailer, please below look to the post Who Will Get Killed In Six Weeks.
If you read that blog you also know 'IN THE PRESENCE OF EVIL' is based one of my actual experiences. You know, I still shiver thinking about the moment I learn the Russian Mafia was watching me.
Now the excerpt. It's from chapter three and is the moment our hero marine Cole Hanson returns to Mountian Pine to face the woman who stills holds his heart but betrayed him in the past. Rusty is their common friend. I hope you enjoy.
Rusty’s gaze shifted beyond Cole’s shoulder and an uneasy feeling crept up his back.
He turned. A beautiful woman walked toward them.
“I thought you had to get back to the hardware store, Rusty.” Her gaze locked with Cole’s, and she stopped cold.
Cole’s heartbeat echoed in his ears like the sharp, piercing, rapid fire that had ended his career. Those eyes. He remembered them whenever loneliness slipped past his guard and grabbed him by the throat. “Gina?”
A slight, hesitant smile formed on her face.
Rusty went up on his toes. “Look who’s here.”
“Son-of-a-bitch,” Gina said.
She took the words right out of his mouth. Cole took in every inch of her, starting at the leather boots she wore which added a few inches to her five-foot-five height, and worked his way up. Gina had changed. She wasn’t the lanky sixteen year-old girl he remembered. She had the curves of a woman.
Her rust-colored dress brought out the red highlights in her mass of long curls. Curls he knew coiled tighter when wet after a late afternoon skinny-dip in Harvey’s Lake.
Gina crossed the short distance between them, holding his stare until she looked at Rusty. “You didn’t tell me Cole was coming.”
His name carried a quiver.
“I wanted to surprise you.” It was evident Rusty was enjoying the scene. The guy was practically hoppin’ in place.
“Well, you did that.”
Cole saw the rise of her breasts with an intake of air. Then, with the stark determination he remembered she met his gaze head on.
“So what brings you back to Mountain Pine? I know small town is not your lifestyle of choice.”
“That’s true. Rusty invited me for the holidays.”
Gina’s dark lashes did little to hide a flash of the storm seething inside her, and he wondered why she thought she had the right to be angry.
“Is that how you greet an old friend? Go ahead, hug the guy.” Rusty grabbed her elbow and urged her closer.
“Right.” She took a step and stuck out her hand. “It’s been a long time.”
From behind, Rusty gave her a swift nudge, and Gina fell against him.
Cole stiffened and fought to keep his breathing normal. At one time, they’d been friends. Close friends. First-time lovers.
“I’m going to kill him.”
Her warm whisper tickled Cole’s cheek. His eyes drifted shut as he leaned into her, wrapping her in his arms. Her hair smelled the same as it did years ago, like a summer field of wildflowers. Her body fit perfectly against his, just as it always had, and he felt the years slip away.
Welcome to my blog. Each week I share my life, my work, and writing tips. At times, I might have wonderful guests stop by. If you like what you read, please comment and/or become a follower.
Want to learn more about my works or me? Hop over to my website. www.autumnjordon.com While you're there, join my newsletter.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Friday Friend Cynthia Justlin
Today, I welcome my fellow Ruby-Slippered sister, Cynthia Justlin who just published her novel 'HER OWN BEST ENEMY'. I'm in the middle of reading this story and it is very 
good. Please welcome her as she shares what she learned about writing romantic suspense from watching 'Romanicng The Stone'.
I write action adventure romantic suspense. A dangerous quest, insurmountable obstacles, lots of gunfire, explosions, and overwhelming raging hormones. It’s my thing, and has been ever since I first watched ‘Romancing the Stone’. I recently had the fun of catching it again on AMC. So I bring you my Romancing the Stone words of wisdom:
Everything I wanted to know about writing Romantic Suspense I learned from “Romancing the Stone”:
10. The shinier the treasure, the better. Who wasn’t enamored of El Corazon? I would’ve tromped through jungles and done battle with snakes to get my hands on that shiny, ginormous emerald too.
9. When in doubt, throw in some crocodiles. Seriously, without the crocodiles, Joan and Jack never would’ve made it out of Colombia alive.
8. A villain with a private army, is a man with a lot of guns. Even if he doesn’t have very good aim. Just how many rounds of ammo did Colonel Zolo’s men go through? And yet, Jack and Joan manage to come out with barely a scratch every time.
7. It always pays to have a drug lord in your pocket who reads romance novels. “Joan Wilder? The Joan Wilder?” I admit, that’s my favorite line. And the way Juan helps them escape is just priceless. And very, very handy.
6. Danger unleashes the feisty heroine hidden inside those old lady clothes. One of my favorite parts of this movie is the way Joan is transformed from this lonely, repressed woman to this fiery, adventurous creature. You can see it in the way her hair starts out in a severe bun, but is loose and luxurious by the end.
5. Only a real hero can pull off an all white outfit. Okay, so I really don’t find Michael Douglas at all sexy in this movie, but the white get-up he wears during their ‘dinner date’ cracks me up every time.
4. Dancing is a sure-fire way for the hero to get into the heroine’s panties. I don’t know how well this one works in real life, but make a hero and heroine do the samba, and they’ll be tearing up the sheets in no time.
3. A cocky hero is never altruistic. Jack couldn’t wait to get his hands on the map and that treasure. If you really want to see the sparks fly, give your hero an ulterior motive.
2. Pit your characters against each other and give them tough choices. I love when Jack and Joan end up on opposite sides of the river (she with the map, he with the emerald). You just have to keep watching to find out whether Jack’s going to take the emerald and skip town, or make good on his promise to Joan.
1. Not every story needs a sequel. Know when to stop. Can we say ‘Jewel of the Nile’ anyone? *shudder*
What movie has inspired your writing? Or, if you aren't a writer, what movie never gets old for you?
good. Please welcome her as she shares what she learned about writing romantic suspense from watching 'Romanicng The Stone'.I write action adventure romantic suspense. A dangerous quest, insurmountable obstacles, lots of gunfire, explosions, and overwhelming raging hormones. It’s my thing, and has been ever since I first watched ‘Romancing the Stone’. I recently had the fun of catching it again on AMC. So I bring you my Romancing the Stone words of wisdom:
Everything I wanted to know about writing Romantic Suspense I learned from “Romancing the Stone”:
10. The shinier the treasure, the better. Who wasn’t enamored of El Corazon? I would’ve tromped through jungles and done battle with snakes to get my hands on that shiny, ginormous emerald too.
9. When in doubt, throw in some crocodiles. Seriously, without the crocodiles, Joan and Jack never would’ve made it out of Colombia alive.
8. A villain with a private army, is a man with a lot of guns. Even if he doesn’t have very good aim. Just how many rounds of ammo did Colonel Zolo’s men go through? And yet, Jack and Joan manage to come out with barely a scratch every time.
7. It always pays to have a drug lord in your pocket who reads romance novels. “Joan Wilder? The Joan Wilder?” I admit, that’s my favorite line. And the way Juan helps them escape is just priceless. And very, very handy.
6. Danger unleashes the feisty heroine hidden inside those old lady clothes. One of my favorite parts of this movie is the way Joan is transformed from this lonely, repressed woman to this fiery, adventurous creature. You can see it in the way her hair starts out in a severe bun, but is loose and luxurious by the end.
5. Only a real hero can pull off an all white outfit. Okay, so I really don’t find Michael Douglas at all sexy in this movie, but the white get-up he wears during their ‘dinner date’ cracks me up every time.
4. Dancing is a sure-fire way for the hero to get into the heroine’s panties. I don’t know how well this one works in real life, but make a hero and heroine do the samba, and they’ll be tearing up the sheets in no time.
3. A cocky hero is never altruistic. Jack couldn’t wait to get his hands on the map and that treasure. If you really want to see the sparks fly, give your hero an ulterior motive.
2. Pit your characters against each other and give them tough choices. I love when Jack and Joan end up on opposite sides of the river (she with the map, he with the emerald). You just have to keep watching to find out whether Jack’s going to take the emerald and skip town, or make good on his promise to Joan.
1. Not every story needs a sequel. Know when to stop. Can we say ‘Jewel of the Nile’ anyone? *shudder*
What movie has inspired your writing? Or, if you aren't a writer, what movie never gets old for you?
Welcome to my blog. Each week I share my life, my work, and writing tips. At times, I might have wonderful guests stop by. If you like what you read, please comment and/or become a follower.
Want to learn more about my works or me? Hop over to my website. www.autumnjordon.com While you're there, join my newsletter.
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