Son of a Pitch Entry 7: Settle the Score

And away we go! Welcome to Son of a Pitch, Week 2. This week, I'll be hosting ten writers here on my site. Any visitor to my blog is welcome to comment below as to whether this pitch piques your interest and what feedback you have about making it stronger. UPDATE: My misunderstanding. The organizer asks that only the entrant and judges comment below.

Participants are asked NOT to comment on other entrants' posts, only their own. Though, you may, of course, tweet, bribe, coax, share, cajole and otherwise pursue glory for your own pitch. I'll be leaving feedback in the comments, as will other participating writers: Ayden Morgen , Elsie Elmore , Leigh Statham , Mara Valderran, Stacey Nash , Elizabeth Roderick, and Yolanda Renée!


The top twenty will be selected and posted on Friday. Without further ado:

7.


Title: SETTLE THE SCORE
Age and Genre: Adult Romantic Suspense
Word Count: 80,000

Query:

Years ago, twenty-nine-year-old pop star, Jill Aita found her ex-boyfriend beaten and left for dead. Later, because of her testimony, she ensured his conviction for narcotics trafficking. He was imprisoned, and she was to blame. His hate-filled letters made her fear for her life, so she gave up her music career. Sacrificed everything that mattered in life. Disappeared.

But living with fear is no life at all. And Jill wanted to live. Music pulled her back, and she’s thriving. Her album sales are soaring. Her tour schedule is filling up. She’s falling for the sweetest guy ever. It’s all perfect, until he is released from prison. Her ex-boyfriend. The one who said he’d find her and get even when he got out.

Her ex’s menace is renewed when her car’s lug nuts are loosened. She leaves a charity event to find her car windows shattered. Jill longs to disappear again, even though hiding means abandoning her career, leaving the man she’s come to love. But staying means her boyfriend and his daughter may pay the ultimate price. Her ex has killed before.


First 250:

Virginia, Fall 2008

Jill pulled into the Emergency Room parking lot. She sat in her car, gnawing at her cuticles. The thought of what to do when she got here hadn’t crossed her mind. The only thing she was sure of was that she didn’t want to be associated with the beaten man in her passenger seat.

Her stomach twisted thinking of his past. Dealing narcotics. Smuggling. She knew who did this to him. Beat him and left him for dead. If they knew she saved him, there was a good chance they’d come after her. She’d end up beaten, or worse. Dead.

I can’t take him in there. They’ll question me. She noticed that there was an emergency button mounted on every other light post. She pulled up to the farthest one from the hospital doors. Reaching across Herb, she pulled on the door handle, and the car door swung open.

“I’m sorry, Herb.” With every last ounce of strength she had, she pushed Herb’s broken body from her car to the wet pavement. The sound of a few soft thuds from his knees and elbows hitting the parking lot gave way to something that sounded like a heavy cantaloupe bouncing a couple times. This felt inhumane. She felt like a monster.

As she stretched out to pull the door closed, Jill thought she heard Herb try to speak. Whatever it was he had said was so broken up by coughs and gurgles that she understood nothing. She closed the door.

Son of a Pitch Entry 8: Bail Up

And away we go! Welcome to Son of a Pitch, Week 2. This week, I'll be hosting ten writers here on my site. Any visitor to my blog is welcome to comment below as to whether this pitch piques your interest and what feedback you have about making it stronger. UPDATE: My misunderstanding. The organizer asks that only the entrant and judges comment below.

Participants are asked NOT to comment on other entrants' posts, only their own. Though, you may, of course, tweet, bribe, coax, share, cajole and otherwise pursue glory for your own pitch. I'll be leaving feedback in the comments, as will other participating writers: Ayden Morgen , Elsie Elmore , Leigh Statham , Mara Valderran, Stacey Nash , Elizabeth Roderick, and Yolanda Renée!


The top twenty will be selected and posted on Friday. Without further ado:

8.
Title: Bail Up
Age and Genre: Adult, Historical Mystery
Word Count: 70,000

Query:
In the 1860s, New South Wales had a bushranger problem. These bold knights of the road held up banks and bailed up travellers. They robbed gold escorts and raided homesteads. They were immortalised in song, story and painting. Except for Dan. He so badly wants to be notorious and have songs sung about him, but robbing gold escorts is a bit beyond him. He prefers to bail up travellers, on foot, who look like they won’t put up a fight. He has many cold nights and hungry days, but the police aren’t interested in him. No one wants the price that isn’t on his head. The only men chasing him are creditors.

Until a police sergeant is found stabbed to death, and the bloody footprints lead straight to Dan’s door. Now the police do want him: to hang for murder. His only chance of proving his innocence is to find the true killer. Armed with nothing but his wits– So he’s doomed. But maybe with the help of his new allies, Hannah, a young lady in search of adventure until her father’s money runs out, and Red, the world’s laziest stockhorse, he can avoid the police, find the killer and even earn a bit of notoriety along the way.

First 250 Words:
The sun threw long shadows onto the road, striping the dirt with the narrow trunks of the trees. Dan crouched, waiting, listening for the sounds of wheels and hooves pounding that dirt. The land about was quiet, as if the weight of morning dulled sounds. There, the warble of a magpie, and there, a cow calling to its friends, and when he listened carefully, the nearby creek splashing over rocks.

"I need to piss."

Dan looked at the man crouched beside him. "Right now?"

"Yeah, I’ve been waiting and waiting."

He knew how this worked. As soon as Harry moved out of position, the coach would appear. If he told him to wait, the coach wouldn’t come. Dan pulled out his watch. Ten past five. Still? Possibly he’d forgotten to wind it.

"Dan?"

"All right, but don’t leave your spot."

"But–"

"There’s no one to see you."

"What about you and Joe?"

"If we were in camp, you wouldn’t care."

"But we’re not, we’re on the road and mail coach is coming."

If it hadn’t already been. Dan pushed his hat back and scruffed his hair. Down the road a bit, Joe sat staring off towards the hills. He couldn’t even hear this conversation.

"I’ll close my eyes," Dan said. Maybe that satisfied Harry, because he didn’t argue and there was a rustling as he moved about.

"Dan!" came Joe’s cry. His eyes opened. There at the end of the road, where it came out of the hills, was a cloud of dust moving towards them.

Son of a Pitch Entry 9: My Soul to Give

And away we go! Welcome to Son of a Pitch, Week 2. This week, I'll be hosting ten writers here on my site. Any visitor to my blog is welcome to comment below as to whether this pitch piques your interest and what feedback you have about making it stronger. UPDATE: My misunderstanding. The organizer asks that only the entrant and judges comment below.

Participants are asked NOT to comment on other entrants' posts, only their own. Though, you may, of course, tweet, bribe, coax, share, cajole and otherwise pursue glory for your own pitch. I'll be leaving feedback in the comments, as will other participating writers: Ayden Morgen , Elsie Elmore , Leigh Statham , Mara Valderran, Stacey Nash , Elizabeth Roderick, and Yolanda Renée!


The top twenty will be selected and posted on Friday. Without further ado:

9.
Title: MY SOUL TO GIVE
Age and Genre: Adult Paranormal Mystery
Word Count: 89,000

Query:
When Celina escapes the brutal home invasion that kills her husband, she’s left with a bullet in her gut and vengeance in her heart. A charming demon, Mekaisto, offers an irresistible deal: In exchange for her soul, he’ll let her live long enough to get her revenge, but she must hunt and kill the murderers herself.

But the break-in wasn’t random. When Celina digs deeper into her husband’s past for clues about his murder, she uncovers dangerous secrets. His company never existed. His family history was a lie. And he was intricately involved with The Lumen, a shadowy religious order whose members know more about demons than they’re telling. As faith in her marriage wanes and Mekaisto proves a trustworthy ally, Celina struggles against her late husband’s betrayal and the dark charms of the devil she knows.

Once Celina targets her husband’s killers, she learns it’s not just her life and soul on the line. She’s pregnant, and Mekaisto has plans for her unborn son. If Celina can’t trick the dark realm’s greatest master of deceit, both she and her child will be lost for eternity.


First 250 words:

Celina stared ahead, the headlights cutting through early spring fog as they wound down the long country road. Her husband’s silence hung heavy between them, Celina’s thoughts flying by faster than the trees whipping past the car.

They didn’t get into town for dinner often; it should have been romantic, but Thomas had been distant and distracted all night.

Five years of marriage and I still can’t figure out all his weird moods.

She gasped as he slammed on the car brakes as hundreds of crows dived at the car. “What the hell is—?”

Their black feathered wings smashed against the windshield, and the car screeched to a halt, flinging Celina into the seatbelt.

Thomas grabbed her shoulder. “Are you ok?”

She nodded as her pulse slowed, and they both stepped out of the car.

Celina leaned against the side of the vehicle and looked around, the headlights illuminating a small circle in the darkness. “We definitely hit some of them… How is there no blood?”

His eyes glazed as he glanced back. “What?”

“You’ve been acting strange all evening.”

He winked. “That’s because I am strange.”

What is he hiding?

“Really? We almost crashed because a group of crows flew out of nowhere like something out of Hitchcock, and you’re smiling and winking like it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood.”

He wrapped his arms around her waist. “A murder.” She arched an eyebrow and his smile widened. “It’s what a group of crows is called—a murder of crows.”

Son of a Pitch Entry 10: The Witch of Belle Fleur

And away we go! Welcome to Son of a Pitch, Week 2. This week, I'll be hosting ten writers here on my site. Any visitor to my blog is welcome to comment below as to whether this pitch piques your interest and what feedback you have about making it stronger. UPDATE: My misunderstanding. The organizer asks that only the entrant and judges comment below.

Participants are asked NOT to comment on other entrants' posts, only their own. Though, you may, of course, tweet, bribe, coax, share, cajole and otherwise pursue glory for your own pitch. I'll be leaving feedback in the comments, as will other participating writers: Ayden Morgen , Elsie Elmore , Leigh Statham , Mara Valderran, Stacey Nash , Elizabeth Roderick, and Yolanda Renée!


The top twenty will be selected and posted on Friday. Without further ado:

10.
Title: The Witch of Belle Fleur
Age and Genre: YA/ Fantasy
Word Count: 83,000

Query:

Belle Fleur, FL has always been known for being ‘the most magical town in America’. Well although it’s just a line on their license plates, the town really is going to be the most magical town in America, and most of the residents of this swamp town are not ready for this. A big change is coming to Belle Fleur and things are about to get very supernatural.

The Witch of Belle Fleur is a fantasy novel in which regular people deal with anything but regular events, and how they deal with those events will forever change their lives. This is a story of people confronting darkness and how they deal with the darkness without and within. Some welcome the darkness while others fight it, risking everything they have and love.

The novel begins with Juliette and Victor, two best friends in the swamps then turns left when one of them reveals he is a witch. As the plot intensifies other forces come into play, turning The Witch of Belle Fleur into a crash of natural and unnatural forces.

First 250 Words:

Standing tall on the roots of the mangrove trees made Juliette feel like a witch already. It also protected her from the snake she was spying on. She gripped the tan colored tree trunk and ignored the ants which crawled on her damp skin.

The swamp was a place where anything was possible. It was a place where she and Victor, her best friend, could be anyone. Here she wasn’t a waitress, recent high school graduate, orphan, or niece. Here in the swamp she was just Juliette.

Juliette was bursting with excitement the problem was, she couldn’t share it with Victor. Soon she’d be given the chance to either deny or accept her role as lead witch in Belle Fleur. The funny thing was that she wasn’t sure what she’d decide. She was drawn to the magical part full of relics and mystery but she dreaded the idea of the danger and all the drama that came with it. Honestly, part of her didn’t even believe magic was even real. How could magic exist in a world plagued with problems? She figured magic should have fixed everything by now if it was as powerful and real as her aunt said it was. Besides, Juliette admitted to herself long ago that she wasn’t sure if she wanted to be a witch and not be able to ever tell Victor about it. He was her best friend, after all.

“Is it the right snake?” Victor asked.

“No, it’s just a python.”

Muse Party Blogfest

So happy to have been invited to the Muse Party Blogfest again. I had a great time last year, when my character, Patricia O'Neill came with me. Since we're doing a Valentine's party this year, I invited Leonel, because he's dreamy. Plus, he's married and gay as well as imaginary, so my husband shouldn't get too jealous.

1. Who did you bring to the party? Is he/she your Valentine or anti-Valentine?

This is my character Leonel Alvarez, one of the four main characters in Going Through the Change: A Menopausal Superhero Novel. Now that he's had some time to adjust to life as a man, he's trying to get out there and meet people. He was a little homebound there for a while and is ready to party!

He's not my Valentine…that would be my husband. But he's a romantic fellow and very handsome. I'm not really his type though. He prefers his husband, David. We'll have a good time together though. No pressure!


2. Which one of you is the more romantic person?

Tough call. I think we're a lot alike in that regard. We're both dog-people, meaning we're loyal to the core, and fiercely passionate. Leonel's story is undeniably romantic, though. His marriage survived an unexpected gender change! My husband and I have had far less to overcome.

3. What gift are you giving to your (anti) Valentine?

Leonel has struggled with fashion since he became a man. I found him a new shirt, made of something soft and lovely, but that fits flattering over all those new muscles.

4. Are you guys wearing red or pink (or black...)?

Leonel is wearing pink. It's always been one of his favorite colors, and he's woman and man enough to wear it well. He looks great in the button-up with jeans and boots. I'm wearing my red Converse with a Deadpool tee shirt and jeans. Leonel rolled his eyes at me, but I'm just not the dress and heels type. And hey, my Deadpool tee shirt is red! He'll have to go with Jessica next year if he wants a dressy date.

5. Did you bring any Valentine's Day treats?

http://www.theblissery.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/macarons-feature-pic.jpg

Leonel is a wizard in the kitchen. He brought macarons. They're not only delicious; they're also beautiful! He doesn't have as much time to cook as he used to, now that he's joined the Department, but when he's in there, he can work magic.

6. Name a song for our Love Playlist or Anti-Love Playlist (or both)!

I'm a big fan of Norah Jones and Madeleine Peyroux when it come to love songs.


Leonel says that's not peppy enough for a party though. He's thinking maybe "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves or the Proclaimers (I'm Gonna Be) 500 Miles, for the English speakers. And for los que hablan español: "Las Cosas Pequeñas" by Prince Royce or "Me Faltas Tú" by Thalia.

7. Got a great anti/Valentine party game?

A good game of charades is always fun, especially with a theme of love songs or romantic movies. Leonel is a surprisingly good singer, so if you queue up some karaoke he might just floor you with a tune. If we drink enough to start feeling confessional, a game of "I Never" is sure to be revealing and hilarious.

8. Feeling the love or just feeling nauseous? How will you have fun at the party?

I'm more of a people watcher than a mover and shaker. I'll probably find someone else a little introverted and shy and sit and make awkward small talk with him or her. Leonel is quite social though. I bet by the end of the party, everyone will want his phone number, and quite a few will have it. Though only David has his heart.

9. Has your muse been a good Valentine?

Definitely. Leonel is the truest heart I know. I'm lucky to count him among my imaginary friends.

*Jordan's Bonus Question (feel free to ignore him...): Did you bring me & Sarah a musiversary gift? (Because we've put up with each other for five years and I think we deserve something.)

Yes, Jordan, we did. Besides the macarons (yes, you get to the keep the leftovers). I told Leonel about your karaoke version of Satisfaction last year, so he found you this "Moves Like Jagger" tee shirt. We figured you could both wear it. (And to be clear: Leonel is both too old for you, and married, Jordan. So no heavy flirting!).

https://01.img.society6.com/society6/img/Jk0TDEEKbLlfHs_fUxVQF6sGaf8/w_550,h_550/tshirts/
women/greybg/white/~artwork/s6-0008/a/1529498_6281685.jpg?wait=1

Be sure to check out the rest of the party, being held at the blogs in this linky:


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http://thefauxfountainpen.blogspot.com/2016/01/the-muse-party-blogfest-anti-valentines.html

Alliances: My Thanks to Team Bryant

http://www.azquotes.com/picture-quotes/quote-good-lord-for-alliance-thus-goes-every-one-
to-the-world-but-i-and-i-am-sunburnt-i-may-william-shakespeare-35-21-95.jpg

Well, actually I have a husband. A really good one, too. So maybe this quote doesn't fit this blog post as well I thought it would. It is awesome though, and in my mind's ear, it's Emma Thompson reading it. Who wouldn't want Emma Thompson narrating their blog? 

What I mean to celebrate is partnerships. I made a new one this week, and I think it's going to be a good one, so here's to alliances!

http://www.backlitweb.com/wp-content/uploads/
2014/01/groups-help.jpg

First there's my husband. He's in my corner in a million ways, big and small. Right behind him is the rest of my family and my friends. That personal support is the backbone of my life, and often the only reason I can stand up straight at all. 

Then there's my critique group and other writer friends. People who are in the same field: semi-pro like me, serious amateurs, and a few professionals. I've gotten great advice, mentoring and support from other writers. I highly recommend seeking out other writers. 

My publisher has been a wonderful partner, helping me learn how to sell books, which is a whole separate ballgame from writing them. 

Then there's professional organizations. I've been so grateful for the opportunities I've found through groups like Broad Universe, Women's Fiction Writers Association, the Pen and Cape Society, Grimace and Giggle, and now my newest alliance:

Here's to alliances! New and old. Thanks, everyone. 

#IWSG: Keeping the Excitement Going

You shouldn't kvetch about your blessings. I know this. The universe wants your gratitude, and she will sweep away the gifts you've been given in the blink of an eye. So, I'll whisper this one, very quietly:

This is wearing me out. 

Whether you're indie-published, working with a small publisher (like me!), or published by a big publisher, it seems to be a truth of an author's life here in the early twenty-first century that a fair amount of the marketing work will fall on the shoulders of the writer.

Gone are the days (if they ever existed) when you could just write, send your work off and let other folks worry about selling it for you. If you have a dream of making your living solely from your wordsmithing (as I do), you're gonna have to get out there and hawk your wares.

http://dichthuattiengthai.com/profiles/dichthuattiengthaicom/uploads/attach/1444722793_82257074-cacaroot-marketing-boar.jpg

So, here I am nine months in to doing this "for real"--nine months since my first book baby was born and sent squalling into the world.

I've done Facebook parties, partnerships, cross promotions, readings, giveaways, signings, panels, book fairs, cons, sales, interviews, etc. I've kept on writing while doing all this, so that I've had work come out in three anthologies since then, and the second novel is in production while I'm writing the third.

So, I'm making it, and I'm still so excited to have the opportunities I've been given. And I have a lot of support--I really do! But dangnabbit, I'm plum exhausted.

http://cdn.meme.am/instances/57498119.jpg

I'm physically, mentally, and emotionally tired. Maybe especially emotionally tired. Generally speaking, left to my own devices, I am a quiet, undramatic person. I save my drama for the written word and my imaginary friends. So, I'm having to dig deep to find my inner cheerleader and keep her coming up with new ways to bang that drum and attract attention for my imaginary friends and their stories.

How do you do it, if you're doing this? Or how do you think you'll do it when the time comes?

_________________________________________
This posting is part of the Insecure Writers Support Group blog hop. To check out other posts by writers in a variety of places in their careers, check out the participant list. This group is one of the most open and supportive groups of people I have ever been associated with. If you write, you should check them out!