Woman Power

Hey, everyone! It’s been a long time since my last blog. Needless to say, since signing with Thomas & Mercer in 2012, I have been busy! I finished the Lizzy Gardner series with Evil Never Dies. Lizzy, Jared, Hayley, Jessica and Kitally became so real to me that when it came time to say goodbye, I had mixed emotions. On the one hand it was time for me to try something else. On the other hand I had come to love these characters and I hated parting ways. 

Researching serial killers ended up being light reading compared to learning about sex trafficking, modern day slavery happening right here in Sacramento—the subject of my new Faith McMann series. I am working on the third book right now and although the subject matter has been eye opening and terrifying, you’ll be happy to know that Faith McMann, the protagonist, wife, schoolteacher and mother of two, is not afraid to go head to head with these horrible thugs. She’s a fighter and these guys are going to wish they never messed with Faith and her family. Furious will be available March 22nd. A few early reviews on Goodreads compare Faith McMann to Lizzy Gardner. How could you not? They’re both survivors, they’re both strong women, and they’re both fighters who take matters into their own hands.

And being that it happens to be Women’s History Month, I thought I’d talk a little bit about strong women. I grew up with a resilient, stubborn, and opinionated mother and four amazing sisters. I also have the privilege of being on a few Facebook groups with more than a few awesome women. They say what they mean, and they mean what they say. They don’t waste time complaining. They get things done. They are do-ers because actions really do speak louder than words. 

I don’t believe being a strong woman means you can’t say please and thank you. It doesn’t mean you can’t smile at complete strangers. It doesn’t mean you can’t give warm hugs or cry at heart-warming commercials. It does mean you have boundaries and you know your limits. It means you do what you want. You do what needs to be done to make yourself happy.

The day I started putting my needs before others, is the same day I learned that it wasn’t a selfish act to do things for myself. It turned out to be the opposite. By choosing to put my needs first (exercising instead of making dinner for family or meeting with a friend instead of staying home to clean the house), I became a happier person, and in turn, I began appreciating the people around me. I became more patient and understanding. 

Put your needs first whenever possible. And then find that one thing you want to conquer and do it. Don’t ask others to show you the way. Find your own way to make yourself happy. Read, research, do it. Whatever it is. 

You are strong. You are powerful. You are amazing.

KINDLE WORLDS - GOT STORY?

KINDLE WORLDS

Ever think of writing fan-fiction? Me neither. It never once crossed my mind...not until Amazon contacted me to see if I was interested in making my Lizzy Gardner series into THE LIZZY GARDNER FILES on Kindle Worlds. The idea intrigued me. The thought that Lizzy Gardner fans could try their hand at writing a story in Lizzy's world made sense. What the heck? What did I have to lose. As it turns out...absolutely nothing!

Recently, I asked one of my favorite mystery writers and good friend, Jana DeLeon, if she might be interested...pretty please...in writing a short story in Lizzy's world. Jana is so awesome, she said, YES! 

Although Jana writes cozy mysteries, she also writes horror and in this short story, Jana's dark humor shines through. Get your copy of UNSAVORY today. You're going to love it! 

BUY NOW

Hey, Jana. Thanks for agreeing to talk to me and BIG THANKS for writing in my Lizzy Gardner World. I know you’re super busy and it wasn’t an easy decision to make time to write in someone else’s world. What made you finally say YES?

It was probably three things. First, I love your Lizzy Gardner series and I think you’re awesome. And I thought it would be fun to get WAY outside of my normal box and try my hand at a little thriller. The thought of being able to get in a little dark humor may have also tempted me.

I wrote my own short story for Kindle Worlds in Blake Crouch’s Wayward Pines world. I have to say it took more time learning about his world than actually writing the story. How about you? What was the most difficult part of writing in Lizzy’s world?

I’d already read all three books, but my recall is not all that great. I definitely spent time looking things up and asking you questions. J  Heck, I can’t remember my own story timelines when I’m writing, so trying to remember someone else’s well enough to add to it is a lost cause. So yeah, probably more research and fact checking than actual writing.

Your cover is awesome. Can you tell us about it?

I wanted something that looked similar to your covers. I am a hack at Photoshop, but I can do simple stuff. I went with a single image, like your covers, and felt the knife on the black background was the perfect combination of simplicity and foreshadowing. I found fonts for type that were similar to the ones used on your covers. I’m glad you liked it!

How was the process overall? Fun, stressful, horrible? Or let’s put it this way…is this something you would consider doing again—you know, writing in someone’s else world? And please give us details…for instance, were you complaining to your husband every night? Ha.

I am always somewhat stressed because I live at least one month behind on deadlines. I need to just accept that’s the way it will always be and move on. LOL In addition to writing in your world, I am also challenged by the short story format. Until last year, I’d never written one. Ever. UNSAVORY is my third short story and I’m getting better at it. Because I write mysteries, I’m already used to writing tight and fast pacing, but what I have to dial myself back on with short stories is plot. I usually have several twists and turns in my mystery plots, and I simply don’t have the room for that in a short.

I didn’t complain about writing it at all. There are so many other worse things that I wore my husband out with. I had a lot of fun coming up with the characters and the scenario. In one way, it was much harder because they weren’t mine so I had to figure out how to mimic your voice and style. But in another way it was easier because the main characters and the setting were already established, so no creating them from scratch.

If I could find more time, I would definitely consider doing it again.  

I can’t thank you enough for agreeing to do this, Jana. You already know that I think you’re super special, but now I owe you one. Thanks a bunch.

Theresa