BARK BARK BARK

Hi, I'm Lucy, Pamela Tracy's dog.
We're on our way camping.
This is my absolute favorite thing to do.
I immediately get over-excited
and BARK  BARK BARK
the minute Mom (really Dad) parks the camper
in front of the house.

Used to be, my family only had quads
But, then, they purchased a side-by-side.
This is great news for a dog because
now there's not only a seat for me
but in case someone (human) takes the seat
I can always ride in the back
My job, of course, is to bark when my smallest human
Pamela Tracy's son
climbs too high.
BARK BARK BARK
He really needs to climb down
I worry

This is my Don
Pamela's husband
He's the sensible one in the family
He doesn't climb very high
From this angle,
he can easily toss me food.
I always say thank you
BARK BARK BARK

The Arizona desert is an interesting place
This desert tortoise is no fun for me to chase
and when I
BARK BARK BARK
its head and feet disappear
What's with that?

This hawk was no better than the tortoise
I mean really
when I BARK BARK BARK
the hawk did nothing.

Mom and I both agree
Meals are one of our favorite things about camping
Mom, because she doesn't have to cook
Me, because Don always tosses me pieces of bacon
BARK BARK BARKON

You can't see me
but I'm at the feet of my smallest human as we travel back home.
He's sound asleep so I cannot BARK BARK BARK
I've done my job and kept him safe.

By the way
I'm not sure where they got the dog
on Pamela's April release
but it's not me.
I'm much cuter and my BARK much more dignified.
Still, you might want to read it.
Here's the link.
Buy

A Walk on the Wild Side - ASU's student crime scene lab EEK by Pamela Tracy

I'm lucky enough to belong to a fabulous RWA group called Desert Rose.  This past Saturday we had an excursion to a student crime scene lab. When it was first announced, my hand was in the air.  I love, love, love romantic suspense.

Yes, I know, crime scene and romance not necessarily two words that go together.  But, think of Turner and Hooch, Castle, etc.

Here's a big thank you to Kim and Leslie Jones for introducing the greater Phoenix romance authors to Kimberly Kobojeck, who stood at the door like a spider and said, "Come into my web.  I'll hook you."  Er, she didn't really say that, but I'm a writer so took a little liberty.

Just inside the door we are welcomed
by one of Kobojeck's contemporaries

Soon, we are at a crime scene.
There are lots of clues.
We see pills - was it an overdose.
We see a glove - who left it behind, was the victim smothered.
We see blood spatter (Yes, it is spatter, not splatter) on the lamp shade.
And, then, there's the baseball bat.

Blood is everywhere
And so is the crime lab technician

Did you know that if there's blood spatter on the wall
And the guilty party paints over it
It will still be found.
Oh, yeah.
And, the piece of wood with all the spots...
Well, it's paint - latex, primer, base coat, etc

Fingerprints are an amazing thing.
John Dillinger tried to get rid of his.
Even twins do not have the same.
And, now there's something about the indentations on your ears being individual
But really, now that we have DNA testing, do we really need all the above.
Oh, yeah

Here we have a few Desert Rosers, ready to solve the crime!

Pamela Tracy's favorites genre to write is suspense.
Go figure.
Her next is The Soldier's Valentine.
It's heavy on romance, though.
And light on suspense.
But, the suspense is there.
Just no crime scene.
This time.

First Friday Fun and lots to Celebrate--Lenora Worth

July was an interesting month. I decided after much speculation and prayer, to fly to Denver to attend RWA. I wasn't sure all year if I'd be able to go. But I did go--sat side-by-side with my friend and fellow transplanted Floridan, Trish Milburn, as we both tried not to be too antsy about flying after many years of driving (or in her case, taking the train.) Our flights went great and we landed in Denver relieved and ready to have fun. I had the best time ever!

I got to see old friends and get lots of hugs, participated in the Harlequin signing along with Marta Perry, Terri Reed, Jo Ann Brown, Patricia David,  and a whole lot of other LI and Harlequin writers. That was such a treat! Of course,, I forgot to get our pictures together. But I have a few pictures to share. So scroll down for those. I also had nice visits with Patricia, Pamela Tracy, and later, Allie Pleiter and also with Mindy Obenhaus. Good therapy sessions! I got to meet some of the new LI writers, too. Sharee Stover is a sweetheart! Laurel Blount is the nicest person and we'd already had fun at a retreat earlier this year! Lunch with Terri Reed, Debby Giusti, Maggie Black and our editors was great. If I missed anyone, I love you all!

The highlight of the trip was having breakfast Wednesday morning with Marta Perry and Carol Steward. We have been friends since we all started out with LI, along with about five other LI writers. We've kept in touch just about every day on our little online loop, helped each other through plots, rejection, family stuff, life stuff, sickness and health and anything from sharing recipes to showing off new outfits! Love these women!

I also had a great time going to publishing events with LI, Harlequin and Tule. Pictures on some of those, too. Then my friend Judy Christie who now lives in Colorado met me for lunch on Thursday and we enjoyed a good hamburger at the Capital Grille, browsed in an old bookstore across the way and thanked her husband profusely for picking us up so I could get back to the hotel in time for a workshop I wanted to attend. (Not to mention also to avoid the heat and a long walk.)

I roomed with Denise Daniels who I've known since 1996 or so. A long time. We caught up on everything and had such fun visiting and comparing our days. I also spent time with a close group I've known and roomed with off and on for years--the Evelettes who are now the Zombie Belles because each time we group text, I hear bells ringing and think the zombies are finally coming!

Here are some pictures:

Carol Steward and me at the RITA awards

Danica Favorite (one of my favorites) with me at the Harlequin Party!

Me with Allie Pleiter and Terri Reed at Harlequin Party.

Me with my amazing editor Patience.

As you can see, I had made the rounds! 

Came home tired but ready to work.

This week I had a nice surprise, too.

I'm celebrating my 70th book with LI and Harlequin:

And to top that off, my friend Katherine Garbera, one of the infamous Zombie Belles (Tinker Belle) is also celebrating her 70th book with Harlequin, too. How great is that!!!! We've posted all over social media because it was better celebrating with a friend, of course.

Anyway, July was a good month and August is going to be pretty good, too. I'm feeling better about life in spite of my always ornery back and other life challenges. Here are my upcoming books from both LIS and Tule Publishing:

This one is out in August from Tule Publishing. (Tule lets Elnora do the writing but still sweet and PG13. Elnora has some standards!)

This is an LIS out in October! A Texas story!

And finally, if you're still with me--here's a treat for everyone. While at RWA, I attended an author's tea sponsored by Tule Publishing at The Brown Palace:

Enjoy!

It was good!

Next month, my partner in crime Margaret Daley will be here for First Friday Fun!

Have you had great times with friends lately. Tell me all about it!!!

A Summer Love Chapter 7, by Pamela Tracy

Fifteen years ago, he hadn't been mature enough to fight for her.  He'd had too many doubts and wanted to make something of himself and then come back for her, a hero.

He'd been sent overseas and seldom made it home.  When he did managed to land on Summer Shore's soil, Jenny was always off somewhere.  First, she attended in college, graduating with honors.  Then,  she'd joined the Peace Corp and used her nursing skills in places where few nurses trod.  Last he'd heard, she was in Alaska working at a clinic in a rural area.

Looks like their dreams weren't all that different.  Too bad they couldn't have made something of themselves together.

Bending down, he rubbed his ankle.  The damaged ligaments had been reattached to the bone, and yes, the military doctors called him "good as new" but they'd not put him back into active duty.  He was good as new and a little  unstable - thus, his limp.

Truth was, Jake wanted to fulfill his twenty year commitment to the US of A.  To do that, he needed his ankle to fully heal, and the military doctors to verify that he was better than new.  One of his buddies had gone through the same type of injury and had shared the name of a specialty clinic up in Oregon.

But, Jake would need a good chunk of change for the therapy.  If he were the only owner of his childhood home and sold it, he'd be able to swing it.

Sitting back in the rocker on the wrap-around veranda, he stroked Ralph's furry head as he watched  Jenny shashaying up the walkway.  Why had she returned home?  Why hadn't she married? One thing for sure, she'd not changed a bit.

No, he had, and although his goal had been to come back a hero - for her - it looked like he might fail again.

Katy Lee: Rita Finalist

Today the Craftie Ladies welcome Katy Lee, Rita Finalist

Describe the call:

I wish I could say I am full-time writer and spend my days only spinning tales, but I must have a day job, or in my case a couple of them. When I got the call, I was in transition from my morning job at the elementary schools to my next job at my church. I was frazzled and in a rush, and when the phone rang, I didn’t answer it. I didn’t, but my teenage daughter did. As I’m running out the door to go to work, she came to me with the phone and said, “I think you’ll want to take this.” Having no idea it was the RITA call day, I quickly answered it and listened to the RWA Board member give me the news. It was a glorious moment and gift that I slowed down to receive. I didn’t want to take it lightly or brush it off for work that could wait. I was glad to have my children there to enjoy this special moment with.

Who did you call first?

I called my husband next. He is not a reader, so it has been tough to get him to understand why I want to write, and even must. Recognitions like this help to explain to him the importance of what I do. Plus, he may not always understand, but he is happy for me and wants to see me succeed in all I do. 

What other cool things have happened now that I am a RITA finalist?

This is my second final, so I think my first will always hold the magic of it all. I felt like a princess, and I cherish that and don’t want this second time around to overshadow it. Both experiences are and will be different, and I look forward to celebrating at the conference this year just as much as last time. This years’ experience will have its own place of significance in my life, and I can’t wait to see how.

Tell us a little about this book:

One Simple Wish is an Amish Romance. It was my first Amish book I ever wrote, and I will admit I was nervous to try my hand at it. I had my doubts in switching from suspense, but I’ve learned to always trust God to show up and provide what I need when I need it. A few days after I signed the contract to write this book my appendix burst, and for the next three months I had to recuperate on my couch while I researched and wrote. I will say even though it’s not a suspense, I had to put a little mystery in there. 

One Simple Wish

When her maiden aunts give Eva an early Christmas present—a small wooden box meant to be filled with the desires of her heart—she finds herself praying for a stranger, a traveler whom Gött will guide into a life of honor and faithfulness and honesty. I wish for this honorable man to be mine, she secretly writes on a piece of paper and tucks it away in her prayer box.

A short time later a traveler shows up, hoping to rent a room over her aunts’ bakery shop where Eva works, and she senses he is the man Gött led her to pray for. But because he has left his Amish community and embraced the ways of the English, she knows he can never be hers. 

Along with the very qualities Eva prayed for, Jacob Whittmer has come to town with dangerous secrets going back six years. As his past begins to come to light, he is no longer welcomed by the Amish community in Blossom Creek and must once again face a life on the run.

As disturbing events unfold, Eva makes difficult decisions that will affect her own future. Was she wrong about the desires of her heart? Will her prayers ever be answered? Or will she be forced to endure being shunned by the Amish community and the family she holds so dear, if it means Jacob’s name is cleared?

How many books have you written?

One Simple Wish is my ninth book. I have since written two more Amish books and four cozy mysteries, totaling 15 books in all. I will soon be returning to my first love—suspense. Stay tuned!

What other kudos have you earned?

My book Grave Danger was also a RITA finalist. My book Real Virtue earned a Holt Medallion and an Epic Award. My book Blindsided earned the 2017 Selah Award, as well as second place in the FHL Readers’ Choice Award and the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award.

Once piece of advice you have for other authors:

Never stop learning and trying new things. Grow. Grow. Grow.

Katy Lee

Two-time RITA nominee Katy Lee is the author of 15 published novels. Her suspenseful romances thrill and inspire the reader—from the edge of their seat. A native New Englander, Katy loves to knit warm wooly things. She enjoys traveling the side-roads and exploring the locals’ hideaways. A homeschooling mom of three competitive swimmers, Katy often writes from the stands while cheering them on. Catch up with Katy at KatyLeeBooks.com

Getting Ideas from the Great Outdoors

Anything you eat tastes better if you're in the middle of nowhere
AND
 if your husband cooked it instead of you!
(or, if you're writing a book, you can think about getting lost in the woods,
stumbling across a forest ranger, who shares his meal) 

The best ideas come if you explore every corner of your world.
Don't just people watch.
World watch.
(Maybe it wasn't a forest ranger.
Maybe it was a meteorologist,
who was gathering data concerning a tornado
that rammed through a one mile swatch of forest last year)

Don't just rely on what you can see from where you're standing.
Go ahead, look down, and sometimes you 'll even need to  crawl into a hole.
This is a lava tube near Flagstaff, Arizona.
(At the top of the tube, we met a veteran. This was Memorial Day.  He was alone.
If you write romance, you always know that heroes don't remain alone
in Happily Ever Afters)

Always, always, reach for the sky!
(Most people sit on their quads.  But, there are those who take a different approach.
Remember, not all stories should be the same.
And, when this guy falls and needs a bandage...
There's definitely going to be a heroine around.
LOL, in this case it was me. MOM)

At the end of the research trip, you can rest and plot your next adventure.
(By the way, dogs always work well in romance novels.
This is Lucy, and she's ready to go home.
Hmmm, this might call for a veterianarian hero)

Pamela Tracy not only camps and gets ideas, but she writes stories about those ideas.  Check out her website
Click Here

When Characters Surprise You by Heather Woodhaven

Did you know that today is Scavenger Hunt Day? I love celebrating fun holidays and this seemed particularly relevant as I’ve been running around searching for various items for my daughter’s wedding, happening in twenty-five days! 

In Protected Secrets (click here), my main character, Deputy Marshal Delaney Patton, probably wouldn’t appreciate the holiday since her handsome witness, Bruce Walker, and his adorable daughter, Winnie, are the ones being hunted by a dangerous criminal organization.

My heroine struggles to accept that God would want to bless and heal her situation after she’s made so many mistakes. As a writer who has her own control issues, I can see the error in her faulty thinking, but in my day-to-day life I think I continually need the big picture reminder that He’s already paid the ultimate price for all our mistakes to give us the best blessing of all. And, often, I think my eyes are blind to the many blessings he gives me daily. 

Just this morning, I had just taken the kids to school and was about to start my workday. I started to pray, “Lord I could really use some encouragement today—” when a gentle knock sounded at the door. 

A friend I hadn’t seen in ages stood on my patio. “I can’t stay.” She handed me a card and a bar of chocolate and took off. 

After marveling at such a sweet gesture out of the blue, I texted her a thank you. But, she’d recently changed numbers, so I ended up texting it a stranger. Took me about ten minutes to realize it and send a second message. Hope I didn't cause a fight for someone!

After writing down similar situations as future fodder for a novel, I went back to finish my prayer when I realized he had literally just answered it. I'd almost been too focused on my own stress and tasks to realize it. 

As a writer, when my characters teach or remind me of things I had no intention of learning, I get annoyed…and eventually grateful. What about you? As a reader (or writer), are you ever taken off guard when a character’s struggles apply to your own life? 

What A Difference a Day Makes

Pamela Tracy here...

I've titled this "What a Difference a Day Makes."
Really, it should be "What a Difference Thirteen Years Make."

I got the call from Love Inspired when I was pregnant with my son.

Age one month - foot not big enough to go inside Daddy's boot...
My first book for LI  Pursuit of Justice was being edited by Krista Stover

Age Two... I can wear Daddy's boots, but I trip a lot...
Pursuit of Justice  was up for the Rita and I was working on my third LI Suspense

Age 12, Dad's boots fit just fine and look, big enough to insist that the dog be included in the photo.
BTW, the dog refused to try on Dad's boots.
Oh, and Daddy is now Dad and the Lego posters in his room have been replaced with car posters
BTW, I've fifteen books with LI and  Heartwarming

Mom was too busy organizing to make sure to take a picture with the numbers 13 on the cake...
Ack, I have a book due... but Mike's B-day was a bit more important.
Okay, not a bit
I HAVE A TEENAGERS

Thirteen years ago, I got a phone call.  Since then, I've written for both the suspense and contemporary line.  Just like Mike, I've grown.  I'm a better plotter, and now that the family has a dog (whose idea was that!"), I put dogs in books more often LOL.

Like parenthood, writing is a wild ride.  

Pamela's next book is an October release
from Harlequin Heartwarming

Mining Life for Story Ideas — Plus a Book Giveaway

Where do you get your story ideas from is a question authors are often asked. My short answer is "from life." Take my August Love Inspired release Reuniting His Family, for example.

Background: I grew up in a village in Upstate New York that has a maximum security correctional facility. My mother and my father (at the end of his work career) were employed there. Mom was administrative assistant to the director of the school program and Dad lead a maintenance crew. Both of them said, more than once, that most of the inmates they had contact with in their jobs said they were innocent of the crime that had gotten them there.

Fast forward a few — okay, a lot — of years. I was gearing up to write a new proposal for Love Inspired and got thinking about the claims of innocence my parents had heard. What if an inmate was falsely convicted of the crime he was incarcerated for and released when that came to light five years later? What if he had found Jesus in prison? What would his reentry into society be like? What prejudice might he encounter? What if he had motherless kids? My story idea was born.

A FATHER'S PROMISE 
Rhys Maddox wants nothing more than custody of his two sons. Released from prison after a wrongful charge, the widowed dad will do anything to bring his boys home where they belong. But that doesn't include falling for their former social worker. Now leading an outreach program for families in transition, Renee Delacroix can't escape the tall, dark and intriguing single dad — or his adorable little boys. But Rhys is determined to go it alone. Until one incident that may cost him what he wants the most. Now it's up to Renee to save him — if she can make him see she's just what he needs to complete their forever family.

Harlequin | Amazon | iBooks | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

READ AN EXCERPT

Now for that giveaway. Again, some background, small-world category. I no longer live in my hometown. But a church friend where we do live does prison ministry. Another worked for the  NYS Department of  Corrections in Albany and visited various facilities throughout the state. A third worked as a nurse at a maximum security facility a little south of where we currently live. So, here's your question to enter to win a copy of Reuniting His Family (print or ebook; winner's choice): Does anyone here do prison ministry or have a connection to a facility? Or not?

I'll come back Thursday morning and post the randomly chosen winner in the comments.

Because I Love You: Mother's Day

Several times over the years, my birthday has fallen on Mother's Day, as it will this year. My mom went home to the Lord 30 years ago, but I'm really thinking of her this year. Doesn't matter how old you are or how old your children are, Mother's Day is special for all concerned. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. You matter, and you will always matter. God bless you all! 

Arlene James

My mother is dead and I miss my mother everyday. But she will always be with me in my memories.The job of being a mother is one of the most important jobs a person can have. Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there.

Margaret Daley

A happy Mother's Day shout out to all women who work great deeds of wonder and love in all aspects of their lives. 

 Leigh Bale

Wishing you and all mothers a Happy and Blessed Mother's Day. I'm missing mine today.

Jean C. Gordon

Wishing a happy and blessed day for all who care for others.

Dana R. Lynn

Wishing all the moms a wonderful Mother's Day. You nurtured our love of reading, opening up new worlds and ideas to us. Thank you, Mom.

Christine Johnson

"The day God made me a mother was one of the happiest moments of my life.  
Being a mother to my two daughters is such a gift. I
 try to give them all the love my own mother gave me. 
Wishing everyone a blessed Mother's Day."

Belle Calhoune

Twelve years ago, I lost my mom when she was far too young. Each year on Mother's day I go to her grave with flowers and do my best to remember all the happy times we shared. Love and miss you, Mom!

Laura Scott

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mom’s, grandmother’s and mother figures. May you be blessed with love, encouragement and surrounded by family today and every day.

Terri Reed

To my mom, Grandma, and Aunt Katie who surrounded me with love and tried (really tried) to import wisdom.  I miss you every day.

Pamela Tracy

Wishing all you moms out there a most blessed Mother's Day. Thanks for all you do!

Deb Kastner

For all the moms of babies and toddlers--bless you. Your days are long, your shirts stained from tiny fingers, and, yes, your children need you. You matter.

For all the moms of tweens and teens--bless you. You no longer can make problems disappear with a cookie, the hugs aren't as bountiful as they were a few years ago, and, yes, your children need you. You matter.

For all the moms of adults--bless you. You aren't as involved in the daily lives of your kids, and sometimes you miss those days gone by, and, yes, your children need you. You matter.

Happy Mother's Day

Jill Kemerer

Thanks Mom for being the grammar police as I was growing up.
I'm still relying on what you taught me. 
Valerie Hansen

Whether you're a mom, stepmom, grandmother, aunt, or friend, chances are you've made a difference in someone's life and you may not even know it. So this mother's day, I'd like to wish you all a happy and blessed mother's day, and my prayer is that each of you will realize just how important you are to someone. Happy Mother's Day...

Mary Alford.    

My mother has been gone two years now and I miss her dearly but a story I’d like to share happened this past summer. I had one of my Amish books come out in hardcover from Thorndike press. I usually get three copies and I always gave one to Mom. I took her book to the library in Abilene KS near where she had lived. When I told the staff I had a book to donate and they realized who I was, the head librarian said, “We sure do miss your mother. She used to come in here and say, ‘My daughter has a new book out and I don’t see it on your shelves.’” Mom loved to promote me.

Pat

Happy Mother's Day to all moms and to all women who love children. As always, I give thanks to God for my wonderful mother whose love was unconditional. I also give thanks for my daughter and daughter-in-law. Both of these young women are caring and compassionate mothers who have given me adorable grandchildren who fill my heart with joy. Truly I am blessed!

Debby Giusti

I didn't receive the blessing of one mom, but three. And this last year, with the death of my husband (their son and son-in-law), they have surrounded me, prayed for me, hugged me, offered encouraging words, cried with me, and offered financial assistance when it was needed. These women have taught me how to love, to wife, and to mother. I feel cherished and loved by for Him to have blessed me with such strong and caring women. I pray I can do the same for my daughters and my daughter-in-law. Happy Mother's Day, MOMS!!!!!!

Christina Rich

What Happens When You Have a Deadline

Howdy

Pamela  Tracy here

and

I had a book due Tuesday

All writers are different.
I have a friend who always finishes a week early
Me? I always have work count the day it's due
But, I write the amazing growing book

So, Tuesday morning...
I was finished
Then, in the shower I had a GREAT idea
which changed/bettered my ending
added 4000 words to count (yes in one day!)
and meant I had to reread quickly to pepper references throughout

So, you're thinking...
Ah, the life of a writer
Sitting back and putting words on paper
Er, no
Writer is just one hat

Another hat is housewife
I don't mind the word
I think taking care of a home
and raising children
to be the best life of all
... even when the plumbing breaks during a deadline
*Photo circa December 2016

My back patio
*Photo circa January 2017

Yes, this is today

Can you see the tunnel going through my back yard?

*Photo circa February 2017

BTW - my favorite place to write is the kitchen table

Next to the sliding glass door where are the noise takes place.

Good news is - hubby is a plumber.  He's making all the noise.

And for 1/3 the price

Speaking of noise and my favorite place to write
My son likes to build legos at the other end of the table.
Someday, he will have his own talk show.
Right now, he's practicing on me.

Best Interruption of all
Best Friend Harlequin American author
Cathy McDavid got married!
I didn't mind the interruption.
I called it research

By the way, my full-time job is college professor
I attended the ACT conference last Thursday
Yes, that would be four days before the book was due.
I learned that absenteeism in our elementary, junior, and high schools
is at an all time high

Saturday I attended an all-day workshop on creativity by Allen Arnold
I'm president of the local ACFW group.
And, we had it at my church.
I learned a lot.

One of the things that struck me was his talking about how someone  could look successful
Like a beautiful tree
But the roots be corroded

Now that my book is turned in, I have goals
1. I want to finish a week early next time
2. I want to clean my patio
3. I want to go to lunch with my best friend
4.  I want to play with my son
5.  I want to work on being a better, strong Christian woman, friend, mother, wife, writer.
How about you?

Pamela's next book will be available in April.

However, Pamela's next published writing
will be part of the Craftie Ladies of Romance's Valentine Serial
Which starts tomorrow!!!!