THE BIG EASY Blog Tour -

I’m honored to be a part of The Big Easy Blog Tour. Author, Lori Robinett invited me to participate. Lori and I met through a mutual on-line writing group several years ago. Then she room-shared with me at her first trip to Ozark Creative Writers conference. We had never met in person. We reminisce how she had to calm her teenage daughter’s fears about meeting up with someone Lori had met only on line. We do teach our children that is a no-no.

What Am I Working On?
I have three projects in various stages. I've taken out a completed manuscript that’s run the gamut from placing in competitions to getting ‘the call’ to still sitting in the drawer. I want this story out for readers to enjoy. I just need to figure out what is holding the novel back. I also have a Western Historical in progress and a contemporary set in Paducah KY, featuring a musical trio, a road manager and my favorite character, Granny Pearl.


How does my work differ from others of its genre?
For years I was told editors did not want stories set in the entertainment field. Like fashion, story lines seem to come in cycles and entertainment –themed stories are coming up everywhere. Because I work in the music field, I am able to educate about the business while providing my readers with characters to love and settings I hope they’ll visit.


Why do I write what I do?
While Happy Ever After endings are great, I think the ones that are a result of second chances are the best. I cut my romance teeth on Second Chance at Love romances of the 1970s. I am living a Second Chance at Love, and I know the music business. Those are my worlds.


How does my writing process work?
I’m getting better about a process. I use to be a hard core plotter. And I still use outlines as a guide, but I’m learning to let my characters walk me through a bit more. That’s hard for a controling/ OCD person to do. Since Somewhere Down the Line, I’ve been turning to song titles more. I’ve always loved music. I use to play songs on the jukebox to convey messages to my boyfriend in the early 1980s. What I do now is very similar. I take the song title and say ‘What if…’ and I’m off.

SOMEWHERE DOWN THE LINE is LIVE!

NOTE: Although this post ran previously, I am reposting for my RSS feed on my Amazon Author Account:

Everything happened so quick, I did not even have the opportunity to do a cover release here. I am thrilled to have my first novella out AND to be working with Chris Keesler. I've admired him as an editor for many years and one of the reasons I entered the 'Whats In A Name' competition with Boroughs Publishing last spring.

Imagine my surprise when I opened my email on Thursday morning to find my novella was LIVE! Keep in mind, I had just turned the final edits into Chris on Monday morning. My real life hero and I already had plans to be away for the weekend so I had no opportunity to do any promo what so ever. So here I am beaming from ear to ear as I share my baby with you.

Allow me to introduce you to Trey and Alana:

It all began twenty-five years ago on the road: a charming crooner with a boyish grin fronting an up-and-coming Country/Western band, an entertainment journalist with everything to prove, and a love that could never be. A love that was wrong.

Things have changed. Trey Morison and Alana Cozins are finally free to act on their desires, but is it really possible after all this time? From the Abilene Fairgrounds to a storm-swept beach on Galveston Island, from a reunion of friends to a fast-and-furious realization of their passion, Trey and Alana will test the boundaries of what they think they know—and what they know they want. They’ll find a renewed career, a deeper understanding of themselves, the past and each other. And it all begins with a hit song that’s a heartfelt prayer that unwavering love might finally be rewarded…

Excerpt:
     “And the award for Songwriter of the Year goes to…”
Alana took a drink of her wine, watching the teen pop star mutilate the envelope and remove the certificate.
     “Trey Morison. For ‘Somewhere Down the Line.’”
     Alana choked and sputtered, sending a spray of the merlot across her notepad and down the front of her tank top. Tears clouded her vision as she attempted to scan the crowd along with the camera—in search of a man she’d thought she would never see again. 
     “Trey couldn’t be here tonight, so we accept this award with thanks on his behalf,” said the co-presenting action star, raising aloft a glass trophy and dashing Alana’s hopes. Hearing his name opened up a sealed part of her. She would like to have seen him again. Had he changed much?
     The next music spot began, and Alana tossed her notepad aside and went into the bathroom to strip out of her wet clothes. Her uneven gasps for air had nothing to do with the rawness in her throat. Trey Morison had always made her heart skip a beat. Hearing his name was like resurrecting a ghost. More than twenty years had gone by since she’d last seen him, or felt his arms around her. 
Her fingers shook as she turned on the taps and set the drain plug. The water felt good as she splashed it across her face. 
     Supporting herself on the edge of the vanity, she leaned close to the mirror. Motherhood and what she’d once thought was a good marriage hadn’t left any telltale marks. Granted, she didn’t look nineteen, but she definitely looked younger than the forty-five she was fast approaching. Since Don’s announcement he was in love with his office assistant, followed by him packing his bags, she had run the gamut of emotions from shock to confusion about what she’d done wrong. Only when she calmed down enough to put things in perspective did she realize it wasn’t her fault. Her husband had hit a mid-life crisis point. 

     She’d thought they were at the very least content, though. He had a good insurance business, having worked his way up from ground floor sales to senior agent over the course of their marriage. Their sons, Chris and Devon, were off on their own. Now the house was empty, and so was Alana. Except for rebuilding her career.
resurrecting a ghost. More than twenty years had gone by since she’d last seen him, or felt his arms around her. 
     She had always wanted a career as an entertainment journalist specializing in the music industry. Now, it seemed, she had another chance. Texas was a melting pot of music, ranging from the traditional Americana style to alternative rock, some contemporary pop and everything in between. Anyone could find a constant rotation of great music in a myriad of places from fine establishments like The Wine Bar to traditional venues such as Luckenbach. Many musicians opened up their homes to concerts for more intimate evenings; and if that all wasn’t enough, some artists were creating personal venues on their properties. 

     Getting back into the business had been surprisingly easy. After Don’s departure she’d converted Chris’s bedroom into an office and spent most of her daytime hours there. Evenings she frequented one of the many musical venues in Austin and surrounding communities. The first thing she’d done was check out the Texas music websites to see who the regulars were with particular venues, as well as who had been nominated for various awards or recognized for contributions to the industry. She’d started a blog, showcasing artists from all different genres, reviewing new releases and doing interviews. But she’d never imagined her foray back into the business would bring Trey into her sights.

Some of you may recall, I wrote the rough of this book in 18 days for NanoWrimo2012. Serendipity kicked in when Boroughs offered up the contest perfectly matched to the story's theme AND title. I love the characters and the premise is centered what I do pretty much 'round the clock' for my day job. Texas music (as well as classic/ traditional country) is my passion. I hope this comes through in my story.

You'll find Somewhere Down the Line available:
AMAZON
BOROUGHS
ALL ROMANCE

Reviews always appreciated ;-)
Happy Reading!

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Wanda Fittro

Today we are talking with Wanda Fittro. I've known her as Wanda K since joining Sleuth's Ink writers group and later Ozarks Romance Authors - both in Springfield MO. We've done Nano together and ridden this roller coaster ride to publication. Wanda is here to tell us about her first book being released this week - Beyond the Horizon.

Hi Wanda. Great to have you today.

Thanks Angela. Great to be here. 

Your first novel, Beyond the Horizon, is due out in three days. You must be very excited. I’m anxious to share your thoughts with my readers.  Here we go!


1) Do you have an idea for characters and build your plot around them or vice versa?
I have a story idea first. Not really a plot. Like for Beyond The Horizon, I thought about what would happen if a woman attempted to escape an abusive relationship. Then, I just started writing.


2) What is the most difficult for you to write: Characters, conflict, emotions?
Well, you didn't name it, but setting is very hard for me. Description does not come easily. If I could write an entire book with just dialogue, that would be great. 


3) I know you belong to a couple of writers groups. Why are they important to you and what advice would you give to anyone looking to join a group?
Oh my, I can't even begin to tell you how important my writer's groups have been to me. Not only do they give critique and advice, but friendly support in every step of the writing process. I really don't think I would have a published book without them. It's important to find a group that you fit into, not only for your genre but your personality also. There are many out there and usually the first few visits are free.  


4) Best Writing Advice you’ve ever received
The infamous 'show don't tell'. Although I must admit, I still struggle with that one. 

5) Tropical or European vacation?
Definitely tropical. Laying in a cabana with a hunky pool boy rubbing oil on my back, while I sip a pina colada. 


Let's give our readers a peek inside Beyond the Horizon.


Blurb:

When Katie Sullivan makes the hasty decision to run away from an abusive relationship, she has no clue what is ahead of her. She only knows it has to be better than her life up to now. Her boyfriend is a powerful drug dealer who will stop at nothing to get her back. She knows too much. Car trouble leaves her stranded in the middle of Kansas, with little money, and a growing fear of failure.  

Widower Josh Warner works and lives on an elderly couples’ farm. He juggles the responsibilities of raising his young son and his passion for the rodeo. Unable to let go of his deceased wife’s memory and on the rebound from a misguided affair, he has no desire for another relationship. But, when Katie appears out of nowhere, everything changes. 

Against all reason, Katie and Josh find themselves drawn to each other. If the past catches up to them, their newfound passion, and their lives could be in jeopardy. Can their love win against the evil headed their way?


Excerpt:

"It is beautiful out here," Katie pulled her sweater around her shoulders tighter. "If I was staying much longer though, I would need a heavier coat. That's something I didn't bring with me."
Josh turned back around to face her. "Looks like you packed in a hurry."
"Yeah, I wasn't thinking very far ahead I guess." Uncomfortable with the turn of the conversation, she changed the subject. "Chad seems to be a really good kid. And smart. He whizzed through his math homework in no time. You should be really proud."
"I am."
A shiver ran through her as a crisp breeze blew onto the porch. Josh sat on the swing, took off his jacket, and placed it around her shoulders. He let his arm rest behind her. Katie resisted the urge to protest. His arm felt comfortable and safe...like it belonged there. 


Bio and links:

Wanda Kay Fittro lives in the beautiful Ozark Mountains in Southwest Missouri. Born and raised in a small town community, gave her an appreciation for that lifestyle, and provides the inspiration for her novels. A love affair with books started early on while reading Nancy Drew by flashlight under the bed covers. She won the prestigious Missouri Literary Festival Reader's Choice award in 2011 for her Civil War short story One, Two, Three.

You can find and follow her at:
 http://awritercalledwanda.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/wandakayfittro
https://twitter.com/WandaFittro

WRITER TIP THURSDAY

My aim is to get back on a regular track.
As I said before, having my novella mired in the editing mud left me without any desire to create in the fiction world. So this blog was sadly neglected. With a great editor in my corner I have a renewed sense of wanting to get as much of my work out there routinely as possible.

So my tip for this week... DO NOT GIVE UP!

Regardless of what you want to do or be, don't give up. You are going to hit speed bumps, road blocks and occasionally get derailed - maybe even for years. But always remember.

Your DREAMS are worth LIVING

In the words of the late Casey Kasem - "Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars"

CLOSER TO A RELEASE - Edits, Edits, Edits

My day job has been sucking a lot of time lately. I'm not complaining by any means. I LOVE my day job that allows me to network with some of the most talented songwriters and artists in the country.

But an episode last fall literally sucked the fiction writing energy from me. I could NOT write fiction to save my life. The music was my escape. Something I had control over. My safe haven allowing me to keep writing.

Then something miraculous happened. I TOOK CONTROL of the situation, emailed my editor as well as the Editor in Chief with my issues. In a matter of hours, my fiction train was back on track.

For the past three weeks I've been writing new words, and going through the line edits for my contracted novella, Somewhere Down the Line. After being pushed back repeatedly, the story will finally see the light of day!

In a few days I'll be doing a Cover Release.
Am I in love with my cover? Not passionate. Covers never truly depict our stories. They are to sell the book. However, when I received the first cover I stood my ground. The male looked nothing like my hero. My editor listened to my concerns and found something that I am happy with. For that, I thank him.

Between the overall situation and the cover I learned a valuable lesson my first time out. If you feel strongly about something, at least enter possibilities into the conversation. Nothing says you have to roll over and accept what they want to hand you.

But you also have to come at things in such a way that you do not get labeled difficult to deal with. In my opinion, that will get you handed more rejection letters than contracts.

If you are not happy with something, only you can change things. But don't go in with guns blazing. Think everything through. Talk with trusted friends. Then calmly let those involved this is what you want from the situation.

But above all-
KEEP WRITING!
Angela