 | 28 Jul 09 |
I probably shouldn’t admit this because I’ll be inundated with requests, but I like judging contests. I think I learn as much from critiquing a new writer as the new writer (I hope) learns from my critique. One of my favorite contests to judge is the Maggie because there is no pesky evaluation form, just a one page anonymous critique. A few years ago, I judged an entry titled Dollface and I knew in, oh about the fifteen words, that this writer had the chops. And then some. After a rave critique, I did something I rarely do…I signed my name and told the author I’d love to meet her. And when this lovely woman introduced herself to me at the Moonlight & Magnolias conference, I liked her in person every bit as much as I did on paper. But, you know, me being me, I couldn’t stop at just liking her. I dragged her to an agent. I pushed her from behind. I promised her a life of happiness and joy and self-actualization as a published author. She was…hesitant and humble, a choral conductor, a professor of music education at a major state university. Not a novelist. I pressed on. She was just too good to let go.
Fast forward a few years (here we are last week in DC) and I am given the honor and pleasure of reading an ARC by Grand Central debut author Kate Brady. Dollface is now One Scream Away. My friend Kathy is now Kate. But everything I loved about that contest entry is right there on the page: compelling voice, supersonic pace, textured characters, spinetingling suspense. But even better – I get to finish the book! (And blurb it!) Oh, and sleep with the lights on.
I am so thrilled to see fantastic writing like this get recognized and published, and so delighted to welcome talented, funny, humble, sweet Kate Brady not only as a special guest to the MSW blog, but to the wonderful world of writing. (Happiness! Joy! Self-actualization! Sing it with me!) She’s here from her home near Atlanta to tell us all about her “unveiling” and give away a free copy of One Scream Away to a random poster. Pay attention to this lady — I think we’re going to see great things from her!
Coming Out
Thanks so much to Rocki and all the incredible Murder She Writes authors for having me here. I imagine the folks on this site already know, but I’ll say it anyway: Roxanne St. Claire, aside from being writer-extraordinaire and most-fun-to-sit-with-at-any-dinner-table (ask what she does to make sure the waiter pays attention), is the best cheerleader in the business. I’m honored to share this space with her. I’ll never quite understand how I got so lucky to get names like Roxanne St. Claire and Allison Brennan on the cover of my book, but I try not to question it. I’m afraid I’ll wake up.
Over the last few weeks, people keep asking what it’s like to have my first romantic thriller in stores. And I have to say, my overwhelming emotion is relief. Up to now, you see, my writing has been done in secret; only my closest friends and family knew about this clandestine pastime in which, essentially, I play with imaginary people. Even fewer knew I was murdering them. It wasn’t until I sold the first two books that I started to fess up, and you know what? It’s been like a dark, weighty cloud lifting.
In the first place, I’m no longer inclined to fudge the truth to acquaintances when they casually ask on the phone, “Whatcha doin’?”
“Oh, just some housecleaning. Scrubbing toilets, you know…”
For years I imagined my neighbors whispering behind my back, wondering why my house doesn’t look better when I clean so much. At times I’ve wanted to grab them by the lapels in front of my weed-riddled garden and cry, “I write! In every spare moment! That’s why I haven’t weeded. That’s why the pizza delivery guy was here again last night. That’s why my kids are wearing the same clothes they had on yesterday. There’s a killer loose on my computer…”
In the second place, I no longer feel compelled to conceal my research. Consider the Favorites list on my computer. Oh, there are some innocuous things… A recipe for salad with prosciutto and caramelized pears and walnuts. (Yum.) A file on training new puppies. (Ours is now eighty pounds and gaining.) Collections of favorite kitchen floor tile designs, backyard landscaping ideas, and remodeled kitchens. (Hope springs eternal.)
But there’s also a document on the twenty-six stages a body goes through after death. Another about nitric acid burns on flesh. There’s a list of street names for opioids and the going price to buy them. Pointers for making murder look like suicide. Tips for crafting a gun silencer or making a Molotov cocktail.
And consider some of the questions I’ve Googled lately:
• How many hours until maggots hatch on dead flesh?
• Will a .38 hollowpoint exit the skull from close range?
• How long until chloroform wears off?
Then there are the conversations in restaurants. I’ll never forget one time when my critique partner and I were discussing the ins and outs of a murder when a nice-looking man—who turned out to be an off-duty police officer—came to our table. “Ladies,” he said, and introduced himself. “I overheard a little of your conversation…” Needless to say, we came clean with him, but deep inside, I had to wonder if he’d heard that excuse before. Yeah, right, lady. That’s a good story. I looked over my shoulder for police all the way home.
Another time I came home and hit the message button on my answering machine. It was my critique partner, shouting over the traffic and bad connection on her cell phone. “Kathy?” she said, “I just need to know: How do you get nitrites off your hands? Will they just wash off with soap and water? Call me.” I laughed when I heard the message. And was really glad no one else had been around to hear it, too!
Yes, after years of cautiously guarding the history on my laptop, speaking in hushed tones, and making sure no one’s listening when I check messages, I now have a real-live romantic thriller out there. 
With that comes a new sense of freedom: the ability to point at something tangible, in print, and say, “That’s why I learned to shoot a 9mm Glock. Honest.” That’s my story, anyway, and I’m sticking to it.
So, what about you? Has your interest in fiction ever meant you had a little explaining to do about something on your computer, in your life, on your mind? Am I the only one who worries what people are thinking? Because basically, I’m a nice, normal person. Honest. Check out my site at www.katebrady.net if you don’t believe me.
One commenter will receive an autographed copy of One Scream Away. And if you like it… Well now, what would that say about you?
© 2009 Roxanne St. Claire. All rights reserved.
Roxanne St. Claire is a bestselling, RITA-Award winning author of twenty-four novels of romance and suspense. For the past several years, she's been writing a popular romantic suspense series called “The Bullet Catchers” for Pocket Star Books, featuring a cadre of bodyguards and security professionals. In 2010, she's launching a new series, "The Guardian Angelinos" focusing on an extended family of renegade crime fighters and investigators based in Boston. The first book in that series, EDGE OF SIGHT, will be released from Grand Central Publishing in November, 2010, with two more scheduled in 2011. In addition to the RITA, her books have won the National Reader’s Choice Award, the Daphne Du Maurier Award, the Maggie Award, the Booksellers Best, the Book Buyers Best, The HOLT Medallion, multiple Awards of Excellence, and Borders “Top Pick” for Romance in 2007.
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Best wishes for lots of sales! I’ll be picking up your book after work (so don’t enter me in the contest).
Love, love, love reading stories like this.
Susanne
by Susanne Frost July 28th, 2009 at 4:59 amSusanne -
by Kate Brady July 28th, 2009 at 5:28 amThanks for the good wishes and for your plans to grab a copy later today. Hope you enjoy it!
Kate
Welcome, Kathy! I love your story and the itty bitty part I got to play in your road to publication. (However, I have no idea what you’re talking about with the waiter…what ever would I do other than *smile* to get garcon’s attenion? Hmmm?)
So great to have you here today! We’ve all had some awkward explaining to do about our writing. And some strange events. I had to nail my son to wall (not literally) and figure out if I threw scissors at him, would a fast-handed (or mouthed) Bullet Catcher be able to snag the scissors (in his teeth). The answer, by the way is no. The solution is in the end of NOW YOU DIE. My son is, happily, still alive and has a perfect smile.
xoxo
by Roxanne St. Claire July 28th, 2009 at 5:21 amRocki
Rocki -
Well, it was GARCON’s smile that had us all laughing!
Great to be here!
by Kate Brady July 28th, 2009 at 5:32 amKate
Wow, Kate, what a wonderful story! I love hearing stories like this! I love the look of your website, not too dark, but gives the right feel.
by Margaret A. Golla July 28th, 2009 at 5:49 amThere is one thing missing:
Uh, a picture of your puppy! I love big dogs (oops, I typed dongs *snort* talk about a Freudian slip–had to fix it).
Mega congrats!!
Please enter me in the contest
Hi, Margaret.
by Kate Brady July 28th, 2009 at 6:43 amYes, maybe the mutt should go on the site. As some unidentifiable combo of malamute/border collie/somethings else, he’d at least spur conversation! I am a big-dog (any, really) lover, too, but when we picked this one up at the pound, we didn’t know he was going to top 80 pounds while still a “baby”. At ten months, I think he’s slowing down now a little now. And of course, it doesn’t matter. I didn’t know how how my kids were gonna turn out either, but I kept them…!
Hope you enjoy the book! Thanks so much for stopping in and for checking out the [dogless] website!
Kate
Welcome, Kate. Thanks for posting. Your books sounds like it’s perfect for me. (If I don’t win, it’ll be on my to be bought list.)
I shudder to think about the things I have in my research link folder. If the gov’t ever follows my internet habits, I’ll have some serious explaining to do. “No Mr. Agent sir, I’m not planning to overthrow anything. I’m a writer. No, really. It’s for a book. Want to read it?”
by B.E. Sanderson July 28th, 2009 at 6:20 amOh, yes… I forgot about all the government-sensitive stuff. Now THAT is scary. And it doesn’t matter what we do to delete our histories…You KNOW they’d find it!
by Kate Brady July 28th, 2009 at 6:46 amHope you enjoy the book. Thanks for stopping by!
Kate
How funny, to have an off-duty cop eavesdrop on a conversation about murder. You’ll one day have to use that in a book, I think! And congratulations on publication; I wish you the best, and many more contracts and sales of same.
So far, the only thing I’ve done in service to a someday book was to take a Citizens’ Police Academy class. It turned out to be a most enjoyable experience, too.
by Karen in Ohio July 28th, 2009 at 6:43 amWow! A “Citizen’s Police Academy Class.” That sounds great. I’ll have to look into something like that here.
BTW, that meeting wasn’t the only time we’ve run into police at a restaurant…My critique partner and I were meeting once when four officers walked in for lunch. At the time, my first book was in edits but I was questioning one of the procedures my ex-agent was using. While I was in the restroom, my critique partner went over to the four men and said something like, “My friend’s a writer and has a question for you.” OMG. How embarrassing. (Kind of like passing notes in seventh grade…”So-n-so has a crush on you…”) When I came back out, they were ready for me, and gave me their input! But, geez, was I red-in-the-face! (Of course, it was nothing compared to when I called an old friend of mine who never knew I wrote and fessed up… He’s a cop, and has now become my regular go-to man!)
by Kate Brady July 28th, 2009 at 6:59 amThanks for blogging!
Kate
One of the coolest things about the CPA class was to get to know the officers who were teaching it. If I had questions on procedure I know I can call one of them up and they will be more than happy to take the time to answer them for me. That was an unexpected bonus.
I learned about the program from the Working Stiffs blog (I think, or the Good Girls Kill for Money blog), and it was so highly recommended that when I saw a notice for one starting in our area I was almost the first person to sign up.
My major in college, (mumble, mumble years ago) was Police Science, but I wanted to know what kinds of things were different now. Everything, in case you were wondering. But some things are still the same–the bad guys still get away with stuff, rot their eyes.
by Karen in Ohio July 28th, 2009 at 8:00 amCongratulations! What a wonderful story about getting published.
Please don’t enter me in the contest. I suspect we’ll be reviewing this book.
by andrea July 28th, 2009 at 6:56 amAndrea -
Thanks for stopping in. Hope you enjoy the book!
Kate
by Kate Brady July 28th, 2009 at 7:01 amG’morning, Kathy! My bookmarks? Uhm…Homeland Security would have a field day. Luckily, I’m retired from law enforcement so I can appear somewhat *sinnocent*…uhm…innocuous. I have some other odd things like Celtic mythology, New Orleans/Cajun history, and home designs. My wish list/order history from B&N and Amazon are a whole ‘nother story, though! LOL.
I’ll add this book to my ever-growing mountain. Good luck with the debut!
by Silver James July 28th, 2009 at 7:06 amOkay, you’re right…As former law enforcement they might excuse you… For me, I have yet to find a way to explain the connection of the criminal underworld to the world of music teaching!
Thanks for letting your mountain grow higher!
Kate
by Kate Brady July 28th, 2009 at 10:33 amCan I just say that I love, love, love that cover, Kathy? Romantic suspense is in such a rut – running people, ghosted couple, roads to nowhere, and (my personal fave) hot headless guys. I’ve had them all, and they all have an appeal, believe me. I love the Grand Central took a sensual approach, but not overtly sexy – which really matches the tone of the book. The hero is blistering without being in your face, and I love the way she looks like she’s telling him a secret. Again, a great representation of the story. The other cover style I’m loving is Toni’s new Bobbie Faye books with the action couple – also very innovative and catchy.
by Roxanne St. Claire July 28th, 2009 at 7:09 amYes, Rocki. I was really glad the cover spoke of protectiveness and secrecy. As you know, I have some foreign versions of the cover, too, and it’s SOOOOO interesting to see them! (They’re on my facebook photo album and website if anyone’s interested.) So far, I have the English and Dutch covers, and the English one is major creepy-thriller (no romance suggested at all, but freaky doll-heads and lots of blood) and the Dutch cover is…shall we say, provocative? (I’m just hoping that’s an elbow.) Anyhow, the whole process is fascinating to me. So cool!
by Kate Brady July 28th, 2009 at 10:41 amWhat a wonderful road to publication! And yes, Rocki’s a great cheerleader. She’s been cheering me this week after I got a big fat R on a requested full over the weekend. I wish I could write suspense. It sounds like much more fun than researching restored hotels in Atlanta where I could set a charity ball, the cost of engagement rings at Tiffany and quirky diners where my hero could have lunch. Oh wait. My sister and I DID have fun inspecting the ballrooms at the Biltmore, having dinner at Agnes and Muriel’s and trying on stuff at Tiffany. So I guess writing short contemps does have its fun too. I just don’t get questioned by the police. LOL!
Congrats on your release! That’s so exciting.
by Marilyn July 28th, 2009 at 7:17 amThis is funny because one of the darkest, worst days of my life was the one where I was cut from cheerleading tryouts in 8th grade. I’d love to say I learned a lesson from that pain, but all I learned was 1) rejection sucks and 2) I can’t do splits and 3) popular pretty girls can be mean. Well, duh. Could have figured that out without the demoralizing experience of not making cheerleading.
Especially since, OBVIOUSLY, I was born to cheer.
Forget the rejection, Marilyn. I see a completely different path to your success and it includes a stop on a certain famous sofa. You know what I mean.
by Roxanne St. Claire July 28th, 2009 at 7:39 amRocki, you absolutely WERE born to cheer!
But you would not have fit in…you were just born without the mean-girl gene.
Kate, congrats on your debut! I just saw your book for the first time last night on the new release tower at B&N, what a fabulous cover! Now I’m wishing I’d grabbed it up–next time!
by Leslie Kelly-Parrish July 28th, 2009 at 9:27 amOkay, wait a minute, Marilyn. Researching the Biltmore and trying things on at Tiffany’s in Atlanta? Hmmm… Since, I’m right there, too, maybe you could take me to ballrooms and I could…er…let you see pictures of dead bodies??? How’s that for a trade?
I’m so sorry about the R this weekend, but as I’m sure you know, that is NOT the end of the road. Keep slugging. That’s pretty much what it took for everyone who’s been published, so you’re well on the road.
by Kate Brady July 28th, 2009 at 10:47 amBest of luck. Keep us informed!
Kate
Hi, Kate! Great intro for your book/thriller, adn I love the repartee between Rocki and you! As a fan of Rocki’s Bullet-Catcher series, her endorsement of your writing is PRIMO – and you can count me in as one of those avid readers who will buy your book, just based on the comments above!
by Priscilla Horn July 28th, 2009 at 7:25 amPriscilla Horn, STAR chapter, Florida
Hi, Priscilla.
by Kate Brady July 28th, 2009 at 10:49 amYour comments are precisely why Rocki’s endorsement means so much! Thanks for jumping aboard, and I hope you enjoy the book!
Kate
Congrats on your release, Kathy!
I do have a copy of your book in my ever-growing TBR pile…I’ll have to pull it out and put it to the top!
DC was a lot of fun and I had the extreme pleasure in meeting Rocki, who was a big cheerleader for me and encrouaged me to attend the conference which I will be forever grateful for. I now have two agents who are interested in my work and have requested my MS.
Your story about the cops in the restaurant is funny. I’ve always wondered how the local cops would react if I went and asked them questions. I’m afraid that after they would always keep an eye on me….just in case…lol!
Congrats again!
by Kellie July 28th, 2009 at 7:35 amKellie – It was so great to meet you, and I was so proud you went to the oh-so-overwhelming National conference. I loved having lunch with you and Anne (my newbies!). I hate tosay I told you so, but, darling, I did! And two agent requests! Excellent! Bring on the exclamation points!
This cheerleading thing is killing me. I’m reliving that day I got cut getting some fodder for my next blog post.
Get those manuscripts out to the agents, Kellie. Don’t wait two years LIKE SOME PEOPLE I KNOW whose brand new pseudonym initials are KB. Ahem!!
by Roxanne St. Claire July 28th, 2009 at 7:47 amNo worries, Rocki! There’s no way I’m waiting that long…lol! I have my MS polished and ready. Now I just have to write the synopsis and I’ve never written one before so it’s taking longer than I thought. If I get it written by this weekend then I can get them sent out early next week!
I’m anxious to get on to my next project! Oh, and you’re an excellent cheerleader….now you just need to get the outfit to go along with it!
by Kellie July 28th, 2009 at 8:37 amKellie and Rocki –
Hmmm…Rocki, WHO could you MEAN?
Kellie, it sounds like you have a much better handle on the process than I did! Yes, after my now-agent asked for this manuscript, I waited two years to send it. I was just lucky she still wanted it all that time later.
TWO agents! FABULOUS! Synopses are bears, but you’ll do fine. You are ready to go, lady! Congratulations, and best of luck! (You’ll let us know, right???)
by Kate Brady July 28th, 2009 at 10:54 amKate
Thank you, Kate, and yes, I will keep you in the loop!
by Kellie July 28th, 2009 at 2:27 pmHi Kate! It was great to meet you at the Grand Central dinner! Can’t wait to check your book out.
by Kristen Painter July 28th, 2009 at 7:45 amYeah, Kristen, it was great to meet ALL the GCP authors who were there. I am among INCREDIBLE company. (And glad to have eyewitness evidence as to Rocki’s behavior…)
Thanks for your support! Happy reading.
by Kate Brady July 28th, 2009 at 10:57 amKate
Hey Kate! So glad you’re here. Your story is awesome! I can’t wait to read the book!
by Debra Webb July 28th, 2009 at 7:58 amHi, Debra. So nice of you to drop in! Thanks so much for having me. Hope you enjoy the book!
by Kate Brady July 28th, 2009 at 11:01 amKate
Congrats on your release, Kate! I just went and read the excerpt from ONE SCREAM AWAY and I can see why Roxanne couldn’t keep you to herself. Suspense, humor, characters with depth and mystery. Great stuff, I am soooo hooked!
We’re a special breed, eh? lol
by Shannon Esposito July 28th, 2009 at 8:28 amAnd as far as the question, I try to keep my research to myself so I don’t scare my family. But, I did question my own sanity a few months ago when I started my Island murder mystery and found myself sitting on the beach, trying to get into the head of my killer, watching girls to see who would be the easier to kidnap and why.
Best of luck with your future writing endeavors!
Hi, Shannon!
OMG, I know what you mean about watching to see who victims might be. And, as the mom of two kids who went through soccer, basketball, baseball, etc., etc., I have often sat on the sidelines and seen the little sibs of players wandering around. SO scary. I’ve gotten so that I can find potential danger (and plots) lurking everywhere!
And my-oh-my, thank you for those wonderful comments about the excerpts. You’ve made my day!
by Kate Brady July 28th, 2009 at 11:11 amTake care.
Kate
Great book, great author, I was thrilled to give it a quote. I even remembered the opening from a contest I’d judged years ago . . . that’s how good it was! Stayed with me
by Allison Brennan July 28th, 2009 at 8:32 amAllison -
What an endorsement!
Now, may I tell you that being asked to sign a book for your mother was both thrilling and terrifying? (No pressure there…)
Thank you SO much.
by Kate Brady July 28th, 2009 at 11:13 amKate
Oooh, congratulations, Kate! Can’t wait to read this one! I agree with Rocki — great cover. I too have read a great contest entry that stayed with me. The only one I ever signed my name to — and she sold in a 3 book deal just recently. Finally, I get to read the rest of the book! (Ms. Vicky Dreiling, I’m talking about YOU if you’re hanging around here!)
I love it when that happens. Many, many congrats to you. And thanks to Rocki for dragging you in front of those agents and pushing you.
by Lynn Raye Harris July 28th, 2009 at 8:45 amI want this book just for the cover! Seriously though, I read the excerpt on your site and I would love to keep reading. Please enter me in the drawing…thanks!
by Peri July 28th, 2009 at 9:31 amThanks, Peri!
Good luck in the drawing!
Kate
by Kate Brady July 28th, 2009 at 11:16 amThe cover looks great, looking forward to reading this!
by Teresa W. July 28th, 2009 at 9:37 amTeresa -
Thank you. I hope you enjoy it!
Kate
by Kate Brady July 28th, 2009 at 11:16 amKate, congratulations on your debut release.
I just started doing research to kill people (on paper) and the husband has been afraid, very afraid ever since. Told his family if he dies mysteriously to look to me first. LOL
by Jill James July 28th, 2009 at 9:53 amJill –
Yes, I consider my husband a very brave man for going to sleep after the types of conversations we have! And, how ’bout this, from the mouth of my son: “Wow, mom, you write really well. You’re also a FREAK…”
Oh, well! I figure hubby isn’t TOO scared. After all, he was the one who took me to a shooting range to learn to handle a Glock one day!
Take care! Thanks for commenting!
by Kate Brady July 28th, 2009 at 11:20 amKate
Ooooh lovely cover! The cover gods definitely blessed you, Kate. I hope the royalty gods will too
Looking forward to reading your story. I’ve added it to my list!
by wendy roberts July 28th, 2009 at 10:00 amThanks!
I hope you like the inside as much as you like the outside!
Take care!
by Kate Brady July 28th, 2009 at 11:22 amKate
Hi Kate!
Congrats on your new release and I’ve heard great things about your book.
I really want to read it so please enter me!
Thanks!
by Terri W. July 28th, 2009 at 11:14 amTerri -
Consider yourself entered! Thanks for coming by and I hope you enjoy the book.
Kate
by Kate Brady July 28th, 2009 at 11:23 amLynn -
From those of us still climbing, we sure are grateful to you contest judges!
Eternal thanks!
by Kate Brady July 28th, 2009 at 11:15 amKate
Congratulations Kate! Isn’t it nice when published authors lend a helping hand? And, I’m so glad for you that the off-duty cop hadn’t called for back-up before approaching you.
by PatriciaW July 28th, 2009 at 12:45 pmPatricia –
I think that off-duty cop knew what he was dealing with. If he didn’t, he was probably thinking, “Man, these ladies are gonna be easy to catch…” I’m pretty sure we weren’t sounding too knowledgeable!
And yes…I don’t think I could’ve done it without the helping hands along the way.
Thanks for dropping by!
by Kate Brady July 28th, 2009 at 2:47 pmKate
I love your “favorites” list, Kate! I was re-organizing one of my book piles recently and my husband picked up a copy of a shady-looking independently-published paperback called “How to Disappear” and looked at me in alarm. I had to explain that I’d found it at a Soldier-of-Fortune convention in Las Vegas long before I’d even met him . . . which led to even more explanations, and finally to repeating “It’s for RESEARCH, honey, really!” I still catch him looking askance at me from time to time . . .
by Chandra July 28th, 2009 at 11:56 amChandra –
Hmmmm…. That DOES sound interesting!
When I first started writing, I wrote historicals. I remember having meetings (not about writing) in my home and going through the shelves first to remove books like “The History of Underwear.” Just too hard to explain! (Though “How to Disappear” is even better!)
Research…Honest!
Kate
by Kate Brady July 28th, 2009 at 2:52 pmLoved the post Kate, and welcome to MSW!
As to your question, I can’t say that I’ve ever not shouted from the nearest mountaintop or street corner (whichever is most handy) what I do for a living. I don’t worry about what others think, I leave that to them.
by Karin Tabke July 28th, 2009 at 3:56 pmHi, Karin!
I love that you shout it from the mountaintops! I’m starting to get braver about it… My professional identity has been as a conductor for so long that the shift (addition, rather) still feels so WEIRD. I look at the book and say, “That’s mine?????”
But the reception to the news has been greeted so warmly by most everyone that I’m starting to get used to it!
Thanks for commenting!
by Kate Brady July 28th, 2009 at 5:53 pmKate
CONGRATULATIONS! I am always excited to hear about a new authors very first book being born into the world for the rest of us to read! That’s so exciting! I hope it’s everything you wanted it to be. I can’t say congratulations enough.
by Erika July 28th, 2009 at 4:29 pmErika -
Thank you so much for that heartfelt message! How sweet of you to share in the excitement.
Kate
by Kate Brady July 28th, 2009 at 5:54 pmI just wanted to drop by and and say hi – your book sounds awesome. I have it on my TBB list for this weekend when I get paid.
by Greta July 28th, 2009 at 6:26 pmI love romantic suspense – so I’m sure I will love your book.
Greta -
Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy the book.
Kate
by Kate Brady July 30th, 2009 at 9:51 amGreta -
Thanks so much! I really appreciate you dropping by and hope you enjoy the book!
Kate
by Kate Brady July 30th, 2009 at 9:54 amHave heard very good things about your book. I am always looking for good suspense and romance books to put on the shelf on the library where I work. It is on my to be read list.
by Patricia Barraclough July 28th, 2009 at 8:30 pmI am so glad you have realized your dream. So many of us never quite get there.
Since I work at a library, I answer many questions and help people find the information they are looking for. Many times, that will spark my curiosity and I am on a hunt for more information. The internet is great for research, but the links are killing me. One little question can land you very far from where you started and I love the trip. So much great information out there, especially when you are going through history.
Patricia -
I couldn’t agree more about those internet excursions! They are both a blessing and a curse. Hours can fly by as I’m researching something, and at the end I realize I’m not even near my original question anymore–but, boy, it was a fun ride!
Thanks for promoting suspense and romance at your library. I hope you enjoy “One Sream Away” when you get a chance to read it!
Kate
by Kate Brady July 29th, 2009 at 6:10 amLeave it to me to have the fun happen on a day I wasn’t remotely close to spending the day reading blogs!
Congratulations on the release, Kate! Like Rocki, I love judging contests–I love seeing what other people are creating.
Since I write both paranormal romantic suspense and erotic romance, my computer searches are … interesting. Especially when I end up someplace I didn’t mean to go and sometimes don’t realize it for a few minutes. God only knows what the FBI thinks is going on in my house! Or when you ask an unsuspecting person “what would it look, smell, and sound like if I walked up to a meth lab explosion?” I’m lucky that I have several contacts in law enforcement, so if I’m researching internet predators AND meth lab explosions at the same time, the funny looks only last a second and then they remember…
My favorite line: writing is life, everything else is research
by Lorena July 29th, 2009 at 6:42 amHi, Lorena.
I’m glad you came by — even toward the end.
Yeah, that meth lab question would raise some eyebrows. Recently, I had to break down and call a colleague of mine at the university where I teach — someone in the chemistry/forensic science department…I looked him up on the U directory (thank heavens, I know NO ONE in that department) and asked what happens to human flesh when nitric acid hits it. Worse was something like, “If a body burned with nitric acid is disposed of in, say, the Everglades, will they find traces of it or two-headed alligators or anything?”
You know what was MOST scary about that conversation? He didn’t think they were odd questions!
Thanks for your comments!
by Kate Brady July 29th, 2009 at 9:36 pmKate
I’m just a little late to the party, but wanted to add my congrats!
I remember the first time my Forensic magazine arrived in the mail. Science Guy wanted to know if there was something I should be telling him or if he should be telling his brother just in case…:) He’s got a great sense of humor that way.
by Vicki July 29th, 2009 at 7:38 amSo adding One Scream Away to my TBB list. Congrats on the new release Kate and good luck!
by Liza July 29th, 2009 at 8:36 amThank you, Liza! I really appreciate it!
Kate
by Kate Brady July 29th, 2009 at 9:37 pmLike Roxanne, I can tell by the voice of your post I will like your story – writing the title down now…
Yeah, I’ve got lots of secrets on my laptop – pics of characters that might make some people wonder, links to sites about amnesia, the amount of blood in an adult male … you get the idea
by ban July 29th, 2009 at 12:03 pmYes, I certainly do get the idea! Sounds very familiar.
I hope you enjoy the book. Thanks for your support!
Kate
by Kate Brady July 29th, 2009 at 9:38 pmCongrats !! I’m really looking forward to read your book
by Emmanuelle July 29th, 2009 at 1:19 pmps: great blog !
Emannuelle -
Thank you so much. And my, what a pretty name you have!
Take care,
by Kate Brady July 30th, 2009 at 9:55 amKate
Everyone, thanks so much for the fun chats and for your interest in reading and writing!
AND THE WINNER IS…
Terri!
Terri, please email me at kate@katebrady.net and give me your snail mail address. I will send a book your way!
Thanks a lot!
by Kate Brady July 30th, 2009 at 9:57 amKate
What a fabulous story! Thank you, Kate and Rocki for sharing. Rocki, you are wonderful and so inspiring to so many of us. (And don’t think I don’t remember how fabulous you were to me when being published was just a dream I dared to dream.) Kate, I can’t wait to read your book! It sounds wonderful!!! And the cover is awesome! Congratulations!
by Elissa Wilds July 30th, 2009 at 5:24 pm