by Gail Ingis | Sep 23, 2015 | News
Greetings! I am Katy Lee and I am delighted to share a little bit about myself with you today.
I think the most common question I get is, “Have I always written?” Nope! I am a reader, first and forever. Well, of course I tried my hand at writing . . . alot . . . when I was younger, but writing was work, so I read instead. If you were to ask, I suppose I would tell you that although writing is tough, it’s not as hard as my worst job.
Gail: Alright Katy, then what was the worst job you’ve ever had?
Katy: I didn’t have to think too hard on this one. My worst job was when I was in my senior year of high school, and I answered an ad for an “educator” in the paper. I thought it would be great experience since I would be starting college to be a teacher soon. Before the day was through, I had a leather bound case over my shoulder and a street of doors to knock on…and have them slammed in my face. I was selling encyclopedias. Ugh!
So Gail, can we move onto a more pleasant question: You’d like to know if I prefer oceans or mountains? Can I say both? One of my favorite states is Washington because it offers both at the same time. It is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been. The power of the Pacific Ocean with the majesty of Mt. Rainier in the backdrop. Stunning. And the sunsets on the horizon are breathtaking and serene.
Gail: Speaking of horizons, what’s next on yours?
Katy: I have a new series beginning December 1, 2015 for Love Inspired Suspense. The first of three books to take place in the White Mountains of New Hampshire will include an army captain and his faithful service dog, Promise, a golden Labrador retriever. I spent some time with the service dogs being trained for their masters returning home from war with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). The series will include a racing theme that follows more like the Fast & Furious movies rather than Nascar racing, but the series name explains it all. It’s called “Roads to Danger” and the first book is Silent Night Pursuit.
You can preorder it now.
Gail: What is your writing process? Honestly, I’m still testing what works, especially since what used to work for me suddenly stopped. I used to write at night after 7PM. My children had me all day, and the evening became my time. I enjoyed my late nights, but I noticed my writing slowing down, my brain shutting off when I needed it to perform. I started to get nervous that I wouldn’t make my deadlines. But I had no other time in my day to write. Then I read an article about productivity, and the question the author of the article asked was: When is your brain most functional and who do you give that time of the day to?
I thought about it, but I already knew the answer. My mornings have always been my best time, my afternoons the worst. In college, I knew never to take a class in the afternoon. It was snoozeville all the way. So, okay, I had the answer to the first part, but what about the second? Who’s getting my best time?
I realized I spent one to two hours every morning answering and responding to emails and requests made by other people looking for me to help them be productive. They were requesting things from me, and I was responding, believing I was getting things off my plate so I could go about my day. I’m not saying ignore people, especially if it’s your boss, but now I choose to begin my mornings each day with 500-1,000 words in my manuscript before I even open my email. It takes me about one hour to reach that number, so I know if I start at 6AM, I can get my writing out of the way when my brain is most efficient. Then, bring on the emails, and the kids looking for breakfast, and my employer sending requests. Writing is my career, and I want my stories to be the best they can be. But that requires me giving it my best time of the day.
Since starting this regimen, I have been extremely productive, even making my deadlines early. I am seriously thinking I might be able to write another book a year at this rate, increasing my productivity to three books a year. The process has been golden to me, so we shall see.
Gail: What writing advice do you have for other aspiring authors?
Harlequin asked me this same question when my book, Grave Danger, was nominated for the RITA® from Romance Writers of America.
Here is what I said, “Create characters a reader would follow anywhere–across a cafe, across a desert, across a lifetime.”
Thank you for having me today. I enjoyed sharing.
Blessings!
Katy Lee
Gail: Katy it’s a pleasure, thank you for visiting us today.
Katy’s Bio:
RITA® nominee Katy Lee is the author of six published novels. She writes suspenseful romances that thrill and inspire and believes all of her stories should stir and satisfy the reader—from the edge of her 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.
Katy is an active member of CTRWA, (Connecticut Chapter of Romance Writer’s of America). Visit Katy at www.KatyLeeBooks.com
Readers, do you have any questions for Katy, please ask away.
by Gail Ingis | Sep 16, 2015 | News
Indigo Sky book cover
Okay, okay, so this is a pitch for my new book . . . but it’s not out there yet . . . First let me tell you what’s going on—my editor from Soul Mate Publishing released my final draft to the publisher Monday, September 14. That probably means we’ll stay on schedule for the release, Wednesday, October 21, 2015. If you don’t know what writing is about, let me tell you that it’s about rewriting and rewriting again and again. Yup, the whole manuscript got rewritten numerous times to hopefully, a sweet, sensuous and spirited read. This week, my blog was going to be about women’s adventures in the Civil War, instead, I’ll give you a little excerpt of my heroine, Leila, when she bumps into her long lost school friend Cornelia.
INDIGO SKY excerpt:
Certainly her mother had made it clear that Leila committed a serious breach of etiquette by joining her husband on a bachelor spree, and people could talk about her unladylike conduct.
I don’t care what my mother or anybody else says. Leila pouted. Anyway, what’s one more scandal? Rumors surrounding Hank’s excesses and philandering had plagued her marriage from the outset.
She poured more tea and took a sip of the hot brew, casting a glance at Hank. Millburn’s shoulders were twice the width of her husband’s, and he was a head taller than Hank. They seemed well ensconced at the bar. She sighed and contemplated returning to her compartment.
“Leila?”
She looked up. A tall woman with blond curls pinned high on her head stood beside the booth. A smile touched the woman’s alabaster face. “Leila Dempsey? Is that really you?”
“Cornelia?” Leila gaped at her friend. She and Cornelia Hancock had attended boarding school together for eight years.
“I haven’t seen you in ages,” she bubbled, taking Leila’s arm. “Oh, do give me a hug.”
Leila rose and was enveloped in perfumed arms. “How wonderful to see you.”
“It’s good to see you, too, my friend.” Cornelia dropped into the opposite seat, smiling broadly. “Where are you going? What are you doing in Albany? Last I heard you were in Florida.”
“Yes, well, we’re back in New York, and now we’re on our way west for business with my husband and his partner,” Leila said, eyeing her warily. Cornelia was part of the social circle and would have heard the latest news. Leila suspected she still corresponded with everyone from their class.
“I’m stopping in New York City to meet a Doctor Brown, who works with orphans, then I’m going on to St. Louis to pursue a nursing career.”
“Cornelia, how wonderful!” Leila was happy to have companionship, and her melancholy dissipated with the news from her friend.
***
Read more in my book, INDIGO SKY, to be released on October 21, 2015.
At the time of the civil war, Florence Nightingale inspired women to take control of their lives. Society was against women doing anything outside the home. They were thought to be unintelligent and dependent. My own grandmother, Rose, in the early 20th century, in Russia, was a mathematics teacher. Way before her time. But she and her family were driven out of Russia, and came to America in 1922. That’s a story for another time. Women are competent, multi-faceted and are infinitely capable. Leila, my heroine, is an amazing woman. She married a successful syndicated writer, and believed she had dream marriage. But the marriage turned into a trap of addiction, lies and women. She puts up with him beyond acceptable. Follow her struggle in my INDIGO SKY, coming soon, October 2015.
Do you like to read, and what? Romance, suspense, thrillers, paranormal, fantasy, young adult, women’s fiction, inspirational?
The ebook will be available on Amazon.
Watch for the trailer . . .
![A CHAT WITH SAMANTHYA WYATT, AUTHOR]()
by Gail Ingis | Sep 9, 2015 | Events, News
Today, I’m featuring Samanthya Wyatt. Her new book, The Only One– Book Three, published by Soul Mate Publishing, will be released Oct 14. I invited her talk all about it. Enjoy this upbeat and fun author with your questions and remarks.
Samanthya, now retired, lives with her husband in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. When they married, he was a traveling military man. Those travels gave them the opportunity to travel and have homes both here and abroad. Once she found historical romance novels, she couldn’t put a book down. She fell in love with the characters and needed to know their happy endings. One day, she put words to paper creating a story of her own. The more she wrote, the more she became involved with her characters, who take on a life of their own.. She writes historical and contemporary sizzling romance.
What does your writing process look like?
The Right One – Book 1 – Morgan’s story
It’s difficult to keep to a writing schedule. Especially now that I’m retired, I thought I’d have all this extra time to write. Other parts of my life sometimes take precident, like spending time with my Mom and baby sistting my grandkids. Then there are my Facebook friends, who have come to expect and appreciate my drool worthy photos. All these things steal time away from my writing day. I find that I lose myself in the moment and must remember I need to get busy writing. I write mostly in long hand, and finalize on the computer. Time gets away from me some days though. When hubby comes home, I know I’ve been at my desk long enough.
How important are names to you in your books? Do you choose the names based on liking the way it sounds or the meaning? Do you have any name choosing resources you recommend?
My first historical, I gave the hero the name Morgan, simply because I love the name. I thought Morgan would make a perfect character with such a strong name. Other than that, I pick names based on the story, historic or contemporary.
What writing advice do you have for other aspiring authors?
The True One -Book 2-Stephen’s story
Join RWA. From there you learn to do a number of things. You can join chapter groups, critique groups where you will find friends and receive lots of help. Take every workshop offered—GMC, POV, character interviews, etc. Believe me, you’ll be glad you did. Enter contests and keep your mind open. Take criticism as constructive. Make your writing better. One main writing tip is to discipline yourself. Time is the one thing that can get away and there is no getting it back. Schedule some time every day for your writing. Whether you write ten words or a hundred, make an effort to write something every day. If not every day—as often as possible. Don’t expect success overnight. It is a long, hard process. If you are determined, keep trying. Don’t give up.
Are you a plotter or a pantster?
I ride by the seat of my pants. LOL. I find that I get a lot more accomplished if i just sit at the computer and write. But if I want my story to go somewhere and be good, there has to be goal, motivation and conflict. (GMC). I learned this from many workshops. I learned how to do character sketches, GMC charts, plots00everything needed to bring a story together. Once I have a story and characters i mind, then I do a character sheet on his and her. As I write, I make notations on names, color of hair, anything I may need for reference later in my story. It pays off.
Is there a certain type of scene that’s harder for you to write than others? Love? Action? Racy?
Oh my Gosh yes – the sex scene. I want my sex scenes to have heartfelt emotion and genuine warmth. My characters have depth, emotional investments and life threatening challenges. The reader wants to be in the moment, feel what the characters feel—I try to give this to my readers.
What literary character is most like you?
My first contemporary features a strong heroine, Carrie. I designed her after my own life challenges. I was an accountant, I dealt with men who thought women did not belong in their corporate world. I used that and brought emotion of an argument with my own sister to my book. I see myself in Carrie and was thrilled to give her happily ever after with a wonderful man.
What is your latest?
The Only One -Book 3-if you liked the introduction of the duke in the first book, now read Giles story. To be released October 14, 2015
Excerpt from The Only One
A dangerous lord’s warning sparks devastating results
One impulsive kiss to prove the young girl flirted with danger shakes Giles’ firm resolve. The young American is wild and reckless, and before long he realizes, she’s too much to handle. He surrenders. A duke must adhere to his duty. His title demands his home is in England. Tormented with longing for the woman who branded his very soul, he forsakes nobility and returns to claim the love he has carelessly thrown away.
To find Samanthya, please visit her website here: www.samanthyawyatt.com
You can also find Samanthya Wyatt on amazon, FaceBook, Goodreads, Soul Mate Publishing, and Night Owl Reviews.
Have any questions for Samanthya? Please ask away!
by Gail Ingis | Sep 2, 2015 | Events, History, News
Captain Daniel Packer Inne
Her ghost disappears at the first ray of light that illumines the gloom of the morning. Captain Daniel Packer’s niece haunts the New England-style restaurant, built by Packer in 1756. She died of scarlet fever in 1873 when she was 7 years old. She most often plays in the stairwell and has been known to befriend children who come here to dine.
The Inne was built at its present site on the Mystic River over 250 years ago. Former square-rigger Packer purchased the land bordering Water Street in 1754 and completed construction of the building in 1756. From that time to the late 1970’s, the property remained in the hands of the Packer family and their descendants. The Inne was a welcome landmark between New York and Boston in the late 1700’s for weary travelers, who stopped for the night to rest and be served the hearty fare. Packer entertained the guest with his tales of adventures on the high seas. The next morning he transported them—their horses, stagecoaches and all across the Mystic River on his rope ferry. On the opposite shore, he bade his guests a fond farewell and safe journey, then welcomed aboard another group of travelers.
Roast lamb . . . hmmm
Restoration of this historic haunted landmark was undertaken in 1979 by proprietors Richard and Lulu Kiley. During the restoration, which took four years, preservation of the original fireplaces, mantles, beams and other structural details remained precious materials and were incorporated in the renovation.
Step back in time, and experience the fine fare and hospitality guest experienced over 200 years ago. The basement bar is original and busy with all those happy hour patrons. Tricky moving through the space, after all people were smaller then, so passages are smaller, ceilings are lower. It’s an experience. Don’t forget to look for Packer’s little niece.
If you love history and good food and good ghosts, it’s worth a trip.
32 Water Street, Mystic, CT 06355 – (860) 536-3555
Website: http://danielpacker.com
So, do you want to know why I blogged this place? The Inne is a historic landmark, I am a history buff. The building, even though renovated is quaint and is reminiscent of an Inne 250 years ago. The food is excellent, and I had hoped to see Packer’s niece, the resident ghost.
Gail Chianese, President of CTRWA, and Author of Bachelorette for Sale
sent me the story below and I asked if I could add it to my post.
Here’s the scoop: I actually heard that story through Courtney who runs the Seaside Shadows and does walking ghost tours in Mystic. There are several restaurants in downtown Mystic that are haunted: Daniel Packer, Ancient Mariner, Margaritas, Voodoo Grill, the Asian place next door, and Anthony J’s. I’ve eaten at the first four. I’ve never seen or felt anything while in them. Although, I have felt like I was being watched outside of Daniel Packer’s Inne and I do get weird feelings when I’m near Factory Square (which is where Margaritas, Voodoo Grill and the Asian place are).
I’ve heard a gentleman dining at DP did see the little girl. In Anthony J’s they’ve had Christmas decorations disappear and reappear a year later. In the Ancient Mariner one of the regulars who had passed away, his bar stool is frequently sitting on the floor in the morning when the rest are resting on the bar like they’d been placed at the end of the night.
There have been several unexplained fires in the town and there’s a few other places with interesting tells, like the former Emporium. If you’re in the area some night, book one of her walking tours. It’s an easy walk and Courtney is a natural storyteller. She also has a book out.
Mystic graveyard
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What can you expect from a Seaside Shadows Tour?
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Harlequin asked me this same question when my book, Grave Danger, was nominated for the RITA® from Romance Writers of America.
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