Sometimes it happens that we realize we need a small break from everything to focus on other matters.
That's what happened last week when I skipped blogging.
Today, I bring you some news about the next release.
I'm not yet ready to publish it, and this time, I'm thinking to put it in pre-order.
This will help me gather more reviews, and give time to beta readers to return their feedback.
Here are some details about my work in progress (WIP), starting with the title:
The man from the mist.
It will be a crime/psychological thriller about a man who lives his life in almost complete anonymity. Ignored by everyone either at work and on the flat house where he lives, he lives his life following a comfortable routine.
Everything will change when a girl moves in the apartment next door, and a series of murders perpetrated by a mysterious 'avenger' shake the local criminal community.
I came up with this idea starting from the consideration that a killer is usually the least suspected person. But then when the least suspected person is innocent, despite being on the top of the suspect list, his life can turn upside-down.
So what you can expect from this new story?
First of all, my highly introspective characters, fast-paced suspense, and once again a glimpse of the life of people living in poor areas of the city. You will find action, love, and a lot of twists to keep you guessing until the end.
Next week I will be ready to reveal my new cover. This time, it was easier to create it, then respect the previous one, as I had already a clear idea of what I was looking for.
On a personal note, since the weather is getting be warm and pleasant, I started the planting season in the greenhouse. Therefore, I have more tomato plants, cucumber, herbs, beans, and peas.
During the winter, I cultivated indoor kale, tomatoes, and chilies. They did great, so I will expand my winter garden also to more diverse greens, who knows?
It also arrived the time to take care of the garden, take care of the flowers, and planning an upgrade of the outer fence.
This lockdown has its advantages, for those who look for them.
Something you can count on is that Nature is not going to follow any quarantine. Spring is coming, and with it, everything is waking up to a new cycle of life.
This is a sort of consolation, and although, it would be better to be quarantined in winter, the explosion of colors offered in this period gives an extra motivation to keep going.
During this long weekend, which included the missing celebration for the first of May, I had the chance to retreat to the forest, and take some pictures.
I thought to share what I've found in nature with you, hoping this will cheer up you all.
This lockdown seems to last forever, and in effect, the only reasonable way to end it would be having a vaccine and a cure for COVID-19.
Meantime, I know someone who has been extremely annoyed with having us for a longer time at home, and that is Carolina.
Despite the low resolution, it was obvious I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, at least considering the threatening stare she gave me.
This was one of the reasons why I took my camera and decided it was safer to be away and leave her spaces too.
The weather was strangely fair, and the healing power of nature did the trick on my restless soul. It didn't just give me peace, but also inspiration and entertainment.
The first person I met was an interesting guy. He was looking for food, and if I'm heading to a particular spot, I know that on my way I will meet him or someone who won't miss the occasion for a snack. Therefore, I had some nuts with me.
The wood is a place where to find hidden gems, like a sun, shining in the darkness:
And as the sky was so perfectly clear, the new leaves peeked out to test the weather.
Losing myself in this beauty, I completely neglected my garden, to which I hope to give the right attention starting from the next week.
In the meantime, I hope you enjoyed this small spring show, and I wish you a great beginning of the month.
We all know that there is strength in numbers, and this has been proved on many occasions also in history. This time, I am talking about the strength that comes when a few amazing authors out their strengths together willing to promote and help each other.
This is the meaning for the group that was born as a 'Gang of Authors helping each other.'
Today I am going to brag about each of those fabulous writers:
We write in many genres and we all have our distinct voice. There is a genre and a style for everyone. This is your one-stop-shop, for booklovers, and if you follow this video, you will understand what I mean:
This is the second video we've made to introduce ourselves, and I hope you will go and check us all out. After all, in this lockdown situation, who doesn't need a good read to escape the boredom and the reality, even if just for a while.
Erika M Szabo
https://www.authorerikamszabo.com
“The writing bug bit me on a rainy afternoon when I couldn’t find any new book to read. My daughter had enough of my moping around and snapped at me, “Mom, stop whining! If you haven’t a book to read, then write one.” Her challenge shocked me, but I started playing with the idea and I’ve been writing stories, that I like to read, ever since.”
Erika loves to dance to her own tunes and follow her dreams, introduces her story writing skills and her books that are based on creative imagination with themes such as alternate history, urban fantasy, cozy mystery, sweet romance, and supernatural stories. Her children’s stories are informative, educational, and deliver moral values in a non-preachy way.
“I followed my dream to become a writer. As an artist, I paint pretty pictures with my brushes, and as a writer, I paint vivid pictures with my words.”
PJ Mann
https://pjmannauthor.com/
My name is Paula and I write novels. I live with my husband and a rabbit. I work as an engineering geologist at a construction firm in Finland, and only in my spare time, I sit down at my desk writing stories. You can consider me a sort of wandering writer, and I try, as much as possible, to be on the move. My stories are strongly influenced by what I experience and see during my travels around the world. I am a multi-genre author, but the red wire of my novels is the suspense/drama.
I love to walk in nature with my camera; photography is another of my passions. I believe it’s very closely connected to writing novels as every image tells a story, for those who stop to listen.
Cindy J. Smith
https://cindysvoices.blogspot.com
I was taught if I couldn't say anything nice don't say anything. Since biting my tongue was painful and soap tasted bad, I developed voices arguing inside my head. When I found writing my thoughts brought me some silence, I took up the pen. It was not long before I realized poetry was much easier than full sentences and I could say exactly what was in my heart.
Strangely, I soon noticed I could put myself in other’s shoes and empathize with their viewpoint.
It was my daughter who encouraged me to share my poems. She believed they would help others cope...letting them know they were not alone in their thoughts.
I write now about every aspect of life in hopes someone may be touched and be encouraged to keep trying.
Christina Weigand
http://www.weigandchris.com
A writer, wife, and mother of four grown children. She is also Nana to five granddaughters. She lives with her husband and youngest daughter in Pennsylvania after a short sabbatical in the lovely state of Washington. She has three published YA Christian Fantasy novels; Palace of the Twelve Pillars: Book One, Palace of the Three Crosses: Book Two and Sanctuary of Nine Dragons: Book Three. She also has a woman’s Bible study Women of the Bible: A Study published. Recently the first two books in an MG Fantasy series were published, Sir E. Robert Smythe and the School Bully and Sir E. Robert Smythe and the Lost Detective with the remaining four to be published the near future. Through her writing, she strives to share the Word of God and help people young and old to realize the love and mercy He has for everyone.
Darlene Deluca
https://www.darlenedeluca.com
“Books . . . chocolate . . . tea. These are a few of my favorite things. Combine them with a sunny summer day, and perhaps a beach or pool, and call me happy!”
Deluca writes women’s fiction, contemporary romance, and mainstream fiction with romantic elements. She likes to explore relationships – what brings people together or keeps them apart. Her intent is to bring to life interesting characters that readers can relate to in real-life situations that combine a little fun, plenty of drama (with perhaps a tear or two), and big helpings of friendship, love, and self-discovery, and will leave you either cheering or sighing with a satisfied smile as you turn the final page.
And just so you know . . . she likes a happy, or at least a positive, ending.
Alan Zacher
https://www.amazon.com/Alan-Zacher/e/B00APQXPEW
Author of private investigator mysteries, humorous occult fiction, fantasy adventure fiction, and short stories. After many years of being a "struggling" actor in LA, Alan turned to write.
"My writing has always been for entertainment--to put a smile on someone's face who might be having a bad day. I write, mostly, light-horror and murder/mystery. I like these two genres because of the freedom they give me to explore man's inner emotions, feelings, and emotions--but it must always have humor! We must always laugh; mostly at ourselves. I have had MS for several years now; I know physical and mental pain; so I need much laughter to endure it. Hopefully, my novels do just that--give you much laughter."
Carol Ann Kauffman
https://visionandverse.blogspot.com/
Carol Ann’s books range from short stories to full-length novels. Her novels are classified as romantic action adventures with a sci-fi/ fantasy twist, and mysteries. They’re about life, love, loss, and lunacy. She is a retired teacher. She has worked as a printer, managed a department store office, worked as an insurance agent, and in the hardware and automotive industries. She was a Red Cross volunteer.
Carol loves to travel; her favorite places being Italy, Aruba, and the American Southwest, which tend to show up in her novels.
“I also love to stay at home. I get lost in my own little world, where I always have more than a few stories in progress. I grow orchids and African violets, and still like to play in the dirt!”
I am the author of Supernatural Horror Crime Thrillers and Paranormal Romance/Ghost novels. My characters have full, normal lives that get twisted into something horrific or intensely strange. Whether they become a ghost and discover a new, undead world to roam or find themselves in pursuit of a dangerous madman with connections to the dark underworld, I want my readers to feel their pain, their joy, their fear... with every right or wrong turn they take along the way.
While I humbly submit that my main influences are Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and William Faulkner, my style leans closer to that of early Stephen King. My twitter bio describes me to a T - Write, scare myself, turn all the lights on, write some more. Take a break, play pool, kick-butt/get butt kicked, go write more horror, double lock door.
You can find my books at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo.
Randall Krzak
http://www.randallkrzak.com
A U.S. Army veteran and retired senior civil servant, spending thirty years in Europe, Africa, Central America, and the Middle East. His residency abroad qualifies him to build rich worlds in his action-adventure novels and short stories. Familiar with customs, laws, and social norms, he promotes these to create authentic characters and scenery.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and two masters from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. Randall and his Scottish wife, Sylvia, currently reside in Dunfermline, Scotland. His hobbies include hiking, reading, candle making, pyrography, and sightseeing.
Why did Randall become a writer? Someone suggested he give it a try, so Randall blames his friend. Randall ventured into fiction writing later in life, with his first novel being released at age 62. In just over three years, he's published four novels. He enjoys reading and writing global thrillers and has three more underway.
Rebecca Tran
https://rtranbooks.net/
I am a mother, pharmacist, and author. I love all things fantasy and sci-fi. Romance is always a welcome bonus. I have two little girls and I love dogs, I have two of those as well, a Boston Terrier and a Pittie mix. So technically some would say I have four kids. I am currently working on my blog as well as my romance and fantasy series. I am the ultimate nerd who can’t choose between Star Wars and Star Trek and thinks that Dr. Who would figure out a way to beat all of them. I still read comic books and love watching anime. We can talk for hours if you know who Kirito, Naruto, or Goku are. If you'd like to read my blog or know more about me or my books, please check out my website.
A.L. Butcher
https://libraryoferana.wordpress.com/
British-born A. L. Butcher is an avid reader and creator of worlds, a poet, and a dreamer, a lover of science, natural history, history, and monkeys. Her prose has been described as ‘dark and gritty’ and her poetry as ‘evocative’. She writes with a sure and sometimes erotic sensibility of things that might have been, never were, but could be.
Alex is the author of the Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles and the Tales of Erana lyrical fantasy series. She also has several short stories in the fantasy, fantasy romance genres with occasional forays into gothic style horror, including the Legacy of the Mask series. With a background in politics, classical studies, ancient history, and myth, her affinities bring an eclectic and unique flavor in her work, mixing reality and dream in alchemical proportions that bring her characters and worlds to life.
L.L. Thomsen
https://llthomsen.com/
Pick up one of L. L. Thomsen’s high fantasy books and you get treated to an explosion of immersive prose, complicated characters, mystery, and plots. Her main world, Dallancea, is home to nine realms and a wealth of races – some known, some entirely new. You do not have to be familiar with fantasy to enjoy the books, but those who are will recognize her zest to spin you an epic tale of complexity and to explore her characters to the core.
“I invented my first character when I was around five years old,” L. L. laughs, “they lived in my head and took me on adventures at bedtime after ‘lights out’. These days I allow them onto paper. There’s not enough space in my head anymore.”
L. L. currently lives with her family + two cats and a dog, in the back-of-beyond near the Sherwood Forrest, U.K.
R.M. Garino
https://www.rmgarino.com/
How now, folks. I'm R.M. Garino, the author of the Chaos of Souls Series. Ever wish you could bring your D&D characters to life? Well, that’s exactly what we did. Although the overarching story of angels and demons is much older, our two main characters were fleshed out from a D&D game my wife and I played with friends ages ago. They're introduced, along with their misfit squads, in The Gates of Golorath, and their adventures continue throughout the series. We've also released a standalone series, the Chaos of Souls Novellas, which captures separate side stories that enrich the main series. Requiem's Reach is the first volume, and we continue from there. If you're looking for a thoughtful, somewhat irreverent fantasy that puts the stories and character first, then come on over and give us a read.
And this is the second week of semi-forced-self-isolation. During the first week, I have been noticing a decrease in motivation, particularly concerning writing.
It felt as if words didn't want to flow, and my imaginary friends stopped telling me what they were thinking or wanted to do.
You can call it writer's block, but I believe it had a deeper meaning than simply a lack of ideas or some stress.
I am almost sure that for me, it was a question of reshaping my life into a new routine.
So far, my life consisted of waking up early in the morning, at about six o'clock, walking 3km to reach my office and stay there until three o'clock. Then, at the end of my working day, I would have enjoyed the walk back home, maybe even taking a longer route through the woods.
Being home, after a shower, I could easily put myself to write until the time also my husband would have returned home.
Now, being forced to work from home, I wake up in the morning, and there isn't anymore the refreshing walk to my office. There isn't a change of environment and direct interaction with my colleagues, and particularly there isn't any walk back home. Everything is happening between the walls of my house.
Indeed, I can still have a short walk in the woods, but even that is now a bit restricted and I can't stay out for as long as I wish.
Then, one thing blinked in my mind, like a little lamp that got switched on.
Suddenly, I recalled all the little works inside the house, those I always needed to do but I never had the time. Those I considered too tedious when the time wasn't an issue.
And so, I started to plan them.
It worked like a charm. I have found back my inspiration as I went through all those little projects. Also, since this winter we didn't have any snow at all, it means that I can take care of the garden earlier than usual.
Therefore, tomorrow will be the turn of my garden to be assessed and cleared up. It was a blessing, not having any snow this winter. I can start working on the garden and on the greenhouse earlier this spring.
Meantime, I hope this emergency will be soon over, and our lives can start once again.
