A Blog Tour Writing Process

Welcome to a blog tour where writers and authors answer questions about their writing process. My friend and talented author, Shelia Goss, posted hers last week, where she gives you the insider information on her process and new book-The Joneses — and she tagged me to join the tour. Thanks, Shelia!

 

My latest book, The Trilogy: A Diary, A Thief  & A Secret, written under my pen name Tess Allen, is available in paperback and digital online everywhere, including, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc. It contains three of my most requested novellas: His Wife's Diary (Love Bites), The Jewel Thief (Love Bites), and The View From Suite 2100. Additionally, I’ve recently released a new volume of poetry, Usher in the Sun, Poetry after Suicide. It, too, is available in both digital and paperback at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other booksellers. Please also visit my official website at www.peggyeldridgelove.com.

What am I working on? 

I have several things in motion currently. A romantic suspense novel, My Very Last Nerve, and the first book in a brand new series which will feature a wonderful new character I've created that I am affectionately calling Sister Busy Body. These books will be published under my pen name, Tess Allen. I have another volume of poetry also in the works entitled Born Black and it, like all my poetry, screen or stage plays, will be published as Peggy Eldridge-Love.

How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I love suspense, mystery and romance and those three elements are present in all of my works of fiction. My main characters are traditionally women whom could easily ‘be you’. Ambitious with visions for themselves, women who have loved and been loved, some have been disappointed, some have been the disappointer, but all are determined to find that place within and without where the life and the love they most want can flourish. Sometimes that involves traveling down paths not only uncertain, but paths that are often nerve wracking and frightening as well.

Why do I write what I do?

Early on the books I most enjoyed were mysteries, historical romance novels and psychological thrillers. When I began to write I wrote in each genre individually but found later that I seemed to hit a special stride when I ventured into the world of romantic suspense. Although I will continue to write in them all, at the moment romantic suspense seems most natural to me.
 

How does your writing process work?

The characters tend to introduce themselves to me first. It is like a quiet little whisper initially, then a nudge, and if I’m not immediately receptive the nudge will become a push. Once I know the characters and respond to their push I start by doing a synopsis, followed usually by a chapter-by-chapter outline, and then the actual writing begins. 

Since I am a poet, a playwright, screenwriter, and novelist I do from time to time have more than one project in motion at the same time. 

And now it’s my turn to tag some people! I’ve chosen two of my colleagues. Check them out next week to find out their secrets to success…. 

Ey Wade

IN THE CHAIR is the name of Ey Wade’s wonderful blog and you can visit it at http://theinterviewedcharacter.blogspot.com. She is the author of several books including Tripping Prince Charming and Beads on a String-America's Racially Intertwined Biographical History.

Tzynya Pinchback

CAT IN THE BELLY is Tzynya Pinchback’s intriguing blog. You can find it at www.tzynyapinchback.com. She is an extraordinary author/poet and you’ll love her latest book How to Make Pink Confetti!

Reflections on a Decade of Blogging

I'm about to launch a new blog, Buzz on the Grapevine, which will have as its main objective giving visionary people a small platform to share their visions. I sincerely hope it will accomplish that goal.

As I move in that direction with a new blog I realized it was in 2004, nearly 10 years ago, that I launched this one, Living on the Tip of My Pen. Its chief purpose was sharing the world as I saw it through my eyes as a writer.  I believed the struggles and joys, the victories and defeats as they intertwined with my day to day existence were sometimes noteworthy. If for no one else, just as a charted journey for my own reflection. The passage of time piqued my curiosity this morning, so I went in search of the first post I made for this blog. Here it is below!

Interesting to look back with hindsight, to see what was worthy of my efforts and energies, my own hopes, dreams, and objectives of that time. Just as interesting to see what was not as fruitful, but definitely was as meaningful - if not more so - as catalysts for my "today."

Saturday, November 20, 2004

Joy and Pain!

Whoa!

I am in the middle of a new novel that I really like. I anticipate having the first draft of it complete real soon. The working title is woefully uninspiring, so I won't even mention it, but the premise and the thrust are deep! I keep revisiting the character chart of my female protagonist though because she is very evasive right now, not at all forthcoming, and I'm having to earn her trust for her to really, really open up and let me see what's going on! She seemed almost transparent at first, but the more I discovered about the male protagonist the more uncertain her transparency became. In fact, her transparency was an illusion! They've got me walking the floor!

I'm also moving forward with the first book in my mystery series, (The Cari Pompey Mysteries), How Deep Is Your Love, and anticipate that book being available near the end of the year. Plus, all things being equal, The Knoll Frames, will finally see the light of day in early 2005.

Coming up for air in 2004 has been beyond difficult. It has been a year filled with all manner of challenges, some that at times looked impossible to surmount. In June I experienced an unbelivable stroke of good luck that looked almost too good to be true. One of the big five greeting card companies had taken an interest in my greeting card line, Nudgies, and moved at lightening speed to enter into contract negotiations with me. One of their acquisitions managers advised me that they were going to bypass the proposal stage and he forwarded me a contract with instructions that I just look over it and we'd work out whatever needed to be resolved before it went to both our legal teams for finalization. I was floating on air! Then, a few days later my contact called me and said without prelude or any explanation, that he'd been advised that "the company no longer wanted to pursue my line." And, ladies and gentlemen, that was it! To this day I do not know why. A letter that I received shortly thereafter included this heart-wrenching message: "Even though a lot of us in the company love your work and find it very unique, we have decided that we cannot pursue your work any longer. My apologies for this error. Some of us as XXXX jumped the gun on this project. Unfortunately, our company cannot use your work in our lines." This seemed extremely late in the game for them to make that discovery! They had been reviewing my work for months and it had gone through layers and layers of people internally before they approached me about acquisition. I'm still trying to figure that one.

But, that was that, and life went on, and I'm a thousand times a better person as a result of it. One thing I learned beyond a doubt is that the cliche 'if it sounds too good to be true it probably is' is true.

Posted by Peggy at 5:17 PM

Trayvon Martin, Jordan Davis ... Loaded Chambers

On this second anniversary of Trayvon's death I am reminded of a poem I wrote when we were in the throes of division in the nation about the Zimmerman trial - devastated by those who were having difficulty understanding our outrage and despair. The poem became even more poignant as we revisited those emotions recently in the Davis/Dunn trial. It's entitled Loaded Chambers and is posted on TimBookTu's site currently. http://www.timbooktu.com/peggy/loaded.htm It's a little edgy, a little raw, but emotionally so too are we.

Read it now on TimBookTu.com:   LOADED CHAMBERS


Photo Credits: From 123rf : Copyright : Alexandr Rozhkov

God's Reverse Psychology

Ever have a problem forgiving someone? I very rarely hold grudges, but was struggling with something that I was really hurt and angry about several years ago. One day it struck me  that I was becoming bitter - I never want to become bitter, so I made up my mind that every time I started to think negatively about them that I had to ask the Lord to give them the deepest desire of their heart, to bless them to the point of overflowing in all they hoped for and dreamed...

That sounds pretty cavalier of me perhaps but, here's the tricky part, and it sounds kind of terrible,  I soon started to think about what they did or to think about them PERIOD less and less until they rarely crossed my mind at all. Next thing I knew, months later when I did think about them again my attitude towards them had softened and I had changed - that root of bitterness that had been about to take hold within me was gone.

The angry "flesh" part of me resisted having to wish them well initially. Rather than wish them well I canceled thoughts of them out entirely...at least for a while. I think perhaps it was a bit of reverse psychology from the Lord. :) Notice I say I think, but I'm reminded that He tells us  :

Isaiah 55:8-9

8:

 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.

9:
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.

All I truly know is that somehow it has worked. My prayers for their well-being now is both genuine and from the heart.

The Joneses Tour

7 Questions with Shelia M. Goss and Giveaway

Shelia M. Goss is a national bestselling author and a screenwriter. The Joneses is her seventeenth book in print.

Where are you from and what jumpstarted your writing career?

I am from Louisiana – home of good food and good people (smile). I’m also an alumni of Southern University. I’ve been writing since I was 9 years old. When I was in elementary school, my teachers submitted my poems to Seedlings. In school, I’ve been on the yearbook staff, newspaper, etc. I decided to pursue writing as a career back in 1997. My first book outside of school was actually a collection of poems. It was called Embraced by Love – The Relationship.

Writing was always something that I wanted to do, but I originally had planned on waiting until I retired. After losing my dad and hearing of Princess Diana’s death, it dawned on me that life was too short and I shouldn’t wait to pursue my dreams. So, while I was still working, I would write at night, during my break, at lunchtime, etc. When the right opportunity came, it was just the right time to go ahead and put everything I had into it.

What genre(s) do you write?

I write in multiple genres: women’s fiction, romance, Christian fiction, suspense, young adult, etc.

What is your favorite sort of character?

One that is flawed. No one’s perfect in real life, so the characters in my books aren’t either. They have issues just like a friend, a co-worker or a stranger on the street would have.

What's something about yourself that readers may not know? 

I love to play spades and dominoes. I'm a Virgo and Prince is my all time favorite music artist.

Were there things from “your world” incorporated into this storyline?

I don’t write about my real life. All of my books are fiction; any resemblance to anyone real is purely a coincidence.

What words of advice would you give an aspiring writer?

The best advice I could give an aspiring writer is to write, write, write. Write a complete manuscript, revise, join networking groups and research. Google is a writer’s best friend. When asking questions to other authors, be specific. A generic question like “how can I get my book published?” will not yield you the response that you want. Why? Because there’s no magic formula to getting your book published, but yet, there are many books written on the subject.  Asking specific questions will show that you’ve taken the time to do your research and possibly read some of those books or articles and that you’re serious about the craft of writing.

What's next for Shelia Goss?

2014 is off to a good start. I have several pending projects that I hope to finalize in the first quarter. I'm working on a couple of new books as well as writing a couple of screenplays.  Thirsty-The Movie that's based on one of my original screenplays has a Facebook page. To keep up with the process of what's going on with the movie, be sure to "like" the page: https://www.facebook.com/theThirstyMovie

To keep up with all of my projects, be sure to bookmark my website www.sheliagoss.com.

About The Joneses:

Keeping up with the Joneses isn’t all it’s made out to be. In this intriguing novel full of drama and plot twists, one family tries to hold on to their “perfect” life before their secrets, lies, and scandals are exposed.

On the outside, the Joneses seem like the ideal family: Royce Jones, a funeral home mogul, and his wife, Lexi, are parents to Charity, Hope, and Lovie—and everybody wants to be them. But it’s true that money can’t buy happiness, and the Joneses are harboring secrets that can’t stay hidden forever…It’s only a matter of time before the Joneses’ perfect life goes spinning out of control. 

Order your copy of THE JONESES from Simon & Schuster (http://books.simonandschuster.com/Joneses/Shelia-M-Goss/9781593095222) or purchase from other online retailers such as: 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1593095228/simonsayscom

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-joneses-sheila-m-goss/1115884720?ean=9781593095222

IndieBound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781593095222

Available in stores everywhere on February 18, 2014.

More About the Author:  Shelia Goss writes in multiple genres. USA Today says, “Goss has an easy, flowing style with her prose…” She's received many accolades in her career, including being a finalist in the mystery category for the 2013 AA Literary Award Show and a 2012 Emma Award Finalist. Her books have been on several best sellers lists, such as: Essence Magazine, Dallas Morning News and Black Expressions Book Club. Shelia loves to hear from readers so feel free to contact her via her website: www.sheliagoss.com or follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sheliagoss or Twitter: www.twitter.com/sheliamgoss.

THE JONESES GIVEAWAY

Lexi Jones, one of the main characters, from THE JONESES loves her handbags so it’s just befitting that the grand prize be a handbag.  Contest ends on February 25, 2014.

GRAND PRIZE:

One (1) random entrant will receive a small Coach handbag {Retail value: $188.00, 10 3/4″(L) x 7″(H) x 3 1/4″(W)} and Bath & Body Works minatures (Retail value: $19.75)

RUNNER UP:

One (1) random entrant will receive an autographed copy of Montana’s Way.

10 ENTRANTS:

Ten (10) random entrants will receive the electronic version of the book Hollywood Deception.

Open to U.S. & Canada residents only. Avoid where prohibited by law.

To enter please use the rafflecopter form below.

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

When it's your season...

PoetsArtists 10 Question Interviews - Peggy Eldridge-Love

I've been included as one of the poets in the 10 Question Interview in the current online PoetsArtists journal. Here's the link: https://poetsartists.squarespace.com/peggy-love/

The Trilogy: A Diary, A Thief & A Secret in Paperback

The Trilogy: A Diary, A Thief & A Secret

Paperback Now Available!

The Tess Allen romantic suspense bundle, The Trilogy: A Diary, A Thief & A Secret, is a collection of  Allen's novellas "His Wife's Diary (Love Bites)", "The Jewel Thief (Love Bites)", and "The View from Suite 2100." It is available to digital readers at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other digital sites and now is also available in paperback. You can purchase your paperback immediately by clicking HERE,  or click on this Amazon link, and it will soon be available wherever else paperback books are sold online or at your favorite store!

If digital is your favorite way to read look for this image!

 Available for Kindle: CLICK HERE
Available for Nook:    CLICK HERE

Spotlight Poet at TimBookTu Winter Quarter 2013-2914

I'm really pleased to share with you that I've been selected as the featured spotlight poet at the wonderful literary site TimBookTu! I hope that you'll take time to visit and read what I'm sharing there, but, above all, I hope that if you are not familiar with TimBookTu you'll discover this overflowing fountain of poetry, fiction, essays and much, much more from a host of emerging and established writers who are a part of or have been influenced by the African Diaspora. It is truly an amazing site!

Hope to see you there! CLICK HERE

Usher in the Sun, Poetry after suicide

It is finally time.

DESCRIPTION:

Usher In The Sun, Poetry After Suicide is a collection of poetry that sprang into being after the loss of a close member of the poet's family. Devastated, lost, confused but having to go on with life, this is a venture inside the inner workings of a mind and heart torn apart that is trying to find a place in the world she lives in to return to the changed normal Peggy Eldridge-Love inherited. Perceptions change of everyday life, everyday people, everyday events and, though the offerings might sometimes seem disconnected, they are in fact all inner woven into the fabric of survivor survival.

Eldridge-Love shares that the working title of this collection was Ushering in the Sun, Poetry after Suicide, Written through Distorted Lenses, Chasing after Understanding, Climbing the Ladder back to Hope. It is fitting.

Available at:
Barnes & Noble - Download Now
Amazon.com - Download Now

Follow Peggy Eldridge-Love on Twitter at @Plove413

Make a Love Touchstone

I recently started to make some touchstones for people I care about. Little permanent things, paperweights or desk ornaments or whatever you want to label them, but things that I wanted to be permanent reminders of how much I cared for them or positive little affirmations I wanted to remind them to keep close at hand.

It didn't take long before a few requests started to come in for other touchstones for other people who wanted to give them to people they cared about as well. It has become one of the things I most enjoy doing when time permits, but I thought I'd just share how they are made with you in this post today. Just in case it is something you want to do for someone you care about as well.

This is basically all you need:

• Mosaic tiles - I use the ones used for kitchen splash boards available at hardware stores in a variety of sizes. I like the lighter colored ones. Usually come in sheets or small boxes and are priced very reasonably. One of the things I love most about making touchstones from these mosaics is their imperfections...corners may be chipped, surfaces may not be entirely smooth, just like us...I like the imperfections.
• Once removed from their packaging you should dust them off with a dry cloth to remove the chalky residue. Once that is done you are ready to go.
• Sharpies are my favorite markers to draw my designs or write my messages because they maintain their distinct integrity when the decoupage glue is used to cover it. I will also use stencils for some designs and use markers to outline them or I might use acrylic paints.
• I use Modge Podge as my decoupage glue of choice currently and once I've drawn or written or painted my design I cover the entire tile with the glue. If I want to add fabric, feathers, acrylic stones, glitter or sequins or anything else interesting I will lay them onto the tile after the first application of glue and then go over it with another layer.
• As each layer dries you might want to add another and another until you have either the flat or glossy effect you want. Note: There are multiple choices of finishes available with the decoupage glues on the market to choose from.

Allow it to dry completely and your touchstone is ready!

Occasionally, I offer touchstones in my Etsy shop or will do them on a custom basis (click to inquire). I do some using my Nudgies figures and some with specific holiday or event themes. But I've been told they are definite keepers, so if you want someone to remember something special coming from your heart give them a touchstone.

Enjoy!