Wednesday Writers–Carrie Daws and The Embers Series

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Book excerpt from The Embers Series, Carrie Daws, Catherine Castle's Wednesday Writers blog series, Inspirational Suspense, The Ember Series

 

 

Today’s guest author on Wednesday Writers is Carrie Daws. She’ll be talking about the Inspirational Suspense book she didn’t want to write. Sometimes we just gotta do what we gotta do. Right, Carrie?

 

The Story Behind the Story: The Embers Series

 

What do you do when a friend wants you to write a book about her? Assuming you have a good relationship and enough courage to be completely honest, you say, “No!”

This is what happened to me. We actually weren’t that close at the time, this friend and I. We volunteered together at church and knew each other well enough to give more than the most basic answer when we inquired about each other’s lives. I certainly didn’t know her well enough to create a character around her.

But every few weeks, she’d ask again. Yeah, my answer was still no.

Then, after one particularly rough day, she told me about a horrible inspection with an obstinate owner who didn’t want to do anything the law says that business owners must do. My brain started working, quietly in my subconscious.

A few weeks later, she told me another story about firemen tackling a homeowner who wouldn’t let them into his house to put out the fire. And about an inspection where a manager ordered her out of a restaurant because they didn’t like her. I laughed as I pictured it all.

And that’s when I knew. I had to write this book.

A couple of waivers later, I sat beside her in her government-issued white Chevy Tahoe, a vehicle big enough to carry all her necessary equipment and handle the occasionally rough terrain she needed to transgress. I shadowed her on inspections and begged to be called out to a fire with her. I tramped around a kids’ camp and walked a secure warehouse at her side. Of course, all the business owners and managers only showed her the utmost respect and courtesy in my presence. They didn’t know who I was or what power I had over them. Wouldn’t they be surprised!

I talked to firemen and paramedics, gleaning more stories and the critical fire information I would need. I searched the web, reading more about fire safety. Slowly, a plot formed.

The fun part for me is that much within these books is based on my town, although names of fire departments, neighborhoods, and other identifying places have been changed. Similarly, inspections and fires I talk about are loosely based on true stories from my friend, others in the fire safety field, and news reports from around the world.

I changed key details about my friend, to simplify the story and protect her identity—at least, outside her circle of family and friends to whom she loudly proclaimed that I was writing a book about her.

The result was a fun story where the main character must decide if God is trustworthy. If He truly can protect her and her family when the circumstances turn dangerous.

It’s a story I’m glad she persisted in asking me to write.

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The Embers Series

By Carrie Daws

Inspector Cassandra McCarthy never thought she’d be raising her two daughters alone, but her husband’s unexpected death forced her to find a career. Now working beside a retired Special Operations soldier and veteran fireman, she serves her small North Carolina town, protecting them from hazards they don’t understand. She loves what she does and trusts God to provide—until a hurricane and a series of unexplained fires hits too close to home. What will it cost Cassandra to protect the citizens of Silver Heights?

Excerpt:

My God will meet all your needs

according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

~ Philippians 4:19

 

Friday, October 9th

White billows replaced the dark, ominous clouds that still drifted over the tops of the loblolly pine trees along the North Carolina roadside. Inspector Cassandra McCarthy released her breath, knowing the color change meant the firefighters had water on the blaze. Those who were returning to nearby homes at the end of the workday should be safe.

Her phone on the console beside her buzzed with an incoming text message. “On the scene yet?”

Showing her identification card from the Silver Heights Fire Marshal’s office, Cassandra pulled her white Chevy Tahoe around the sheriff’s barricade shutting down the country road to all non-emergency traffic. Stopping in the grass near the last tanker truck, she grabbed her phone and responded to the text. “Just arrived. Beaver Creek and Black Branch Fire Departments both on scene. Flames still visible.”

She knew her boss wouldn’t be satisfied with that answer, but before she could give him more details, she had to get her mind on her job. Her heart ached with memories of today, of the anniversary she should be celebrating. Releasing her seat belt, she grabbed the camera from the passenger seat. She could at least start taking pictures for the report she’d have to file later.

Her phone buzzed again. “Contained? Any woods burning?”

Swallowing her nostalgia, she walked around Black Branch’s engine while throwing the camera strap over her head and looking for someone she knew that would have a moment to talk to her. Being careful to avoid the area the firemen were working, she finally saw Beaver Creek’s chief, Scottie, in recovery behind the ambulance parked across the street.

“Hey, Scottie. You good?”

Most of his fireman turnout gear in a pile beside him, Scottie drained the last of the water in his bottle. His reddish brown hair looked dark in the fading sunlight. “I dinna know, lassie. But I’m getting a bad feeling about this.”

“What do you mean?”

The emergency medical technician handed Scottie another bottle of water.

“Thanks, Kelan.” Scottie twisted the lid to break the seal but didn’t remove it. “In August and September, we reported to sixty-three fires. All of those were easily explained except for two that happened in the early evening on abandoned buildings during weather that nae should be a contributing factor. This one here—it makes three.”

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Want to read more? You can find Carrie’s book in print and eBook at Amazon

 

About the Author:

God rewrote Carrie’s dreams to include being an author. With a background in weekly devotions, a mentor encouraged her to try fiction. The writing monster that she now barely keeps contained was born. To learn more, click here. (LINK: http://carriedaws.com/my-books/)

Connect with Carrie at:

Website: http://carriedaws.com/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarrieDaws/  

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/carriedaws/boards/

 

 

 

 

Carrie Daws, inspirational suspense, The Ember Series, Book excerpt from The Embers Series, Catherine Castle’s Wednesday Writers blog series

Wednesday Writers Welcomes Susan Pearson

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book about the Congo, Catherine Castle's blog, Inspirational Suspense, Missionaires Mercenaries and Murder, Susan Pearson, Wednesday Writers

Wednesday Writers welcomes Susan Pearson today. Susan is the author of Missionaries, Mercenaries and Murder. I have to tell you, Susan, that I love the alliteration of your title. Please tell the readers about the book that is being showcased today.

Missionaries, Mercenaries and Murder takes place in the Congo though I have set it in the present day. My husband helped me do some research to give me ideas about the mystery part of the book. He’s much better about research than I am. My hero is a hardened cop who lost his faith in people and God. He wants to be left alone to lick his wounds. But the heroine has other ideas. She wants to heal his wounded soul. Together, as they wind their way through the mystery, they learn about themselves and each other and what God really wants for their lives.

How did you come up with the setting for this book?

Once I sat down at my computer, it quickly became apparent I had to place my story in the Congo. I tried writing about Kinshasa which is the capital city and the location of my boarding school. It really came as a complete surprise to me that I would want to place a book in Vanga, the place of my birth.

Here’s a picture of Susan with her siblings in Vanga, the village where she was born. She’s the youngest on the left.

But, try as I might, nothing else would do. So, I worked through many, many scenarios until I came up with a way to have Alex, the hero, get to the village of Vanga where he will meet the heroine, Molly. The struggle was in melding what I know of the country with the present day and creating a story that could take the hero and heroine through a process of life that would bring them together and closer to God.

Wow, since the story is set in the place of your birth how did that affect the book? Are there any bits that are from your life in the Congo?

My father was a builder for American Baptist and I have leaned on his experiences quite a bit. His encounter with a snake, an 18’ green mamba, is true story.

Being the child of missionaries gave me a great sense of responsibility for making my life count. Reading for me is an escape from real life and I wanted my writing to provide that. But I don’t think it would be satisfying if it was just escapism. It had to say something important about life.

People say you write what you know and I guess, to some degree that is true. Surprisingly, it has been cathartic to tell the story even though it is fiction.

Growing up in a third-world country gave me an appreciation for all the blessings God has given me. It is truly a luxury to be able to write and have people enjoy my book.

What are you working on now? Do you have a release date for this book?

I’m working on the story of Alex’s sister who lives in Oregon. I am about 2/3 of the way through so no release date.

Tell the readers how you got started writing.  

When I decided to write a book, it wasn’t because I had stories crying to be told. I didn’t have characters banging around in my head, dying to get out. In fact, I had no idea where to start. I needed a distraction because my daughters were both out of the country and I was facing some serious empty nest depression. I needed something to take my mind off of that so I took a writing class through the local community college. The teacher was a member of a local writing group and she encouraged all of us to join and find a critique group. I did that and that is the reason, I believe, that I was able to create a book that people want to read.

Are you a panster or a plotter? Linear or non-linear writer?

A little of both. I need to have an overall plot but sometimes I get off track and the words start flowing and then I realize that it doesn’t fit exactly with what I thought I was going to write so I have to go back and see if I can make it work.

I tend to write in stages: dialogue first, then go back and put in the different layers—sensory, visceral, emotional, settings. What is does your writing process look like?

I definitely have to go back to put in the emotional and the sensory. Initially, I’m pretty focused on plot and have no idea what the characters are thinking or feeling. And my critique partners are forever asking – where are we in this chapter? Is it a house, a city, a park?

Setting is also important in books. Do you do anything special to create yours, like visiting the area, googling satellite maps, looking at books or pictures?

With this first book, I was pretty sure nothing much had changed even though I hadn’t been there for over 30 years so, I surfed the internet for pictures and, I was right.

Reviews are important to most writers. What review have you received that you most like, and why?

A nurse who works with my husband reads approximately one book a week and corresponds with lots of authors offered to help me with social media things. She’s never read an inspirational suspense and was prepared to be nice but not real interested in my book. I sent her the ARC and she read it in a couple of days and was shocked by how much she loved the book. She gave me a 5 star review.

Don’t you just love it when your book crosses over into a secular reader’s library and finds favor with them? It’s such a cool thing! Do you have a favorite book?

The Thing About Clarissa.

What’s the book you are reading now?

On the Way to the Wedding by Julia Quinn

Most writers love to read. Name 2 different magazines you read regularly.

People and Christianity Today.

Do you have an all-time favorite movie that has stuck in your mind or that you’d watch over and over?

Witness

We like to travel. What is the farthest place from your home that you have visited? Probably China. My oldest daughter worked there for two years with Campus Crusade.

The most fun place? Akumal, Mexico – great snorkeling and lots of history

The most historic place? Dubrovnik, Croatia.

It’s been a pleasure having you here today. As you say goodbye, can you leave the readers with an encapsulation of your life’s philosophy? (a quote, a Bible verse, a precept you live by or have tried to instill in your children?)

My first prayer, when I was 2, was ‘Dear God, so happy me.’ It seems trite to say we can do anything with God’s help but, I know there are many, many things that would not be possible without Him.

 

Missionaries, Mercenaries and Murder

By Susan Pearson

 

Alex Carpenter’s life is shattered when his friend and partner is gunned down. With his confidence shaken, he turns in his badge and gun and accepts an offer to build a church in the Congo, hoping for time alone to heal.

Molly Quinn is on a mission to save souls and heal bodies. Nothing is too difficult for her to handle until a police officer from Kikwit demands she come to his city to identify a body that turns out to be her friend and a fellow American.

Alex realizes her friend was murdered, and Molly begs him to help her find the killer. Drawn into a bloody web of intrigue and deception, Alex and Molly must work together to stay alive and one step ahead of a murderer.

Can she convince Alex to put his trust and their lives in God’s hands?

Missionaries, Mercenaries and Murder Buy Link

 

About the Author:

Susan Pearson was born to missionary parents in the Belgium Congo. Married for over 30 years, she has two grown daughters. Susan has lived in Oregon, California, Washington state and now Texas. She loves to read, go to movies, and bake. Baking is her therapy.

 

You can connect with Susan on her Facebook page.

Wednesday Writers Welcomes author Lillian Duncan

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author interview with Lillian Duncan, book excerpt Deadly Communications, Deadly Communications, Inspirational Suspense, Lillian Duncan

 

Today Wednesday Writers welcomes mystery/suspense author Lillian Duncan. She’ll be telling us about her book Deadly Communications, and about herself. Lillian, please tell the readers about the book that is being showcased today.

 

DEADLY COMMUNICATIONS features Maven Morris, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who gets a little too involved with her clients. Okay, a lot too involved. When a client she’s working with leaves abruptly, Maven is suspicious and she won’t rest until she finds her.

 

How did you come up with the concept for this book?

I had a great time creating Maven Morris—a crime-fighting speech pathologist! In many ways, we are quite similar. I was a speech pathologist for more than 30 years! She’s short just like me, but not as short. She has Bell’s palsy, just like me. But we’re also different. I would never get myself into the trouble she gets herself into. I’m not very adventurous and would never get myself into that kind of situation!

I think all authors live a little vicariously through their characters. What is your next project?

I’m working on two more books in the Deadly Communications Series—Deadly Intent and Deadly Silence.

Oooh, Deadly Silence. I like it. So let’s talk about writing style. Are you a panster or a plotter? Linear or non-linear writer?

I am a definite pantser. I never know what’s going to happen on any given day when I sit down to write. There’s advantages and disadvantages to that. Sometimes nothing happens. And that means it’s time to go back and find the problem. Other times, I can’t write fast enough to get my thoughts out.

For the most part, I’m a linear writer. Though at times, I’ll skip around if I have certain scenes in my head. Then I’ll fill in the story to get to those parts of the story.

I tend to write in stages: dialogue first, then go back and put in the different layers—sensory, visceral, emotional, settings. What is does your writing process look like?

My writing looks much the same as yours. I’ll write a scene one day, then the next day as I revise I’ll add in more details. But even after the story’s finished, I do a few more run-throughs to specifically add emotional and sensory details.

What does your revision process look like?

I revise as I write. When I first start a story, I’ll go back to the beginning every day and rewrite until I get to the new scene. When that gets to be too much, then I just go back to the previous scene and go from there.

Sounds like we are a bit alike as writers. So, are you a procrastinator or do-it-now person?

It depends on the situation. If you’re talking about writing, I am not a procrastinator. Whether it’s blog postings for others or even for myself, I always do them in advance. If you’re talking about the rest of my life, then I’m a procrastinator. Whether it’s paying bills or vacuuming the floor, they can always wait…until after my writing!

I know writers are also readers. Have your reading (and writing) tastes evolved over the years? Do you still read the same genre of books you did as a teenager?

Most of my life, I’ve read a variety of genres, but my reading habits have changed some since becoming a published writer. Unfortunately, there’s only so much time in the day. So, now I read mostly in my genre of suspense and mystery because that’s what I enjoy the most.

What’s the book you are reading now?

I’m actually in the process of re-reading Terri Blackstock’s Last Light series. I loved them the first time around and am enjoying them just as much this time.

How often do you read non-fiction?

I usually have one or two non-fiction books that I’m reading at any given time. I read a bit of them now and then. But right now, I don’t have one I’m reading. I better get busy on that!

Let’s get personal. Do you have a day job? If so, what is it?

I was a speech pathologist in schools for thirty-four years, but retired in 2012 due to some health issues. I miss the students but not the paper work! Now, I’m a full-time writer which I’m loving more and more every day.

Hence your heroine’s career. They say write what you know. Even if you don’t write with music, what’s in your CD player right now?

Something of Chris Tomlin’s, I’m sure. I exercise to him most every morning. Though, now and then I’ll switch it up and listen to other praise music!

Speaking of exercising, writing is such a sedentary job. How do you keep in shape?

I’ve actually lost over 30 pounds this year and so has my husband! And that definitely means exercising. One of the things I’ve done is put an exercise machine in the middle of my office and I try to use it for a few minutes every hour or so to keep the metabolism moving

Wow, you must have a pretty big office. Congratulations on the weight loss. That’s hard to do. Exercise and weight loss are one of my New Year’s goals. I’m hoping it will balance out my love of sitting and watching movies.

Speaking of the movies, do you like to go to movies? If so, what was the most recent movie you’ve seen?

I love movies but we don’t go any longer since I’ve lost so much of my hearing due to my brain tumors. Now we wait for them to come out on DVDs and put on the close-captioning.

Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. We use closed caption when listening to BBC shows. It makes it so much easier to understand them.

It’s been a pleasure having you here today. As you say goodbye, can you leave the readers with an encapsulation of your life’s philosophy? (A quote, a Bible verse, a precept you live by or have tried to instill in your children?)

Our attitude determines much of who we are and what we will accomplish in life. In Proverbs 23:7 it says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” In other words, if we think we can do something, we can. If we don’t think we can, then we won’t

 

Deadly Communications

Improving communication skills is never easy. In this case, it could be murder!

Maven Morris is a speech-language pathologist on medical leave–or as she likes to put it: out to pasture. When she’s offered a lucrative position by one of the community’s most powerful men to help his traumatic-brain-injured daughter improve her communication skills, Maven discovers deadly secrets behind the iron gates of the mansion.

Now, she must find the courage to seek justice no matter who gets hurt–even if it’s her.

Excerpt from Chapter 1:

Moving through the woods, a sharp pain sliced through her terror. Her arm. It was too dark to see. Her fingers found the pain. Wetness. She must have scratched it on a branch, or maybe an old, rusty nail from a long-forgotten tree swing.

A noise. Someone was creeping through the darkness as they searched for her.

“Ella, come here. We aren’t going to hurt you.” A voice called out. “You need to come back. It’s not safe out here at night.” A voice she knew so well. A voice she trusted. A voice she loved.

Life would never be the same again.

She swiped away the tears.

She wanted to believe him, but he’d said they wouldn’t hurt the man either. He’d lied.

If they found her, she would be dead, too, just like the man. She couldn’t let them find her. But if she moved, they would hear her.

She searched the darkness for somewhere to hide, but there was no place. They were stronger and faster. They would overpower her. There was no way to get away from them, but she couldn’t simply stand here.

If they found her, she wouldn’t see the morning. The kneeling man no longer knelt. He’d collapsed on the ground, not moving. Was he still alive? She had to call 911 and get an ambulance to try to help the man. But first, she needed to leave. They would never let her call for an ambulance or the police.

The call to the police would have to wait until she found a safe place to hide. A safe place? No place would ever be safe after what she’d seen.

Not until they were behind bars. Not until they paid for what they’d done.

On hands and knees, she crawled through the trees and the bushes inch by inch, praying only she could hear the soft rustling sounds she created. Muscles tight with fear, she grew tired and laid her head on the ground. She forced her ragged breath to slow, her eyes closed. The horrible scene replaced the darkness once again.

His eyes—dark and soulless as the gun flashed silver, and then the man slumped over lifeless. No matter what he’d done, the dead man didn’t deserve that. It had been an execution, plain and simple.

She forced her eyes open. She couldn’t think about that now. She had to get away. Back on her knees, she crawled through the darkness as she wiped away tears. How could they have killed that man? She would never have believed it if she hadn’t seen it, and she would never forget it.

A different kind of noise reached her ears. Traffic. Traffic meant cars. Cars meant people. People meant help. Help meant they couldn’t kill her—at least not tonight.

It was her chance. Without hesitation, Ella jumped up and dashed towards the noises—towards safety. She wouldn’t live the way they wanted. She wasn’t a monster. She wouldn’t live with the monsters. No matter what.

“I hear her. This way.” His voice called out in the darkness. “Find her. Now.”

She ignored the voice and kept running towards the traffic—towards safety. Her heart pounded as she ran. She was unsure if it was from the exertion or the terror. How could she not have known? She should have known. Not that it mattered. The only thing that mattered was getting away from the monsters.

Monsters!

The trees thinned out and the noise from the traffic was louder now.

Turning towards the sounds, she ran down the hill and into the road.

Bright lights came towards her—too fast.

 

 

 

About the Author:

Lillian Duncan: stories of faith mingled… with murder & mayhem.

Lillian writes the types of books she loves to read—fast-paced mystery and suspense with a touch of romance that demonstrates God’s love for all of us. To learn more about Lillian and her books, you may visit her at www.lillianduncan.net or www.lillian-duncan.com.