Into the Fire

What I want from a series.

                         

What I want from a series of novels is to know who this series will feature. If it's a hero, i.e. Mitch Rapp, then I want him to be interesting enough to carry however many books are written about him. Same with a heroine. If the series features a family, each member getting the role of main character interacting with the other members to be revealed later, I want to know what to expect in the future. 

With long-running series it's not easy to keep the hero in constant focus. Authors of my favorite series have veered off with strong peripheral characters to change it up once in a while. The hero is present in the story and is either a friend or an enemy to the character, but his presence is diluted until a critical occurrence. I admit those are usually my least favorite stories in the series - especially if the hero/main character is a stand-out and he's the reason you're buying the book. 

When family series are written, an author must make each member a potent enough character to carry the reader to the next family member. That's not an easy task. Readers form favorites quickly - I know I do - and might become unattached to the next in line. Just as authors often love a challenge, so do readers. If a reader likes that first story, they'll follow up until one of the characters disappoints or bores them. 

As an author, I haven't considered doing a series although I've heard a few requests for one. As a reader, my devotion to series-reads lies mostly within the thriller genre where several impressive heroes reign. Top of that list is the hero Mitch Rapp. No hero has yet to topple Rapp from the top of the pile. Doubtful anyone will. 

I want my heroes and heroines to be strong enough to carry the load of series novels, interesting enough to reveal nuances of who they are as they continue to grow, and to give me that certain something - whatever it is - that keeps them separate from the rest and unique enough to remain there. 

 

Father, I continue to thank you for your writers/authors. Thank you for allowing me to write. Direct me, my words and stories. May I always honor you with what you've given me. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

An odd bunch?

         

So. I'm an author of 11 novels. Two of those remain unpublished, one of which might become an ebook. It took me a long time to be able to call myself an "author" even when it was true. I've been a writer for most of my years. But tagging that author name to it? Wasn't easy. 

Why? I guess because it implied some kind of notable success. Like I was "somebody". The fact is in terms of being an author, I'm a nobody. Not famous. Not well-known. Not sought after for interviews. Nothing like that. 

But, I am an author. 

Authors are as diverse as the novels on shelves. Some are social, some are reclusive, some are well-spoken, and some would prefer not to be heard verbally. Some spend hours per day writing, others run from it at times and wait until they've got what they need in their mind's eye and then they run to get it down, others set wordcount goals on a daily basis and allot time for their scheduled breaks. Some are rigid, some are loose in their writing habits. Some use methods that others couldn't attempt. Some are great teachers and encouragers, and others insist they've got nothing to impart or choose not to: they just write. 

Some are cynical, condescending, unapproachable. Others love to engage with those who are trying to break into publishing with their first novel. Some are easy and willing to instruct. Others figure they don't have time for "fans" or "wannabes". 

Some come off as philosophers, others as aloof snobs, others you'd expect to see on your next trip to the grocery store and be able to visit with them for a few minutes before you both go your separate ways.  

Are we an odd bunch? Some of us, definitely yes. Some of us, not even close. And others of us are somewhere in between.

 

Father, you made us all. Some know it and honor you in their writing. Others don't. I thank you for giving me stories. Apart from you, I can do nothing. I'm so grateful. Please help me to keep growing in you and in your mighty power. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

  

The constant noise of . . . Yesterday's Echo

                                     

Matt Coyle's Book 1, Yesterday's Echo, of The Rick Cahill Crime Series is the noir tale of a former cop who has a history of disfavor and a passel of regrets.

The first several chapters of the story introduce us to the professional part of Rick Cahill as he attends to all the managerial duties in the restaurant "Muldoon's" which he eventually hopes to own. In a single evening of consecutive events, he assists the very drunk mayor's wife in getting a cab home before she completely embarrasses herself, spots a gorgeous dark-haired beauty sitting at the bar having an unpleasant conversation with a man who came in to speak with her but quickly exits when another man dressed to the nines with an evil vibe walks into the restaurant. Little does Rick know when he makes eye-contact with the pretty lady, his world gets complicated in no time flat and brings back all the memories of a painful past with so many levels of self - and others' - condemnation. 

Matt Coyle's writing is perfectly suited to the noir storytelling of old. Expressions, cynicism, a broken heart, melancholy, and a raging volcano under the surface of his protagonist's lifestyle. Twists and turns, good cops/bad cops, murders, and evil peripheral characters who salt and pepper the story along with a faithful old girlfriend who still thinks the best of him until he finally opens up to her. 

With a hopeful ending while keeping that noir feel, having set the stage for the conclusion, Rick Cahill is about to try some positive change in his life. I look forward to reading more of The Rick Cahill Crime Series. 

 

Father, only you know the hearts and minds of us all. May each one you've gifted know from whom their talent comes. Thank you for Matt's talent and please bless him with more stories just for him to tell. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Tuesday Tunes

         

This woman had such an amazing range, a lovely voice, and did such a fabulous job with this song. To borrow a line from another tune: "This is dedicated to the one I love." 

 

Father, thank you for the beautiful gifts you've given to each one. May we all recognize that apart from you, we can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

Monday Musings . . .

     

Sometimes you can tell a book by its cover. I love book covers. They hint of the story within. And if they're not done well, I have zero interest in checking out those stories.

Covers seem to trend just like stories. You see the same "backs" of men on the covers of thrillers, some similar colors used. On the covers of mysteries with a female protagonist, you see a lot of her from the back with red clothing like a coat and contrasting colors. It would seem they're using stock photos and altering backgrounds, hair colors/styles, and color combinations for them, but they have been trending. 

Do covers influence your selection of the novels you choose to read? 

 

Father, you give such amazing talents. Thank you for all those who acknowledge your gifts. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Sunday's Offerings

 

     But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, "In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires." These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. 

 

Jude 20 (NIV) 

Not agreeing to that fake . . . Oath of Loyalty

                                                         

Kyle Mills continues the Mitch Rapp saga created by the late Vince Flynn in Oath of Loyalty, the 21st book in A Mitch Rapp Novel Series. 

Anthony and Catherine Cook have taken the White House by storm, determined to "transform", to use an old familiar political term, America by manipulating the people they consider easily swayed by Anthony's charisma and faked concern for them. Of course, they want what's good for the people when in fact, of course, they could care less, their lusts are for the control their position has given them. There are only two problems: they need to eliminate Irene Kennedy and Mitch Rapp to feel completely comfortable to proceed. 

In the beginning of their "reign" it's the two of them collaborating on decisions with Catherine usually the mastermind who knows how to keep "Tony" turning on the charm to his adoring followers (reminiscent perhaps of the Clintons). Her hopes are to follow his two terms as POTUS with her own two terms. When Irene is fired from her position as CIA Director, she's replaced by a sorry excuse for the job, Darren Hargrave, who idolizes Anthony "Tony" Cook and plots to create a separation of sorts from his wife. Catherine sees right through him, but Darren is gaining more of her husband's attention, suggesting that Rapp is a huge danger to Tony which puts a special kind of fear in the man. 

Irene is able to manufacture a truce between Rapp and Cook which Catherine thinks is wise, but Darren gins up all kinds of fear by stating that he doubts Rapp will stick to the oath. Tony becomes obsessively afraid of Rapp, and security is upgraded to the highest levels with the FBI surveilling Rapp's and Claudia's home in South Africa, Rapp's team wherever they are, and having Rapp followed wherever he goes. 

This is the premise for the story. 

When Rapp's and Claudia's home is attacked by what look like unprofessional killers which Rapp manages to handle, Rapp, Claudia and Anna escape. This is only the beginning of a bizarre network of murderous plans that have an unusual origin. 

I have to admit that Kyle Mills has made Claudia somewhat likable in this story for the first time since she became Rapp's love interest. We got to see a deeper, more emotional Claudia, one whose regrets are real and tangible. She's well aware she's used her skills for evil and is grateful that they can combat some of what she's done before it catches up to her and her family.  

The two characters hired from Irene's and Rapp's past to make their offbeat, twisted plan to gain the knowledge of and draw out what is thought to be an assassination team provide both comic relief and real frustration for Rapp as he's forced to endure their idiosyncrasies to ensure their talents are used in this crazy op. 

The concluding scene in Chapter 48 is sterling. This is the classic, real Mitch Rapp we've all come to love and admire, written perfectly. And Chapter 49 is exquisite, particularly the final two paragraphs. Bravo, Kyle! 

 

Father, I'm sure to the unbeliever, my prayers seem pointless, silly, or amusing. You use foolishness to confound the wise. May each of those you've gifted with the ability to write and tell stories realize from whom their inspiration and dedication come. Bless them, Lord, with that knowledge. And please continue to bless Kyle as he creates the stories you have just for him to tell. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

 

Throwback Thursday

                               

My first year at the truly beautiful but now defunct Longacres Racetrack where my dreams of being around horses came true. The top picture is of Dutch Holt holding a one-eyed filly I groomed by the name of Evil Curse. She was very fast and very nervous. Dutch took her to the paddock for me when she raced. The picture below hers is of me and the first 2 yr. old stud horse I groomed by the name of Perpetual War. His nickname was "Spooky" because most things "spooked" him. You can't tell by this picture - he probably had just come out of his stall for the picture - but he was a beautiful colt. Not a lot of talent but very pretty. I was just learning that first year, trying to grasp it all. That first year led to 30+ more. 

 

Father, thank you is never enough. In spite of me, you watched over me before and after my years in horse racing. So gracious and benevolent to me. No words will ever be enough to state my gratitude. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Wednesday Whimsy

     

Novelists are just actors writing out their own roles. Playing out the multi-characters in their mind's eye and writing them down in their conflicted scenes with or without happy endings. 

I've always wanted to make my novels read like a movie. When readers have told me they can picture my characters and scenes, that it feels like watching a movie, it's the affirmation that touches my soul. 

Readers often ask authors if they put themselves in any of their characters. Some will answer as I do: "Every single one of them." Pieces we don't want to admit we have in us and others that are peculiar or silly, expressions, habits, looks, all of these characteristics with which we're familiar will show up somewhere in our characters. We do stretch ourselves creating those with whom we have no experience, but usually something from within us, maybe deeply installed, will show up in them. All of these touches come from who we are, who we've known, who we've seen, who we've imagined others to be. Impressions, observances, experiences, imaginations, and emotional connections. 

Now you know . . . 

 

Father, apart from you, I can do nothing. You know that. I know that. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

 

Tuesday Tunes

   

And so it is, Tuesday Afternoon! Moody Blues with one of their many hits. 

 

Father, thank you for your singers and musicians. May each one know from whom their talent originates. And may each one be grateful. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

Monday, Monday . . .

         

You've just finished reading a novel. You liked it. Weren't crazy about it, but you don't feel like you wasted your time by reading it. Would you say that description fits the bulk of your novel reading? Does it motivate you to be more selective? 

You just finished writing your novel. You're satisfied. You like it. You're asking yourself, "Do I love this story?" Does it make you want to hurry to get it published however you do that? Or do you think you'll sit on it for a while longer before you go full throttle on it? 

Of the nine novels I've published, I have two more that were finished some years ago, some editing still to do. I haven't addressed them in a long time. One of them might become an ebook, and the other, which is longer, might not go any further than the pages of this computer. I "like" them both. 

What makes you love a novel - that you read or wrote?       

 

Father, I can never thank you enough for the stories you've given me to write. I pray for my fellow authors that you would continue to bless them with more of the stories you have just for them to tell. We're all desperate for you - whether we know it or not. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

   

 

 

Sunday's Offerings

 

See, the Name of the Lord comes from afar, 

   with burning anger and dense clouds of smoke;

his lips are full of wrath,

   and his tongue is a consuming fire.

His breath is like a rushing torrent,

   rising up to the neck.

He shakes the nations in the sieve of destruction;

   he places in the jaws of the peoples

   a bit that leads them astray.

 

Isaiah 30:27-28 (NIV) 

Fan Fiction . . . a la Mitch Rapp

                                             

I'm halfway through Oath of Loyalty by Kyle Mills, the continuation of A Mitch Rapp Novel Series created by Vince Flynn. With that in mind this round of Fan Fiction is probably coming to an end. The timing for this mini-story of the woman I've created for Mitch Rapp comes well after Oath of Loyalty takes place. Since the new Mitch Rapp novel has just released this week, it's probably time to stop the "fantasy" of Raven Christine Wilson. Hope you've enjoyed it because I've had so much fun writing these snippets. We'll conclude for now with this short entry and a brief recap from last week. 

 

     His final words confirmed what she’d suspected but had never admitted to herself prior to reading them: he suspected he might be heading into a potentially deadly situation. That 21^st birthday celebration where he’d taken her to dinner, made a concentrated effort to listen to everything she probably babbled about that night, presented her with the engraved ring she wore on her right ring finger with a stunning birthstone sapphire arranged between two diamonds on a platinum band: Forever, Dad.

     She placed the letter on her desk and stared away into her memories as the tears dried.

     When she heard the knuckle tap on her door again, she pushed away from her desk and quickly covered the distance once again to see Rapp on the other side.

     After she quickly pulled it open, he leaned against the jam, folded his arms, and with that almost smile in place, he said, “I figured you might need a friend.”

     She outright laughed and losing all sense of decorum, she put her arms around that solid body and embraced him. “I do.”

     Realizing quickly how presumptuous she’d been, she pulled back. “I’m so sorry, Rapp.”

     “You said you had the rest of the day,” he said without reacting to her hug or her apology.

     “Yes.”

     “I know a place. You want to go?”

     The gratitude she experienced from his offer threatened tears again. She forced herself to get control. “I’ll get my purse.” Pull yourself together now! She grabbed it and walked out the door in front of him.

     Rapp knew better than to start something he never intended to finish. Why he’d come to her office in the first place was still a mystery to him other than to placate Irene. He and Irene had survived some treacherous things through the years but not without the residual pain and scars.

     As a tribute to Daniel Wilson, he would help Raven if ever she got in over her head, but why was he inviting her now to do this? Hadn’t those scars and that pain been enough in his life? Hadn’t the regrets piled up to an untenable pile of memories he couldn’t seem to diffuse?

     These useless thoughts assaulted him as they walked to his car. As he opened the door for her, she looked directly at him and spoke quietly.

     “I can almost physically feel the conflict you’re experiencing with having invited me to go with you. I won’t be insulted if you want to withdraw your invitation, Rapp. I don’t want to contribute in any way to your adding unnecessary relationships or infringing upon your hard-earned freedom from the weights of this life.”

     He returned her direct stare, noticing the blue of her eyes and the sincerity they divulged.

     “Not a lot gets by you, does it?” he finally said.

     “More than I care to admit, I’m afraid.”

     “Get in,” he said gently.

 

Father, you know it all, everything. You know. Thank you for rescuing me from myself. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

Thursday Thoughts . . .

                             

As a reader, how do you view authors? Better question, how do you perceive them to be and how do you hope they are in real life? 

As an author, I had some pre-perceptions of authors and some definite hopes of how they might be in-person. After having met several of them online and a few in-person, I can tell you that some are as real as a person can be both online and/or in-person. Others not so much. 

Also as an author, my desire is to promote those authors' work(s) that I enjoy reading. It's a pleasure and an honor to promote what I see as true talent. Some reciprocate. Many do not. 

I have some honest friendships with a few in my trade, and we've never met in person. Email conversations have been the backbone of our getting to know one another as friends and fellow authors. Terrific people. 

Some authors are genuine celebrities, their names among bestsellers, their fans numerous. Getting in touch with most of them usually won't happen unless you can make it to one of their book-signing events. 

As a reader, how do you hope your favorite author(s) will be - or do you care/does it matter as long as they keep cranking out those novels you love to read?   

 

Father, you're the Author of Life and inspiration, and we can do nothing apart from you. Thank you for giving me inspiration, for fulfilling my desire to write novels. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Wednesday, Wednesday

 

This is that day when there's nothing to say. So let's do some random pics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Father, thank you for it all. Apart from you, I can do nothing. Please continue to help me be the one you designed me to be. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 



 

Tuesday Tunes

   

B. J. Thomas had a great voice and some wonderful songs to his credit. He took himself through some dark times as many in those days did but recovered, became a Christian, and died in 2021 of lung cancer. This is just one of his great songs, the cost of his hard times showing up on his countenance when performed live. 

 

Thank you for your musicians and singers, Lord. We're all desperate for you whether we know it or not. May each one know from whom their talent originates. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

When you're . . . Unleashed

                                              

L.T. Ryan and Gregory Scott team up for Book 2 Unleashed in the Blake Brier Thrillers Series. 

Traveling obscure places in the world to handle his grief over the loss of his love, Blake Brier is ignoring all communications from his friends until after one adventure ends, he takes a call from Griff who tries to keep it light after finally reaching him, jives him about why Blake hasn't been taking his calls. He invites him to a Las Vegas "hackers' convention" which Blake initially refuses but ends up attending with his friend.

Once there, Griff dares Blake (who is an expert at technology) to mess with the speaker's tech as he's giving a speech and hands Blake his laptop. When the audience begins to laugh at the screen behind the speaker, he realizes his material has been compromised. While Blake and Griff share their amusement, Blake notices the entrance of an attractive woman (Haeli Becher) who quickly slouches down in her seat.

Blake, never one to avoid helping a damsel in distress - or anyone in distress - also observes some men come in after her and search the room. When she makes a hurried exit and they follow, Blake follows them. What takes place next shocks Blake after being injured, and he and the woman exit the area on the run.

The revelations of who this woman truly is and why she's being hunted is a surprise to all concerned when Blake calls in the "cavalry" of his friends and meets a new one who is eager to participate in the events that follow. 

When Blake realizes he knows the man behind all of the upheaval, he's determined to put an end to the ultimate pursuit. The story closes with a new possibility from an old acquaintance. 

This novel will remind those who've read a certain series of the Mark Dawson repertoire of similarities between Isabella Rose and Haeli Becher. And, although a different method used on the man Nathan Stone in the novel Rogue by J.B. Turner, not unlike the root desire at the basis for all of these characters.

A well-written and interesting novel, Unleashed starts easy and ratchets up the game quickly. Blake goes through some emotional adjustments before realizing he's forced to move on in his life. 

 

Father, thank you again and again for the talent and gifts you give to us all. Some are latent, some are obscured, but you are generous with all. Please continue to bless L.T. and his co-writers in their endeavors. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.   
     

The Unforgotten Date

                                        

                                           It lingers as the stench of death. 

                                               9/11 

 

Father, we remain asking for your mercy, grace, and Truth to prevail in all things. Apart from you, we can do nothing, know nothing, and we are nothing. You are the Provider, the Healer, the Way, the Truth, the Life. No one comes to the Father except through you, Jesus. Please rescue us from ourselves, Lord. Holy Spirit, reveal the Glory of God that we might change our ways and be pleasing in your sight. We ask it all in the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

Sunday's Offerings

 

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; 

   He rises to show you compassion.

For the Lord is a God of justice.

   Blessed are all who wait for Him!

 

Isaiah 30:18 (NIV) 

Fan Fiction . . . a la Mitch Rapp

   

As I mentioned in last Friday's post, I'm not sure how long the Mitch Rapp Fan Fic will continue. You've met Raven as has Mitch. He's committed to being there for her as per her dad's request and has conceded to trying out their "friendship". What that might entail neither of them can identify. I hope you've enjoyed these little creative measures I've taken with the iconic Mitch Rapp character. Raven Christine Wilson is my choice for the amazing Rapp. Here we go with a brief recap to begin.

     He returned to his chair and looked at her. She forced herself to meet his gaze.

     “So you want to be friends.”

     A statement. “I do.”

     “I don’t know how good at it I’d be.”

     She kept quiet for a moment as she pondered how to respond. “I have no demands,” she finally said.

     He stood. She stood, set her empty box on her desk, grabbed a business card and a pen, wrote her private Sat-phone number on the back of it, and handed it to him.

     He examined it. “Can I call you Raven?”

     “Yes,” she forced out, knowing her voice sounded unsteady.

     “Thanks for some ‘normal’ time,” he said.

     “Thank you.”

     He made it to the door as she followed him before turning back to her, pulled a scrunched piece of paper from his jeans’ pocket and wrote something on it against the door before handing it to her.

     “I plan on honoring your dad’s request.”

     With that, he gave her a final nod and walked out, once again quietly closing her door. As she walked back to her desk, she noticed he'd left her letter on the arm of the chair. 

     She picked it up as she moved past to sit behind her desk. Stared at the envelope. Considered not reading it – only because she knew the grief would erupt all over again, and she acknowledged to herself, maybe for the first time, she was weary of it. Tired of the intense pain of having lost both of her beloved parents. And later her fiancé.

     She rarely addressed her loneliness, settling for busy-ness, indulging herself in her physical training and weaponry use, forcing herself to excel, to improve. Attending an occasional seminar specific to her area of expertise. She gave an abbreviated hard laugh at the thought: it surely didn’t seem like her specialty with high level operatives did much good for Mitch Rapp.

     She ripped the letter out of the envelope and began reading it. Yes, the tears fell as the words registered and reminded her of her dad’s devotion and love and the stark and very telling instruction to find Mitch Rapp if she was ever in real trouble.

     His final words confirmed what she’d suspected but had never admitted to herself prior to reading them: he suspected he might be heading into a potentially deadly situation. That 21^st birthday celebration where he’d taken her to dinner, made a concentrated effort to listen to everything she probably babbled about that night, presented her with the engraved ring she wore on her right ring finger with a stunning birthstone sapphire arranged between two diamonds on a platinum band: Forever, Dad.

     She placed the letter on her desk and stared away into her memories as the tears dried.

     When she heard the knuckle tap on her door again, she pushed away from her desk and quickly covered the distance once again to see Rapp on the other side.

     After she hurriedly pulled it open, he leaned against the jam, folded his arms, and with that almost smile in place, he said, “I figured you might need a friend.”

     She outright laughed and losing all sense of decorum, she put her arms around that solid body and embraced him. “I do.”

 

Father, I really can't thank you enough for the fun of writing this fanfic. Really has been somehow fulfilling, and I have you to thank for it. Apart from you, I can do nothing. Thank you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.