When I have writer's block and in between writing, I pick up my hard copies/kindle and go full blast.
First, I read Linda Rodante's, "Waterfall," another exciting romantic suspense. Lemme just say, it is really well-worth the read - as are all of her works. "Waterfall" is about a woman, who in a flood, works to save a small child from an overflowing river. She's not quite strong enough and to her shock, strong arms come around her to help. A man whose face is scarred once she sees him. He could be dangerous, for all she knows. But help, she needs. With the child safe, he is swept down the river. That's a fast-moving beginning (pun intended maybe?)
Find "Waterfall" here:
As of late, it's been a number of non-fiction, for inspiration or research and update my forensics and behavioral analysis information in 'the event' ahem I may write more crime fiction.
So first, I read Scripture for the day, sometimes one verse sometimes a lot of verses. Today, I've almost finished chapter 47 of Isaiah. Much of Isaiah, by the way, are prophetic words of judgement for all nations, followed by chapters of promise of redemption for all nations. Reading Isaiah is like listening to the news. Wild, huh? That's why they call it 'prophecy.'
God had already used Elam (modern day Iran) to attack Babylon (Iraq). Now in chapter 47, Babylon will be judged. Soon, onto chapter 48, so that's all I will say for now.
Next, I've been updating my interview/interrogation techniques. I can't go on without mentioning 2 of Garry Rodgers' books, "How to Write Deadly Crime Thrillers," and "How to Self-Edit Deadly Crime Thrillers," which I read some time back. I mention these prior to the books such as Patrick O'Donnell's "Cops and Writers," and "The Criminal Mind," by Kathrine Ramsland. I might add, Patrick O'Donnell's, "Field Training, Brew City Blues, Book 1," is an outstanding fiction reliving the police officer's first days.
One would think this is enough. Right? Nope. Onward.
Next in line, is "The Illustrated Guide to Forensics: True Crime Scene Investigations," by Dr. Zakaria Erzinclioglu, is an outstanding hardcover textbook. Starts off with a simple bang and into some surprises surrounding Dr. Locard & Sir Arthur Conan
NEXT, an updated version of Michael D. Lyman's "Criminal Investigation, the Art and Science, vs 7" (from eBay because I couldn't afford the most recent). This one, I am several chapters into and again, a detailed evaluation and various techniques of interviews and interrogations. A lotta new cultural stuff in the newer versions, so I just hung in there with the basics.
In other news, Shanghai Road (still the work-in-progress title) will be out in November should all remain on track. So I expect to see the galley (pre-published) in a few weeks. As all goes well, it'd make a great Christmas present :)
I decided to work on two books at a time ... hahahaha. I have a Whiskey River # 4, currently titled, "Bones, Blood, and Buried Treasure." Chapter One. And thinking.
My second is a standalone modern western, romantic suspense, current working title, "Voted Most Likely to Murder."
You can find chapter 1 of Shanghai Road right here:
And that's it!

Comments