Working on Edits

Working on edits while I watch Christmas movies! Also I have relocated for my job which put me away from the computer for a bit. I'm back now and working on Diamond Dirt along with 2 other books. Be on the lookout for at least one book in 2020. My goal is 2 full length books and the novella I've been plotting.

I hope everyone has a great holiday season with your family and friends.

One Pitch at a Time

"Remember, it's one pitch at a time. Don't worry about anything past the next pitch."
"No. I need to focus on bringing my team to post season," she said as she grabbed the ball. "This is our time and this is the team."
"Shelby," Coach Swan said as she placed her hand on Shelby's arm. "Relax. This isn't just on you. It's a team, remember that."
Shelby nodded as she took a deep breath. "I'm the Captain."
"Yes, and the mark of a great leader is knowing when to step back. This team loves you and they will do anything for you. You don't have to take the entire team on your back. They are there to help you."
"I know," Shelby whispered as she eased her grip on the yellow ball in her hands.

#diamonddirt #amwriting #pressuresofbeingapitcher #shelby

Jerky Stand

"Where did you get the jerky?"
"From the jerky stand," she said as she pointed to the rundown looking stand with the broken umbrella.
"You bought beef jerky from a stand? Are you crazy? Our parents are going to kill me if their precious princess dies because she bought jerky from a stand."
"Relax, no one's ever died from buying jerky from a stand," she said as she rolled her eyes. "Mom and dad won't even know."
"They will if you die."
"Dont worry, Winston. Kieron gets it every time she's here. She knows the guy and his family," Shelby said as she waved to the man at the jerky stand.

#diamonddirt #amwriting #jerkystand

Small Scene

I honor of Game 2 of the Championship series of the Women's College World Series here is a small scene from Diamond Dirt.

“This is where you feel most comfortable. If I can help you learn these royals here, then I can help you anywhere.”
“How do you know this is where I’m more comfortable? You haven’t seen me anywhere except here and the library,” she said as she crossed her arms.
“You fidget when we’re in the library. It’s not much, but you’re tapping your foot, your pen, and even the edge of your notebook while you take notes. You shift every few minutes as if you’re not comfortable. When I saw you on the field, I noticed how calm you were. You stole a base without hesitating,” he said. “You knew what needed to get done and you did it without shifting or pausing.”
She nodded. “This is my comfort zone. I know what to expect with each pitch.”
“How? The batter can hit the ball at any moment,” he said.
She smiled. “Yeah. It’s their job. I only pitch the ball. They’re supposed to hit it. Sometimes, I win the battle and sometimes they do.”
“It sounds simple,” he said as he turned to face her.
“It is,” she said as she glanced towards the plate. “Between these chalk lines is easy.”
“Then let’s bring the royals here,” he said.

#diamonddirt #amwriting #shelbyandwinston

Sneaking In

So I am writing Diamond Dirt, but I have 2 that I'm also sneaking in some typing time. One will be a novella that will link to Book 10. I do have a name for the novella: Siren Song. Here is a small scene from Siren Song.

As the sun sank in the sky, Destan secured the rigging. His men were busy loading the cannon and preparing for the attack. One man was pulling down their decoy flag so he could raise their colors. He looked over the horizon and saw their target. The lone ship was flying the colors of the Spanish. They were a long way from shore and any help.
“Captain, the front guns are ready to go whenever you are,” Teague yelled up at him.
Teague was his quartermaster and right hand man. The peg leg didn’t slow Teague down. The man was fierce in battle and the one man Destan trusted with his life.
“We’ll fire once we’re closer,” Destan called back. “Red, man the helm.”
“Aye, Cap,” Red said as he grabbed the wheel.
“Cap, we’re entering the Isle of Siren,” Bartholomew said.
“Siren Shores tis but a myth,” Boosa yelled. “Ye, yella be showing.”
“It’s no myth,” Killian said as he shoved Boosa to the side. “I hear tell of the lasses beauty.”
“No lass there mate,” Kidd yelled. “They be demons.”
“Demons?” Bartholomew asked.
“Mermaids, boy,” Fen said. “Be ye wary, mermaids mean a trip to Davy Jones’ Locker.”
“Aye, mermaids be the death of many of men,” Stede said. “Cap, the ship is flagging us.”

#sirensong #firstnovella #piratesandmermaids

Post Season Softball

Here is a small scene from Diamond Dirt in honor of the start of the post season for college softball.

"Professor Davis suggested I sit out a few games."
"Does she know we're in the running for a regional spot?" Kieron asked.
Shelby listened as Kieron moved around on her side of the room.
"I don't know," Shelby said before sighing. "I know I need to get my grade up. I'm working as hard as I can."
"At least Winston is trying to help you," Kieron said. "I wouldn't have put you on the field to study."
"I know, it was weird when he suggested it," Shelby said as she shook her head. "He said he wanted me in my comfort zone."
"Well he got comfort zone right, I don't think I've seen anyone more comfortable on a field than you. It's your home and it's like an old glove. It fits."

#diamonddirt #amwriting #betterondirt

Back at it

It's been a while but I finally settled in and got back to writing. Definitely been missing Shelby and Winston. Here is a small scene between them.

"It always looks like you're hurting your arm," he said as he walked towards her.
"It's a natural motion," she said as she reached for another ball. "Your sister knows."
He smiled as he stopped beside the bucket. "I don't really talk softball with Mia. You're left-handed."
"You just now noticed?" she asked as she spun the ball in her left hand.
"I guess I never noticed when you take notes," he said as he sat his bag on the dirt.
"You could've left your bag in the dugout. No one would touch it."
"It's okay. It's dirt."
"Some people don't like dirt," she said as she set her feet and fired another ball across the plate.
"How fast do you pitch?" he asked as he handed her another ball.
"It depends on the pitch," she said as she grabbed the ball. "I pitch at three different speeds; mid-fifties, mid-sixties, and low seventies."
"How do batters hit any of them?" he asked.
She smiled. "They find a way. My job is to pitch and their job is to hit."

#diamonddirt #shelbyandwinston #pitcher

Sand meets the Sea

"Where the sand meets the sea, is where you'll find me."

As I write Diamond Dirt, I do have my next book outlined. It even has a name and I've chosen the cover image. It will be the first in my fairy tale series. I can't wait to dive into it especially since I have certain scenes already written. It will be my twist on The Little Mermaid.

#fairytale #sandandsea #upcomingbook

Diamond Dirt

Besides my main characters, I love my secondary characters. Diamond Dirt has two of my favorites, Winston's little sister Mia and his best friend Bennett. Here is snippet of one of their scenes together.

"How old are you? You're in college and you're winging it?" she asked. "You're an adult and should be taking your classes seriously."
"I'm acing my classes. What about you, softball girl? How are your grades?" Bennett asked as he stood up. "You can't possibly be a good ball player and be great in your classes. It's one or the other."
"I'm a straight A student," she said without glancing away from the TV. "I also have a .425 batting average and a .625 on base average. My ERA is 2.1."
"Did she just swear at me in softball?" Bennett asked as he looked at Winston.
Winston snorted as he sat down in the chair. "I don't think Mia wants to put money in the sweat jar. Also she didn't swear at you in softball."
"How do you know? You're not fluent in softball either," Bennett said as he grabbed a bottle from the fridge. "I can ask Shelby. She'll know if you swore at me in softball. I think ERA is some kind of code."
"She'll look at you like you're crazy," she said.

#diamonddirt #amwriting #book9

Anniversary

When I wrote Cursed Soldier, I didn't plan to write this story. After talking with my awesome editor at the time (Jodi), I decided there might be more to Benjamin's former fiancee. She did support him through the war, but due to circumstances beyond his control Ben had to leave her. Of course, we knew she did marry Thaddues Morgan. I dove into her mind and found more strength than was revealed in her letters. I found a strong woman who knew her mind. I couldn't wait to write Kathryn's story.

Now five years later, I still love Kathryn's story. If you want to read her story, its available on all platforms.

#5years #thewomanbehindtheletters #kathryn #2ndbook

Review

Review for my latest book in this month's Indtale Magazine.

#ameliaandbeau #lifeinthemoments

Favorite Scenes

Here is one of my favorites scene from Slay the Demon. It's the first session between Kimberly and Maggie.

“Now, Maggie, who is your favorite princess?” Kim asked as she walked back to the couch.
“Belle,” Maggie said kicking her feet.
“Oh, I love Belle too,” Kim said with a smile. “She loves to read like I do.”
“I love her gold dress,” Maggie said a little louder.
Kim smiled because Maggie was opening up to her.
“Her gold dress is a true princess dress,” Kim said as she sat down beside Maggie.
“But she wasn’t a princess yet,” Maggie said finally looking up at Kim. “She has to marry the beast to be a princess.”
“Oh, that’s right,” Kim said with a smile. “I’m not sure I could marry a beast just to get a castle.”
“She didn’t marry him just for the castle,” Maggie stated. “She loved him for who he was on the inside.”
“Yes, she did,” Kim agreed. Maggie was a bright seven-year-old. “You know lots of people hide who they really are.”
“Do you think daddy hides who he really is?” Maggie asked innocently.
“No,” Kim replied. “I think your daddy is an honest man. He will let people see the real man he is.”
“But he’s not married,” Maggie said.
“Well, he doesn’t have to be married to be happy. He has you as a daughter and I’m sure you are his world,” Kim said.
“Are you going to marry my daddy?” Maggie asked.
Kim held her smile. “No, Maggie, I’m not marrying your daddy.”
“Then why did he want me to meet you?” Maggie asked.
“Because he wants me to help you get rid of these nightmares,” Kim replied. “It is my job to make sure you know how to slay your inner demons.”
“What does slay mean?” Maggie asked.
“Slay means to kill. I’m going to help you kill your demons,” Kim explained.
“What if I’m scared of my demons?” Maggie asked moving closer to Kimberly.
“Then I’ll face them with you,” Kim proclaimed. “Don’t worry; you remember the prince has a sword to slay the dragon?”
“Yes and the fairies made it glow,” Maggie said.
“Yes, they enchanted it so it wouldn’t break,” Kim explained. “I’m going to help you find your sword.”
“Is it in a stone?” Maggie asked.
Kim laughed. Maggie certainly knew all the fairy tale movies. “Well, I don’t know where your sword is, but I will help you on your quest.”
“Okay, but first we got to ask daddy if I can go on a quest,” Maggie stated. “Daddy doesn’t want me to go anywhere without him or Jody.”
“Don’t worry, we will ask your daddy if you can go on this quest,” Kim said as she reached for Maggie’s hand.
She was shocked when Maggie slipped her hand into hers. She connected with Maggie, which was a great first step.

If you want to read more, Slay the Demon is available on all platforms.

#slaythedemon #therapy #quest #turning2

Anniversary

In honor of Slay the Demon's upcoming anniversary, here is one of early scenes with Matt and his daughter, Maggie. Slay the Demon is available on all platforms.

A scream pierced the air and had him opening his eyes. He knew the little voice better than his own.
One of the EMTs was holding a squirming little redheaded girl. It was the same shade of red as his that made his wife smile the day their daughter was born.
"Maggie?" he asked. He wasn't sure if his eyes and ears were playing tricks on him or not.
"Daddy!" Maggie yelled as the EMT finally set her down.
Two little legs ate up the distance between them. Matt couldn't find his voice or his legs. He barely moved his arms in enough time to catch his daughter as she launched into his arms. His arms closed around her and held her close.
"Daddy, there was a bad man in school today," Maggie cried against his shoulder.
"I know, Buttercup, but you're safe now," he whispered as he rubbed her back and placed a kiss on top of her red curls.
She smelled the same as she did when he dropped her off, but he knew she wasn't the same. This morning forced his innocent baby to see the bad men weren't only in her cartoon movies, but in real life, too.
Maggie's safe world was shattered.

#slaythedemon #mattnmaggie #2017
To slay a demon, you have to face it.

March Anniveraries

I have two book anniversaries in March. Slay the Demon is turning 2 on March 1 and The Woman Behind the Letters is turning 5 on March 18. I'll be sharing scenes from both of them over the next several weeks. Here is one from The Woman Behind the Letters.

“This is the first girl in my family in generations,” he remarked. “There hasn’t been a girl since before the Civil War,” he informed her.
“Not one in over 100 years?” She asked in shock. “No,” he answered, looking at her. “She is the first.”
“Well, congratulations, you have some bragging rights now,” she stated. “What are you going to name your daughter?” She asked since she knew they didn’t have a girl’s name picked out.
“Alexandria,” his wife whispered.
“Why Alexandria?” the nurse asked; she knew this name meant something to the family, since his wife mentioned it quickly.
“It is after my so many greats-grandmother. She chose to marry a man who wasn’t her first choice and begin a legacy,” Mr. Morgan stated. “Her name was Kathryn Alexander, so my daughter will be Alexandria Kathryn Morgan.”

#thewomanbehindtheletters #kathrynmorgan #book2

Spider

Dropping the caddy, she screamed. There was a huge black spider in the bottom of the shower.
How did it get in there?
She thought spiders didn’t like water.
The spider move and made her jump. She didn’t have any spider killer in her caddy. There wasn’t any in the room either. How was she going to kill it? She didn’t have time to wait it out. She needed a shower now.
She walked out of the bathroom and looked at her desk. There must be something she could use to kill it. Her eyes caught sight of something she’d never used. She grabbed the can of glitter body spray her grandmother had sent her last month and rushed into the bathroom. She ripped the lid off and took aim at the black beast. She emptied the can before she saw the spider run down the drain.
Once the spider disappeared, she turned the water on and stripped down. Between the water and the glitter body spray, the spider should be dead or at least know to stay away from this bathroom.

Definitely had fun writing this scene and the one that comes after it. Can't wait to share Shelby and Winston's story. #diamonddirt #amwriting #book9 #shelbyandwinston

Dream

"Being on the Olympic team is only a dream; you have to be better than good. You have to be great," her mother said.
"I want to be better than great. I want to be one of the best pitchers in the world."
She would be in that circle one day in front of thousands of people. The other girls in her class wanted to be fairytale princesses. She didn't want to wear glass slippers; she wanted muddy cleats.

#diamonddirt #shelby #dreams

Happy New Year

Happy New Year! Be on the lookout for information on book 9 aka Diamond Dirt and book 10! I took a break away from the keyboard for the holidays but I'm back at it. The plan is for Diamond Dirt to release in late Spring and book 10 (I have a name but you'll have to wait for that one) before the end of the year.

If anyone is wanting a paperback let me know. And for those who haven't read Life in the Moments don't forget to get your copy today on any platform.

Today is the start of a new 365 page book and I plan to fill it with words upon words. How do you plan to fill this book called 2019?