The End

Yep just typed those two words!!!! Book 9 is officially done! #diamonddirt #shifttoediting

Small Moments

I've always loved the small moments between characters where nothing big happens, but really shows their growing relationship. Shelby and Winston are drawing closer.

"So, you really were named after Winston Churchill? Shelby asked as she looked up from his computer.
"Yeah, our parents are weird," Mia said as she sat on the bed next to Shelby.
"Our grandmother loved Winston Churchill and begged our parents to name their first born after him. Thankfully, I'm male," he said as he flipped through Shelby's paper. He wanted to read over it one more time before he gave it back to her.
"Our grandmother is a special woman. She was in the Navy," Mia said. "She would like you."
"Mia," he said looking at his sister.
"What? Grandma would like Shelby. She'd say..."
"Whoa, don't even repeat what she would say," he said holding his hand up to Mia. "You don't have enough money for the swear jar to repeat what grandma says."
"Navy?" Shelby asked as she looked at Mia.
"Yeah, pretty cool, right?" Mia asked.
"Very cool," Shelby said. "My grandpa was in the Army and I was never to repeat anything he said. Colorful doesn't begin to describe his words choices."

#diamonddirt #amwriting #shelbyandwinston

Book 10

Here is a small snippet of Book 10 that I'm working on. Syrena and Caspian's story is coming together pretty quick. #book10 #syrenaandcaspian #movieset

"Now, tell me who was cast to play Destan. I picture the character with blonde hair and green eyes, smaller build due to swinging on the ropes."
"Girl, you know they're not casting a skinny dude. This is supposed to be an action blockbuster."
"I read the book."
"So? Skinny action dude doesn't sell unless he's beefed up in the movie like Captain America," he said. "You know they don't always stick to the book."
"Ugh!" She shook her head as she watched the other girls dive into the water. She was next.
"You better get in the water. You don't need to be fired on your first day," he said.
She nodded as she slipped into the water.
"So, who did they pick?"
"Caspian Wells."

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