Alex's interview with Officer Mandel (a chapter cut in the final edits)

part 1

Brad impatiently tapped the open file on his desk. “You have to give me something here, Alex. Kramer’s just dying to implicate you.”

He scowled as the young man kept his eyes lowered to his clasped hands, the knuckles showing white as he fought some strong emotion.

Brad leaned across his desk. “Tell me,” he urged. He referred to the top sheet of the file. “It says here that Maggie Jonsan grew up in an isolated farmhouse outside of Oakton, Colorado. She was an intelligent enough child, but given to violent emotions and psychotic episodes. Her parents were able to keep this hidden for years by home-schooling her and limiting her exposure to other children.”

The officer glanced at Alex’s averted face. “Is this true? Is this the same Maggie Jonsan who was your mother?”

Alex finally looked at him, clearly rattled. “What does it matter? What does she have to do with any of this?”

“If we can show undue stress…” his voice trailed off as Alex sat back in his chair, shocked. Brad turned to the paper in his hand, discomfited. His expression darkened as he read the next line in the file...

Was

Great writing tip from a friend. 'Was' is a weak word. Use it sparingly!

Mountainland Publishing

WooHoo!! My friend Jennifer Nicole Cox just had her book '500 Things That Make Dogs Happy' released by Mountainland Publishing, Inc. Congratulations Jennifer!! Looks like that perfect stocking-stuffer for all our animal-loving friends. You can buy her book and and other fantastic stories at http://www.mountainlandpublishing.com/catalog.html and through Amazon.com.
Way to go, girl!

Writing Excitement

I know I'm on the right track when the book I'm writing is more exciting to me than the book I'm reading by a favorite author.
I usually come home for lunch anticipating a good half-hour to read, but the last few days I've been coming home thinking, yeah! I can finish up the scene with Russal at the graveside of his family. Bittersweet, but gives us insight into his motivations.
I absolutely love writing.

Quality vs. Quantity

Sometimes, one well written page that moves a story forward is better than thousands of words that have to be edited out later. (In defense of those who have to snatch minutes here and there to do their writing.)

Alex

'You should be very excited for your book. We are in the review stages with it and will be sending you some edits shortly.'

Regards,
Michael Combe
Managing Editor
Mountainland Publishing, Inc.

Yeah!! It's not just a dream.

addicted to queries

I know that sounds strange after all the years of rejection letters. But! That excited, happy feeling of having someone request an entire manuscript, and then to have that story accepted... It's a joy that cannot be denied. ('Alex', out in print March, 2010 from Mountainland Publishing. http://www.mountainlandpublishing.com/ )
I want that feeling again! I'm pushing myself to finish my fantasy story just to feel that excitement of sending out queries, waiting for replies, wondering if this publishing house will be the one...
Sure, rejections are heartbreaking, but that only makes acceptance that much sweeter. So keep sending out those queries!
Bye for now.