If you had told me five years ago, “Carol, you’re going to self-publish books, create short stories for competitions, and write a few magazine articles,” I would have had trouble believing it. I did write creatively now and then. I never considered it as a serious venture.
Occasionally, I would have flights of fancy, composing poems and plays. I was enamored of an early 70s television show, a western with handsome guys in the lead roles, Alias Smith and Jones. I wrote an episode. I even included timing for commercial breaks in the 30 minute show, but it was only for me. I never considered submitting it. I was just a kid too.
So, how did I start writing seriously? One day, about four years ago, I was using the computer doing the usual thing—researching on the Internet and checking out social media. Then, something hit me, metaphorically speaking. I wanted to create a book. The desire seemed to just come out of the blue.
For now, where my books are concerned, I do everything myself—from start to finish including cover design. It’s a lot of work, but incredibly rewarding when your concept comes into being.
Resonance is my first romance, and it has a time travel twist.
There’s a lot of me in Bea, one of my protagonists. We both love music—in particular the classic rock of the 70s and 80s and enjoy art museums. In fact, the art museum in the book is based on the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond where I’m a frequent visitor.
She and I jump at the chances to sail on ships and boats. We love going to festivals that feature tall ships—those grand, masted ladies of the sea and checking out the artisans who usually attend the events.
This past July, I was honored to be able to sail on the frigate USS Constitution, “Old Ironsides,” on her turn around cruise. I got to explore every inch of her open to the public. Members of the crew, in historical uniforms, gave interesting presentations throughout the ship about the dangerous life on a warship in the “old days.” We landlubbers also got to see sailors demonstrate how to load a cannon. When it came time to fire, they shouted out a hearty “BOOM”—so much fun. Talk about being in heaven.
Constitution was never defeated in battle, and stepping onto her deck was awe-inspiring. She’s still a commissioned ship in the United States Navy.
I’d love it if you read a sample of Resonance and dropped me a line too. I’m always interested in what you have to say and any questions you may have. Don’t be a stranger.
Resonance
Bea is never lucky in love. There’s always something missing sooner or later. No man has ever been able to end the emptiness plaguing her. She’s just about ready to stop torturing herself with the possibilities–destined to live the rest of her life unfulfilled.
Enjoying a girls’ day out with her best friend, Bea discovers an old record album by her all-time favorite rock band. Why is she thrilled and enchanted by Maximilian’s face gazing up at her? He didn’t hold that power over her in the past, and he died ten years ago.
That night, researching him on the Internet well into the wee hours, she learns Maximilian never found his lasting love.
Bea decides to enter her birth date and his into her trusted astrology site for a compatibility report. The results slash through her already wounded heart.
Bea and Maximilian are soul mates! How is this possible? He’s gone. Any hope of finding that one enduring flame is gone with him. Or, is it?
Would time be willing to give Bea and Maximilian another chance?
Many thanks to Delilah for the opportunity to guest blog. I enjoyed it.
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
