Pamela Thibodeaux and Her New Release

Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.” Sign up to receive Pam’s newsletter and get a FREE short story!

Character Interview

Beverley: What’s your name?

Melena: Melena Rhyker

Beverley: Where did you grow up?

Melena: Born and raised in Mississippi. Had never left home alone until my venture to Utopia, TX.

Beverley: During what time period does your story take place?

Melena: The Crossed Penn Ranch in Utopia, TX.  Although mine is told in modern day, the story of living through grief is timeless.

Beverley: What’s your story/back story? Why would someone come up with a story about you?

Melena: My Heart Weeps begins the day of my husband’s funeral and continues through my journey of grief into new life and possibly new love. Pamela chose to tell my story because she experienced this same level of loss in her own life when her husband passed away in 2009.

Beverley: What’s your goal in this story?

Melena: I hope to show people everywhere that God has a plan for each of our lives and regardless what valleys we go through – death, divorce, loss of a job – there is HOPE on the other side of grief.

Beverley: What conflicts are you facing?

Melena: My biggest conflict is dealing with my husband’s death. Then there’s the choice to open up to the possibility of love again…

Beverley: Do you have a plan for resolving them?

Melena: To think too far ahead much less plan anything is too overwhelming. My only goal but to get through one day at a time as whole as possible.

Beverley: Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

Melena: I’m an artist. God has given us each a gift or talent. I’ve always used my talent as a means to gift others, but at the Crossed Penn Ranch, my talent flourished into much more than I ever dreamed possible. This is another takeaway from my story…. God is not finished with you! Allow HIM to work through you in whatever gift He has given, and you’ll be amazed, and surprised, at how your life may turn out.

Blurb for My Heart Weeps: 

After thirty years married to the man of her dreams, Melena Rhyker is devastated by her husband's death. Relief comes in the form of an artist's retreat at the Crossed Penn ranch in Utopia, TX. She rediscovers a forgotten dream as her artistic talent flourishes into that of a gallery-worthy artist. Will she have the courage to follow the path she was destined to travel?

Garrett Saunders has been on the run most of his life. Abused and abandoned as a child, he escapes the clutches of a past filled with pain and shame, and hides from his calling as a Native American healer. His years as a CIA agent aid in overcoming his childhood and honing his talent and skill as a fine art photographer. 

Follow their journey as two people who come from totally different backgrounds, but share gifts of gigantic proportions, find meaning and purpose in the Texas Hill Country.

Excerpt from My Heart Weeps:

     “So did all this frivolous energy give you any ideas about the future? There’s a light in your eyes that wasn’t there this morning.”

Melena smiled. “You always could look right into my soul. Actually, I’m thinking I should take your advice and quit my job or take an extended leave of absence.”

“I think that’s a great idea. Have you put numbers together with your finances to see how long you could go without a regular income?”

“Only in my head, but I think I have enough for the better part of this year.”

“What will you do? I mean, staying holed up in the house is definitely not healthy.”

Melena leaned back in her chair with a sigh. “It’s never easy, is it? I mean, I get all excited about finally making a decision for myself, and up pops a dozen other issues to consider.”

She thought a moment, shrugged. “Maybe I'll work on my art. Jon always said I have talent and that I should do something with it. But I’ve been content to use it only as a means to gift others. Maybe if I put as much passion and energy into painting and glass work as I did my marriage, our home, and our life together, I could be successful enough to earn a decent living.” She blew out a breath. “I don't know...I can't think past tomorrow or next week, much less the future. It's all so overwhelming.”

My Heart Weeps is on sale for a limited time @ 99 cents and FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

Buy Link: https://bit.ly/MyHeartWeeps

Social Media Links:

Website address: http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com

Blog: http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/psthibnewsletter

Face Book: http://facebook.com/pamelasthibodeaux

https://www.facebook.com/pamelasthibodeauxauthor

Twitter: http://twitter.com/psthib @psthib

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/pamelasthibodea/

Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1jUVcdU

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pamela-s-thibodeaux

Instagram: https://instagram.com/pamelasthibodeauxauthor

Pam is giving away 1 Ebook, 1 Autographed Print Book, 1 Audio Book, a $15 Amazon Gift Card, a 1-month Audible membership and a SURPRISE Giftpack to 6 lucky people! (1 prize per winner) Names will be collected throughout the tour which ends Sept. 30th. Winners will be notified, and prizes awarded by October 10^th so be sure to leave your EMAIL Address!

Realism in Writing

What elements do you include in your stories to make a story seem and feel more realistic to the reader? Thanks, Rhobin for another thought-provoking topic.

I guess the first things I use to make a story more realistic is setting and weather. It doesn’t have to be in a lot of detail, but enough information that the reader can picture where the story takes place and maybe feel the heat or the cold. They’re there with the character. Adding a hobby, or occupation can make the character more realistic. It might be one they can relate to or one they’re interested in learning about. What the character is feeling so the reader can get a better feel for the character. And I add a lot of characteristics, so the reader gets to know the character better. A pet is always a nice touch. Be it a dog or a horse it can draw the reader in and give a more realistic touch to the story.

Here’s the beginning to Death Southern Style. See if the details make the story feel more realistic.

Perrine Dupré hurried down the street. She needed to get home. Dark New Orleans clouds hovered overhead. Thunder rolled. Large drops of late May rain pelted the streets of the French Quarter. It sounded like hail as the fat globs bounced off the pavement behind Perrine. The ozone mixed with the scent of magnolia and the smell of shrimp and fish cooking in the area.

The older African American woman struggled against the wind. It whipped her umbrella inside out. She clutched it tightly so not to lose it. Rain blurred her vision. Thunder crashes caused her to jump. She stumbled up the three steps to her front door. Her daughter was coming home for a visit. Perrine’s pulse increased and a smile sneaked out.

And now let’s see what my fellow authors have to say about realism in writing.

Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
Victoria Chatham http://www.victoriachatham.com
Judith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com/
Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/
Dr. Bob Rich    https://bobrich18.wordpress.com/2020/08/22/elementary-my-dear-rhobin/
Connie Vines http://mizging.blogspot.com/ 
Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/
Rhobin L Courtright http://www.rhobincourtright.com

Write What You Know

As far back as I remember people said to ‘write what you know’. They’re still saying that today. Hmm….

I agree with this statement, depending on the genre you write. If you write historical how can you ‘write what you know?’

In this case I believe write what you know means a lot of research so you’re familiar with the genre, the clothing, the architecture, the language, occupations, the morays of that time.  In other words, immerse yourself in that genre until you feel part of it. Then write it.

If you’re writing contemporary anything, you should be comfortable with your location and setting, occupations, language and age, beliefs and our culture and challenges. I've read books where Hotel is in Victoria, on Vancouver Island in BC. You have to take a ferry from Vancouver to get there.                                                                                                                                                           And if you’re going to commit a murder, learn about guns, poisons, fighting techniques, etc.  

    

Westerns and horror genres can fit in with historical and contemporary. The author then needs to know about the genre and research the addition information on the addition. For example, learning about ranching, horses, guns of the time, etc.  

                                                  

When it comes to other genres, sci-fi and steampunk, I don’t write these, but I believe the author must create a world where they set the story. Like the historical genre, they fit in with the statement of ‘write what you know’. Instead of researching for a historical for example, the sci-fi author develops their own world. They need to develop and be familiar with the clothing, architecture, language, occupations, religions, and morays of the world. They become familiar with the world they develop.

Targeted - A ranch in Montana, a Native American, and a paranormal touch. I researched the Blackfoot Tribe, mostly on line. Also at a museum, (part of the Nation is in Canada), and in an online class. The ranch life I posted to a loop and got info from people who live on cattle ranches. And I have a friend is is a psychic. 

So, an author should ‘write what they know’ or know what they want to write about. Your thoughts?

Your Favorite Hero

Who is your favorite hero and why?

I’ve found several awesome hero’s in my reading, but up until the last book, my favorite has always been Roarke from the ‘In Death’ series by JD Robb. Roarke … sigh. He’s tall, black hair, amazing blue eyes, a great physique and he’s absurdly handsome. He’s super wealthy but generous. He’s a reformed thief. He’s polite, intelligent, speaks with an Irish brogue. His voice is smooth whether he’s negotiating a business deal or spouting poetry. He’s considerate and a great lover. He is an awesome dresser and understands fashion and fashion statements, including from a woman’s viewpoint. He treats everyone well and his employees love him. He remembers anniversaries and all special dates He’s thoughtful and treats animals well.

Of my books, I think my favorite hero is Kye, from Targeted.  He is tall, black hair and brown eyes, well-built and muscular. He’s Native American from the Blackfoot tribe. He’s intelligent and well-spoken but he doesn’t treat women as equal. He wants to take care of them. He’s generous. As a lawyer he provides free service on legal issues with the local Blackfoot tribe. He believes in the supernatural and his past elders. He becomes more open to learning about relationships. 

   

       What about you? Who is your favorite hero from any book or genre?

Historical Romance Book Sale

My Historical Romance Book Sale Starts Today!

Hi everyone,

Welcome to August! If you love to get swept away by romances set in different time periods, I’ve got great news for you – all of my historical romances are on sale for a limited time.

The sale starts today, August 1, and ends on Saturday, August 15.  

But there’s one catch – these titles are on sale everywhere you buy ebooks – except for Amazon. Yep, you read that right. So, if you get your ebooks on Kobo, Apple, Nook, 24 Symbols, Scribd, Playster etc. this sale is for you.

My historical romances are anything but boring, and they vary in heat levels and settings. Some books are mild and others are scorching hot! The time periods and settings are as varied as the heroes and heroines. I even have two historical/fantasy trilogies: The Royal Desires series and the Naughty Nobles trilogy.

If you love single titles, you can lose yourself in a pioneer/adventure romance (Loving a Wild Stranger), a Colonial mystery (Dangerous Indenture), a Gothic romance (Redemption from a Dark Past), a paranormal Viking tale set in Celtic Scotland (The Viking’s Witch), and a love story set in the Old West (Love, Lies & Redemption).

Want to learn more about these titles? Full book summaries and reviews are on my site: www.kelliwilkins.com

There are two ways to order:

Visit my Books2Read page: https://www.books2read.com/ap/nkvddR/Kelli-A-Wilkins choose a historical romance, and follow the links to order.

Or, go to my website: www.kelliwilkins.com find a book you like, then follow the link under the book description that says:  “Buy it on other platforms:” That link will take you directly to the book’s ordering page.

It’s easy. And it’s economical. All the books in the sale are $1 off until Saturday, August 15. So stock up on some great reads now and enjoy them for the rest of the year.

Happy Reading!

Kelli A. Wilkins

Have You Read Golden in Death?

I don’t usually discuss books or write reviews, but I just finished reading Golden in Death by J.D. Robb. I’m feeling confused. Help me out with this.

I love J.D. Robb (aka Nora Roberts) I’ve been reading her books for years and I think I’ve read most of her books/series. People have commented about some of her recent books as possibly been written by someone else. I hadn’t noticed it, but I did with Golden in Death.

One of the things I’ve always liked about J.D. Robb’s books are her characterizations. Her regular staff and group of close friends, their involvement and development and their relationship with Dallas. You get to know them and they become part of the story over time. They grow and develop over the series, new ones are added. 

In this book there was very little of that and only mentioned occasionally and some not at all. Other than Dallas, Peabody and Rourke and the people who died or were interviewed there was very little character development.  Dallas’ character appeared different and more two dimensional and she talked differently. The plot was interesting but even that felt a little weak. So, was it written by J.D. Robb, or someone else?

I’d love to hear other people’s thoughts.