Last Pitches, and--I Finished!

Yes, BGs, I typed the last word on Violet Dawn today. Actually tonight. Actually five minutes ago. But hey, I did it.

Tomorrow—a full day of editing. And probably another one after that. Sigh. Then, however, I’m scheduled for some real vacation time with the family here in Coeur d’Alene. I feel like I’ve earned it.

Okay, comments/questions from yesterday.

Great news about Violet Dawn! Congratulations! Can't wait to read it because I feel like I've gotten a glimpse into the impetus of its creation. Unfortunately for Paige it's the first in a series, right?

Yes, the first of a three-book series. However, each book will have a different protagonist, with the former protagonist acting as a supporting character. I followed this same format in my Bradleyville books. This is a nice way to establish a fictional community.

Okay, I'm going to give my pitch a shot. "En route to pick up her best friend's daughter from an orphanage in the middle of the Amazon jungle, Cassidy McKnight is kidnapped by terrorists. The last thing ex-special forces Gabriel Sinclair wants is to rescue the girl he knew as a spoiled rotten brat, but since he owes her father his life, he agrees to do it, never suspecting what an incredible woman she has become.Together, they must battle terrorists and their feelings for each other as they rely on God to get them home safe." Okay, lay it on me. Thanks.

Well, ya certainly gave us a lot of information. Hm. How do we distill this down to its essence, using twenty-five words or less? Thinking . . . thinking . . .

Okay, how about: A young woman kidnapped by terrorists in the Amazon is reluctantly rescued by a childhood acquaintance who knew her as a spoiled brat.

I think that does it (given the knowledge I have about this story.) And it carries that aura of romantic suspense. Whadya think, Lynette?

Here's my best after some help from the gang on the discussion board: "A grieving woman's abduction by a dangerous offender may be the answer to her prayers."

Yeah, I kinda lika that. Makes me go—“Hm. Really?”

I'm working on getting your Bradleyville series for my wife. Then I'll move her into the Seatbelt Suspense...

Ah, Jason, I always knew you were a good man. Just buy her a nightlight first.

One more shot on my pitch to see if it is less general, any better...worse (I hope not, lol): "A crisis counselor initiates revenge when her client's corpse falls through the ceiling -- a gift from her secret admirer."

Okay, good. You might use the word seeks instead of initiates. How’s that for nit-picking?

All right, BGs. From now on—happy pitching. You got the basics down. Tomorrow—check back tomorrow for another hoppin' topic.