Letter from the Editor

Well, it is now September. It is with a bit of trepidation I take over the reigns here as Managing Editor of Pikes Peak Writers Blog. Donnell Bell has been outstanding at ensuring you see timely posts regarding the craft and business of writing and sharing the successes of you, our members. Donnell also, I think, knew everyone. 

But my worry is fleeting. This blog features the input and submissions of more than a few talented individuals. I stand in good company. I'm fortunate to work with a team of talented, dedicated professionals.

I look forward to working with this capable group of Pikes Peak Writers members. Here you will continue to meet members and celebrate in their successes. You’ll see announcements, craft and business advice, relevant pieces, and updates from our President, Bowen Gillings. And of course, you will also have the opportunity to be a part of our blog.

Pikes Peak Writers is here to serve our members. If you’ve got ideas for our blog, or a subject you’d like to see or write about, please share your thoughts. We’re currently accepting individual submissions as well as series ideas. I can be reached at editor@pikespeakwriters.com.

And remember, becoming a member is easy.  Just head over to https://www.pikespeakwriters.com/about/join-pikes-peak-writers/ and follow the instructions.

A little bit about me - My published works are almost entirely nonfiction - textbook credits, studies for the federal government, research papers, technical writing, and a few random poems. I've been compelled to write stories, poems, and song lyrics since I could hold a crayon, and I've recently made the leap from leisurely to serious fiction writing. I've blogged, designed websites and done a bit of development work for many years, primarily as a volunteer for non-profit groups. Since I’ve benefited from reading the PPW Blog for timely relevant posts, I'm thrilled to be at the helm.

PPW Blog and website will be undergoing some changes in the next few weeks.  We are working to complete the process as seamlessly as possible. Still, you may see differences in appearance and format, some of which could be temporary. Ultimately, the changes we’re making will improve functionality and virtual visibility of Pikes Peak Writers.  

Gabrielle Brown, Managing Editor of Pikes Peak Writers Blog, is an engineer by trade and a writer by passion.  Her published works included government studies, textbook credits, and NIOSH and OSHA reports.  Gabrielle currently writes humorous short stories, poetry, and literary fiction. Gabrielle has extensive experience in web design, management, and maintenance.

August Letter from the Editor, intro & a word from our sponsor

By: Donnell Ann Bell

As the new managing editor of Writing from the Peak, I’ve been putting off writing my first Letter from the Editor column, not because I’ve been waiting for inspiration; I wanted to talk about what I hope to bring to this blog and the writing organization I represent.

First and foremost, Writing from the Peak belongs to Pikes Peak Writers. So if you’re a member—and why wouldn’t you be? (Pikes Peak Writers has no geographical restrictions and membership is free), this is your blog. Yes, we have columnists who do a great job, and we depend on them a great deal. But if you have an idea that you think would make a great blog article, contact me at editor@pikespeakwriters.com. We have guest columnists, and I will consider all relevant, well-written topics.

Don’t want to write an article but still have something to say or a question to ask? No problem. We’re adding something new for our members. Each month, starting this month, Pikes Peak Writers’ President, J.T. Evans, will post his ASK THE PREZ column. This is your opportunity to take your questions and comments straight to the top. Look for J.T.’s ASK THE PREZ on August 9^th.

Thanks for bearing with me while I get my editor feet wet. And I'd like to do a special shout out to Debi Archibald, my predecessor, who for fourteen months did an outstanding job, held my hand, and made this such a smooth transition. Thanks, Debi.

As always, look for compelling quotes, helpful, amusing, and thought-provoking articles from our regular columnists, upcoming monthly events, and Sweet Success stories. However, know that Pikes Peak Writers has some of the most talented writers in the publishing industry, and I plan to introduce them to you.

Also, don’t look now, folks, but it’s August. You know what that means. The Zebulon Writing Contest opens in 43 days. On September 14, 2015, the Zebulon is open to both published and unpublished authors in novel-length fiction. For rules and further information check out www.pikespeakwriters.com

Speaking of August, let’s get to it.   

About the author: Donnell Ann Bell is the new managing editor for Writing from the Peak and the coordinator for the monthly Open Critique held on the first Wednesday of every month. She is a best selling romantic suspense and mystery author. To learn more about her books, find her at www.donnellannbell.com

Pikes Peak Writers Conference: Read and Critique

By Robert Spiller

Here's the deal. I am excited (read somewhat intimidated) to be the Read And Critique Coordinator for the 2015 Pikes Peak Writers Conference - in my opinion the finest, most useful, funnest (yeah, that's a word) writing conference in the solar system.

In hopes of being more than just a pretty face, let me school you about Read and Critique sessions in general and the types of sessions in particular.

What the heck is a Read and Critique Appointment, you say?

Are you proud of your work? Here is a chance to show it off!

Industry Professionals (Authors, Agents, Editors) will provide immediate, I'm talking on the spot, feedback concerning the beginning of your manuscript. And it doesn't have to be completed as of the conference.

What are the types of Read and Critique Sessions?

Read and Critique Author

As the title suggests, you are with a published author. You read your opening two pages. (Don't cheat. We're talking industry standard format.) You are in a small intimate setting; just you, your author, and a few other participants. The author provides immediate feedback. Additional feedback from the other participants is encouraged. 

Read and Critique 1,2,3

A staffer reads your first page, 16 lines (either chapter 1 or your prologue) aloud. You remain anonymous. A panel of one Author, one Agent, and one Editor listens, then each provides insight and direction. These sessions are open to attendees to listen in and take notes.

Read and Critique X

You read aloud your first page - again 16 lines - to an Agent or Editor. The coolness factor in this type of session is that every effort will be made to match you up with professionals who align with your genre. As in all Read and Critique sessions, feedback will be immediate and one-on-one.

How might I avail myself of these wonderful opportunities to have my work evaluated?

Glad you asked!

First be diligent. Decide what type of Read and Critique suits you. Research the conference faculty at the Pikes Peak Writers Website.

Next, request an appointment on your registration form.

Which brings us to registration. Register for the conference ASAP. The earlier you are ensconced in the conference, the more likely you will receive the Read and Critique appointment of your choice. Be sure to provide your genre, since this will determine how you are assigned a session and who you will be with.

Oh yeah, one more thing. All Read and Critique sessions are at no extra charge.

If you have any additional questions, I would advise a delightful excursion to the Pikes Peak Writers Website. Write on. 

About the Author: Robert Spiller is a displaced Pennsylvanian living the good life in Colorado Springs, Colorado with his wife Barbara. Within shouting distance are his three daughters and four grandchildren.  

He is the author of the Bonnie Pinkwater mysteries: The Witch of Agnesi, A Calculated Demise, Irrational Numbers, and Radical Equations. These combine four of his passions: teaching, mathematics, math history, and writing. 

Although recently retired, Robert has taught math from elementary to college for the past thirty-five years. In 2005, he realized a long time dream when he ran the Pikes Peak Ascent - a thirteen mile half marathon to the top of America's mountain. He is the 2015 Pikes Peak Writers Conference Read and Critique Coordinator.

PPWC 2014 Q&A - Sarah Peed

Sarah Peed, Editor, Del Rey Spectra & Hydra

1. What was the defining moment that made you realize you wanted to be an editor?  
When I was in 4th grade, I wrote a novella about a Navy captain, based loosely on my grandfather. It was full of adventure and mystery and, as I recall it, one very inconveniently-timed kitchen fire. I was so proud of it that I took it to my teacher and asked her to edit it for me, thus initiating my first real publishing experience. She and I went back-and-forth on the novella, doing major scene reworks and nitpicky line edits, until we agreed that it was in the best shape it could possibly be. I forced friends and family members to read it, and the praise I received was quite heady. I knew from that moment on that I wanted to work with books, and everything I’ve done since then has been working toward that goal. Becoming an editor is a dream come true.

2. What is the one thing you cannot work without? What is your creative vice?

I always have to listen to music while I’m editing, but it can’t be anything with words. I listen to a lot of Andy McKee, Cloudkicker, and Vitamin String Quartet while I’m working.

3. If you could 'revive' any literary figure from the past for a one hour conversation, who would you choose?

I’d have to go with Jane Austen. I’ve been rereading her books once a year for a long, long time, and the idea of sitting down to tea with Ms. Austen and discussing her works is just overwhelmingly wonderful to me.

4. What is one of your more notable or unusual conference or convention experiences?

I went to the Del Rey party at San Diego Comic Con last year, and the staff were all dressed as different characters from A Song of Ice and Fire. I ended up sitting next to George R. R. Martin while being served a drink by a Khal Drogo look alike. It was one of the oddest and most hilarious moments at that particular convention.

5. If we asked your friends and family to compare you to a cartoon character, which would they choose, and why?

Wow, I have no idea. Probably Velma from Scooby Doo; I’m a bookworm who loses my glasses constantly.

6. What is one thing would you like aspiring authors to know about the road to success?

You aren’t going to please everyone, and accepting that will make your life easier. Even the most famous authors were rejected by a ton of agents and publishers, and the most fantastic books all have negative reviews. Try not to take it too personally; you will, of course, but after that initial sting wears off, remember that you’ve written a book that you’re happy with and proud of, and that’s what really matters.

About the Editor: Sarah Peed is an Associate Editor with Del Rey Spectra, and the Acquisitions Editor for Hydra, a division of the Random House Publishing Group. She is looking for fast-paced, character-driven science fiction, fantasy, and horror. She tends toward pieces with a strong voice and dry wit, and she blames The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and Good Omens for that.”I’m looking for dark fantasy, supernatural horror, urban fantasy, and post-apocalyptic sci-fi.  I’m not looking for YA submissions, graphic novels, short story collections, or erotica. I’d like to see pieces that fall in either the novella range of 15,000-30,000 words, or in the novel range of 60,000-100,000 words, although those limits are flexible.Stories that are more character-driven and have a strong voice are very appealing. I’m also looking for fast-paced pieces with enough action to keep the reader engaged and enthralled. Witty, dry, and/or dark humor is also appreciated!”

March Letter From the Editor

Hello, and welcome to March! Time of rain showers (or, as in the case of Colorado, typically, month o' snow.) Are you hoping for one of those monster blizzards we occasionally get, or ready for spring?

Courtesy of OCAL at clker.com

When we hit the beginning of the year, we jump in with goals, but spring is also a time of new beginnings. It's also a time of spring cleaning. Why not apply that to your writing space? Does your office need a little work? Could you be more organized? Is your email inbox cluttered?

Courtesy OCAL, clker.com

A positive thing to do is to look at how you're organizing your writing, your writing space, your files, and your time. Maybe you need more time, or you need to switch it up to work around some other things. Maybe you haven't been documenting submissions of your work, or you've saved a bunch of copies of one piece of writing, and it would be good to go through and put these in files so you don't have to dig to find the latest version of your WIP, article, short story, poem, etc. Now's a great time to cast an eye over how you're doing things, whether you're keeping up with the goals you set in January (or whenever), and whether anything needs to be changed or updated.

We're actually doing a little rearranging around here. I'm looking for someone who would be interested in taking over as Managing Editor of Writing From the Peak. You need to be organized, able to keep to deadlines, comfortable with editing and giving feedback to columnists and guest posters, and willing to work with various other departments in Pikes Peak Writers to insure your information is accurate and timely. If you might be interested in this position, please contact editor@pikespeakwriters.com. Please note that this is a volunteer position, but it's also a great position to have if you enjoy reading great posts on writing, and if you'd like to be a part of the Pikes Peak Writers team.

Take a moment to share how you're doing with goals, and what you think may need reorganization!

~Shannon Lawrence
Managing Editor, Writing From the Peak
PPW Director of Non-Conference Events

Mentors and the Mentored

By Karen Albright Lin

Having been both a writing mentor and a beneficiary of the gift of mentoring, I’d love to share what a mentor is, what role one plays, how to find one, and how to accept the generous guidance offered by one. 

A mentor is a trusted guide, one more experienced than you, one that has a level of success beyond yours, and one who can counsel you in developing your writing and your marketing.

Some “mentors” are hired. In my opinion, they are more accurately called writing coaches. Though I’m a coach and editor and believe whole-heartedly there is a place for such professionals, I’ve been lucky enough to mentor and to be mentored without money being involved. There’s tremendous satisfaction and appreciation in simply helping and being helped.

Before you seek a mentor, there are some things you should be aware of. Mentee etiquette. Test yourself to see if you have the right personality makeup and the right attitude going in.    

A Good Mentee

• Is prepared to receive a wide range of advice
• Welcomes potential for growth rather than feeling demoralized by critique
• Always keeps control of his ideas and writing
• Doesn’t slavishly follow every suggestion or lose his vision
• Respects the mentor’s time
• Doesn’t expect line edits from a mentor, instead seeks more global advice
• Receives feedback gracefully
• Doesn’t expect the mentor to do all the work
• Reads suggested books
• Is professional with a winning attitude
• Avoids asking questions he could find answers for; does his research first
• Also does her due diligence in finding a critique group/critique partner/beta reader
• Lets the mentor know his feedback is helpful
• Sends a gift and a copy of his book or article the mentor helped with
• When ready, pays it forward to other writers

It is important to be an effective receiver of counsel. A protégé shouldn’t take unfair advantage of the kindness being offered. Remember the mentor has a home life and deadlines. She isn’t a babysitter. Be a good mentee. 

In the next post, I’ll address what a good mentor is and how to find one.  In the meantime remember: seek feedback from admired sources but don’t allow your voice to be combed out of your work.

About the Writer:  Karen is an editor, ghostwriter, pitch coach, speaker and award-winning author of novels, cookbooks, and screenplays. She’s written over a dozen solo and collaborative scripts (with Janet Fogg, Christian Lyons and director Erich Toll); each has garnered international, national and regional recognition: Moondance Film Festival, BlueCat, All She Wrote, Lighthouse Writers, Boulder Asian Film Festival, SouthWest Writers Contest, and PPW Contest. Find out more at www.karenalbrightlin.com.

 

Tips When Hiring an Editor

By Donnell Ann Bell

With the publishing doors bursting wide open these days, I, like everyone else, am curious about self-publishing. To that end, I’ve been researching DIY topics, including hiring of an editor. Still, just as anyone can self-publish, anyone can hang up a shingle these days and say, “I’m an editor and I’m open for business.” Never has caveat emptor been so important to an author.   

If you’re considering self-publishing, following are some interview questions you might consider when choosing an editor: 

1)      How long have you been an editor and what is your educational and professional background?

Here I must remind you that while length of time in the business and education are important, this is a foundation question and merely the grout to your first layer before you add bricks to your decision-making. 

Ten years, and a Masters in English Literature may sound impressive, but where have they put their editing skills to work? Have they worked in the publishing industry or have they worked in the field of journalism? Have they edited fiction or have they edited newspapers and magazines? There is a difference, you know. (Note:  I came from a journalism background—thought it would be a breeze when I turned to fiction. Wrong. In journalism, we’re taught to not editorialize. Fiction is all about emotion and how your characters feel.)

2)      After you’ve become impressed with an editor’s initial background, your second question might be: What genres do you specialize in and what genres do you enjoy reading?

Editing is editing, right? Au, contraire! If you’re writing fantasy and your editor specializes in historical fiction, she might be an excellent editor, just not the right editor for you. The second part of this question is important, also. If the genre you’re writing isn’t in your potential editor’s stable of nightstand material, my suggestion is to run, do not walk away from this person, and continue your search. 

3)      My goal is to submit to Publisher XX.  If I hire you, are you familiar with that publisher’s style sheet and guidelines? If not, are you willing to familiarize yourself with its guidelines before I hire you?

The fact that an editor might not be familiar with a publishing house’s guidelines should not be your foremost concern. Whether or not they are willing to do their homework and give your manuscript the best chance of succeeding should entirely be of interest to you.

4)      When editing, what do you focus on?

     a)      Grammar and punctuation

     b)      Author follow-through, e.g. threads to the story to ensure continuity

     c)       Logic and fact checking. (Is what I’m writing logical in the world I’ve created and will you note passages and text that leave you in doubt?)

     d)      Pacing, redundancy and repetition

     e)      Awkward phrasing 

5)       How busy are you? When I give you my work, how soon may I expect to see edits?

Careful here. Just as you want to give your editor polished material to work with, (and you never want to give your editor anything less than what you consider your best ) you want your editor to return an even more polished edit. Just as writers miss deadlines, editors do, also. They have emergencies and life can get in the way. This is a great question to ask their references (No. 7 below).   

6)      Will we sign a contract?

This may seem overcautious, but writers and editors need to protect themselves in the event that one or both fail to meet any or all of the specified agreement(s). However, just as some agents refuse to sign contracts, some editors do as well. What should you do in that event? (No. 7 below. Check their references.)

7)      Do you provide references?  How many of your references are return clients?

I think the first part of this question speaks for itself, and my advice—don’t do it.   

As for Part two, if an author uses an editor once, but has numerous other work out since that particular release date, I’d want to know why, wouldn’t you? Could be something as innocent as the editor had too many clients at the time of author’s release or maybe he was taking a sabbatical. Still, repeat clients speak volumes.

8)       Do you offer examples of the editing you will provide?

Some editors provide a sample of their services, e.g. the first 30 to 60 pages, (paid of course—you don’t want to give away your writing for free; an editor doesn’t either). A sample edit gives clues to both the author and the editor that they’re likely entering into a compatible working relationship. 

9)      What are your fees?

Shocked that I asked this question last? It’s up to you, of course. You may ask it whenever you wish.  But if money is the end-all as to whether you hire this person, you’re in the wrong business. Of course you have a budget and the editor might be out of your reach. You’re free to walk away and look elsewhere at that point. But you truly get what you pay for—particularly in this highly competitive business.

About the Author: Donnell Ann Bell is a two-time Golden Heart® finalist who previously worked for a weekly business newspaper and a parenting magazine. Her debut novel The Past Came Hunting became an Amazon bestseller, reaching as high as #6 on the paid overall list. Her second book, Deadly Recall, brought to you by Bell Bridge Books, reached #1 on Amazon. Learn more about Donnell at www.donnellannbell.com.

PPWC 2013 - Christopher Hernandez, Editor

HarperCollins Children's

Chris Hernandez

Chris Hernandez is setting out to prove his creative writing teacher wrong by seeking a publishing career, in addition to being an assistant editor with HarperCollins Children's and Harper Teen.

Chris was nice enough to come in place of Melissa Miller when she had to cancel her appearance at Pikes Peak Writers Conference 2013. He covers literary and commercial fiction for MG and YA, and is especially interested in books for boys. One series he's working on that you may be familiar with is Pittacus Lore's "I Am Number Four" series.

He's on the ECC (Early Career Committee) Board of the Children's Book Council, which is dedicated to literacy. He's a busy guy!

Chris is interested in pitches for the following genres within Middle Grade and Young Adult: Humor, Mystery, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Horror.  He’s not interested in: Romance, Historical (realistic), or Picture Books, so do yourself a favor and don't pitch those to him. He seeks out well-crafted stories, with a genuine voice and original perspective.

This is our last piece on conference faculty, because conference officially starts today! We hope to see you there.

PPWC 2013 - Pat Van Wie, Editor

Bell Bridge Books

Pat Van Wie

Bell Bridge Books came to be in 2008, an imprint of Belle Books, which has been around since 1999. Both were started by a group of veteran, multi-published Southern writers, so they focus on nurturing new voices and supporting long-standing authors.

Pat Van Wie is not only an editor at Bell Bridge, but is also a writer and writing instructor, presenting workshops across the country. She has published eleven novels, all for major publishing houses: Ballantine, Bantam, and Harlequin. She wrote three of her books under the pseudonym Patricia Lewin.

She is primarily looking for mystery and suspense, but will also consider fantasy, sci-fi, YA, romance, general fiction, women's fiction, non-fiction, and literary fiction.

You can find her in the following places:

Bell Bridge Books website

Facebook

About the Author:  Shannon Lawrence is a mom of two, a freelance writer and aspiring novelist.  She lives in Colorado Springs and is inspired by the beauty of Pikes Peak and the Rockies.  After years of letting her writing fall by the wayside, she has recently thrown herself back into it.  Her main focus is fantasy and horror and she has just finished a Young Adult Fantasy novel.  She has a flash fiction piece featured in the anthology Sunday Snaps: The Stories, due out in 2013.  She has also discovered a love of photography and enjoys photographing the breathtaking Colorado scenery and wildlife, as well as her children.  She blogs about reading, writing and photography at www.thewarriormuse.com.

PPWC 2013 - Deb Werksman, Editor

Sourcebooks

Deb Werksman

Deb Werksman has been an editor at the Illinois-based Sourcebooks for fourteen years. She is acquiring single title romance in all sub-genres (paranormal, historical, suspense, contemporary, and erotic), historical, and women's fiction. From her bio on the Sourcebooks website, she is looking for the following traits in romance submitted to her: a heroine readers can relate to, a hero she can fall in love with, a credible and imaginative world, the ability to escape into the world, a hook, and a career arc for the author. For commercial women's fiction, she's looking for a strong hook and an unusual angle. She is also fond of happy endings over dark and depressing tales.

From Sourcebooks: "We like to say that we publish authors, not books, because we think strategically about authors’ careers, and we constantly promote our backlist, which encourages readership to grow." The editors and staff at Sourcebooks invest themselves in their authors' careers, and they publish more than 300 titles each year.

Before working with Sourcebooks, Deb had a small publishing press, where she put out a political satire magazine with her husband. She sold this press to Sourcebooks when she joined the editorial staff.

You can find Deb at the following places:

Sourcebooks website

Twitter

LinkedIn

Casablanca Authors Blog (once per month)

About the Author:  Shannon Lawrence is a mom of two, a freelance writer and aspiring novelist.  She lives in Colorado Springs and is inspired by the beauty of Pikes Peak and the Rockies.  After years of letting her writing fall by the wayside, she has recently thrown herself back into it.  Her main focus is fantasy and horror and she has just finished a Young Adult Fantasy novel.  She has a flash fiction piece featured in the anthology Sunday Snaps: The Stories, due out in 2013.  She has also discovered a love of photography and enjoys photographing the breathtaking Colorado scenery and wildlife, as well as her children.  She blogs about reading, writing and photography at www.thewarriormuse.com.

I'm on a Boat!

By Shannon Baker

There’s a chance I might not be crazy. The evidence, however, suggests otherwise.

Most of the time I can compartmentalize the worst of the fruitcake behavior and hopefully people don’t know how nuts I am.

I usually keep it secret that I have a constant soundtrack going on inside my head. My husband calls it the ShannonPod. A good day is when there is only one song looping. Not every day is good.

I’ve learned to anticipate and warn those around me when an outbreak of lunacy is likely. It’s sort of like a good-hearted werewolf locking himself up on a full moon.

For instance, when I send a manuscript out for review I can turn off the anxiety for a time. But I know when that manuscript is returned there will be fallout. It’s predictable.

I stand with the manuscript in hand.

There is a deep inhalation in preparation. As I read the comments I burn with embarrassment that I could be that stupid. How could I have sent this off when I know better than to make those kinds of mistakes? Then despair sinks in. This manuscript cannot be salvaged. Repair is impossible. My deadline looms and I have to create a completely different story. I’m doomed.

This stage lasts exactly two days.

On the third day I start to understand how to change the plot to make it better. I get a clear idea where to cut, where to add, and how to make that device work. The literary worm turns and I get excited because when I make these changes, this book is going to be brilliant!

For the next two to three weeks I am possessed, obsessed and whatever other ‘ssed writers get when they go so deeply into their story the only time they surface is to 1) eat and 2) go to that pesky day job that supports this bat-shit habit.  The only conversation I’m capable of is raving about the new insight into my character. My checkbook will not get balanced and I’ll survive on pickles and saltines before going to the grocery store.  I have plenty of underwear to last this manic phase, so I do no laundry.

And then it’s done. You’d think I’d feel relief. Elation! Pride of accomplishment.

Maybe I would… if I weren’t crackers.

Instead, I have Manuscript Withdrawal. After having made all those changes I knew would make the story sing, I’m convinced I’ve failed. It’s drivel and my editor will reject it and I’ll end up in the gutter, my roots will grow out gray, and I’ll have chronic halitosis.

But, wonder of wonders, my editor likes it. It goes into the publishing assembly line and I feel good about it for the next several months. I anticipate the book release. It’s gonna be great! Friends and family will hold it aloft and the champagne will flow.

Except I’m bonkers.

Tainted Mountain (Midnight Ink) is here as of today. By the time this blog is aired it will be available. Since this is my first book with a really great publisher, I have no experience with this part of the publishing process. I don’t know what to expect from my unstable, insecure self. I already feel the draw to the dark side of the anxiety landscape but I’m determined to enjoy this.

It’s a good book. You’ll like it. 

So, crazy or not, my ShannonPod is on a constant loop to “I’ve Got a Book,” sung to “I’m On A Boat,” the expletive version. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avaSdC0QOUM

About the Writer: Shannon Baker has a right brain/left brain conflict. While the left brain focuses on her career as an accountant, her right brain concocts thrillers, including her 2010 release, Ashes of the Red Heifer. A lover of mountains, plains, oceans and rivers, she can often be found traipsing around the great outdoors. The first book in the Nora Abbott Mystery Series, Tainted Mountain, released March 2013 from Midnight Ink publishers.