~ At The Water's Edge ~

Writing 

has always been my salvation. 

I believe never more so than now.

I had just begun to lay down the words

for my third novel. 

Fingers itching to tell the story.

But those all-important pages were cast off

without a second glance when

Cancer,
a cunning thief,

  came and stole my husband right out from under my nose.

I no longer recognized my life.

All energy was channeled into simply surviving.

Then, during the dark night of the soul...

words began to wrap around me like my grandmother's quilt. 

I let my feelings run down through my fingertips 

and drip onto the pages of my journal.

And began to heal.

I'm breathing easier now. 

Finding my way back. 

My darling protagonist, Savannah, 
has agreed to take me by the hand and lead the way.

 And I'll let her. 

I've been tossed a life line,

 and I will grab it and hold on for dear life. 

For dear life.

Life is ...dear. 

Am I back in the game?

Hardly.

But...

I have my toes in the water !

Meet Tierney James

Come over here and let me introduce you to this lovely author. 

Tierney James, is the real deal. A class act and gorgeous, to boot. I should hate her , but I don't.

Do yourself a favor and get to know her through this short interview and then through her writing. 

You can thank me later !

Author Tierney James

Garrett Horton is a hard rock miner with an attitude. Why should the reader like him?

This hard rock miner is a redneck good ole boy with brains, looks and courage. He doesn’t give up on his men or the love of his life that abandoned him just days before their wedding. Determined to understand why Fawn left him, Garrett uncovers a conspiracy created by her father.

Fawn’s father is the owner of the lead mines. She’s determined to shut out the past after returning home. The biggest obstacle to her happiness turns out to be her stubbornness and a heart as hard as the rock brought out of the mines. 

Why would a rich girl even consider staying in such a small town with no opportunities?

I spent 25 years of my life in a hard rock mining town. There’s something very culturally rich and satisfying about living with people who don’t take life for granted. It doesn’t matter whether you’re the richest or poorest, a miner or a logger, there is a common goal of surviving. Everyone is connected through work, school and mining. The entire community becomes a family. When I left the mining industry I grieved for my family. The history I created there became a part of the fabric of who I am. Now, fourteen years later, I still consider it part of my life. Fawn came back because there are things money just can’t buy.

Living in a mining community must have its challenges. What was that like?

When I gave birth to two children my husband had to drive me 60 miles to a hospital. Both times it snowed. I drove 40 miles to get groceries for a month at a time. Our local store could supply small items, but sometimes it wasn’t enough. The movie theater was over an hour away. Kids played outside until dark. Friday nights the town went to the high school basketball game. Swimming in creeks or floating down the Black River. Picnics and baseball games made life pretty awesome.

Living in a mining community sounds like serious stuff. Can you tell readers something funny that happened to you there?

There were a couple of old guys who lived up the hill from me. They would drive down to buy hay from me and put it in their car. After teaching my Great Dane to jump up and remove my hat, she decided to do the same with my two neighbors. They never came back. I still laugh when I remember the look of panic on their faces when my dog jumped over the fence to greet them.

When you picture your characters who played the parts?

This is something I like to think about before I start writing. I thought about Mark Wahlberg being Garrett Horton and Jeff Bridges as Big Jim Turnbough. 
I created a pinterest board to see some of the mines and scenery. You can see them on this link.

https://www.pinterest.com/ptierneyjames/the-rescued-heart/

This is a romantic suspense with twists and turns. Is this the kind of books you usually write?

I do like to surprise the reader. My novels usually are more geo-political thrillers. I’m currently working on my first urban fantasy. I’ve also written two children’s books. The Rescued Heart is the first romantic suspense. There are a lot of stories stomping around in my head.

What is one thing about yourself that might surprise readers?

There have been several careers I’ve always wanted to do. Being an astronaut was always a dream as well as becoming a war correspondent. I was able to go to Space Camp for Educators and become a Solar System Ambassador for NASAs Jet Propulsion Lab. The correspondent thing never happened, but becoming a writer is a pretty good place to be.

You can find And Follow Tierney here

http://www.facebook.com/TierneyJamesAction

http://www.ptierneyjames.blogspot.com

https://twitter.com/TierneyJames1

Other Books by Tierney James

   

          Amazon                              Amazon                                    Amazon

Coming Soon 

~ Follow the Yellow Brick Road ~

That's me

putting one little ruby slipper in front of the other.

It's been a crazy road full of twists and turns, but thankfully no flying monkeys.

Like the scarecrow, I've fallen down on wobbly legs a time or two.

But like the cowardly lion, I found my courage and off I went.

Guess what?

It was right there in my pocket the whole time.

ROARRRR !!!!!

Now my destination is right around the corner. 

Thanks for joining me on the journey thus far. 

~ Stuck on the Sidewalk ~

                                                 

Here's what I've learned along the way....

When my best friend Gail and I went to Italy, I learned one of those little life lessons that has stayed with me.
There we were, two Rubes from the Midwest who had never traveled outside the U.S.

Alone in a bustling, swirling mess, like a plate of spilled spaghetti, this city called ROME.
Only our wits to lead the way. No tour bus guide. No group to traipse behind as we stumbled along the cobblestone streets. Once we touched down, the reality of our decision to go it alone, hit me like a giant cannoli. I was frightened almost into paralysis. What in the world was I thinking, traveling half way around the world, with a only a little book of Italian phrases stuck in my back pocket?
Gail and I had plans to meet one of our parish priests our first night in Rome.
He was studying abroad and was on his way to Africa the next day, but he kindly offered to join us for dinner and share a bit of his hard-earned wisdom.
One of his best tips regarded how to maneuver around the city streets.
He said "When there's the smallest break in traffic, you just have to step off the sidewalk.
 March out into the street, looking neither left nor right.
Plow straight ahead as if you own the street and it's your right to cross.
 As long as you don't hesitate, the cars will stop. Trust me."

REALLY?
Are you kidding me???

You've never seen traffic until you've been in the midst of the madness of the Roman streets.
To an outsider it appears as if there are no rules at all.
Lines on the road? Only a suggestion.
Speed limits? Apparently not.
When one comes to a stop light, all the scooters come swarming up, filling in any small gap left between vehicles. Amazingly, everyone just seems to make room for the next guy.
But to actually STEP off the curb into that chaos and ASSUME that they would stop was mind boggling. Everything I'd been taught in my life told me to stand on the sidewalk.
To hold on tight.
But if Father David hadn't coached us, that's where I'd be today.
Still standing on that sidewalk, clinging to a signpost, biding my time until it was safe.

A metaphor for life?
You bet.

There are so many reasons to NOT chase after your dream

So many little voices whispering in your ear. 

Doubts piling upon doubts.

Fear and negativity disguised as rationality. 

But step off the curb, we must.

And plow forth.

Or we'll never find the life we were meant to have.

And the wonders waiting on the other side.

The reason we struggle with insecurity is because

we compare our behind-the-scenes 

with everyone else's highlight reel. 

                                                 - Steve Furtrick

Don't do that.

Be brave.

Step off the sidewalk.

~ A Chat With Wanda ~

Thrilled to welcome another new writer to The Author's Table.
Hi Wanda, pull up a chair.

 Wanda, this is your first published novel, tell us a little about your writing journey. 

I started Beyond The Horizon during National Novel Writing Month in 2009. Long time ago, right? In 2011 I worked on revisions so I could pitch it to an agent at ORACON. That agent asked for a full and I thought I had it made. But, as we all know, publishing is a fickle mistress. The editor left, the company sold, and my manuscript came back six months later. After I picked myself up off the floor, I started the query process again. After 12 rejection letters, a writer friend told me Breathless Press wanted to see NaNo novels. That was last fall. They accepted it after yet another revision and the rest, they say, is history.

 Tell me how Katie and Josh's story was born.

Their story came to me as I watched my own daughter struggle with an abusive relationship. Unable to help her, I decided to write a story showing a woman escaping that situation and finding a happily ever after ending. It's the story I wish for my daughter. 

What a beautiful thought, Wanda. I felt as I was reading your book that somehow you had a personal connection with the storyline. If only we could write the happily ever after endings for all of those we love. 

Check out the sexy cover:

Back of the Book:

Katie and Josh, both desperately seeking redemption from their past, discover passion in each other's arms. With danger just around the corner, will love survive?

When Katie Sullivan makes the hasty decision to run away from an abusive relationship, she has no clue what is ahead of her. She only knows it has to be better than her life up to now. Her boyfriend is a powerful drug dealer who will stop at nothing to get her back. She knows too much. Car trouble leaves her stranded in the middle of Kansas, with little money, and a growing fear of failure.  

Widower Josh Warner works and lives on an elderly couples’ farm. He juggles the responsibilities of raising his young son and his passion for the rodeo. Unable to let go of his deceased wife’s memory and on the rebound from a misguided affair, he has no desire for another relationship. But, when Katie appears out of nowhere, everything changes.

Against all reason, Katie and Josh find themselves drawn to each other. If the past catches up to them, their newfound passion, and their lives could be in jeopardy. Can their love win against the evil headed their way?

 Here's a little sneak peak

Josh had his back turned to Katie as she approached. Sneaking up she reached around him and put her hands over his eyes.

"Cindy, stop, I don't have time for your games."

Katie lowered her hands and crossed her arms over her chest.

Josh turned around. His lips, stretched tight over his mouth, showed his annoyance.

"Hey," he grinned and reached for her.

She stepped back. His hand got a fist full of air.

"Who's Cindy?"           

"What?"

"You called me Cindy just now."

"I did?"

"Yes, you did."

"Oh, Cindy." He turned his back to her and adjusted Spirit's saddle. "She's just a barrel racer on the circuit."

Josh looked at her over his shoulder. "Where are Betsy and Bud?"

Katie sensed he wasn't telling her something, but decided to let it go for now. Maybe she would ask Betsy later about this Cindy person.

"They're getting our tickets and seats. They told me to wish you good luck."

"I need all of that I can get."

Katie looked around. "Where's Chad?"

"He's working."

"Working?"

Josh turned around and propped one leg up on the trailer. He adjusted his jeans over his boot before answering.

"Yeah; he helps take care of the livestock."

"Is that safe?" Katie surprised herself with the concern she felt for the boy.

"No need to worry. The guys watch out for him and don't let him around the bulls. Mainly Chad just feeds and waters the calves and steers, and cleans their pens. He loves it and he earns a little spending money too. I made him open a savings account for his college fund with part of it. He's saved quite a bit already."

"That's great," Katie said. An awkward silence fell between them.

"Well, uh, I need to finish getting ready."

"Oh, of course, and I need to find Bud and Betsy. I just wanted to wish you good luck."

"Thanks, I appreciate it."

"Even if I'm not Cindy?" Katie couldn't help the jab as she turned to go. He reached out and this time successfully grabbed her hand.

"I'm glad you're here." He tried to pull her to him, but she resisted. Katie squeezed his hand and let go.

"I guess I'll see you later." Katie searched his eyes for any kind of clue as to how he felt about her, but she couldn't tell. This Cindy person had somehow stepped between them.

Want more?

Purchase 'Beyond The Horizon' here:

Breathless Press

 Amazon

Author Bio

Wanda Kay Fittro lives in the beautiful Ozark Mountains in Southwest Missouri. Born and raised in a small town community, gave her an appreciation for that lifestyle, and provides the inspiration for her novels. A love affair with books started early on while reading Nancy Drew by flashlight under the bed covers. She won the prestigious Missouri Literary Festival Reader's Choice award in 2011 for her Civil War short story One, Two, Three.

You can find and follow her at:

 http://awritercalledwanda.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/wandakayfittro

https://twitter.com/WandaFittro

Who doesn't love a cowboy? 

Not this girl. 

And you will too, once you sink your teeth into Wanda's debut novel

 'Beyond the Horizon'

Here's wishing you all the best Wanda 

Thanks for stopping by.

~Retreat ~

I'm not talking about sounding the alarm and running for the hills. I'm talking about taking a moment. A day or two to step away from the busyness, the noise, the things that pull you this way and that. I've been on retreat to Conception Abbey north of St. Louis a couple of times, each time I've left renewed. Filled up again, where I had been depleted. Whenever I have a quiet moment to hear myself think, I find that
poetry spills out of the cracks and crevices that were stuffed with busyness from my work week.

 My times at Conception Abbey are no exception. I loved the fact that I was just left alone. To come and go at my leisure. No schedule, no meetings, no groups to attend. My days were my own to fill up or... NOT.
It was my choice.

I love Gregorian Chant. Something about it immediately soothes me. You know the old saying
 "Music tames the wild beast." That's me.

 "Gregorian chant is how the soul sings." 

The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.
Borrowed from Conception Abbey's website.

Here's one of the little poems I wrote during one of my stays. 

The low moan of the monks alerts me

to the sacred parade. 

Heads bowed
 intent on the task at hand 

they file in like a whisper

oblivious to my comings and goings.

Voices rise and fall

and I move with the old world rhythm

as my soul recognizes 

the familiar call 

Ancient supplications

wrapped in sing-song cadence

soar to the rafters 

then settle in the stone walls

and the hallowed halls

where thousands of prayers 

have lived for years.

My breathing slows 

my heartbeat quiets

the plaintive voices beckon

and I remember
who I am.

My days have been extremely hectic as of late

and I find myself thinking that

 to retreat is a good thing !!

How about you???

~ What the H ... ~

I've been wearing a lot of hats lately as I prepare my book for the world.
While holed up for months on end in my little writers corner , I am ruled by the creative side of the brain. 
Months upon months are spent happily hammering out the next blockbuster for the literary world, 
( insert laughter here)
  and during that time I wear only ONE hat. 

This is my creative hat....it really gets the juices flowing. 

 Too much?

But as soon as the manuscript is completed, it's time to start the old hat switcharoo.
It's time to put on the business hat and let the other side of the brain take over.
Although the business hat is not just one hat but...Many.
Sometimes I feel like this guy

Whew !!!! Look at me Go !!!

The business side of things is a whole other world.
It requires constantly being plugged into the market and learning on the fly.
 In this biz, things change almost daily. 

And even for Wonder Woman, that's a lot of hats for one person.

Not exactly my comfort zone.
When mostly all I want to do is.....

WRITE !!

Thankfully there is much that can and SHOULD be contracted out:
Cover Design
Professional Editing
Formatting
(but I still have to do all the research and FIND these masters of their domains)
I am lucky indeed, to have found such great people to work with along the way.

Speaking of hats....

What the H.. (hat) ???

Oh my

Let's get back on track here, shall we?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining.
Not one little bit. 
Because along with all the responsibility comes all the rewards!!!

I firmly believe that this is the greatest time in history to be a writer.

Is it worth it?

You bet.