STORM SONG - Rich Bullock - One Free Ebook

Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I believe there is only one thing you need to know about fiction in any genre. Got your attention? Here it is: It’s the character’s story; you’re just writing it down.

As I get to know the people, their story unfolds. Somehow, it always involves a woman, danger, mystery, and suspense.

And the characters must be unique from the onset. No one wants to read a book about a clerk in a drug store…boring! …unless she is also a martial arts expert, drives an unreliable 1975 Super Beetle with a leaky soft top, and whose grandmother packs a 9 mill to the supermarket. Now things get interesting!

And I want the stories to end with an awakening dependence on faith, and an expectation of romance.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

Getting married to my wife, Sheryl (41 years ago on a Friday the 13th), was the happiest event. All good things have come from our partnership and commitment. But honestly, I was kind of out of it during the whole ceremony/reception thing. So I wouldn’t necessarily call it the happiest day! Good thing we had pictures.

Wow! I was born on a Friday the 13^th. How has being published changed your life?

Recently, I was invited to teach at a creative writing class at a junior college. Being published gives me the credentials to teach others some of the great things I’ve learned from conferences and workshops. What a blast! I can’t wait to do more.

Another great thing is handing out a card with my book cover on the front and a code for a free download on the back. I did that a few days ago to my dermatologist, and again today at SuperCuts to the girl who cut my hair. Who knows what will come from that?

What are you reading right now?

I just finished a YA novel, Fathom, by Merrie Destefano—an intriguing and beautiful story that deserves a ton of praise. Couldn’t put it down, and didn’t want it to end. Well-written YA stories teach me how to get deep into the character’s head, and deal with a world full of conflict, danger, betrayal, and love—all from a young person’s position of limited power. I want to write like that.

What is your current work in progress?

DESPERATION FALLS: Lena Blaylock is the “sexy” carpenter on the cable TV home improvement show, Nail It!...until her world is destroyed in seconds one night as she celebrates her six-month wedding anniversary with her assistant district attorney husband. A year later, she is healed and beginning a new life at Storm Lake, California, as the owner of the dilapidated Desperation Falls Fishing Cabins, when an ex-lawman, a teenage runaway girl, and a dead body, turn everything upside down. Fixing up the cabins is the easy part.

I love your heroine’s name. ;-) What would be your dream vacation?

Being able to go on vacation and write at the same time, but I can never do it. If we’re in someplace new, I always want to make the most of the time and see the sights. No writing gets done. Sigh.

My favorite vacations are to beautiful places. This summer we went to Vancouver Island in Canada, then stopped at Forks, Washington, (home of Twilight). Forks wasn’t much, but Lake Crescent and the lodge were fabulous. I’d like to stay there someday.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I believe settings are very important to stories, so I try to create someplace where I want to live or visit. Both Perilous Cove and nearby Storm Lake are fictional composites of the best of areas I know along the California coast.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

The most scintillating conversations I’ve ever had have been with fellow writers. Therefore, I think I’d pick Dean Koontz. The guy is funny, loves dogs, and has the strangest writing method with the most amazing outcomes. I want to know how his characters take shape; how he can write half a page of narrative without using “was” one time; how he contrasts such evil against good. Four or five hours wouldn’t be nearly enough time.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I have a 1932 Ford pickup that I hope to have back up and running by next summer. It’s been in my family since about 1939, and I learned to drive in it. I also love to tinker and do home projects, and I have the tools and tool chests to prove it. That’s why Lena Blaylock is close to my heart (see question #5).

In the late 1960s, we owned a 1937 International pickup. I loved driving that. What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

No question, it’s figuring out what the story is. Characters are the easier part for me. I have trouble deciding what the external intrusion is that disrupts their lives. My overactive imagination spins the story in all directions, and trying to keep it on track and have it make sense is my biggest challenge. Can you tell I’m a seat-of-the-pants writer?

I’ve just begun using Scrivener, and I think the corkboard view is helping me visualize the story flow better than having one large manuscript. Now, if I could just figure out who the bad guy is…

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Learn the craft. You’ve gotta do it. Conferences and workshops are vital. New writers—and I was no exception—don’t realize how much there is to learn. A few (very few) have a lot of natural talent. The rest of us have to learn. Once you are comfortable with your writing, sign up for a mentoring group at a conference. This is the best way to test your story and your skill, and receive feedback from others. It’s a little scary, but extremely valuable.

Tell us about the featured book.

American Rayne Evans is on the verge of making it big in Europe’s competitive symphonic metal music scene, when a deranged fan attacks her band at their biggest concert.

She’s forced to hide while she heals in the only safe place: Storm Lake, California, where no one would know to look. But the picturesque lake holds Rayne’s deepest secret, and a different kind of danger from a man she thought she’d never see again. If she’s not careful, she could lose her band, her career, and her life.

Ben Conner made his choice years ago, and it hadn’t been to chase after Rayne Evans. It took years, but he’s recovered from her betrayal. Now she’s come to him for help, and he can’t turn her away. But helping her could tear holes in the life he’s built for a young boy and for himself.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Storm Song

Chapter 1

“Ten minutes, Miss Van Onweer,” the stage manager’s voice sounded outside the dressing room door.

“Thank you.” Regen van Onweer tilted a bottled water to her lips, but pulled it away without drinking. She’d be running to the bathroom between every song.

The woman staring back in the mirror looked composed, confident. “Pretense, that’s what counts,” Aunt Ruth had always told her. But that had been years ago in Nebraska before Regen van Onweer existed, not here in Rotterdam.

Her cell phone vibrated an excited dance on the dressing table. Unknown Caller ID. Only a few people had her new number. Her hand trembled as she pushed the answer button.

“Hello?”

A voice whispered, “Did you get my giiift?”

Regen’s eyes cut to the trash bin and the hideous flower as she jabbed the disconnect button. How had he gotten this number?

The door clicked, opened inward, and Regen shot to her feet, sending the cell phone to the hard tile floor where it split into its component pieces. They spun to a stop at the feet of the woman in the doorway—Lorna Nairne, her costume and hair expert. Lorna’s smile faded at Regen’s shuddering breath. Bending down, Lorna scooped up the battery, cover, and phone, while Regen worked air into frozen lungs.

“You okay, Ree girl? You look a little spooked.” Lorna’s accent rolled off her tongue like the Jamaican native she was, though Regen had heard her speak flawless King’s English when it benefited her. Lorna deposited the electronic parts into Regen’s cupped hands.

Regen nodded her response. She swiveled toward the dressing table, fingers trembling as she inserted the battery and snapped on its cover. “I’m just nervous, you know.” Her voice sounded as phony as a B-movie actress. Pretense wasn’t up to par. With battery in place, the phone buzzed happily, rebooting and searching for the cellular network, readying itself for the next call. Regen held her breath until the display went dark

Lorna laughed in lilting tones, moved behind Regen, and watched in the mirror as she tugged Regen’s black wig right and left until satisfied. She gave Regen a calculated once-over in the glass, then nodded.

“Yes, dis is a big night, Regen van Onweer, but you are ready.” She massaged Regen’s shoulders. “You may not think it too much right now, but you are.”

Regen closed her eyes under Lorna’s kneading fingers. The Dutch police still had no leads on the caller, but security at the Ahoy Rotterdam had been beefed up for tonight’s concert. There was even an Interpol inspector onsite. He’d checked in with her earlier.

Lorna had Regen stand and pirouette. The wide, multilayered Victorian skirt dusted the floor on the sides and back, but had a front cutaway to show off black leather knee boots that each sported a dozen silver buckles.

The cell phone buzzed and Regen’s eyes jerked toward the lighted display. A text message from Unknown Sender.

Save your last breath for me.

Sounds ominous! I have to download that one. How can readers find you on the Internet?

I’m most active on Facebook: www.facebook.com/PerilousFiction

Also at www.PerilousFiction.com

RichBullockWriter@gmail.com

Thank you, Rich, for sharing another intriguing story with us.

Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Storm Song (Perilous Safety Series - Book 2)


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