Happy Halloween! As I write this post, two of my kids sit in the living room hunched over piles of candy like dragons hoarding treasure. I suppose it was hard-earned–it’s 34 degrees outside and pouring rain and sleet. The third kid should be home from his party soon, and then the candy exchange will begin in earnest.
Kid four is already in bed, so his hoard is pretty easy to pilfer by the grown-ups–a good thing, because this grown-up is about to embark on the month-long writing challenge known as NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month. Last year was my first attempt, and despite the challenges presented by my current schedule, I’m going for it again. After all, even if I “lose,” I’ll still get in more words than I would have otherwise. Besides, where else can you surround yourself with so many other writers diving into the same form of insanity?
NaNo Project
Since I just wrapped up revisions (draft 2) of DUSK FOR DREAMS, my Red Riding Hood-inspired fairytale retelling, I’ll be starting a brand new novel tomorrow for NaNoWriMo. Woohoo! I’m super excited about this project, as it’ll be my second romantic suspense for Love Inspired Suspense. My total word count goal is 55k for the project, so if I can knock out a big chunk next month, I will hopefully finish the first draft by the end of the year.
So, on to the working blurb:
A cold case investigation turns deadly.
Forensic anthropologist Laney Hamilton left her small hometown ten years ago, promising herself she’d never return. But when the Chief of Police—her ex-boyfriend’s father—begs for her help investigating remains found in a bog outside of town, Laney can’t refuse. What she discovers reopens a cold case that strikes far too close to home and bears striking similarities to a string of recent deaths, putting her directly in a killer’s crosshairs.
Sergeant Ryan Mitchell never expected to see Laney again, especially under these circumstances. Much as he’d like to avoid her after the way she broke his heart, her expertise could provide the key he needs to catch a killer and uncover what happened to his twin sister, who disappeared a decade earlier in a case that was never solved. Working together soon rekindles old romance, but will secrets from Laney’s past tear them apart? And when Laney becomes the killer’s next target, will Ryan be able to keep her safe?
I wish I had an aesthetic for you, but time has run out and it’s nearly time to write. In fact, by the time you’re reading this, it’ll already be November. Maybe some evening when I need a break from cranking out words I’ll get to it. 😉
Giveaways!
It’s hard to believe, but I’m now only a bit over a month away from the release of my first book, Fatal Flashback. To celebrate, I’ll be running a few different giveaways over the course of the month. *squee!*
How can you participate? I’m so glad you asked! Join in the fun through one (or more) of the giveaways below. (Sorry guys, but U.S. addresses only for print copies. International folks will win an ebook.)
FOLLOW THIS BLOG: I’ll have two giveaways this month for my blog followers–one lucky follower will receive a swag pack (book plus extras), and another will receive a signed print copy of the book. The first winner will be randomly selected and announced in my next post!
FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK: At the end of November, one Facebook follower will be randomly chosen to win a swag pack. Find me at www.facebook.com/kelliemichelleparker or in the sidebar of my website.
SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER: I’ve saved the best for last. One lucky newsletter subscriber will win a book gift box, full of special things just for you! The winner will be announced in my fall newsletter later this month. To enter, subscribe here.
Notice that extra book in those pictures? I’m thrilled to partner with author Sharee Stover to include her December Love Inspired Suspense release, Silent Night Suspect, in the gift box and swag packs. You’ll love Sharee’s exciting story! Here’s more about Sharee:
Colorado native Sharee Stover lives in Nebraska with her real-life-hero husband, three too-good-to-be-true children, and two ridiculously spoiled dogs. A self-proclaimed word nerd, she loves the power of the written word to transform, ignite and restore. She writes Christian romantic suspense combining heart-racing, nail-biting suspense and the delight of falling in love all in one. When she isn’t writing, Sharee enjoys reading, crocheting and long walks with her obnoxiously lovable German Shepherd.
November is shaping up to be an exciting month! What do you have in store for the next thirty days?
Header image credit: NaNoWriMo blog.
Kellie Michelle Parker 