Starting the Next One: Book 5

Hi, guys. I just wanted to stop by and let everyone know that I have started on book 5 of the Liz Baker series. It doesn't have a title yet, but I have a good idea as to where the story will go. At least right now I do. Sometimes my ideas for a story and the characters' ideas are worlds apart when we get to the "The End."

I'm *hoping* 2013 will be kinder to my family than 2012 was, thus allowing me to write and release two Liz Baker books this year (plus a short or two). *Fingers Crossed* I know many of you would like the books to come out faster, but I'm a mom to three girls and they have to come first.

With the loss of my father-in-law a few months ago, and getting all of his affairs in order, plus some of my rental property issues...... Well, let's just say it has been rough. Throw in the holidays, kids' school stuff, and conferences, and I've been fairly frenzied for about 5 months now. It's a wonder I remember to eat on a daily basis, and even that's iffy from time to time.

Anyway, enough rambling for now. I just wanted to share this little bit of news, and be on the lookout in the coming weeks for a title, cover, and (hopefully) release date.  :)

Characters: Getting to Know Rick Curry

It's been a little while since I've done a "Getting to know..." I think the last one was about Chad.  Ahhh... Chad.  *Dreamy*

*Cough* Oh, sorry. Rick... yeah... let's get to Rick. Rick is a hottie himself, but as Liz shows him, he has nothing on Chad. We all feel bad for Rick, but he bounces back quite quickly.  Maybe a little too quickly.  Hmmm....

Rick Curry is the kind of blond hair, blue eyed cutie with a sparkly smile that can make you swoon, but you know it won't last, and one of Liz's oldest friends. They've known each other since grade school. He was a tag-along pest until be finally broke Liz's barriers down and she welcomed him into her confidence. They went through a lot as teenagers, but it wasn't until their 20's, and some terrible relationships for them both, that Liz saw Rick's boyfriend potential.

For years, Rick and Liz would play the on-again-off-again relationship game. Rick wanted more from her than she was willing to give. He finally realized that if he wanted to have any sort of relationship with Liz, he'd have to play it by her convoluted rules. At one point he even got a tattoo of Liz's zodiac sign because she'd mentioned to another woman that she liked guys with tattoos.  Yeah, that was a stupid move.

Rick is a small town factory worker. He's 100% country boy with his jeans, boots, and pickup truck. He likes small town living and can't imagine ever leaving Tremmel Crossing, Georgia. He wants to settle down with his love, in a nice house and yard, and have a brood of little ones. This is not in line with Liz's ideas of her future. And when Rick gets a little too clingy/bossy, she ends their many years of back and forth. But will it be forever?

Upcoming Event: Book 'Em NC 2013

Last year, I attended a conference-slash-book fair in Lumberton, North Carolina. I had a great time meeting other authors and trying my best to entice new readers. Not to mention, meeting a couple of online friends face-to-face for the first time. It was so much fun that I immediately agreed to come back in 2013.

And now it's 2013! Wow! Where did 2012 go? No biggie, though. Let's just move on and start enjoying 2013. :)

Back to Book 'Em NC 2013...

I will be in attendance at Book 'Em NC on February 23, 2013. The night before is the author meet-n-greet with the actual conference & book fair the next morning. It's an all-day event (9:30am - 4pm) that's open to the public free of charge. There will be author talks, books for sale, authors on hand to autograph your books (even when our hands cramp from signing so many)... I think they're even having food stations this year. 

Oh, and lest I forget, there's a big children's section upstairs. Last year, they had face painting and people dressed up as storybook characters. All the kids in attendance looked quite happy. Then again, that could have been all the candy I had on my table when they came by. LOL. For a moment I actually wished we'd brought our own kids to enjoy it... and then I came to my senses. ;)

This is such a big event and it benefits the local area there in Lumberton that I don't know anyone who would pass up the chance to help out, or even stop by to check it all out.  Here's the description of the Book 'Em purpose from the website:

"The purpose of The Book 'Em Foundation and this event is to raise public awareness of the link between high crime rates and high illiteracy rates. Proceeds from the Book 'Em North Carolina book fairs go directly to increasing literacy in Robeson County, North Carolina and to reducing crime in the area."

Last year, there were over 2,000 people in attendance, with 75 authors, and they raised over $9,000 in only 6 hours for the community.

If you're anywhere near Lumberton on Feb. 23rd please stop by, even just for a moment, to check it out. You might even find yourself leaving with dozens of new books. I know I saw many people walking around with arm loads that day... several even left with some of mine. :D

For more details and directions, visit http://www.bookemnc.org .  And hey, if you stop by be sure to find my table and say hello. I love conversation with fellow book lovers.