Authorpreneur Dashboard – Terry Odell
What's in a Name?
Romance
Running for the wrong reason can still get you killed. Kelli Carpenter changed her life to avoid being connected to a crime she committed in self defense. She thinks she has nothing to fear, until Blake Windsor shows up. Keep your friends close but your enemies closer is her philosophy. Blake and Kelli try to keep one step ahead of whoever is following them--while trying to figure out why.
Book Bubbles from What's in a Name?
Sent to Snoop
Although Blake is anything but a detective, his boss sent him to learn more about Kelly, so when she's away from the house, he tries his hand at a little snooping.
Breaking the Barriers
Blake, posing as a handyman, is carrying out his boss's orders to see whether Kelly Carpenter is really who she says she is. Kelly wants no part of Blake--or any man--but she is dedicated to getting Camp Getaway ready to open on time, and that means letting Blake do his job. Here, she's starting to notice him, and not very happy about the way he makes her feel. He's been working on the roof, and she's inside the cabin he's repairing ...
Springboards
What's in a Name? started out as a short piece of Highlander fan fiction that I was playing around with. Once I decided to write a novel, I took the kernel of that idea and ran with it. About all that was left when I finished was a woman working on a site to give inner city kids a respite from drive bys and gangs. That and a hero who bears a strong resemblance to Duncan MacLeod.
Saving Scott
Romance
Can a dead body in a chocolate shop revive a battle-fatigued cop? Or will it take the owner of the shop to save him? Homicide detective Scott Whelan lived for the job–until the day he was caught in the middle of a robbery gone bad. He accepts a new job as a civilian with the Pine Hills Police Department, thinking being close to the job will be better than leaving it completely. But when he finds himself in the middle of the investigation. Scott has to choose where his loyalties lie—with his brotherhood in blue, or his attractive new neighbor, who needs someone on her side.
Book Bubbles from Saving Scott
Ashley Meets Scott - First meets
In this scene, we're in Ashley's point of view. This is the first time we can see Scott through Ashley's eyes. Things the reader might know from Scott's point of view scenes are expanded upon, and readers get some different insights. And, of course, some more hints as to the mystery are revealed.
Scott Meets Ashley - first meets
Although characters might be introduced earlier, that first meet is an important part of a romance. Readers might have seen Ashley and Scott, but seeing them through the other character's eyes gives the reader more insight into how a relationship might get started. Or what will have to be overcome before it can.
Meeting Ashley
In a romance, there are dual protagonists, so it's important to introduce both hero and heroine up front. In this scene, we learn why Ashley's come to Pine Hills, what her problems are, get a glimpse of Scott, the hero, through her eyes, and see something of her conflict as well. Returning readers will also enjoy seeing a familiar character from the previous books in the series.
First Glimpses of Characters
Opening scenes have to give the reader a look at the protagonist, hint at what motivates him, and what kinds of conflicts he's going to face in the story. In the first scene from Saving Scott, I wanted to show the reader Scott as he was the day before he reported for duty at his new job at the Pine Hills Police station.
Deadly Production
Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Mapleton Police chief Gordon Hepler thinks his troubles with the small-town politics are behind him. But when a movie-making company sets up shop in Mapleton, it doesn't take long before things go sideways, and Gordon has a dead body to deal with. The mayor says it's not a Mapleton problem, let the movie people deal with it. Will Gordon listen to the mayor, or risk his job to find the truth?
Book Bubbles from Deadly Production
It's More Than Police Work
Since I consider my books "Mysteries With Relationships" it's important that I remind readers of Gordon's relationship with Angie even when they're not on the page together. I also think it's important to bring in "non-cop stuff" -- to show my characters when they're not busy working on the case. To me, it adds a bit more depth and realism.
Discovering the Body
In a murder mystery, it's almost imperative that there be a dead body (although in Deadly Bones, it was a cold case based on skeletal remains, so I don't know if that counts as a body). Deadly Production revolves around a movie being made in Mapleton. Here's the requisite body discovery scene.
It's About Relationships
One of the things I enjoy about writing a mystery series is the freedom to explore relationships over a much greater length of time. Unlike a romantic suspense, where the relationship has to be resolved into at least the promise of a Happily Ever After, in a mystery, that arc (should it even result in that HEA) can carry over many books. Angie and Gordon are growing closer in this series, and here's a snip showing how things are going.
When life seems too good to be true—watch out.
Mapleton Police Chief Gordon Hepler thinks his troubles with the small-town politics are behind him. The town council has even awarded him a reserved parking place. But an early-morning summons from the new mayor has Gordon on alert. Instead of yet another budget dispute, the mayor announces an independent film company is making a movie in Mapleton. For the mayor, it means good press for Mapleton—and more importantly—more money for the town coffers. For the citizens, it means rubbing elbows with celebrities. For Gordon, the news means headaches, extra shifts, and scheduling issues. But he’s a pro. He’ll ensure the company has his full cooperation while continuing to protect his town. When a member of the film crew is found dead, everything goes sideways.
