P.J. MacLayne - P.J. MacLayne

Out of My League #OpenBook Blog Hop

By P.J. MacLayne January 10, 2021 January 10, 2021 Open Book

Jan 11, 2021

Is there a genre you would never try to write? Why?

Let’s start with the genre that I can’t conquer.

Romance.

Oh, I’ve tried. I have three or four romances stored away on my computer, where they will stay. Frankly, they aren’t very good. Well, one has potential, but it’s written from the man’s point of view. Is that still considered a romance? I honestly don’t know. Perhaps someone reading this blog can tell me. Throw in the added complication that the story trends towards action-adventure and you have a book in search of an identity. Add the problem of the time frame—the 1980s—and there are too many issues to make reworking it feasible.

But I believe in romance, and romance will continue to be a part of my stories. It just won’t be the primary plot.

There is a genre I can’t see myself writing. Science Fiction.

Don’t get me wrong. I love to read science fiction. Writing it? I don’t feel up to the task. The whole world-building thing seems like a project that’s out of my league. I can hear some of you say, “But P.J., didn’t you build a world for your wolves and another one for Harmony?”

Yes and no. I think of it adding layers to the world we live in, not creating a whole new one. And it’s really only one world. If you pay attention, the Free Wolves adventures bleed into the Harmony Duprie mysteries. Subtle references, they are there more for my amusement than for anything else. But I’m always hopeful a sharp-eyed reader will spot the line and it will make them smile. Has anyone noticed the name of Eli’s company?*

When it comes to science fiction, I feel the readers expect and deserve more than that. They should read of a fully-fleshed out world that is different than our own. The situations that the inhabitants face may bear similarities to our own, but there should be elements that make it not a carbon copy of how we live today. And I don’t feel I’m up to the task.

However, I’ve also learned never to say never. If some perfectly wonderful plot threw itself in my face, I’d be a fool to ignore it.

And I am a writer in search of her next plot. As I wrap up the last Harmony Duprie mystery, I haven’t figured out what to tackle next. So many idea, but none are claiming time in my head. I’ve always thought Counselor Carlson from the Free Wolves had a story to tell, but so does Vanessa from The Ranger’s Dogtags. We’ll see.

In the meantime, let’s see what genres our other authors avoid. Yoy can too, by following the links below.

And, as always, until the next time, stay safe.

*For those of you who haven’t read any of my books, my wolves are shifters. And Eli, Harmony’s love interest from the mystery series, owns a company called Shifter Technologies

Jan 11, 2021

Is there a genre you would never try to write? Why?

Rules:
1. Link your blog to this hop.
2. Notify your following that you are participating in this blog hop.
3. Promise to visit/leave a comment on all participants’ blogs.
4. Tweet/or share each person’s blog post. Use #OpenBook when tweeting.
5. Put a banner on your blog that you are participating.

It’s a Struggle to the Finish #IWSG

By P.J. MacLayne January 5, 2021 January 5, 2021 IWSG

January 6 question – Being a writer, when you’re reading someone else’s work, what stops you from finishing a book/throws you out of the story/frustrates you the most about other people’s books?

The awesome co-hosts for the January 6 posting of the IWSG are Ronel Janse van Vuuren , J Lenni Dorner, Gwen Gardner Sandra Cox, and Louise – Fundy Blue!

Once upon a time, I prided myself in finishing every book I ever started. That included classics that everyone ‘had’ to read, but I thought were poor writing. Or stories we were assigned in class that didn’t make the grade in my point of view. I can’t tell you when it happened, but at some time I reached a point where I decided to put my limited time for reading to only books I want to read, not ones I struggle to finish.

There’s no longer any guilt in closing a book full of grammatical errors and bad writing. Plot holes, especially, drive me up a wall. The main character had brown hair in one chapter and is blonde in another? She better be wearing a wig. The sheriff of a large county is making traffic stops? Not likely. That sort of bad writing makes me cringe.

I can forgive one misplaced their instead of they’re. But if an author gets them consistently wrong? That’s a book-closer. If the characters are flat and never make mistakes? Sorry, that doesn’t work for me. I’m not perfect, but I’m always trying to make my writing better.

Here’s the truth. I want to like the books. All the books. I really do. But I no longer have the desire to waste my time on bad books. So, I have given myself permission to close a book. I won’t give a bad review. I just won’t leave any review at all.

How about you? Tell me about it in the comments. Don’t forget to check out other authors in this hop by clicking the links below.

Until next time, please stay safe.

Writing to the Rhythm #OpenBook Blog Hop

By P.J. MacLayne January 3, 2021 January 7, 2021 Open Book

Jan 4, 2021

How you keep focused during long writing sessions?

My immediate reaction to this week’s prompt? Not very well.

I have a hard time staying focused, and it’s gotten worse as I’ve got older. Even writing this short post, my mind is going in scattered directions, thinking of the things I need to get done. Finish taking down the Christmas decorations. Cook supper. Or maybe splurge and get takeout instead. I’ve had a hankering for Chinese. Balance the bank account. Finish editing the last chapter of The Ranger’s Dogtags and get it ready for my editor. Don’t forget to redo Chapter One. Check my email. Worry about the big project at work in the morning. It’s Sunday, so I need to water my flowers.

I do hold on to a precious hour at the end of the evening to focus on writing. But one hour is not a long session, according to my definition.

Photo by Rodolfo Quirós from Pexels

Take me to a cabin somewhere in the mountains, where I can sit on the porch and watch for wildlife. Play some John Denver or classic rock. Give me a pad of paper and several pens. Let me sit and tune in to Mother Nature and find my voice.

That’s a lot to ask for, especially as we aren’t going anywhere these days. Those days will come again.

In the meantime, I’ll enjoy my late-night hour. I’ve been exploring Celtic folksongs as my background music. (If anyone has a recommendation for an artist to check out, please put it in the comments. I’d love your suggestions.) I’ll put on headphones, open my current writing project, and shut out the rest of the world. Balancing the checkbook can wait until tomorrow.

What can’t wait is checking out the other posts in this blog hop. You can, too, by following the links below.

As always, until next time, please stay safe.

Jan 4, 2021

How you keep focused during long writing sessions?

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Interview with Mark McQuillen of Writers Rock!

By P.J. MacLayne December 31, 2020 December 31, 2020 Uncategorized

For those of you who missed it, I spent an hour chatting with Mark McQuillen of Writers Rock! the other day. And yes, I have ordered a new webcam. We’ll see if that helps with the lag.

Who’s the Boss? The Story or Me? #OpenBook Blog Hop

By P.J. MacLayne December 27, 2020 December 27, 2020 Open Book

December 28, 2020

Who’s the boss, you or the story?

Let’s switch this around a bit. Who’s the boss, you or the characters in the story?

I’ve said it before and nothing has changed – my stories are character driven. I can have a rough plot planned out and get a third of the way into the story, only to have the characters turn things around and tell me how the story is REALLY going to go.

One of my favorite examples of this is Tasha from Wolves’ Knight. (She played a minor part in Wolves’ Pawn, as well.) I had this nice little romance to a good-looking game warden all planned out for her. I even wrote out the scene of their first kiss. That’s when she stopped me. Told me it wasn’t going to happen; that she had her eye on someone else. (I won’t say who, you’ll have to read the book to find out.)

I went digging in my old files and found that deleted scene. It’s full of mistakes (it never made it into the first draft of the book) but this is the first time anyone but me has seen it.

The spray of the falling water made the cool air even chillier, and Tasha zipped her coat up part way. The bench was nothing more than a large old log that someone had sliced the bark from to create a flat area. It was low enough to the ground that Jaime had to rearrange his long legs several times to get comfortable. They sat side by side for a long while, not touching, and not saying anything. Yet the silence seemed natural to Tasha.

A patch of sky was visible through the trees, and she was watching the clouds skimming past the stars when a red streak flashed by. She pointed upward “Did you see that?”

“What?” Jaime asked, inclining his head towards hers to see what she was showing him.

“A meteor. It’s gone.” Tasha turned her head to find his barely an inch from hers.

“That’s okay. I found something else to look at,” he murmured. Then he closed the gap between them and lightly pressed his lips to hers.

Surprised, it took her a second to react, and by then he’d pulled away. “Sorry,” he said.

“Don’t apologize. It was nice.” Actually, it had been more than that, but Tasha wasn’t going to tell him. Not yet.

“Just nice?”

One side of her mouth rose. “I don’t know. Let’s see what happens if we do it again.”

This time she was prepared for the meeting of their mouths. And yes, she decided, the second time was definitely better, especially as she had the chance to return the gesture. “Hmm, better,” she said when the kiss ended. Much better. He tasted just like his musk aftershave and his kisses stirred a part of Tasha that she’d neglected too long.

“Practice makes perfect?” he asked with a grin, wrapping one arm around her waist.

“Let’s find out.”

That’s when Tasha started yelling at me. I only wrote a few more paragraphs before she stopped me and refused to cooperate until I listened to her. Then, I had to go back and make a few changes to set up the storyline she wanted. It worked out well, but it wasn’t what I planned. Jaime remained in the story, but in a different role. I still have a soft spot in my heart for him, but he wasn’t the man Tasha deserved.

And I can’t ignore Harmony Duprie, from my amateur sleuth series. (Which originally was planned as a paranormal romance and switched genres on me!) Harmony has a way of changing villains on me. I’ll have someone set up to be the bad guy, she’ll shake her head and poof! A new villain appears. I’ve learned to go with the flow. She did it again in my WIP, the Ranger’s Dogtags. I can’t give you any hints without creating a spoiler, so you’ll have to wait.

But here’s a short snippet to give you an idea of what the book is about:

Sorenson rubbed his chin. “In these days of patient privacy, hospitals won’t release any information to you. Especially because you aren’t the next of kin.”

Which gave me an idea. I texted Lando again. “Did you check his parents’ house?”

“Not there.”

Another theory shot down the drain. “Lando says he isn’t visiting his parents. Where else do we need to check?”

“You won’t like it.” Sorenson blew out a deep breath and looked me in the eyes. “It wouldn’t be the first time a man disappeared to spend time with a secret lover.”

Logically, it made sense. My heart screamed that it wasn’t true. My voice quavered despite my efforts to hold it steady. “Is there a way to check without access to Eli’s financial information?”

“Phone records. And we’d need a warrant for those. Which we won’t get, since he is in Florida and I have no jurisdiction. If we want to go down that path, he might have had a burner phone.”

I took another sip of my coffee. It tasted as bitter as the concept of Eli having a mistress. Or was I the hidden girlfriend?

I don’t have a release date for the new book yet, so stay tuned.

Back to the original question. The stories and the characters ore very much in charge when I write. I try to lead them where I want to go. Sometimes they cooperate, and more often, I have to adjust to their ideas to make the story better.

I’m trying to predict what the other authors on this loop will say. Let’s go find out by following the links below.

Until next time, please stay safe!

December 28, 2020

Who’s the boss, you or the story?

It’s a Life-Long Trip #OpenBook Blog Hop

By P.J. MacLayne December 20, 2020 December 20, 2020 Open Book

December 21, 2020

What is one thing that you would like to learn?

You want me to narrow this down to only one thing? You don’t ask for much, do you?

I’m one of those people who wants to learn new things constantly. I was in my early 30s when I learned to needlepoint. Computers didn’t enter my life until my late 30s. I got my AS degree in Computer Networking when I was in my 40s. It wasn’t until my late 50s when I decided to start writing fiction and learn how to self-publish.

None of these were plotted far in advance. Like so much of my life, they just happened. So, as I edge closer to retirement, what’s next?

I don’t have any grand plans. The idea of having time to sit back, spend time with my hubby, read, relax, and concentrate on improving my writing sounds good. All those courses that I’ve never had the time to do will become a possibility.

Now, if I could snap my fingers and suddenly have a new skill without needing any practice, that’s a different story. I’ve tried, without much luck, to learn two different languages. (French and Russian.) I learned enough to pass the classes, but not enough to feel proficient in either. If I had choose only one, I’d pick Russian, just for the joy of being different.

If languages are out of the question, I’d like to pick up archery again. That’s another skill I started to learn and never become proficient in. I’d have to start from scratch because it’s been so long since I’ve held a bow.

How about you? What’s one thing you would like to learn? Tell me in the comments.

Now, I’m off to find out what the other authors are talking about.

In the meantime, hope your holidays are happy, and stay safe!

December 21, 2020

What is one thing that you would like to learn?

Interview with a Bad Guy #OpenBook Blog Hop

By P.J. MacLayne December 13, 2020 December 14, 2020 Open Book

December 14, 2020

We usually interview our good guys and gals when we do character interviews. How about we do an interview with our favorite bad guy?

Jake Hennessey, the anti-hero from the Harmony Duprie Mysteries, agreed to meet me for a chat. He’s got a varied background with a conviction of resisting arrest and battery on police officers, but also played a part in busting a gun smuggling ring. I’ve tried to interview him before, and he’s turned me down. I don’t know what changed his mind. I’m hoping to find out.

He suggested we get together in a neighborhood bar in Cleveland. It took me a bit to find a parking spot, and I was late when I stopped inside the front door to allow my eyes to adjust to the dim lighting. The bartender said, “He’s at a table in the back,” at the same time as I spotted him standing and waving at me.

He greeted me with an outstretched hand and the effervescent smile I’d been warned about. Before I got settled in the rickety wooden chair, the bartender was putting two beers on the table, next to the half-empty one already there.

“I heard you like to try local brews,” Jake said. “I took the liberty of ordering for you.”

I’d lost control before we even got started. I took a deep breath to gather my wits, and took a sip of the beer as a delaying tactic. “Thanks for agreeing to this interview. And for the beer.”

“Your persistence amused me. Why would you want to interview me?” He fluttered his eyelashes, and the smile reached his deep brown eyes. My pulse sped up, and I understood why women fell for him so easily.

I took another sip of my beer. “The people who have read Harmony’s stories are curious about you. I thought I could answer a few of their questions.”

He grinned. “We’ll see. Ask away.”

Where to start? “Is this the bar where you work? I had imagined it as a bigger place.”

“Nope. This is where I come to relax. Although I’ve kicked out a drunk or two to help the owner.” He took a deep drink of his beer. “It’s a great way to relieve stress.”

“Is that the best part of your job?”

“The best part? No, the best part is all the people I meet. Sure, we have a solid base of regulars, but we also get the one-timers with interesting stories to tell.”

“What is the name of that bar?” I’d been unable to find it in my research.

“Not saying. I’d prefer the information not get out. Besides, I’m being paid under the table and don’t want the owner to get in trouble.”

“Who are you hiding from?”

“This week? Or on a regular basis? The Feds still think I had something to do with a string of jewelry thefts a few years back, although they can’t even get enough evidence to get a warrant.” Jake flashed that wonderous smile again. “Hey, Agent Garza, you about ready to give up?”

“Were you involved?”

“Do you have an idea how much fun it is to keep everyone guessing?” He drained his first beer.

I took that to mean he wouldn’t tell me. “How are you adjusting to living in Cleveland? Do you miss Oak Grove?”

“Oak Grove was never anything more than a stop along the road. There’s no future there for a guy like me. Now that Harmony doesn’t need my protection anymore, there’s no reason to hang around. There’s more opportunity here.” He winked. “It’s a lot easier to ‘come across’ interesting jewelry.”

I didn’t know if I should take him seriously. “What do you mean?”

“Let’s just say the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame brings in an great assortment of people. All those stars and all that glitter. Next question?”

He was good at keeping me guessing. “What do you do in your spare time?”

“I scope out the competition. Keep my ears open for new beers to add to our offerings. Keep an eye on the real estate market. Maybe I’ll find an old house to restore when the time is right. I got hooked when I started the house in Oak Grove. I’m glad Harmony finished the project.”

“Are you seeing any one?”

Dramatically, he put his hand over his heart. “I’ll never recover from losing Harmony. But there is no shortage of friendly ladies eager to console me.”

Angry voices from the front of the bar interrupted our conversation. He stood. “Let me walk you to the door. I know these two, and when they get into it, things get messy. I wouldn’t want you to get hurt.”

Just like that, the interview was over. I didn’t protest when he slipped his arm around my waist and threaded a path to the front door. The voices were getting louder and angrier, but I felt protected with him by my side.

Outside the door, he released me and held out his hand. We shook. “It was nice meeting you,” he said. “Tell Harmony I said hi if you see her. And by the way, you should have your ring checked. It look as if the clasps around the opal are getting loose.”

Before I could respond, more yelling came from inside. He swiveled, and was gone.

If you’ve got any other questions for Jake, I might be able to get him to answer. Just leave them in the comments. It’s Jake, so no promises. In the meantime, I’m going to check out the other interviews on this hop by following the links below. Don’t forget, you can find out more about Jake by reading the Harmony Duprie Mysteries.

Until next time, please stay safe!

December 14, 2020

We usually interview our good guys and gals when we do character interviews. How about we do an interview with our favorite bad guy?

Living and Loving the Dream #OpenBook Blog Hop

By P.J. MacLayne December 6, 2020 December 6, 2020 Open Book

December 7, 2020

If you had unlimited money to start and maintain a business, what would it be?

Nobody says the business has to be conventionally successful, correct? Because I have all the money to maintain it? Including a salary for me?

Then this question is too easy. I want a combination bookstore (new and used) and needlepoint supplies business. The best of my addictions in one spot.

I loved when I used to shop for needlepoint yarn at this shop that had drawer after drawer of yarn in various colors and textures. Then there was more draped from hooks on the walls. How much fun could I have recreating that feeling and sharing it with others?

And the books? I could open up the shop to the many authors I’ve met. Not only the locals or the big names, but everyone like me who is struggling to find a place in the literary community. I propose readings once a week, with a small donation requested to help cover the cost of refreshments. Maybe I could mix the middle list and big name authors with the lesser known ones. Two authors at each reading. The readers would get a favorite and a new favorite.

The shelves would also have lots of books on the art of needlepoint, along with patterns for my crafters. Big, soft chairs for the readers to enjoy as they browsed through books. I’d love to have some shop cats, too, but that might be a problem with all the yarn.

What else? Music playing in the background and a few CDs for sale. Native American, Celtic folk songs, local musicians, whatever struck my fancy. And I’d be open to my customers suggesting new styles to add to the mix.

I’d better not forget a small play area for the kiddos, so mamas can have a little extra time to browse books.

I think that will do it! Got any suggestions to add to my shop? I’m open to ideas! And tell me about your dream business in the comments. I’m waiting!

Don’t forget to check out the other authors on this hop by following the links below,

And, until next time, please be safe!

December 7, 2020

If you had unlimited money to start and maintain a business, what would it be?

Writing By the Calendar #IWSG

By P.J. MacLayne December 1, 2020 December 1, 2020 IWSG

December 2 question – Are there months or times of the year that you are more productive with your writing than other months, and why?

The awesome co-hosts for the December 2 posting of the IWSG are Pat Garcia, Sylvia Ney, Liesbet @ Roaming About Cathrina Constantine, and Natalie Aguirre!

I don’t think my productivity is tied to certain months. Well, except maybe December when there’s so much to do that isn’t writing. I can forgive myself for that.

But there are times when I don’t do as much writing as others. That’s because I have a day job that can bleed into evenings or nights. That will kill productivity not just for a day, but for several days or more, because it messes with my sleep cycle.

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

I don’t know how to measure my productivity when I’m editing. Does editing one chapter equal writing one chapter? Editing engages a different part of my brain and I find it hard to do both at the same time. I have to concentrate on one or the other.

Do I need to mention that marketing sucks the creativity from my soul? Factor how much time is spent trying to sell my books into the equation and see how my productivity drops.

So, there are lots of influences that affect the amount of writing I do, but the time of year isn’t one of them.

Find out what other authors have to say about this topic by following the links below.

And, until next time, please stay safe!

There’s a Stranger in Town #OpenBook Blog Hop

By P.J. MacLayne November 29, 2020 November 29, 2020 Open Book

November 30, 2020

Every story starts with a stranger in town or a journey. “Pa, we’re takin’ the wagon to Virginia City,” every story ends with “Golly gee, Wally. I thought we were goners.” True or False?

I really wanted to say, ‘nope, that’s not the way it works.’ And if I dig hard enough, I can probably find examples to contradict it. But there’s lots of truth to the premise.

Let’s start with my Free Wolves series. It’s backwards from the theory because each of my main characters is the stranger that came to town. Dot, Tasha, and Lori are the outsiders trying to fit in and find their place. Here’s Tasha’s (from Wolves’ Knight) beginning:

Her tactical knife slid easily from its ankle sheath. With a curse, Tasha leaped out of the leather chair and slid across the wooden conference table, praying she’d make it in time.

Although the stories are from the same ‘world’ they feature different characters and each story can be read as a stand-alone. Each story introduces a new stranger and a new situation.

The Harmony Duprie Mysteries are different. The Marquesa’s Necklace, the first one, opens with the stranger in town.

I first noticed him at the other end of the row when I glanced up to find another book. I recognize most of the regular patrons, and he wasn’t one of them.

But because each story is told in the same world, the little city of Oak Grove, the villain may not be a stranger but someone from Harmony’s town. Perhaps someone she didn’t know well, or doesn’t know at all. Or perhaps it’s someone she thought was a friend. (I’m trying not to give too many clues!) The Samurai’s Inro is a good example of this. (Yes, a minor character is from out of town, but the book doesn’t begin with him.)

In the sixth and final book of the series, the Ranger’s Dogtags, Harmony becomes the stranger in town after going on a journey. I got both tropes covered there!

How about those endings? “Golly gee, Wally. I thought we were goners.” There’s lots of books that this doesn’t hold true for—I’m thinking mostly of women’s fiction and romances. For my own books, I’ll argue that one a technicality. My stories combine romantic elements with action and adventure. Yes, my characters are placed in life-threatening situations, but I wrap every story up with the romance. Because I believe in happily ever after.

The next thing I knew, he’d pulled me into his arms and his lips were devouring mine.

I may have been a wee bit distracted with kissing him back, but I swear my toes curled, birds sang, and fireworks exploded in the background.

And magic happened.

Let’s find out what our other authors have to say by following the links below.

And, until next time, please stay safe,

November 30, 2020

Every story starts with a stranger in town or a journey. “Pa, we’re takin’ the wagon to Virginia City,” every story ends with “Golly gee, Wally. I thought we were goners.” True or False?

Author: P.J. MacLayne