P.J. MacLayne

I grew up around guns. My father and brothers were hunters, and the deer they managed to shoot every couple of years helped to feed the family.

My dearly beloved also grew up in a family of hunters and served in the military. He’s owned a variety of guns in the many years we’ve been together. I’ve even shot them on a couple of occasions. That certainly doesn’t make me an expert on the topic.

But a couple of my characters need to be experts. Their lives depend on it. So how do I write those scenes?

That’s where research comes in. The internet is full of information, not all of it right. Thankfully, I’ve got access to experts who can verify the facts for me.

I’ve learned a few things along the way, starting with the basic stuff. Like a pistol and a revolver are two different things, and I’d better not get them mixed up. (But both are handguns.) When cops are on duty, their gun has a bullet in the chamber and the safety is off. (So they can respond quickly.) That the reason that James Bond switched from a Beretta to a Walther PPK was because the Beretta was underpowered and the external hammer could get caught on the holster.

I had to figure out the difference between an AK-17 and an AR-15 for Wolves’ Knight. (When I wrote the story, the AK-17 was still in development, so there’s no way Tasha would be able to carry one.)

Then there’s Harmony, my reluctant heroine in the Oak Grove Mysteries series. She bought Betsy, her Beretta, for personal defense. (She names everything!) She knows she’s supposed to shoot at center mass (something I didn’t know) but still insists on aiming for arms and legs.

Lori, in the next Free Wolves book, Wolves’ Gambit, is teaching me a bunch of new things. I won’t spoil the surprise now. In the meantime, let’s find out what everyone else is researching.

December 18, 2017 – Research. Post an interesting fact or facts you’ve come across researching a book.

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When I wrote Wolves’ Pawn, I didn’t set out to create a manifesto on women’s place in today’s society. All I wanted to do was write a story about wolf shifters with a strong female lead that defied the conventions of the genre.

Well, that’s only partly true. I did want to write a strong female lead. The rest just sorta happened because that’s the way Dot, my heroine, wanted it.The fact that she refused to go along with patriarchal pack expectations was true to her history.

I could see Dot taking part in the Woman’s March (if she wasn’t too busy running her company!) She hasn’t met a glass ceiling yet that she couldn’t break. And I bet she and Gavin would have more than one heated discussion as he tried—and failed—to get her to moderate her views in favor of keeping peace among the traditionalists of the pack. Dot, of course, would stay true to her personal beliefs.

Although I haven’t figured out birth control for shifters yet, (Human methods are only 50% effective), I’m pretty darn sure Dot is using it. And the insurance plan she provides for her employees covers it too. Come to think of it, much of their medical care is free because they make use of the doctor who is contracted with the Fairwood pack. Not true socialized medicine, but close.

Then there’s the school that Dot’s company supports. None of the kids who attend pay a dime and they even get fed and clothed and help finding jobs when they graduate. And this book was written several years before the most recent US presidential election!

Although I’d guess her politics were more conservative, Tasha of Wolves’ Knight also plays havoc with the traditional female role in paranormal romances. And wait until you meet Lori in Wolves’ Gambit, the third book in the Free Wolves series. (the one I’m working on now.) There’s no doubt in my mind where she’d be on the political spectrum.

So yes, I’m rather proud of my characters.They stand up for themselves in a male-dominated society under all sorts of circumstances. And succeed.

Now that I’m done bragging about my “friends,” let’s go see what everyone else is talking about. (Oh, and if you’re interested in buying my books, head here for the links to get them.

December 11, 2017 – Writing parallels – parallels between events and your writing, topic or genre.
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2. Notify your following that you are participating in this blog hop.
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4. Tweet/or share each person’s blog post. Use #OpenBook when tweeting.
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When I wrote Wolves’ Pawn, I didn’t set out to create a manifesto on women’s place in today’s society. All I wanted to do was write a story about wolf shifters with a strong female lead that defied the conventions of the genre.

Well, that’s only partly true. I did want to write a strong female lead. The rest just sorta happened because that’s the way Dot, my heroine, wanted it.The fact that she refused to go along with patriarchal pack expectations was true to her history.

I could see Dot taking part in the Woman’s March (if she wasn’t too busy running her company!) She hasn’t met a glass ceiling yet that she couldn’t break. And I bet she and Gavin would have more than one heated discussion as he tried—and failed—to get her to moderate her views in favor of keeping peace among the traditionalists of the pack. Dot, of course, would stay true to her personal beliefs.

Although I haven’t figured out birth control for shifters yet, (Human methods are only 50% effective), I’m pretty darn sure Dot is using it. And the insurance plan she provides for her employees covers it too. Come to think of it, much of their medical care is free because they make use of the doctor who is contracted with the Fairwood pack. Not true socialized medicine, but close.

Then there’s the school that Dot’s company supports. None of the kids who attend pay a dime and they even get fed and clothed and help finding jobs when they graduate. And this book was written several years before the most recent US presidential election!

Although I’d guess her politics were more conservative, Tasha of Wolves’ Knight also plays havoc with the traditional female role in paranormal romances. And wait until you meet Lori in Wolves’ Gambit, the third book in the Free Wolves series. (the one I’m working on now.) There’s no doubt in my mind where she’d be on the political spectrum.

So yes, I’m rather proud of my characters.They stand up for themselves in a male-dominated society under all sorts of circumstances. And succeed.

Now that I’m done bragging about my “friends,” let’s go see what everyone else is talking about. (Oh, and if you’re interested in buying my books, head here for the links to get them.

December 11, 2017 – Writing parallels – parallels between events and your writing, topic or genre.
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.
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I’ve long been a fan of Craig’s Johnson’s series of Longmire books. I discovered them several years before they became the inspiration for the TV series and own most of them. (In print.) I’ve had about half of them signed by the author as he makes regular appearances in my part of the world.

So I was looking forward to his new release, The Western Star. In fact, it was on my wishlist for my birthday. It took me a few days to start reading it because I wanted to wait for the weekend when I could devour it without too many interruptions.

Most of the book did not disappoint. Johnson did his usual fine job of weaving an intricate tale including both present-day and historical references. Most of our favorite characters are back,  although they take a back seat in the story line. (Spoiler alert: for those of you hoping for more action between Longmire and Vic, don’t hold your breath.) The major mystery is wrapped up nicely by our favorite sheriff.

But here’s where I think Johnson went wrong. He left us with a cliffhanger. I hate cliffhangers and refuse to write them. For those of you who have read the books, you probably remember the underlying story arc.Without giving too much away, that’s the story line that leaves us hanging. In a big way. And since Johnson only seems to release one book a year, that’s a long time to wait.

As a result, I’m giving this book 4 stars. But sure, I’ll read the next one when it comes out.

If you’ve read the book, let me know in the comments if you agree or disagree with my rating. In the meantime, I’m off to see what our other authors are reading.

December 4, 2017 – Review a book you’ve recently read.
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.
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An InLinkz Link-up

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I’ve long been a fan of Craig’s Johnson’s series of Longmire books. I discovered them several years before they became the inspiration for the TV series and own most of them. (In print.) I’ve had about half of them signed by the author as he makes regular appearances in my part of the world.

So I was looking forward to his new release, The Western Star. In fact, it was on my wishlist for my birthday. It took me a few days to start reading it because I wanted to wait for the weekend when I could devour it without too many interruptions.

Most of the book did not disappoint. Johnson did his usual fine job of weaving an intricate tale including both present-day and historical references. Most of our favorite characters are back,  although they take a back seat in the story line. (Spoiler alert: for those of you hoping for more action between Longmire and Vic, don’t hold your breath.) The major mystery is wrapped up nicely by our favorite sheriff.

But here’s where I think Johnson went wrong. He left us with a cliffhanger. I hate cliffhangers and refuse to write them. For those of you who have read the books, you probably remember the underlying story arc.Without giving too much away, that’s the story line that leaves us hanging. In a big way. And since Johnson only seems to release one book a year, that’s a long time to wait.

As a result, I’m giving this book 4 stars. But sure, I’ll read the next one when it comes out.

If you’ve read the book, let me know in the comments if you agree or disagree with my rating. In the meantime, I’m off to see what our other authors are reading.

December 4, 2017 – Review a book you’ve recently read.
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.
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This week I’m presenting a snippet from The Baron’s Cufflinks, the third book in the Oak Grove Mysteries. Harmony Duprie, my main character is up to her usual shenanigans—finding trouble.

Blurb:

What starts as Girl’s Night Out ends in murder, and Harmony Duprie is a suspect.

Can Harmony rescue Jake and find the real culprit before she becomes the next victim?

The Baron’s Cufflinks is available at here:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1232223538

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072P6CD3D

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-baron-s-cufflinks

Books2read Universal https://www.books2read.com/u/b5OVGp

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-barons-cufflinks-pj-maclayne/1126317718?ean=2940157511692

This week I’m presenting a snippet from The Baron’s Cufflinks, the third book in the Oak Grove Mysteries. Harmony Duprie, my main character is up to her usual shenanigans—finding trouble.

Blurb:

What starts as Girl’s Night Out ends in murder, and Harmony Duprie is a suspect.

Can Harmony rescue Jake and find the real culprit before she becomes the next victim?

The Baron’s Cufflinks is available at here:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1232223538

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072P6CD3D

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-baron-s-cufflinks

Books2read Universal https://www.books2read.com/u/b5OVGp

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-barons-cufflinks-pj-maclayne/1126317718?ean=2940157511692

Here’s my Top Ten list of  things I like to do.

10. Going to work. Most days, anyway. I actually like my job and my coworkers. They joke around with me about my writing (in a kind way) and help keep my ego in check.

9. Exploring back roads in my Jeep. It’s a kick to be able to go places I wouldn’t dare try in a car.

8. Play on the computer. I didn’t touch my first computer until I was over 30, and I haven’t been without one since.

7. Talk to people. Or at least observe them from a distance. People’s individual stories are amazing. We are a weird collection, we humans.

6. Needlepoint. I love how it combines both artistic and mathematical components.

5. Be outside. Whether it’s doing yard work, going for a walk, shoveling snow or going for a hike, I like being outside.

4. Writing my stories. Now sharing them with my readers means they have to be edited first, (which I don’t enjoy!) and that’s what knocks this down from on the list.

3. Reading. I love to read. I don’t read as much as I used to because life happens.

2. Play with my grandkids. Okay, play with the oldest and hold the little one. Especially as he’s starting to smile.

1. You knew this was coming. Spending time in the mountains with my hubby. Whether its a couple of days or a couple of hours, I’ll take it.

What’s your Top Ten?

November 27, 2017 – Top 10 – Share your top 10 favorite movies, books or things to do.
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.
Wordpress:

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An InLinkz Link-up

get the InLinkz code

Here’s my Top Ten list of  things I like to do.

10. Going to work. Most days, anyway. I actually like my job and my coworkers. They joke around with me about my writing (in a kind way) and help keep my ego in check.

9. Exploring back roads in my Jeep. It’s a kick to be able to go places I wouldn’t dare try in a car.

8. Play on the computer. I didn’t touch my first computer until I was over 30, and I haven’t been without one since.

7. Talk to people. Or at least observe them from a distance. People’s individual stories are amazing. We are a weird collection, we humans.

6. Needlepoint. I love how it combines both artistic and mathematical components.

5. Be outside. Whether it’s doing yard work, going for a walk, shoveling snow or going for a hike, I like being outside.

4. Writing my stories. Now sharing them with my readers means they have to be edited first, (which I don’t enjoy!) and that’s what knocks this down from on the list.

3. Reading. I love to read. I don’t read as much as I used to because life happens.

2. Play with my grandkids. Okay, play with the oldest and hold the little one. Especially as he’s starting to smile.

1. You knew this was coming. Spending time in the mountains with my hubby. Whether its a couple of days or a couple of hours, I’ll take it.

What’s your Top Ten?

November 27, 2017 – Top 10 – Share your top 10 favorite movies, books or things to do.
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.
WordPress:



Custom Blog:

An InLinkz Link-up

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The challenge this week was to make a crossword puzzle with clues and answers from our books. I suggest you don’t try this on your cell phone. 🙂 If there’s something you get stuck on, let me know in the comments and I’ll give you an additional hint. Have fun!

November 20, 2017 – Create a game or puzzle for one or more of your books. You can do this on crosswords.com, puzzle creator and more sites and embed them in your blog so you have an online puzzle or game for readers to complete.
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.
Wordpress:

Custom Blog:

An InLinkz Link-up

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