MYSTERY SHE WROTE...
"SHADOWS AND LIGHT"
This mystery-suspense novel was my first-borne. But its 'birth' was long and convoluted - extremely convoluted.
Why? Well--first, because my background was/is geology and journalism, initially, I had no idea what I was doing. Second, when I got to the last page [292] in an early draft of the manuscript, I thought leaving the characters 'there' - where readers could decide an ending might be more unusual and more creative. But it wasn't. And--after I read last two chapters again - I knew it.
Feeling stymied though, I packed up all my notes and research and rewrites in a box then pushed it to the back of a shelf behind my laundry supplies. Writing for print journalism and writing fiction are poles apart with a learning curve that was amazingly steep. I knew how to research - all of my fiction plots are merged with fact. However, telling a story is not the job of a journalist. [I have since adapted two of my novels to screenplay format and 'that-too' was another steep hike.]
Anyway, by the time I had packed copious amounts of paper into that box, I was tired. [Juggling two Calgary Sun Lifestyle features each week, a column for The Mirror, two elementary school kids in soccer and Scouts also didn't help.] So, in the box everything stayed, until I finally shamed myself into polishing the first two chapters then submitting them to about a dozen agents over the following five years.
Several very 'nice' rejection letters later were saved in a file folder for posterity. That file also went into the box.
Once again, I shelved it, u-n-t-i-l Amazon eBook-technology and print-on-demand publishing caught up to my [still] floundering version. Then in a flash of inspiration I convinced myself to polish what I did have as a novella and use Amazon's software to independently publish on my own. I figured if there was enough interest in what was basically Part One in the life of these characters, I could gauge enough reader interest to work on a sequel...Glory be!
Ohhh, I got feedback all right...Readers immediately voiced their annoyance. They liked the characters - so much so they felt I left the characters and them hanging - and - they expected a sequel, and quick!
That was my first experience with a [book] audience, unlike readers of my columns or features or those targeted for technical reports. While thrilled strangers - not neighbors or family were actually buying my book - I also realized 'immediately' my ultimate responsibility. From that moment forward I vowed to write what I expected in a book I bought to read - and - to 'never' waste any reader's time. I routinely strive to offer complete plots with a unique twist...
*****
Inspector Grey was the last passenger. "Done with background checks and on the surface no one on this flight has a connection to art, museums, ammunitions or weapons."
*Fate introduced Laura Baker to Neil McKenzie when the RCMP Officer had to inform Laura her husband just died in a traffic accident. But suddenly a widow was only her first test. As the months passed a critical decision that challenged Laura also prodded her from behind the shadow of her ambitious late husband into the light of recognition for her own stifled talent - but how?
When Neil McKenzie makes his feelings known, her art gets unexpected international recognition. Reluctant to risk her heart and reclaimed independence Laura realizes she's at another crossroads... With a jolt Fate reintroduces Laura to a new meaning for 'risk'. Enjoy...
Author website: Patchwork Publishing, LLC
Read full chapters via: Sherrie Todd-Beshore | Substack
**Every writer's journey is the same, but different...In "FROM THERE TO HERE" a memoir, [of sorts] I share more detail of 'my' unique journey that may be of some help to others who find themselves compelled to write too...