Seldom Traveled & More

I’m always delighted to welcome author Marilyn Meredith back to Thoughts in Progress because it means she has a new book out in one of my favorite series. This time the book is in her Deputy Tempe Crabtree series and is entitled, SELDOM TRAVELED.

The tranquility of the mountain community of Bear Creek is disrupted by a runaway fugitive, a vicious murderer, and a raging forest fire. Deputy Tempe Crabtree is threatened by all three.

SELDOM TRAVELED is available to purchase at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

With wildfires popping up all over the country in recent months, Marilyn joins us today to talk about how she came to write about wildfires in her book. Welcome, Marilyn.

Because of the ongoing drought in California, the state has been plagued with forest fires. When I began writing my latest Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery, we still had an occasional day of rain and hope for the drought to be over. I had no idea what was to come, but the more I wrote, the more I knew that there would be a forest fire in the mountains close to my fictional town of Bear Creek.

To make sure what I wrote was accurate, I consulted a friend of mine who was a volunteer firefighter and still is used on fires with his truck to get supplies. He helped me a lot. Here is an excerpt that includes part of a fire scene:

“You might find that more difficult than you think,” Tempe said. “We’ve got a situation.”

“Can’t be any worse than the one I’m in.”

“You’re wrong. I’m afraid it is much worse.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Haven’t you smelled the smoke?”

“I know there’s a forest fire, but it’s a long ways off.”

“Not far away at all.”

He shoved her. “Show me.”

She moved toward the front door and opened it. Things had changed in the short time she’d been inside the cabin. “Oh, dear God, we’re in big trouble.”

The fire had worsened considerably. Black smoke billowed up from the valley. The wind blew fiercely. The air felt hot against her face. Embers fell all around. She couldn’t see any flames, but it wouldn’t be long.

Delano let loose with a string of swear words. “We’re doomed.”

“Don’t give up yet. Let’s get in my truck and see if we can make it back to the main highway.” She galloped toward her vehicle.

“I’m right behind you. Don’t try any funny stuff. Remember, I’ve got your gun.”

She didn’t bother to answer, the smoke made breathing hard. Pulling open the driver’s door she hopped in.

Within seconds, Delano was beside her. “Get us out of here.”

She hoped that she could. She knew better than to drive too fast because of all the potholes in the road, but if they didn’t hurry they weren’t going to make it.

Maneuvering around the curves as fast as she thought safe wasn’t fast enough for Delano.

“Step on it.”

“I can’t go any faster. If we break down, we’ll be in a worse mess than we are now.” She eased around one curve and then the next.

When she came to the place where she thought the road started to straighten, she knew they couldn’t get through. She braked.

“What are you doing?”

“We aren’t going to make it. Not this way anyway. Take a look ahead.”

A wall of flames crossed the road. The treetops on either side blazed. Sparks flew high into the sky.

Tempe put the truck in reverse, going back the way they’d just come.

Delano gasped. “The whole mountain is on fire. We’re doomed.”

That’s just a taste of my story. A forest fire is frightening. The destruction and devastation it leaves in its path is horrifying. The fire at Lake Isabella left many homeless and took a few lives. In August we had a fire in our own mountain area, fortunately it was extinguished before it burned many acres for threatened any homes.

Some extra thoughts About Seldom Traveled

When I began writing this latest addition of Deputy Tempe Crabtree’s life, I had no idea that the plot would include a forest fire. I knew who would be the murder victim, had some ideas about the varied suspects—but really didn’t know who the guilty party would be.

I included the missing felon, because we had a similar case where the felon fled to our little town—and promptly disappeared. Not even the search dogs could find him. Nothing has ever appeared in the paper about him being found. (My theory is that a friend of his who lived in the area probably whisked him away in a vehicle.) My fictional version is very much a part of the plot.

Which brings me back to the forest fire—as the story took form, I knew that Tempe would be threatened by a fire. The book itself was finished and turned into the publisher long before all the real fires struck all over California.

Just thought these were some facts about Seldom Traveled your readers might find interesting. -- Marilyn

Marilyn, thanks for joining us today and explaining how parts of your story came to be. Wildfires have destroyed much in recent months.

Now for those who aren’t familiar with Marilyn, here’s a little background on her.

Author Marilyn Meredith

Marilyn has had so many books published, she’s lost track of the count, but it’s getting near 40. She lives in a community similar to the fictional mountain town of Bear Creek, the big difference being that Bear Creek is a thousand feet higher in the mountains.

She is a member of Mystery Writers of American, three chapters of Sisters in Crime, and is a board member of Public Safety Writers of America.

For more on Marilyn and her writing, visit her website and blog, as well as connecting with her on Facebook and Twitter.

New Contest: 

Winners will be randomly picked from those leaving the most comments on the blog posts. Each winner can choose one of the earlier books in the series as either a print book or e-book.

Tomorrow Marilyn will be visiting http://willkillforastory.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by today during Marilyn’s visit. Have you ever experienced a wildfire? Have you ever been involved in helping put out a fire?

How Long to Continue a Series {+ Contest}

It’s always a delight to welcome award-winning author Marilyn Meredith back to Thoughts in Progress. When she stops by, it means she has another intriguing mystery to share with us.

Marilyn’s current release is RIVER SPIRITS, the latest installment in her Deputy Tempe Crabtree Mystery series. Here’s a brief synopsis of the book:

        While filming a movie on the Bear Creek Indian Reservation, the film crew trespasses on sacred ground, threats are made against the female stars, a missing woman is found by the Hairy Man, an actor is murdered and Deputy Tempe Crabtree has no idea who is guilty. Once again, the elusive and legendary Hairy Man plays an important role in this newest Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery.

Please join me in giving Marilyn a warm welcome. Marilyn, welcome and thanks for answering this very important question, ‘How Long will I Continue Writing the Deputy Crabtree Series?’ 

Excellent question.

My answer? I have no clue. (Seems like that’s my answer to a lot of questions.)

When I began I had no idea I would end up writing a series, nor did I realize I would at this point be promoting #14. 

I have toyed with the idea of having Tempe retire from her job as a deputy and perhaps traveling with her preacher husband. She could solve crimes she runs into along the way.

At one time, my goal was to have her son, Blair, grow-up and doing the job he dreamed about--being a fireman. Since he's now a fireman, I'd like to see him married. So of course, I’ll have to write that book.

Interesting things may happen on the Indian Reservation that I borrow from for my books that I’ll want to fictionalize. Who knows, someone may spot the Hairy Man again.

The real inn that I base the Bear Creek Inn on has closed. Should I have the same thing happen in a book? If so, what would cause it? And where would Nick Two John and Claudia go? 

Events happen in real life that trigger ideas for what could happen in Tempe’s fictional world. Of course it is always possible that I'll run out of ideas, though I doubt it.

I guess the real answer is the series will continue as long as I'm able to come up with new ideas to write. – Marilyn.

Marilyn, thanks for stopping by and I, for one, hope you never run out of ideas for this delightful series. Deputy Crabtree is a protagonist that stays with you long after you finish one of her stories.

Now for those who aren’t familiar with Marilyn, let me share a bit of background.

Marilyn Meredith is the author of over thirty-five published novels, including the award winning Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series, the latest River Spirits from Mundania Press. 

Marilyn is a member of three chapters of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and on the board of the Public Safety Writers of America. She lives in the foothills of the Sierra. 

For more on Marilyn and her writing, visit her at http://fictionforyou.com and her blog at http://marilymeredith.blogspot.com/

CONTEST DETAILS:

The winner will be the person who comments on the most blog posts during Marilyn’s tour. He or she can either have a character in her next book named after them, or choose an earlier book in the Deputy Tempe Crabtree series—either a paper book or e-book.

You can find Marilyn over at Jackie King’s Murderous Musings tomorrow where Jackie asked her about her writing habits.

Thanks so much for stopping by today during Marilyn’s visit. Have you ever wished a character in a book had your name? If a character was named after you, would you want them to be good or bad?

*This post contains affiliate links.

Murder in the Worst Degree On Tour (+Contest)

 

I’m delighted to be participating in author F.M. Meredith’s virtual book tour for her recent release, MURDER IN THE WORST DEGREE, the latest installment in her Rocky Bluff Police Department series.

As part of the tour, F.M. (aka Marilyn Meredith) is holding a unique contest. Be sure to check the end of the post for details.

Here’s a brief synopsis of MURDER IN THE WORST DEGREE:

        The body that washes up on the beach leads Detectives Milligan and Zachary on a murder investigation that includes the victim’s family members, his housekeeper, three long-time friends, and a mystery woman.

Here are my thoughts on this fun cozy murder mystery.

MURDER IN THE WORST DEGREE by F.M. Meredith

It’s always fun to return to author F.M. Meredith’s fictional town of Rocky Bluff where you’re bound to find an intriguing murder, typical crime and delightful characters to re-connect with.

In the latest installment, MURDER IN THE WORST DEGREE, the body of a wealthy, elderly man – Harlan Knight – washes ashore. It’s up to Detectives Doug Milligan and Felix Zachary to find out what really happened to him. During their investigation, they find out the son, grandson, daughter, housekeeper, and housekeeper’s son stand to inherit with Knight’s death. They also discover Knight’s three Marine buddies and a mysterious secret girlfriend are also included in the will.

Meanwhile, a serial rapist seems to be on the loose in Rocky Bluff. When one of his victims gets a look at his face, the description she gives officers looks a lot like one of their own.

As the officers are dealing with the daily problems of crime, they are also adjusting to a new police chief. Changes are being made by Chief Chandra Taylor and the officers aren’t quite sure what to make of them or her.

The author has created a cast of characters that are likable and realistic. She blends the ongoing police activities with each of the officers’ home life creating a well-balanced story. Meredith combines a number of activities together demonstrating how small towns handle the pressure of rising crime with budget cuts and the shortage of manpower.

MURDER IN THE WORST DEGREE moves at a fast pace and holds the reader’s attention with a number of twists and turns. While this is the 10th installment in the series, it can be read on its own.

The story is an enjoyable cozy murder mystery that will have you laughing and guessing as officers get closer to the real killer.

Murder in the Worst Degree by F.M. Meredith, A Rocky Bluff Police Department Novel Book #10, Dark Oak Mysteries, @2014, ISBN: 978-1610091459, Paperback, 176 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the author as part of her virtual book tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

F. M. Meredith (aka Marilyn Meredith) is the author of over 35 published books. She enjoys writing about police officers and their families and how what happens on the job affects the family and vice versa. Having several members of her own family involved in law enforcement, as well as many friends, she’s witnessed some of this first-hand. 

For more on Marilyn and her writing, visit her website and connect with her on her blog, Facebook and Amazon Author's Page.

CONTEST DETAILS:

Marilyn is once again offering readers the opportunity to have their names used for a character in one of her upcoming books. To win the contest, you have to comment on the most blogs during this tour for MURDER IN THE WORST DEGREE. 

Tomorrow you can find Marilyn here: http://sweetnotspicy.blogspot.com/. For other stops on the tour, CLICK HERE.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. What kind of character would you like to be, if you were in a mystery murder story?

Author Marilyn Meredith Discusses Her Protagonist and a Contest

It’s always a pleasure to welcome author Marilyn Meredith back to Thoughts in Progress. Marilyn has two intriguing series I love to follow and she currently has a new release, SPIRIT SHAPES, in her Tempe Crabtree Mystery series.

SPIRIT SHAPES is the 12^th installment in the series. Here’s a brief synopsis:

     Ghost hunters stumble upon a murdered teen in a haunted house. Deputy Tempe Crabtree's investigation pulls her into a whirlwind of restless spirits, good and evil, intertwined with the past and the present, and demons and angels at war.

Marilyn joins us today to tell “Where Deputy Tempe Crabtree Came From” and tell about a fun contest she has going on. Welcome Marilyn.

Your protagonist is a unique character. She’s a deputy sheriff in a man’s world. In addition, she has a Native American background and is married to a preacher. Can you tell us how her character came about and how she has developed with each installment?

Deputy Tempe Crabtree has evolved since I first started writing about her. In fact, the first two books I wrote with her as the main character were not true to her at all. By the third book, she had become the Tempe that now the true resident deputy of Bear Creek.

(Just in case you wondered, those two books were given new settings and characters.)

Tempe’s appearance is fashioned after a Native American woman I met a long time ago. The personality came from a female police officer I did a ride-along with on the night shift. She revealed a lot about herself while we were together. The fact that she is a resident deputy came from the female resident deputy where I lived when we first moved there. Tempe started out as a combination of these three strong women. 

As I kept writing about Tempe, I came to learn more and more about her. She married Hutch Hutchinson, the pastor of the Bear Creek Community church, when she was at a particular lonely time of her life—and wanted a father for her son. She and Hutch have had some problems in their marriage like all couples do. Hutch doesn’t like it when she uses Indian spiritualism to help solve crimes because he fears for her soul. 

Tempe’s close friendship with Nick Two John has caused Hutch to be jealous at times. Hutch has mellowed and become good friends with Nick too—but it has been a bumpy road. 

Tempe and Hutch also had some problems over the creation of the casino on the reservation. Hutch’s objection was to the gambling, while Tempe saw it as a much needed contribution to the Indians’ economy. 

She has always been the champion of the underdog—who has most often been in the form of someone hastily arrested for murder who may or may not be the guilty party. 

SPIRIT SHAPES follows a different path when Detective Morrison gives her an assignment as part of the investigation of the victim found in a haunted house.

Deputy Tempe Crabtree seems as real to me as any of my friends and relatives. I hope my readers feel the same way.

Marilyn, thanks for joining us again. You have indeed created Tempe to be realistic and likable. She’s one of the protagonist that stays with you long after you close the latest book.

Now let me share a bit about Marilyn for those who aren’t familiar with her.

Marilyn is the author of over thirty published novels, including the award winning Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series. She borrows a lot from where she lives in the Southern Sierra for the town of Bear Creek and the surrounding area, including the nearby Tule River Indian Reservation. She does like to remind everyone that she is writing fiction. 

Marilyn is a member of EPIC, three chapters of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and on the board of the Public Safety Writers of America. 

For more on Marilyn and her writing, visit her at http://fictionforyou.com and follow her blog at http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com/

SPIRIT SHAPES is available from the publisher and Amazon in all formats.

CONTEST RULES:
 
The person who comments on the most blogs on this blog tour will have the opportunity to have a character named after him or her in the next Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery.

Tomorrow I’ll be visiting at: http://kathleenryan.blogspot.com/

Thanks so much everyone for stopping by today. Do you enjoy stories where cultures are blended together? Remember to follow Marilyn’s blog tour for other opportunities to enter her awesome contest.

Author Marilyn Meredith: TV Influences On Mysteries?

It’s always a pleasure to welcome award-winning author Marilyn

Meredith back to Thoughts. She continuously shares an intriguing look at the world of publishing and to our delight has a new release to share with us.

Marilyn’s latest release is RAGING WATER, the 12th installment in her award-winning Deputy Tempe Crabtree Mystery series from Mundania Press. She is the author of over thirty published novels. Writing as F. M. Meredith, her latest Rocky Bluff P.D. crime novel is No Bells, the fourth from Oak Tree Press.

With the release of RAGING WATER, Marilyn is sponsoring a fun and interesting contest. The person who leaves comments on the most blogs during her tour will have his/her name used for a character in her next book. The winner can choose if they want their name in a Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery or a Rocky Bluff P.D. crime novel.

Marilyn joins us today to answer a questions for me - Are Readers Expectations in Mystery Novels Influenced by TV and Movies?

Mason asked me if I wanted to answer this provocative question and I decide to tackle it.

I suppose it is possible that some readers may expect the same kind of fast pace that most TV and movies follow. With a TV episode, they have a short period of time to set up the story and quickly bring it to a satisfying climax. A movie has a longer period, but one drawback, unless there is voice over or the star talks to him or herself, the viewer doesn’t know what is going on inside the stars head.

There is one TV movie based on a popular mystery series that seems slow because the writers/director are trying to follow the main character as he’s agonizes over his past with the help of alcohol. Though the star does a great job, I’m not sure it works well in a TV format. 

One thing I’ve discovered in movies that I can usually tell early on which character will probably be killed off. It will be someone the main character cares about, but isn’t necessary for the plot.

In a book, the reader can follow the point-of-view character as he or she is challenged by the mystery at hand. The reader sees and hears everything through the POV character and knows the character’s thoughts. Because the reader is following along, sometimes the solution to the problem will be apparent even before the sleuth figures it out—which as a reader, I think is great fun. The reader is using his or her own brain right along with the main character.

Sometimes when a book that had a multi-layered plot is made into a movie,  the attempt to put everything into the movie makes it hard to figure out. 

In a good mystery novel, though the excitement will build, the clues will start to become visible and the main character will undoubtedly find him or herself in some peril, I think in most cases, the plots, even if they are multi-layered, are easier to follow and add enjoyment rather than confusion. 

Marilyn, thanks for joining us today and answering this question. As a mystery reader, I had wondered how authors looked at this. While it’s fun to follow along with a TV show or movie, a book does draw me in more.

Marilyn is a member of EPIC, three chapters of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and on the board of the Public Safety Writers of America. For more on her writing and her books, visit her at http://fictionforyou.com and follow her blog at http://marilymeredith.blogspot.com/

Marilyn borrows a lot from where she lives in the Southern Sierra for the town of Bear Creek and the surrounding area.

When asked about the order her Deputy Tempe Crabtree Mystery series should be read in, Marilyn had this to say, “I know there are some people who like to read a series in order, but let me reassure you that every book is complete. Though the characters grow through each book, the crime is always solved. Here is the order of the books for anyone who wants to know: Deadly Trail, Deadly Omen, Unequally Yoked, Intervention, Wing Beat, Calling the Dead, Judgment Fire, Kindred Spirits, Dispel the Mist, Invisible Path, Bears With Us, Raging Water.”

RAGING WATER continues the intriguing adventures of Deputy Tempe Crabtree in the town of Bear Creek.

As Bear Creek is plagued by a burglar sneaking into houses during the night while the residents are sleeping, a killer is also on the loose. Deputy Tempe Crabtree is faced with the investigation of the murder of two close elderly friends. Both ladies were killed in similar manners leading the deputy to question what their connection was to each other and the killer.

To add to her problems, a storm descends on Bear Creek with relentless rain causing Bear Creek to turn into a raging river. The endless rain causes mudslides, and power outages. Tempe has to help residents find safe shelter as their small town is cut off from the outside world. With supplies getting lower and tempers rising, Tempe has her hands full all the while trying to catch a killer before he strikes again.

Tempe Crabtree is a strong, yet realistic, protagonist. Her character continues to grow and evolve with each new story. Meredith shows that Tempe, faced with challenges in both her professional and private life, struggles with everyday problems too. Meredith has included well-balanced supporting characters that add another layer to the story. They are entertaining and likable.

Meredith has created a delightful setting in the town of Bear Creek and its residents. Her descriptions of the storm and its aftermath places the reader among the residents feeling their heartache and hope at Mother Nature’s wrath. 

RAGING WATER moves at a steady pace holding the reader spellbound from the first encounter with the burglar to Tempe’s last dramatic confrontation. The suspense and mystery will keep readers guessing as they work their way through the twists and turns of this intriguing read. A rainy day may just take on a new meaning.

Do you enjoy books where the protagonist evolves as the series continues? Have books made you think differently about circumstances such as a rain storm or snow storm? Thanks so much for stopping by today. Remember, share a book with a friend.

*FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this eBook as part of the author’s blog tour. It was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 
Raging Water by Marilyn Meredith, A Deputy Tempe Crabtree Mystery, Mundania Press, @2012, ISBN: 978-1606593233, Paperback, 204 Pages

BEARS WITH US by Marilyn Meredith

A suicide, an irate mother and bears, oh my! And that’s not all Deputy Tempe Crabtree has to deal with in BEARS WITH US by Marilyn Meredith.

A boy’s suicide causes strange behavior among his family. A mother threatens to file charges against Tempe and her minister husband because of her daughter’s friendship with a boy she disapproves of. An elderly woman with dementia disappears and is found buried in the woods. Bears are turning up in people’s homes, a school, and all around the community. Could a bear be responsible for the elderly woman’s death?

Author Marilyn Meredith once again draws readers into the small mountain community of Bear Creek and the life of her protagonist, Deputy Tempe Crabtree. Faced with everyday challenges and the demands of her job, Tempe is a strong character with soft edges that readers will enjoy. The supporting characters add depth to the story.

As the bears forge for food before hibernating for the winter, their actions are intertwined with several mysteries Tempe is faced with solving. The story flows smoothly and quickly. The author keeps the suspense high right until the end. 

There are bits of Native American customs, tips for protecting against bears, and issues families dealing with dementia face sprinkled throughout the story. In addition, there are moments of humor that will have you smiling.

BEARS WITH US is the 11th installment in the Tempe Crabtree Mystery series, but is a stand alone read. This is an intriguing tale of murder, mystery and mayhem you shouldn’t miss.

Author Marilyn Meredith’s website is http://fictionforyou.com/

Bears With Us by Marilyn Meredith, Mundania Press, @2011, ISBN: 9781606592649, Paperback, 220 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book as part of a blog tour and it was sent to me by the tour promoter in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Author Marilyn Meredith Answers Questions, Offers Unique Contest

I had the pleasure of discovering the writing of Marilyn Meredith about 6 months after I started blogging and now think of her not only as one of my favorite authors, but as a friend. It’s my pleasure to welcome her back here as she makes a stop on her virtual blog tour.

Marilyn’s latest release  is BEARS WITH US, a Temple Crabtree Mystery Series. She is hosting a unique contest in connection with the book’s release. The contest details are as follows: Would you like to be immortalized in print? Marilyn Meredith is running a contest during her BEARS WITH US virtual book tour. Whoever leaves a comment on the most blog sites during the tour, will have his or her name used for a character in Marilyn’s next book. Please visit http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2011/08/11/bears-with-us-virtual-book-tour-october-2011/ for her entire schedule. Good luck! 

Now a brief synopsis of her book: A burglar turns out to be a bear and Deputy Tempe Crabtree and her pastor husband, Hutch, chase the bear out of the house. This is their first encounter with a bear and the occupants of the home, an elderly couple and their daughter—and it isn’t the last.

A bear turns up at the school, at a restaurant, an apple orchard and two more homes. That is only part of what Tempe is called to handle. A teenager’s suicide, a mother who doesn’t like her daughter’s boyfriend, a wandering senior with a strange form of Alzheimer’s, and a long ago love affair keep Tempe hopping.

Here’s Marilyn.

Mason asked me a few questions I’m going to answer for her here.

She wanted to know what inspired me to write about bears in this Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery and how I did my research on bears.

One fall on Facebook, my grandson, a police officer in Aspen, Colorado, talked about the bears he and his fellow officers were chasing out of people’s homes. He posted some interesting photos of bears up in trees and other interesting places. Almost immediately I knew that Tempe was going to have some of the same experiences.

I emailed my grandson and asked him some specific questions about how the bears managed to get inside the houses, what they did when they got there, what they smelled like, and how the officers managed to get the bears out. I also went on the Internet and looked up Aspen and bears and got more information. The Internet was also my source for more information about black bears, how to keep them out of your house and so on. Once I had all that gathered, it was a matter of weaving it all into a mystery which eventually became BEARS WITH US.

Her next question was about my daily writing schedule.

I write every single day for a good part of the day—though it’s not always on a manuscript. When I’m promoting a book, I spend a lot of time writing posts for blogs like this one. My best writing time is early in the day, though I’ve been known to keep right on going through the afternoon. 

A most interesting question was what was the worst piece of advice I ever received concerning my writing and how did I overcome it. This happened when I was writing one of my first books, an historical family saga. I was told by several that historical sagas were no longer popular and I should try writing something else. I ignored the advice, finished the book, and it was my first book accepted for publication. From that comes this advice: write the book you want to write. Make it the best possible book you can and find a publisher who publishes the same kind of book and send it off.

And her last question was, if I could go back and change one thing at the beginning of your writing career, what would it be?

It would have been great if computers had been invented sooner—when I began it was typewriters, carbon paper, retyping whole manuscripts when you found mistakes, sending manuscripts off in boxes with boxes inside with the right amount of postage for them for the manuscript could be returned. 

But what I really wish I could go back and do over is to learn more about writing through conferences, writing groups, and books about writing. Because I was a voracious reader I thought I knew all about writing. Instead I stumbled and bumbled along and picked up information along the way as I finally did attend writers conferences, read writing books, and finally joined a wonderful critique group where I learned the most of all.  I still belong to that group.

Thanks for those interesting questions, Mason, I enjoyed answering them.

Marilyn, it’s always a pleasure having you stop by. I enjoy how you take elements from everyday life and incorporate them into your books.  

BEARS WITH US can be ordered direction from the publisher, Mundania Press, in many formats including trade paperback and also from Amazon and the other usual places.

Marilyn Meredith is the author of over 30 published novels, including the award winning Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series, the latest BEARS WITH US from Mundania Press. Writing as F. M. Meredith, her latest Rocky Bluff P.D. crime novel is ANGEL LOST, the third from Oak Tree Press. Marilyn is a member of EPIC, Four chapters of Sisters in Crime, including the Central Coast chapter, Mystery Writers of America, and on the board of the Public Safety Writers of America. For more on Marilyn and her writing, visit  her at http://fictionforyou.com and her blog at http://marilymeredith.blogspot.com/

If you’re a writer, do you include current events in your writing? As a reader, do you enjoy it when an author includes unusual mishaps like the wandering bears? Be sure to check out Marilyn’s contest. Thanks for stopping by.

Invisible Path by Marilyn Meredith

Take a murder mystery and an Indian legend, thrown in a para-military group, and you have the makings for an intriguing read, especially if the author is Marilyn Meredith.

INVISIBLE PATH by Marilyn Meredith

The body of a dead Indian is found on the Bear Creek Reservation and an outsider is quickly blamed for the death.

Deputy Tempe Crabtree is brought in to assist in the investigation. She soon learns the victim, who was quite popular, had plenty of enemies. It seems the victim, Danny Tofoya, had a run-in with Jesus Running Bear, who was dating Tofoya’s cousin, Jolie Tofoya. Most were surprised Tofoya was the victim instead of Running Bear. Tofoya was known to have a temper.

As Deputy Crabtree investigates, she learns Tofoya had also been searching for evidence of the Hairy Man, a Yokut legend. In his search for the legend to gain fame and fortune, Tempe believes Tofoya could have come across a militant para-military group gathering near the reservation.

Could Tofoya’s search for the Hairy Man got him killed, did he get to close to the militia group, or did he push ’a friend’ too far with his antics? As Deputy Crabtree gets close to the truth, the closer she gets to being the next victim.

Author Marilyn Meredith weaves a tale of murder, mayhem and Native American culture into an intriguing read, while also giving the reader a glimpse at Tempe’s home life. As you finish a chapter and think you can stop reading, the author drops just enough of a hint to make you want to read ’just one more chapter.’

The characters are realistic and the story flows quickly. There are twists and turns along the way to keep readers guessing who the real killer is.

INVISIBLE PATH is the ninth installment in the Tempe Crabtree Mystery Series, but is a stand alone book. The adventures of Deputy Crabtree will peak your interest and have you reading the entire series, if you haven’t already.

Author Marilyn Meredith’s website is http://fictionforyou.com/ and she blogs at Marilyn’s Musings

Invisible Path, Tempe Crabtree Mystery Series by Marilyn Meredith, Mundania Press, @2010, ISBN: 978-1-60659-239-7, Paperback, 224 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book and an e-book was sent to me by the author’s virtual book tour publicity director in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Marilyn Meredith, Guest Blogger

It is my pleasure to welcome award-winning author Marilyn Meredith back to Thoughts in Progress as a guest blogger on her tour of the blogosphrere.

Marilyn, who writes two amazing series, is here to today to talk about a book that is a little different and more personal than what she normally writes. In addition, she has an unusual contest she’s running during her tour. Be sure to check at the end of the post for all the contest details. Marilyn, tell us about your latest book, Lingering Spirit.

First, let me say I feel so privileged to be on Mason Canyon’s blog once again. Thoughts in Progress is a great blog with so many interesting topics—and Mason is so faithful about checking out other people’s blogs and leaving comments. I truly appreciate that thoughtfulness.

Today I thought I’d write about the supernatural aspects of my latest book, Lingering Spirit.

Basically a romance, this story is based on a true happening in my family—a tragic event. My son-in-law, whom I loved like my own son—was killed in the line of duty, leaving my daughter a widow and three little boys without a father.

Though this event and some of what transpired after were the basis of the story I wrote, it is not my daughter’s story. The characters in the book are much different in looks and personality than anyone in real life. It is a fiction.

What did happen, in real life, which I built on in my story, is my son-in-law’s spirit did not leave this world immediately. Several things happened to make us know this.

I stayed home to babysit my youngest grandson and a family friend’s little girl while everyone went off to the viewing the night before the funeral. I was sitting in a place where I could see the

front and back door. The kids were in the back of the house. The little girl came out and said, “There’s a big man in your daughter’s bedroom.” I didn’t go see, I knew it wasn’t a flesh and blood person, but that it was my son-in-law’s spirit. And no, no man ever came out of that part of the house.

When everyone came back for refreshments after the viewing, my son-in-law’s radio came on in the garage, blaring the country music he liked to listen to. The garage had to be unlocked so the radio could be turned off.

Several nights both my daughter and her boys felt someone kissing them on the cheek.

I definitely believe in Heaven and I know in my heart that’s where my son-in-law is now. But he died an unexpected and violent death, and I think it took his spirit awhile before it was ready to leave his family.

Whether or not you believe in such things doesn’t matter, but now you know why I wrote this book.

Marilyn, thank you so much for including Thoughts in Progress on this tour. There are many things that happen that we are unable to explain especially when it involves a loved one who has died. Thank you for sharing this.

Marilyn is the author of nearly thirty published novels, including the award winning Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series, the latest Dispel the Mist from Mundania Press. Under the name of F. M. Meredith she writes the Rocky Bluff P.D. crime series, An Axe to Grind is the latest from Oak Tree Press.

In addition, she is a member of EPIC, Four chapters of Sisters in Crime, including the Internet chapter, Mystery Writers of America, and on the board of the Public Safety Writers of America. Visit her at http://fictionforyou.com and her blog at http://marilymeredith.blogspot.com

Now for the contest guidelines: Have you ever dreamed of being immortalized in print? Well, here’s your chance! Marilyn is running a contest during her LINGERING SPIRIT Virtual Book Tour, which runs through July 30th. Marilyn will name a character in her next Rocky Bluff P.D. book after a reader who comments on the most blog stops during her virtual book tour. The next Rocky Bluff P.D. book is currently scheduled to be released in 2012. Leave a comment here and check out her blog to find the other stops on her tour in your quest to get your name in Marilyn’s next Rocky Bluff P.D. book. 

Just found out there is a book trailer for LINGERING SPIRIT so I'm adding it here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3qYnNmzzAw

Why Don't I Have A Method?

Is there a method to my madness?

Last night when I went to write this post I realize I really don’t have a theme or purpose for this blog. My method is just a mixture of things I enjoy. I know the focus is books/reading, but beyond that?

Some blogs focus solely on providing book reviews and author interviews, some focus on writing tips and helpful information, while others provide information on writing challenges and contests. For me I provide some book reviews, author guest blogs/interviews, book giveaways, rambles about whatever is on my mind, and hopefully passing along helpful information for authors. With that in mind I have some information to pass along and then giveaway winners to announce.

Penguin Books invites you, the readers of this blog, to join the celebrated mystery author, Tana French, for a chat at the Penguin Water Cooler on Tuesday, July 20th at 1:30 PM ET, hosted here on the Penguin USA website!

Penguin Books asked that I tell you about this exciting event that no thriller fan and mystery-lover will want to miss . . . the opportunity
to chat with Tana on the heels of the publication of her hotly anticipated third novel, FAITHFUL PLACE (Viking; on-sale: July 13, 2010).

With two novels (both New York Times bestsellers) under her belt, Tana French has certainly made a name for herself among American psychological mystery readers—not to mention readers who just enjoy a great story that’s beautifully told. Her first novel, IN THE WOODS, won a slew of prestigious mystery prizes: the Edgar, Anthony, and Macavity, and the Barry awards for Best First Novel. As with IN THE WOODS, critics took note of THE LIKENESS, declaring that “The Likeness [is] a book even better than the first, which was very good indeed. . . . The suspense is gut-grinding, but it may hurt more to know who did it. That’s an awful dilemma—and a wonderful book.” (New York Daily News)

Now, she’s back, this time focusing on Frank Mackey, the hard-edged, straight-shooting and fearless boss whose insane, brilliant idea for Cassie to go undercover lent The Likeness its intriguing premise.  FAITHFUL PLACE (Viking; strict on-sale: July 13, 2010; 432 pages; $25.95; 978-0-670-02187-1) takes Frank Mackey back to 1985, when he was nineteen, growing up poor in deterDublin’s inner city, and in love with his neighbor on Faithful Place, Rosie Daly. Unlike so many members of the large, poor Catholic families that share their neighborhood, Frank and Rosie have bigger dreams. They hatch a plan to escape one night and depart for London, never to return to Faithful Place or the anguish of poverty and abuse of their families. Except Rosie doesn’t show up, and in her place Frank reads a letter that leads him to believe that she’s abandoned him instead. He leaves Faithful Place on his own, mined never to come home again.

Twenty-two years later, Frank, the grizzled head of his own police squad, gets a call from one of his sisters. She is frazzled and barely able to get the words out that a suitcase has been recovered behind a fireplace in the same abandoned house where Frank was supposed to meet Rosie so many years before. By the time Frank arrives at Faithful Place, the case has been identified as belonging to Rosie.

Frank is immediately sucked back into the dark tangle of relationships he left behind so long ago: alcoholism, wife-beating, the most profound emotional abuse imaginable. The cops working the case want Frank out of the way, and Frank finds himself caught between the woman he loved and the family he has spent his adult life denying.

Be sure to meet Tana French, well at least meet her virtually, via the live online chat at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow.

Now, drum roll please…..I have winners to announce. First, I like to say thanks to everyone who entered the contest. Wish everyone
could have won. Be sure to check back often for new book giveaways.

Those winning a copy of Dee Davis' DANGEROUS DESIRES are Cheryl S. of Pennsylvania, Jane C. of New York, Cindy W. of Indiana, Chantel W. of Canada, and Cheryl K. of Illinois.

Winning a copy of Jemeker Thompson-Hairston's QUEEN PIN are Jonnie H. of Canada, Tabathia B. of North Carolina, and Margie T. of Minnesota.

Winning a copy of Michele Andrea Bowmen's MORE CHURCH FOLK are Eleanor H. of Pennsylvania, Pearl E. of New Mexico, and Linda D. of Oklahoma.

Those winning a copy of Nelson DeMille's THE LION are Dawn M. of Oklahoma, Cheryl M. of Canada, and Heather J. of Florida.

Winning a copy of James Patterson and Maxine Paetro's PRIVATE are Julia H. of Minnesota, Cheya W. of Utah, and Andrea V. of Rhode Island.

Winning a copy of Joshilyn Jackson's BACKSEAT SAINTS are Stephanie H. of Virginia, Beth M. of New Jersey, and Karen K. of Pennsylvania.

Congratulations to all of these winners. Thanks so much for enjoying good books. Later this week I hope to have more books reviews and the wonderful author Marilyn Meredith will be guest blogging here Wednesday. She’ll be talking about her latest book, a re-release of LINGERING SPIRIT.

I’ve concluded, there is no method to my madness. I just love books, reading and anything that goes with them.