Characters Do Have a Life of Their Own!

Have you ever read a book and wondered at the end of it, "What did he do after that?," or "Why did she do that? Couldn't she see what it would lead to?," or "If only they had ...?"  I'm sure most of us have thought this. I know I find myself doing just that. And my husband and I have had many a discussion about books, or episodes of a favorite program on TV, after we've read or watched them, wondering about the characters actions... heroes and villains alike.

I am here to confirm something you have probably heard before....the characters in these stories DO have a mind of their own. I know mine do. At least to some extent.

When I begin a novel, I first research the basics of where the story will take place and what types of characters will be involved in the story line. (More research is usually needed along the way.) Next, I form a rough outline of events I want to include in the novel and what I think the plot should include. Then I sit down and begin the adventure and see where it takes me, all the while having my original notes close at hand. And I find myself amazed at how the story unfolds along the way as the characters begin to take shape. I've even had to change some of their names after a few chapters, as if they say "Wait a minute, that's not my name, it's really ..."  Even different characters' feelings come out as I'm writing 'their' story that I hadn't planned on.

I can honestly say that I've been surprised at the reactions of several of my characters throughout my writing!

From Editing to Publisher to Reader--Thank You

Hi, everyone! Hope you've had a wonderful Valentine's week. It's been cold and raining here in San Antonio, but nice to have the moisture.

I received my second Stormy Winters novel back from my editor, and I'm busy making the changes to get it ready for publication. It's interesting to see the little mistakes (in bright red) one makes as you immerse yourself in your characters and plot, moving right along as the story unfolds before your eyes. I praise the editors who go through page-after-page, line-after-line, to make for a better story flow: a better story period. Also, I must praise those who take the time to read the writing before the book goes to the publisher. They add a lot to the process. Thanks, guys!

And finally, a hardly felt thank you to all of you readers out there who have bought and read my books. For your  own words to me of praise and encouragement. You keep me writing!
S A Slack

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I, along with Stormy and Lance Winters, wish all you readers and our writer friends a very merry Christmas and wishes for a wonderful 2012! Never lose hope or give up, no matter how hard the road can be. It will be well worth it in the long run.

Colorado!

I'm back from another trip to God's country....Colorado. My husband and I had a blast visiting family while there and also got a chance to do some hiking around the area. Even though it didn't snow down in the cities, either Denver or the Springs, it did beautifully cover Pike's Peak and the rest of the mountain ranges.


While there, we brainstormed and came up with an exciting new idea for the Stormy Winters novels. I think you adventures are going to love this. I know Stormy and Lance will. If it goes well in this novel, it will appear in the future ones as well. So stay tuned as you will have to read the novel to participate!

What happened to Stormy?

What does happen to Stormy in the new upcoming novel? Why did she not call Lance if she was going to be late? Over two hours late? And where is her niece, Ann? Is she with Stormy, or did she go back to the Base?


What does the news reporter, Chris, think of Ann?


Sound like a soap opera? Not this book. It will keep you on the edge of your seat, and up late at night!


I guess you'll just have to read the upcoming novel and find out!

Placed in National Contest!

I received some exciting news recently. I placed in the top 100 manuscripts out of almost 12,000 entries in the 80th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition. I had entered a children's manuscript several months ago, then went on to other writing projects. This month they notified the winners and I found myself one of them. In the December issue of Writer's Digest magazine they will have an article telling all about the competition, with the winners' names, etc.

It pays to keep on trying! As they say, "Write, write, write. Enter, enter, enter!"

Combining Mystery with History

Colorado Springs, Colorado and Austin, TX are wonderful places to visit. And this time of year couldn’t be more fun, with all of the festivals and holidays coming up. In writing the Stormy Winters Mystery series, I have combined my love of history and mystery with that of the excitement of visiting and exploring the wonderful cities, both in the United States and around the world.

The first book in the series takes Stormy and her husband, Lance, to Austin amongst a tour group full of diverse people. (What else would you find in a tour group?)  As they did, I loved touring the Texas State Capital building, the museums, the grand old hotels, and the beautiful gardens. Come enjoy the various flavors of music, or watch the bats come out at night down by the river. And if you’re a football fan, don’t miss a single Longhorn game.

The second book in the series takes places in Colorado Springs. Stormy and her husband visit their niece, Ann, who is soon to graduate from the prestigious Air Force Academy. You will find much to do in this lovely city nestled in the Rocky Mountains, only a little over an hour south of Denver. It was exhilarating to ride the COG railway to the top of the famed Pike’s Peak. What a view from up there! And don’t forget to visit Miramont Castle, Seven Falls, Cave of the Winds, and many more of the wonderful places there. And let’s not forget to mention horseback riding in the Garden of the Gods.

I have planned out several more books in the series, each with its own mystery to solve.

I hope you will enjoy each one of them.