Ugh...blah...eeks. So, I'm being told that I could have Asthma. I'll find out for sure this week. Along with strugggling to breath, I'm struggling to write the ending of Inventing the Abbotts. Every time I sit down to write it, my mind takes off and nothing comes. I started Mauvelous and I hate the opening line--need to definitely work on it.

Question?? Can you end a book with a sex scene?

The birthday is slowly creeping up on me. I hate getting older, though I do want to live to be 90. I'll admit it, I'm a pretty vain person. I don't like the fine lines and puffiness around my eyes, an aging effect, especially in your 40's. You know, I think I'm just depressed because I can't walk--hopefully today I'll get the green light to do so again. Excerise raises endorphin levels and makes you happy and without walking Jerri is a pretty unhappy girl.

Anyway, I'm going to go do a critique. You all have a great day.

Jerri, who needs to go puff on her inhaler.

UPDATE: I HAVE A NEW BLOG. COME OVER AND SEE. I'M STILL WORKING ON ADDING LINKS AND UNTIL THEN, I PLAN TO KEEP THIS BLOG. http://jerridrennen.blogspot.com/

I've been slightly under the weather again. This summer hasn't been the best for me health wise. I can't seem shake anything. I haven't done any new writing at all...have done some revisions. I so want to finish Inventing the Abbotts so I can move on to the next book in the series. Hopefully when my hubby goes back to work, I can.

So, I need to find a picture of Yancy. He has dark hair and green eyes. I'm think somewhere on the lines of Clive Owen..big sigh! I just watched King Authur and he looks so cute in that movie. I know he has blue eyes, but close enough.

Anyway, off to do something--not sure what yet.

Jerri

What did you think? So, I finished chapter 11 and started chapter 12, the last chapter of Inventing the Abbotts. Yes, I'm sad to put Thorn and Ava to bed--(literally)--but Yancy is being a real heel and Mauve wants to kick is ever-loving a--.  The conflict is very clear with these two characters. I have a feeling when they do get together again that they'll blow a power generator. Think Buffy and Spike or  Mr. & Mrs. Smith.  Yep, Mauve and Yancy will definitely be the pair to watch in my Aztec Series....if you like tearing down the house type sex scenes.

Anyway, here is a scene from Saving Grace.

Set-up: Grace is fighting her new-found attaction to Cord, and her sister, Emily, isn't helping.

Grace waited until Cord left the shop, then relaxed for the first time in hours. The man made her a nervous wreck. She couldn’t think straight when he was around. His scent, his aura, drew her to him.
“So, how did you end up with Cord?” Emily’s hazel eyes were sparkling.
Grace could see her sister’s mind working. “It’s a long story. One I don’t wish to talk about,” she snapped.
“Come on. You walk in here with a male oozing masculinity and you don’t want to talk about it. Look at me. I have Goodyear written on my backside. Believe me, I’m not getting any. I want to hear about someone who is.”
Grace’s jaw dropped. This was her baby sister. How could she say something so crude? Even if she and Cord had shared such intimacy, she’d never tell her about it. It’s not like Emily had told her about her adventures between the sheets. Not that she’d want to hear about them.
“Nothing happened. Cord volunteered to be my bodyguard. Last night someone was watching me take a bath. Chicago P.D. thought it might be a good idea to have someone in the house, in case the guy came back. Cord just happened to show up and offered to do it.”
Her sister’s eyes narrowed. “Are you all right?”
“Yes, I’m fine. But Cord insisting on staying wasn’t my idea.”
Emily smirked. “I’ll just bet it wasn’t.”
Grace frowned. “What does that mean?”
“It means, dear sister, he’s a man; you’re a woman. All alone in a big house. Do the math.”
Grace couldn’t keep from rolling her eyes at Emily. Her sister had the wildest imagination. Obviously, this pregnancy had diminished her capacity to think like a normal person. Sex on the brain, that’s what her sister had.
“Cord was Vincent’s partner, Emily. Nothing’s going to happen. Now, put your fantasies away and let’s price that jewelry we got in yesterday.”
“You’re no fun.” Emily shrugged and walked over to get the tag tool and checked to see if it was filled. “I just have to know one thing. Have you even looked at Cord Rawlings, Grace? I mean, the man is steaming hot. If I’d met him before Charlie, who knows whose baby I’d be carrying now.”
Grace was aghast at her sister’s comment. “I can’t believe you’d say such a thing. I have half a mind to tell Charlie,” she threatened. “I’m sure he wouldn’t be too happy about it.”
“Charlie isn’t an old stick in the mud like you. He’d probably agree with me.”
What had gone wrong in her sister’s brain? Cord, steaming hot? Okay, he was, but still. To think her husband would agree. “Oh, please. Just price the box of jewelry, okay?”
Grace rubbed the back of her neck. Emily could try the patience of a saint. Her sister didn’t have to remind her of how sexy Cord was. Hell, her body had been doing that all day. All she needed was for her sister to reiterate it. So much for a little relaxation.
Cord would be back from his errands in less than an hour, and she’d be just as frayed around the edges as before he’d left. Thanks to her sister, and her vivid imagery of Cord Rawlings and all his virile attributes -- and Emily hadn’t seen him without a shirt.

Have a great day--I'm off to finish Inventing the Abbotts.

Jerri

So, I posted another chapter of Inventing the Abbotts and they all liked it. God, that feels so good. I have to say I feel real confident about this book. It's a little different than anything I've written before, hotter, but overall I'm feeling pretty good about it. We got another new member yesterday(waving at Robyn) and RWW is hopping with activity. I'm so excited to get to know all of our new members better.

Remember, Saving Grace is available at Loose-id, who are just the most fabtabulous publisher. I'm nervous about reviews for this book because it's darker than my other two DNS series stories--hope they all love it.

I'm off to sale the yards--need a little fun. Then I'm going to finish chapter 11 and start on the last chapter of ITA. I need to get to work on Mauvelous. Yancy is threatening to leave town and without him, there is no love story. Darn stubborn man. You'd think he didn't want his own story from the way he's acting. Don't all males want their ego's stroked--or is it something else they want str---- sorry!

I'm off to have some fun. You all have a great day.

Jerri

So, I did manage to finish another scene in Inventing the Abbotts. I have a chapter and a scene to finish the book...I think, unless Ava goes off on a tangent or something. You know how bossy the woman can be. Well, maybe you don't but she's really difficult sometimes--just ask Thorn. Mauve and Yancy are whispering in my ear--trying to tell me not to put them together. (I cackle gleefully.)

Yancy, "I am not going to have sex with that woman again."

Mauve, "In your dreams, asshole."

See what I mean--what I have to contend with here? These two are going to be very difficult. Ugh!

I received an e-mail from a gal that wants to read my whole DNS series--too bad two of the books aren't published, or revised, for that matter. It was very sweet of her to say that though. It made my day. I hope to someday have the whole set available--in print.

We have two new members of RWW... I'm just so thrilled to have them...both amazing writers.

Anyway, the chat at Love Romance Cafe was awesome. Dawn, the moderator, was so fabtabulous. I had a great time with all the Loose-id author, especially Betty...who is so darn funny.

I better go try and finish Ava & Thorn's story. Mauve and Yancy are just chomping at the bit to get together. NOT! You all have a wonderful day.

Jerri

P.S. has anyone been to the Baton Rouge Airport. Ava refuses to board a plane looking like swampthing and I need to know what kind of shops they have inside. From my on-line search--I know they do have some--but what kind, I couldn't find.

To the chat I'm having for my new release, Saving Grace. Actually there will be a whole bunch of authors from Loose-id there. I'll be giving away a PDF download of my book, though you will have to go to my website, count the number of bullethole in my front page then e-mail me with the correct answer and I'll draw a winner from the names. So, come by the chat and we'll all have some much-needed fun.

Why? I don't know. I hope all writers feel this way from time to time because I do. I have days where I read my work and love it, then the next day think its the worst thing I've ever read. I hate when I get this way. Is there a cure for this doubt or insecurities? Blah, blah, blah!

Anyway, so writing?? Nope on anything new. I spend the day yesterday cleaning my house. I have about two chapters to finish Inventing the Abbotts, then on to the second book in my Aztec series, Mauvelous... the third will be titled Caddy-Did. What do you think she did? I bet you can guess. That's what I'm up to, at least I hope so. RWW is having a scene challenge so hopefully this will push me in the right direction to getter done.

Remember, Saving Grace is available for your buying pleasure. Cord and Grace would love for you to read about their misadventures.

This is the very beginning of the book.

Cord Rawlings lifted the bottle of Jack Daniel’s to his lips and drained the last drops. He wouldn’t say he was drunk, just numb. He’d spent all evening in Rockford, Illinois, holed up in a room at a roadside motel, drinking, and still felt no better than he had before he’d opened the bottle.
Would the painful memories ever fade -- as the face of his partner, Vincent Diaglo, had?
He forced himself to swallow past the burning in his throat and slammed his fist into the lumpy mattress.
Contempt for himself consumed him.
Vince had died because of him. He should have been in the car that exploded, not his partner. Now all Cord saw when he thought about his friend was his charred remains -- not the strong, dedicated cop he’d been.
Inside, Cord was dead, too. Probably wouldn’t fear dying because he’d been dead inside for a long time now.
Maybe he should just end it all. Right here, right now.
He shook his head. That would be taking the coward’s way out. No way could he do that.
He tossed the empty bottle in the air. It landed on the carpet with a dull thud.
Vincent would have been disgusted with what he’d become, and that bothered him more than anything. Vince and his wife had been like family to him.
God, he could still see Grace’s pale, tear-streaked face at the funeral as the graveside attendants lowered the shiny silver casket into the ground, her hands white-knuckling the American flag that had draped it moments earlier.
He hadn’t been able to face her that day. Guilt had eaten at him with a vengeance. So he’d watched from a distance, afraid she’d blame him for not being there to save her husband.
The morning of the funeral, he’d pictured her misty-green eyes filled with loathing, eyes that had haunted him from the moment he’d met her, and known facing her would be impossible. Burying his partner and losing her respect, all in the same day. No, he couldn’t have dealt with that. He’d chosen not to confront her.
Instead, he’d run away and buried himself in a bottle.

http://www.loose-id.net/detail.aspx?ID=264

What is that? I have no clue. Well, that's not true. My husband has three weeks of it a year, but I've never had one. I work all year round and when he's on vacation, I work twice as hard. He has no idea what my life is like. I think he actually thinks it's easy because I stay at home and take care of our children, home, yard and squeeze in time to write. Nick, come and take me away. Please!

Sorry, I'm just tired. Even when I'm sick I'm expected to keep going..but God forbid that he is, he'd be down and on the couch for the duration of the illness. I can't do that. My house would be a disaster. To be single and dating again.Big sigh! Nick......

I didn't do any new writing, but I'm revising the pages that I'd marathoned...they needed it. Believe me. Question? As a writer, where is the strangest place your characters have had sex? I may be able to top you.

Anyway, have a fab day!

Jerri

P.S. if you haven't picked up a copy of Saving Grace--please do so, I'll be eternally grateful.

Man, I can't shake this creeping crude that my youngest gave me. Dizzy, sick to my stomach with a terrible headache. It comes and goes. I wish it would go away and not come back.

Enough of my whining, let's talk books. So, you all know Saving Grace is out. Cord and Grace are getting their day in the sun. I could never explain how that males me feel. I love spinning tales and having people tell me that they loved my characters. So far, everyone loved Nick from Agent in Training, to include myself. I'd leave the hubby in a heartbeat for that man. Nick is hot and smart-mouthed. I think that's why I like House so much.

Inventing the Abbotts

Ava’s temper was about to blow sky high. How dare this woman call her stupid. Who was she kidding, really? She wasn’t angry about the shot to her intellect. That she could handle. The hand exploring Thorn’s package had sent her into a frenzy, flashing red before her eyes. Why, she still was trying to comprehend. Thorn wasn’t hers—as of yet. Though, denying she wanted him in her bed was futile when she knew better now. He made her feel things she’d never experience with any other man, and the only way to get over this new-found interest, was to get it on—do the nasty and purge him from her system. That way she’d see he was no different than any other. No better kisser, that the drugs in her system had made her think otherwise.

 

Jerri

 

P.S. I think it's time to go looking for an agent again.

 

 

Sorry that I didn't post this sooner--I've been under the weather. Anyway, here is a peek at Grace.

Saving Grace

Grace inhaled, the scent of lavender and rose sachets inundating her senses. The late morning sun streamed in through the long, wall-length windows, helping to dispel the chill her thoughts had brought on.

She glanced around her. Lightly Seasoned was all she had. Thank God it was making a profit, not an easy feat for a newly opened business. It was hard to believe that she and Emily had turned their dreams into a reality. They’d made the consignment shop bright and welcoming to everyone who came in, working long hours to give it a personal touch, which had obviously paid off.

Grace sighed. Time to get back to work.

She picked up a few navy-blue dresses in different styles from a box on the floor and placed them together on the revolving rack.

She glanced toward her sister and smiled. "I know you’re worried about me, Em, and I love you for it. But I’ll be fine. I just need to stay busy."

Her remark fell on deaf ears. "You need to slow down, Grace. And for God’s sake, eat something."

"If I promise to eat, will you lay off awhile?"

"It’s a start, but you need to pace yourself, too. Chicago P.D. can do without your brownies for one event."

Grace’s hands unconsciously clenched at her sides. "But that’s the only way I can keep in touch with Vincent’s friends. I don’t want to lose them, too."

"I hate to say this, Grace, but maybe you won’t be able to move on until you do put Vince and the police force behind you."

Grace’s patience slipped. "I can’t do that. Vincent wouldn’t like it. He was such a dedicated cop. He’d want me to stay involved."

Emily shook her head again, her strawberry-blonde bob swinging in her face. Grace’s hair used to be the same vibrant shade before Vincent had passed away.

"I thought you wanted to have children. You can’t do that with a ghost."

Grace didn’t understand why her sister wanted her to lose more than she’d already lost. What was wrong with helping out at the police functions? Wasn’t that a good thing? Weren’t people supposed to get involved, help wherever they could? Emily acted as if she was doing something wrong.

Heck, she could have gone in another direction after Vincent died. She could have picked up a bottle the way his partner, Cord, had. Everyone knew how he’d fallen. Made a point of telling her that little tidbit. She hadn’t seen Cord in months. He hadn’t even bothered to pay his respects at the funeral. That in itself still hurt and made her angry.

When she’d heard Cord resigned from the force two weeks later, she’d been shocked. Why hadn’t he told her he was leaving? He had become family when he’d been partnered with her husband. For two years, Cord and Vincent had been inseparable, at work and off duty. But for whatever reason, Cord had disappeared without saying a word to her. Another painful blow. First losing her husband, then him. He should have stuck around to help her through the months of missing Vincent with every breath she took. But Cord hadn’t cared enough to do that.

"When are you going to bury Vincent, Grace?" Emily drew Grace back to their conversation. One she was putting an end to right now.

"What is this? Why all the sudden resentment for Vincent?"

"I don’t resent Vince, Grace. I just think it’s time for you to let go."

"I’ll decide when it’s time to pack Vince’s things and say goodbye." Grace held on to her temper. "Until I do, I want you to respect my wishes and let me deal with this in my own way, all right?"

Emily came over and hugged her. "Okay. But promise me you’ll take better care of yourself."

Grace drew back and smiled. "I promise. Can we get the last of these dresses hung now, so we can go have lunch?"

Her sister’s round face lit up. "Now that’s music to my ears." Emily patted her oversized belly.

I'm off to work on something...not sure what yet.

Jerri