The Contract and The Choice - Backstory

Hello blog friends,

Today I'm sharing the backstory of my first two novels: THE CONTRACT between heaven and earth and its sequel, THE CHOICE, the unexpected heroes. 

Reaching back through time and into the early mornings of 2017, a series of images haunted my sleep. These unexpected messengers focused on heavenly beings helping the human family. I glimpsed battlefields and leaders, and also, everyday folks like you and me. As one scene after another unfolded, an idea for a thriller evolved.

At the time, I belonged to a book club and one of the members was thriller writer John W. Howell. Though we had never met, we had worked together virtually on club projects. One day I shared my concept with him and asked if he'd partner with me to write the story. To my surprise, he said yes. Our agreement became The Contract between heaven and earth.

John and I collaborated on the story itself but divided other tasks. For example, I traveled to northern California and took photos and videos of areas frequented in the novel. John focused on all the tasks related to publishing. I suspect I had more fun.  😊 

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Here's an example of my work. It's nothing impressive, but videos and photographs helped us visualize the area. 

A lesson learned: I'm embarrassed to admit that I attempted to visit Beale Airforce Base. I told the Airman at the entry that I'd like to look around because I was writing a novel that included the Base. He stared at me incredulously and asked for papers, which of course, I did not have. When he explained the procedures, I quickly apologized. Later, I shared this with my husband, a Navy veteran. He was stunned that I tried to enter a restricted area.     

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After the successful launch of THE CONTRACT, John and I focused on the next book - THE CHOICE. Ultimately, John had other projects in the works and decided to follow his inspiration, and I completed the sequel.

Around that same time, my husband and I traveled to Kileen, TX, to visit two cousins who had recently returned from Afghanistan. They lived near Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos), where they had completed their military training. 

Nearby was a book fair. My husband and I attended and were delighted to meet writers John W. Howell and Jan Sikes - for the first and only time. 

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I hope you've enjoyed reading the backstory of each of my novels. If you wonder why I do much of my creative thinking in the very early morning, I'll explain. My father was a farmer, and he was always in the fields by the first hint of light. He planned his day while it was still dark. Most of my sibs and I take after our father. We awaken in the wee hours and plan our days - or write our books.

Have a wonderful weekend and find time to laugh about your lessons learned.  😊