Strong Women: Part II

Ted's wife Ann plays a pivotal role in "Death Is Never Pretty!". As Ted wife, she plays a minor role in "Da Nang Damned!". But in the second novel of the O'Neil-Troutman Adventure series, she comes into her own. She's definitely isn't a meek, mild, little housewife, she's a fighter!

Ted taught Ann how to handle a firearm and as the wife of a sheriff she has occasion to use her weapon. Also, she uses her wits to get Ted, herself, and Special FBI Agent Roger Leblanc out of a tough situation. Her determination and quick thinking propel Ann to the forefront in "Death Is Never Pretty!" She evens embarrasses Ted by "running against him in the election for sheriff!

I think giving Ann a bigger more aggressive role gives depth to the book. I hope you'll agree that Ann deserved the role of a strong woman.

Strong Women Part II

 As I mentioned in my last post, "Death Is Never Pretty!" has several strong woman characters. These characters evolved as the book developed. I didn't plan it this way, in fact, I never outline or develop a plot beyond some very basic ideas. Some writers use outlines, character sketches, copious notes and other tools as the foundation for writing a novel. Me I just kind of "wing it" coming up with a general idea and putting my main characters into a situation and describing how they're reacting basically is how I write.

So it came as a pleasant surprise when, after completed the first draft that I realized I had created strong women, who carry a great deal of the story forward. Without these women, "Death Is Never Pretty!" would be a very shallow book.

Maybe it's because I'm unconsciously attracted to strong-willed women. Whatever the reason they add spice to the story and allow me to look at my writing from a different angle. Will I continue to use strong women in my books? I don't know, as I stated earlier I let the story evolve as I write. I don't try to put in some hidden agenda. So if the story dictates that a strong woman is needed then I'm sure she'll show up to save the day.

Death Is Never Pretty! Book Cover

Here's a draft of the book cover for "Death Is Never Pretty!" I took a picture of a gravestone @ a local cemetery, blocked out the background & added some text. I like it, but more important what do you think?

New Characters "Death Is Never Pretty!"

In "Death Is Never Pretty!" I introduce a number of new characters. I like to introduce you to these characters and explain how I create and develop them.

The theme of this story is human trafficking. Calling human trafficking an abomination barely describes the terrible toll it takes on those caught up in this crime on humanity. I'll post more about human trafficking in future posts.

In order to put a face on human trafficking, I needed a victim. But not just any victim. I wanted a strong character, but also vulnerable. Someone who discovers the hero inside them and despite being scared acts courageously.

This character is a young Columbian girl by the name of Alejandra. Alejandra is fourteen. Her family just moved to Bogota from a smaller rural village in the hopes of a better life. However, her father's promise of a good job building cars doesn't happen. Alejandra faces what a lot of teenagers face when moving to a new school. She is picked on because of the way she wears her hair and her clothes. It's at this point that she is the most vulnerable and falls prey to a fast-talking older teen who lures her to a party. But instead of a party, she is abducted. Her transition from victim to hero is one of the themes in "Death Is Never Pretty!".

First Edit of "Death Is Never Pretty!" is Completed

Well, I finished the first editing/proofreading of "Death Is Never Pretty!"  This book is the second in a planned four-book series on Rick O'Neil -Ted Troutman. This book takes place a year or so after the first book "Da Nang Damned!" ended. Ted & Rick are back in North Conway, NH. Ted is facing re-election and trying to decide whether or not he'll run again. Ann, his wife wants him to retire, but a string of events may change the couples retirement plans.

Rick's romance with Sally, the owner of Marge's Diner is heating up and Gunny has a girlfriend. Into this happy situation comes a little girl, Alejandra. She is the victim of human trafficking who escapes and finds herself on Ted's doorsteps. Then there's the murder of Ted's buddy Frank. Ted's finds him face down in the Saco River and what looks like an accidental drowning, soon turns into a murder.

I' m hoping to have the manuscript back from my editor in 10-14 days. Once I have it back and have made the corrections I'd like to send it out to five people, who are willing to read it and give me some constructive feedback. If you are interested in participating let me know.