Last Dance (poem)

Night has fallen, all is dark
Grave markers surround
The spirits begin to move
Twist and writhe around

One reaches within
The curtains part
I stare back at myself
A once beating heart

Into a new realm
Joining in the dance
Last one to attend
There is no second chance

A little break

I'm looking forward to having a break now, I think it's finally time. For the last three months I've been working on the manuscript of, "An Ill Wind Cometh." Can't think of another book where I ended up with as much of a sleep deficit afterwards. There were times I got up at 2AM to work on it and I think I averaged less than six hours of sleep per night.

Despite that, I personally feel it's my best writing to date and I'm very proud of the book. At the same time I'm very glad I'm finished with it. I'm looking forward to taking a little time for my wife. That's one thing I don't do enough of.

She's supported me throughout it all, since I started on this incredible journey. Every single story line I run by her and I tell her where I'm at on the manuscript I'm working on. There are times even I run story elements by her. She really is an important part of it all.

There are times I wish she would read the resulting stories that I write but that doesn't happen often. What I write these days she's not that much into. Horror and thrillers just doesn't seem to do it for her. Now, if I wrote erotica, I think I would have an instant beta reader. That's the kind of thing she likes to read and I buy many of those books for her.

Until next time, have a great day and thank you for reading this post.

Release date.

It's beginning to look like I'll be releasing the book on Thursday the 20th. The editing has gone a little quicker than I expected it would. Presently, I'm double checking the entire manuscript and fixing little minor things here and there. I'm really hoping that everyone that reads it likes and enjoys it.

You're Right, My Love

Pamela Foreman, Published Author

Genre: Romantic Fiction

SYNOPSIS: In a perfect world, David and Annette would never have met. Their spouses would still be alive and well, supporting their families in their endeavors. Their children, seven between the two, would not be spiraling into deep depression with each passing moment.

But their world is not perfect and both must struggle with their spouse's deaths, raise their children and deal with their new-found relationship with each other. Can David and Annette learn to love each other despite their differences? Can they look into the future instead of the past? Will their own children force them to part?

Purchase Link: http://tinyurl.com/bqqskbd

Author Bio: Pamela Foreman is a wife of seventeen years to her high school sweetheart and the mother of four children. Having grown up in Texas, Pamela currently lives in central Virginia. Pamela received her master’s degree in accounting from Liberty University and is an avid reader. She enjoys sewing, crocheting, knitting and scrapbooking when she is not involved with her children’s activities and spending time with her husband.

Pamela is the author of the Nebraska Holds series, a series surrounding the lives of David Anderson and Annette Miller, middle-aged adults who have both gone through the sudden deaths of their spouses and each have children to continue to raise. The series currently has three books, You're Right, My Love (December 2011), Not Again, My Love (January 2013) and the third book is Secrets Abound, My Love, will be  published in July 2013.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.pamelaforeman.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pamelaforemanauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pamela_foreman

About Me: http://about.me/pamelaforeman

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/pef1996/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/111814691744564977712/posts

Tweets you can use to spread the word:

RT @pamela_foreman “You're Right, My Love” by Pamela Foreman - http://tinyurl.com/bqqskbd

RT @ pamela_foreman “You're Right, My Love” by Pamela Foreman Blog Tour - https://www.facebook.com/events/435890169839854/

RT @ pamela_foreman “You're Right, My Love” by Pamela Foreman Blog – http://www.pamelaforeman.com

RT @pamela_foreman - Chapter One of “You're Right, My Love” excerpt -  http://tinyurl.com/lgo8xp2

RT @pamela_foreman - "You're Right, My Love" by Pamela Foreman on Pinterest! http://pinterest.com/pef1996/you-re-right-my-love-by-pamela-foreman/

GIVEAWAY:

Please include the following on the blog post for the giveaway:

Thanks again for visiting! Be sure to leave a comment below to be entered to win a copy of my book in either print or electronic form. 

An interview with Pamela

How did you start your writing career? 

Quite honestly, I've been writing since I was young. I entered several contests growing up, won many awards, a few were published. I wrote for the yearbook and newspaper in high school and college, but decided to get a business degree in accounting, while minoring in journalism and design. As a graduate student, for fun, I took a creative writing class. Once I did that, there was no turning back!

Tell us about a favorite character from a book.

If I chose a favorite character from any book out there, I would have to say there's a tie. My favorite book of all time is Charlotte's Web and I love Fern. There's such an innocence about her and watching her grow up learning how life really works.

The second would be Travis Thompson, the male main character in Debbie Macomber's “Morning Comes Softly.” Travis is given his brother's three children to raise after their death and he has to find a wife and learn to live with four strangers. I love the way he grows as a person, emotionally, spiritually and as a husband and father.

Where do you dream of traveling to and why?

Europe. I lived in Germany for two years, traveled some while there, but if I could go back, I'd go to every country over there. The landscaping, the way of life, the views, the weather and more.

Does travel play in the writing of your books?

Technically, I should head to Nebraska and actually see what it looks like since my books are set there! I also have characters living in Seattle, but I feel I know what the state of Washington looks like through Debbie Macomber's books. I have characters living in Texas, but that's my home state and I know all about that!

Who is your favorite author?

Debbie Macomber is my absolute favorite author! Her work has inspired me and helped me grow as a writer.

When in the day/night do you write? How long per day?

When I used to work full-time, I would write from about 10pm until one or two in the morning. Now that I am a full-time author, I typically write from 10am to 2pm while the kids are in school.

What is the hardest part of writing your books?

Figuring out where to go next.

What does your significant other and family think of your writing career?

At first, my husband thought it was a joke. Then all my husband complained about was how much time it took to write something I probably was never going to publish. Now that I've published two books, he's letting me do this as a full-time career.

Does your significant other read your stuff?

Nope! He doesn't read any books at all.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing your books?

I learned that writing is harder than it looks! Putting a coherent story together, keeping characters straight and making it sound legitimate. It's hard!

Who are your books published with?

CreateSpace

Do you hear from your readers? What kinds of questions do they ask?

I have several friends who have read my books and they love them. I had one person ask me if I'm from Nebraska and I had to admit I've never been there before!

What do you think makes a good story?

Plot line, more description than conversation and good setting

Tell us about your family.

I've been married for seventeen years to my high school sweetheart. We have four children, three daughters and a son.

Do you listen to music while writing? If so what?

Classical. I open iTunes where I have a playlist of over 200 classical pieces of music, pick a song to start on and I begin writing.

What was the scariest moment of your life?

I sent my husband off to war in 2004. When he called and said this might be the last time I ever spoke to him, it brought this entire war he was fighting in to life.

What books have most influenced your life?

I read J.D. Salinger, George Orwell, Herman Melville, Ayn Rand and the like growing up. Those are definitely the styles I now know I could never write. That's why I write what I do!

How do you develop your plots and your characters? Do you use any set formula?

No formula, I simply write.

If you were to write a series of novels, what would it be about?

This is a funny question as I am writing a series of novels! This series is all about two families merging together and learning to live as one. The other books branch off and you see other families connect, but you always come back to the main family. I would love one day to write another series about time travel, but that's in the future.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A math teacher. I still do!

What are your favorite TV shows?

Oh geez! I have a lot! Doctor Who, Big Bang Theory, M*A*S*H, Vegas, Elementary, Amazing Race, Top Gear, anything with Gordon Ramsey, Star Trek, The Cosby Show, Wings, and lots more!

What songs are most played on your Ipod?

The song most played on my iPod is “Geronimo” by Audiogroove. The next three are albums: A Prairie Home Companion, Mamma Mia and Love Actually.

What is your favorite meal?

I have two depending on my mood: Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes and Ranch Style Beans or SEAFOOD of any kind!

What group did you hang out with in high school?

The band, I was an official band nerd.

Do you play any sports?

Softball and basketball

What do you do to unwind and relax?

I like swimming to relax. Sitting at the beach is relaxing to me.

Do you have any suggestions for beginning writers? If so, what are they?

Just put your fingers to the keyboard and go! Don't give up on your dream!

At what point in your life did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

In elementary school, but to everyone it was considered a fad. You don't earn money writing books, I was told!

What is it that you like to do when you’re not reading/writing?

Knitting, crocheting, sewing, scrapbooking, playing with my kids, spending time with my hubby

Who should play you in a film of your life?

Drew Barrymore – that way I know my husband would come and watch it!

Morning Person? Or Night Person? How do you know?

Nightowl, have been since a child.

Tell us about your favorite restaurant.

This is hard! But probably Pappadeux's because it's seafood!!!

Beatles or Monkees? Why?

BOTH!! I love them both! Add in the BeeGees and I'm all set!

New York or LA? Why?

I have to say New York because we are Yankees fans.

Describe what it’s like to be an author in three words.

Really, really hard

What one word best describes you?

Patient. That's what every says of me, that I have the patience of Job.

Say your publisher has offered to fly you anywhere in the world to do research on an upcoming book, where would you most likely want to go?

ENGLAND!

Do your friends think you are an introvert or an extravert? Why?

Introvert with a large group of people. Extravert when there's only two people involved.

Where are your fans most likely to find you hanging out?

The softball fields or the beach.

Use no more than two sentences. Why should we read your book?

I am an honest, hardworking writer, desperate to share a story. My thoughts, my dreams, my feelings are poured into my work, mind, body and soul.

Have any of your characters been modeled after yourself?

Not really. Some are a combination of what I am and what I wish I was or could have been, but so far, none of them are entirely modeled after myself.

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

That I do write a series of books under another pen name which I have never openly told to another soul. It's the exact opposite of what I write under my own name.

You just won a huge lottery what is the first thing you'll buy?

The latest model of the Ford Mustang. I've wanted one since I was a senior in high school. Orange in color, black interior.

Do you have a Website or Blog?

http://www.pamelaforeman.com

What do you find most rewarding about writing?

That people read my work and like it. A few sales would be nice as well!

An Ill Wind Cometh

It is amazing what you will write when you're under the influence of a lot of Black Sabbath music. Here is an excerpt from the upcoming book.

Over the next few days they moved everything they wanted into their new master bedroom. The fresh coat of paint looked great. Together they brought the mattress and box spring up the flight of stairs. It proved to be an exercise in persistence and patience. The dresser was even worse since it was so heavy. He got on the bottom end and she was at the top. After managing to drop it several times and a lot of sweaty strain they finally succeeded.

The first night they slept in the bedroom the couple had some horrifying dreams. In his reverie, Karl entered into a place that was surrounded by a dense, smoke like fog. He stood there, his eyes searching around, trying to figure out where he was. Nothing was recognizable with all of the haze. To his surprise, a pair of hands reaches out of the whitish soup and quickly moved towards his throat. Just as they were about to reach him, they became transparent, then wispy and disappeared into nothingness. Agitated, he tossed and turned.

He found himself in the murk again as he returned into his nightmares. To his horror, a woman covered in bloody gore steps out. Part of a cheek was a ragged hole and he could view her blackened teeth. Her arms were missing chunks of flesh. Drips of crimson fell from her chin and hands and seemed to be absorbed by the mist. She began to pass by Karl in a slow procession. Then she stopped, and turned towards him, flashing what was once a beautiful smile. A pair of well-manicured hands reached out from behind her. He wasn’t sure if they were the same ones or not. They grasped her by her throat and shook her violently. Flames burst up around her as Karl stood watching helplessly until she turned black and flakes of soot showered off. As they fell, they were absorbed into the expanse of murkiness at their feet.

Then, a dark figure of a man, who was wearing a black trench coat, strode out of the fog. Measured steps brought him closer to where Karl stood, filled with fright. He wanted to run, but couldn’t, frozen in place. The man held a knife out front of him. Its sharpened steel glinted in the softened pale light. The blade was swept back and then slashed through the air, slicing open his stomach. His entrails poured out of the gash. Karl jerked awake screaming as he slapped at his abdomen to make sure everything was still in one piece. His terror stricken eyes searched his body and his surroundings.

While Karl was trying to calm down, on the verge of screaming, Sharon was visited by her very own nightmares. Her legs and arms were jerking in her sleep. She found herself in a very dark place, her senses heightened. Being unable to see anything, she couldn’t tell where she was. Her fingers eagerly explored her close confines. Her touch discerned that she was enclosed within three rough brick walls and a wooden door. She tried to find a door knob, but there wasn’t one. Her fingernail was caught in a splinter and tore loose.

With palpable fear she began pounding on the door. She screamed for someone, anyone to let her out. In the small space the sound reflected back and boomed. Then, the door opened and light flooded in which blinded her. A pair of rough hands grabbed her and forced her down into sitting position. Over her head a large cloth bag was pulled. She was pushed over, onto her side, her kicks ineffectual. The canvas absorbed her cries as she felt her feet get shoved in. She felt herself getting dragged across the floor and then slowly down the stairs. Overwhelmed, she awoke to her own shrieking incoherence and hyper ventilations.

His own terror ebbed, and he in a few minutes, became sentient of his wife’s agitation. In an attempt to calm her, Karl reached over and took her in his arms. Tenderly holding her, giving her reassurance allowed him to begin fully calming down. Obviously, she had a very disturbing experience also and he hoped it wasn’t the same one that he had. Carefully, he scooted closer so that he could more effectively wrap his arms around her. He watched the vein on her neck pulsing in time with her staccato breaths. Whispering in her ear he attempted to ease her fears. “Hey, calm down. It’s all right, everything is okay babe.”

Authors behaving badly.

I got your attention didn't I?

No, I'm not talking about having wild parties. Those are fun and I haven't been to one in a long time. May have to change that. Hmm.....

What I'm talking about is an author who was bashing other authors that I happen to know. After I witnessed it the other day I can tell you it's not right. The results that I could see was all of the authors and publisher who were bashed got free advertising out of it, one I know even sold at least one copy of their book. The publisher had increased traffic to their website. Kind of wanted this person to bash my books also to tell you the truth.

It was all the result of the escalation of an argument. What's the lesson in all of this? Negativity doesn't pay so why be negative? All it does is reflect badly on yourself and increases interest in the other person. For many people, whether they want to admit it or not, negativity for them becomes this juicy morsel that they savor. What do you think put publications like the National Enquirer on the map and made them such big names? One of those was negative gossip.

A Little About Writing "The Box."

I remember well thinking about what my greatest fantasy would be if I was 13 years old once again. What would I want to do if the sky was the limit? Well, I was into skateboarding at the time. I built my first board in 1975 with a steel wheeled skate, which I split apart and attached the resulting two pieces to a 1x4. It was really dangerous. If you have kids, and they build something like it you should be worried. A little later that summer I bought my first real board from Kmart. It was a Makaha and it replaced the horrid little thing I had built. 

At the time, skateboarding was just coming into vogue and would have loved having a full backyard skateboard park. It would have been the coolest. I remember seeing one that they did an article of in a magazine with large glossy photos. As I recall, the park was in California. Apparently they had formed the curves with rebar and then shotcreted the whole works.

Now, let’s say I modernized the fantasy for a book. What would it be today? I see kids everywhere with BMX bikes which would have meant that I would have wanted one also. There's quite a few also that have skateboards but not as many. Knowing me, I would have pushed the limits with what I could do with it.

Looking back I had some really great times with both of the skateboards. I also had a lot of skinned knees and elbows. There are good reasons for the elbow and knee pads that are common these days. Regardless, it was great fun.

http://www.amazon.com/Box-Brian-Bigelow/dp/1484819152