Would only a man say this?

As per my routine, I’m checking out my favorite blogs this morning and come across a link to an article by Alan Elsner at The Huffington Post at Dear Author.  I couldn’t help but jump over and read the story. Title of his enlightening post, How Romance Novels take the Romance out of Romance.  Jump over and take a look and let me know what you think.

Still no word from Harlequin on my submission but it hasn’t been that long. Just nervous–soooooo want them to ask for the full of Hook, Line, Murder.

I’m currently on chapter 4 in Diamond in the Rough. Greer and Sloan have met. LOL

I’m going to leave you with a snippet from the book. Hope you enjoy it. I’m having a blast writing it.

Copyrights©nov2009jerridrennen

 Diamond in the Rough

Greer Beranger started for the stairs, not even bothering to see if they’d gotten the elevator fixed. Nothing ever worked at the Edgewood. The place was a dump. Too bad it was the only room he could afford on the money he’d been given the day he was released from the pen.

At his room, he took his key and inserted it into the lock, dreading another night in the roach infested palace. At least it was larger than a five-by-seven cell and he could come and go as he pleased, though, oddly after six years of being locked away, having freedom felt somehow suffocating. That, and the job market for ex-cons wasn’t all that abundant, especially when you had a conviction for robbery hanging over your head. A high-tech theft true, yet that didn’t matter since it showed up on paper the same. No one wanted a pick-pocket working for them, no matter whose pocket you picked.

He sent the bolt-lock home inside the door and went to sit on the edge of his lumpy mattress covered in a tattered blue bedspread.

What was he going to do all night? Watch television? He’d done that every evening since he’d been released. He might as well be back in prison for all the excitement he’d had.

Worst yet, he’d been out of the pen for two weeks and he hadn’t even come close to getting laid. It wasn’t like he could afford to pay for the privilege and no decent woman looked at a man who wasn’t dressed for success. Six year ago he had woman falling all over him, today he couldn’t catch a single one’s eye. Women liked men who appeared to be a catch—he obviously wasn’t that fish any longer.

He glanced down at the ratty green shirt and holey jeans and blew out a breath. He needed some new clothes and a decent haircut. Maybe then he could get lucky. But without a job, he couldn’t afford either.

How did a person right out of prison stay straight with no incentive to do so?

Greer stood and paced the room, angry with his dilemma. He had to think of something that’d keep him from going back to jail. Find a job that would earn him enough money so he could enjoy being free again and to get his life back on track. That was his ultimate goal. To work in his chosen field again.

He reached into his pocket, pulled out the cash he had left and quickly counted the bills. One hundred and sixty- three dollars. That would keep him in this luxury suite for another three weeks, and that was if he gave up eating altogether.

“Think, Greer. You’re a smart man with a college degree, not to mention skills you’d learned in prison. Surely that could help in some way.”

A knock sent his heart racing. He turned and stared at the door. No one knew he was here. Hell, all his friends from the past were long gone.

He walked to the door. “Who’s there?”

“Heard you were looking for a job?” a man with an English accent said.

Greer frowned. What kind of employer came to you with an offer?

The illegal kind.  It was probably the Feds trying to bait him. “You heard wrong.”

“You are Greer Beranger, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, but like I said, I’m not looking for trouble.”

Silence met his answer.

Good. He didn’t need anyone trying to lure him to the dark side. His predicament was tempting enough.

“This is a legitimate job if you want it,” the man said, startling Greer back to the door.

“Doing what?”

“One of the things you’re good at.”

“And what’s that?”

“Attracting women.”

Anyway, have a great weekend all!

Jerri 

 

Grace Under Fire is out!

 

Grace Under Fire

Jerri Drennen

Crimson Rosebud

Release Date: 11-18-2009  

 

Since her husband’s death, Grace Diaglo has been sleepwalking through life. That is, until her husband’s ex-partner shows up just in time to become her impromptu bodyguard when a peeping Tom is spotted outside her bathroom window. Grace isn’t sure who she’s more afraid of, the man trying to see her naked or the one she’s started picturing that way.

 

Ex-Chicago cop, Cord Rawlings, intends to find his partner’s killer. What he doesn’t count on is an intense attraction to the dead man’s wife or the corruption a probe into his friend’s death uncovers-an investigation that has the pair dodging bullets to stay alive. Will he be able to keep Grace safe or have they become the targets of the last person either of them suspected?

 

Excerpt

 Cord Rawlings lifted the bottle of whiskey 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 as he 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 lifeless inside for a long time.

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 sent the empty bottle into the air. It landed with a dull thud onto the carpet.

Vincent would have been disgusted with what he’d become, and that bothered Cord 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 only moments before.

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—to save the only friend he’d ever had.

The morning of the funeral, he’d pictured Grace’s 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 way could he have dealt with that. He’d chosen not to confront her.

Instead, he’d run away and buried himself in a bottle.

Shaking off his alcohol-induced buzz, Cord forced the images from his mind. He refused to think about Grace any longer. Every time he did, his stomach knotted. What he needed was another bottle of whiskey. Maybe then he’d pass out.

The Wild Rose Press e-book link.

The Wild Rose Press print link

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

 

Struggling to get my hero right.

It’s weird but usually I have trouble with my female characters but with this book, Sloan is coming along nicely. Greer is giving me trouble. I guess because he’s not your typical hero, having just been released from prison. He’s having a tough time staying on the staight-and-narrow since he can’t find a job and is running out of money. I think I’ve got a plan for him, but I don’t want him to come across as completely irredeemable. Though, I do want to see how far I can go without that happening.  Hopefully I can get through this first chapter and get to their first meeting, which will be fun since Sloan is going to break-up his first chance at getting nookie after 6 years in prison. Needless to say he isn’t happy about the interruption, especially when she accuses him of stealing a precious stone. I know if I can get past this first chapter I’ll be okay. Wish me luck.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Jerri

 

A new book in the works!

So, I had no motivation to write and then I got an e-mail about an anthology at The Wild Rose Press. They wanted a romantic suspense centered around a blue Diamond. I got to thinking about this and it really snowballed into a storyline that I now have an outline for. Tentitive title Diamond in the Rough.

Hero:  Greer Beranger–diamond expert and ex-Jewel thief.

This is my image of him. 

Heroine: Sloan McKendrics–precious stones investigator for the Jax Insurance Company.

Question? What do you think about heroes who are really considered anti-heroes? Can you overlook a criminal past if the story is compelling enough? I’d love to hear what you think about this as a writer or a reader.

Jerri

 

 

I’ve been a bad, bad Girl!

I haven’t blogged in forever. I’m sorry but I’ve been finishing a book and having fun with my granddaughter. I have been participating in a group blog Shades of Suspense. I guess that’s something, right?

Update # 1: I sent a submission off to Harlequin Intrigue for Hook, Line, Murder. If they don’t ask for the full, they’ll miss a great story. Did that sound conceited? Well, so be it. I love Steve and Whitney. They are great characters and deserve to be recognized as such. I want to thank two people for helping me get through this book and shining it up. Betty Womack, my dear friend and critique partner, and Trish Albright, my mentor. Without them, I would have never finished the book this quickly.

Update # 2: Grace Under Fire is up for pre-order at The Wild Rose Press.

Grace Under Fire

Jerri Drennen

Crimson Rosebud

Release Date: 11-18-2009  

Since her husband’s death, Grace Diaglo has been sleepwalking through life. That is, until her husband’s ex-partner shows up just in time to become her impromptu bodyguard when a peeping Tom is spotted outside her bathroom window. Grace isn’t sure who she’s more afraid of, the man trying to see her naked or the one she’s started picturing that way.

Ex-Chicago cop, Cord Rawlings, intends to find his partner’s killer. What he doesn’t count on is an intense attraction to the dead man’s wife or the corruption a probe into his friend’s death uncovers-an investigation that has the pair dodging bullets to stay alive. Will he be able to keep Grace safe or have they become the targets of the last person either of them suspected?

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/grace-under-fire-paperback-p-3726.html

Update #3: I haven’t made it to any MORWA meetings lately because my husband had to work and I couldn’t go. I’m sure I missed a lot of great information. I plan to make the next meeting if I have to drive up there myself. I try never to drive in the big city. Makes me too nervous.

Update #4: Emma. Well, she couldn’t be any sweeter. The happiest baby I’ve ever been around. She lights up everything around her. She now has her first tooth–as of 2 days ago. She is over 17 pounds and 26 inches. Simply adorable.

This picture was taken yesterday at The Pumpkin Patch. According to Mom, she had a great time.

Anyway, plan to be a little better at posting. At least once a week and you can come by Shades of Suspense and meet all the wonderful suspense writers.

Jerri

It’s raining, it’s pouring, I wish I were snoring.

Okay, I wish I were sleeping because I only snore when I’m really tired. Woke to the pouring rain and thought, yeah, this bites. It’s Saturday. My husband is off and what can you do in gully-washer weather. Nothing? It really is quite fitting since me mood has been dark and dismal the past few days. I won’t bore you with why. It really doesn’t matter.

On a more positive note. I’ve been writing 2 hours a day all week, which has earned my almost 8,000 words in Hook, Line, Murder. May I just say that my hero, Steve Morgan rocks. He is a fantastic hero and perfect for Whitney McAllister, my heroine. Both are working-class people trying to survive.  I’m about to hit the 30,000 word mark in the story and that means I’m on the otherside of halfway now. This book is the one. I know it and I’m not going to let anything negative stop me from proving that.

Emma is growing like a weed. I think she’s nearing 14 pounds now with her puggy cheeks and all. She simply lights up my life whenever I see her.

Anyway, you all have a great day. Like I said, it’s raining here, so I won’t.

Jerri

I’ve been writing!

Sorry I haven’t blogged lately but I’ve been working on my new book and I’m totally wrapped up in my characters. I’ve half finished with chapter 5 of Hook, Line, Murder.

Over at Once Upon a Crime they’re have a one year anniversary party. Jump over and maybe win some prizes.

Emma is getting bigger. She was here yesterday and she is simply adorable.

Anyway, I’ll keep you abreast of anything new. Have a great weekend.

Christmas in July contest

For a chance to win a print copy of Aztec Security name all the couples in the book, then post them and your e-mail address here and I’ll choose a winner by next weekend.

Here is a link to the blurb that will give you the answer.

 http://samhainpublishing.com/print/aztec-security-print

Jerri

THE WINNER IS BETTY! I’LL GET THE BOOK OFF TO YOU AS SOON AS I CAN. THANK YOU ALL FOR ENTERING.

Another Birthday rolls by, and Christmas in July!

So I had another birthday yesterday and it was wonderful. All my children, plus Emma were here and that’s a blessing in itself. What got me was the cake my hubby brought home. Done at Sam’s Club on Lemay Ferry Rd in St. Louis where my hubby works. DH came up with the idea. I totally loved it!

So, a number of romance suspense authors will be chatting on the Samhain Loop Sunday from 4 to 5. Come on over. I’ll be giving away a copy of one of my books.

Working on revisions right now, but I did finish chapter 2 of Hook, Line, Murder.

Have a great Thursday!

Jerri

I have a release date!

Yep, Grace Under Fire has a release date. Digital release is 11-18-09. Print date, tentatively 11-18-09. It could change. But I’m very excited because I thought it wouldn’t be released until next year. I’m really going to work hard to get the word out with this book. Cord is a great tortured hero and deserves that much.

I finally worked up the nerve to send my submission to Harlequin. Now the waiting begins. I pray they’ll ask for the full of Going Once, Going Twice, Dead.

Hook, Line, Murder is moving along nicely. I have about a scene left to finish chapter 2. I really like it so far and that’s not easy for me to say since I’m so critical of my work, but I think it’s my best work yet.

Emma. What can I say. I simply adore her. She weighs 10 pounds, 3 ounces now. She is growing so fast.

Anyway, I’ll talk to you all later. Have a great weekend!

Jerri