Monday Morsels: Kept Hidden

KEPT HIDDEN

by Leigh Fleming

Chapter One

Sweat rolled between Vanessa Barczak’s breasts as she held up her cell phone for a tight shot of the Tolbert County crest. Ninety degrees with equal percentage of humidity, the sun sizzled in the cloudless sky. Who would’ve thought it could be this hot in Brookfield? The high elevation and forested mountains should’ve supplied some cool relief. It was downright hot, but not the kind of heat she’d felt before leaving Dallas . . .

She’d been assigned a story on West Virginia’s historic courthouses, and with Channel 10’s limited budget, she was forced to video her own footage. This segment wouldn’t make for gripping news, but then again, not much excitement happened around here. She’d had enough excitement when she messed with the wrong guy back in Texas. This slow, sleepy place hadn’t been her choice, but at least she had a job.

As the traffic light turned green, she ran across Main Street to get a better angle of the domed building which had sat on this corner since 1872. She turned to capture the surrounding businesses when a blue car streaked by, blasting through the red light and sending up a plume of burnt rubber as it screeched to a stop.

A man jumped from the car, wrenched a little girl off her bike, and sped away. Quick, efficient, and unbelievable. Vanessa careened into a street sign, looked down at her phone clutched tightly in her shaking hand, and realized she’d gotten it all on video. Fumbling her phone back into her tote bag, she dropped her head against the pole and sucked in the moist, heavy air.

It couldn’t be real.

Her imagination had played its dirty tricks.

It was all an illusion.

A little girl hadn’t been taken.

Limbs trembling, she pushed away from the sign and smoothed a hand over her hair, looking for anyone who would confirm what she’d thought she’d seen. “Did you see that?” She directed her question to a woman now standing next to her, as plump and round as she was tall, who had reached out to catch Vanessa’s hand. “That little girl—”

The lady twisted Vanessa’s hand against her ample belly. “Oh my God.”

Strained voices, people running, some crowding the corner as Vanessa’s gut churned. “Oh my—”

“Am I seeing things? Did a man just snatch that little girl off her bike?” She turned to the woman whose body quivered as she wrung Vanessa’s hand until it was numb.

“He took her!” The lady’s eyes were wild with fear.

All at once loud, ear-piercing sirens swallowed the chaos around them, and Vanessa wrenched her hand from the woman’s grip. “The police are coming.”

“They have to catch that horrible man,” the lady said, color rising back in her cheeks.

Tires squealed and doors slammed as law enforcement burst onto the scene, stopping traffic and cordoning off the area. Dazed and muddled, Vanessa wandered down the sidewalk, away from the action, until she came to a bench shaded by a brick building. She needed time to get her emotions in check. Witnessing a kidnapping wasn’t easy—especially the second time around—but this abduction had been more frightening.

Her cell phone buzzed with her station manager’s number on the screen. “Vanessa, we just had word there was a child kidnapped a few minutes ago in Brookfield. Are you still there?”

“I am.”

“Great. Sam’s on his way. He’ll film your story for this evening’s broadcast.”

“Now? But I’m—” How could she possibly stand in front of a camera and relive the harrowing nightmare without falling apart?

“You’re the only reporter we have in the area.”

“I’m not dressed for the broadcast.”

“I don’t care what you’re wearing. Get that story.”

With her hands shaking and her mind in a whirl, she didn’t think she could handle anything more dramatic than her courthouse story. She had on a T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers instead of her usual on-air attire of a dress or skirt. Her hair was unwashed and pulled back in a pony-tail.

Why was she talking herself out of this?

She had more experience than all the other reporters combined at Channel 10. What just happened was right up her alley, a typical story she might have covered back in Dallas. A golden opportunity—though harrowing—had been dropped in her lap. It was time to ignore the memories, get her act together, and get that story, so she could get the hell out of West Virginia.

###

Recently fired from a Dallas TV station, reporter Vanessa Barczak’s career languishes in a small West Virginia town until she witnesses an abduction—a child is snatched directly in front of her. She desperately wants to get back to the big time, and this story might be the one to do it. But the crime stirs up past memories she’d hoped were long buried.

Up for a promotion in Chicago, FBI Special Agent Bo Azar needs to solve this case. Vanessa Barczak gets in his way, insinuating herself into the investigation and into his head. After she witnesses a second abduction, he realizes she knows more than she’s letting on. Now he’s forced to depend on her to help catch the kidnapper, but she’s not talking.

Determined to get justice for the young victims, Vanessa and Bo grow closer as they unravel the truth behind the crimes. Through the mountainous terrain and surrounding forests, they stumble onto a scenario neither could’ve imagined, forcing them to open up to emotions they’ve Kept Hidden.

Amazon


📚  Find Leigh Fleming here:  Website       Facebook        Twitter      

Instagram @lhfauthor

An Interview with V.C. Buckley

The Write Way Café welcomes V.C. Buckley, who shares feeling around and stumbling a few times on her way to getting published.


When did you first have the thought you'd like to write a book? Was that first thought related to writing romance?
I got tired of reading romance stories where the female character was always weak and needed a man to make her life better. So I did something about it—I wrote my own book inspired by events happening around me.

What was your path to getting this book written and published? What type of research did you do?
It was a long and lonely path to get this book published. Lonely-because I didn’t know anyone who knew anything about publishing or writing a romance fiction book. I had to feel around in the dark and stumble a few times. I learned about querying and editing and everything else from days of research on the internet, but nothing led to anything and I was pretty sure my letters were not written well enough despite the numerous blogs of Dos and Don’ts I tried to follow online. And then my husband sat next to USA Today bestselling author Bronwen Evans in the plane coming from New York. She had just attended the RWA Annual Conference. She gave my husband some insight and advice about the publishing world and told my husband about RWA and how there are multiple workshops and seminars perfect for aspiring authors to educate themselves in this field, as well as a network of like-minded people who support each other in their writing journey. I got in touch with Ms. Evans and I became a member of RWA. I felt like a child in a candy store. I soon made friends, learned more about the industry and corrected the mistakes I made in my manuscript and learned about critique partners and beta-readers. I also tried my luck on a chapter contest and my book came in second place in the romantic suspense category of the BEACON contest of First Coast Romance Writers. I became more confident and grew so much as an author from all the classes and perspectives I had gained. And then I joined a pitch contest from Savvy Authors. My entry garnered multiple requests from different publishing houses and in less than a few weeks, I was offered a contract from Passion in Print Press.

Where did the idea for your story come from?
The idea came after seeing someone getting bullied. I imagined a different outcome where the bullies got what they deserved after realizing they picked on the wrong person.

Why did you pick the setting you did?
I’ve always been fascinated with Japanese culture, and in my story, the character comes from a notorious crime family, so I picked the Yakuza, an infamous organized crime group in Japan.

Are your main characters completely imaginary or do they have some basis in real people? Do they reflect aspects of yourself?
My main characters are imaginary, but their characteristics are based from real people that I know. Like the brooding and impatient aura of Kenjin is thanks to my husband, while the craziness of Sakura comes from my mom.

Did you face any blocks while writing the book, and if so, how did you handle them? If not, what's your secret?
Hanami was rewritten so many times upon the request of several publishers. It went through two major facelifts. I never faced any blocks until the second re-write. I had to fix some of the plot and change some characters around, and there were scenes that had to either be taken out or added, it was starting to get overwhelming until my brain refused to look at the story anymore and I started feeling depressed about it. So I took a step back and went on a writing hiatus for a few weeks. I went on vacation, read books and watched movies. I gave my brain a break and started refilling my inspiration tank. Solutions to some of the book scenes naturally came at random moments, and before you know it I was back to writing and finished the story.

What have been surprises you've encountered while writing the book and after?
Many times the characters would take on a life of their own. I’m a plotter, so I always know where the story is going and how the characters are supposed to behave, but I don’t have them on a tight leash though. I allow for certain changes that show themselves. Like in the first version of the book-there wasn’t really a love triangle, but in the final version it was brought front and center, and now I’m starting to like the secondary love interest more than the main guy and I’m planning to write a novella just about him because I want to give him a happily ever after as well.

What did you learn? For instance, what did you learn about yourself, your process, the writing world? How is Hanami important to your book?
I have grown so much during the entire process of Hanami. After this book, I came out a different person because now I know better. Although I still have so much to learn I can dare say that I have more knowledge now than when I started in terms of writing and publishing. I also learned how challenging it is to be a writer and it can really get lonely at times. I am in awe of those who have written more than five books, and those that have made it to the bestsellers list on their own with no agent or publisher backing them up.

Tell us about your writing space and how or why it works for you.
My husband loves the ocean and likes to travel, so I usually end up writing anywhere. Sometimes I get seasick writing on a boat or dizzy editing on a plane. Most days I find myself on the floor or on the roof writing away, or sometimes from a rickety tower watching my kids surf. I write with a pen and notebook, so it’s very versatile. And the ideas just flow better from my brain and through the pen rather than the keyboard. I started writing this way before laptops and computers became affordable, so I became accustomed to this manner.

What are some of your favorite books and why?
Franny Bilingsley’s Chime. The way the book was written was incredible. She has a way of painting an entire portrait with just a few brushstrokes, and her storytelling is compelling, which made Chime such an enjoyable read.

What are you working on now?
I am polishing up the sequel to my book Hanami, and I have a Fantasy Romance in the works as well as a young adult and adult contemporary romance in progress.

Would you like to try your hand at writing a different genre?  Which one and why?
Yes, I would like to try my hand at regency romance and some middle-grade books someday. These are genres I would like to learn more about.

If you were not a writer, what would your dream job be?
That’s a hard one because being a writer is already my dream job. Anything after that would just be something for the means of survival, but if I could choose, I would like a job involving international and diplomatic affairs.

What aspect of writing gives you the most trouble?
The querying process is always the hardest. Everything else is a breeze, but for someone who doesn’t have an agent yet, getting the book published is a real challenge. I do hope to someday find an agent to grow and work with.

Who is your favorite hero/heroine?
Mulan. Because her story didn’t happen from waiting around to be rescued, instead she went and made her destiny… and she met the dashing young captain because of that.

SAKURA SHINTANI is the Dragon Clan heir—Japan’s most notorious crime dynasty. But can she keep this fact a secret from the prying brats of Oniyuri Academy?

She must try to master her demons and avoid hurting anybody, but having the face of an angel only puts her on everyone’s radar… including the arrogant heir to Asia’s most powerful tycoon, KENJIN KIYOHARA. He senses the danger, but Sakura is too interesting to be left alone.

Hanami will be available on September 16. Please check 
www.vcbuckley.com/ for more information!

V.C. Buckley was born in a top-secret military facility and shipped off to Southeast Asia. She grew up braving tropical thunderstorms and questionable characters. She jetted all over the world at age sixteen after being discovered by a model agent. Her stories come from gritty moments of her childhood to the glitz of her travels. She now lives in Manila with her husband, two kids and an herb garden that has hijacked her balcony.


Website        Twitter        Facebook

Never Give Up

Prolific author JoAnne Myers shares with The Write Way Café encouraging thoughts about following your passion.

For as long as I can remember, I have had an artistic flare-whether that be for writing, painting, sewing or drawing. I recall as a child how much I enjoyed drawing. The writing came later. My seventh grade English teacher was Mrs. Henderson-a young mother and wife. She gave us a writing assignment and after gifting me with an A+ told me I should consider writing as a career. She meant as a journalist. I did not take her advise and become a journalist (one of my many misgivings). My mind went toward other things as many young girls dream of-a husband, home, and family of my own. I put my love for writing and painting on hold for years.  I unfortunately married a man who like my mother never encouraged me to be artistic. It was not until my children were grown and I no longer had a husband, that I went back to my first love-art.  I got a late start, but always encouraged my children and others to partake of artistic endeavors.  I now have six books under contract with two publishing houses. So my words to you all, is that no matter what road you choose, never forget your passion, and always keep it close to heart.  Don’t let anyone or anything stop you from enjoying your natural talents.  You might need to put art on a temporary hold, but never ever give up.

Blurbs for “Twisted Love” 12 cases of love gone bad

It’s a chilling reality that homicide investigators know all too well: the last face most murder victims see is not that of a stranger, but of someone familiar.

The End of Autumn-To keep from paying child support for his three children, Rodney Williams, plots with his parents to kidnap his estranged wife, 25-year old Autumn, in broad daylight. This 2011 crime shocked the small community of Logan, Ohio.

Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing-In 2011, 53 year old Russell Strothers, and his teenage accomplice find their victims through Craigslist and strike with calculating and deadly force.

A Senseless Killing-This 2010 case uncovers how a 40 year old likable barmaid was lured to her death after she rejects her young admirers sexual advances.

The Death of Innocence-This 2011 murder case involved 4 year old Marcie Willis, and her evil stepmother 25 year old Cheryl, from the small bedroom community of The Plains, Ohio.

The Girl Not Forgotten-This cold case took 26 years to solve, but brought justice for 13-year-old Holly Buford, and put serial rapist, 40-year-old Stanley Snead, behind bars.

The Possession-When 29-year-old Valerie Harris severs the penis of her sexually abusive father, it makes national news in 2007.

Home Town Hero-When deaf students are murdered in the prestigious Rose Brick College of the Deaf in 2008, everyone is shocked when discovering the killer is one of their own.

The Spell Caster Murders-When 42 year old Fortune Teller Sally Vu and her 21-year-old daughter Veronica are discovered murdered and physically desecrated, in 2001, evidence points to revenge and a spell gone wrong.

All For the Family-In 2003, as a way to erase her 22-year-old husbands criminal past, 19 year old Molly Abbott devises a ghoulish and desperate strategy.

Thicker Than Water?-When 52 year old Kim Michaels is found dismembered inside her burned out home in 1996, officers find the crime more confusing than a jig saw puzzle.

Mail Order Murder-The last thing the beautiful Russian mail order bride Anna dreamed of in 2001, was being murdered by her controlling and older American husband.

Where’s Christopher?-When four year old Christopher Ellis goes missing, numerous excuses and an odd odor emanating from the backyard in 1991, raises eyebrows.

Here is an excerpt from MAIL-ORDER MURDER:

     Few women find themselves in such a bizarre relationship, as did eighteen-year-old Anna Tonkov, a Russian native. Speaking minimal and badly broken English, the family expressed high expectations for their tall, voluptuous raven-haired daughter. Anna was the only child of senior and ailing parents, and her mother said she and her husband only wanted the best for her.

     In a country where the average yearly income was three hundred dollars per person, Mr. and Mrs. Tonkov, believed that Anna’s future happiness lay with the United States.

     Mrs. Tonkov recalled how Anna did not want to leave. It was the parents’ idea for her to be a mail-order bride. According to Mrs. Tonkov, Anna said, “‘what if I don’t find a husband? What if you and papa waste your money?’”

     Mr. Tonkov recalled telling her daughter, that she was never a waste of their money. She was everything to them, and they wanted her to have everything America offered.

     Mr. and Mrs. Tonkov then took Anna‘s photograph in a dress she had made, not like many of the other women posing for the magazine-loose women, half naked. “No good man wants them,” they said.

     Anna was a lady, explained Mr. Tonkov-a good Christian girl. Hardworking and responsible. She was raised the right way, they both said.

     In the spring of 2007, Anna became number M245 in a Russian mail-order catalog with a circulation of over twenty million viewers. The magazine was bursting with dozens of glossy, full-color photographs of young hopeful women, all looking for husbands to rescue them from their poverty, stricken and unhappy lives.

     It was not long before Anna had her first letter from a perspective admirer. She returned to her small four-room home from her part-time job at a nearby bakery, and her glowing parents greeted her just inside the front door.

     Mrs. Tonkov recalled how surprised Anna was when she saw her and her husband smiling. She then handed her daughter the pink envelope with trembling hands.

     At first, Anna was afraid to open the letter, said Mr. Tonkov, but he told her it was from an American man. He said he and his wife watched as Anna read each word silently; her large dark eyes wide with anticipation. They said she was hesitant to respond to the sender. Maybe friendship would bloom. “If not you brush up on language skills,” said Mrs. Tonkov.

     That made Anna laugh, recalled Mr. Tonkov. He still remembers her pretty laugh, “as if (she were) a small child without cares.”

About JoAnne:

I have been a long-time resident of southeastern Ohio, and worked in the blue-collar industry most of my life. Besides having several novels under my belt, I canvas paint. When not busy with hobbies or working outside the home, I spend time with relatives, my dogs Jasmine, and volunteer my time within the community. I am a member of the International Women’s Writing Guild, Savvy Authors, Coffee Time Romance, Paranormal Romance Guild, True Romance Studios, National Writers Association, the Hocking Hill's Arts and Craftsmen Association, The Hocking County Historical Society and Museum, and the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center. I believe in family values and following your dreams. My original canvas paintings, can be found at: http://www.booksandpaintingsbyjoanne.com

Three fun facts about JoAnne:

 1.  What book influenced your writing?  Black Beauty and Charlotte’s Web

 2.  What would your muse say about you?  That I am quiet and shy

 3.  Do you have any other hobbies besides writing?  I canvas paint

Other Available Books:

Murder Most Foul-a detective/mystery

Wicked Intentions- a paranormal anthology

Loves, Myths, and Monsters- a fantasy anthology

The Crime of the Century- a biography true crime

Poems About Life, Love, and Everything in Between

Upcoming Books:  Flagitious-a crime/mystery anthology

Other places to find JoAnne and her books:

Email: joannemyers@frontier.com

http://amazon.com/author/joannemyers

Buy Link:  http://www.blackrosewriting.com/other/twisted-love