SHOES ON THE STAIRS by Jan Steele ***Excerpt -- Giveaway***
Women's Fiction
Date Published: 7/27/2019
Publisher: Acorn Publishing
Claire Blackwell can’t find that damn white light. Thanks to a mishap at an intersection, she’s dead and stuck somewhere between Heaven and what seems like Hell as she is forced to watch her husband and children unravel without her. While she struggles to find answers for her limbo state, her family begins to see her, offering what she believes, is a gift of second chances.
As she navigates through this new, untouchable world and the challenges it creates, she is forced to face some sad and potentially dangerous truths. Determined, she works to mend her relationship with her family, but her stubborn teenage son refuses to acknowledge her, and when tensions escalate with his long-time bully, her inability to control the physical world around her leaves her fearing for her family’s safety. With her time running out, she must find a way to save them before the progress she has made is lost and she fades from this world forever.
Excerpt
I need to test my presence, see what I can and can’t do. Last time I checked I couldn’t persuade anything in the physical world. But my increased ability to differentiate between Brad’s and the kids’ unique heartbeats could mean I’m connecting with them on a deeper level that will eventually lead to a physical reunion. I run my hands through the thin, dated drapes in the living room, but they don’t move. Each time I try, my hands flow directly through the fabric, not even creating a slight shift or sway. Nothing I attempt to touch, no matter how hard I concentrate, is influenced by me.When I test my mobile ability, it’s clear I don’t possess the lightning speed like those vampires in the movies. I can’t move any faster than when I was alive, and I can’t snap my fingers and be transported to where I want to go. Instead, I must travel the same as everyone else. When I sit, I don’t make an indentation on the cushion. It’s like I’m not really here. Where are my ghost, or whatever I am, perks? There should be at least some. Instead, I have no presence here. I can’t affect anything, so why would I possibly be here if I can’t control the physical world around me?
Guest Post by Jan Steele
Starting Out as A Writer – 4 Things to Break You Out of Your Isolation
Writing
is a solitary sport that takes years to perfect to arrive at the point of
publication. It can get lonely sitting at your desk typing away for hours,
still in your pajamas and on day three of no shower and no interaction with
humans. While writing is a one-person gig, it doesn’t need to be so isolating.
There are many ways a writer can break out of their bubble and find places and
people to interact with inside the writing community. In fact, the more you
interact with the writing community, the more you will grow as a writer. Here
are four things you can do to branch out and gain support.
1.
Join a read and critique group. I have read many books on writing and have
attended classes and conferences, but there is no better way to learn how to
write than belonging to a read and critique group. Having someone else read
your work and give you constructive feedback helps you to look at your writing
from different eyes. This is when you see the plot holes, the long,
inconsequential dialogue, the flat characters, and the unnecessary infodump
that we become blind to as the writer. You also get the benefit of reading
other writer’s work which helps you develop a more critical eye to what does
and doesn’t work. If you are ready for honest feedback that pushes you to work
harder, then begin your search. You can find critique groups online or in your
town or city.
2.
Attend a writer’s conference at least once a year. The first time I attended
a writer’s conference my legs shook, as though it was my first day of Kindergarten.
It seemed like an intimidating concept to be surrounded by hundreds of writers
who were no doubt, better writers than me. And then add mingling with agents,
editors, and best-selling authors! But what I found was a community of support
and encouragement that boosted my self-confidence and grew my writer’s network.
3.
Tap into social media. Even if you’re not big into the social media scene, both Twitter
and Instagram have large writer communities that support one another. I use
both my Twitter and Instagram accounts mostly for writing. I follow writers,
bloggers, authors, readers, or anyone interested in the publishing world. You
will find there is an endless number of people who want to connect and share
their writing.
4.
Find new places to write. Sitting in the same chair and breathing the same stale air can
reduce your creative juices. Whether it’s a coffee shop, the library, a bar, or
a beautiful garden, the change of scenery can invigorate you and your writing.
You might find a favorite writing place, or you may hop around to get the right
vibe for your current WIP, but get out there where people frequent. Not only
will you feel less isolated, but you might also find some inspiration for your
next novel.
About the Author
Jan Steele grew up in the burbs of Chicago and after thirty-two years of shoveling snow, moved to Southern California with her husband and children. She has taught everything from Kindergarten through high school but found her passion for writing years later while living as an expat in Asia for four years. She’s a contributing author of Chicken Soup for the Soul, Miracles and More (2018), shares a blog with her sister-in-law, and is an MFA student at UC Riverside. In addition to writing, she loves to travel, volunteer, watch college basketball and sunsets. She’s also passionate about shedding light on the lasting effects of bullying.
Contact Links
Purchase Links
Thanks for hosting #RABTBookTours
ReplyDelete