I’m excited to participate in a different kind of blog tour today. Darlene Jones over at Emandyves tagged me to participate in a Work in Progress (WIP) Blog Tour. Click here to see my interview with her on Author Wednesday. I also reviewed the first novel in here Em and Yves series, Embattled. I’m honored this talented author chose me for this virtual tour. Check out her WIP by clicking here.

There are rules for this tour, and I’ve completed the first step by linking to Darlene’s delightful blog. I love reading her vignettes of her life traveling and living. I hope you’ll visit her site!

Next, I’m to nominate two other author/bloggers to participate in this tour. This way you’re introduced to three other author/blog sites besides mine. I’m delighted to share my nominees with you. They are both talented writers. I first met Christoph Fischer when I read one of his reviews and asked  him if he would review my novel Trails in the Sand. He said he would add it to his TBR list, but within the week, he not only had read that novel, but he’d read all of my books and posted thoughtful reviews for all. Christoph is a prolific writer and the lead man when it comes to supporting Indie Authors. Through him, I met Lori Crane, who has become one of my dear Internet buddies. She’s a gem who writes historical fiction and makes me laugh with her lovely, positive, and humorous approach to life. But don’t take my word for it. Check them out yourself.

Writer Christoph Fischer – Christoph Fischer is an independent writer from Germany, based in the UK. He is also a reviewer of independent books, and on this site he features interviews and reviews of the books that have most captured his attention and appreciation by genre. He writes historical fiction as well as contemporary fiction that address such topics as Alzheimers, mental illness, and drug companies.

 

A Day in the Life of Patootie is Lori Crane’s blog. “Best-selling and award-winning author of Southern historical fiction and the occasional thriller. Dueling pianist. Cute shoes. From Lori: “A Day in the Life of Patootie is named after my puppy. So far, he’s chewed up 7 rugs, 2 pairs of shoes, and every throw pillow in the house. I love him!”

“Lori Crane is a Southern storyteller of the first order.”~Writer’s Digest

I’m so very pleased that these award-winning and bestselling authors agreed to be a part of this tour, but now it’s time for the rest of the requirements. I’m to share the first sentence (or two) from the first three chapters of the WIP.

My WIP is a contemporary romance novella that I’m writing for a box set, Score One for Love, to be released in August. All of the novellas within the set must feature an athlete at the center of the story. Other authors are featuring hockey, football, and soccer stars, along with a race car driver, and lots more. I chose baseball because it’s one of my favorite spectator sports. Most of my novels are set in Florida, which you probably know if you follow my blog. However, I decided it was time to write a story set in Pittsburgh where I now live, and what better way to write a baseball story than to feature the Pittsburgh Pirates who have come from a losing team to almost winning their division this past season. To paraphrase, Leslie Gore, It’s my novella, so I’ll have them win if I want to. The hero, Tomas Vegas, from Puerto Rico hopes to emulate the example set by the Pirates own Roberto Clemente. His love interest, Adriana is young, wealthy, and widowed, but her tight-knit Italian family in Pittsburgh may keep her from getting anywhere near third base, let alone home, with the handsome and talented Tomas.

Chapter 1 – Adriana – Larson made love to me all night, caressing my cheek and rubbing my breasts with his large and rough hands. I woke up smiling, until daylight shot bolts of reality through my psyche. It infuriated me that he only came to me in my sleep now.

Chapter 2 – Tomas – I let the shower wake me. It also took me away from her incessant chatter.

“Why do I have to go to this house today?” Madrid kept asking me as I drank my coffee.

Chapter 3 – Adriana – “I’m honored to be able to turn the key to this new bungalow over to you and your family,” I said, standing on the front stoop of the white two-story home just off Liberty Avenue. I handed the key over to John and Samantha Chapman with tears forming behind my lids.

And there you have it–my current WIP–along with the opportunity to meet three talented authors with interesting blogs.

I’ve been getting emails and messages from folks asking about the second book in the Behind the Love trilogy. I’m thrilled to say that Behind the Bar is in the final stages of production and should be available within the next few weeks. Rest assured, I’ll keep you posted.

I don’t say it enough, but thank you to all stop by my blog, like the posts, and leave comments. You’re all appreciated and virtually hugged.