When I decided to blog, my original plan was to NOT talk about writing and my books.
However, since I kind of blew that out of the water with my last blog, I decided just this once (well, technically, this will be twice), I'm going to talk about writing and said books.
Although at present time this writer happens to be stuck at her desk because her laptop died a tragic, untimely death last spring, it hasn't stopped me from writing.
One of the questions I get most frequently is, "Why?" Another is, "How do you come up with the stories you write? And the characters?"
Call it over-active imagination, but I've never had trouble coming up with stories or characters. Female character names, yes. Book titles, yes. Really big words to describe what I'm trying to say, yes.
But never stories.
I've been writing since I was about thirteen. But long before I even put pen to paper--and eventually, fingertip to keyboard--I had created several characters and stories in my mind. In fact, that's something I still do. I think about them when I'm driving, sitting on the tractor cutting the grass, and even in the shower.
Now you know my secret. I plot books in the truck, on the tractor, and in the shower.
To date, I'm most proud of my four-book, Hagerstown, Maryland based McCassey Brother's Series. Of course, it never started out to be a series...or even a sequel. Then, my publisher emailed me to say not only did she love NO WORRIES (the first book), she hoped I was writing Rebel's two brother's stories.
With itchy fingers, I emailed her right back and said, "Of course!"
That's how the series was born. Well, back then, it was only going to be a trilogy. Rebel McCassey has two older brothers, Blackie and Judd. NO WORRIES, THE DEVIL'S CANDY, and DUSTY ROSE. Three books. That makes it a trilogy.
Then, as if nothing else in the world was more meant-to-be, I woke up one morning with another McCassey sibling on the brain. I couldn't ignore the book's pleas to be written, so I ran the idea by my critique partners, who loved it. Then I pitched it to my publisher, who REALLY loved it.
So, after vowing I was finished with the McCassey clan (really, how many different stories can one be expected to come up with for such a tight-knit family in a tiny little town???), I found myself writing yet another one. Damn muse. Most of the time I couldn't get it to hit me when I needed it to if I put a softball bat in it's hand. With this book, it wouldn't leave me alone.
Now, with the release date of that forth and final book, THE LONG ROAD HOME, looming on the horizon, I find myself unwilling to let go of my beloved McCassey boys. Blackie, Judd, and Rebel have been part of my life for so long--nearly five years--that I feel like they're real. One of them even has his own MySpace page. (www.MySpace.com/blackie_mccassey)
In order to give the boys a proper send off...help myself move on and be able to dive deeper into my current work in progress...I've shared their book covers with you above, and blurbs for those books below. If you're interested, you can even read the first chapter of each book for FREE on my web site, www.LaurenSharman.com
Enjoy them. Love and take care of them as if they were your own family, for they will always be part of mine.
'Night, boys...
NO WORRIES (The McCassey Brother's Series: Book 1)
Back Cover Blurb
Witnessing her mother's murder put a label on Gypsy Lance that few people overlooked. Raised in foster homes, she spent her childhood yearning for love and acceptance. Nearly penniless, she arrives in Hagerstown, Maryland looking to put down roots and outrun a past she fears is about to catch up to her. . .
Blue collar bad boy Rebel McCassey knows what it's like to try and escape your past. No longer the hellion he once was, he's never been able to shake his family's bad reputation. When he finds Gypsy lost in the woods, her unconditional trust and refusal to judge him by his infamous last name touch Rebel in a place he didn't know existed. . .his heart.
When the demons chasing Gypsy are caught lurking in the shadows, Rebel vows to keep her safe; even if it means slipping back into his old ways. . .
* * * * * * * * * *
THE DEVIL'S CANDY (The McCassey Brother's Series: Book 2)
Back Cover Blurb
Behind Angel Shelby’s dancing eyes and mischievous smile, lie the razor sharp tongue and fearless attitude that have helped her conceal painful secrets. However, they aren’t enough to save her this time—as she’s issued a shocking ultimatum.
Nicknamed, The Devil, Blackie McCassey’s violent past keeps most people exactly where he likes them…at a distance. Sacrificing his freedom to repay an old debt, he agrees to marry Angel in name only, watch over her, and play peacemaker in the uncivilized bar she runs.
Along with unexpected happiness, marriage brings surprises. Once wild and reckless, Blackie suddenly finds himself in the unfamiliar position of keeping someone else out of trouble…his wife.
When a murder occurs, Blackie’s forced to face his past one last time, risking his life to put an end to the chaos disrupting their lives. Unfortunately, victory comes at a price…
* * * * * * * * * *
DUSTY ROSE (The McCassey Brother's Series: Book 3)
Back Cover Blurb
Dusty Zamora and her close-knit sisters were young—but far from innocent—when they abruptly left Hagerstown, Maryland ten years ago.
Now, Dusty has returned. Alone.
Judd McCassey spent most of his thirty-six years side-by-side with his brothers and cousins…on the wrong side of the law. His one regret…being powerless to help the only woman he ever loved when she needed it most.
Judd knows they’re headed for trouble when Dusty rides back into his life on a stolen outlaw biker’s motorcycle, and is shocked when she refuses his help.
Finally realizing that hiding her deadly secrets are harming—not helping—the man she loves, Dusty opens up to Judd, dropping a bombshell that sends him reeling, and her fleeing.
Not until Dusty vanishes does Judd discover her deception was well-intended. Now, he must find her before its too late for all of them…
* * * * * * * * * *
THE LONG ROAD HOME (The Final McCassey Book)
Back Cover Blurb
Nineteen-year-old Georgia survived four years of forced prostitution and drug addiction by clinging to the false hope that her brothers—unaware of her existence—would one day rescue her.
The last thing Blackie, Judd, and Rebel McCassey expect to discover when they catch a young girl loitering in front of their garage is that she's their younger, half-sister.
Immediately, they want to help Georgia overcome her addiction and bring her into the family fold, despite her adamancy that she isn’t good enough to be a McCassey.
Used to handling things their own way, the brothers soon realize that this time, they can't fix things by throwing powerful right hooks, firing semi-automatic weapons, or simply saying, ‘no worries’.
This time, they need an outsider’s help.
But Georgia’s skeptical, and doubt consumes her as her strength and confidence falter.
Georgia knows her brothers will fight for her…but will she fight for herself?
* * * * * * * * * *
No Worries, The Devil's Candy, and Dusty Rose are all available at www.WhiskeyCreekPress.com and www.Amazon.com
The Long Road Home will be available beginning September 1, 2008.
Please feel free to email me with any questions or comments at: LaurenSharman@gmail.com
