Tag Archive for: romance with a touch of the supernatural

Susan Lucci Syndrome Broken, Finally!

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I’ve been a member of Epic the premier organization for electronically published authors. The organization began before the first e-reader came long–The Rocket eReader. The first convention was held in Omaha NE and yes, I as there. In fact, with the exception of last year’s, I’ve attended every one.

They’ve given out awards for the “best” e-book in many categories at each of these conferences. And I’ve had an e-book as a finalist in almost everyone of these conferences. Even being a finalist is an honor as hundreds of books are entered, but I’ve never won.

I know exactly how the Academy Award nominees feel when their names are not called for the category they’ve been nominated for. Sure, I was disappointed but I always smiled and congratulated all the winners even in my category, which was usually mystery.

I finally gave up though, and decided I’d always be a “bridesmaid” and never a “bride”, so I didn’t even bother entering a book for the last two years. What a surprise when I leaned my publisher entered my romance (with a touch of the supernatural) Lingering Spirit in the Spiritual/Metaphysical Romance Category. I told her I wouldn’t win.

I wrote the book quite awhile ago, but the publisher at Oak Tree Press published it as an e-book in the right time period to be entered in the contest. Despite my feelings, I went to the convention which was held this past weekend in San Antonio. I knew I’d have a great time, no matter what, because I have so many friends in Epic and my publisher was attending too.

And yes, I had a great time. I gave a workshop on blogging and blog tours, visited with everyone, went on the river cruise, ate some wonderful food, and told everyone I knew I wouldn’t win the Eppie.

The night of the banquet I sat with my publisher and other friends, including the president of Epic and the contest chairperson.

When my turn came, of course I hoped and even felt a bit nervous though in my heart I knew there was no chance. And when the presenter opened the envelope and read my name, I couldn’t believe it. I hollered, “Finally, I’m a bride!”

President of Epicon, Anne Manning, and me. The theme of the conference, Murder at the Menger  (hotel in San Antonio)

 Here’s a bit about Lingering Spirit:

Book blurb: After, Steve, her police officer husband is killed in the line of duty, Nicole Ainsworth struggles with the changes forced on her life. Her efforts to focus on her daughter an cope with her grief are kept off-balance by Steve’s ghostly visitations who seems to be trying to communicate with her. Eventually, Nicole finds that Steve isn’t the only one watching over her, and discovers a second chance for love.

Review Snippets:
“…Meredith is a master of characterization. She fully rounds out the facets of her protagonists’ personalities and richly develops the details of the supporting cast. She does not hit any false notes with her dialogue and builds strong relationships among her characters. She realistically describes what a young widow would go through following the tragic death of her husband.
Overall, uncovering why this spirit lingers is an incredibly moving experience.”
–New York Journal of Books–Reviewer Nicole Langan owns the independent publishing house, Tribute Books
5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Book!
“…Lingering Spirit is well worth buying and spending time with. It’ll give you a lot to think about after the story is finished. I loved it, as you can tell. It’s the perfect summer OR winter read. Great book, one of my favorite reads this year.” –Beth Anderson, author and book reviewer.
“I rate this book 5 Stars out of 5 Stars!
I LOVED this book I could not put it down! I am telling you all Marilyn is a FANTASTIC writer and anyone who does not read this book is missing out on a fabulous read…” – Vanessa -Ohio Girl Talks
“,,,I polished this book off in two days and you won’t want to stop reading it once you pick it up.
Lingering Spirit is the type of book that romance lovers dream of finding.” –Cheryl Malandrinos, The Book Connection
Watch Lingering Spirit book trailer for a preview.

Of course Lingering Spirit can be ordered in all the usual places–and is available on the Kindle and Nook.

Lingering Spirit by Marilyn Meredith
Oak Tree Press
Needless to say, I’ve been floating every since. 
Marilyn

Next Up, Something Different

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My next book is going to be a departure from my usual mystery. It’s a story I wrote long ago that was inspired by a family tragedy.

My son-in-law, who inspired me to write about law enforcement, was killed in the line of duty. Some things happened right after he was killed that made us all realize that his spirit might still be around.

As time went on, I decided to write a story based on some of what happened. Of course the characters are different, and the outcome as well. In some ways, I think the writing was a way of helping me through the loss of a young man I loved like a son.

(I have to mention that this was a horribly difficult time for my daughter who lost her husband of 15 years and had three young boys to raise on her own. This is not her story, though I borrowed a lot from what happened after she lost her husband. The fictional story grew out of her experience of course–but it is fictional.)

I wrote that book long ago and it appeared only as an e-book. After several years, I broke my relationship with that particular publisher. After I signed on with Oak Tree Press for my Rocky Bluff P.D. series, the publisher asked if I had any older books I’d like to put on Kindle. One of the books I gave her was Lingering Spirit. She fell in love with the story.

This year she asked if she could turn it into a trade paperback. Of course I said yes. So in June, I’ll have a romance with a touch of the supernatural coming out.

Honestly, I’m surprised by the turn of events. It’ll be quite different to be promoting a romance.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com