This week, I’m hosting author, Weslynn McCallister, writing as, Jamie Cortland.
Weslynn McCallister, pseudonym, Jamie Cortland was born in Evansville, Indiana and raised in Roswell, New Mexico. Today, she lives in the southwest.
A published novelist and an award winning poet, she is a member of Sisters in Crime, the Mystery Writers of America, and is a founding member of the Florida Writers Association.
Why I Love to Write
Since I was a young girl, l have always loved to write; poems, short stories and later, newsletters for large groups. My ambition was to write a best seller.
When I began, I wasn’t sure what genre I wanted to settle upon, I tried romance, mystery and even a 450 page sci-fi. I did well with each. Finally, I settled upon romantic suspense which I love to read.
I enjoy forming my characters which must be strong and believable no matter how outrageous. You can read books on creating characters, take classes, but I recommend you become familiar with both Janet Evanovich and Darynda Jones novels.
A master with creating characters, Darynda Jones has written the Charley Davidson paranormal series featuring Charley Davidson, a real bad ass of a detective who just happens to be the grim reaper. Her boyfriend, Reyes is none other than the son of Satan.
Janet Evanovich who features some fantastic characters in her Stephanie Plum series has a partner, Lulu, who is a former “ho” while Stephanie’s boyfriend, Joe Morelli, handsome and sexy is the hero. Compelling, dangerous and questionable Ranger, competes for Stephanie’s attention while often saving Stephanie’s neck.
What I haven’t mentioned about writing that I particularly like to do is research. When I wrote “Watt’s Deck,” a time travel romance written under my given name, Weslynn McCallister, my research took me to Tombstone, Arizona on a wild journey through time into the late 1800s and days leading up to the OK Corral shootout. I wish I could actually have traveled through time, but I had to rely upon re-enactments, research books and visiting the cemeteries and dance hall saloons.
“Dying to Dance” completely immersed me into the wonderful, glamorous, and fascinating world of Ballroom Dance. I left no stone unturned , spent many hours on the dance floor and finally became an advanced bronze student of ballroom dance, both national and international.
I have no doubt that my next novel will introduce me to more fascinating places.” Currently, I am reading “Sixth Grave on the Edge” by Darynda Jones.
Dying to Dance
Char and Diana Mansville, two sisters in their early twenties, lose their parents in a tragic accident. Finding themselves on the brink of financial disaster, they re-locate to southwest Florida to live with their aunt, a beautiful and wealthy ballroom dancer. Once there, they meet handsome and charismatic Roland Donovan, who is a sociopath and involved in a deadly insurance scheme. Stricken by Diana’s beauty and charm, he sets his focus upon her and relentlessly begins his pursuit of her.
Thanks for being a guest author on my blog this week. Good luck with you new novel.