And Then There Were Three (Thank You, Readers!)

The Pulse Effex trilogy is now complete!

When I wrote PULSE, I didn't expect to write a sequel, much less a third volume in the series. Today, having finished the three, I'm grateful for the many readers who wanted more and thus, spurred me on.

My life has been richer for knowing the characters in the stories.  But I couldn't have come to know them quite as deeply had I stopped the series with the first book. I didn't plan from the beginning to write a trilogy, but when I kept writing and stayed in the world of the story, it developed.

The same thing happened after I wrote my first novel, Before the Season Ends. In this case, it was the world of regency England that I was immersed in, and again, I had no idea of writing a trilogy, but that's what happened. When Harvest House Publishers asked me if I could write a sequel, I did. When they offered a contract for a third book, suddenly I had ideas for it.

Takeaway: Our brains are capable of producing way more than we think, and more than we often give ourselves credit for.    

If you're starting a book and want to write a series, don't feel that you need to know the end from the beginning. Even though you are the author, you're not God.  You'll learn and grow on the way, just like the characters in your stories. And, those characters, if you've developed them into real people, will lead you into the drama and conflict that is necessary to sustain a novel. 

The key is to keep writing. Explore the lives of your characters until you locate their hot spots and areas of conflict--and make the most of both. 

To Your Success and God's Glory!

Linore

PS: The early reviews for DEFIANCE are great (all but one). See what readers are saying HERE.

 

  Here's one of my favorite reviews so far, from reader Cale Nelson:

 My 13 year old son and I are both L.R. Burkard Fans!
I read the first book and was hooked on the story.  Passed it onto my son who has read it at least 4 times and listened to the Audio countless times as well.  Book 2 was a blast that we both enjoyed too!  Again, I read once and he has read 3 times since I loaded to his Kindle.
He actually moped around for months waiting for Defiance to be released, and he was stoked when I uploaded a pre-release of the book to his Kindle.  He's read it twice in a matter of weeks now and just told me last night he's getting ready to start it again!  I'm actually about 1/2 through and it; like book two, it takes off right away and gets you right into the action and struggle these folks are facing.
Dystopian Fiction is my favorite genre, but there isn't much that I can allow my son to read due to the language or situations presented.  L.R. has filled this void with her 3 novels.  There are great life lessons as well as practical applications of skills and processes in emergent situations.  If you or your Pre-Teen/Teen are interested in the 'what if' These books are a Must Read!

I could type more, but that would only take away from your time that could be spent reading these fine novels! ***** 5 Stars

What's It About?

In this third installment of the PULSE EFFEX SERIES, foreign soldiers and fellow Americans gone rogue are just the beginning of what Andrea, Lexie and Sarah must face. Beneath the threat of nuclear strikes and guerrilla armies, the girls long for a free country in which to live--and love. Survival means resistance must give way to defiance. But can ordinary teens and their families withstand powerful forces and keep hope alive?

CHECK IT OUT HERE

An Unthinkable Danger

An unthinkable danger. An unexpected choice.

Today is FICTION FRIDAY on Woman of Faith, and award-winning author (and personal dear friend) Melanie Dickerson is stopping by to tell us about her excellent latest book, The Merchant's Daughter.Isn't the cover just gorgeous? And don't you want to know what is the unthinkable danger? The unexpected choice?

To answer these questions, I found myself turning pages quickly while reading the book. I wouldn't feature a book here if I didn't think you, my readers, would enjoy it, no matter how good a friend the author is. So, take my word for it: you'll enjoy this medieval treat. It's a fresh take on Beauty and the Beast, a fairy-tale makeover for Christian girls. (And don't go away: Melanie's giving away a free book to one commenter!)

Annabel, once the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is trapped in indentured servitude to Lord Ranulf, a recluse who is rumored to be both terrifying and beastly. Her circumstances are made even worse by the proximity of Lord Ranulf's bailiff---a revolting man who has made unwelcome advances on Annabel in the past.

Believing that life in a nunnery is the best way to escape the escalation of the bailiff's vile behavior and to preserve the faith that sustains her, Annabel is surprised to discover a sense of security and joy in her encounters with Lord Ranulf. As Annabel struggles to confront her feelings, she is involved in a situation that could place Ranulf in grave danger. Ranulf's future, and possibly his heart, may rest in her hands, and Annabel must decide whether to follow the plans she has cherished or the calling God has placed on her heart.

I asked Melanie to give us some little-known facts about herself, and it turns out she had some major clues that writing was in her blood. How many authors can say the following of themselves?

Me: Melanie, what are four things most people don't know about you?

Melanie:
1. My father was named after the famous western writer, Zane Grey.
2. I was named after Melanie in Gone With the Wind.
3. I grew up about 30 or 40 miles from the town where Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird, grew up. And my maiden name was Lee.
4. I lived in Ukraine for one year, the same town that the most famous Ukrainian poet, Shevchenko, was from. And we lived on Shevchenko Street.

How's THAT for coincidences? Melanie, we'll have to concede that you were destined for literary greatness. OR, we could read your books and find out that way!

Here are links for you to check out Melanie's latest:
The Merchant's Daughter (from Amazon)

OR
From Barnes and Noble

WIN A FREE BOOK
Leave a comment for Melanie from now until next Friday and she'll award one commenter with a free book. Thank you, Melanie! You've made this Fiction Friday so special!

To learn more about Melanie, stop by her website at http://www.MelanieDickerson.com