Rehab an Old Buffet

Some of you know my husband and I have been building a house. We are getting so close to finishing, I stare at walls trying to figure out what I want to put where. The decorating and pulling colors together has been good for my creative nature, but I swear I'm having DT's from not being able to sit down and write every day.

One of my favorite projects for the house is an old 1880's buffet/sideboard I discovered in a used furniture store. I fell in love with it the minute I saw it. But we're on a budget building the house and I had to run it and the price by my husband(who can't buy anything for the asking price or at least try to get it for a lesser price).  Hubby told me I could get it if I talked the person down in price.  I would say this part of my acquisition is a lot like when a writer comes up with a story idea or a fabulous new character. But then the realization hits that while they have a great idea or character they have nothing else and need to dig deep within to come up with a plausible story and believable but interesting character. I dug deep and managed to haggle the guy down $50. 

We brought it home and I began stripping the dark, ugly brown paint off and discovered beautiful oak beneath.  This is like writing the first draft of a book. It’s okay and gets the story spilled out, but when you go back through and pull out the unnecessary words and details you find the real story.

After the buffet was stripped, we cut a hole for the sink to fit in and added a piece of hardy backer. On our trips to the building outlet stores I haunted the tile aisles until I found the perfect accent tiles. The main part of the top would be the tile used in the shower, but I wanted an accent on the edges that would work with the rounded front of the furniture.  Finding the right accents is a lot like the final run through of a manuscript. You add the touches that make the character’s dialog sparkle, the narrative read crisp, and the story come alive.

After the vanity was tiled, I had to wait to add the grout. This is the same phase in a manuscript where you let the story rest a week or two then go through and proof read it. Adding the grout to the tile was the finishing touch to the piece.

My husband still has to revamp two drawers, but we’re waiting for the plumbing to be done to see how much of the drawers will have to be cut out. This process equates to writers who send their books off to agents or editors. Those people will determine how much of the book stays as is and what will need to be cut or added.

I’m happy with my new vanity and look forward to finishing the house and moving in so I can get back to writing my new mystery series. My first book in the series released on the 10^th. You can now purchase Double Duplicity in ebook or print.

Double Duplicity Blurb

On the eve of the biggest art event at Huckleberry Mountain Resort, potter Shandra Higheagle finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. She’s ruled out as a suspect, but now it’s up to her to prove the friend she witnessed fleeing the scene was just as innocent. With help from her recently deceased Nez Perce grandmother, Shandra becomes more confused than ever but just as determined to discover the truth.

Detective Ryan Greer prides himself on solving crimes and refuses to ignore a single clue, including Shandra Higheagle’s visions. While Shandra is hesitant to trust her dreams, Ryan believes in them and believes in her.

Can the pair uncover enough clues for Ryan to make an arrest before one of them becomes the next victim?

Amazon  http://www.amazon.com/Double-Duplicity-Shandra-Higheagle-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00PFWPHPQ

Kobo  http://store.kobobooks.com/search?Query=Double+Duplicity

Nook http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/double-duplicity-paty-jager/1120790322

Apple https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id942249867

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