Finding the Joy by Paty Jager

This post is late because I have struggled with what to write here. I'm slowly weaning away from writing romance. I have a few more books in two series to finish and then I will be only writing mystery, the genre I wanted to write from the beginning but felt I didn't know enough.

While I have enjoyed the research for my historical western romance and writing the stories, I enjoy the research and writing of the mysteries a lot more. They are the books that I can't wait to get up in the morning and write, while the romance have started to be, I really need to get another book in this series written. Ok, well, I guess I can be researching for the next mystery while I write the romance. 

I don't like being that way about my writing. I want my excitement at writing the story to show through in the book not feel like I wrote it because I had to. I've read books like that and they are flat. That's why I'm going to finish the Tumbling Creek Ranch series of novellas. Novella 4 will be releasing this month, then I have two more of those to write. They're easy to get done, because they are novellas, less than 40,000 words. 

It's the Silver Dollar Saloon series that requires a bit more time. I have 3 more of those to write. I would like to get the next one or two written in 2021, but we'll see. I hate dragging out the series, but I have to keep the mystery fans happy too and that is where I have the most fans. 

And I will be doing a new cover reveal for my Reader's Crown award winning series, Isabella Mumphrey Adventures, in November. I'm excited for everyone to see the new covers. I'll do a special on book one when the reveal happens and I'm planning a day event to show off the covers and visit with readers and authors on Facebook, so stay tuned and I'll tell you more about it here next month. 

As for my mysteries...I just finished writing my latest Gabriel Hawke Novel, I'm reading, looking for continuity and need or lack of clues then sending it off to my Critique Partners and a retired LEO (law enforcement officer) as a beta reader. He contacted me and wanted to help make my stories even better. Then it will go to my line editor, through me one more time and then my proof reader. I envision it being available the end of November, early December. 

Then I'll start on the next and (spoiler) last Shandra Higheagle mystery. I've decided to end the series while people still love it rather than after they start complaining. And I have an idea for a new series that is knocking at my brain and I'd like to start. I can't juggle 3 mystery series and finish up the romance series. That's too much! 

The end of the year with all the holidays and things will be fast and furious as I work to get projects done and start researching for the new series and the next Gabriel Hawke book. It will introduce my new character so I have to have her researched to write that book and the book subject itself requires lots of research. More on that at a later date. ;)

So that's my post for this month. You are updated on my writing and hopefully will look for my New Cover Reveal party on Facebook and my new release, Collateral Love from the Tumbling Creek Ranch Series. 

 

 Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 47 novels, 8 novellas, and numerous anthologies of murder mystery and western romance. All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Paty and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. Riding horses and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.

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Merry Month of May by Paty Jager

I know that seems like an odd title for a blog post considering how many people around the world have been staying home and hoping they don't come into contact with Covid-19. 

However, even though I've had events I planned to attend canceled, I haven't been able to sit down and enjoy lunch with my writer friends, I can still find fun in the month of May!

May has been a favorite month for a long time. Back when I was a child, May was the month the buttercups would flower and that meant spring had arrived where I lived. Now I search the hills for Indian paint brush and lupine.

Then May became special because it is our anniversary month. In fact, today, I have been married to my always entertaining husband for 41 years. 

And May was the month my first book was published.

This year, May is special because my Tumbling Creek Ranch steamy contemporary western romance novellas are on sale. They are in an ebook box set for $0.99 during the month of May. If you haven't pick one up, now's the chance to get all three for a low price!

These books are set in Montana a state I have only visited a few times, but is a lot like the country where I grew up. I came to enjoy writing stories about the fictional Wallis family. There are more planned for this series. I just haven't written them yet.

Here's an excerpt from 8 Seconds to Love book one in the series.

She stared at him. “You care whether or not I get a chance to ride in the finals?”

“I don’t like you riding bulls, but I don’t like to see dreams crushed.” He put a hand on her shoulder. “Everyone needs a dream or goal. It’s what gets them out of bed every day.”

“What is your dream?” She stepped closer, nearly touching their bodies.

His body sprang to life at her nearness. He cupped the back of her head with his hand and brought her lips an inch from his. “To forget the past and take charge of the future.”

Her wide eyes stared into his. “How about take charge of the present?” The breath from her words whispered across his lips moments before she closed the inch between them.

She’d made her move, now it was time for him to make his. Jared opened his mouth and she followed. His tongue sought her moist heat and sweetness. He could tell by her clumsy attempts to mate her tongue to his, she had less experience. The knowledge only made him want to show her more.

The hand not cupping her head, slipped under her open shirt and cupped her breast. She moaned and pressed closer. He squeezed her breast and slid his leg between hers, lifting her slightly. Her body wiggled, and he felt her desire dampening his thigh.

A horse snorted and stamped a hoof.

He broke free of the kiss and lowered his leg. This wasn’t the place to bring her to an orgasm.

Lacey’s hand fisted in his shirt. She peered up at him. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No.” He nodded toward the barn and the buildings beyond. “I’m not a fool. Someone could come along…” He ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t want anyone to get the wrong impression about you or me.”

“What does that mean?” She released his shirt and took a step back.

“I won’t take advantage of you when you’re vulnerable.” The sparks in her eyes revealed he’d said the wrong thing. But he needed to keep her away. While he cared for her and God knew his body reacted to her without provocation, he didn’t want her in his life. She was too much like Anita. He couldn’t lose another woman he loved.

“I’m not vulnerable. I might have a bum arm, but I am sure as hell not vulnerable. I knew what I was doing when I pressed my lips to yours.” She spun away from him and marched into the barn.

The door slammed shut.

“No, you aren’t vulnerable. I am.”

Box set details:

Three steamy contemporary western novellas set on a Dude Ranch in Montana.

8 Seconds to Love

The bull rider brought into Jared McIntyre’s ER is the girl he couldn’t get out of his head the last fifteen years. During his tour in Iraq, he lost another thrill-seeking woman, and he isn’t about to let this one destroy her life.

Love Me Anyway

Melanie Trask ran away from an abusive husband and found a job at a dude ranch with a wonderful caring cowboy, Brett Wallis. When they can no longer deny their feelings, Brett offers to help her divorce her husband. But she has one more secret she hasn’t revealed…

The Wrong Cowboy to Love

Ruby Cutter allows her cousin, the bride, to give her a makeover for the upcoming wedding because she wants to catch the attention of her high school crush. But while she’s infatuated with one man, she may be falling for another…

Universal Buy link:     https://books2read.com/u/mv5w8X

Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 44 novels, 8 novellas, and numerous anthologies of murder mystery and western romance. All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters.

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Happy Easter/ Spring! by Paty Jager

Lupine just sprouting.

The past week where I live- SE Oregon high desert- we have had lots of susnshine. Some days weren't warm enough to go without a jacket, because of the wind, but it was pretty! Every morning after feeding the horses, I would take off up the hills on our property looking for what I consider the true sign of spring- wildflowers. Particularly, buttercups.

The hunt started with looking for a wildflower sprouting out of the ground.  As soon as I spotted a buttercup and saw othe color, I scoured the hills every day for more/differnt flowers.

I love being up on the hills, hearing the birds singing and the hawks shrieking overheard. It is the best place to be to forget everythign and let your mind wander. And thankfully when my mind wanders I come up with great ideas for scenes in the book I'm working on or the nect one in line. ;)

Here are some of the photos of the flowers:

Buttercups

Yellow bells.

a type of phlox

I hope you are having a great Easter weekend. As you can tell by the photos we are always "social distancing". We have had a good weekend and hope to continue to have a great week. 

My newest release is book 14 in the Shandra Higheagle Mystery series. this one is set in Kaua'i Hawaii. 

Abstract Casualty 

Book 14 in the Shandra Higheagle Mystery series 

Hawaiian adventure, Deceit, Murder 

Shandra Higheagle is asked to juror an art exhibition on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. 

After an altercation at the exhibition, the chairwoman of the event, Shandra’s friend, arrives home with torn clothes, scratches, and stating she tried to save an angry artist who fell over a cliff. Shandra and Ryan begin piecing together information to figure out if the friend did try to save the artist or helped him over the edge. 

During the investigation, Shandra comes across a person who reminds her of an unhealthy time in her past. Knowing this man and the one from her past, she is determined to find his connection to the dead artist. When her grandmother doesn’t come to her in dreams, Shandra wonders if her past is blinding her from the truth. 

https://books2read.com/u/4XXLke

Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 44 novels, 8 novellas, and numerous anthologies of murder mystery and western romance. All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Paty and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. Riding horses and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.

blog / website /  Facebook / Paty's Posse / Goodreads / Twitter / Pinterest   / Bookbub

To Recover or Not To Recover by Paty Jager

I have two series I'm trying to decide if I need to put new covers on. As a reader, how much do covers help you make a decision? Do you get upset if an author changes a cover and you realize after you purchased the book that you already have it?

Authors, why do you change covers on books? To get new eyes on them, try new marketing? Because the covers are outdated with what is on the books in that genre now?

I'm on the fence. When I said something about changing the covers on my Isabella Mumphrey Adventure series, a marketing person said my covers were perfect for the Adventure/Romantic Suspense that I didn't need to change them. Yet they are my slowest selling series. But one of my favorites. One that if the sales picked up I would write more books in that series.

The other is my first historical western romance series- The Halsey Brothers.  The first four books have had two different covers already, book one has had four different covers. The three books and a novella in the Halsey Homecoming series that follows the Halsey Brothers could be made to look more like the fist five books if I recovered. But since sales of Historical western romance is so slow, I'm finding it hard to pay for the covers and do all the changes at all the ebook vendors and the print books.

\

My time is better served writing the books that are selling. But would it bump my income to do this?

This is me talking it out as I write. Something I find helpful. But if any authors or readers want to chime in with your thoughts, I'd love to hear them.

Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 43 novels, 8 novellas, and numerous anthologies of murder mystery and western romance. All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Paty and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. Riding horses and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.

blog / website / Facebook / Paty's Posse / Goodreads / Twitter / Pinterest / Bookbub

Let's Go Tropical by Paty Jager

Since it is February and the middle of winter, so to speak, I think we should think about warm tropical beaches. Sand between our toes, waves crashing against the rocks, surfers catching those waves...

I have wanted to go to a tropical island since I was a kid watching Gilligan's Island and Fantasy Island. I wanted to stand under a warm waterfall and stand on a warm sandy beach and stare at the clear blue ocean.

This past October, I had my chance, finally. After 40 years, I'd finally convinced my husband he needed to go to Hawaii with me. Of course, our daughters and their husbands help to push my husband to agree. ;)

We went to Kauai. It was supposed to be the least touristy island. It wasn't. It has now become as over populated with tourists as the rest. We had to make reservations to park at beaches. It was crazy!

Even with all of this, we managed to go on a couple of hikes. One took my breath away, literally and figuratively. We had to traverse rock steps that were taller than the lower part of my leg, go straight up in spots, and then wind our way down again. But the views and the beach we found at the end of the 2.5 mile trail were all worth it!

I just finished the next Shandra Higheagle Mystery which is set in Kauai. While my characters don't go on this trail, I used a few of the things we saw, like the wet cave, tall rocky cliff, and jungle like vegetation in the story.

While I hadn't started out on booking the trip to write a book set here, after it was booked and I did my research for our trip, I decided that Shandra should go to Kauai. After discovering a real event that could bring her to the island, I was set on writing this book.

I had a wonderful time revisiting the places we saw and incorporating the island feel into the story. I hope, readers who have visited a tropical island are reminded of their trip, and readers who haven't had the chance to visit a tropical island, will be able to experience it through my story.

The book is with my critique partners right now. I hope they enjoy it. I am looking forward to their feedback.

Here is the cover for Abstract Casualty, book 14 in the Shandra Higheagle Mystery series. 

Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 43 novels, 8 novellas, and numerous anthologies of murder mystery and western romance. All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Paty and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. Riding horses and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.

blog / website / Facebook / Paty's Posse / Goodreads / Twitter / Pinterest / Bookbub

Photos were all taken by: Paty Jager

Where the New Year is Taking me by Paty Jager

Welcome to a new decade!

Not to show my age, but over 30 years ago, after writing short stories for kindergarten classes and writing freelance human interest stories for the local newspapers, I decided to try my hand at writing a novel. I had always been a reader and fan of mystery novels but it was after reading A is for Alibi, by Sue Grafton  and a personal experience that left me filled with anger that I decided to write a murder mystery book.

As I was percolating the idea of writing this book and trying to figure out how I could make the amateur sleuth credible, I happened to be folding clothes and watching a talk show. On the show was a woman who decided to get to the bottom of her husbands activities. She talked to a Private Investigator and learned all the ways she, a regular housewife, could be her own P.I. She didn't have the money to pay one, but this one was willing to give her suggestions.

After the experience she wrote a book, "How to be Your Own Detective". I had an aha moment. The next time I was in a book store I purchased the book- this was before Amazon and one click! Using that book, I had a single mom, freelance photographer, use that book to discover who killed the woman her ex-husband was being framed for killing. 

Research for the Shandra book I'm working on now.

And the dead woman? Was the person who had filled me with anger. After writing the first book, I went ahead and wrote a second one, and after that, the anger I felt toward the person was gone. It took two books to kill off the person I had been betrayed by, but the murder on the pages of a manuscript worked.

However, the books didn't see the light of day. After a bad round with, what I now know as an unscrupulous agent, I turned to writing romance.

But the desire to write murder mystery never left. I am in my happy place now! I have two mystery series that are being well received by readers, and I enjoy coming up with the unique murders and twisted endings. For that reason I am taking a hiatus from writing romance.

I know this blog is titled Smart Girls Read Romance. And if you don't want to hear about mystery books, let me know in the comments and I'll come up with other topics to write about.

Until I hear differently, you will be seeing posts on here about my research for my mystery books and things that I have been doing for my writing.

Happy 2020 everyone!

Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 43 novels, 8 novellas, and numerous anthologies of murder mystery and western romance. All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Paty and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. Riding horses and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.

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Top photo source: Deposit photos

Merry Christmas!

My house is decorated and we're going for a Christmas tree this weekend. We'll have all but 3 grandchildren with us to get trees. I have to say, getting the tree is one of my top 3 favorite things about Christmas.

This was 4 years ago.

I love tramping through the forest, hopefully in snow, looking for the perfect tree. And we all know while it looks perfect when you cut it, you get it home and oops, that side has to face the wall! LOL  We'll pack a lunch and lots of goodies. Hot chocolate and water. Everyone will have snow clothes. There will be snowball fights, ganging up on grandpa, and a whitewashing. All in good fun.

Last year, we had half of the grandchildren with us. The older boys were given the task of cutting down the trees and packing them back to the truck.

We'll come home, have a dinner of hot soup and fresh rolls and decorate the tree.

My other two favorite things about Christmas are giving- I love to find the perfect gift and gift people who are not be expecting it.

My other favorite thing about this time of year are the Christmas songs. I have them playing all day long and dance around to the fast paced songs. Many bring back memories of Christmas pasts.

What is one of your favorite things about this time of year?

I'm excited to say, book 4, in the Gabriel Hawke series is available in ebook and print.


Chattering Blue Jay

Killer on the loose.

Tracking Rivalry.

Revenge could get them killed.

Fish and Wildlife Oregon State Trooper Gabriel Hawke is set to teach a class at a Search and Rescue conference in Idaho when a dangerous inmate breaks out of prison. It is believed the man is headed to Hells Canyon.

Hawke is enlisted to find the escapee. He’s paired with a boastful tracker who doesn’t follow directions, making them both targets.

Before the dust settles, the other tracker is dead and Hawke is twisting in the wind for letting the possible killer get away.

https://books2read.com/u/4NQJ2o

Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 43 novels, 8 novellas, and numerous anthologies of murder mystery and western romance. All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Paty and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. Riding horses and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.

blog / website /  Facebook / Paty's Posse / Goodreads / Twitter / Pinterest   / Bookbub

Regrouping by Paty Jager

Those of you who follow this blog and the writers know I have had an adventurous 2019! I feel so blessed I was able to take the trip to Iceland and that my hubby finally agreed (after 40 years) to go to Hawaii with me.

Pihea trail, Kauai

Both trips have or will be turned into books. I'm working on the next Shandra Higheagle Mystery book that is set in Kauai. A Gabriel Hawke novel will be set in Iceland. It was fun to go to these places and not only see different lifestyles but to also see things with an eye for how I could set a book there. 

With these and other travels that kept me away from my computer, I ended the summer feeling way behind in the projects I had planned to write this year. 

Gullfoss waterfall in Iceland

However, a week ago, I finished book 4 in the Gabriel Hawke series, and I'm back on schedule writing the next Shandra. The next Hawke book is in my mind "stewing and brewing" and I have started digging for the information I'll need to write it. 

While I feared being behind due to my gallivanting, I have found the trips have not only refreshed me, making my writing fun again, it has also helped me regroup and discover my priorities and how I want to continue on my writing journey.  

I've always thought that large blocks of time away from writing would pull me out of the stories and writing all together. After my two trips, one before I started a book and another in the middle of the book, I discovered, being away from the computer and writing 3-4,000 words a day, was good. I came back with a vengeance in my writing and a better grasp of what I want to write and how I want readers to see my books. 

The words didn't stagnate, they blossomed. So while I do agree that you shouldn't let too long of space go between writing, I think, because my trips were inspirational and mind healing, that they were needed to improve my writing. 

Hopefully, my readers will agree after they read the latest books. ;) 

In case anyone was wondering, the next Shandra Higheagle book is titled Abstract Casualty, and is set around an art show that is held every year on Kauai. 

I'm still working on the title of the Gabriel Hawke book set in Iceland. All I know at this point is Fox will be in the title. 

I just realized my post on here next month will be after my Facebook Clue Party!

Mark December 7th on your calendars! It's my annual December Facebook Party and it will be a real Whodunnit! The party will run from 10am to 10pm PST. Myself and 12 western romance authors and 11 mystery/suspense authors will be entertaining you every half hour. If you join the party, you can collect the clue each author gives you and at the end of the party, using a link that will be given to you, you put in the person, place, and thing that wasn't mentioned from the list below, and you will be in the running for one of 2 Kindle Fire Ereaders I'm giving away. The other authors will be giving away things the full twelve hours as well.

Here's the link to join the party: https://www.facebook.com/events/426351174658554/

Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 43 novels, 8 novellas, and numerous anthologies of murder mystery and western romance. All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Paty and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. Riding horses and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.

blog / website /  Facebook / Paty's Posse / Goodreads / Twitter / Pinterest   / Bookbub

Dreaming of Slowing Down by Paty Jager

Fall is here! A time to sit back with an afghan, sip your favorite hot beverage, and allow life to slow a bit.

I wish! This year has been go-go-go for me and while I had hopes of slowing down when Fall hit, it hasn't, and quite possibly, won't slow down until December!

Right now, as you read this post (which I wrote ahead of time), I'm in Hawaii enjoying the tropical sun, hiking the jungle areas, snorkeling, and finding a plot and murder scene for a book.

When I return, I have appointments to deal with, a writer's retreat at the Oregon Coast, and a book event.

December 7th, (I let you all in on how to attend next month) I'm hosting a Facebook CLUE party. It is going to be a lot of fun and I'm giving away 2 Kindle Fire ereaders to 2 lucky Clue game winners. Again, I'll "clue" you in on how to join the game and party next month. I'll have more of the details and rules ironed out by then.

This month the 13th book in the Shandra Higheagle Mystery series will be released. I really like this story. It has a fun twist, a fun secondary plot with a twist, ;) and it gives a bit more insight into Shandra's thoughts on what her future holds.

Here is the blurb and cover.

TOXIC TRIGGER-POINT

Book 13 in the Shandra Higheagle Mystery series

Adultery… Jealousy… Murder

Shandra Higheagle Greer is minding her own business when she walks into a room for a massage and it is already occupied—by a dead body. Always the champion for someone she knows, when her favorite masseuse looks like the murderer, Shandra listens to her gut and dreams choreographed by her deceased grandmother.

Detective Ryan Greer can’t believe his wife has walked into another homicide. He’s learned no matter how he tries to keep her out of the investigation he can’t. But this time the consequences could be deadly for Shandra—she heard the murder happen.

Many things are up in the air for my immediate family as the holiday seasons loom ever closer. But the one thing we have all agreed on-- Christmas is at my house. Which means I can bring out all the decorations!!! Hubby is kind of a bah-humbug when it comes to Christmas lights and decorations, but since I'll have 2/3 of my grandchildren at my house this year, I'm going all out! 

How is your Fall shaping up? Easing into a slower time or are you also still running on top speed? 

Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 40 novels, 8 novellas, and numerous anthologies of murder mystery and western romance. All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Paty and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. Riding horses and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.
 

blog / website /  Facebook / Paty's Posse / Goodreads / Twitter / Pinterest   / Bookbub
 

Change by Paty Jager

photo by Paty Jager

There are so many quotes and sayings about change. Ones that help with peace of mind, health, how you behave. But I've discovered that change, whether of my own accord or influences out of my control can be a good thing if I have an open mind.

This is what the dictionary says for change as a verb.

Change:
1 a: to make different in some particular- alter
   b: to make radically different: transform
   c: to give a different position, course, or direction to
2 a: to replace with another
   b: to make a shift from one to another- switch
   c: to exchange for an equivalent sum or comparable item
   d: to undergo a modification of
   e: to put  fresh clothes or covering on

As I wrote these, I realized that everyone of them- other than fresh clothes ;) - has happened to me since January of this year. And the amazing thing is I can sit here and even though I am 3 months behind in getting a new book out, I'm calm and not sweating it.

Alter- I have altered my way of thinking about having to get a "product", be it a book, box set, or audio book, out every month. I have a life with more grandchildren living closer and new adventures that keep turning up. I want a life outside of writing. This is something I altered this year.

Transform - It isn't radically different, but I've transformed my process of writing in the last two years and it has helped me to produce books even when, at times, my life feels chaotic.

Different course or direction - I made the conscious decision this year to only write mystery books. It was a relief to be able to focus on one genre, the one I love the most.

To replace with another - that would be the above. I have replaced romance with mystery.

Switch - I switched my way of thinking that I had to be everywhere all the time to be seen. I'm now part of fewer group blogs and I am only doing Facebook for social media and keeping my focus on FB groups who read what I write rather than trying to be involved in everything halfway related to what I write.

To exchange - I have exchanged my FB schmoozing time to doing ads for my books.

Modification - I have modified how I view social media and how I push myself to get books written.

Fresh clothes - Yes I still change my clothes every day! LOL

These changes I've made in my writing life this year have made me a happier, less frantic person and I've been able to relax and enjoy the opportunities that have come my way.

Look at your life and see if you need to make a change or two to make you happier or more fulfilled.

Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 40 novels, 8 novellas, and numerous anthologies of murder mystery and western romance. All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Paty and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. Riding horses and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.

blog / website /  Facebook / Paty's Posse / Goodreads / Twitter / Pinterest   / Bookbub

Procrastinate? Never! by Paty Jager

I am always 15 minutes or more early for everything. I don't like to be late for appointments or publishing books. But lately...I feel like I am constantly behind. I HATE this feeling.

When I'm late or behind, acid boils in my stomach and my right eyelid twitches. Lately both have been happening more and more often. And it doesn't help having hubby say,  "I thought you wrote for fun."

I do write for fun. I love coming up with characters and building stories around them. That is the fun part. The not so fun part is promoting and trying to keep new books out in front of the readers so they don't forget my characters or me. So they are ready to buy the next book I put out.

But lately...I made a decision to stick to one genre for a while. Which I am ecstatic to stick with mystery. It is my first genre love! LOL  But it seems as if since I decided to do that instead of getting books out faster, I'm slower.

Of course the last month I spent 12 of the 30 days traveling and the days before traveling getting ready for traveling. However, that doesn't mean a thing since I am back at my desk. Haha to me! I may be back at my desk but I'm not jumping in with both feet and getting the book I have half written going or getting rewrites from my Critique Partner on another project out to the next reader.

No. Instead I spent half of today finding a system that worked for me to keep track of what happens each day in the work in progress.  After printing and discarding several different calendar pages, I realized I wanted something I could put sticky notes on. As I go through the WIP to get reacquainted with it, I wanted to make notes.

I came up with this:

I can read along, make a note on a sticky, and place it on the board under the day something happened. So much easier than scribbling everything that happens that day on a 1" by 1" square.

After making my board I did get through more chapters in my WIP.

While sitting at the computer and not really writing, because I was thinking about the next book I'm going to write- yes it's a curse. I can't just have one book in my head at a time. I have the one I finished the one I'm working on and at least one to two books that are coming in each series in my head. The day I am only thinking about one book will be the day I decide to stop writing.

As I was whining, I was thinking about the next book in another series and how I really need to write it now while the area I visited was still fresh in my mind. Even though it is a book that will come down the road in the line up in the series. As I was thinking about it I googled what I needed to look up to get the premise and plot of the book rolling and *POW*  the perfect event for my character to attend is a huge thing in the country where he will be going. I love it when all the factors of making a book fall into place.

I'm still behind, but slowly pulling out of the procrastination and looking forward to the next 6 books flashing in and out of my brain at any given time during the day and night.

Are you a procrastinator? Or do you get ill when your are late or behind?

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Do I or Don't I... I Do by Paty Jager

It seems ironic that today, May 12th, my 40th wedding anniversary to my hubby, I am coming out about something I've been contemplating for over a year.

Anyone who has heard my writing story knows my first love or reading and writing was mystery. In 2015 I launched my Shandra Higheagle Mystery series. It received accolades from my critique partners, my editor, and my proof reader. With a knot in my stomach, I send the first three books out into the reading world one...two...three.

The reviews had me over the moon. People loved Shandra and the twists I love  to put in my mystery books!

The readers want more. The sales keep climbing.

This year, January 20th to be exact, I released the first book of a new mystery series. Gabriel Hawke Novels. This is not a cozy series. It is a police procedural with the small community feel of a cozy. It's set in the county where I grew up. Again, I released the first three books, January, February, and March/April (I fell behind).

They are a hit! Even more than the Shandra books. The sales keep going up, the rankings keep going up and my head is swimming with more plots for both series.

But I haven't finished the Silver Dollar Saloon historical western romance series or the Tumbling Creek Ranch contemporary western romance series. I slogged through another Silver Dollar Saloon book. It should come out next month. That will make three in that series to date. I have plots figured out for four more. But my heart isn't in writing western romance and the sales have been next to nothing. Even my ads, that I do for both the mystery and romance...the romance tank.

Knowing I want to write mystery more than romance, and my mind is constantly finding new plots and story ideas for both Shandra and Hawke, as of this day and this month, I'm publicly letting readers know that until I get excited about writing westerns or the steamier western romance books start to pick up in sales, I am sticking to writing the mysteries.

It has been a tough decision to make. Historical western romance is what made me a published author, but it had been my fallback when I couldn't find help writing mysteries. I am writing what I've always wanted to write. I'm enjoying every minute of the research, writing, and making sure the stories are engaging and believable.

I feel as if I am finally "home" with my writing and doing what I was always meant to do- write mysteries.

If you are a western romance reader and haven't read my books, I have 22 novels you can choose from and over a dozen short stories. If you have read all of my romance, you might want to give my mysteries a try. There is romance in the Shandra Higheagle series and poor Hawke while he doesn't want to be tied down, is feeling a pull from two different women and discovering that, just maybe, he doesn't want to be alone.The Creator knows his mother wants him to marry!

Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 40 novels, 8 novellas, and numerous anthologies of murder mystery and western romance. All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Paty and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. Riding horses and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.

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The Birds Are Singing- They Have a Voice by Paty Jager

Have you ever listened to all the different songs, tweets, and twitters from the birds? Each one has their own unique sound. If you listen closely and pay attention, you know which bird is talking or singing by the sound. But there are some birds who mimic others. This makes it harder to determine if it is really one bird or another.

I struggled in the beginning of my writing to understand voice. Everyone talked about finding your voice. Once you found that, your writing would be wonderful and readers would flock to buy your books.

I've gone years writing books and knowing my theme- Justice but not really understanding my voice.

Then a reader/fan/person who has read everything I've ever written made a comment that made sense and I now understand my voice.

She said, "Every book or series you write, you are that character's voice. You completely embody the main characters making each book unique. That's what I like about your writing. "

Because of her comment I sat back and thought, I do immerse myself in my books becoming the main characters and seeing everything through through their eyes, their believes, their culture, what I know of it. I try to be impartial of my own feelings and let the characters do what is "right" to them.

My "voice" is giving each main character their voice to find justice not only for the story but for themselves. I no longer ask myself "What is my voice." I know it is the voice of my characters.

And I'll admit- as hard as I try to keep my own thoughts and beliefs out of their thoughts and words, it does come through. That is also my voice.

Are there any authors you read who you believe have a strong "voice"? And is that why you enjoy their books?

I have a new Gabriel Hawke book. It's book 3, Rattlesnake Brother and while it isn't a romance book there are small elements of romance in it because life would not be life without a little romance entwined with the mystery and murder.

Corrupt officials.

Illegal hunters.

Death to those who dare complain.

Fish and Wildlife State Trooper Gabriel Hawke encounters a hunter with an illegal tag. The name on the tag belongs to the Wallowa County District Attorney and the man holding the tag isn’t the public defender. 

As Hawke digs to find out if the DA is corrupt, the hunter’s body is found. Zeroing in on the DA, Hawke finds he has more suspects than the DA and more deaths than the hunter.

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/3JyooJ

Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 39 novels, 6 novellas, and numerous anthologies of murder mystery and western romance. All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Paty and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. Riding horses and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.

blog / website /  Facebook / Paty's Posse / Goodreads / Twitter / Pinterest   / Bookbub