Twyla's Last Trip

Hello, readers.  Please help me welcome Karen Mueller Bryson to my blog.  Karen, thank you so much for coming.  Can you tell us a little bit about you?

I am an award-winning screenwriter, published novelist and produced playwright. I am the founder of Short on Time Books, fast-paced and fun novels for readers on the go. I have a “day job” as a university professor and I write in my free time. I am fortunate to have an extremely supportive husband, who allows me the time I need to write. I also have two loving bloodhounds, who keep my company at the keyboard.

2.Why did you become a writer? What keeps you at the keyboard from day to day?

I learned to read at a very young age and, soon after, I had the desire to write my first book. I’ve been passionate about writing even since! When I was a child, and people asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up, I always said I wanted to be a write. I’ve always been passionate about creating characters and telling stories.

I feel as though I have more ideas for stories than I’ll ever have time to write, so I take every opportunity I have to write! There only a few things I‘d rather do than write.

3.What’s the hardest part of writing for you? The easiest?

Because I work full-time at a university, it is sometimes difficult to find the time to write. I do the best I can with the free time I have. I’m not sure there is anything “easy” about writing. I think developing one’s writing skills takes time, dedication and persistence. I will say the best part of writing is having a completed project!

4.What are you working on now?

I’m in the final editing stage of my young adult romantic comedy novel, Retro Geeks, which will be released in a few weeks. I was also just hired to write the biography of sports icon Cindy McCoy, the Rookie Roller Queen. I’m also working on two new time travel adventures for my middle grades series, The Incredibly Awesome Adventures of Puggie Liddell. I’m also in the planning stages of two new screenplays.

5.What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

I would tell aspiring writers to write every day and be persistent. It takes time to develop one’s writing skills. I would also say to never let anyone discourage you from pursuing your dreams of becoming a writer.

6.Would you share your links with us?

Website: http://www.ahorsewithnoname.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/karenmuellerbryson

Twitter: http://twitter.com/karenmbryson

Blog: http://shortontimebooks.tumblr.com/

Short on Time Books: http://www.shortontimebooks.com

Readers, I don't know about you, but I'm ready for some excerpts.  This one is from Tywla's Last Trip.

Lucinda peered intently into her microscope until Bunny's voice blared from the intercom—again. “I'm sorry to bother you, Lucinda, but Mr. Yates is on the phone. He says he won't hang up until he speaks with you personally.”

Lucinda took a deep breath, stood and exited the lab. She marched over to the reception desk and ripped the phone from Bunny's grasp.

“Lucinda Starr,” she growled into the phone. “How may I help you?”

Thirty-year old T.J. Yates, the epitome of all things country, spoke to Lucinda from his cell phone. “Miss Starr,” he said. “I know we've never met but I've been your mom's attorney now for nearly a decade.”

“Will you please get to the point?” Lucinda interrupted. “I'm in the middle of an extremely important experiment.”

“I hate to be the bearer of bad news but your mom has passed away.”

 Lucinda flinched slightly but then it was back to business. “And what does this have to do with me?” she asked.

 “Well, Miss Starr, you are the sole beneficiary of your mom's estate.”

 “Estate?” Lucinda snorted. “My mother was a cat lady, who lived in a trailer.” 

 “Miss Starr,” T.J. continued. “I don't think you understand.”

Before T.J. could finish, Lucinda slammed the phone into the receiver and hurried away.

 .J. looked at his cell phone dumbfounded. People never hung up on him, especially women.

 Dakota, his two-year old bloodhound, glanced up from her doggie pillow and gave her head a tilt.

“I think this requires a little trip up to Chicago,” T.J. said.

 Dakota just yawned and plopped her head back down on her bed. 

Readers, Karen's giving away a $25 Amazon gift certificate to one lucky commenter.  The more you comment, the more chances you have to win.  For a tour schedule, go to   http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/02/virtual-book-tour-karen-mueller-bryson.html  Karen, thank you so much for coming, and good luck with your book.  I think you have a winner on your hands.