CHRIS RICE COOPER BLOG is ART and HUMANITY Framed In The PhotoFeature Story

CHRIS RICE COOPER is a newspaper/fiction writer, poet, photographer, painter. CRC Blog is an INCLUSIVE & NON-PROFIT BLOG acknowledging ALL voices, ALL individuals, ALL political views, ALL philosophies, ALL religions including Islamism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Catholicism, Protestantism, Judaism, Agnosticism, Atheism. She has a B.S. in Criminal Justice & completed her workshops required for her Master’s in Creative Writing. She lives in St. Louis. CRC website http://chrisricecooper.com/

Thursday, March 25, 2021

Owen Mullen’s DEADLY HARM is #222 in the never-ending series called INSIDE THE EMOTION OF FICTION

*The images in this specific piece are granted copyright: Public Domain, GNU Free Documentation Licenses, Fair Use Under The United States Copyright Law.

The other images are granted copyright permission by the copyright holder, which is identified beneath each photo.

**Some of the links will have to be copied and then posted in your search engine in order to pull up properly

***The CRC Blog welcomes submissions from published and unpublished fiction genre (including screenwriters and playwrights) for INSIDE THE EMOTION OF FICTION. Contact CRC Blog via email at caccoop@aol.com or personal Facebook messaging at https://www.facebook.com/car.cooper.7

****Owen Mullen’s Deadly Harm is #222 in the never-ending series called INSIDE THE EMOTION OF FICTION where the Chris Rice Cooper Blog (CRC) focuses on one specific excerpt from a fiction genre and how that fiction writer wrote that specific excerpt.

Name of fiction work? And were there other names you considered that you would like to share with us? Deadly Harm is book 2 in the Mackenzie Series and has literally just been relaunched. Its name was set from the beginning because of its predecessor's title - In Harm's Way 2.

What is the date you began writing this piece of fiction and the date when you completely finished the piece of fiction? I started in January 2019, and crossed the end line in May of that same year.

Where did you do most of your writing for this fiction work? And please describe in detail. And can you please include a photo? By this time my wife had become more involved with the process and I moved my base from the studio to the dining room table!

What were your writing habits while writing this work- did you drink something as you wrote, listen to music, write in pen and paper, directly on laptop; specific time of day? My habits don't vary. I drank coffee or ginger and lemon tea (no teabags died in the making of this work of fiction) and settled at my PC until I was happy with what I'd produced - normally a minimum of six hours, five days a week (excluding plotting sessions). (Left: Owen Mullen's dining room office where he writes. Credit and Copyright by Owen Mullen)

Please include just one excerpt and include page numbers as reference. This one excerpt can be as short or as long as you want. Chapter 7 page 56

Kirsty McBride had the face of an angel, but the defiance behind the innocent hazel eyes and in the upturned chin was unmistakeable. She fell heavily onto the couch, took a lighter and a packet of cigarettes from her jacket pocket and put them on the table. She knew smoking wasn’t allowed. In her immature way, she was threatening to break the rules. The girl wore jeans and a jacket over a T-shirt with I UNDERSTAND I JUST DON’T CARE printed on it. Her first words – a surly reference to Andrew Geddes – supported the statement. ‘All right, he’s got what he wanted, I’m here. Let’s get on with it.’ Mackenzie held out her hand and introduced herself. Kirsty didn’t take it. ‘I know who you are, he told me. Never stops talking about you. Think he fancies you.’ Mackenzie ignored the hostility and called a waiter. ‘Are you hungry?’ Kirsty didn’t answer. ‘Is coffee okay or would you prefer something else?’ No reply. She ordered. ‘Coffee and sandwiches, please. Roast beef.’ Andrew Geddes had been serious when he’d wished her luck. The moment to draw the red line was now, otherwise they were wasting their time. ‘First up, lose the attitude. DI Geddes is trying to help you and so am I. If that isn’t what you want, we’ll step back. Except it isn’t just about you now, is it?’ She nodded towards the pram. ‘She’s depending on her mum making a grown-up decision for both of you. What’s her name?’ ‘Alison.’ ‘How old is she?’ ‘Ten months.’ ‘I hear Malkie called you from prison. What did he say?’ Kirsty wouldn’t go there. ‘Just stuff.’ ‘Like what?’ ‘Private stuff.’ Mackenzie answered her own question. ‘Let me guess. He’s sorry. It’ll all be great this time.’ The girl turned her head away and Mackenzie hesitated; Kirsty McBride was damaged enough. ‘He loves you; did he tell you that?’ This wasn’t how to win her trust. She softened her approach. ‘Kirsty, you aren’t stupid. You know what he’s like. Surely you haven’t forgotten what he did to you.’ Her eyes flashed, defiance back as the words tumbled out in defence of the man who’d terrorised her. ‘Everybody deserves a second chance. Or is that only for people like you?’ Mackenzie let the fire settle: they needed light, not heat. Forcing Kirsty to stand up for Malkie Boyle would drive her towards him. Mackenzie spoke quietly, no trace of confrontation in her voice. ‘Except, it wouldn’t be a second chance, would it? Or even a third or a fourth? Malkie isn’t going to change. He can’t. He is what he is.’ Kirsty lifted the disposable lighter and turned it over in her hand. Mackenzie wasn’t sure she was listening. ‘But you can change. For you and your daughter.’ ‘What if I don’t want to?’ ‘Then fast-forward fifteen years. Picture the awful things Alison will have seen. She’ll be scarred and she’ll leave the first chance she gets, despising her mother for being weak.’ ‘You don’t know that.’ ‘Yes, I do. You said DI Geddes talked to you about me. Then he must’ve told you my story and what I do now. I’ve come across dozens of Kirstys. Before I’m finished, I’ll probably meet hundreds. And it always ends the same. Either they find the courage to break free or they go down. Believe me, Alison won’t be able to look at you – she’ll hate you. Or worse, pity you. Either way you’ll lose her.’ Kirsty’s eyes strayed to the pram, concern in them for the first time, and Mackenzie realised she was getting through. Andrew Geddes called her a kid. That kid had known more unhappiness in her eighteen years than most people suffered in a lifetime. Her attitude was a coping mechanism to protect her from a harsh world. To understand how badly she’d been broken meant seeing behind the rebel façade. What must it be like to be afraid of the past and even more afraid of the future? Mackenzie desperately wanted to help her. Alison stirred in her sleep. ‘When she’s old enough to understand, think how proud she’ll be of her mum.’ Kirsty nervously played with the lighter – not convinced – the sum of all her fears crystallised in one question. ‘How can I be sure Malkie won’t find us?’ Mackenzie had an answer for her. ‘He won’t know where you are. Nobody will. Not even me. Not even Detective Geddes. That’s how it works. Social Services deal with situations like this every day.’ As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she knew she’d made a mistake; the girl reacted. ‘A “situation”. Is that how you see me? Just a problem that needs to be fixed?’ ‘No, of course not. You’re in trouble. Somebody has to take your hand and lead you to a better place. A safer place.’ ‘And that’s you, is it?’ ‘That’s one of the jobs Social Services do.’ ‘Why should I trust them just because you tell me to? It’ll be me and Alison he’ll come after, not you.’ ‘But he won’t find you. You’ll be safe. Safe as houses.’ Kirsty bowed her head, the rebel who’d arrived with the DI gone, leaving a frightened girl in her place, speaking so quietly Mackenzie could hardly make out what she was saying. When she did, she felt for her. ‘Why can’t we stay with you?’ ‘Kirsty…’ ‘We won’t be any trouble, honestly we won’t.’ Mackenzie swallowed hard. ‘I thought DI Geddes explained. We’re full. There isn’t any room at the refuge. I wish there was.’ ‘Is it because of Alison?’ ‘No, no, of course not.’ ‘She’s a great baby, really she is. She never cries. If you knew her, you’d love her.’ Mackenzie couldn’t remember when she’d felt so useless – turning the girl and her child away was painful. But the refuge was full. Caitlin had got the last bed. Surely the detective hadn’t led Kirsty to believe there was a space for her. ‘I’m sure I would.’ Kirsty grabbed Mackenzie’s arm. ‘Please don’t make her suffer because her mother’s been a stupid bitch. Please!’ ‘I’m so sorry.’ The businessmen hadn’t heard and went on with their meeting, but the receptionist looked up from her PC, and across the lounge Andrew Geddes was rising out of his seat. Mackenzie shook her head and he sat back down. Gently, she took the girl’s hands in hers. ‘It isn’t about you or Alison. Honestly, it isn’t. If we had room, I’d have both of you there today.’ Kirsty pulled her fingers free. ‘Then why bring us here? Why did he want me to meet you?’ She deserved the truth. ‘Because he cares about you and he’s worried. He hoped I could persuade you to let Social Services take over before Malkie comes out of Barlinnie.’ ‘He’s getting out next week.’ ‘I know. There isn’t much time.’ Kirsty didn’t hide her disappointment. ‘I told Alison we’d be going with you. What will I say to her now?’

Why is this excerpt so emotional for you as a writer to write? And can you describe your own emotional experience of writing this specific excerpt? There are so many excerpts I could have chosen. Unfortunately, most of them are spoilers. But I found Kirsty's innocence and hopelessness in this pivotal scene particularly moving to write - knowing it would change so many lives added an extra layer of feeling for me. Horrifying to think this is how some people are forced to live. (Left: Owen Mullen's view from his dining room table. Credit and Copyright by Owen Mullen)

Were there any deletions from this excerpt that you can share with us? And can you please include a photo of your marked up rough drafts of this excerpt? No deletions and unfortunately all drafts are cleared out after the book has gone through all of its many edits.

My name is Owen Mullen and I'm a writer. I've always been a writer but it took me 50 years to realize it. I literally got up one morning and announced to my wife Christine that I was going to write a book. Now my life revolves around inventing interesting characters and telling their stories. I have a wonderful time creating 'real' people and setting them in difficult situations to see how they will cope; who will come out of the drama intact. I want the reader to feel they may be standing next to one of my characters at any time. It's been quite a journey and I'm very proud to have several 'Bestsellers' under my belt. I was also delighted when Games People Play - the first book in the Charlie Cameron series was long-listed for the McIlvanney Crime Book Of The Year alongside industry giants like Ian Rankin and Val McDermid. (Above Left: Owen Mullen in May of 2020. Copyright by Owen Mullen)

All of the Inside the Emotion of Fiction LIVE LINKS can be found at the VERY END of the below feature:

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2021/03/stephenson-holts-arranged-marriage-is.html

INSIDE THE EMOTION OF FICTION links

001 11 15 2018 Nathaniel Kaine’s

Thriller Novel

John Hunter – The Veteran

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/11/001-inside-emotion-of-fiction-nathaniel.html

002 11 18 2018 Ed Protzel’s

Futuristic/Mystery/Thriller

The Antiquities Dealer

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/11/002-inside-emotion-of-fiction-ed.html

003 11 23 2018 Janice Seagraves’s

Science Fiction Romance

Exodus Arcon

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/11/003-inside-emotion-of-fiction-exodus.html

004 11 29 2018 Christian Fennell’s

Literary Fiction Novel

The Fiddler in the Night

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/11/004-inside-emotion-of-fiction-christian.html

005 12 02 2018 Jessica Mathews’s

Adult Paranormal Romance

Death Adjacent

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/12/5-inside-emotion-of-fiction-jessica.html

006 12 04 2018 Robin Jansen’s

Literary Fiction Novel

Ruby the Indomitable

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/12/006-inside-emotion-of-fiction-robin.html

007 12 12 2018 Adair Valerez’s

Literary Fiction Novel

Scrim

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/12/007-inside-emotion-of-fiction-adair.html

008 12 17 218 Kit Frazier’s

Mystery Novel

Dead Copy

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/12/008-inside-emotion-of-fiction-kit.html

009 12 21 2019 Robert Craven’s

Noir/Spy Novel

The Road of a Thousand Tigers

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2018/12/009-inside-emotion-of-fiction-robert.html

010 01 13 2019 Kristine Goodfellow’s

Contemporary Romantic Fiction

The Other Twin

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/01/010-inside-emotion-of-fictions-other.html

011 01 17 2019 Nancy J Cohen’s

Cozy Mystery

Trimmed To Death

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/01/11-inside-emotion-of-fiction-nancy.html

012 01 20 2019 Charles Salzberg’s

Crime Novel

Second Story Man

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/01/12-inside-emotion-of-fiction-charles.html

013 01 23 2019 Alexis Fancher’s

Flash Fiction

His Full Attention

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/01/13-inside-emotion-of-fiction-alexis.html

014 01 27 2019 Brian L Tucker’s

Young Adult/Historical

POKEWEED: AN ILLUSTRATED NOVELLA

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/01/14-inside-emotion-of-fiction-brian-l.html

015 01 31 2019 Robin Tidwell’s

Dystopian

Reduced

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/01/15-inside-emotion-of-ficton-reduced-by.html

016 02 07 2019 J.D. Trafford’s

Legal Fiction/Mystery

Little Boy Lost

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/02/16-inside-emotion-of-fiction-little-boy.html

017 02 08 2019 Paula Shene’s

Young Adult ScieFi/Fantasy/Romance/Adventure

My Quest Begins

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/02/017-inside-emotion-of-fiction-my-quest.html

018 02 13 2019 Talia Carner’s

Mainstream Fiction/ Suspense/ Historical

Hotel Moscow

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/02/18-inside-emotion-of-fiction-talia.html

019 02 15 2019 Rick Robinson’s

Multidimensional Fiction

Alligator Alley

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/02/19-inside-emotion-of-fiction-rick.html

020 02 21 2019 LaVerne Thompson’s

Urban Fantasy

The Soul Collectors

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/02/20-inside-emotion-of-fictions-soul.html

021 02 27 2019 Marlon L Fick’s

Post-Colonialist Novel

The Nowhere Man

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/02/21-inside-emotion-of-fictions-nowhere.html

022 03 02 2019 Carol Johnson’s

Mainstream Novel

Silk And Ashes

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/03/22-inside-emotion-of-fictions-silk-and.html

023 03 06 2019 Samuel Snoek-Brown’s

Short Story Collection

There Is No Other Way to Worship Them

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/03/23-inside-emotion-of-fictions-there-is.html

024 03 08 2019 Marlin Barton’s

Short Story Collection

Pasture Art

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/03/24-inside-emotion-of-fictions-pasture.html

025 03 18 2019 Laura Hunter’s

Historical Fiction

Beloved Mother

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/03/25-inside-emotion-of-fictions-beloved.html

026 03 21 2019 Maggie Rivers’s

Romance

Magical Mistletoe

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/03/26-inside-emotion-of-fictions-magical.html

027 03 25 2019 Faith Gibson’s

Paranormal Romance

Rafael

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/03/27-inside-emotion-of-fictions-rafael-by.html

028 03 27 2019 Valerie Nieman’s

Tall Tale

To The Bones

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/03/28-inside-emotion-of-fictions-to-bones.html

029 04 04 2019 Betty Bolte’s

Paranormal Romance

Veiled Visions of Love

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/04/29-inside-emotion-of-fictions-veiled.html

030 04 05 2019 Marianne Maili’s

Tragicomedy

Lucy, go see

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/04/30-inside-emotion-of-fictions-lucy-go.html

031 04 10 2019 Gregory Erich Phillips’s

Mainstream Fiction

The Exile

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/04/31-inside-emotion-of-fictions-exile-by.html

032 04 15 2019 Jason Ament’s

Speculative Fiction

Rabid Dogs

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/04/32-inside-emotion-of-fictions-rabid.html

033 04 24 2019 Stephen P. Keirnan’s

Historical Novel

The Baker’s Secret

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/04/33-inside-emotion-of-fictions-bakers.html

034 05 01 2019 George Kramer’s

Fantasy

Arcadis: Prophecy Book

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/05/34-inside-emotion-of-fictions-arcadis.html

035 05 05 2019 Erika Sams’s

Adventure/Fantasy/Romance

Rose of Dance

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/05/35-inside-emotion-of-fictions-rose-of.html

036 05 07 2019 Mark Wisniewski’s

Literary Fiction

Watch Me Go

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/05/36-inside-emotion-of-fictions-watch-me.html

037 05 08 2019 Marci Baun’s

Science Fiction/Horror

The Whispering House

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/05/37-inside-emotion-of-fictions.html

038 05 10 2019 Suzanne M. Wolfe’s

Historical Fiction

Murder By Any Name

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/05/38-inside-emotion-of-fictions-murder-by.html

039 05 12 2019 Edward DeVito’s

Historical/Fantasy

The Woodstock Paradox

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/05/39-inside-emotion-of-fictions-woodstock.html

040 05 14 2019 Gytha Lodge’s

Literary/Crime

She Lies In Wait

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/05/40-inside-emotion-of-fictions-she-lies.html

041 05 16 2019 Kari Bovee’s

Historical Fiction/Mystery

Peccadillo At The Palace: An Annie Oakley Mystery

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/05/41-inside-emotion-of-fictions.html

042 05 20 2019 Annie Seaton’s

Time Travel Romance

Follow Me

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/05/42-inside-emotion-of-fictions-follow-me.html

043 05 22 2019 Paula Rose Michelson’s

Inspirational Christian Romance

Rosa & Miguel – Love’s Legacy: Prequel to The Naomi

Chronicles

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/05/43-inside-emotion-of-fictions-rosa.html

044 05 24 2019 Gracie C McKeever’s

BDMS/Interracial Romance

On The Edge

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/05/44-inside-emotion-of-fictions-on-edge.html

045 06 03 2019 Micheal Maxwell’s

Mystery

The Soul of Cole

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/06/45-inside-emotion-of-fictions-soul-of.html

046 06 04 2019 Jeanne Mackin’s

Historical

The Last Collection: A Novel of Elsa Schiaparelli and

Coco Chanel

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/06/46-inside-emotion-of-fictions-last.html

047 06 07 2019 Philip Shirley’s

Suspense/Thriller

The Graceland Conspiracy

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/06/47-inside-emotion-of-fictions-graceland.html

048 06 08 2019 Bonnie Kistler’s

Domestic Suspense

The House on Fire

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/06/48-inside-emotion-of-fictions-house-on.html

049 06 13 2019 Barbara Taylor Sissel’s

Domestic Suspense/Family Drama

Tell No One

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/06/049-inside-emotion-of-fictions-tell-no.html

050 06 18 2019 Charles Salzberg’s

Short Story/ Crime Fiction

“No Good Deed” from Down to the River

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/06/50-inside-emotion-of-fictions-no-good.html

051 06 19 2019 Rita Dragonette’s

Historical Fiction

The Fourteenth of September

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/06/51-inside-emotion-of-fictions.html

052 06 20 2019 Nona Caspers’s

Literary Novel/Collage

The Fifth Woman

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/06/52-inside-emotion-of-fictions-fifth.html

053 06 26 2019 Jeri Westerson’s

Paranormal Romance

Shadows in the Mist

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/06/53-inside-emotion-of-fictions-shadows.html

054 06 28 2019 Brian Moreland’s

Horror

The Devil’s Woods

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/06/54-inside-emotion-of-fictions-devils.html

055 06 29 2019 Rebecca Gomez Farrell’s

Epic Fantasy

Wings Unseen

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/06/55-inside-emotion-of-fiction-wings.html

056 07 02 2019 Randee Green’s

Mystery Novel

Criminal Misdeeds

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/07/56-inside-emotion-of-fiction-criminal.html

057 07 03 2019 Saralyn Richard’s

Mystery Novel

Murder In The One Percent

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/07/57-inside-emotion-of-fiction-murder-in.html

#058 07 04 2019 Hannah Mary McKinnon’s

Domestic Suspense

Her Secret Son

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/07/58-inside-emotion-of-fiction-her-secret.html

#059 07 05 2019 Sonia Saikaley’s

Contemporary Women’s Literature

The Allspice Bath

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/07/59-inside-emotion-of-fiction-allspice.html

#060 07 09 2019 Olivia Gaines’s

Romance Suspense Serial

Blind Luck

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/07/60-inside-emotion-of-fiction-blind-luck.html

#061 07 11 2019 Anne Raeff’s

Literary Fiction

Winter Kept Us Warm

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/07/061-inside-emotion-of-fiction-winter.html

#062 07 12 2918 Vic Sizemore’s

Literary Fiction-Short Stories

I Love You I’m Leaving

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/07/62-inside-emotion-of-fiction-i-love-you.html

#063 07 13 2019 Deborah Riley Magnus’s

Dark Paranormal Urban Fantasy

THE ORPHANS BOOK ONE: THE LOST RACE

TRILOGY

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/07/f063-inside-emotion-of-fiction-orphans.html

#064 07 14 2019 Elizabeth Bell’s

Historical Fiction

NECESSARY SINS

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/07/064-inside-emotion-of-fiction-necessary.html

#065 07 15 2019 Lori Baker Martin’s

Literary Novel

BITTER WATER

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/07/065-inside-emotion-of-fiction-bitter.html

#066 08 01 2019 Sabine Chennault’s

Historical Novel

THE CORPSMAN’S WIFE

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/08/66-inside-emotion-of-fictions-corpsmans.html

#067 08 02 2019 Margaret Porter’s

Historical Biographical Fiction

BEAUTIFUL INVENTION: A NOVEL OF HEDY LAMARR

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/08/67-inside-emotion-of-fictions-beautiful.html

#068 08 04 2019 Hank Phillippi Ryan’s

Suspense

THE MURDER LIST

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/08/68-inside-emotion-of-fictions-murder.html

069 08 08 2019 Diana Y. Paul’s

Literary Mainstream Fiction

THINGS UNSAID

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/08/69-inside-emotion-of-fictions-things.html

070 08 10 2019 Phyllis H. Moore’s

Women’s Historical Fiction

BIRDIE & JUDE

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/08/70-inside-emotion-of-fiction-birdie.html

071 08 11 2019 Sara Dahmen’s

Historical Fiction

TINSMITH 1865

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/08/71-inside-emotion-of-fiction-tinsmith.html

072 08 19 2019 Carolyn Breckinridge’s

Short Story Collection

KALIEDESCOPE & OTHER STORIES

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/08/72-inside-emotion-of-fictions.html

073 08 21 2019 Alison Ragsdale’s

Emotional Women’s Fiction

THE ART OF REMEMBERING

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/08/73-inside-emotion-of-fiction-art-of.html

074 08 22 2019 Lee Matthew Goldberg’s

Suspense Thriller

THE DESIRE CARD

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/08/74-inside-emotion-of-fictions-desire.html

075 08 23 2019 Jonathan Brown’s

Mystery/Amateur P.I.

THE BIG CRESCENDO

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/08/75-inside-emotion-of-fictions-big.html

076 09 02 2019 Chera Hammons Miller’s

Literary Fiction w/ suspense, concern with animals & land management

Monarchs of the Northeast Kingdom

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/09/76-inside-emotion-of-fictions-monarchs.html

077 09 09 019 Joe William Taylor’s

Literary Mystery

The Theoretics of Love

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/09/77-inside-emotion-of-fiction-theoretics.html

078 09 15 2019 Linda Hughes’s

Romantic Suspense

Secret of the Island

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/09/78-inside-emotion-of-fiction-secrets-of.html

079 09 19 2019 Max Elliot Anderson’s

Middle Grade Adventure/Mystery

Snake Island

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/09/79-inside-emotion-of-fiction-snake.html

080 09 22 2019 Danny Adams’s

Science Fiction

Dayworld: A Hole In Wednesday

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/09/80-inside-emotion-of-fiction-dayworld.html

081 09 24 2019 Arianna Dagnino’s

Social/Historical/Adventure

The Afrikaner

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/09/81-inside-emotion-of-fiction-afrikaner.html

082 09 29 2019 Lawrence Verigin’s

Thriller/Suspense

Seed of Control

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/09/82-inside-emotion-of-fiction-seed-of.html

083 10 05 2019 Emma Khoury’s

Fantasy

The Sword And Shield

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/10/83-inside-emotion-of-fiction-sword-and.html

#084 10 07 2019 Steve McManus’s

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller

SEVEN DEVILS

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/10/84-inside-emotion-of-fiction-seven.html

#085 10 08 2019 Sheila Lowe’s

Mystery/Psychological/Suspense with Scientific Bent

PROOF OF LIVE

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/10/085-inside-emotion-of-fiction-proof-of.html

#086 10 10 2019 Jess Neal Woods’s

Historical Fiction

THE PROCESS OF FRAYING

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/10/86-inside-emotion-of-fiction-process-of.html

#087 10 11 2019 Karen Odden’s

Historical Suspense

A TRACE OF DECEIT

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/10/87-inside-emotion-of-fiction-trace-of.html

#88 10 14 2019 Kate Maruyama’s

Love, Loss & Supernatural

“HARROWGATE”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/10/88-inside-emotion-of-fiction-harrowgate.html

#89 10 17 2019 Sherry Harris’s

Mystery

“LET’S FAKE A DEAL”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/10/89-inside-emotion-of-fiction-lets-fake.html

#90 10 18 2019 Linda Mooney’s

Science Fiction Apocalyptic/ Post Apocalyptic

“THE TRUNK”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/10/90-inside-emotion-of-fiction-trunk-by.html

#91 10 19 2019 Jayne Martin’s

Flash Fiction Short Story Collection

“TENDER CUTS”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/10/91-inside-emotion-of-fiction-tender.html

#92 10 22 2019 Janice Cole Hopkins’s

Inspirational Romance

“IT ALL STARTED AT THE MASQUERADE”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/10/92-inside-emotion-of-fiction-it-all.html

#93 10 29 2019 Kristi Petersen Schoonover’s

Short Story Collection

“THE SHADOWS BEHIND”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/10/93-inside-emotion-of-fiction-shadows.html

#94 11 01 2019 David Henry Sterry’s

Fiction: Sexual Violence

“THE TENDERLOIN WARS”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/11/94-inside-emotion-of-fiction-tenderloin.html

#95 11 03 2019 Jay Requard’s

Dark Fantasy/Horror

“DEATH & DUST: THE PALE SAND ADVENTURES”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/11/95-inside-emotion-of-fiction-death-dust.html

#96 11 04 2019 Caroline Leavitt’s

Fiction

“WITH OR WITHOUT YOU”

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/11/96-inside-emotion-of-fiction-with-or.html

#97 11 06 2019 Kelsey Clifton’s

Science Fiction

“A DAY OUT OF TIME”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/11/97-inside-emotion-of-fiction-day-out-of.html

#098 11 13 2019 John F Allen’s

Urban Fantasy Tale

“The God Killers’

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/11/98-inside-emotion-of-fiction-god.html

#99 11 16 2019 Damian McNicholl’s

Historical Novel

“The Moment of Truth”

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/11/99-inside-emotion-of-fiction-moment-of.html

#100 11 19 2019 Stacia Levy’s

Mystery/Suspense Novel

“Girl Crush”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/11/100-inside-emotion-of-fiction-girl.html

#101 11 24 2019 Charlotte Morgan’s

Fiction Novel

“Protecting Elvis”

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/11/101-inside-emotion-of-fiction.html

#102 11 26 2019 T. L. Moore’s

Children’s Christian Fiction

“Ed On My Shoulder: Maria & The Candy Trail”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/11/102-inside-emotion-of-fiction-ed-on-my.html

#103 11 27 2019 Jeanne McWilliams Blasberg’s

Coming of Age Literary Novel

The Nine

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/11/103-inside-emotion-of-fiction-nine-by.html

#104 11 29 2019 Charlotte Blackwell’s

Adult Paranormal

“MYSTIC EMBRACE”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/11/104-inside-emotion-of-fiction-mystic.html

#105 12 07 2019 Mike Burrell’s

Satire Novel

“THE LAND OF GRACE”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/12/105-inside-emotion-of-fiction-land-of.html

#106 12 09 2019 Phil McCarron’s

Screenplay

“Escapement”

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/12/106-inside-emotion-of-fiction.html

#107 12 11 2019 Wendy H. Jones’s

Crime Fiction/Police Procedural Novel

“KILLER’S COUNTDOWN”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/12/107-inside-emotion-of-fiction-killers.html

#108 12 13 2019 Sandra Arnold’s

Historical Literary Fiction

“The Ash, the Well and the Blue Bell”

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/12/108-inside-emotion-of-fiction-ash-well.html

#109 12 16 2019 Amalia Carosella’s

Historical/Contemporary/Duel Timeline/ Women’s

Fiction

“DAUGHTER OF A THOUSAND YEARS”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/12/109-inside-emotion-of-fiction-daughter_17.html

#110 12 19 2019 Laura Bickle’s

Weird Western/Contemporary Fantasy

“DARK ALCHEMY”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/12/110-inside-emotion-of-fiction-dark.html

#111 12 27 2019 Brian Pinkerton’s

Science Fiction Thriller

“THE GEMINI EXPERIMENT”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/12/111-inside-emotion-of-fiction-gemini.html

#112 12 28 2019 Sandra de Helen’s

Lesbian Thriller

“TILL DARKNESS COMES”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/12/112-inside-emotion-of-fiction-till.html

#113 12 29 2019 Jo Wilde’s

Vampire Thriller

“THE CROSSING”

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/12/113-inside-emotion-of-fiction-crossing.html

#114 12 30 2019 Sam Richard’s

Short Story Collection of Weird and Transgressive

Horror

“To Wallow In Ash and Sorrows”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/12/114-inside-emotion-of-fiction-to-wallow.html

#115 12 31 2019 Duncan B Barlow’s

Literary Fiction Novel

“A DOG BETWEEN US”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2019/12/inside-emotion-of-fiction-dog-between.html

#116 01 02 2020 Allison Landa’s

Young Adult Novel

“BAD HAIR”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/01/116-inside-emotion-of-fiction-bad-hair.html

#117 01 03 2020 Pablo Medina’s

Literary Satire Novel

“THE CUBAN COMEDY”

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/01/117-inside-emotion-of-fiction-cuban.html

#118 01 06 2020 William Trent Pancoast’s

Historical/Literary Novel

“THE ROAD TO MATEWAN”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/01/118-inside-emotion-of-fiction-road-to.html

#119 01 07 2020 Jane Bernstein’s

Contemporary Novel

“The Face Tells the Secret”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/01/119-inside-emotion-of-fiction-face.html

#120 01 09 2020 Terry Kroenung’s

Young Adult, Historical and Fantasy

“Brimstone And Lily”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/01/120-inside-emotion-of-fiction-brimstone.html

#121 01 12 2020 Melissa Yi’s

Fiction Thriller

“GRAVEYARD SHIFT”

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/01/121-inside-emotion-of-fiction-melissa.html

#122 01 15 2020 Marcie R. Rendon’s

Crime Thriller

“GIRL GONE MISSING”

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/01/122-inside-emotion-of-fiction-girl-gone.html

#123 01 16 2020 Tori Eldridge’s

Multi Genre Novel

“THE NINJA DAUGHTER”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/01/123-inside-emotion-of-fiction-ninja.html

#124 01 17 2020 Kristen Joy Wilks’s

Christian Romantic Comedy

“YELLOWSTONE YONDERING”

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/01/124-inside-emotion-of-fiction.html

#125 01 20 2020 Susan C. Shea’s

Cozy Mystery

“DRESSED FOR DEATH IN BURGUNDY”

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/01/125-inside-emotion-of-fiction-dressed.html

#126 01 22 2020 Phong Nguyen’s

Improvisational Fiction

“ROUNDABOUT”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/01/126-inside-emotion-of-fiction.html

#127 01 23 2020 Kate Thornton’s

Mystery Short Story In Its Entirety

“Ai Witness”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/01/127-inside-emotion-of-fiction-ai.html

#128 01 24 2020 Phil McCarron’s

Semi Fictional Essays

“The Great Facepalm: The Farce of 21st Century

Normality”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/01/128-inside-emotion-of-fiction-great.html

#129 01 27 2020 Kenneth Weene’s

Historicized Literary Fiction

“Red And White”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/01/129-inside-emotion-of-fiction-red-and.html

#130 01 28 2020 Graham Storrs’s

Science Fiction Thriller

“TimeSplash”

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com

/2020/01/130-inside-emotion-of-fiction.html

#131 02 08 2020 Angela Slatter’s

Short Story “Terrible As An Army With Banners”

From her Short Story Collection THE BITTERWOOD BIBLE AND OTHER RECOUNTINGS

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/02/131-inside-emotion-of-fiction-terrible.html

#132 02 11 2020 Joan Joachim’s

Romance

Just One Kiss

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/02/132-inside-emotion-of-fiction-just-one.html

#133 02 16 2020 Kelsey Clifton’s

Science Fiction

A DAY OUT OF TIME

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/02/133-inside-emotion-of-fiction-day-out.html

#134 02 17 2020 Soraya M Lane’s

Women Historical Fiction

THE GIRLS OF PEARL HARBOR

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/02/134-inside-emotion-of-fiction-girls-of.html

#135 03 07 2020

Linked Fiction

BLEACHERS Fifty-Four Linked Fictions

By Joseph Mills

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/03/135-inside-emotion-of-fiction-bleachers.html

#136 03 15 2020

Science Fiction Romance

BLUE VISION

By Marie Lavender

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/03/136-inside-emotion-of-fiction-blue.html

#137 03 17 2020

Crime Fiction

12 Bullets

by O’Neil De Noux

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/03/137-inside-emotion-of-fiction-12.html

#138 03 18 2020

Flash Fiction Piece

Radical

by Kelle Grace Gaddis

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/03/138-inside-emotion-of-fiction-radical.html

#139 03 20 2020

Mystery

HERE BE MONSTERS

By Jamie Sheffield

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/03/139-inside-emotion-of-fiction-here-be.html

#140 03 21 2020

Character Driven Novel

UNBROKEN

By Jamie Lisa Forbes

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/03/140-inside-emotion-of-fiction-unbroken.html

#141 03 23 2020

Literary Murder Mystery

COLD COUNTRY

By Russell Rowland

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/03/141-inside-emotion-of-fiction-cold.html

#142 04 01 2020

Sci-Fi/Paranormal

SWEET SLEEP

By Kim Cormack

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/04/142-inside-emotion-of-fiction-sweet.html

#143 04 02 2020

Western Noir Short Story

“Night Rounds”

by James Reasoner

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/04/143-inside-emotion-of-fiction-night.html

#144 04 03 2020

Southern Fiction

LITTLE TEA

By Claire Fullerton

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/04/144-inside-emotion-of-fiction-little.html

#145 04 04 2020

Mainstream novel with elements of crime, mystery, and magic

THE FORGETTING FLOWER

by Karen Hugg

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/04/145-inside-emotion-of-fiction.html

#146 04 07 2020

Historical Fiction

MEDICIS DAUGHTER

by Sophie Perinot

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/04/146-inside-emotion-of-fiction-medicis.html

#147 04 08 2020

Dark Urban Fantasy with elements of Paranormal Romance

COVEN BORN

by Stephanie Reisner aka AUDREY BRICE

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/04/147-inside-emotion-of-fiction-coven.html

#148 04 13 2020

Mystery With A Fantasy Twist

DEATH LIVES IN THE WATER

By Shoshana Edwards

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/04/148-inside-emotion-of-fiction-death.html

#149 04 14 2020

Historical Fiction

ASHES

by Sharon Glogal Friedman

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/04/149-inside-emotion-of-fiction-ashes-by.html

#150 04 19 2020

Vampire Horror Novelette

Blood Thrasher: The Devil’s in the Metal

by Adam Messer

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/04/adam-messers-blood-thrasher-devils-in.html

#151 04 25 2020

Historical Fiction

Charis in the World of Wonders

by Marly Youmans

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/04/marly-youmans-charis-in-world-of.html

#152 04 29 2020

Historical Fiction

The Master of Verona

by David Blixt

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/04/david-blixts-master-of-verona-is-152-in.html

#153 04 30 2020

General Fiction (Family)

Bread Bags & Bullies: Surviving the 80s

by Steven Manchester

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/04/steven-manchesters-bread-bags-bullies.html

#154 05 01 2020

Adventure-Thriller/Horror

Into The Ashes

by Lee Murray

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/05/lee-murrays-into-ashes-is-154-in-never.html

#155 05 06 2020

Coming of Age/Crime Novel

All Things Left In The Wild

by James Wade

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/05/james-wades-all-things-left-in-wild-is.html

#156 05 10 2020

Paranormal Mystery

Southern Bound

by Stuart Jaffe

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/05/stuart-jaffes-southern-bound-is-156-in.html

#157 05 13 2020

Mystery/Crime Novel

Yardbird

By Mark Slade

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/05/mark-slades-yardbird-is-157-in-never.html

#158 05 15 2020

Horror/Crime Novel

Hotel Nowhere

By David E Adkins

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/05/david-e-adkinss-hotel-nowhere-is-158-in.html

#159 05 16 2020

Satire/Crime Novel

THE LYING BASTARD

by Clint Margrave

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/05/clint-margraves-lying-bastard-is-159-in.html

#160 05 19 2020

Southern Gothic Fiction

REVIVING THE HAWTHORN SISTERS

by Emily Carpenter

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/05/emily-carpenters-reviving-hawthorn.html

#161 05 21 2020

Women’s Domestic Life Fiction

MERCY HOUSE

by Alena Dillon

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/05/alena-dillons-mercy-house-is-161-in.html

#162 05 26 2020

Screenplay/Film

BEAST MODE

by Drew Fortune and Spain Willingham

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/05/drew-fortunes-and-spain-willinghams_26.html

#163 05 31 2020

Coming of Age/ Psychological Thriller

MY SISTER & OTHER LIARS

by Ruth Dugdall

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/05/ruth-dugdalls-my-sister-and-other-liars.html

#164 06 01 2020

Psychological Thriller

IN HARM’S WAY

by Owen Mullen

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/06/owen-mullens-in-harms-way-is-164-in.html

#165 06 02 2020

Small Town Short Story Collection

SNAPSHOT “Old Lady”

by Eliot Parker

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/06/eliot-parkers-old-lady-from-snapshots.html

#166 06 04 2020

Noir Crime Novel

SKIN OF TATTOOS

by Christina Hoag

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/06/christina-hoags-skin-of-tattoos-is-166.html

#167 06 06 2020

Coming of Age/Historical

THE ORPHAN COLLECTOR

by Ellen Marie Wiseman

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/06/ellen-marie-wisemans-orphan-collector.html

#168 06 08 2020

World War Two Historical Fiction

THE PRISONER’S WIFE

by Maggie Brookes

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/06/maggie-brookess-prisoners-wife-is-168.html

#169 06 09 2020

Novella

(about the 1960s,

Rolling Stones in their exile,

genocide, it’s survivors, and

people from places that no longer exist.)

BLUE COAST MYSTERY: ALMOST SOLVED

by Nick Sweeney

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/06/nick-sweeneys-blue-coast-mystery-almost.html

#170 06 11 2020

Family Life/Coming of Age Novel

THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF SAM HELL

by Robert Dugoni

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/06/robert-dugonis-extraordinary-life-of.html

#171 06 26 2020

Women’s Divorce Fiction

QUEEN OF THE OWLS

by Barbara Linn Probst

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/06/barbara-linn-probsts-queen-of-owls-is.html

#172 07 01 2020

Short Story “The Belindas” from the Short Story Collection LOVE WAR STORIES

By Ivelisse Rodriguez

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/07/ivelisse-rodriguezs-short-story.html

#173 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

07 04 2020

Organized Crime Thriller

BLUES IN THE DARK

by Raymond Benson

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/07/raymond-bensons-blues-in-dark-is-173-in.html

#174 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

07 08 2020

Contemporary Literature & Fiction

THE ESCAPE OF MALCOLM POE

by Allison Burnett

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/07/allison-burnetts-escape-of-malcolm-poe.html

#175 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

07 09 2020

Horror Novella

TERMINUS STATION

by Jeff Lyons

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/07/jeff-lyonss-terminus-station-is-175-in.html

#176 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

07 12 2020

20th Century Historical Romance

“The Bootlegger’s Wife”

by Denise Devine

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/07/chris-rice-cooper-blog-176-inside.html

#177 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

07 24 2020

Literary Fiction Novel

“What Drives Men”

by Susan Tepper

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/07/susan-teppers-what-drives-men-is-177-in.html

#178 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

07 27 2020

Short story

“Tidings of Comfort and Joyce”

by Kimberly Kurth Gray

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/07/kimberly-kurth-grays-short-story.html

#179 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

07 28 2020

Historical Fiction

“Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey”

by Kathleen Rooney

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/07/kathleen-rooneys-cher-ami-and-major.html

#180 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

08 04 2020

Screenplay

“BUNNY”

by Shaun Hughes

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/08/director-shaun-hughess-screenplay-bunny.html

#181 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

08 09 2020

Short Story

“Wrong Road” from the Short Story Collection George’s Mother and Other Weird Stories

by Susan Berliner

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/08/susan-berliners-short-story-wrong-road.html

#182 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

08 11 2020

Thriller Mystery

“Death in the Time of Ice”

by Kaye George

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/08/kaye-georges-death-in-time-of-ice-is.html

#183 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

08 13 2020

Screenplay

“Igor and Frankie”

by Jim Picariello

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/08/jim-picariellos-screenplay-igor-and.html

#184 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

08 14 2020

Short Story

Short Story “Breaking on the Wheel” from the Short Story Collection No Call Too Small.

by Oscar Martens

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/08/oscar-martenss-short-story-breaking-on.html

#185 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

08 20 2020

Romance

A Secret, a Safari, a Second Chance

by Liz Fielding

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/08/liz-feldings-secret-safari-second.html

#186 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

08 26 2020

Mystery and Psychological Fiction

Falling Woman

by Richard Farrell

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/08/richard-farrells-falling-woman-is-186.html

#187 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

09 03 2020

Children’s Picture Book

MAC AND CHEESE AND THE PERSONAL SPACE INVADER

By Jolene Gutierrez

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/09/jolene-gutierrezs-mac-and-cheese-and.html

#188 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

09 07 2020

Screenplay

JUDE COLE

By Janelle Marie Evans

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/09/janelle-evanss-screenplay-jude-cole-is.html

#189 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

09 09 2020

Historical Christian Romance

UNTIL JUNE

by Barbara M Britton

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/09/barbara-m-brittons-until-june-is-189-in.html

#190 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

09 10 2020

Screenplay

THROUGH THE SILENCE

by Elaine Roberts-Kercheff

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/09/filmmaker-elaine-roberts-kercheffs.html

#191 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

09 16 2020

1960s Historical Fiction

California Dreamin’ Teens Interrupted 2

by KC Sprayberry

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/09/kc-sprayberrys-california-dreamin-teens.html

#192 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

09 17 2020

Screenplay

DAUGHTERS LOST TO THE DESERT

by April Snachez

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/09/kc-sprayberrys-california-dreamin-teens.html

#193 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

09 18 2020

Contemporary Literature and Fiction

THE SHAMAN OF TURTLE VALLEY

by Clifford Garstang

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/09/clifford-garstangs-shaman-of-turtle.html

#194 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

09 19 2020

Crime Fiction

THE ACE OF DIAMONDS

by ES Gibson

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/09/es-gibsons-ace-of-diamonds-is-194-in.html

#195 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

09 20 2020

Historical Fiction

Katherine-Tudor Duchess

by Tony Riches

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/09/tony-richess-katherine-tudor-duchess-is.html

#196 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

09 21 2020

Short Fiction

“Dinner Prep”

by Thaddeus Rutkowski

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/09/thaddeus-rutkowskis-dinner-prep-is-196.html

#197 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

09 22 2020

Screenplay

SWEET DREAMS

by Ben Johnson

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/09/bill-johnsons-screenplay-sweet-dreams.html

#198 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

09 26 2020

Crime Thriller

Dirty Deeds

by Armand Rosamilia

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/09/armand-rosamilias-dirty-deeds-is-198-in.html

#199 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

09 29 2020

Crime Thriller

Hunting Mariah

by Janice Spina

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/09/janice-spinas-hunting-mariah-is-199-in.html

#200 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

10 2020

Crime Novel

Indelible: A Sean McPhereson Novel, Book One

by Laurie Buchanan

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/10/laurie-buchanans-indelible-sean.html

#201 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

10 04 2020

Cross-genre novel

January River

by Bernard Jan

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/10/bernard-jans-january-river-is-201-in.html

#202 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

10 10 2020

Historical Novel

Robin Hood’s Dawn: The Earl of Huntingdon”

by Olivia Longueville

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/10/olivia-longuevilles-robin-hoods-dawn.html

#203 Inside the Emotion

10 14 2020

Historical Novel

The Alexanders Volume 1 1911-1920

by Allan Hudson

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/10/allan-hudsons-alexanders-volume-1-1911.html

#204 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

10 15 2020

Short story

Forget Me Not

by Angele Ellis

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/10/angele-elliss-short-story-forget-me-not.html

#205 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

10 16 2020

Coming of Age Fiction

My Gypsy War Diary

by Shawn Brink

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/10/shawn-brinks-my-gypsy-war-diary-is-205.html

#206 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

10 19 2020

Western Screenplay

The Search for Sundown, Texas

by Patrick Emralino

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/10/director-patrick-emralino-s-screenplay.html

#207 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

10 20 2020

Romance

A Promise for Faith-Briar Creek Love Book 1

by Stacy K Simmons

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/10/stacy-k-simmonss-promise-for-faith.html

#208 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

10 22 2020

Terrorism Thriller

Death In The Cloud

by E.J. Simon

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/10/ej-simons-death-in-cloud-is-208-in.html

#209 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

10 25 2020

Mystery

“The Nazi Spy Mystery Series Book 1”

by Alan Hardy

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/10/alan-hardys-nazi-spy-nazi-spy-mystery.html

#210 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

10 29 2020

Historical

“The Unbridled Tongue”

by Catherine Meyrick

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/10/catherine-meyricks-bridled-tongue-is.html

#211 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

11 03 2020

Short Story Collection

“Tales From Los Cabos”

by Lila C Duville

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/10/catherine-meyricks-bridled-tongue-is.html

#212 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

11 09 2020

Historical Fiction

“THE LAST OF THE ROMANS: FIGHT OR DIE”

by Derek Birks

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/11/derek-birkss-last-of-romans-fight-or.html

#213 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

11 12 2020

Historical Fiction

RISING FROM THE RUINS

by Anna Chant

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/11/images-in-this-specific-piece-are.html

#214 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

11 14 2020

Short Story

NEW SPEEDWAY BOOGIE

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/11/paula-persoleos-short-story-new.html

#215 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

11 29 2020

Science Fiction

A HOLE IN THE UNIVERSE

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/11/jack-wears-hole-in-universe-is-215-in.html

#216 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

12 11 2020

Historical War Fiction

The Wishing Well

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/12/matthew-hamiltons-wishing-tree-is-216.html

#217 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

12 22 2020

Historical Fiction

For Those Who Dare

By John Anthony Miller

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/12/john-anthony-millers-for-those-who-dare.html

#218 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

12 26 2020

Fiction focused on human trafficking in Nepal

Pakhalieko Sundo

By Dr. Sangita Swechcha

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2020/12/dr-sangita-swechchas-pakhalieko-siudo.html

#219 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

01 07 2021

Japanese Literature

“Loose Ends In Yokohama-A Story of a Man on a Mission to Make Peace with His Past”

by Alex Lund

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2021/01/alex-lunds-loose-ends-in-yokohama-story.html

#220 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

02 27 2021

Historical Fiction

“TRILLIUM”

by MLHOLTON aka Margaret Lindsay Holton

http://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2021/02/margaret-lindsay-holtons-aka-mlholtons.html

#221 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

03 12 2021

Women’s Fiction

“THE ARRANGED MARRIAGE”

by Stephenson Holt

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2021/03/stephenson-holts-arranged-marriage-is.html

#222 Inside the Emotion of Fiction

03 25 2021

Psychological Thriller

“DEADLY HARM”

by Owen Mullen

https://chrisricecooper.blogspot.com/2021/03/owen-mullens-deadly-harm-is-222-in.html

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Candice Kelsey’s “Toward an Arctic Circle” is #269 in the never-ending series called BACKSTORY OF THE POEM

*The images in this specific piece are granted copyright: Public Domain, GNU Free Documentation Licenses, Fair Use Under The United States Copyright Law.

The other images are granted copyright permission by the copyright holder, which is identified beneath each photo.

**Some of the links will have to be copied and then posted in your search engine in order to pull up properly

*** The CRC Blog welcomes submissions from published and unpublished poets for BACKSTORY OF THE POEM series. Contact CRC Blog via email at caccoop@aol.com or personal Facebook messaging at https://www.facebook.com/car.cooper.7

***Candice Kelsey’s “Toward an Arctic Circle” is #269 in the never-ending series called BACKSTORY OF THE POEM where the Chris Rice Cooper Blog (CRC) focuses on one specific poem and how the poet wrote that specific poem. All BACKSTORY OF THE POEM links are at the end of this piece.

Can you go through the step-by-step process of writing this poem from the moment the idea was first conceived in your brain until final form? I often collect phrases that I find unique in sound or ambiguity and see just how fecund they can be. Should they sprout in my imagination over time, I watch the process until it's time to sit down and play with them. That's what happened with the descriptions of the Arctic Circle I was reading about in a National Geographic magazine. Something about "club moss" and "naked chive" took root for me.

Soon I widened my focus and came to see the geography of Northern America somewhat paralleled my complex relationship with my mother, especially the recent text messages she had been sending me. It's one of life's inscrutable pursuits -- making sense of family -- so once I made the connection, the poem wrote itself. (Below Right: Candice with her mom. Copyright by Candice Kelsey)

Where were you when you started to actually write the poem? And please describe the place in great detail. I wrote this poem while sitting in the local fish shop where I live -- an odd place for a vegetarian, I know, but they have Pacifico on tap, lovely rice and beans, and just enough kitsch decor to forbid me to take myself too seriously. I kept squeezing more and more limes into my beer until finally, my thumbs were sticky on my phone as I typed into the Notes app and imagined wild salmon rather than the fried cod the firemen at the next table were scarfing down. (Below Left: The Local Fish Shop where Candice wrote "Toward an Arctic Circle")

What month and year did you start writing this poem? I believe this poem was written in the spring because I was trying to get to LMU on time to teach my freshman writing class. Although, in Los Angeles one never really notices distinct times of year.

How many drafts of this poem did you write before going to the final? (And can you share a photograph of your rough drafts with pen markings on it?) This poem had three distinct drafts, the final of which was sent to members of my writing group. Their notes are attached. (Right: Candice Kelsey's rough draft of her poem "Toward an Arctic Circle" Credit and Copyright by Candice Kelsey)

Were there any lines in any of your rough drafts of this poem that were not in the final version? And can you share them with us? I definitely changed the title of the poem from "My Mother Watches Dr. Phil" to 'Toward an Arctic Circle." Also, I added a bit more about why the text message about Dr. Phil upset me while also exploring a more contemplative tone as opposed to an indignant one by adding these lines:

"and succumb

to my marrowed guilt

for hesitating

to accept this apology"

What do you want readers of this poem to take from this poem? I hope there's at least one reader (daughter or mother, or both) who can identify with the all-encompassing yet often elusive quest to connect with one's own flesh and blood.

Which part of the poem was the most emotional of you to write and why? Definitely, I felt deep sadness in the final two stanzas:

I know now

we’ve gone too far –

these dunes

a desert mirage warmth

mere Ice Age relic –

so I tell it

thirty-five miles north

of us:

this place

I call

our Arctic Circle.

Has this poem been published before? And if so where? It was first published by Tiny Seed Press

https://tinyseedjournal.com/2019/06/23/toward-an-arctic-circle/

and featured in my collection Still I am pushing

https://www.amazon.com/Still-am-Pushing-Candice-Kelsey/dp/1646621603/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Still+I+am+pushing&qid=1616605841&s=books&sr=1-1

Toward an Arctic Circle

There are lines

my mother and I

cross borders

we step past

where flesh and bone

meet cranberry

and clubmoss

outside the truth

I like to call

our lower forty-eight.

We paddle

sometimes motor

up the Wild

Salmon River

toward the Boreal

Forest I know

as the northern limits

of mother and

daughter.

Like today

when she texted

I’m watching Dr. Phil

between caribou

and birch

and now I realize

I involved you

in adult issues when

you were just

a teen forgive me

Candice.

I mark time

to the rhythm of

the Great Kobuk dunes

while she inhales

the onion portage its

naked chive

growth glowing like

the screen

of my phone.

I’m watching

the white ruffs

chalk caribou

bulls' noble antlers

I read their

autumn pelage verse

and succumb to

my marrowed guilt

for hesitating

to accept this apology

not because

she’s thirty years late

to this continual night of

dwarf shrub

silence –

but simply

because her epiphany

came from

an unlicensed tabloid

psychologist

who peddles failed

weight loss

potions.

I know now

we’ve gone too far.

These dunes

a desert mirage

warmth

mere Ice Age relic

so I tell it

thirty-five miles north

of us:

this place

I call

our Arctic Circle.

CANDICE KELSEY's debut book of poetry, Still I am Pushing, just released with Finishing Line Press. Her poetry has appeared in Poets Reading the News, Poet Lore, and others while her micro-chapbook The Pier House is available from the Origami Poetry Project. She won the 2019 Two Sisters Writing's Steve Carr Contest, received Honorable Mention for Common Ground's 2019 Poetry Contest, and was nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Currently, she is working with the O, Miami Poetry Festival on an exciting project. An educator in Los Angeles for 21 years, she is devoted to working with young writers. (Right: Candice Kelsey giving a public reading. Copyright by Candice Kelsey)

Visit Candice at https://www.candicemkelseypoet.com