Enter the Hero . . .

Sunday 2/27 10:12 AM

I so enjoyed your responses, that I decided to draw TWO winners: CONGRATULATIONS to JAN MARIE and to KELLY. I will be sending you each signed copies of Critical Care!

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As many of you know, I love to open my novels with an action scene, physical, emotional, and loaded with conflict. I want to grab my readers and pull them, breathless, into my characters' world. And in all three Mercy Hospital books, this scene introduces the story's hero. Like in this opening snippet from Critical Care, a finalist for the 2010 Carol Award:

Don’t die, little girl.

Dr. Logan Caldwell pressed the heel of his hand against Amy Hester’s chest, taking over

heart compressions in a last attempt to save the child ’s life. Her small sternum hollowed and

recoiled under his palm at a rate of one hundred times per minute, the best he could do to mimic

her natural heartbeat. A respiratory therapist forced air into her lungs. Don’t die. Logan glanced

up at the ER resuscitation clock, ticking on without mercy. Twenty-seven minutes since they’d

begun the code. No heartbeat. Not once. Time to quit, but--he turned to his charge nurse, Erin

Quinn, very aware of the insistent wail of sirens in the distance. “Last dose of epi?”

“Three minutes ago.”

“Give another.”

Logan halted compressions, his motionless hand easily spanning the width of the two year

old’s chest. He watched until satisfied with the proficiency of the therapist’s ventilations,

then turned back to the cardiac monitor and frowned. Asystole--flat line. Flogging this young

heart with atropine and then repeated doses of epinephrine wasn’t going to do it. A pacemaker,

pointless. She’d been deprived of oxygen far too long before rescue. Logan pushed his palm into

Amy’s sternum again and gritted his teeth against images of a terrified little girl hiding in a toy

cupboard as her daycare burned; and a frantic search in a suffocating cloud of smoke, amid the

chaos of two dozen other burned and panicking children . . .

Exciting, commanding--offering a hero who takes center stage immediately. In the *working draft of my newest book, (tentative title) Trauma Plan, I plan to introduce hero Jack Travis in similar fashion:

“Man on fire!”

What ?

Jackson Travis hurled his duffel bag to the floor and charged back out the clinic’s door, his government-issue mountain boots pounding the splintered wooden porch. He squinted into the April sun: the parking area was swarming with people. A car swerved toward the San Antonio Street curb, brakes screeching, as he vaulted over the porch rail. Honks joined a rising barrage of shouts and screams.

“Someone’s burning up--film it!”

Jack waded into the crowd, clenching his teeth at a confirming whiff of smoke and singed hair, far too reminiscent of those long-ago weeks in Khandahar. . . . {scene shortened for excerpt} . . .

“Hold still!” Jack raced forward, knelt beside the victim—felt an immediate jab of pain in his right knee. He ignored it and went to work, blinking against the smoke and flames as he stripped off his field jacket. “Don’t move, sir. I’ve got you.”

He used the heavy fabric to extinguish the flames; patting, slapping, smothering the still-hungry blaze. Then swaddled the man inside the jacket and eased him down to the dusty asphalt. The burn victim struggled, whimpered, and Jack pinned his arms as gently as he could to keep him from getting up again. The raw panic in the old man’s eyes made Jack’s throat tighten. “Easy, buddy. Hold still,” he whispered. “Let me help you now". . . .

Besides the action, each opening scene aims to give the reader a glimpse into the emotional character of the hero. Logan Caldwell's internal plea that his patient won't die.

Jack Travis' visceral reaction to the burning man's pain, his gentle, reassuring whisper.

I think the combination of strength and compassion is important in a hero. Add his willingness to fight for a cause (for Logan, building a top-notch medical team) (for Jack, saving his urban free clinic), a good measure of human flaws, a conflict-filled situation that forces him out of his comfort zone and challenges him to change . . . and you have the makings of a story.

Of course, if it's a romance--and it is, if I'm writing it--there will be an equally compelling heroine. Stay tuned, in a couple of weeks, I'll give you an opening glimpse at Nurse Chaplain Riley Hale, the leading lady for Trauma Plan.

And be sure and stop by next Sunday, when fabulous author Leanna Ellis "covers my shift."

But right now, let's have a book giveaway! Leave a comment below for your chance at a signed copy of Critical Care. If you haven't read it, here's your chance. If you have, keep it for your collection of autographed books, gift it to a friend . . . or donate it to your favorite library. I want to keep sharing this (exciting and) encouraging story of hope.

Be sure to leave an e-mail address so that I can contact you if I draw your name.

I'll pick the winning name in a random drawing on Sunday, February 27th.

Good luck!

* This brief, edited snippet is a working draft, and will very likely change in the (several) revisions that happen before the book goes to print*

Book Winners!

This morning I dropped your names into my pretty crystal bowl, stirred them up . . . and drew two giveaway winners:

Wilma M. will receive a signed copy of Thicker than Blood

Karen K will receive my Advanced Reader Copy of Bound by Guilt

Congratulations! And a big thank you to author CJ Darlington for "covering my shift!"

Author CJ Darlington ~ Cover My Shift # 1

I'm SO excited to tell you that the wonderfully talented author CJ Darlington has offered to "cover my shift" today. Some of you already know her work, but for some this will be a new introduction. Let me tell you that her wonderfully drawn characters in Thicker than Blood and( soon to be released) Bound by Guilt captured my heart, and the fast-paced and emotional stories kept me turning the pages! Today CJ has a special message for you. But first, here's a brief biography of this amazing young woman:

C. J. Darlington won the 2008 Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel contest with her first novel, Thicker Than Blood. She has been in the antiquarian bookselling business for over twelve years, scouting for stores similar to the ones described in her novels before cofounding her own online bookstore. In 2006 C. J. started the Christian entertainment Web site www.TitleTrakk.com with her sister, Tracy, and has been actively promoting Christian fiction through book reviews and author interviews. A homeschool graduate, she makes her home in Pennsylvania with her family and their menagerie of dogs and cats.

And now here's that special message from CJ just for you:

Even though we live on opposite coasts, Candace Calvert and I share a few things in life---like wonderful Tyndale House editors and the love of flavored coffee. But one thing we've recently discovered about each other is our mutual love of horses. I don't own a horse of my own (yet), but I've been privileged to know several who've touched my heart. I'm not exactly sure what it is about horses that attracts people, especially us gals, to them. Maybe it's that amazing combination of beauty and strength all rolled into one furry package. But there's something, and I'm glad God made them for us to enjoy.

One of the joys of being a novelist is the ability to include many of our interests in our novels, and Candace and I both got to put horses in our latest books! Finally all those hours of barn time are being put to good use, right Candace? Ha ha.

Have you ever thought about how horses forgive like God forgives? How many times will we make a mistake that upsets our horse only to turn around the next day and they're nickering for us at the gate? They live in the moment, as do all animals, and it's a great reminder of how we should too. After all, didn't Jesus say to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread? Don't worry about tomorrow for it has enough worries of its own?" Horses get that. They apply it to their lives. They don't care how much money we have, what we look like, or who we are in the world. It's what's in our hearts that counts.

So while Candace is pounding away at the keyboard to bring you her next soulful drama, may we take the time to give some extra attention to the animals in our lives and remember that God put them there to bring us great joy! (Of course, our cats are there to keep us humble.) Animals aren't our whole lives... but they make our lives whole.

Thanks for letting me scrub in here, Candace! Keep up the great work, my friend. We're all rooting for you!

=====

Very best,

C.J.

Oh, I SO agree about the animals . . . Thank you, CJ! Now here is an introduction to her upcoming release, Bound by Guilt:

Shuttled between foster homes, Roxi Gold will do anything to fit in. Soon she’s traveling the country stealing rare books from unsuspecting bookstores. Police officer Abby Dawson has seen the worst of society—and not just at work. One fateful night, both their lives are changed forever. One searches for justice, the other finds herself on the run. Will the power of forgiveness set them free?

And here's Thicker than Blood, her award-winning debut novel:

Winner of the 2008 Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel contest

Christy Williams finally has her life on track. She’s putting her past behind her and working hard to build a career as an antiquarian book buyer. But things begin to unravel when a stolen Hemingway first edition is found in her possession, framing her for a crime she didn’t commit. With no one to turn to, she yearns for her estranged, younger sister, May, who she abandoned in their childhood after their parents’ untimely deaths. Soon Christy’s fleeing from her shattered dreams, her ex-boyfriend, and God. May’s Triple Cross ranch could be the safe haven she’s searching for, but will the sisters realize that each possesses what the other desperately needs before it’s too late?

Trust me, both of these books are must-reads, and here's your chance to win a copy. Leave a comment below to be entered in the giveaway. I'll randomly draw two names on Monday, February 7th. One lucky person will receive my Advanced Reader Copy of Bound by Guilt. And the other winner will receive a signed copy of Thicker than Blood, courtesy of CJ.

Be sure that you leave an e-mail address so that I can contact you.

I'll post winning names here on Monday the 7th.

Best of luck to all of you. And thank you, CJ, for covering my shift!

Cover My Shift Giveaways

When I worked in the ER, my shifts were scheduled six weeks at a time--meaning, I knew only that far in advance what my life would be like. For instance, I'd work 7 AM to 7 PM three weekdays and have four days (including a weekend) off. The next week maybe I'd be working three weekend shifts and have my days off starting on Monday. It was enough to make my new husband (who worked bankers' hours, like most sane folks) completely crazy.

But with the schedule in my hands I did know when I had to show up with scrubs and a stethoscope around my neck. Prepared for anything. To save lives, control chaos, dodge a right hook . . . or entertain--ask any Triage Nurse valiantly trying to keep things sane in a waiting room full rambunctious children and grumpy adults with non-emergent complaints. Exam glove balloons, jokes . . . tap dancing. Really. The medical version of the Southwest Airlines flight attendants' shtick. Anything to help ease the waiting room angst.

Anyhow, once it was finalized, any deviation from the work schedule had to be approved by the ER Director, and if I wanted to take a day off, it was MY responsibility to find a qualified nurse to "cover my shift." I'll be honest with you: sometimes bribes were involved. And, trust me, I was willing to stoop to that when I thought I wasn't going to get my schedule changed to accommodate my honeymoon in Venice. But mostly, I counted on friends to help me out by "covering my shift." And I'd reciprocate, of course. That's what friends do.

But now, as an AUTHOR, I know my work schedule MONTHS in advance. YEARS, actually, when you consider a multi-book contract like the one I just signed (still grinning) with Tyndale House. Now the scheduling "glitch" happens when there is a lag-time between books. As in the lengthy stretch of time between the release of Code Triage in October of 2010, and the anticipated release of (working title) Trauma Plan in spring of 2012. Oh, yes, I hear you counting. I hear the loooong sighs. And I'm honored by your kind impatience! I assure you that I am typing as fast as I can. Still . . .

If I were in the ER, and you were in the waiting room, I might be blowing up a few exam glove balloons and dusting off my tap shoes. But I have a better idea:

I'll get some (very) qualified folks to "cover my shift." Authors--friends--that I trust to take over in my absence. And to do that, I'm going to offer regular BOOK GIVEAWAYS during the months that I am heads-down and working toward my scheduled deadlines. You'll have a chance to meet (re-discover or re-gift) some very talented writers, and I'll feel secure knowing that these cool folks are "covering my shift" while I am working on new stories just for you.

My goal will be to offer a chance at free books each month. I'll announce this in various places. Here on RX: Hope. On my FaceBook Page or Twitter. And/or via my newsletter. It will be up to you to stay tuned to those venues (and to say "hi," so I don't get lonely at the keyboard).

I'll offer a variety of CBA books in several subgenres, including Historical, Women's Fiction, Medical Suspense, Romantic Suspense, and more. I'll also include selections from the Mercy Hospital series--just so you don't forget me. AND I'm prepared to offer Amazon e-books, to readers who prefer that reading format.

First giveaway February 1st. Check back here to see who "covers my shift."

What do you think? Fun? Can I count on you in my "waiting room?"

New Year, New Books!

In my Christmas greeting to readers, I mentioned "exciting book news" to be revealed in January. As you can probably guess, this picture hints at that--and, no, it's not that my computer gave out and I'm having to write longhand. (Although I did just notice that I've worn the "L" completely off my keyboard)

This photo was taken on 1/11/11 (how's that for an auspicious beginning date?) and shows me:

SIGNING A NEW 3-BOOK CONTRACT!

Meetings, proposals, and contract talks had been going on for many weeks, and it was so hard to keep things mum (picture me making key-locking gestures over my lips) (patience is not my finest attribute)--but now we are official! And, as you can tell, I'm pretty excited. Here is what I know so far:

I will be writing a second 3-book medical drama series for my (fabulous) publisher, Tyndale House. My editors will be the ones that I've so enjoyed working with before: Jan Stob, and Sarah Mason (editor for Code Triage) Both are pictured pictured below, along with super-agent Natasha Kern.

Though similar to the Mercy Hospital series in elements (medical scenarios, action, romance, faith issues), this new series will not be connected--with the exception of a "spin off" heroine, nurse-chaplain Riley Hale from Code Triage.

All three books will be set in Texas locations. Beginning with San Antonio.

I'll be completing the first book (tentative title Trauma Plan) on or before July 1st. And (since it takes about the same time to publish a book as it takes to have a baby) that should mean a spring 2012 release date.

I've promised the books 9 months apart.

I know (especially since many of you have complained . . . oops, I meant advised) that spring of 2012 seems like a long time away. It is, and I am completely honored by your kind impatience!

However, be assured that I'm typing as fast as I can (enough to wear the letters off my keyboard). And that I'll keep you updated on the progress here, via my newsletters, and on FaceBook and Twitter. Those of you who follow my posts on those social networks have already heard me calculating (and celebrating or bemoaning) daily word counts. And revealing those Whoopi-Goldberg- in- "Ghost" moments when the new characters "talk" to me. If that doesn't scare you off, by all means please jump in and follow along as I work to bring you the first book in this exciting new series!

In that vein, here's a little teaser blurb for Trauma Plan:

“Side-lined after a violent assault, Nurse-Chaplain Riley Hale is determined to sharpen her skills and return to full nursing duties in the Alamo Grace ER. Even if means volunteering at an urban free clinic run by Dr. Jack “Rambo” Travis, a community pariah with a dangerous past--who intends to use her prominent family’s connections to save his clinic.”

I'm having fun writing these new characters--and a story set amidst the colorful sights, sounds, and tastes of spring "Fiesta" celebrations in San Antonio. We're already breaking confetti filled eggs, and hearing Mariachi music, and hankering for enchiladas . . . with a side of slow-cooked Brisket.

Stay tuned: I plan to share "tastes" from the manuscript here from time to time, too.

Meanwhile, the Mercy Hospital books are still available for folks (family and friends!) who haven't yet "scrubbed in." Or for a re-read, if you're inclined (author grin).

And I'll be hosting book giveaways and interviews with fellow authors, too.

Again, THANK YOU for your encouragement and support--YOU are the biggest reason that my stories of hope will continue!

Unexpected Joys

Tiny hands, itty-bitty pink rolling pin, BIG excitement: our grand daughter, Ashland Skye, making her very first gingerbread cookies. Grandma CeCe (that's moi) laughed out loud after Mom peeled away the extra pieces of spice-fragrant dough, and our little flour-coated baker squealed, "There's a MAN!"

It was a wonderful day, with giggles, frosting smears, candy sprinkles (more on her face than on the cookies), and precious firsts. First cookie bake with grandma, first Christmas in our new California home. And, for me, an unexpected moment of joy: teaching Ashland to use her tiny rolling pin by demonstrating with my heavy marble one--a gift from my mother many years ago. It almost felt like she was there with us, Bebe (her Grandma name) CeCe, and Ashland, our eager third generation cookie baker. Huge lump in my throat, and big, big blessing. It was the perfect start to a wonderful Christmas celebration. And better than any costly, ribbon-wrapped present.

Were you gifted with an unexpected joy this Christmas?

Congratulations

I've SO enjoyed reading all of your comments--and especially the fact that you made gratitude "contagious" here on RX: Hope by sharing your thankful moments. A few minutes ago I put all of your names in the pretty red-rimmed Christmas bowl that was a gift from my publisher. I stirred them around, breathed a prayer, and . . . we have a winner:

Congratulations, Becca!

Becca will receive a copy of Critical Care, Disaster Status, and Code Triage, signed and personalized for keeping or gift-giving.

Again, thank you all--you are a blessing to me. And remember, if you'd like signed bookplates for your copies of my books, just let me know and I'll get them out to you. If they are for gift books, let me know by December 15th, so that I'll have time to mail the personalized book plates to you. You can e-mail me at : candace(at)candacecalvert(dot)com.