Thursday, June 29, 2017

Wolf's Claim: Published!

Published: Wolf's Claim, Second Book in the Texas Ranch Wolf Pack Series

After multiple edits and re-edits, Wolf's Claim, the second book in the Texas Ranch Wolf Pack series is available on Amazon, a full two weeks before my arbitrary deadline!

This novella was fun to write and tells more about Nate and his abilities. In this story, you also meet Eli Thomas, Nate's foster-brother, and best friend.

Wolf's Claim Blurb:

When human-raised Nate mates with Janelle and becomes Alpha to the Texas Ranch Wolf Pack, he knows his life will change forever. He just doesn't know how much . . ..

Then the Were Council, Rulers of Were, decrees death to an entire werepanther clowder for crimes their dead Queen committed. As a cop, Nate defended helpless people. When the new Queen asks Nate for sanctuary, how can he turn her away?

But it isn't easy combining a pack of werewolves and a clowder of werepanthers when both sides fear the other. Especially when Lycos, ancient King of Were appears . . ..

This is the second novella in the Texas Ranch Wolf Pack series.

If you would like to read the first two chapters free, you can find them on the post titled Preview of Wolf's Claim, A Texas Ranch Wolf Pack Story.

If you read, please leave an honest review. Other readers depend on reviews to help them find books they will enjoy reading. Thank you.

Until Later,















Get Caught Up on the Series!


Book 1: Wolf's Man
Book 2: Wolf's Claim
Book 3: Wolf's Mission
Book 4: Wolf's Huntsman
Book 5: Wolf's Reign (Coming Soon!)

Sunday, June 25, 2017

Wolf's Claim Update

Wolf's Claim Book Cover

Wolf's Claim Update


At this point, I believe I only have two chapters to go. This means my new book in the Texas Ranch Wolf Pack series, Wolf's Claim, will be published on or before the July 15th deadline I set for myself.

You might have noticed I changed the cover again. I won't claim that I have decided on the final, final cover again, but I hope this is the last revision. Let me know below what you think of it.

I had to stop writing a few times to do some research. Even so, there may be factual errors in some places. If so, it was not for lack of trying to find information.

I have also been studying the craft of writing more. This is a study I started over 20 years ago, and I am always thrilled to learn more.

If you haven't read the first in series, Wolf's Man, it's available in Kindle Unlimited.  If you have a Kindle Unlimited subscription, you can read it free. If not, the price is $2.99 for the Kindle version. You can find it on Amazon.com or you can click on the image at right.

Questions? Feel free to ask!

Later,











UPDATE:

Wolf's Claim has published! Find it on Amazon.com.



Get Caught Up on the Series!


Book 1: Wolf's Man
Book 2: Wolf's Claim
Book 3: Wolf's Mission
Book 4: Wolf's Huntsman
Book 5: Wolf's Reign (Coming Soon!)

Monday, June 19, 2017

Wolf's Son: A Texas Ranch Wolf Pack Short Story

Free Short Story!

Wolf's Son

I have been asked why and how Nate didn't know his own past. This story is told in a short story, Wolf's Son.

Wolf's Son is a free story for anyone who signs up for my list. The list will be used to announce when new books in the Texas Ranch Wolf Pack Series are published and will offer reviews of books by other authors in whom you might be interested.

This story was one I fully enjoyed writing. As a pantser (a writer who sits and writes, usually without much of an outline), this story revealed some facts to me, as the author, that will change the course of my current work in progress, Wolf's Claim

Wolf's Claim continues the story of the Texas Ranch Wolf Pack and will publish in July.


About Wolf's Son

When newborn Nate shifts just minutes after he is born, his parents panic.

The ability to shift at birth is unheard of and is the hallmark of a powerful were. 

Jackson, the pack Alpha and the baby’s uncle, is a jealous leader, murdering all who might ever have the power to overcome him.

Desperate to save his son from his twin, Grant takes his mate and baby and runs.

Nate could be the most powerful werewolf since Lycos . . . if they can escape Jackson’s clutches . . . if they can hide him from the Alpha . . . if they can keep him alive . . ..

When Jackson sends his Beta, Dustin, after them, Grant is willing to fight to the death for his family.

Will Dustin try to return them to Jackson or will he help them escape when he learns the truth?



The first scene of Wolf's Son is included below to give you a taste of the story:


Preview: Wolf's Son



Grant wrapped his newborn son in a small blanket and put him in his mother’s arms. The wonder on her face matched that in Grant’s heart. I have a son! Visions of running through the pack howling his news vanished when Linette gasped. In her arms, their tiny baby shimmered, then changed to a squirming, whining pup. Blinking at the panic in Linette’s eyes, Grant shook his head. “It can’t be,” he whispered to his mate. “It can’t!”

Beneath his son, Linette's chest labored with her panicked breathing. “Grant, if Jackson finds out . . ..”

“Shhh.” His heart raced and sudden beads of sweat dripped into his eyes. “Shhh.” Closing his eyes, Grant pressed his hand to his pup’s tiny head. Change and do not shift again! A soft puppy whine ended as the pup shifted back to a baby.

Grant leaned close to his mate and pressed his hand to her forehead. Jackson will not harm him. We must leave. Now. Tonight. Before the others know he has birthed.

Wordless, she nodded. Her pain shivered through him. It’s too soon to move her, he told Fareth. If we don’t, she and the pup will die. Grant’s jaw ticked. Over my dead body. Fareth, his wolf, agreed.

To be continued . . ..

This story is free in PDF format. Click on the Wolf's Son cover image in the right column to sign up and receive the full story.

Thank you for reading!

Until later,


Update on Wolf's Claim, Book 2 in the Texas Ranch Wolf Pack Series

 Wolf's Claim Cover

Wolf's Claim Update

After many tries, I finally decided on this cover. Gone is the man, replaced by the more muscular guy in this photo. Since I purchased the photo, don't be too surprised if you see the bearded man on a future book cover.

Mostly, though, I had trouble finding the right wolf to use. Now that I have decided on a wolf, I think I will use the same wolf and blue background on all future covers, and just change out the character on the front.

Now, about the story of Wolf's Claim. At this point, I have just over 21,000 words. The climax is still ahead, and I'm really excited to write it. 

New characters introduced in the Wolf's Son short story will make an appearance in this book, as well as most of the characters from Wolf's Man (Book 1).

I am working on a way to get you a free copy of Wolf's Son. To get it, you will need to opt-in to my mailing list for the Lynn's Muse Newsletter. 

You are free to opt-out at any time. Just scroll to the bottom of any email, and click the link to manage your subscription. A page will open giving you the option to opt-out. 

Unfortunately, I am having some trouble getting the automation sequence to work. As soon as I figure it (today or tomorrow), I will add a post about Wolf' Son

I'm off to work on Wolf's Claim. Have a great day!

Until later,

UPDATE:

The free opt-in for Wolf's Son now works. Get your copy by clicking the cover image on the right side of the screen. Enter your e-mail address, then verify your want to join my list when you get the verification email. You will receive an email welcoming you to my list, and then another email with the link to download your copy of Wolf's Son.

2nd UPDATE:

 Wolf's Claim has published!


The cover has changed again! 

Wolf's Claim has published. 

Read FREE in KindleUnlimited.


Saturday, June 10, 2017

Preview of Wolf's Claim, A Texas Ranch Wolf Pack Story

Update on Wolf's Claim, Book 2 in the Texas Ranch Wolf Pack Series

In a previous post, I shared my revised cover for the next book in the series, Wolf's Claim.

The writing is going well, and I'm over 11,000 words, now.

I received my work back from my beta reader and made some changes that tightened up the prose and made the book a better read. At least that is my hope.

I would love to read your comments. Please post them below.
Here is an advance look at the first two Chapters:

King’s Prophecy


Lost to Were
One will rise
Lycos, Defender
Protector, King

Chapter 1


Nate ran his hand through his hair and tried again to make sense of the figures in the spreadsheet columns. So much had happened in the last week, he felt out of his depth. I’m a cop, not an accountant! Cops are supposed to work in the public, not be cooped up in an office reading complicated spreadsheets.
We are Alpha. Nate raised an eyebrow at Koreth’s thought. “Yes, I know.” He sighed. “And I don’t regret resigning from the force. I just don’t like working with numbers much.” He shook his head. “Just don’t have the patience for it.”
Though he knew Koreth would hear and understand his thoughts, Nate had decided it was easier to keep his own thoughts separate from Koreth’s by speaking out loud when there was no need for silent communication. Deep in his mind, Nate felt Koreth’s amusement.
When his cell ringtone sounded, Nate felt relief for the interruption. “Nate, here.”
“Nate, it’s Ben.” Ben hesitated, then spoke in a rush. “The clowder is in trouble. I will explain later, but I would like to bring them all to the ranch.”
“What kind of trouble?”
“Flora got a call this morning from a friend of hers that works with the Were Council. They got the reports of the attack that Jonathan sent them. They’ve decreed clowder extermination, because of Lorena’s actions.” Ben cleared his throat. “You are their only chance, Nate. I hate to beg, but . . ..”
“Bring them in, Ben. We’ll see what we can do to fix this.”
“We’re on our way. Umm, there are 27 of us, counting me.” Ben cleared his throat.
Nate frowned. Twenty-seven? “How soon will you be here?”
“We’re in Seguin, so it won’t take too long. Thanks, Nate.” There was a strained silence on the cell, then Ben cleared his throat again. “The Council Execution Squad won’t be far behind us.”
“We’ll be ready.” After ending the call, Nate shoved the spreadsheets into a drawer. Koreth sent an assembly call to the pack as Nate headed downstairs.

*****

“They’re coming here?” Reese seemed to strangle on his words. “Here? After they killed most of the pack?”
Nate’s gaze pinned the teen, only letting up when the boy started squirming. “The old Queen caused all the deaths. Those coming are innocent and will be treated as such unless it is proven they were involved. Understood?”
When Reese nodded, albeit unhappy with the command, Nate turned to look over the group gathered at the table. “There will be 26, in addition to Ben. They’ll be here within the hour. The Council Execution Squad is on their heels.” He stopped and looked at each of the were. “I plan to offer them asylum.”
Several voices started at once, then silenced when Nate held up his hand. “I know why you feel like you do. I understand that you probably hate them and maybe fear them.” He leaned forward, again capturing their full attention. “These people did nothing. Just as you follow the orders of your Alpha, they follow the orders of their Queen. Lorena and her family caused the deaths here. Lorena and her family are dead. These people were not involved.”
Reese muttered under his breath, “They knew.”
“Maybe. We don’t know that.” Nate frowned. “I don’t condone what they did. I won’t pretend it didn’t happen or that there are no repercussions, but neither will I allow innocents to die if there is something I can do to prevent it.”
“Nate, going against the Council could get us all in trouble, too.” Janelle bit her lip, then shrugged. “I don’t want to see innocents hurt, either, but what can we do?”
“You can do nothing.” Nate stood and walked to the window. Staring out at the yard, he lifted the melded medallion he wore and fingered the design. “Koreth and I will deal with the Execution Squad.”
“They’ll kill you!”
The fear in Janelle’s voice brought Nate around to face her. “Koreth,” he said quietly, “it’s time.”
Nate closed his eyes and tilted his head back. Sudden silence swept the room as he changed. Not into a wolf, but into the wolf-man of ancient legend.  Instead of shrinking into Koreth’s wolf form, Nate grew until he stood seven feet tall. His shoulders widened, the fabric of his t-shirt shimmering away.
Nate brought his face down, his glowing red eyes fixed on his pack. His snout twitched, sniffing the pack. Behind him, his tail ripped through his jeans and swished from one side to the other. As one, the pack scooted their chairs away from the table and dropped to their knees, heads bowed.
Nate was surprised that his voice was so raspy and much deeper than normal when he said, “We will claim the clowder as pack. We will protect all.”
So, when did we start using the royal ‘we?’ Nate asked Koreth. In his mind, Koreth smirked at him. When we became Us.

Chapter 2


As quickly as he became wolf-man, Nate shimmered and once again became human. The pack kept to their knees. Frowning, Nate walked to Janelle, captured her elbow in his large hand and gently pulled her to her feet. He cupped her face in his right hand and raised her eyes to his. There was wonderment in her eyes. That he could understand. He was a bit overwhelmed with his new change ability, too. What he didn’t expect and didn’t like was the touch of fear he saw in her eyes.
“Janelle?”
She swallowed and a single tear coursed down her cheek. Nate caught it with his thumb. “What’s wrong?”
Jonathan cleared his throat. “Umm, Nate.”
Turning only his head, Nate looked at him. There was fear and . . . Nate raised an eyebrow . . . compassion? After a quick glance at the kneeling teens, Nate sighed. “Get up, Jonathan. You, too, kids.”
Their move to their feet seemed almost reluctant. None of the kids would look at him. He blew his breath out in a loud whoosh. “Okay. Someone tell me what I obviously don’t know. What’s going on?” When no one answered, he looked specifically at Jonathan. “Talk, Jonathan.”
Adam’s apple bobbing several times, Jonathan raised his fearful gaze to meet Nate’s. “You are Lycos.” His voice held a slight tremor. “Lycos are the . . . ancient rulers of all shifters.”
“Ancient rulers?”
“There have been no Lycos since just after the Time of Separation when the Ancient sent his sons out to build their own packs.”
“Okay. So why do I feel there is more to this than you’re telling me?”
Janelle turned her face and pressed a kiss into his palm holding her cheek. “Nate, we need to talk. Not here, not now.” She glanced at Jonathan. Nate frowned when Jonathan nodded at her. She turned back and took his face in both her hands. “You have much to learn, and little time.” She looked deep into his eyes. “With your permission, Koreth?”
Granted.
Nate could tell all the pack heard Koreth. They each gave their attention to Janelle as she dropped her hands from Nate’s face and turned to face them. When she spoke, her voice dripped with the power of Koreth’s reinforcement. “This will not be discussed with anyone, not even among yourselves. Until this command is rescinded, this is a private pack matter.”
Again, as one, the pack bowed their heads to acknowledge and accept the command. Nate glanced at Janelle, right eyebrow raised. “You will explain?”
“I will,” she motioned toward the front of the house, “but not now. The cats have arrived. Nate, they cannot know of this new ability until you fully understand it.”
For a long moment, Nate studied her worried brow and her fearful eyes. Our mate is right. This is not for them to know, yet. Nate sighed and ran his right hand through his hair. Okay. I’ll keep quiet about it for now. He could feel Koreth’s sympathy for him and his questions.
Blowing a breath out puffed cheeks, Nate offered Janelle his hand. “The Execution Squad will be right behind them. Let’s get them in the house, for now.”
Janelle slipped her smaller hand inside his and walked with him through the house to the front porch. Behind him, he could hear whispers, then Koreth’s booming command filled Nate’s head. Command was given. You will obey!
Immediately, the whispers stopped. Nate was almost sorry for the teens when he felt the resulting fear that radiated from behind him. He sighed and glanced down at Janelle. “Will things ever be normal around here?”
Behind the fear that still gleamed in her eyes, Nate could see her sad smile. “We are were, Nate. You will never have the normal you grew up with.”
Nate heard the boys sniggering. Glancing over his shoulder, he quirked an eyebrow at them. The girls started giggling, hands covering their mouths. He could tell the boys wanted to laugh and were just a bit afraid to.
Jonathan grinned at him. “You might want to change your pants, Nate. Without the tail, your briefs are gaping.”

To be continued . . ..

Thank you for reading this two chapter excerpt. Please let me know what you think.

Until later,




P.S. The first book in the Texas Ranch Wolf Pack Series, Wolf's Man, is available on Amazon.com.
Click here to learn more about Lynn Nodima!

Click here to read the first chapter of Wolf's Man!

UPDATE:


The cover has changed.

Wolf's Claim has published!

Read Wolf's Claim FREE in KindleUnlimited!

Friday, June 9, 2017

New Cover for Wolf's Man

New Cover vs. Old Cover

The new cover is on the left.

 New Cover for Wolf's Man


After feedback from writers, readers, and cover designers, I have recreated the cover of Wolf's Man as shown in the first image above. The wolf in the first cover seemed to be the most often cited issue, as it seems too happy and dog-like to be a werewolf running for her life.

I love the image of the couple, with the wolf looking on. In the new image, the wolf's eyes are faintly glowing red.

If you read my book, please leave a review on Amazon.com. Reviews are the lifeblood of authors. Your review will help the author to learn more about his or her craft, as well as help other readers find books they might enjoy.

I would love to hear what you think of the new cover.

To read the first chapter FREE, visit this page.

Until later,


Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Writer's Groups Help Writers Grow Their Craft

Writer's Groups and Writer's Workshops

Writer's groups and writer's workshops help writers hone their craft. Talent is one thing, and to one degree or another, I believe most would-be writers have some talent, or they wouldn't want to write. Skill, however, is another thing entirely. Telling a good story involves more than just blurting it out on a page.

Before you start with a writer's group, you should at least have a good understanding of the language in which you are writing. If you are writing in English, you need to have a solid knowledge of grammar. Like a carpenter needs to have knowledge of tools, wood, plans, and the skill to use them, a writer must know spelling, grammar, plotting (even pantsers need to think through a plot when problems arise), more. 

For instance, I know what a circular saw is. I even know how to use it. But I don't know how to use it to build a house, cabinets, or fine furniture. Knowledge does not equal skill. The proper use of carpentry tools is not part of my skillset. My dad, who was a carpenter, could build a house from the ground. He could lay the foundation, frame it out, put up walls, install windows and doors, roof it, and then finish out the inside with plumbing fixtures and hand-built cabinets. More than a carpenter, he was a craftsman with wood and building materials. Dad could read and write. He could tell some of the best yarns told in Texas, but he was not a writer. He did not understand grammar. Nor did he want to. 

Grammar

Grammar is a tool a good writer must have in his or her toolset, and skillset. Before trying to sell anything, I highly recommend either taking a grammar course or purchasing a good grammar book and working through it. The best grammar book I have found, with solid explanation and examples, is Easy Grammar Plus. The book has been used extensively by homeschool parent to teach their children grammar. It has the lesson, the assignment, and the answers so you can check your work to make sure you are understanding what you learn. To be honest, this book explained prepositions to me. Prepositions are a topic I never understood in school, but now I know what they are, how to identify them, and how to use them in my own writing.

Craft of Writing Books


Books on the writing craft are excellent helps, too. 

While you can learn your writing craft without a writer's group, the group will help you learn faster.  Malcolm Gladwell, in his book Outliers, states that mastery of a field takes about ten thousand hours of practice. In a Reddit article, Gladwell later explained that what he meant was "natural ability requires a huge investment of time in order to be made manifest."  My contention is that if a person desires to be a writer, truly desires it, the 10,000-hour rule will help. What this means is that every time you sit down to write, you are adding to your 10,000 hours of practice. 

Learning grammar counts toward your 10,000 hours. Learning to plot or plan story arcs goes toward your 10,000 hours. Rear in chair, fingers on keyboard, typing words in a story or book counts toward your 10,000 hours. Using a pen and pencil to write counts. And listening to critiques and suggestions from a good writer's group counts, too.

Want to be a writer? Write. Write more. Write even more. To learn something, you have to do it. So do it. 

Writer's Groups

Writer's groups can be wonderful. 

If you find the wrong group, they can also be destroying. You need a group that does not tear down a writer's work simply because it is better than that of other writers. You need a group that does not think they are better than everyone else. Haughtiness and pride have no place in a good writer's group. Not even a group of multi-published, well-known authors. If you find a group that makes you feel unworthy, foolish, stupid, or miserable with their comments and critiques, run. You don't owe them anything. You do, however, owe yourself the best chance to succeed. And the group you found is not it. Rather than build you up and help you learn your craft, they will tear you down until you quit. Again, run.

The group you want to find will require members to be kind. It will require members to leave politics, religion, and any other topic that will cause issues, at home. Members will be interested in learning to hone their own craft and help you hone your own. Sound too good to be true? It isn't. I was luck that the first writer's group I was involved with had strict rules for behavior. Anyone who could not or would not abide the rules was asked not to return, and they were not allowed to read if they did return. I lost access to my first writer's group when I moved too far away to attend the meetings.

These days, however, there are some excellent writer's groups online. Check out Facebook. Type writer's groups in the search box. A long list of groups will display. Most will be private and you will have to ask to join. Find one you like. I am a member of several, but since your writing genre, etc., may be different than mine, I won't recommend any specific group. Just remember that there are all kinds of groups. Some are kind. Some are not. I do recommend lurking for a while after you are accepted into the group. Introduce yourself, but then don't engage until you have spent some time reading comments and posts in the group. If they are not a group to your liking, leave the group. Before posting anything, though, be sure to read the rules. All groups have them. And some groups will expel you for a first offense against them, and not let you back in. These groups are usually some of the better ones. 

After being accepted and lurking a while, start posting. Be kind. Be courteous. Stay on topic, and remember the group rules. Don't flame anyone. Don't get into an argument or even a strong discussion. If you have strong feelings against something the group seems to consider okay, again you can leave the group. 

Last thoughts on online writers groups: Leave personal topics at home. For the most part, or at least until they know you better, your group will not care that you have a new kitten or puppy, or that your child got all A's on a report card. There are other groups for these posts. There are a few groups that encourage sharing personal content, but others that will not be happy with it. 

What Can You Learn from Writer's Groups and Workshops?


Pacing, structure, character development, dialogue, and more. How to write in such a way that your story is more immediate. The importance of inserting details into the text early on, rather than having your protagonist suddenly pulling out a weapon the reader never knew he or she had. How to write dialog that sounds normal when read. When to use, and not to use, contractions such as aren't and isn't. How to stay in point of view and avoid head-jumping, and so much more it would take days to list it all.

Find a good writer's group or train yourself with grammar books and writing craft books. Practice, practice, practice. That's the main ingredient to your writing success. Before self-publishing your books and stories, before searching for an agent, before submitting to traditional publishers, you must have a well-written manuscript.

Questions? Please add your questions and comments below.

Now go forth and practice! 

Until later,


Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Wolf's Claim Cover Comparison


Which Cover Do You Like?

Please let me know which you prefer: Cover A or Cover B


Hi!

My writing is going well for Wolf's Claim. I decided that maybe the cover I had planned didn't fit the story well enough, so I updated with cover with more saturated color and a wolfman instead of a friendly wolf head. Which do you prefer?

I look forward to reading your comments!

Until later,


P.S. After some feedback, I have changed the model and the wolf. See what you think of the image below:

Please let me know what you think in the comments below!
Thank you!