Events & the Story Behind the Story

Lots going on, and you’re busy, so I’ll get right to the point: I have events next week that I hope you’ll be able to attend if you’re in the area.

I don’t do many events, to be honest. Book tours are fun and stressful and time-consuming. And people are busy — they don’t go to as many events as they used to. Yet, I love meeting readers and talking about books and writing.

So if you live near Savannah, Georgia; Hilton Head, South Carolina; Houston, Texas; or Scottsdale, Arizona here’s where I’ll be and when:

June 23, 6:30 p.m.
E. Shaver Booksellers
Savannah, GA
More information here

June 24, 12:00 p.m.
PAID event: Lunch & Talk
Moss Creek Clubhouse
Hilton Head, SC
Reservations required, call 843-837-2230
$32/pp to cover the cost of lunch
Books will be available for sale/signing

June 27, 3:00 p.m.
Murder By The Book
Houston, TX
More information here

July 6, 7:00 p.m.
Poisoned Pen Bookstore
4014 N. Goldwater Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ
Allison joins Paul Doiron, author of Storm Tide
More information here

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In Cold Blood by Truman Capote was the first true crime book I read. I was thirteen. I was fascinated by the way the story unfolded, the psychology of the characters, and the small farming community. I originally wanted to write my spin on this classic true story, as well as pay homage to family farms. You might see some flashes of where this classic book influenced some of the narrative, but as the characters came to me, Whisper Creek veered in a completely different direction.

Most of my books start with a what if? scenario. For Whisper Creek, I asked, What if thieves are stuck in a rural community during a storm?

That became Chapter One. Rena, Brock, and Sam broke into a house in the middle of the night when they thought the owner was gone. He wasn’t. They escaped, but Sam was shot and they are stuck in a torrential downpour and their options are limited.

But the story itself is about a widow, Ellen McKenna, and her family who are still grieving the accidental death of her husband last year and struggling to keep their generational farm afloat while a large neighboring farm wants their land for unknown purposes.

So I put myself in their shoes (and did a lot of research.) What does a farm have to do to prepare for a storm? What are the greatest dangers? I also had to figure out what they farmed, if they had cattle, what farm animals they raised, and what they did with them. I learned so much about the risks and dangers of a small(ish) farm and why so many small farms are either selling out to larger farms, or finding ways to change and grow themselves.

Then I had to decide about characters. I understood the motivations of the bad guys from the very beginning. Some of them I had some sympathy for, even though they made many bad choices. But a book like Whisper Creek needs characters readers want to root for, and while the book is driven by Ellen McKenna, I wanted each McKenna to play an important role. I loved ten year old Bobby who is looking for a stray cat, Cleo. And eighteen-year-old Jake, who is now the man of the house and feeling the weight of his responsibilities. Of course Grandma Penny, who says what needs to be said. They all work together to protect the farm, and each other, while learning the truth about why Verdacorp wants their land.

My goal with all my books is to tell a good story so when you turn the last page, you think, That was a good read. Your time is as valuable as mine, and I want your time to be well spent reading my book. I hope you feel that way after reading Whisper Creek.

I always appreciate readers spreading the word about my books. Truly, the most valuable marketing is word of mouth. Please feel free to download any of the images in this newsletter and share with friends, family, or on social media. If you liked Whisper Creek, I always appreciate the time readers take to post reviews, or sending me a note telling me they liked a book.

The sweepstakes ends Monday. Enter here for a chance to win the prizes shown on the page AND to name the Great Pyrenees who is featured in my next stand alone thriller (tentatively titled LOOKOUT FALLS, coming next summer!)

Thank you for being loyal readers. I wouldn’t be able to write without you.

Warmly,

Allison

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