Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Guest Blogger, Shirley McCann

http://www.amazon.com/Anonymously-Yours-Shirley-McCann-ebook/dp/B00J9QO8HW/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1395923895&sr=1-4&keywords=shirley+mccannAnonymously Yours has gone through several rewrites over the years. What started out as a YA novel finally evolved into more of a cozy mystery for readers of all ages. Truth be known, it was actually the first book I ever wrote. I’d put it aside for many years, thinking it was time to move on and forget about it, but something wouldn’t let me do that. Every once in a while, I’d pull it back out and work on it a bit.

Then when I pitched the book to an Avalon editor who seemed very interested in it, my hopes of publishing it escalated. I sent in the first three chapters, and was soon asked for a full. But as most of us know, Avalon is no more, and the book didn’t make it to publication.

It was during a Savvy Authors pitch that I once again attracted the interest of two editors. I won’t mention the second one, but I’m so happy to be associated with The Wild Rose Press. I loved the experience of going through several editing phases to make the book as perfect as could be.  I’m enclosing an excerpt below. Please enjoy.
EXCERPT:  The blood drained from my face. My body numbed from the shock of Justin’s words. There had to be some mistake! How could the police have found nothing at Michael Black’s house this morning? I was there! I had witnessed a woman’s lifeless body slide onto the living room floor in a crumpled heap.
It didn’t make sense.
Despite the warmth of the day, a shiver shook my body. If Michael Black’s wife had died ten years earlier, then who did I see at that house?
Something was terribly wrong. But what could I do? How could I explain a missing corpse?
 
Here's the link if you'd like to purchase a copy.  Reviews are always welcome. 
 
 
Anonymously Yours
 
Got Time? 13 Solve It Yourself Mysteries
 A Collection - 13 Short Mysteries
 The Necklace - A Middle Grade Mystery
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4 comments:

Beth said...

Hi Shirley!

I didn't realize this was the first book you had ever written. Interesting how it evolved from a YA to a cozy mystery.

I'm glad you loved the editing process. You know I usually hate editing, but somehow, with a publisher, I'm enjoying it. It's really nice to see if a page or two go completely untouched by them! :)

I love the cover and wish you great success. ANONYMOUSLY YOURS is near the top of my TBR pile!!!

Anonymous said...

Ooh, that gave me shivers. Thanks for sharing!

Shirley said...

Thanks Ladies. Beth, I hate to give up on anything. Not sure that's a good thing. But in this case, it paid off.

Sharon, glad it sounds scary. But my newest contracted YA will hopefully be scarier!!

VJ Schultz said...

Hi Shirley!

Isn't it cool that the first book you wrote is now published! Congratulations! Great excerpt from your book…it makes me want to turn the page and read more.

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