Guest Blogger: If the Voices in My Head Could Talk to One Another... by Ginger Simpson, Author of Odessa

Today's guest blogger is Ginger Simpson, author of Odessa.

When the wagon carrying Odessa Clay and her father overturns, he is killed. She is left alone in the middle of the desert to try to find her way to kin in Phoenix. Hot, dry and scared, Odessa is near death when Zach Johnson finds her. Squinting up into his tanned and handsome face, she imagines she’s died and gone to heaven.

Would-be-outlaw, Zach comes across an unconscious woman alone in the middle of nowhere. Where did she come from? She appears young, but the curves beneath the dusty gingham say otherwise. He didn’t plan to become someone’s hero, but he cannot leave her helpless and stranded.

Will the promise of Odessa’s sweet lips lure Zach from the secret mission that has his gut twisted into a knot? His father’s ranch isn’t the only thing at stake—now it’s his heart, too.

Read an excerpt!

After slipping the sheet music beneath the mattress, Odessa stripped down to her undergarments, hung her dress on the bedpost and crawled between the covers. She stifled a giggle. Zach would be surprised when she gave him the news of her plans, but she’d have to wait and pretend she found the job during the daytime. Believing she’d put something over on him brought a feeling of satisfaction. A smug grin tugged at her lips.

Fatigue from the long day embraced her. She plumped her pillow and pulled the blanket up beneath her chin. Releasing a relaxing sigh, she closed her eyes.

“You’ve been gone quite a while. Gonna tell me where you’ve been?” Zach’s deep voice cut the silence, startling her.

“Ah…I thought you were asleep.” “I’m sure you did.” He sat up, letting his blanket fall to his waist.

Distracted by moonlight from the window highlighting his bared chest and muscled arms, her alibi drifted right out of her mind.  

Read the reviews!

"Ginger Simpson's latest novel, Odessa, is the story of a brave, young woman who loses her father in a tragic accident while searching for her aunt, but finds true love in the process. Simpson brilliantly uses humor, lovable characters, and detailed description to transport the reader back to the Old West. When Zach, a would be outlaw under duress, meets Odessa in the desert and saves her life, little does he know that he would be in for the adventure of his life. After a short time together, there is nothing he wouldn't do to keep the pretty little spitfire safe. And, keeping Odessa safe, could be quite trying especially when the little spitfire is determined to risk her life to return the favor! With much determination and a spirit only found in the courageous pioneer women of the time, Odessa fulfills her dreams. This story is a delightful read. So, hold on tight to your horse, for you will experience the ride of your life!"

– Peer Review by Maggie Dove

 
If the Voices in My Head Could Talk to One Another...
by Ginger Simpson
 
I wonder now at people condemned to asylums because they insisted they had voices in their heads. Could they have been authors? Especially, 'pantsers' and don't do any plotting?

I never had voices in my head before I started writing...now I have more than I can handle in this lifetime...all screaming their ideas at me and wanting me to tell their story. I find myself so confused at times, I don't know which one to listen to, so I just don't write. I've tried revising my style to plotting, but I just can't do it. I need my characters to lead me, but when they're all shouting...

Here's a typical day in my life, from the perspective of me and my 'crew.'

Odessa: "It's been days since you've typed a word of my story. Here I am, all goosebumpy over the fellow who found me in the middle of the desert, I'm dying to kiss him, and you've just left me hanging. Get on with it,would you? Odessa should be a first priority."

Carrie: "Whoa, hold on Dessie. Wait your turn. Ginger started First Degree Innocence long before your silly tale. You just jumped in and interrupted her with the ploy about your pa being trapped under a wagon or some such nonsense. Your urgency is a kiss? Really. I'm stuck in prison for something I didn't do, some ballsy chick called Jet is after me to help her set up a friend by planting a shiv, and all you can worry about is when you're gonna get kissed. Give me a break."

Meagan: "Shut up, both of you. I gave Ginger the idea for a story that just might qualify for the Harlequin Undone series, even though she's not so great with steamy love scenes. *whispering* Don't tell anyone, but I think she's a prude at times.*back to yelling* The story requirement is only 15,000 words, so if you'll just take a seat and hold your tongues, maybe she can get creative and finish the damn thing. Crap...this just in. She shared the story with some cronies of hers and they tell her it's not hot enough. Now she's got this crazy idea to just make it an historical novella, called Tender Return. Geez, and I gave up my virginity for this?"

Clarence: "Good God, is bickering all you women ever do? I have murder cases to solve and lives to save. Sort of makes your silly little plot lines look weak, don't you think? I think The Locket should take precedence. Right now, I've only had two deaths and I'm working on the cases, but unless Ginger gets her butt in gear and pushes on with the story, I'll never find out who gets the necklace next, or where the darned thing came from. So stop your yammering so she can listen to me!"

Faith: *sniffing* "What about me? I'm still waiting for her to start In Search of Joshua. How am I ever going to find happiness if all you keep taking cuts?"

Clarence: "Taking cuts, my ass. You already have a book published with you as the heroine. Give someone else a chance. Geez, talk about greedy."

Faith: "Well, it's not just me that's anxious. The people who read the first book...at the least a couple of reviewers, didn't care much for the ending because I didn't connect with Joshua. I have to find him."

Carrie: "Take a chill pill, Faith. Try living behind bars and worrying your cellmate is going to snuff you out during the night and then come talk to me. I wish I knew if I was going to survive this story or not. I'm not getting any younger, ya know."

Joy: "Hey...don't forget me. I know she only typed a paragraph of my story, but I have a wonderful one to tell...and with a twist none of you have come up with. I think she's stalling on mine because she just can't get kinky. But, I intend to keep yelling in her ear until she finishes Joy's Revelation."

Odessa: Revelation, smevelation. It's late. We all have a gripe, but we'd better shut up so Miss EPPIE nominee can get some sleep or she'll never finish anything. At least we know she must have some talent. *laughing*. Good night guys. Talk to you tomorrow."

Clarence: "Okay, goodnight. But I get first crack at her in the morning. It's only fair because lives are involved."
Faith: "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah. Whoever screams the loudest... Goodnight everyone...you too John Boy

*group giggles*

Yes...that was a day in my head a few years ago. I'm happy to report that everything except "In Search of Joshua" has been finished and is either published or awaiting release. Wow...walk a mile in my shoes and then wonder why you aren't in a straight jacket somewhere.

Thanks to Cheryl for letting me share her blog today. If you want information on my books, you can find them all at http://www.gingersimpson.com/.

Retired from her big girl job, Ginger Simpson hoped to devote more time to writing, but caught up in the every day world of promotions, emails and chatting, she’s decided that one book a year might just be her norm. She spends some of her free time with husband, Kelly, and always finds time for Spencer, the love of her life. Her grandson, diagnosed with Autism, has shown her that with determination, all things are possible. Look how long it took Grandma Moses to find fame.

Visit Ginger online at:

http://www.gingersimpson.com/


http://mizging.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/mizging

http://www.twitters.com/mizging

Coming Soon: Shortcomings by Ginger Simpson!

Our shortcomings don't define who we are, unless we let them. Cindy Johnson needs to learn that. Born with one leg shorter than the other, she has no self-esteem because of the cruel comments and cold stares she receives from her classmates.  When Cory Neil, the football quarterback asks her to Homecoming, she's quite sure he's asked her on a dare and refuses.  It takes more than just her mother's assurances that Cindy's beautiful before she realizes she may have made a mistake in turning him down.

Read an excerpt!

Cindy paused outside the door to her Math class and took a deep breath. So far, she’d avoided an encounter with Cory or Sally, and now she’d have to face them both. Surely Sally would make sure Cindy heard all about the dance and her fabulous date. She’d never cut class before, but the thought crossed her mind. Instead, she pushed through her anxiety and limped inside.

Head down, she made her way to her desk beneath the burning weight of everyone‘s stares. She slid into her seat, wishing she could turn invisible, but knowing she eventually had to face the music.
“Welcome back, Miss Johnson,” the teacher called out. “We’re happy you’ve made such a rapid recovery. We only just learned on Friday about your accident.”

Cindy plastered a smile on her face. “Thank you, Mr. Hansen. It’s good to be back.” Had she really said that? She dared a glance at Sally and curled her lip at the pep captain’s conceited smirk. With Cory behind her, seeing his reaction was impossible. She dared not make an obvious turn in her seat.
Mr. Hansen fished through papers on his desk then looked up. “See me after class about your missed homework. I have the assignments listed for you.” He picked up a textbook from his desk. “If everyone will turn to page one hundred fifty, we’ll get started.”

She retrieved her book from her backpack and flipped to the correct section. Following the droning voice of the instructor, she felt a tickling sensation along her side. Lifting her arm, she found Cory had tucked a note there. Before removing it, she glanced up at the teacher. Sweet relief, his back was turned to the class as he focused on the blackboard. She hid the missive in the open pages of her book and read. “I missed you while you were gone, and I’m glad you weren’t badly hurt. Did you get my card?”

With her jaw tensed over that blasted non-emotion revealing card, she took pencil in hand and jotted her response on the back of his note: Yes, I got your card and I thank you for thinking of me, especially on a weekend when I know you must have been very busy.

She stared at the last remark and grimaced. Was it too catty? No, he deserved it. She quickly folded the paper in half, and while eyeing Mr. Hansen, did a half-swivel in her seat and pushed the note across Cory’s desk. She straightened, faced forward and enjoyed feeling rather vindicated. She dipped her chin and tuned into the teacher’s voice as he explained the formula on the board.

“Misterrrr Neal.” At the teacher’s voice, her gaze popped up. “Would you care to share with the class what you’re reading? I assume from your latest test grade, it isn’t your lesson!”

She could only imagine the horrified look on Cory’s face at the moment, and she cringed, awaiting his response. From the corner of her eye, she saw Sally’s smug smile.

“I’d prefer not to share, sir.” His voice sounded steady and in control, quite unlike her nerves.

“Then please pass the note in your hand forward and I’ll be happy to read it aloud.” Mr. Hansen’s gaze bored past her.

Cindy’s stomach roiled. If Cory got into trouble he could lose his place on the football team, and the season wasn’t over yet. Cindy slid from beneath her desk and stood. “Mr. Hansen.” Her voice trembled in rhythm to her knees. “It’s my fault. Cory sent me a get well card and I passed a thank you note to him. I apologize for disrupting the class.”

Mr. Hansen’s dark brow furrowed as he eyed her. “Well, Miss Johnson, because you’ve already suffered a great deal recently, I’ll let this pass, but…” His gaze scanned the entire class. “I will not tolerate any further note passing by anyone.”

SHORTCOMINGS BY GINGER SIMPSON IS COMING MARCH 1ST FROM MUSEITUP PUBLISHING!

Ginger Simpson retired from the University of California in 2003 in order to devote more time to her writing. She’s multi-published with several small houses and has decided to bloom where she’s planted rather than seeking a contract with a bigger house. Her grandson, Spencer, is autistic, and has been the biggest inspiration in her life. Watching him develop and improve has shone her that with perseverance, most hurdles aren’t all that tall.


Visit Ginger online at:


http://www.gingersimpson.com/
http://mizging.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/mizging
http://www.twitter.com/mizging

February Romance Novel Event: Odessa by Ginger Simpson

Would-be-outlaw, Zach Johnson finds an unconscious woman alone in the middle of nowhere. Where did she come from? First glance: she appears young, but the curves beneath the dusty gingham say otherwise. He didn’t plan to become someone’s hero, but how can he leave her stranded?

Will the promise of Odessa’s sweet lips lure Zach from the secret mission that has his gut twisted into a knot? His father’s ranch isn’t the only thing at stake—now it’s his heart.

Read an excerpt (PG rated)!

Odessa Clay struggled to lift the overturned wagon off her father. Her muscles burned and splinters dug into her palms, but Papa’s ashen face and eyes squinting with pain inspired her determination. She bit her bottom lip and struggled to stay calm.

“God, please help me,” she muttered through clenched teeth, as she pushed, shoved, and lifted with every ounce of strength she had left. The veins in the backs of her hands bulged, but the wagon didn’t budge. At one hundred pounds and barely five feet tall, she proved no match for solid wood. Her chest heaved and each breath took effort. She brushed sweat-dampened hair from her brow and knelt. All her struggling had only succeeded in setting the left rear wheel into a slow spin and creating an eerie whirring in the silence.

“Hold on, Papa. I’ll find some way to help you.” Her nails bit into her fisted palms.

His pale features contorted, and fear clutched her heart. She rose and stared up and down the trail. Nothing stirred except the hot wind that whipped her long hair into tangles and sent a dust funnel swirling in the distance.

Turning her attention back to her father, she again attempted to lift the wagon’s cumbersome weight and failed.

“Can anyone hear me?” She screamed the words as she searched the trail again.

The dirt road unfurled like a brown ribbon between the expanse of cactus and sagebrush. Odessa, refusing to let her father see her hopelessness, blinked back tears.

Anger heated her blood. This was all her fault. First her mother died giving birth, and now her father was dying because of her. He wanted her to have a woman’s influence in her life—have more opportunities. Their trip had gone smoothly until Papa failed to see a treacherous spot in the trail in time for the team to avoid it. The same wheel that spun now had been the one that slipped into a ragged rut and tipped the wagon over. She’d jumped clear, but her father remained pinned beneath the sideboard from the waist down. The accident snapped the harness rigging, and the animals ran off. What she wouldn’t give for one to wander back right now.

She rushed to the other side and pulled with all her might on the front wheel. Praying for strength, she gritted her teeth and tugged until splinters from the prickly-wooded spoke tore into her flesh. There was nothing she could do. The wagon wouldn’t shift.

Something stung above her left eye and she swiped her knuckles across the spot. Blood mixed with the dirt on her hand and created rust-colored mud. She wiped the stain on her sleeve and scanned the area for something to use for leverage. Her father had often lifted things by using a piece of wood or a log from a fallen tree. She hitched up her skirt and traipsed through sparse knee-high weeds, praying to find something—anything.

“Stay with me, Papa, I’m looking.” She cast another hopeful glance at the trail. Still no one in sight. Why had they decided to make this wretched trip to Phoenix? Just because Aunt Susan lived there? Odessa’s stomach churned with fear and her mind spun in a hundred directions. What if she couldn’t get Papa out?

Watch the trailer!



PURCHASE A COPY OF ODESSA BY GINGER SIMPSON AT ETERNALPRESS.BIZ!

Coming soon to Amazon.com in paperback and a Kindle edition!

Ginger Simpson retired from the University of California in 2003 in order to devote more time to her writing. She’s multi-published with several small houses and has decided to bloom where she’s planted rather than seeking a contract with a bigger house. Her grandson, Spencer, is autistic, and has been the biggest inspiration in her life. Watching him develop and improve has shone her that with perseverance, most hurdles aren’t all that tall.


You can find Ginger online at:


http://www.gingersimpson.com
http://mizging.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/mizging
http://www.twitters.com/mizging

Author Interview: Ginger Simpson, Author of Shortcomings

Joining us today is Ginger Simpson, author of Tender Return, Sarah's Journey, Odessa, and the upcoming YA novel, Shortcomings. We'll talk to Ginger today about her childhood, her writing, and what the future holds.

Welcome to our little home in the blogosphere, Ginger. It's great to have you with us. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I retired from the University of California in 2003 in order to devote more time to my writing. I'm multi-published with several small houses and have decided to bloom where I'm planted rather than seeking a contract with a bigger house. My grandson, Spencer, is autistic, and has been the biggest inspiration in my life. Watching him develop and improve has shown me that with perseverance, most hurdles aren’t all that tall.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in a small town in California called Sunnymead. When my family moved there it was just a little hole in the wall that the main hwy ran through on the way to Arizona. Now it’s a booming metropolis known as Moreno Valley, and I went back for a visit recently and nothing looked familiar…even the old homes where I used to live.

What is your fondest childhood memory?

All of my fondest memories center on Christmas and my father. He was Jewish, and although he didn’t believe in the “reason for the season,” he was a bigger kid than the four he had. Every year we vowed to open our presents on Christmas morning, and every Christmas Eve he would suggest we open just ONE. It wasn’t long before we were sitting in a mass of paper and bows, having failed once again to be patient. *smile*

When did you begin writing?

I have always like writing, even if only business letters at work or Christmas letters to family. I loved working in Graduate Studies at the university because it gave me an opportunity to develop forms, publications, presentations, and show off my strengths.


Do you write during the day, at night or whenever you can sneak a few moments?


I do my best writing at night, mainly because I’m a night person. I can only write when my character is yakking, so I’m sort of at the mercy of those voices in my head.

 

What is this book about?


Shortcomings is my first attempt at the YA genre. The story is about a young HS girl who is born with a deformity that rules her life and outlook.



What inspired you to write it?


I’m inspired by the characters in my head. Cindy showed up one day with a story to tell, and I wanted to hear it.

 Who is your biggest supporter?

My husband, Kelly.


Are you a member of a critique group? If no, who provides feedback on your work?


Yes, I totally believe in “the more eyes, the better.” My friends in the historical fiction critique group on yahoo have been most helpful and instrumental in helping me strengthen my stories. Even when my WIP is not historical, I have a few friends from the group with whom I exchange chapters via email.

Do you have an agent or are you looking for one?


If I was thirty or so, I would probably seek an agent, but I started writing for the love of it, and I’m sixty-five, so everything I accomplish on my own is a big reason for celebration. I don’t mean to be maudlin, but one never knows how long they have in this world. The competition is too keen for this old bird, and I know I can write. I’ve only received a few rejections, so that’s a good indicator.

Was the road to publication smooth sailing or a bumpy ride?


Bumpy, but only because I was a novice and didn’t do my homework. I recently held a workshop at the Muse Online Conference entitled, The Pitfalls of Publishing. I’ve had three really rotten experiences, working on the forth but keeping low. If you learn something from the experience though, it wasn’t a total loss. I just urge everyone to at least Google your proposed target house.


Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

Shortcomings will be released by MuseItUpPublishing in March. You can keep an eye on my author's page for news of this release and the other books I have under contract with them.

 Do you have a website and/or blog where readers can find out more?

You can find me all my videos, book covers, and blurbs on my newly-designed website at http://www.gingersimpson.com/ I also blog at http://mizging.blogspot.com/.

What is up next for you?

I have several books under contract with MuseItUp Publishing that will be coming out this year. Also coming in 2011 is my novel, The Locket, which will be published by Eternal Press.


Is there anything you would like to add?


Thank you, Cheryl, for allowing me time and space on your blog.

Thanks for spending time with us today, Ginger. We wish you continued success.