The Green-Eyed Doll by Jerrie Alexander
BLURB:
Catherine McCoy is
running from her past. She's been on the move for a year, hiding the secret and
guilt in her heart. When she lands in small-town Texas and meets Sheriff Matt
Ballard, he ignites a flame she thought lost forever.
Matt has scars of his
own. He left the big city after an undercover operation went bad and his
partner was killed. Now, as Matt hunts for a serial killer who paints his
victims like porcelain dolls, Catherine becomes a safe haven for him. Two
tortured souls finding comfort in each other's arms—until he uncovers her
secret, and their bond of trust is broken.
When Catherine
disappears, Matt races to find her, fearing the murderer has found his next
green-eyed doll. But the killer has a surprise coming. Catherine will fight to
the death before she'll be a victim. But will her determination be enough?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
INTERVIEW:
1. Where did you get the idea for the novel?
I write strong women. So I started running scenarios about a
survivor who'd been through hell. I decided just when she thought life was good;
I'd send her a serial killer.
He had to be real, motivated, so I researched. And not just
a little, I spent a long time figuring out why he was evil. Then I had to give
him somebody in particular to hunt.
Then I started the old, 'what if' in my head.
2. Your title. Who came up with it? Did you ever change your
title?
That's a great question. The minute I knew what set the
killer off, I had the title. It was perfect. No, I never considered changing
it.
3. Which came first, the title or the novel?
Actually, the premise. The one line idea triggered the
title. After that, my slightly left of center imagination took off.
4. Since becoming a writer, what’s the most exciting thing
to ever happen to you?
The offer to publish my book! I've contracted three books,
and I can promise you, it never gets old. Writers know all about rejection.
It's a way of life. To have someone tell you they love what you've written
enough to publish it...well, it's almost better than sex!
5. What book are you currently reading or what was the last
book you read?
Last Man Standing by Cindy Gerard. I'm first in line when
she has a new book release.
6. What was your first book that you ever wrote (very first
one you wrote, not published)?
Oh, this is painful! Before I discovered that people had to
die in my books for me to be happy, I tried my hand at contemporary romance.
These Boots Were Made For Walking was the very first one. It was a hot mess and
will never see the light of day. It was the beginning of a learning curve for
me.
7. What is your writing process?
I don't actually lay out a plot. The thought gives me a full
body shiver. I write character descriptions for each person, print and hang
them on a board in front of me. I develop their history, conflicts and decide
what obstacles to give them, what they have to overcome to get their happy ever
after ending. Then I let them tell me how to get there.
8. Who are your favorite authors of all time?
No fair! We don't have enough space or time to list them
all. Of course, I love Cindy Gerard, but there are tons of authors who I love
and respect their work.
9. At a book signing, do you just sign your name or do you
write a note? How do you come up with stuff to say?
The Green-Eyed Doll is my debut novel, so I've yet to be
asked for my signature. I'd have to say how much I appreciate them believing in
me enough to spend their hard earned money on my book...okay, that may be too
long, but I'll say thank you for sure.
10. What is something people would be surprised to know
about you?
That I'm shy. It's hard for me to walk up to a stranger and
start talking. I'm getting better, but toss me in a room full of people I don't
know and my heart pounds hard enough to crack a rib.
11. How do you react to a bad
review?
Since I haven't had a review
yet, I'd have to say...lot's of chocolate and a box of Kleenex. I wouldn't
respond, because not everyone will love my writing, I get that. But it would
hurt.
12. How did you celebrate the
sale of your first book?
You mean after the jumping up
and down, laughing and crying ended. If I remember correctly, we went out to dinner
(or supper as we say in Texas).
EXCERPT:
Catherine paced and argued with herself. Should she
stay or go home? She’d told Matt he’d need a friend after the first woman went
missing and now this. She couldn’t imagine the pressure he must be under. Her
plan was to have a hot supper waiting for him. She’d basted and basted until
the roast withered and fell apart. The once firm potatoes? Mush. The gravy was
a light brown paste.
Benedict Arnold stood and trotted to the back door
before Catherine heard Matt’s pickup. The dog was glad to know Matt was home,
too. She leaned back against the kitchen counter and waited.
“Hey.” A lame greeting, but seeing him stunned her
speechless.
Dark circles
and cold, weary, blue eyes marred his Michelangelo face. His black hair fell in
disarray and looked like he’d raked his fingers through a number of times
today. His chiseled jaw and chin were dark with a long day’s stubble. With a
couple of long strides, he pinned her between him and the counter. He framed
her face with his hands, closed his eyes, and lowered his forehead to hers.
They stood in silence for a long time, unmoving, their bodies not touching.
Fear for the missing woman radiated off him.
His anguish, more than she’d planned for, hit her
hard. His dedication and concern, traits she admired, shook her conviction that
no man could be trusted. His tenderness, something she’d never had, touched a
long-neglected place in her soul.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and
Links:
A student
of creative writing in her youth, Jerrie
set aside her passion when life presented her with a John Wayne husband, and
two wonderful children. A career in
logistics offered her the opportunity to travel to many beautiful locations in
America, and she revisits them in her romantic suspense novels.
But the
characters went with her, talked to her, and insisted she share their dark,
sexy stories with others. She writes
alpha males and kick-ass women who weave their way through death and fear to
emerge stronger because of, and on occasion in spite of, their love for each
other. She likes to torture people, make
them suffer, and if they’re strong enough, they live happily ever after.
Jerrie lives in Texas, loves sunshine, children’s laughter,
sugar (human and granulated), and researching for her heroes and heroines.
http://jerriealexander.com - website
http://jerriealexander.com - blog
http://twitter.com/jerriealexander
http://facebook.com/JerrieAlexanderAuthor
GIVEAWAY:
Jerrie will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn commenter at the end of each week, and a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to one randomly drawn commenter from all comments during the tour, awarded at the end of the tour. She'll award a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to one randomly drawn host.
The more you comment, the better your chances of winning.
The tour dates can be found here: http://www. goddessfishpromotions. blogspot.com/2012/08/virtual- book-tour-green-eyed-doll-by. html
Like what you see? Follow me!
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Thank you for hosting today.
ReplyDeleteI loved the excerpt. It gave a small insight into both people.
ReplyDeleteAlisia, thank you for hosting me today. I appreciate your support.
ReplyDeleteMomJane! Thank you for stopping by this morning. I'm glad you enjoyed the excerpt.
ReplyDeleteLove this: I decided just when she thought life was good; I'd send her a serial killer.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book to me! Hope you're having fun on the tour! :)
Lovely site, Alisia. Wow, you just started college and you have this great blog. Way to go, girl.
ReplyDeleteYea! Book's out, Jerrie. I'm telling everyone about THE GREEN EYED DOLL.
Folks, it's a five star read for sure. Go buy the book in any form today,and put it on the top of your TBR file. It'll keep your heart going pitter-pat for more than one reason.
Great interview, thank you. It's great to learn more about an author.
ReplyDeleteCdescoteauxwrites, thanks for stopping by. I'm having a blast. The blog hosts have been super nice, and you guys who comment are very much appreciated!
ReplyDeleteMarsha! My friend. I'm so glad you liked the book. Your support is priceless.
ReplyDeleteIngeborg,thanks for commenting! I too like to get to know the author when I read their books.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the thoughtful interview. It sounds like a great story so you'd better start practicing signing books since I see it in your future.
ReplyDeletefencingromein at hotmail dot com
Shannon! I sincerely hope you can see into the future! Thank you for the positive vibes!!
DeleteThis sounds lovely!
ReplyDeletevitajex(at)aol(dot)com
Thank you!! I appreciate you commenting.
DeleteNice excerpt and interview!
ReplyDeleteLiz, thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed the excerpt and interview. I appreciate you stopping by!
DeleteHi Jerrie! Yes, it is hard for me to believe there is a shy person hidden in there!! Sending many happy thoughts for your new release!! Great interview, btw!
ReplyDeleteHey Barb! You know me better than that...You meet new people so easily...me, until I know you, it's hard for me to speak up. After that...I'm a chatter box.
DeleteI'm right in the middle of reading your book, Jerrie and I'm loving every minute of it! I can't wait to find out how it ends. I may have to stay up all night!
ReplyDeleteMolly! You made my day! Thank you. I'm so glad you're enjoying it.
DeleteSo excited for you, Jerrie! Just wanted to drop in and say hi. Love the excerpt!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing such a great interview! And CONGRATULATIONS, Jerrie, on the release of your book!
ReplyDeletejustforswag(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
Nice inspiration for the book.
ReplyDeletebn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
If you must kill off your characters than you chose the right genre or it chose you.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com