Monday, Monday…

Wow! What a weekend. I had a friend in from California, who I barely got to see, but still left me smiling. I also was contacted by some friends/fans and they gave me an uplifting presence that I needed.

I have been struggling to continue on with both novels. I draw so much from life and what I am going through. I have felt creatively stiffled for some time and alone. I know I’m not alone, don’t take it that way. Well, maybe so. At any rate, I’m in a new point in my life. I’m ready to move on. Onward, forward, write, write, write!

I have a date tonight, with my manuscript.

Tags: Friends

Question Answered

I received an excellent question from a reader. I chose to reply to it on my blog so everyone can read the answer.  It is not often that a reader surprises me in this fashion.  This question came from a male reader.

[Caroline carries a personal hand-gun in Unwritten. Monica, you mention that it is a Beretta. What kind?]

She carries a Beretta 92 FS INOX.  The military designates it is as M9.  Her gun has a modification, an over mold laser grip.  This is a 9 mm, fifteen rounds in the mag and one up the pipe.  Caroline’s mother was Italian. Her gun came from Beretta in Italy.

http://www.berettausa.com/products/92fs-inox-15-rds/   for more information on the gun

http://www.berettausa.com/products/92-series-over-mold-laser-grips/  for more on the grip

Tags: answer, Beretta, Caroline, question, reader, Unwritten

Unwritten, Version 2.0

I was convinced to dust off the original files and completely revise Unwritten before the upcoming release of Unbecoming. Unwritten will be re-released, Kindle edition, with the restored London scene between Caroline and David, currently available to read only on my website. Be reminded that the content is adult in nature (I wouldn’t read it at work).  Also updated, the cover.  This same format will be used for the paperback edition.

For those of you just itching to get your hands on Unbecoming, the first chapter will be published at the end of Unwritten.  Hope that tides you over.

We will be shooting trial cover art inside Main Street Coffee & Tea, Franklin, NC.  All three of my novels have been written, in some part, while spending time inside. It is only fitting that a cover gets pulled in to the mix.  Many thanks to Sandy and Tom.

Any thoughts on covers? Do you like simplistic? Colorful? Monochromatic? Sound off! I’m listening.

Tags: books, Caroline, David, fiction, inspiration, Kindle, lost chapter, Unbecoming, Unwritten, write

Muse

I got to meet my muse for a character in Unwritten. No, seriously- none other than Muse Watson. His performances inspired me to cast him in my head as Jack Madison. He is a recurring character on CBS’s number one hit, NCIS, as retired Special Agent Mike Franks.

I attended an awards banquet at the Gideon Media Arts Conference in Ridgecrest, North Carolina, on Sunday, June 5.  I had disappeared for a moment and came back to find my friend Michelle had flagged him down. She gave me the opportunity to chat with him and to present him with a copy of Unwritten. He is a most gracious man and quite charming. I feel very blessed to have made his acquaintance. We were lucky enough to see the premiere of “A Christmas Snow,” from Trost Moving Pictures. Tracy J. Trost, director, and writer for the film, was such a delight to watch and listen to. After the screening of the film, the cast and crew sat down for a question and answer session.

I look forward to more films from Trost and seeing Muse at his best. “A Christmas Snow” is due out in October on DVD. Currently, Trost is in negotiations with Hallmark Channel.

Tags: Jack Madison, Muse Watson, Unwritten

Friends

I had a conversation with a reader tonight spanning both Unwritten and Unbecoming. She was most delightful and I look forward to chatting with her again. She reminded me that God truly is our light. If we keep our eyes on Him, everything else falls into place. Or in my case- falls back into place.

I’ll continue to work on Unbecoming. Thanks Texas Twister!

Tags: fiction, Friends, Unbecoming, Unwritten

Writing About Tomcats

I am still working on a section of Unbecoming dealing with Tomcats. The Navy has retired the birds as of 2006.  Many people are still fans of the plane- and I am one of them! Caroline, David, Bumper, and Harry will be flying these planes in Unbecoming. More on that later.

Tags: Caroline, David, F-14, fiction, Harry Ashby, Tomcat, Unbecoming, writing

Writer’s Conference

Red Press Co. is putting the pieces in order to develop a writer’s conference in Asheville, NC. It is intended to provide inspiration and resources for those thinking of writing as a hobby or career. Those involved in the industry will also be on hand. There will be workshops for organizing your material, getting started with a topic, etc.  If interested, let RPC know. It promises to be fun.

Tags: inspiration, write, writing

New Website for Red Press Co. & Monica Collier.com

Spring cleaning came a little late, but better than never.  Sound off! What do you think? I am very happy with the new setup on my website. More information will be uploaded as time goes on with details on Unwritten. Would you, the fans, like to see Caroline Blaine’s service record online? How about Caroline’s journal and kill book?

How about the unfinished playlist on Unbecoming?

http://www.redpressco.com

Tags: Caroline Blaine, Unbecoming, Unwritten

Thank you Jerry.

I got a care package from a fan, turned great friend, Jerry Swink. I wanted to let her know how much I appreciate her and everything she does. You’re a great friend and wonderful person. I look forward to another visit to Oklahoma, soon. I know you’re eagerly awaiting Unbecoming. I’ll try and deliver it soon. Still working on the plot finish and keeping my inspriation high with all you sent me. It will keep my frame of mind on Caroline and David. Until then, we’ll both have to settle for drooling over JAG discs and NCIS. David James Elliott, Mark Harmon, Muse Watson…enough said.

Tags: Caroline Blaine, David James Elliott, David Reese, Friends, inspiration, JAG, Mark Harmon, Muse Watson, NCIS, Unbecoming, write

Lost Chapter

Unwritten has a lost chapter! Uncovered while the author was cleaning out her hard drive, the chapter has been posted online. Be warned, it is adult content.

This “chapter” belongs on page 266 in the first edition. With Unbecoming soon to be finished, God willing, be sure to give this a read.

http://monicacollier.com/londonrain.html

Tags: lost chapter, Unbecoming, Unwritten