Writing a Series

 Two books published and now waiting to get my third one on the way, but the waiting is hard. I have someone editing my manuscript and she sends me one chapter every few days (If I am lucky).
Lately, I am on whim. I have never had a book written from a first person point of view published yet I had a story I like to polish on that is. It is called The Desires of My Heart. (I may make this story a little personal).
However, I have been doing some thinking. I read  three books written in a series and I am reading a book part of a series. How hard can it be?

In the Mind Reader Series by Author Lori Brighton, each book is a sequel  and I love all 3 books. Not ONE book disappointed me! But I also know that there are books written as a series not exactly a sequel.
 The thought came to me is "Why not make The Past Hunter a series?"  Wouldn't it be fun to see how Julie and Eric are doing a  few years later? Do they have kids? Was marrying Eric the right choice? (In my opinion, yes).  Other ideas for the series is having Julie and Eric be match makers or help their friends reunite as they did.

In both my book published, they all have to do with second chances so if I undertake the idea of writing a series, I will call it  "Second Chances" Series.

If you are interested in this idea, please comment under my post. This is something I will need much prayer for but I am sure if the Lord is for me,  I can do it!

A Second Chance at Love

Do you believe in second chances? Marge didn't. After the men in her past had hurt her, she gave up on love until she met the One who truly loves her and changed her life.

Marge Willet isn't a friendly woman. She had learned not to trust men and as a result she became cynical. This new attitude made her a commentary writer for Wilmar Times.  All this changed when three men sent from a wealthy French benefactor approached her and asked her to sign a contract.

Find out how Marge's life changed after meeting not only the benefactor, but someone she least expected.

Marge is not only a story of finding love but of one woman's physical and spiritual transformation.

A Second Chance at Love

The Mysterious Man

Just who is this dark and mysterious man? Where did he come from? He hails from a family of Wiccans. He comes in peace, yet he will do what he can bring the object of his desire into his circle and knowing full well the consequences of his actions. This man is no other the dark and mysterious Diethelm. Have you ever heard of an antagonist turn good? Have they ever gotten saved? Find out in the book to come soon.

Christian Paranormal?

I have strong Christian convictions that any kind (even white magic) witchcraft is wrong and a sin. God does not allow his people to take part of any kind of sorcery. I even have friends who see nothing wrong with White magic, but I read on a website that witches do not get their powers from God  What Does the Bible Say About White Magic?

So you may be asking" If you feel so strongly about it then why do you want to experiment by writing  a "Christian Paranormal Romance?"   The answer is simple: I am not writing to advocate it, but to show what happens when a weak Christian who has not prayed regularly, attend church every week or grow in her faith by reading the Bible daily. The devil is out there. Scriptures say that he is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.  It also says that we should not be ignorant of the devil's scheme. Many times he will tell the ignorant Christian, what is evil is good.  He  loves nothing more but to destroy a Christian's faith and even if possible, to lose their salvation.

In my story, Darlene is one such person. Her husband is supposedly stationed in Afghanistan , and Darlene is lonely. She stopped going to church and spending time in the Word. She is a worldly Christian who has fallen prey to a witch's seduction.
  Here is an excerpt  of what I have written so far:

Darlene worked quietly on her manuscript which she hopes would be a novel someday. After many times, she  received rejections after rejection, but her faith kept her going. Darlene worked as a  writer for the  Addison Review to help pay her bills.

Darlene marriage to a marine did not go well. She grew lonely as her husband was away and her heart drifted to a charming and alluring man named Abimelech. He came into  the magazine company looking for a business deal (So he says). He saw Darlene and felt drawn to her beauty and innocence. “Hello, is your name  ‘Bella?” He smiled “Because you are beautiful indeed.”

She blushed. “Thank you. My name is Darlene. What can I do for you?”

“I completely forgot when  I saw you. Oh yes, I am here to see your editor. Is he in?”

“She,” Darlene wondered if he made it up. “And she is out.  Her assistant is in.”

“Would you care to have lunch  me?”

Wow! Where did that come from? “I am a married  woman.”

“What harm is having lunch with a new friend?”

“Just as long as you don’t make passes at me.”

“I would not dream of it.”

“Great!  I look forward to seeing you again. How about if we meet at Illuminate Me Diner?”

Illuminate Me Diner?  She thought. Isn’t that—Oh the thought of going there! She shuddered and he realized that. “You are safe as long as you are with me?”

“They keep that place dimly lit.”

“I know they do. It is people are who sensitive to light.”

“You are not… “ She heard of vampires but didn’t think they exist.

“I am not what?”

“I have to get to work. I’ll see you there.”

“Very well  and when will your editor return?”

“Tomorrow. She is at a conference.”

“Ahh. Okay.” He walked out.

“Did you just get picked up by a stranger?” One of the other writers asked.

“Yes. I will have to add this experience to a list of story ideas.”

It was true. Darlene had  a long list of story ideas but most of them came from events that hasn’t  happened yet—She would dream about them, but because o one would believe her, she wouldn’t tell anyone about it.

She arrived at a diner with a neon sign reading “Illuminate Me.” She read the place was built 10 years ago by a modern day witch. Young people who practice Sorcery and the occult meets  there every time there was a full moon. Fortunately, it was only noon and the moon was not out. Why was she even doing this?  What would people think if they saw her with another man?  Nevertheless, she was there. She did not feel comfortable entering such a “dark” place.  Why had she even agreed to have lunch with him?  She saw him coming out as if he had lived there 

Her heart pounded in her chest as he climbed out of her car and  met with Abimilech. She  gave him a nervous smile.  “I really shouldn’t be here.” She said as he led her inside.

“You have nothing to be afraid of.  The owner is a personal friend of mine and I asked him to open the diner for me. It is not usually open during the day.”

It was as she thought.  The interior was dimly lit. “Can we… turn the light on?”

“This is fine. You will grow accustom to it.”

Grow accustomed to it?  It was not like she had to – no,he will not. She aw a smile on his face. “This  was a bad idea. I should go.”

“Relax. No harm will come to you. There is a reason why I wanted  to  have lunch with you. I more or less came to see you.”

“Why?”  She looked at him.

“Your husband is not coming home and you are all alone.  I was sent to tell you that. He is with another woman.”

“I don’t believe you!”  She wanted to leave but even as she glanced at his eyes, she couldn’t.

“Sit please.”

Her insides about turn to jelly. She shouldn’t be afraid. Wasn’t Jesus with her? Maybe he is harmless she thought.  “Okay.”

“I did not come to seduce you. That would way too easy.” He grinned.

She did not like that. There was something  about the grin on his face that seemed to be evil.  Oh God!  Why can’t I leave?   “So why did you come? To tell me about my husband?”

“He is gone is he not? Serving the country in some foreign land?”

“So? Listen, tell me why you really want to see me.”

“You  have a gift and we are interested.”

She trembled with fear. No  one knows about her gift but her and God.  Although God told her how her gift will help others she  did not use it for any purpose he may have planned or  her.

“Yes. We know about  your gift. Come with me to meet the others.”

“I’m leaving.”

“You haven’t eaten.”

“Suddenly not hungry!” She ran out to her car, not aware he watched her scurry to her car.  She drove back to work, hoping  not to see him again.

“That was a quick lunch,” a friend said as she walked in.

“He is creepy! He says my husband is having an affair!”

“So he hopes you will.. uh… date him?”

“I don’t know what he hopes.  He does know a secret I have kept and that bothers me.”

“You have a secret? Do tell!” She was all ears!

She debated whether she should share her secret.  Besides Abimilech, who else knew about her secret?  “I need to know more about him first.”

“Huh?”

“I never told my secret to anyone not even my husband.” She also needed to call her husband.  She walked to her desk and noticed most people gone. She looked at her watch. “Already 1pm. Where is everyone?”

“I don’t know but I am here.”

“I see. Oh, they are now just coming in. Last minute arrivers.”She joked.

Her friend  giggled.

It was back to work for everyone, but Darlene researched Abimilech. Who is she kidding? She didn’t know his last name! When he put his name in the search engine, there were many results, and some of course, were referenced from the Bible.  She sighed. “Have you ever eaten at Illuminate Me?”

“Don’t witches meet there?” a coworker asked.

“Every full moon night. That is where  we met. I had a feeling I should have said no, but I wanted to know why he wanted to meet. He was very odd and smiled a lot as if he was up to something.”

“Maybe he is odd. How many men will use a pick up line on you while your husband is gone.”

“I miss him. It has been four months. He has two months left, but  Abimilech seemed  to suggest that he is cheating on me. Dylan would never do that. He loves you.”

“Does he call you?”

“Sometimes.”

“Like how often?  When a man cheats, he rarely calls because another woman keeps him busy.”

“I doubt he would have time for that.” She  snorted.

                                           Chapter  2

It has been two days and  still no word from her husband. When she called him,  she got the voice mail.  She sighed.  “ Lord, is he having an affair?” She handled the loneliness and absence before but they have been married only a  few years and only been a Christian for a year. Her walk with God was not as it should be, but she still loved him.  As she tried to sleep that night, she saw  visions of evil in her mind which kept her awake. It was not her but another woman lying on an altar of some sort. People in black gathered around her. She got a closer look and saw the woman was not only naked but pregnant. The figures in black walked around the altar several times until they became a mist that hovered around her. Suddenly the woman vanished and her vision ended.  She began to shudder and convulsed almost violently as if some evil spirit has overtaken her then there was a  calm. The episode only lasted a few minutes, but she fell asleep afterwards…

Darlene looked at her clock.  It seemed as if she didn’t get any sleep and it was only 5 in the morning.  She got up and went to take a shower. “I need to read the Bible more.”  Since her husband got deployed, she as attended church less.  One of her friends invited her  to  spend the weekends on the coast while her husband was away and she went almost every weekend.. Only once a month she would go to church, but she still loves Jesus.

The night she drifted away from her faith happened in  a gradual process.  He did come back to see her and offered proof of her husband’s infidelity. What she didn’t know it was staged.  He invited her out for lunch, wearing the same black pants and shirt. It never dawned  on her that he could be connected to witchcraft. She agreed simply because she was somehow drawn to him. “Not the same place please.”

“Where would you like to go?”

“What about the Outback?”

“Okay. We can go there as long as you come with me in my car.” He smiled.

“Oh I see! A compromise, is it? Fine, but if you try anything, I’ll run.”

“Trust me. I am not out to hurt you.” He led her out to his car. Black. Just like his clothes. Should she like this? She climbed in after he opened the door for her.  Her heart did a number on her. She wasn’t sure if it was nervousness or fear. She watched him as he climbed in and once again he smiled. “You are safe with me.”  He drove on.

“I am still married and this could be seen as me having an affair.”

“After what I will show you, you might want a divorce.”

She began to think he could be right.  She tried to  call her husband but always got his voice mail. “What could you possibly gain from that?”

“I just want to help.”

“You are not helping me when you seem to be eager for me to divorce him. You have something  against him?”

“Please try to understand that I wish you no evil.  There are things that are kept hidden from you to protect you.”

“To protect me?”

He arrived at the Outback  and led her inside. She suggested this place because no one she knows eats here.  He led her somewhere a little more intimate or private.  “Order whatever you want.”

They ate their lunch and she slowly started enjoying his company. He spoke of who he  was and where he came from which didn’t seem out of the ordinary except that he descended from  Europe which intrigued her.

“How did  you come here?”

“I travelled by plane. Now, I know all about you. You have been married three years and no kids.”

“Yes.”

“You have a gift that no one else knows.”

“Except you. How did you know?”

“We have our ways. Are you ready for the photos?”

“Who took them? My husband is in Afghanistan not Europe.”

“Our people are all all over the world.”

“’Our people’?”  What did he mean by that? She wondered.

“We are a special breed just like you are.”

“No I am not!  I am a Christian. I may not be a very good one, but I am nonetheless.” What  was that verse about being a  new creation?

“It doesn’t matter if you are even a Jew. I was sent to you and I would like you to trust me.”

“Let’s … let’s see the photo.” She shook  a little. Would she  show her  falsifying photos or would his words be true?  What would she do if they were?  Maybe her husband didn’t really love her. Already a few tears fell as she looked at one photo after another.

“I am  sorry.” He said sympathetically.

“I forgive him. Maybe he is lonely just as… I am.”

“Yes, but two can play the game.”  He hinted.  He reached his hand out to touch hers.

“Why…why should I trust you? If I am special like you, why didn’t my mother tell me?”

“Your mother,” he said with a  smile. “She is beautiful just as you are, but  she was a shame of it.”

“She killed herself  some years ago. Caused my father to go into depression.”

“Yes. I read about her suicide. It doesn’t mean you are like her. Come with me. Let me help erase those bad memories… and nightmares you are having.”

“You know about my nightmares?”

“I know everything about you.”

“Let me finish my work for the day and I don’t want to disappear either.”

“I will come by at 6pm then. I presume that is when you sign out for the day?”

“Yes.”

She  enjoyed her lunch this time. It turned out he was very caring. It was still hard to believe her husband had an affair.  She told Abimilech how she met her husband but he already knew. However, he enjoyed listening to her as  she talked about her life.

When her friend and coworker saw how different Darlene seemed to be, she asked about it. “What happened to you? You looked changed!”

“I do?” She never really felt changed, The time in his car, however was another story. He played some music that he told her would help her relax. He knew she felt nervous around him. The music wasn’t anything she had heard before. Of course the only music she listened to would be popular music. 

Her friend noticed a smile on her face and smiled in return. “I Take the lunch went well?”

She did not respond.  It was not her friend’s business  just like her gift wasn’t her business. She kept busy while waiting to clock out.  He offered her an alternative to coming home to an empty house, but she declined. Maybe she should call her husband one more time.  You know he is not going to answer you.  She did not think that or did she?  “Why?”

“Why what?” Her friend tries to pry.

Do not answer her.  She did not know where these thoughts came from. Couldn’t  she  trust her own friend. Again she asked. “Why?”

Her friend giggled.  “He must have affected you somehow. You  are acting weird.”

“I guess so.”

Since her friend couldn’t get  any more information from her, she ceased asking  and continued with her work.

“Darlene, can I see you in my office please?” The assistant editor asked as she only poked her head out the door. Darlene could never figure out why  Janyce would hire a 22 year college grad as  her assistant.  Darlene had more experience and so did the others. 

“Sure.” She walked to the  office of her editor and followed her in.

“I have a huge assignment for you which means you can work as a freelance writer, but it requires travel.” She looked at her. It wasn’t her idea. Her employer called and told her to give her that assignment. “Of course I know you are one. I am just saying that you will not have to come into work for a month at least.”

A month. She wonders if by some strange coincidence this all leads up to one thing… Nah. She thought. She was one of the best so it is not being let go. A promotion maybe? The thought of becoming the senior writer means more pay. “What is the assignment?”

“Remember this comes from  the head editor not me.She wants  you to travel to  Europe and write about your experiences there.”

“She is kidding right?”

“I doubt she would  kid you.”

“When do I start? Today is Friday.”

“Monday. And here is the airplane ticket. It is a two way ticket. Make sure you report by emailing her every day.”

“All right.”

Darlene thought her assignment was unusual because her editor never sends anyone  out of the state for an assignment. Just earlier Abimilech said that he would like her to travel to Europe when she is more comfortable with him.  Was there a  connection?  It began to get a bit eery for her.

                                       Chapter 3

For some reason she expected Abimilech’s house to be dark and gloomy but it was very inviting. He led her inside to his living room and invited her to sit on his couch which was actually a futon. “Make yourself comfortable.” He said then going into his kitchen.  The room had lamps that provided some illumination to the room—almost an intimate setting.  “Did you have a girlfriend? A wife?”

“A wife. I know about infidelity.”  He said from the kitchen. “You like hot tea or hot Chai tea?”

“I guess… we have something in common. What is Chai Tea?”

“It is a beverage that originated from India  which has black tea, spices, milk and a sweetener. It is very good.”

“I’ll try it.”

“Excellent.”

She looked around at the surroundings. She almost felt at  home but didn’t know why? There  were painted portraits on the walls in which she got up to investigate. “My editor gave  me a month off.” She only said. She still wondered if there was a connection.

He knew why but wanted to know what she thought.  “Any reason why?”

“Wants me to write about my experiences in… Europe.”

He smiled. Perfect and I will accompany her where she will become my bride.   “Have you filed for  divorce yet?” That needed to come first.

“I haven’t had the chance.”

“I hope you are not planning to give him another chance.”

“I haven’t thought about it.”

“I know,” he said as he brought out their tea, “an excellent divorce attorney.”

She sighed. How she ached from the realization of his unfaithfulness.  She wanted to cry but not there. She couldn’t let him see her vulnerability. Why?

Seeing that the mention of an attorney had bothered  her, he tried  to comfort her.  “I know it is hard to take. It was for me when I found out  about my wife.”

She sipped the tea. It tasted strangely sweet .  “Do you have the recipe for this?”

“It comes in a box of twelve. I get it from  a specialty store. You  like it?”

“It is very good.” She almost felt too relaxed.

He sat across from her , watching her.  “Would you like to know about your mother?”

“I know she was mentally ill. My father and I had to take care of her.”

“My father was in love with her  before she married your father. When she rejected his love, he placed a curse on her.”

Darlene shot him a look. “Your father caused her mental illness?”

Ahh. She now sees the truth here. “The only way the curse can be broken is for her to come back to him and humble herself which she had not.” He looked solemnly at her.  “I hope you see what I am getting at. I am his offspring and in order for you not to have the same curse, you must marry me.”

If Darlene would have known the scripture that no one can curse what God had blessed, it would have  saved her, but she did not know the scriptures very well.  She did not know what to say except : “So I am cursed to marry you?”

“Do not say “curse” We can not curse our own kind.”

“Own kind. What kind of ‘breed’ are we?” She almost snorted at this. “If I did not know better, I think you fabricated this.”

“If I made it up, how would I know things about you? You and I very much connected to each other.”

It was all too much for her. She tried to enjoy her dinner which was delicious, but her mind reeled from what he told her. Marry him? Own kind?  She could feel her heart palpitate. What should I do? She thought.

After dinner, he instructed her to lay her head on his lap as he sat on the couch.  “I am going to help erase your bad memories.”

“Are you a psych major?” She asked, following him to the couch.

“You will learn everything you need to know once you are with us.”  He poured oil on her forehead which stung a little. “I want you to relax. Close your eyes and think of something pleasant.”

As she did, she felt the calming effect of the oil.  She saw in her mind her honeymoon with her husband. In spite of his infidelity, they had a good life. He took her to Hawaii where he taught her how to surf.

“Oh my God, Jason! Surfing!” She said as he led her to the ocean. “I have never surfed!”

“I’ll teach you!”

“Why can’t I just sunbathe?” She smiled. She really wanted  to get out of surfing! 

“Are you chicken?” Then he imitated one.

“Jason! Okay! You dared me!”  She followed him into the  water and she saw the huge waves about to crash. She wasn’t sure she was brave enough to surf. As it turned out, she became a natural at surfing she taught her how. She fell a few times but it was normal for beginners. The last time she fell, it was with him and she fell into his arms and kissed him…

How are you feeling, Darlene?”  His calm voice took her out of memory lane.  “Relaxed.”

“That is good. The process of helping erase bad memories takes  time and this is  session one.”

“You are done?” She sat up  and quite surprised.

“We are for tonight. I want to see you tomorrow night at 6pm.”

“Saturday? Sure.”

“Before you go, I want you  to trust me with one more thing tonight.”

“As long as I get home.”

“Follow me.”  She followed him to a room  in the back of the house. It looked like there was a Jacuzzi  built into the floor—something else Japanese.  “I will not take advantage of you, Darlene.” He turned to face her then slowly raised his  hand to  touch her face. “You are very beautiful.”

She smiled. She longed to be touched and he knew it. She grabbed his hand and held it there.

“Join me in the Jacuzzi.”

She also  wanted to make love to him. Would he kiss her? He said he would take advantage of her. What if she wanted him to? The temptation was great! She allowed him to undress her which is something she would not even think of doing. It gave her pleasure when he removed her clothings minus her underwear.

“Yes, that is it.” He said then after he removed his,  he led her into the inviting waters of the Jacuzzi.  His plan is working and all that he  could hope is that his sister’s plan works.  The video camera installed in the wall, recorded the whole scene. Surely her soon to be ex husband, will give up on her.  He will be glad to sign the papers  as soon as his attorney draws them for her.  Darlene will be all his and learn the ways of witchcraft. The curse will also be removed.  Since you will not love my father,  Beatrice, your daughter will be mine. You cannot stop what is inevitable.

The seduction has begun.