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Author Promo: Headstall


Renee Stevens

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It's time for another author promo! I'm completely out of these promos, so if you'd like to promo your own work, take a look at the thread for guidelines and then PM me. For this month, our featured promo spot is for Headstall. There were three questions that Headstall had to answer for each story. The questions were What gave you the idea for this story? What was your favorite thing about writing this story? & Please tell us something about this story that is not already in the description.

 

Headstall
Promising Author
15 stories · 3,128 reviews · 636,814 total words

 

Chrisis Eve

 

Description: Darren is in a crisis on Christmas Eve. His pain is unbearable, and he only wants one thing… peace… peace from the memories of another Christmas Eve that has haunted him for two years. Is there someone or something that can help him find it?

 

What gave you the idea for this story?

 

I was intrigued by the 2015 Secret Santa contest, but I didn’t think I was up for it, quite frankly. The idea must have been percolating in my brain, though, because I woke up one morning with this strange story at the front of my mind. Something magical, which was weird for me. Anyway, I sat down and started writing.

 

What was your favorite thing about writing this story?

 

I guess I would have to say how different it was. It had my brain firing on all cylinders as I created my Santas in a way that was pure fun. It was like playing, rather than writing.

 

Please tell us something about this story that is not already in the description.

 

The only thing I can think of that might be interesting is when I wrote the alley scene, for some reason I pictured Johnny Depp in his role as Captain Jack Sparrow… I think it might have been his carriage as he walked. So maybe there was a bit of him in there.

 

Dirty Pool

 

Description: Duncan never saw it coming... any of it. His friends didn't understand. They meant well, but it was over, and there was no going back. He wouldn't be fooled again.

 

 

What gave you the idea for this story?

 

This was a story that coalesced in my head on a fairly long bike ride. By the time the ride was done, I had the entire story. I don’t know why it came to the surface, other than one of the characters is a lot like a friend of mine. I might have been thinking about the fall anthology at the time… Blindsided… but I can’t be sure. My imagination comes alive for no apparent reason most of the time.

 

What was your favorite thing about writing this story?

 

The dialogue, without a doubt. I could hear all the voices clearly. Ah, should I be admitting that? Seriously, I love writing dialogue between characters who are well fleshed out in my head.

 

Please tell us something about this story that is not already in the description.

 

That’s a tough question without giving spoilers. I guess it would be that I designed Kelly and Martin’s house completely in my head, right down to the door hardware. It’s why I’ve been working on short stories more and more, as a form of discipline. My instinct is to turn every story into a long one.

 

Finding Refuge

 

Description: A refuge can be a place, or a person. Sometimes, it's both. Just like scars. We can carry them on the outside, or on the inside. Sometimes, it's both. Wiley Burch is a cowboy on the run. He never bargained for being someone's target, but it appears his luck has run out... or has it?

 

What gave you the idea for this story?

 

The Rewind Anthology. I wanted to write something for it (I ended up writing three stories in all), and there were so many options with all the previous themes available. I saw the Scars theme, and a cougar came to mind for whatever reason. I had never considered writing a ‘Western’ before, but once I did, it seemed the most natural thing to do. I was raised on Westerns as a kid, on TV and at the movies, and I was a true fan of them. It was exciting.

 

What was your favorite thing about writing this story?

 

Other than the fact it had horses in it, it would have to be the ‘western speak’ I had the most fun with. I wanted the feel to be authentic, but not hokey or over the top. I was really happy with how it turned out.

 

Please tell us something about this story that is not already in the description.

 

I would have to say first of all, this little story is a favorite of mine, and secondly, these guys have never left my head. They show up periodically so there’s a good chance we will see them again at some point, and that includes Cholo.

  • Like 18

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6 minutes ago, Dodger said:

Thanks, actually I've read quite a lot of stories on this site but I'm ashamed to admit that in the early days I rarely bothered to log in, comment, review or participate that much. After posting my own story I began to understand how important this was and started getting more involved. I've been lifted by positive comments that I have received and driven by some negative one too. Now I have a little more time on my hands, I'm enjoying commenting or at very least showing some appreciation for the stuff that I'm reading or have read in the past. I will catch up with your other stories!

Yes, comments/reviews have a lot of power. They keep me going during the rougher periods. I understand that completely. No hurry and no worries. They're there if the mood strikes you and time allows. Thanks again, Dodger!

  • Like 4
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I loved all three of these stories, but I do have to agree with some of your other readers that Dirty Pool was my favorite also. :)

 

I know there are many things of yours I haven't had a chance to read yet (or finish reading!), but whatever I read of yours I wind up loving and falling in love with the characters. Your characters come to life on the page, and the reader can't help but be drawn into their lives.

 

These antho stories were great choices for the promo. Congrats, Gary! :)  :hug:

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2 minutes ago, Lisa said:

I loved all three of these stories, but I do have to agree with some of your other readers that Dirty Pool was my favorite also. :)

 

I know there are many things of yours I haven't had a chance to read yet (or finish reading!), but whatever I read of yours I wind up loving and falling in love with the characters. Your characters come to life on the page, and the reader can't help but be drawn into their lives.

 

These antho stories were great choices for the promo. Congrats, Gary! :)  :hug:

Thanks, Lisa! I think Dirty Pool is the consensus winner, and I'm good with that. These three stories are quite different, but that's the great thing about writing. We get to create something that's, hopefully, unique each time. You've always been very supportive, and I want you to know how much that means to me, and all the other writers on here. I get excited when I see Lisa has left a comment :yes:. Thanks for the very kind and encouraging words, Lisa... as always... you rock! Cheers... Gary....

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4 minutes ago, Lisa said:

I loved all three of these stories, but I do have to agree with some of your other readers that Dirty Pool was my favorite also. :)

 

I know there are many things of yours I haven't had a chance to read yet (or finish reading!), but whatever I read of yours I wind up loving and falling in love with the characters. Your characters come to life on the page, and the reader can't help but be drawn into their lives.

 

These antho stories were great choices for the promo. Congrats, Gary! :)  :hug:

Perfect description of his characters... Exactly what I wanted to convey!

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2 minutes ago, BlindAmbition said:

Perfect description of his characters... Exactly what I wanted to convey!

Thanks, Blind, but you acquitted yourself quite well. I loved what you conveyed in your comment. I've read it over and over. You couldn't have done any better than you did. :hug: Cheers... Gary....

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4 minutes ago, Headstall said:

I think Dirty Pool is the consensus winner, and I'm good with that

 

Oh I loved the other stories as well (how could someone not love sexy cowboys?), I just completely related to the relationship disconnect in Dirty Pool.  

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2 minutes ago, LitLover said:

 

Oh I loved the other stories as well (how could someone not love sexy cowboys?), I just completely related to the relationship disconnect in Dirty Pool.  

I think a lot of readers did. It's kind of a universal thing we all have to learn in a relationship. And, yeah... sexy cowboys... I happen to know Renee likes then too :yes:  Her new e-book is chock full of them :). Now I'm thinking of Cooper and Wiley... I need more writing time....

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1 hour ago, Headstall said:

 Now I'm thinking of Cooper and Wiley... I need more writing time....

 

Write, write, write...  Cheep, cheep, cheep... More, more, more... Cheep, cheep, cheep... go the hungry birds :rofl: 

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Well presently my favourite Headstall work has to be Morningstar : The Malaise. Absolutely adoring that series. <3 

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2 minutes ago, Wicked Witch said:

Well presently my favourite Headstall work has to be Morningstar : The Malaise. Absolutely adoring that series. <3 

 

Yep me too. Mondays are great days, because we get a Morningstar chapter. :heart: 

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22 minutes ago, Timothy M. said:

 

Write, write, write...  Cheep, cheep, cheep... More, more, more... Cheep, cheep, cheep... go the hungry birds :rofl: 

Remember, I have to go back to COTT when I finish Morningstar. If I start something else, I might get assassinated :huh:

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Just now, Headstall said:

Remember, I have to go back to COTT when I finish Morningstar. If I start something else, I might get assassinated :huh:

 

I'm sure you can sneak in a cowboy chapter or two without anyone noticing. ;) 

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16 minutes ago, Wicked Witch said:

Well presently my favourite Headstall work has to be Morningstar : The Malaise. Absolutely adoring that series. <3 

Thanks, Wicked! I've had a blast writing Morningstar. It won't be too long before I wind it up... as for a second book? I'm not sure... but yeah, it could turn into a series... thanks for the comment, and your support. I'm really happy you're enjoying it... cheers... Gary....

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16 minutes ago, Timothy M. said:

 

Yep me too. Mondays are great days, because we get a Morningstar chapter. :heart: 

Well, you get them a little earlier :). I will miss Morningstar Mondays when they're gone. Thanks, Tim. 

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8 minutes ago, Timothy M. said:

 

I'm sure you can sneak in a cowboy chapter or two without anyone noticing. ;) 

Oh, people notice. I have a long list of PM's asking and waiting for me to resume Cards... don't be so cavalier about my life :P ... but........ sometimes I can't control what happens ;) 

Edited by Headstall
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3 minutes ago, Headstall said:

Well, you get them a little earlier :). I will miss Morningstar Mondays when they're gone. Thanks, Tim. 

 

Yes, but I don't get to see the title and the chapter note until Monday, and you often make small additions after my edit. Also I like to see the reaction of your readers. So  Morningstar Mondays are the real thing. :yes: 

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1 minute ago, Timothy M. said:

 

Yes, but I don't get to see the title and the chapter note until Monday, and you often make small additions after my edit. Also I like to see the reaction of your readers. So  Morningstar Mondays are the real thing. :yes: 

That's true, and I do tend to make changes right up until I post. :) 

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20 minutes ago, Mikiesboy said:

Sorry i'm late Gary .. my fav was the Western.. more of those would be welcomed!  

Thanks, tim. There could be more of Coop and Wiley coming... we'll see. I appreciate the comment :) Cheers... Gary....

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21 minutes ago, Headstall said:

Thanks, tim. There could be more of Coop and Wiley coming... we'll see. I appreciate the comment :) Cheers... Gary....

You know Gary .. you cant fool me, i know you have a lot of spare time!!!   :rolleyes:

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1 hour ago, Mikiesboy said:

You know Gary .. you cant fool me, i know you have a lot of spare time!!!   :rolleyes:

I do? :huh: Maybe I need a time manager... or a maid... no, a manservant. :yes: Rescuing turtles is really time consuming, you know. I'll try harder, though. I need some free space in my head anyway :P

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Just now, Headstall said:

I do? :huh: Maybe I need a time manager... or a maid... no, a manservant. :yes: Rescuing turtles is really time consuming, you know. I'll try harder, though. I need some free space in my head anyway :P

Yeah.. a nice barn-boy :)   hehe

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2 minutes ago, Mikiesboy said:

Yeah.. a nice barn-boy :)   hehe

Barn-boy? Oh, you mean stable hand. I guess you need more lessons about horses :P Yeah... a stable hand in overalls... denim ones... and a red bandanna, straw hat, and sweat... lots of... oh... I feel a story coming on. Finding Refuge part two... Doing Chores... 

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Thank you to all who took the time to comment. You were wonderful to do so :yes: .This has been a lot of fun, and I appreciated your encouraging and supportive thoughts :D . Cheers... Gary.... 

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