The writing life, writing groups, and my friend's new book

It's hard to believe that just two days ago I was surrounded by people, in the midst of a nonstop schedule of consultations, critiques, panels and classes. Even my meals were filled with the chatter of fellow writers, for I hosted tables during both lunch and dinner. It was wonderful and exciting and I was filled with adrenaline from the moment I woke up until the time I fell asleep.

And now all is quiet.

Now I spend my days before my computer screen, alone. Occasionally one of the dogs will wander in, ears perked up, hoping I'll take them for a walk. But other than that, the house is completely silent.

The writing life is strange. You go from days of total solitude to days where you're surrounded by people. It's like one day you're invisible, the next you're covered with neon, glow-in-the-dark paint.

I love it though.

I love building new worlds, one word at a time, creating imaginary people that I get to hang around with. Still, nothing compares to spending time with real people. That's one reason why my writing groups are so important. I need the support of other writers as I journey through the process of creating books.

And I'm super excited, because two members of my writing groups have brand new books.

One of these writing group pals is Mike Duran. His new book is his second supernatural thriller and it's titled The Telling and it released just a few days ago.

Here's a synopsis of the book:

Despite his love for words, when ZEPH WALKER sees his body lying on the gurney in the county morgue, he is speechless. Disfigured by his stepmother as a teenager, the hideous scar across Zeph’s face has forced him into a life of seclusion. Cloistered in a ramshackle bookstore on the outskirts of town, Zeph is blessed with an uncanny ability to sound souls—to intuit peoples’ deepest sins and secrets. He calls it the Telling, but has abandoned the gift to his unbelief and despair. Until two detectives escort him to the county morgue, where he learns that the bizarre look-alike of himself has been found murdered.

If you think that sounds both creepy and intriguing, then you would be right. Mike has created a rich, completely believable world, populated with some quirky, yet lovable characters. This is the type of book that keeps you turning the pages because you HAVE to know what happens, but at the same time you don't want to read too fast because the writing is incredibly lush and beautiful. My recommendation? Go ahead and read it fast. The first time. Then go back and read it again, slower this time, just to enjoy the journey and the lovely prose.

The Telling is available here, here and here. And if you want to read a longer synopsis, check out Mike's website.

Also a reminder: I’m running a CONTEST this week.

RULES: Make a comment on any of this week’s posts, share a link on either Facebook, Twitter or your blog, and you’ll be entered to win a $25 gift certificate from Amazon. Also, you must include your email address so I can contact the winner.

Coming up tomorrow:

Another new book by one of my writing group pals—BJ Taylor and her new inspirational book, Charlie Bear: What a Headstrong Rescue Dog Taught Me about Life, Love, and Second Chances.