Today is my worldwide release of, “Walking Through Fire”. A journey started decades ago with my first short story written in elementary school, “What Ever Happened to Ellen?” Then my dream of being a published writer was fed and nourished when I wrote my first “targeted” short fiction for a fantasy anthology. Who would believe the first short story I sent out would get purchased at the first place I sent it too? As it is said, beginners’ luck is shiny.
I sold, “Does The Shoe Fit You Now?” back in 1994, and it wasn’t until 2014 I managed to sell again, this time, my first full-length piece of fiction. It was a much harder path the second time around. I had written “Valley Fever” before Fire, and it was rejected so many times by loads of agents and languishing on unsolicited slush piles it was depressing. I don’t know if I’d be the writer I am today if I hadn't crossed some of those bridges. But I kept plugging away, and now a much-anticipated dream has been realized.
A writer may start out her/his journey alone at a keyboard, but by the time the work is presented to the world, it has passed through many hands, from those who encouraged me when I thought to quit, or when I thought my writing sucked and no one would ever want to read it, to those brave souls who gave honest criticism to raw work.
My first shout out goes to the Friday Nighters’ Book Club: Heidi Carson, Bekah Wright and Marla White. What can I say? Without you, I wouldn’t be published. Your words of wisdom, encouragement and “but whys?” along with good wine, friendship and laughs, I never would have made it through the tough times. Thank you, one and all, you are my heroes! Or I guess that would be heroines!
Next, hugs and kisses to my brave and stalwart beta readers: Nahmi Jones, Bill Mikulak, and Maureen McGuire. You guys were in the trenches, braving dangling participles, fragments, and crazy unclear ideas, yet you still came back for more when I needed you to read “just another draft”…
Next, hugs and kisses to my brave and stalwart beta readers: Nahmi Jones, Bill Mikulak, and Maureen McGuire. You guys were in the trenches, braving dangling participles, fragments, and crazy unclear ideas, yet you still came back for more when I needed you to read “just another draft”…
Thanks to the Chesapeake Romance Writers’ contest, “Finish The Damn Book”, for hosting a great contest and corralling great final judges. I also appreciate the preliminary first round judges who took the time out of their busy lives to read, judge and like my story enough to push me into the finals. I may have placed second in the end, but I ultimately won with a book contract. Plus, who couldn’t love the title of your contest!
A huge bear hug and kiss to my editor, Amanda Barnett of The Wild Rose Press. There are so many reasons to thank you.
First, taking the time in a very full life to judge the 2013 final round in “Finish The Damn Book”, and though you placed me second, you were still intrigued enough to request a “full”. I will cherish the fact it was you with your lovely Southern drawl calling me on April Fool’s Day asking me if I’d like to sign a contract. One can never forget getting their first “Call”, I'm super glad it was you. Having you as my editor, with your hand holding the “newbie”, and great input into polishing my novel made it a walk in the garden! I look forward to working with you again with a certain someone’s story you wanted me to tell…
A huge bear hug and kiss to my editor, Amanda Barnett of The Wild Rose Press. There are so many reasons to thank you.
First, taking the time in a very full life to judge the 2013 final round in “Finish The Damn Book”, and though you placed me second, you were still intrigued enough to request a “full”. I will cherish the fact it was you with your lovely Southern drawl calling me on April Fool’s Day asking me if I’d like to sign a contract. One can never forget getting their first “Call”, I'm super glad it was you. Having you as my editor, with your hand holding the “newbie”, and great input into polishing my novel made it a walk in the garden! I look forward to working with you again with a certain someone’s story you wanted me to tell…
Multiple thanks have to be given out to the fellow writers in the garden at the Wild Rose Press. Your advice and support to a sparkling new author helped smooth the way on my publishing journey. A shout out to Debbie Taylor of DCA Graphics who designed my most awesome cover. Plus, my fellow writers on the forum boards of LARA and FF&P, your help has always been timely and instructive. I feel very grateful such amazing people surround me.
Last but most certainly not least, I have to thank my parents, Allan and Catherine Bahr. Hopefully they are watching from Heaven and have seen my success which I greatly owe to them. I wish they could have been here today to celebrate in my dream come true. Leading by example, they instilled my love of reading and books, which led me to writing down stories I wanted to read. Thank you for always having books in your hands after work and on weekends, and later when I was older, sharing those books with me that you enjoyed. I read so many genres now, I don't have time for all of them! I wish more parents could have been like you.
Last but most certainly not least, I have to thank my parents, Allan and Catherine Bahr. Hopefully they are watching from Heaven and have seen my success which I greatly owe to them. I wish they could have been here today to celebrate in my dream come true. Leading by example, they instilled my love of reading and books, which led me to writing down stories I wanted to read. Thank you for always having books in your hands after work and on weekends, and later when I was older, sharing those books with me that you enjoyed. I read so many genres now, I don't have time for all of them! I wish more parents could have been like you.
So, in celebration of my debut novel, here’s a never before released excerpt. Enjoy!
Excerpt: Walking Through Fire
Northern Scotland, Near Durness July 1809
The first tingle of fear raced up Simon MacKay’s spine as he found himself alone in the pitch dark— kneeling on rough, wet granite. Waves thundered and crashed around him in the gloom. He must be in one of the sea caves on his estate. A blast of salty, cold air struck him, clearing his muddled, throbbing head to frightening awareness. He staggered clumsily to his feet, pain shooting through his arms and shoulders. He couldn’t move his hands.
“Nay!” His shout echoed in the darkness. He was bound to the cave’s wall. He struggled, arms stretched tautly behind him, his muscles strained against the ropes tying his wrists. Ignoring the bite of the coarse fibers and the pain of his tortured joints, panic set in. He had to get free. He had to get out. His family was in danger.
A wave slammed in close, spraying water onto his face. Sweat mingled with salt water as he thrashed. The metal mooring ring trapping him clanked against the limestone rock, as his heart raced with equal parts dread and exertion. Clasped hands turned sticky with blood from the rough bindings biting into his flesh. Simon ignored this too.
Ice water drenched him as the next wave crashed against the wall. The chill soaking froze him in place. The tide was coming in, and the cave was rapidly filling. He hung his head and water dripped from his long hair to streak down his face, mimicking the tears he couldn’t shed. His body started to shake as shock and disbelief speared his mind. If he didn’t free himself, he’d drown and his family would be left unprotected.
“I canna die like this. I won’t!”
He lifted his head and peered into the shadows. Another wave hit him waist high before he felt the dragging pull of the ocean’s retreat. He could now hear lapping water.
I will die here, his traitorous thoughts declared, and for what?
The first tingle of fear raced up Simon MacKay’s spine as he found himself alone in the pitch dark— kneeling on rough, wet granite. Waves thundered and crashed around him in the gloom. He must be in one of the sea caves on his estate. A blast of salty, cold air struck him, clearing his muddled, throbbing head to frightening awareness. He staggered clumsily to his feet, pain shooting through his arms and shoulders. He couldn’t move his hands.
“Nay!” His shout echoed in the darkness. He was bound to the cave’s wall. He struggled, arms stretched tautly behind him, his muscles strained against the ropes tying his wrists. Ignoring the bite of the coarse fibers and the pain of his tortured joints, panic set in. He had to get free. He had to get out. His family was in danger.
A wave slammed in close, spraying water onto his face. Sweat mingled with salt water as he thrashed. The metal mooring ring trapping him clanked against the limestone rock, as his heart raced with equal parts dread and exertion. Clasped hands turned sticky with blood from the rough bindings biting into his flesh. Simon ignored this too.
Ice water drenched him as the next wave crashed against the wall. The chill soaking froze him in place. The tide was coming in, and the cave was rapidly filling. He hung his head and water dripped from his long hair to streak down his face, mimicking the tears he couldn’t shed. His body started to shake as shock and disbelief speared his mind. If he didn’t free himself, he’d drown and his family would be left unprotected.
“I canna die like this. I won’t!”
He lifted his head and peered into the shadows. Another wave hit him waist high before he felt the dragging pull of the ocean’s retreat. He could now hear lapping water.
I will die here, his traitorous thoughts declared, and for what?
ABOUT BOOK
Title: Walking Through Fire
Author: C J Bahr
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Pages: 358
Release Date: November 14, 2014
Simon MacKay, the last Earl of Cleitmuir, was murdered two hundred years ago because of his family’s dangerous legacy. Alone and cursed he haunts his home in order to protect the lost treasure. A pastime that leaves him angry and embittered until he meets a feisty American tourist. Not only is Laurel sexy and beautiful, she can also see him in his ghostly form.
Antiquities expert, Laurel Saville, leaves Chicago to visit her best friend in the romantic Scottish Highlands. She is saved from a tragic fall by the ghostly Simon. Once she realizes she is not crazy, she pledges to help him find his family’s missing artifact. A pledge hindered by treasure hunter Alex MacKenzie, a descendant of the clan that murdered Simon.
Laurel risks everything, including her life, to help Simon resolve the issues keeping him earth bound. But will she lose him forever or is there a way Laurel can keep him with her on this earthly plane?
Antiquities expert, Laurel Saville, leaves Chicago to visit her best friend in the romantic Scottish Highlands. She is saved from a tragic fall by the ghostly Simon. Once she realizes she is not crazy, she pledges to help him find his family’s missing artifact. A pledge hindered by treasure hunter Alex MacKenzie, a descendant of the clan that murdered Simon.
Laurel risks everything, including her life, to help Simon resolve the issues keeping him earth bound. But will she lose him forever or is there a way Laurel can keep him with her on this earthly plane?
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