Here's a preview of the latest Rona Shively novel, Now You See Me:
The realization hadn’t quite hit me all the way, but the minute the words were out of my mouth, a wave of panic shot through me. What kind of mother would I be? I had no idea what I was thinking. What made me think I had any business bringing a child into the world? I didn’t even know how to take care of myself. When it came to loving people, I was a first-class loser. Case in point, I had a guy here that wanted to marry me and I was trying to push him away because I felt like he loved me too much. Isn’t that the point? That someone would love you too much?
As I stood there, stunned by the realization that I had absolutely no confidence in my ability to be someone’s mother, Trey put his arms around me and pulled me to him. He completely abandoned his own pity party to pull me out of mine.
There's alot going on with Rona. In case you missed the last installment, well, I'm not going to tell you. You'll have to read the book. ;) I'm hoping to have book 5 in the Rona Shively series out soon. Due to a series of unfortunate events, the writing of this book was delayed. But do not fear, it's on the way...as are the many changes that will undoubtedly carry Rona into a whole new set of challenges.
But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead,and Christ will shine on you.”
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I'm working on some changes to the blog and hopefully, will have them finished by the end of October. I've been trying to figure out what direction I would like to take with my Rona Shively series and after lots of careful consideration, have come up with something I think will be great! If you haven't had a chance to get Keeping the Faith yet, by all means get over to my website and order your copy today. I have also completed the fourth book in the Rona Shively series and it is due out in February of 2010! I'll be posting more information about this book in a few weeks.
Stay tuned to Benston Blogs for more information about the newest books in the series as well as my other projects. And remember, Tea & Mystery is not just for libraries and book clubs, it's also a great way to spend a few hours with your mystery-loving friends. I'll be posting some new information about Tea & Mystery on my website later today, so be sure to check it out. If you'd like to book a Tea & Mystery event, please e-mail me here.
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I say, "Read at your own risk," because I am aware that sometimes my gibberish can become quite unpalatable. No matter. I'm just getting a little slap-happy from being home so much. It's this love-hate relationship I have with winter. I do love the way the snow looks when it falls, but I hate to drive in this weather. I love the cold, but I hate having to be bundled up so much in all of the sweaters and jackets. I love having snow days, but I really hate not being able to go out and do stuff.
Thankfully, the time off has given me lots of time to pester people about things like entering the What Would Rona Do? contest which ends on January 31st. Hint, hint. I've also been contacting libraries to schedule Tea & Mystery events! I've also been talking with people on Facebook that I haven't talked to for years. Snow days give you lots of time to catch up on the things you haven't done in a while. They also give you lots of time to think about all of the things you should be doing. For instance, I haven't written a word on my fourth Rona book in at least two days. I opened the file and stared at it for a while, but nothing happened. The story is in my head, hiding behind one of my posts. Not a real post, a blog post. Lest you think there is way to much space in my head. Please, no snide comments about that remark. :)
In other news, perhaps most importantly, I'm feeling elated as I have just discussed my third and fourth Rona books with a publisher who has agreed to sign me. Tentatively, Keeping the Faith is now slated to be released in September of 2009 by Stonegarden.net Publishing. The owner is a great guy and I'm so happy that I am now going to be a part of the Stonegarden family! Sorry it has taken so long to get KTF out, but such is the plight of the aspiring author. I'll be posting more snippets from KTF on my website, so take time to stop by there.
As you probably already figured out from my last paragraph and from previous posts where I've said as much, I am already working on the fourth book in the series. I'll have more information about that one for you in a couple of months. I don't want to give too much away just yet. For now, I'm thrilled that my series has found a new home and I look forward to getting Rona out to more and more people this year! Since I'm feeling generous, I think I'll give something away!
***NEW CONTEST ALERT***
How about this? Not only am I giving something away for Rona's Birthday on 2/4 in the What Would Rona Do? contest; on 2/14 I'll be giving away a special Heartbreaker Prize Package for Valentine's Day and the only way to enter this contest is by commenting on the blog.
Each person who comments on the blog today through Valentine's Day will be entered into the prize drawing! I've posted a picture of the last Prize Package I gave away so that you have an idea of what kinds of things you might win!
There's actually no mayhem, as the post title implied, but I can probably come up with some mishief if it's really that important to you. Mainly, I wanted to share my great news and invite you to win some cool stuff! Have a great day and I'll anxiously await your comments!
Until next time...
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It's that time of year when I start looking at my writing goals and try to determine what to tackle next. So far, I think I've stayed on task as much as humanly possible given the year I've had. In spite of injuries and other issues, I managed to finish Keeping the Faith and begin working on a couple of new projects. This year hasn't been easy, but it has been full of wonderful new experiences and I'd like to take a moment to mention a few of these.
Although this publisher did not survive the year, I was glad to have been included in the From the Shadows Horror Anthology. I met some really nice people and was able to have my short horror story, Eleven published alongside some very talented horror writers.
I had the good fortune of being included in another anthology this year with the winning entries for the Writer's Digest Short Shorts. My short story, The End placed (although not in the top ten)and was included as one of the top twenty five entries in the contest. I was very happy to be recognized by this publication.
Another wonderful thing that has happened this year has been my Tea & Mystery Tour. I've been to several libraries in Ohio and one in New York state. These discussions have been a great way to get out and meet mystery readers and talk about the two of the things I most enjoy, reading and writing. I look forward to doing more of these discussion next year.
The most rewarding thing that has happened this year in terms of writing has been that I finally finished my first novel-length Rona Shively story. Anyone who knows me, knows that this was especially difficult for me since I have a tendency toward brevity. It's not that I don't have alot to say, it's just that I generally say it very efficiently. So, writing nearly three hundred pages was challenging to say the least. I still haven't figured out what this means to me as a writer, but it wasn't scary enough to stop me from starting my fourth Rona Shively Story shortly after finishing KTF. I'm just anxious to see where this one takes me.
In short, I have lots to be thankful for this year. As usual, things are pretty much as good as can be expected. This is my favorite time of year and I'm hoping that the next couple of months will bring more good news and lots to do for the coming year. Hopefully, the next time I blog, I'll have some news about the status of Keeping the Faith.
Until next time...
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Where I've Been...
Listen to my interview on the Jeffery S. Miller show.
Listen to my interview on Calling All Authors.
Listen to my interview on the Let's Just Talk w/Kathryn Raaker.
Listen to my interview on Radio Free Baxter.
Where I'll Be...
After a short break in the summer, I'll be at the following locations:
8/11/09 Allen Park Public Library, Allen Park, MI 6:30 p.m.
Looking for something entertaining for your library or bookstore patrons? Looking for a fun way to spend a couple of hours? Do you love mysteries? Then you need to schedule a
Tea & Mystery event for your library or bookstore! The fee is minimal and the presentation is fun and informative! Attendees will be given the chance to win great prizes and share their thoughts about the mystery genre and their favorite mystery writers!
E-mail me today at
lonestoryteller@yahoo.com for details on how to set up your
Tea & Mystery event!
Reviews for Rebecca Benston
“You'll find yourself looking forward to more stories from the files of Rona Shively.”
Michelle Shealy, Reviewer for MyShelf.com
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“Rebecca Benston has written a detective with plenty of suspense…I hope there will be a sequel…”
Annick, Reviewer for Euro-Reviews
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“The story is good, the plotting great. Rebecca Benston draws you into the story from the first page. Read the book.”
Lucille P. Robinson, An Alternative Read
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“Rebecca Benston’s twists, turns, and descriptions are utterly engaging.”
Tracy, Fallen Angel Reviews
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“In The Wash is like a 1930’s film noir detective story that had a modern, edgy twist and a female lead.”
Janet Davies, Once Upon a Romance Reviews
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“Under Lock and Key is an enjoyable, fun book! Rona Shively is a delightful character. I loved her off-beat, quirky personality and her outstanding sense of humor.”
Connie Harris, MyShelf.com
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“Talented author Rebecca Benston shows the reader just how complicated life can get suddenly and how people you thought you knew, aren't who you thought they were.”
Anne K. Edwards, Mysteryfiction.net
