#1 Most Read Blog Post is - "Quirky Characters," Why are they there?

Have you ever read a book and became immediately taken with the plot and characters? I love those types of books and I also love it when “quirky” characters begin to show themselves, offering a bit of diversion from the main story.

At first, it almost seems like this odd character is there to simply interrupt the process of the story. But, on second take, it can be other things.

For example, in the classic novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” the main story is one of Atticus Finch, an idealistic lawyer, who defends a black man wrongly accused of a crime against a white woman in a small southern town. The story is set in the early 1920’s somewhere in the southern United States. The gist of the story is how Finch is able to open the eyes of his community just a bit to the injustices of prejudice and ignorance.

Then…somewhere in the middle of the story, Finch is driving his daughter, Scout downtown but suddenly stops on the road. A group of men have surrounded a dog, claiming it is rabid. They turn to Finch and ask, “What should we do?” Why do you suppose the author put this strange interruption in this story?
It’s not an interruption after all; it’s driving the point home. The rabid dog symbolizes the town’s bigotry, thereby causing a dangerous situation. Atticus Finch symbolizes justice and takes the appropriate action of putting down the dog, which simply points out that he was able to bring understanding to his hometown.


I tried to do the same thing with “The Pond.” Sprinkled throughout, you will see odd characters which seem to interrupt the action. Stop a moment and wonder if I am driving home a point.


Although “The Pond” is a thriller and “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a novel, this type of writing style works well in virtually any genre.

Be sure to order a copy of my book, The Pond and see what type of message YOU read into it.

Paperback of "The Pond" $16.95 Purchase at Amazon

Kindle Version of "The Pond" $2.99 Purchase at Amazon

The Imagination of a Writer By Tamera Lawrence

If you have ever wondered, writer’s brains seem to be wired just a bit differently than others. For example, I’ve had people ask me ‘How in the world do you write a book?’ It can be a bit intimidating, but once you allow your imagination to run free, it can be as simple as racing to get your thoughts on paper!

How do you think like a writer? I have a quick, easy test to determine the answer. Have you ever been driving (or riding) past a neighborhood and noticed some interesting homes? Some people may admire the design, structure or large backyard etc, while a writer may wonder who is inside this home? What is their life like? Are their children in the home? Are they happy? Sad? You get the idea. All of these elements are questions that can develop into a novel. Try it sometime! You may be writing your first novel without even realizing it!
 

I used this same approach when writing “The Pond.”

"The Pond" is available in Kindle Format for $2.99 and you can Purchase Here! 

"The Pond" is also available in Paperback for $16.95 and can be Purchased Here!

What comes to Mind?

They say that our senses such as sight, smell, touch and taste can evoke memories of our past. For example, what do you think of when you smell apple pie? Breathe in deeply and smell the cinnamon, nutmeg and Granny Smith apples. What feeling or memory does it conjure for you? When I think of homemade apple pie, I am immediately transported back to my childhood when my grandmother made them for me. So, I would have to say the smell of apple pie brings to me a comforting feeling; spending time with my grandmother and eating those delicious pies!


While the apple pie aroma reminded me of my grandmother, some might get the impression of a mother baking for her family or perhaps a friendly neighbor offering a pie to new neighbors. Any one of these thoughts that come to mind when we think of “apple pie.” There is also the automatic association as “American as Apple Pie.” I believe it is safe to say that all of these images provide the following thoughts of comfort, friendliness of a neighbor, family and security.


While I was writing “The Pond,” I decided to use this train of thought in the beginning of my book. The comfort of a childhood home, a friendly neighbor baking a pie to welcome a family to the neighborhood. I wanted to evoke an image that would make the reader automatically associate a definite perception of one of the characters. The idea would be to gravitate that character from a comforting and pleasant image to a dark personality.

A person who bakes a pie couldn't possibly have a hidden, dark personality yet to be seen; could they?


Get a copy of my book, “The Pond” (now out on Kindle! $2.99) and let me know what you think!

What do these two items have to do with each other?

I am afraid that you will have to read "The Pond" to find out.

Kindle $2.99 and can be purchased HERE

Start reading now!

The Great Mystery Novel "The Pond" is in Kindle Format - for $2.99

"The Pond by Author Tamera Lawrence"

Product Description


Twenty-five years have passed since eight-year old Carl Weber drowned in Gray's pond and now one member of the Adam's family has returned to Kimberton, Pennsylvania, to reside again in the old family mansion. It is time for Mark Adams to revisit his past, and for his wife, Donna and daughter, Kim to become acquainted with their neighbors- a rather odd old couple who own the farm next door.

Each day, however, brings strange occurrences-increasing paranormal activity, till it becomes agonizingly clear that ghosts of the past are trying to make their presence known. But is it the dead the Adam's need to fear or someone with a more sinister appetite for murder?

You can still purchase in Paperback Format for $16.95   Purchase Here

 

Kindle Version for $2.99  Purchase Here  

 

Did you know you can send Kindle Versions of books as gifts? As long as the person has an email address you can send them a kindle.

Can't Judge a Book by its Cover

Have you ever wondered where parables come from? One of my favorites is “Never judge a book by its cover.” One of the reasons it catches my eye, aside from being a novelist, is that it’s a phrase that brings meaning on many levels and conjures a mental image to go with it.


I’m sure everyone has picked up a book with a great cover and began reading it; only to discover that the story was poorly written or just a bad story in general! Then, there are those gems that have a plain book cover and is a real page turner. That’s where the reference becomes interesting. For example, in my book, “The Pond,” I purposely chose characters that were seemingly warm, gentle, friendly and engaging. Those characters upon first glance were wonderful until I created their “true” personalities of dark, rough and seething anger only to be discovered through time and consequences.

Good writing is creating a good story. What I hope is great writing, is creating characters with depth and other layers of personality traits that become memorable and most importantly, real. I hope I was able to accomplish that in “The Pond.

"The Pond" can be purchased in Paperback for $16.95  BUY HERE
"The Pond is also available in Kindle Fomat for $2.99   BUY HERE

Dentistry and the Vulnerability of being the Patient

As I was plotting and planning the characters and plot of “The Pond,” I began to wonder about what vocation Mike Adams, the main character would have.

Taking into account that his family was well-to-do when he was growing up, I considered the usual employment ideas; doctor, lawyer, stockbroker, entrepreneur etc. Then I began to wonder about what some consider to be a step below a doctor, either a dentist or a chiropractor.

For some reason, dentistry provides interesting character development. Consider the number of people who have dental phobias and movies that have perpetuated that fear even further by creating films like Marathon Man. Watching Dustin Hoffman’s character is particularly horrifying as he is tortured with dental procedures.
While I didn’t push the envelope to that extreme, I did plant the suggestion by having Adams be a dentist. And, surprise! One day, he is paid a visit by long lost childhood friend, Bill Simpson. Discussions of the past and certain neighbors cause Simpson to feel vulnerable as “Little Mikey Adams is messing with his teeth.”

Some fears are never outgrown. They simply intensify with age.

"The Pond" is available in Paperback for $16.95 and can be PURCHASED HERE

"The Pond" is available in Kindle Format for $2.95 and can be PURCHASED HERE

What Comes Next?

That is the most asked question I get about writing fiction! Most people can’t imagine sitting down in front of a laptop and writing a story from the depths of your imagination. While “The Pond” is fiction, the beginning was actually based on an actual event. The idea of I wonder what would happen when one of the children grew up? Would he wonder about possible motives? Perhaps the innocence of the event in his memory would tarnish with age? There were quite a few “what ifs?” that I found to be interesting.

I think that is how most writers construct a fiction book; by being inquisitive and have the imagination to allow your mind to conjure a plot. The revisions, changes and tweaks will most definitely be many, but at least there is the proverbial lump of clay to massage that will eventually morph into a polished, piece of art. The idea of letting your imagination run wild is both exhilarating and necessary. Sometimes I think young writers may be at a disadvantage in this area. It seems that as technology continues to explode, children become more interested in computer games and gadgets than reading or developing their imagination. I loved reading Laura Ingalls Wilder books as I was growing up, and am greatly influenced by her writing style. She was a master of telling a story, no matter how simple or delicate.

My advice to younger writers is to explore your imagination! And, if you are interested in gadgets, buy a Kindle and download my book (now available on Kindle), “The Pond.” Kindle $2.99

Have You Made Peace with YOUR Demons?

No matter how wonderful our childhoods may have been, there are still certain memories, places, people, relatives or experiences that cause some anxiety for us. Now, consider if we’ve had difficult childhoods laced with abuse, bullying, or any number of unpleasant experiences. How would you react if someone told you, “You will move back into your childhood home.”

Does it give you a warm fuzzy? Or does it make you feel ill? For those of us who have suffered traumatic or unpleasant childhoods, the idea will be dismissed immediately. If you’re one of those fortunate people that had a wonderful childhood, the idea sounds extremely tempting.

I thought it was an interesting concept. Why? Because in my book, “The Pond,” the main character feels that overall, he had a pleasant childhood. Of course, it wouldn’t be real life unless he experienced some hardships. But, his overall opinion of his childhood was pleasant. What if he moves back into his childhood home and begins to recall repressed memories? Did they happen? Or, is he simply feeling strange about living in his childhood home as a man?
Either way, the idea is intriguing. Memories can be sparked from a scent, a visual scene, temperature and a variety of other ways. Going back home may mean facing new memories which will certainly cause reflection. Will it change the core of your belief system? That’s something to consider. Find out how the main character in “The Pond” handles this situation.

The Trials & Tribulations of Newlyweds

For those of you that are married, do you remember the first several months of wedded bliss? When I think of newlyweds, the classic movie, “Barefoot in the Park” comes to mind. It’s a cute film about a couple that begins life blissfully happy with pollyanna dreams and as time passes, they become settled into real life.


What is real life? The usual points of contention which is how to spend money, bills, credit card debt, household duties and parenting issues. Oh, and a small issue known as problems with the in-laws! This problem has been parodied on countless television sitcoms such as Roseanne, The Honeymooners, The Dick Van Dyke show and more. While television has poked fun at this issue, the problem can be very real.
As a writer, I took this common issue and decided to use it to build tension in my book, “The Pond.” Although the mother-in-law is briefly mentioned in the beginning of the book, I find it lends the type of emotion I wanted for the opening. And, the fact that the main character and his family are moving back into his mother’s home causes the daughter-in-law additional anxiety. Of course, her husband fails to see the true extent of his mother’s short comings which makes it all the more exasperating. Can she remove the stigma of living in her mother-in-law’s home? Can she make it her own? Can she finally put her in-law issues to rest? Find out by reading my book, “The Pond.”

Some Reviews of the Mystery Novel "THE POND"

*****The Pond: just 'jump in'!



This review is from: "The Pond" (Paperback) - "The Pond" Kindle Format - download today for $2.99


What a wonderful, engaging novel by Tammy Lawrence--"The Pond" is a fast-moving,edge-of-your-seat mystery with lots of dialogue and family dynamics to add to the tension. I couldn't help but think of various theories of my own to solve the mystery of what REALLY happened at the pond, and was engaged all the way through to the end. I think you will be surprised with the ending, too!

**** Good Read!

By Kelly Schuknecht "Outskirts Press, Director" 

This review is from: "The Pond" (Paperback) "The Pond" (Kindle Format)


Something strange is going on in the Adams' family home! Michael Adams and his wife and daughter move back to his childhood home - an old home in a rural area with odd neighbors across the street where a young boy had drowned many years ago. Unexplainable things begin to happen around the house, such as a grandfather clock being overturned in a room by itself, objects getting broken or moved and strange appearances of frogs. Donna Adams finds herself investigating these occurrences to get to the bottom of what is happening to her family, and find out what really happened to Carl Weber that day.

"The Pond" is a suspenseful thriller, sure to keep you interested until the very end. By Lisa Tomarelli 

Guest Blog Post - Author Tamera E Lawrence

The Pond

Q) Tamera, why did you become a Writer/Author?

A) Ever since I was a little girl, I was fascinated by books and loved to read. My grandmother Gladis Evans was a poet and I was always fascinated that her poems were published. She inspired me to write. I love to write and have a great imagination. I love bringing stories to life.

Q) What types of books do you like to write?

A) Originally, I liked writing romance, mainly historical…which I still like to tinker with. But I found that I like to dig deeper into my imagination and write mysteries or thrillers. I like to make people squirm.


Q)Have you written any other books since “The Pond” ? Any other writing projects in process?

A) I have written a few books, but my main project is a book called WRECKER. I also am putting the finishing touches on a book called, THE SERPERNT’S KISS.


Q) What are other types of jobs have you held in the past?

A) In my teens, I was a waitress. From there, I went to work at AMP Incorporated. I started on the bottom level with file keeping and then moved up to a data input. After having my third child, I helped my husband with his contracting business and became self-employed.


Q) Besides writing, what else do you like to do?

A) Besides reading, I like gardening, walking and like to play softball. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed watching my kids in their various sports. My daughter likes to write and is a natural poet. In the fourth grade, she won first place in a poetry contest held in Berks County.

Q) If you can live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?

A)I would never live anywhere but in the United States. I loved my country and I am proud of its history. I’d like to visit all the states…but alas time is short.


Q) Do you have any pets?

A) Right now, we have a cat named Emma. We decided to let her have a litter of kittens so my kids could experience nature firsthand. Emma is the proud mother of five kittens. We already have several promising homes for them. My daughter always has a pet of some kind, usually a hamster. Right now she wants a horse. Help!


Q) Where did you go on your last vacation?

A) Last vacation was spent at the NJ shore. We had a great week of weather and had a lot of fun.

Q) Do you have a favorite color?

A) Not really, but I like to wear dark colors. Sometimes, I wonder why? LOL

Q) Favorite movies?

A) I love the movie, Far and Away (since I’m part Irish) and of course, The Notebook. Thriller wise, I like What Lies Beneath.

Q) Favorite books?

"The Pond". Is this a trick question? No, really, my favorite romance is Shanna. I read a little of Koontz (Frankenstein series). My favorite inspirational book, Not My Will.

Q) What type of music do you like to listen to?

A) I like soft music, soft rock and a bit of country.

Q) Steak or Seafood?

A) Def. Steak. Can’t beat it.

Q) Do you have a favorite meal you like to have as often as you can?

A) I love spaghetti, but my waistline doesn’t. I am trying to stick to lean meats and lots of vegetables. I admit, I have a sweet tooth. I think you could call me a professional dieter, up and down, depending on the season.

Tamera, Thank you for your time and make sure you keep me informed on the updates of your new "Projects". If your new work is anything like "The Pond", "Then you can count on me to read. I loved "The Pond" and have to put it down on my favorite book list. "The Pond" is now available in Kindle Format for the great price of $2.99. Purchase Here!

Mindy

Can You Really Go Home Again?

Most people have fond memories of their childhood. However, there are some that the thought of remembering or re-living these memories is simply horrific. What if you remember a wonderful childhood full of wonderful memories and find out as an adult that some memories were repressed or confused with other events?Such is the case with the main character, “Mike” from Tamera Lawrence’s new thriller, “The Pond.” While reading this book, it gave me pause for thought; can you really go back home again? As an adult, will you see through the eyes of your inner child and see life as you did back then? The idea is intriguing to say the least and is firmly planted within this story.

Just as the main character begins to realize that his memories were not quite as he remembered, he begins to notice other recollections of his childhood that appear to be inaccurate. And, it isn’t easy as dismissing it as “not being that important”. The hook in this story is that Mike has moved his family to his childhood home that he inherited from his mother. His past is glaringly on display for all to see, much to his chagrin. He has a daughter around the same age he was when he lived in this home 25 years ago. Instead of watching her enjoy the same facets of his own childhood residence, he begins to notice that she doesn’t share the same ubiquitous appreciation for this home as he had.

Additionally, Mike’s wife, Donna begins to see a glimmer of beloved memories recounted by her husband that are not so accurate. The next door neighbors, the Grays were remembered as friendly and genuinely fond of Mike. In fact, Mrs. Gray even made Mike’s favorite dessert, pie just for him. Yet, when Mike’s wife meets the couple upon moving in, she finds them to be odd which piques her interest in Mike’s past. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but something seemed awry. Even acknowledging the aloofness and rudeness of his mother toward her was practically impossible for Mike. He simply dismissed it as being overprotective because he was an only child. If he told her once, he told her a thousand times, let it go, it’s in the past. Apparently, this became the unspoken mantra for his childhood memories.

Why does he have such Pollyanna memories? The mind is complex and will offer tainted memories to replace true memories if the anguish or trauma is too great for a person. That psychological fact has been proven. Is this the case with Mike’s own childhood? There was a tragic event that happened on “The Pond” that caused him grief. When he begins looking for answers and asks questions of his trusted neighbors, he is warned to: Let it go, it’s in the past. Is he being punished? Did he repress any memories? How could he find out? Time will tell as one reads further into this thriller.

Do not Forget you can now purchase "The Pond" in Kindle Format for $2.99. Purchase here!

Winter Cold and Snow Can Bring Fun....... Danger too!

If you live in an area where winter cold brings ice and snow onto our lakes and ponds, you think of the fun of ice skating, ice fishing, ice hockey and the feeling you get walking across a frozen pond.

Unfortunately, along with the fun, you are also well aware of the possibilities of dangers that may also lurk. Expressions have even adopted these dangers as a warning to fit any situation. “You are skating on thin ice!” And, one of the most iconic Holiday movies begins with a group of boys sledding onto a pond with the assumption that it is frozen solid. In “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the main character saves his brother from drowning and loses his hearing in one of his ears. Is it an underlying metaphor to underscore the moral of the story? Perhaps, perhaps not.

The Novel, “The Pond” starts with details of a horrific frozen pond accident that is difficult to shake as a reader (since the incident really happened). As I was writing this book, even I found myself wincing at the characters and the experiences each one of them had to go through. I think you will find this book interesting as you learn more about each character and the demons they possess.

Don’t have a copy of the book?

Purchase a copy of "The Pond" today and I bet you will have a hard time putting it down.. Available in both Paperback and Kindle Formats. Special pricing on Kindle Format just in time for the summer. $2.99

Did you know that you could send a kindle for a gift? Kindle Formatted Books can be sent to anyone that has an email! Know of someone that enjoys reading a good Mystery Novel? Send them "The Pond"!!

Enjoy

"The Pond" By Author Tamera E Lawrence

Do the Adam's have more to fear from the living or the dead?



"He grabbed the edge of the ice, clinging desperately. Murky water filled his boots, becoming as weighted anchors. Numbing cold squeezed his limbs as he tried to scream for help. But his chest hurt. It was hard to breathe. His heart beat wildly in his thin chest. Water seeped inside his clothing, his skin turned to ice. He stared up at the sky. The ice cracked again, creating fragments of drifting sheets. As his glove caught on the jagged edge, his hand slid out. Dark water swirled over him as he began to sink into the frigid depths of the black void."


Twenty-five years have passed since eight-year-old Carl Weber drowned in Gray's Pond, and now one member of the Adams family has returned to Kimberton, Pennsylvania, to reside once again in the old mansion. It is time for Mark Adams to revisit his past, and for his wife Donna and daughter, Kim, to become acquainted with their neighbors, a rather odd old couple who own the farm next door.


Each day, however, brings strange occurrences, increasing paranormal activity, till it becomes agonizingly clear that ghosts of the past are trying to make their presence known. As the search for the truth be.

Brings up the question, Can you ever go back?

Author Tamera E Lawrence

"The Pond" Available in Paperback and Kindle Format!

Kindle Format is available at the Special Price of $2.99