Olivia...on writing relationships.

The Technicians came to me when I was watching John Wick and later that night, Wreck-It Ralph. Don’t Judge; it is a pretty good movie. Anyway, in the trust circle with Zangrief and the bad guys of the Gaming World, he asked about the bad guy not being the “bad guy.” Hence, the Technicians were born of bad men taking on families.

The readers loved it.

However, the readers didn’t love the women being in trouble, destitute and having to rely on a man for survival. The situations the women were in, or what the women experienced before finding these Knights in shiny black Ford F-150s, readers felt were horrible. It made me think about the next installment of Technicians.

I stepped back and looked hard at the stories I wanted to tell. Then I realized, I never truly dug into how a Technician comes to be, the training, or the magical fairies who operate in the background.

Enter Helen McDaniel.

Yes, I put this sister through the ringer, but here is a woman without a real identity. Her life has pretty much happened by living the background. What if…she got to come to the foreground? What if…the man who helped rescue her becomes something more.

This has become a battle in writing patience. I have to not only develop Helen’s story as she learns how to become a Technician, but I also have to develop her relationship with her hero. To add to that, I have to develop Helen's character as she steps into her power. Here’s the twist, she ends up rescuing him.

Sometimes in our lives, we don’t fully realize we’re simply existing until a wind blows through and overturns, halts and disrupts everything we think we know about life. The relationship between Helen and Mustang is an opportunity for me to get back to developing relationships between characters as they grow.

Helen is making me grow as a writing, because I have written three of her four books. I still have no idea what her specialty is…and I think that is amazing. I think in book four, she will let me know, but right now, it’s cool. I’m loving it.

Also, I need to let you know, in Half Blind, I have brought in some characters that you know, and man, oh man, you are going to enjoy the ride.

Her evolution is an exciting adventure in itself.

An Untitled Love

Orlando Flynn wasn’t beyond calling in the debt Jacquetta Mason owed him to get what he wanted. The love shared between them had always been untitled and he was ready to change it to something more concrete. Orlando knew exactly the label he wanted on his relationship with Jacquetta. He wanted her as his wife. https://amzn.to/3C9eolJ

Vacationing with the Blakemores

In this episode, the Blakemores head to St. Lucia for a much needed vacation only to run into a woman from Saxton's past. Things take an odd turn as Copperhead enters the scene challenging everything Odessa believes.

Climb aboard for a Vacation with the Blakemores on the next to the last chapter of the adventure into love. https://amzn.to/4jb65qa

Helen McDaniel is back in Half Blind, the captivating third installment in the Technicians of the Great Lakes series. This time, Helen’s journey takes her to Ohio, where she trains under the enigmatic chemical specialist, the Sour Lemon. As Helen delves into the intricate world of toxins and beneficial plant life, she forms an unexpected friendship with Lemon—who is dealing with her own complications, including a mysterious connection to a stranger named Jared.

The intrigue deepens when another stranger arrives, stirring up secrets that bring Helen closer to uncovering the mysteries of the Conclave of Angels, the shadowy organization behind the Technician Crews.

Meanwhile, Helen’s relationship with Mustang grows stronger as he moves closer to home, establishing roots in Plainfield, Indiana. Blending suspense, personal growth, and deepening connections, Half Blind offers a vivid exploration of loyalty, resilience, and the ever-unfolding mysteries of the Forbidden Fruits Technician Crew.

For fans of action-packed series featuring strong female leads, this is a journey you won’t want to miss. Join Helen as she navigates new challenges, unearths hidden truths, and takes another step toward mastering her role in the Great Lakes Technician Crew!

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JP: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0DLBTS8HF

Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are the best for super juicy and tender meat.
• Greek Chicken Marinade: A bright and zesty blend of lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, and dried thyme. 
• Vegetables: I’m using a combination of zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, and tomatoes. But I’ll provide more options below!
• Olives, Feta Cheese, and Parsley: It’s not a Greek recipe without olives and creamy feta! And the fresh parsley is always a nice fresh herbal pop.

Full Recipe Here Greek Sheet Pan Chicken.

Get the laptop bag: https://amzn.to/4jgsfY0

Super Reader Swag Bags for Conferences: https://amzn.to/3C8Vifw

Get the writing dice: https://amzn.to/3Pyau8Y

We are on BlueSky

In-Person Journaling Club

I am not doing any book signings this year. I'm taking a step back to work locally with groups and organizations in my own town.

First Tuesdays Journaling Club – Jan. 2025 – Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History