jj Keller

Situational Awareness in Writing

Situational awareness is a part of our own lives, especially in today’s frighteningly violent world. Being aware of our surroundings is imperative for us and also a method for a writer to enhance their scenes. The primary character (POV character) must familiarize herself/himself with their environment and be ready to act. Knowledge, experience and education enables the character to be observant, vigilant. With this information he/she will determine their plight or circumstances.

Have your character:

Trust in his or her gut instinct!

Never have his or her back to the door, entrance. In a Promise at Midnight, Henry…

“Shoulders aching from pulling on the reins, King guided the horses to a stop at the mouth of a small canyon. He’d evaded the bandits, seemingly as if they didn’t want to catch the stagecoach. What about the cashbox which was bolted to the floor? Bandits were known to burn the carriage and take the cashbox. Could it be possible they went to retrieve their wounded or dead?

Regardless, the canyon would provide them coverage from three sides if they were attacked. He unfettered the horses and removed a shovel from the boot.”

Have him or her be cognizant of the location of other players in the scene.

Use all of the senses: taste, sight, smell, touch, hearing, perception (gut instinct).

Sometimes fighting isn’t the best weapon-RUN.

A Promise at Midnight, Emma was captured by the criminals.

“You run, I kill,” he whispered with foul onion scented breath. An evil gleam replaced the vacant look. Two personalities, one large body.”

Later, with no other choice:

“Excess energy gave her the strength to run like a gazelle. The sprinted jump start would be her only advantage. An outraged Peach yelled, his tones bouncing around the rock faces. Head down, legs pumping, she carried on until she hit a wall of human flesh.”

Situational awareness is critical for successful decision making. The character must maintain control, focus, and attention to his or her surroundings. Typically, situational awareness evolves around making safe choices, but it can be a strong scene enhancer, pulling the elements of the scene together.

Elevate your writing, consider situational awareness…enable your POV character with an essential foundation for effective judgement calls.

Excerpt From A Promise at Midnight. jj Keller

https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewBook?id=0

This material is protected by copyright.

A PROMISE AT MIDNIGHT

WORLDWIDE RELEASE: JULY 10^TH.

Emma Cody bucks traditional etiquette and travels alone to Colorado to help her pregnant sister-in-law. The stagecoach is attacked by bandits, one of whom she recognizes. She takes on the financial responsibility of her family. Doing whatever’s necessary to provide food and shelter, she uses her skills to enter a sharpshooting contest. The ruggedly handsome Henry Courtland rides into her world and orchestrates an unforgettable weekend filled with laughter and fiery passion. Will the romance stay strong or will Emma’s secret create an insurmountable precipice?

Henry “King” Courtland, conservative wealthy businessman, wants to hold onto his money despite an outlaw gang robbing his payroll. When the proper Miss, sitting across from him in the stagecoach, asks to use his gun to fight bandits he’s captivated. His attraction for the refined, privileged Emma Cody is an anomaly, and he wants to invest.

Unexpected feelings lead the two passionate people to rope in a relationship. However, greed, jealousy, and love clash when Emma is held captive by the outlaws.

Theme(s): Family Life/Oriented, Small Town, Mystery, Action-Adventure, Opposites Attract
SubGenre(s): Suspense, Western, Historical
BISAC: FIC027100 FICTION / Romance / Western

Western; Adventure; historical; Buffalo Bill; Sharpshooting; kidnapping; survival; competition; violence; rifle; surprise wedding; romance novel

Page Count: 348 Word Count: 86142
Digital Price: 3.99
Print Price : 18.99

ISBN(s):
978-1-5092-4874-2 Paperback
978-1-5092-4875-9 Digital

jj Keller

My Day with the Cardinal

I walk. My dog requires a walk everyday, same time, hoping for a variety of routes. Then I add on additional milage trotting to my walk/jog playlist.

On my solo journey, I always take a path thorugh the woods. As if timed, a cardinal flutters from branch to branch traveling with me along the way.

I cannot, I am not quick enough, to capture an image of the little guy. His bright red plumage, in addition to his compulsive routine, should alert me to be prepared for his attendance. Every time I try to snap a shot, he darts off. (The image above isn’t the bright red guy who tours with me.)

He taunts me. His happy little chirp is like a challenge. “You walk in my area; however, I’m not posing for a picture. Catch me if you can.”

At the end of the day, my carefree winged friend poses, in the tree, outside my office area. His animated chirps drawing my attention. The wind blows the branch, but he clings to the wood.

Emma Cody Saves Family

Unexpected feelings lead the two passionate people to rope in a relationship. However, greed, jealousy, and love clash when Emma is held captive by the outlaws.

Release Date: 2023-07-10

ISBN(s):
978-1-5092-4874-2 Paperback
978-1-5092-4875-9 Digital
Theme(s): Family Life/Oriented, Small Town, Mystery, Action-Adventure, Opposites Attract
SubGenre(s): Suspense, Western, Historical
BISAC: FIC027100 FICTION / Romance / Western

Keywords: Western; Adventure; historical; Buffalo Bill; Sharpshooting; kidnapping; survival; competition; violence; rifle; surprise wedding; romance novel
Page Count: 348
Word Count: 86142
Digital Price: 5.99 Print Price: $18.99

Don’t wait until July to read an exciting adventure, read one of jj Keller’s books.

Do Our Characteristics Evolve From Our DNA?

Ancestry?

I’ve always had a fascination for horses, stars, and the supernatural. My go to letter of the alphabet was/is M. As child I hoped M represented something in my life I was missing. Teen years I believed M stood for my future life mate. Adulthood-just a fun letter located in the middle of the sequence.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is my favorite Shakespeare work. The summer solstice is the best time of the year and one of the few times I fight the mosquitoes to be outside as the sun travels its long path to bless the start of summer. It’s also the one day I keep a sacred fire burning. Herbs, such as fern, St. John’s Wort and yarrow are more potent on this one day, so I harvest and hang them to dry.

Due to my equine obsession, my father purchased a horse for me when I was a youngster and I fell in love with all equine beasts. Here is a photo of my second great-grandfather who is obviously a fan of his horse, more so than his wife and children. (Ancestry.com)

My spouse gifted me with an Ancestry DNA Kit and several fascinating discoveries began to identify characteristics which might be traced to my ancestors.

Geographic origins helped to explain my innate desire to visit the United Kingdom, especially Wales and Scotland. While visiting Shakespeare’s stomping grounds, I outlined a story based on a shapeshifter. Writing fantasy and supernatural stories are an innate part of my DNA code.

Despite the centimorgans measuring the genetic distance I truly believe my Viking Great Grandfather (x) is the reason I’m a fan and author of mythological stories. DNA links to Norway, Sweden and Denmark provide a beautiful bounty of nature, trolls, legends and exceptional story plots.

American Keller roots are a combination of McCartney, a Scots-Irish who arrived in Pennsylvania around 1770, and Hans Colb Colbius 1500 (12 great) and descendants located near Baden-Wuerttemberg Germany were professors at universities, artists, and poets. Colbius morphed into Taylor around 1779 when Johannes Kohler Caylor arrived in Virginia and the name was recorded as Kellar, later Keller.

When those DNA attributes are merging with my McCartney origins, I have an explanation and foundation for creativity. An example is this fairy flag I painted many years ago and have recently completed a series of fairy stories evolving from the origin of the fairy flag.

My father’s great-grandfather John J. McCartney was a Scots-Irish. What are a Scots-Irish? In the 13^th century Donal Cartnach, in Ireland, served under Robert the Bruce. After the battle of Dundalk, he was said to reward Cartnach with land in Scotland called Glen Artney. The origin of the McCartney clan. J.J. McCartney arrived in Pennsylvania from Ireland.

Could the “M” from my youth be connected to his newly discovered relative? A mind twist from a previous life? In addition, higher education and continual learning are a part of me, an attribute, as many true Keller’s before me.

The results of Ancestry DNA provided insight into why some of my distinctive prints are so pronounced. There are significantly more examples, which I guess you could quietly think a person could apply any action, characteristics and make the process logically acceptable as part of ancient history, i.e. chromosomal links. The most important part of DNA fiber proteins are the histones.

What do you think?

Can you associate some of your geographical origins, traits, or characteristics with your ancestors?

The Beggar

I stared, a multitude of questions flooding my mind.

On rare occasions my mother drove me into the nearest cosmopolitan city to visit a salon and to be fitted for new garments. When I was around ten-years-old she reluctantly opened the rear car door and with two fingers indicated for me to climb into the back. Typically, I’d run to the car and bounce excitedly on the seat, but something had changed that summer. I was changing, morphing into a young lady instead of a child. And my mother acted different, increasingly colder and more distant. Her anger and sharp tone of voice became the norm. I suddenly wished to be ignored again.

She held my arm, stopping me from entering. “Go put on the black shoes.”

I bowed my head, not wanting to reveal my true thoughts. “They hurt my feet.”

“I told you not to choose them, but you had to have them.” She pointed toward the house. “Go put them on.”

During the quiet ride I glanced out the window, looking for familiar signs to reassure me I wasn’t an unwanted dog being released into the wild. At the sight of the popular burger joint I relaxed and took a breath. The city always fascinated me, and I couldn’t get enough of the sites. My head bobbed from side to side, not wanting to miss a beat.

Motoring through the center of town, I noticed the beggar. I’d seen him before, a half man, older than my father. His legs stopped just below his hips. He was seated on a wooden platform with wheels. His arms were on each side of the wood slats, and he used his knuckles to push the makeshift conveyance along the sidewalk. The excess trouser material flew out at the rear creating dust in his wake.

From previous experience I knew he had a collection cup. I cautiously slid my hand along the cushion, searching for loose coins caught in the fold between the back rest and the seat. I glanced into the rear-view mirror, trying to see my mother’s eyes, determine if she saw me fishing for money…hoping she focused on something else.

“What are you doing?” Her monotone voice chilled the air.

I stopped, but didn’t withdraw my hand from the crevice. “Nothing.”

A moment later she parked the car near the Wabash River. We walked, taking a right and then a left onto Market. My beautiful shiny black shoes rubbed blisters onto my heels, dividing the pain with my pinched toes. There, on the same street as the salon was the beggar. He had a friend, sitting on a portable chair beside him. I stared, wanting to ask questions I stopped in front of them. A cup rattled, and I shifted my glance to the other one. He shook his coin laden cup again.

“Keep up,” my mother shouted from several feet away.

“Sorry,” I whispered and scurried.

I glanced back. He’d shifted his platform and stared at me. I’m not sure which one of us felt the most sympathy.

For some reason snippets of my past continue to invade my dreams, perhaps because they formed the person I am today.

A PROMISE AT MIDNIGHT

Yes, I’ve a new book to be released this winter…a merge between 1883 and Linda Lael Miller’s the Carson’s of Mustang Creek. Yeah, good guys prevail!

The book evolved due to my father’s passing. We spent many hours watching westerns. If the possibility existed, he would have left his recliner and jumped into the television to rescue the lady and shoot a few bad guys along the way.

A Promise At Midnight doesn’t follow the typical western, the story’s setting is primarily in the Colorado mountains, hosting a sharpshooting contest, bandits, kidnappers and the traditional saloon. The unforgettable main characters are vibrant with Emma Cody, cousin to Buffalo Bill Cody, and Henry Courtland successful business owner.

Other characters integral to the plot include: a little person, an Eastern Indian and a gentle giant. My great grandparents owned a dairy and one of their employees was a little person. My dad told several heart-warming stories of this gentleman. I’ve friends from India and included a conglomeration to build an exceptional “guard” for Emma. The gentle giant is one of my favorite cooking show chefs.

Fast paced, with intriguing venues, the core element is family. Emma wants to save hers, and Henry desires a family.

A Promise At Midnight bleeds directly from my heart, exploding onto the pages with suspense, adventure, humor, and most of all love. I hope you enjoy the book and drop a comment or review.

Emma Cody, bucks traditional etiquette and travels alone to Colorado to help her pregnant sister-in-law. The stagecoach is attacked by bandits, one of whom she recognizes. She takes on the financial responsibility of her family. Doing whatever’s necessary to provide food and shelter, she uses her skills to enter a sharpshooting contest. The ruggedly handsome Henry Courtland rides into her world and orchestrates an unforgettable weekend filled with laughter and fiery passion. Will the romance stay strong or will Emma’s secret create an insurmountable precipice?

Unexpected feelings lead the two passionate people to rope in a relationship. However, greed, jealousy, and love clash when Emma is held captive by the outlaws.

A Promise at Midnight is coming soon…in the meantime please enjoy one of my other releases. jj Keller

Flower Sniffing Dog

My little Havanese isn’t like other dogs.

There are dogs who are chase animals, dogs who help law enforcement and this little girl. Every morning she walks through the garden and then to the planters and sniffs the flowers.

I needed to stop watering so she could perform her ritual, which was interrupted by squawking geese.

Flower Power

Help! I’ve Writer’s Block

Help! I’ve Writers Block.

Writer’s Block is a condition in which an author isn’t able to produce new work or experiences a creative slowdown.

Time passing without production is an element, motivation to create something fresh, and sometimes fear of failure.

If an author is experiencing writer’s block, the struggle is subjective and each individual must overcome the stumbling block in his or her own personal way.

My writing process begins when the plot forms during sleep. Since the pandemic and loss of my father my sleep has been impaired. I’d love to blame this odd first-occurring writer’s block condition to those two elements; however, I’ve submitted a western historical with the key character being a woman fighting to survive and after one rejection I’ve lost my drive to put cutting-edge stories onto paper.

All of the elements disturbing my thought processes and self-doubt play a role in this writer’s block.

I’ve searched for solutions and found a common thread at nearby Purdue University. Here are some of the tips they suggest to overcome writer’s block:

Enhance your Workspace. Work during your most productive times, AM or PM. Add fresh flowers and/or white noise.
Use the Pomodoro Technique. Productivity can be optimized in 25-minute blocks.
Plan a Time and Make a Habit. If you’re not disciplined and committed, adopt rituals into your daily routine. John Grisham has a routine, sits down and commits to writing on a schedule. Even if only one page is produced…he followed through.
Try a Writing Prompt. Choose a topic and write for 15-20 minutes. Writing prompts are very helpful (check Writer’s Digest). More often than not, I think of a scene and commit it to paper, then work it into the story later. My spouse gets frustrated when he finds little sheets of paper all over the office.
It’s OK to be Flawed. This is a common thread throughout any writing blog/website etc. It is impossible to write a perfect first draft. Aim for putting the story on paper and then edit.
READ. Typically, writers are avid readers. Take a break and read something from one of your favorite authors, a poem, short essay…whatever it takes to get your mind off the block and gleam a bit of inspiration. My go to is Shakespeare. The bard had a way of weaving words together. OR Anthony Bourdain because I love to learn about the underbelly of restaurants and challenges of chefs. In addition, the Barefoot Contessa takes me out of my headspace. If you haven’t read any of Ina’s books, I suggest you check one out at your local library and experience authentic and perfect recipes.
Don’t give it a Name. This method was new to me… “According to the American Psychological Association (APA) many psychologists don’t even believe that writer’s block exists. Psychologist Steven Pritzker told the APA that it’s “an artificial construct that justifies a discipline problem.”

Professor Paul Silvi told the APA that “naming something gives it power.”

Purdue’s solution is to “don’t acknowledge it. Sit down at the desk and

prove it wrong.”

I’m an author, a writer, and considering my smidgen of Scottish and Native American DNA-a storyteller. I create stories and share the lore with hopes of informing, entertaining and sometimes thrilling.

So, I took my craft to the streets and shared a current story plot—to test the waters. The story had people laughing, questioning what would happen next and general enthusiasm for more. Ahh, so helpful.

I utilized the suggestions from Purdue, plus my own personal method to try and counteract the psychologically questionable writer’s block, and I’m back in the saddle.

Please feel free to share your own challenges with writer’s block and method of resolving.

jj Keller

Storyteller and writer.

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RUSSIAN TRADE AGREEMENT

A Russian traded contraband for a woman, at least for a moment-TRADE AGREEMENT.

Falling in love with the next door neighbor-impulsive.

Kidnapped by her ex-husband-startling.

Traded for contraband on the high seas-unbelievable.

Photo-journalist, Georgina Barrister, realizes she has little time left in this world when her ex-husband hands her over as partial payment for a shipment of illegal imports. Apparently being the perfect wife, the perfect hostess, and the perfect lover hadn’t been enough for him. What did he expect of her now, to be the perfect token? As a captive on a freighter, how will she escape? Special Agent Jake Callahan believes love at first sight is impossible, until he meets Georgina Barrister Kaplan. However, his assignment on a high-seas trafficking case must overrule his feelings when Georgina becomes the prime suspect. In search for the truth will they lose their one chance at happiness?

PAPERBACK/KINDLE

AUDIBLE

Dark Sun, Blood Moon

Dark Sun, He’s almost an angel and she’s pure temptation, was released through Cobblestone Press.

In Dark Sun, Brandi is a chef trying to transform Dark Shadows bar into a restaurant. Unfortunately someone tries to burn the place down. Her firefighter ex—always happens to be at the scene and so is her new beau, Niall Howard.

Niall is a Guardian Squad Chancellor testing Mark Kepler before he becomes a full fledge Guardian Squad member sending evil souls to hell or to repent at a Weigh Station. Part of Mark’s assessment is to revisit his old grounds, which brings us to Dark Shadows a pub he used to own but sold to his friend Brandi Sedgwick.

Niall is catapulted back in time to his marriage to Fiona, Brandi reincarnated. He wants her, but does she want him?

In an attempt to woo Brandi, Niall prepares an old Irish Love in My Heart Potato Soup: Here is the recipe…you won’t be able to find this anywhere but here…shhh it’s a secret.

♥ 1 tablespoon(s) olive oil ♥3 ounce(s) thinly sliced prosciutto, chopped ♥2 clove(s) garlic, crushed ♥4 medium Idaho potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes ♥3 cup(s) chicken broth ♥1/3 cup(s) chopped fresh basil ♥2 cup(s) half-and-half (I use 2% as a sub to make it less calories but it’ll have a thinner broth) ♥1/4 teaspoon(s) salt ♥1/8 teaspoon(s) white pepper ( I use black and it works just as well, but then I get inspiration for creatures of hell in a variety of ways :> ) ♥2 tablespoon(s) grated Parmesan cheese

How to mix the love in:

Heat olive oil in a large heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Add prosciutto and sauté, stirring frequently, until crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain on paper towels; set aside.
Add garlic, potatoes and broth to pan; bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until potatoes are soft, stirring occasionally. Add chopped basil and simmer for another few minutes.
Remove from heat. Dump into a blender of use a hand mixer (in the pot) to purée the soup until smooth. If you used a blender pour the contents back into the stock pot. Add half-and-half, salt, pepper and cheese. Stir until well blended (if needed put back onto burner for a few minutes).
Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with the prosciutto. Garnish with basil sprigs.

Read the story discover if Niall’s magical mix convinced Brandi to fall in love with him. Let me know if you try the potion on someone you want to captivate.

Dark Sun

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