I spent last week searching for a picture I took several years ago while sitting around the fire on a camping trip at a local lake. I almost gave up and used another night shot I had, when finally I found it. So, I happily created this cover.
Although it was great I found the picture I was looking for, that isn’t the interesting part of my upcoming release.
At the beginning of this story, Janice and Dale are alone on Easter Day enjoying their meal together. Janice lightens the mood by throwing out a few “I wouldn’t be surprised” zingers. A few days later, a gift of bread was delivered in the middle of the night. It gets worse for them from there.
This really happened to my husband and I. We spent Easter day alone because of the shutdown, and I used the real “I wouldn’t be surprised” jokes which included, Bigfoot delivering food, Aliens landing in the front yard, and a pack of serial killers running down our driveway to name a few in the story.
Then a strange “gift” of bread showed up on the back of my husband’s pickup one morning soon after.
We do have a video recording and a grainy picture of an older woman on our security camera. No one we know. It was chilling to watch her walk down our dark driveway, where she met up with a dog and disappears. No car…nothing. Just darkness.
We put the bread back outside that night. No reason, we just didn’t know what to do with it really and felt guilty throwing it away. Maybe they wanted it back, I reasoned. Our security camera stopped recording motions that night, but the bread was gone the next morning–only a plate and some foil, which the ravens found.
Why is this strange? Well, we live in the middle of the forest. There are no streetlights, parking or sideways, just a road and trees. Houses are separated by acres, and wild animals live around us. We know most of our neighbors, and none of them would be out wandering around at 11:30 p.m. without a flashlight. Our driveway is longer than a football field, so it a long dark walk to a darker street.
I did immediately think my daughter dropped off a gluten-free treat for her dad, but that wasn’t the case. I talked to neighbors, nothing. It was a mystery we never solved, but my mind never let go of it.
I went in many directions with this story, some of which ended in death for Dale and Janice. That didn’t feel right to me and why I missed the orginal deadline. Besides, I figured I should be careful after what happened.
A few familiar characters paid a visit, and a new one made an appearance.
So except for the dog, the older lady who pays a visit in the story, it happened. What follows the delivery of the bread is what happens when strange events come to a writer. It’s been three months since our special nighttime gift. I can throw it into the its been a strange year theory, but…
Blurb:
Do you ever wish you could take back your words? Janice and Dale Hart sat around the dinner table laughing at silly “I wouldn’t be surprised” jokes that included UFOs, Bigfoot, hand-delivered food, and serial killers. A week later, an innocent plate of food is left on Dale’s truck in the middle of the night. That’s only the beginning, and the presents go from harmless to life-threatening. Will the Harts find help in time to survive an evil bearer of “gifts”? Find out in this paranormal thriller.
NOTE: DO NOT BUY AT THE $2.99 PRICE ON AMAZON. IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE .99. I was unable to fix it, even though it was before the deadline, and now it won’t be corrected until JULY 21ST.
If anyone bought it at the wrong price, let me know and I’ll send you an Amazon gift certificate for the difference. Sorry for any inconvenience. I’ll add this to my 2020 odd list 🙂
Pre-Order on SMASHWORDS HERE!
Amazon (7-21-20)
Release Date: July 21st
UPDATES:
I’ll be on vacation next week so there will be no blog. I’ll be back on August 2nd. I also won’t be on social media or visiting my favorite blogs.
My Monthly Newsletter will be out a day late on July 21st. I’ll be celebrating my birthday the day before… So, watch for it in your emails if subscribed!
Don’t forget to give the moon a glance on the 20th. That’s the day when a human first set foot on the moon. This moonchild will be looking up and imagining the possibilities!
Embrace your inner child by reading a good book! D. L. Finn
I liked the cover, Denise. Congratulations on your new release! Happy birthday to you, Enjoy your celebration!
Thank you, Miriam:) I’m having a great week xo
That’s lovely, Denise. What do you do? 💖
I had a party with two of my kids and grandkids, today not sure yet 🙂
Enjoy you party with your kids and grandkids, Denise. I’m making plan to visit my daughter and granddaughters. Hope to do it in a month. I haven’t seen then since February. 🙂
Wow. What a story! Too many times this year, I’ve either written something myself that has then been mimicked in life, or I know other writers that have. Yours is the strangest for sure. Instead of the old addage, Careful what you wish for, I’ll have to say, Careful what you write!
I’ve added your book to my ‘to watch out for’ list, and I’ll buy it soon.
Best of luck, Denise. 🙂
I’ve included a few things in the past that have mimicked some real life events, but this one was just strange. This year gas definitely provided the odd for everyone hasn’t it? Thanks Harmony 🙂
i agree with careful what you write!
Wow, Denise! That gives me chills. Looking forward to the book and adding it to my wish list.
Thanks, Joan, it was definitely strange!
I always love the story-behind-the-story posts, and this one didn’t disappoint! Best wishes on the release. And enjoy your vacation.
Thanks, Staci 🙂 This is something where life is stranger than anything I could come up with.
What a story, Denise. This makes me want the book even more.Congratulations.
Thanks, John. It was a rather odd thing in the middle of odd things.
I would say so.
Such a crazy story, Denise!! I couldn’t imagine the feeling of waking up to such a random gift. 2020 has definitely been nothing short of bazaar. It’s amazing how life gives us something to write about. I can’t wait to read this book after reading your post. And the cover is beautiful!
Bazaar is a perfect word to describe it. Although, I’m glad we have a video of it, it only added to the mystery of it. Life does provide lots of writing ideas, especially this year. Thank you, Marlena 🙂
I LOVE this cover, Denise! And your story gave me chills. I can’t wait to read this, but will wait for the price to drop.
Thank you, Jan. I had fun creating this cover:) It was sure a strange event I still haven’t completely wrapped my head around.
Congratulations on the launch! What a cover. That will catch everyone’s eye.
Thank you, Jacqui:) I’m glad I was able to find the picture and had fun making this cover.
This sounds like a really cool story, right in my wheelhouse. And the fact that it came from a true occurrence makes it even more fascinating. Thanks for the heads-up about the pricing. I definitely will be picking up a copy when the pricing is corrected. And if I can help you with a promo spot on my blog, just give me a shout. In the meantime, enjoy your vacation!
It is definitely an area I like to explore, although maybe not this close to home 🙂 It is a year when nothing is surprising me anymore and the rest is left to fiction. Thank you for your offer. I will email you next week. Thanks, Mae xo
I’ll look for your email, Denise!
Love the cover,Denise. Your experience with the bread gave me chills. Tried to pre-order the book on Smashwords, but unable to so I will have to wait until it comes out on the 21st.
Thanks, Karen:) I still don’t know what to make of that experience. Smashwords can be a bit confusing and a couple of steps to get it on a Kindle, but is an option to Amazon. Sorry it didn’t work for you. I will make sure its working right. I will post when its on Amazon with correct price. Hugs xo
Super creepy Denise! I love it though, certainly lends to a great story. 😉 eden
It really was, Eden, but yes adds to the story! Hugs xo
Oh and have a wonderful vacation Denise, you so deserve it! Stay safe xox
eden
OMGosh, Denise. That is too woo-woo. Thanks for the heads up on the price. I’ll head over tomorrow.
Hope your day is as special as you are.
It was, Sandra. You can’t make up a story like this one….lol. Thank you for all the birthday wishes xo hugs
Congratulations on your new release, Denise! The cover turned out great. Your story reads fascinating. I’m very intrigued. Enjoy your vacation and be safe! <3 xo
It’s certainly been a year of strange occurrences. It doesn’t seem to matter where on the planet we live. I’ll grab this one when the price is adjusted, and look forward to reading it. Happy Belated Birthday, my friend. I love the cover! 😊
Yes, I agree, Soooz. It really doesn’t matter where we live it finds us. Thank you for the birthday wish, it was today:) I really enjoyed making this cover.
The cover is eye-catching, you did a great job on it. 😊
That sounds quite creepy, Denise. Congratulations on this book and enjoy your vacation.
It was creepy, Robbie. Thank you, we are enjoying the vacation.
Woo Hoo! Can’t wait to read it Thank you! xoxo
Yay! Thank you, Sandra xo
What a fascinating, yet somewhat creepy, tale about the woman and the bread, Denise. I wonder if it means anything? I love the cover and blurb of your book. All the best!
Thank you, Mark:) I wish I knew why someone would leave a plate of bread in the middle of the night.
Me too
Congrats on the new story, Denise. The blurb promises lots of chills. And I enjoyed the excerpt. I hope they survive the surprises.
Thanks, Diana:) I had fun with this one!
Your cover is purrfect:)
Thanks, Sandra! I’m so glad I found the pic.