Walk a Straight Line
by Michelle Lindo-Rice
Two friends. Two brothers. Two weddings. Too many secrets.
Colleen MacGregor rededicated her life to God when she met and married Terence Hayworth. However, her happily-ever-after will have to wait, because she has some serious dragons to slay to sustain her marriage and keep her friendship with Gina Price intact. After fifteen years of friendship, Colleen must now draw the line and stop telling Gina everything.
What did God do to her friend? Gina finds it hard to deal with Colleen's newfound faith. She thinks Colleen has become self-righteous, subjecting Gina to her holy tirades whenever the mood strikes. When Gina begins dating one brother, while simultaneously falling in love with another, boy, does she get an earful! Gina, however, is way too busy trying to sort her way through her own murky feelings to worry about her soul. Her heart wants what it wants.
Michelle Lindo-Rice explores the complicated world of female friendships. Can a friendship survive when one friend becomes saved?
Excerpt from Walk a Straight Line
Next to Gina, Colleen felt gauche, and lingered in her friend’s shadow—or so it seemed to her. She placed the blame on her height of five-ten—from that vantage point, pickings were slim.
Until Terence. He was six-four, and drawn to her. Best of all, she could wear heels without worry.
She dried herself and reached for one of her scented oils.
Once she finished oiling herself down, Colleen chose a pink and white teddy with ruffles and a delicate trim. Slipping into it, she thought about Terence and sizzled. She eased onto the bed and practiced several seductive poses.
She heard the lock click.
Finally.
Quick, she struck her most tantalizing pose. Her chest heaved with anticipation as she waited. He stopped at the sight of her.
“Wow.”
“Come and get it, Big boy.”
Terence hesitated for a split second before beginning to undress.
Not fast enough. Colleen flipped her long, curly hair and beckoned him to her bedside. Terence complied. She held her hands out for him to embrace her, but he paused.
Curious, Colleen asked. “What is it?”
“I feel grungy, you know, from all that sand,” Terence explained.
“Oh.” Embarrassed by her brazenness, she un-posed her body and stretched her legs as they had fallen asleep in that awkward position.
“Let me take a shower. Wash all this grime from me.” He was in the bathroom in seconds.
“Okay, what just happened here?”
Somehow that is not how that scene always played out on the soap operas. However, she clamped her disappointment because she knew how fastidious Terence was. Chilled, Colleen went under the covers and closed her eyes. She’d rest because when he came back, she was going to show him a thing or two. She had a creative mind, and now had the right to use it.
She felt something buzz against her leg, and jumped. It was Terence’s cell phone vibrating. She curved her leg to move it upwards, and grabbed it. She peeked at the number.
Why was Francine calling Terence on their honeymoon? Colleen debated for a second before she pressed the redial button. “Hi, Francine, is everything all right?”
“Isn’t this Terence’s phone?”
Wasn’t she Terence’s wife? “I—uhm—he’s in the shower—and I saw your number, so...” She rushed to explain.
“That doesn’t give you the right—just have him call me.”
With that, Colleen heard the dial tone. Her brow furrowed.
Terence came into the bedroom. He wore only a robe and used a hand-towel to vigorously dry his hair.
“Why is your mother calling you on your honeymoon?”
Terence tensed. “My mother called?”
“Yes, just now. What’s going on?”
“Why didn’t you let it go to voicemail?” he asked instead. Without waiting for an answer, Terence seized the phone from her hand. “Don’t answer my phone.”
Colleen shivered at his harsh tone. “In my defense, I didn’t think it would be a problem if I answered your phone. It could’ve been an emergency.”
Terence repeated with emphasis, “Don’t touch my phone.”
Colleen didn’t understand but she nodded her head. She turned away from him and moved to the edge of the bed. She felt the bed sink under his weight. Hurt, Colleen squeezed her eyes shut to hold the tears at bay. Who was this man?
( Continued... )
© 2014 All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author, Michelle Lindo-Rice. Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author's written permission. Copyright infringement is a serious offense. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only. Share a link to this page or the author's website if you really like this sneak peek.
Walk a Straight Line by Michelle Lindo-Rice
http://amzn.com/1601627777
Her published works are:
Sing a New Song (Feb. 2013)
Walk a Straight Line (Jan. 2014)
My Steps are Ordered (Aug. 2014)
Intimate Conversation with Michelle Lindo-Rice
Originally from Jamaica West Indies, Michelle Lindo-Rice calls herself a lifelong learner. She has earned degrees from New York University, SUNY at Stony Brook, and Teachers College, Columbia University. When she moved to Florida, she enrolled in Argosy University where she completed her Education Specialist degree in Education Leadership. A pastor’s kid, Michelle upholds the faith, preaching, teaching and ministering through praise and worship. Michelle currently works as a Reading Specialist for exceptional student learners, and is the proud mother of two teenaged sons.
BPM: How did you initially break into the publishing industry? How do you feel about self-publishing?
I broke into the publishing industry when I attended a Faith & Fiction retreat, the inspiration of Tiffany L. Warren hosted in Florida. I learned a lot through the workshop sessions and after prayer and fasting gathered my courage to pitch my work to the featured publishers. I honed my first chapter and worked on a hook so that I could introduce myself and stimulate interest in my work. My manuscript was complete and my characters had specific plots so I was able to answer detailed questions about my manuscript. Imagine my shout of praise when I heard the words from Joylynn Jossel-Ross, “Send me the first four chapters.” Then, came the real work of getting my manuscript ready for her perusal. I hired an editor who critiqued my work and I rewrote before submitting it. Joylynn then put on her editing hat and helped me whip my manuscript into shape for publication.
As someone who previously self-published, I feel that it is lucrative for the motivated individual. By motivated I mean someone who is skilled with marketing, product development and with distribution. The work needs to be one of quality, properly editing and the person has to be business-minded. I know it’s something I wouldn’t mind doing again, but I have a lot to learn.
BPM: What is your definition of success? Does money play a part in how you gauge success?
While money is important, it cannot be the sole part in gauging success. I view success as the ability to move my readers and leading them to developing a deeper walk with Christ. If through my work I’m able to inspire someone or touch someone to change their life for the better, than that is a success.
BPM: What books or authors made a difference in your life?
Because I’m an avid reader, my books and author list is expanding. I’ve read all of Victoria Christopher Murray’s work. I love Rhonda McKnight, ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Shana Burton, Tiffany Warren, Pat Simmons, Michele Stimpson, Norma Jarrett, Vanessa Miller, E.N. Joy… the list could go on. I know there are some I didn’t mention. (sorry). The book that has the biggest impact on me this year is I Ain’t Me No More by E.N. Joy. I cannot rave enough about it. I hope to be able to develop the writing chops to delve into a character like that. It was real, gripping, truth.
BPM: How many books have you written? How has your writing style evolved over the years? What stimulated your growth the most?
I have penned six full-length novels and I have a smattering of to-be-completed work. My writing style has evolved because I’m moving from being a storyteller into being a writer, one who’s devoted on developing a craft. What has stimulated my growth the most is hiring an editor and working with Joylynn Ross. A great editor will make you a better writer. I’m also actively studying recommended books about writing. I’ve learned it is a skill that continuously needs to be developed. Being able to learn from experienced authors is also a huge blessing from God. My writing is becoming sharper and I’m working on creating memorable scenes that make the book a page-turner.
BPM: Introduce us to your book and the main characters. Do you have any favorites?
Walk A Straight Line is Christian Fiction and is available on Kindle, Nook, and Paperback, and in many independent stores. In Walk A Straight Line, you’ll meet Colleen Hayworth and Gina Price, best friends for fifteen years. Colleen gets married and rededicates her life to God, which changes the dynamic of their relationship. Gina thinks Colleen is now too holy for her especially since she starts dating a fine man while falling in love with his brother. My favorite character was Gina because she’s feisty and a lot like me. But, then I love Keith because who doesn’t love a strong man who just grabs you and take charge?
BPM: What compelled or inspired you to write this book? Why now? Ever experience writers block?
My inspiration behind this book stems from the fact that I have a lifelong friend and our relationship has had its ups and downs, but our sisterhood is never questioned. I wanted to write a book about friends but explore the intriguing possibilities of truly getting to know yourself based on experiences. Sometimes when we hear another person’s experience we form opinions on what we would or would not do. I wanted to put my main characters, Colleen and Gina in situations that they never imagined they would face to see if they would walk a straight line.
I also wanted to write a romance so intriguing that people will get sucked into the characters lives. There are times when I get stuck. What I do to combat it is re-read, rewrite, work on something else, or plot out more points for my novel. Sometimes, I take a mental break to give my brain time to think. But if it is even 5 words, I make sure my fingers are on the keyboard. To write it requires discipline.
BPM: Who do you want to reach with your book and the message enclosed?
I want to reach people who don’t think they are worthy of a second chance. I want to reach people who’ve made mistakes to see the awesome power of a forgiving God and how He fixes us and heals us. I also want to reach readers who love a good romance, interesting plot but want books with a healthy message and great writing.
BPM: What should readers DO after reading this book?
Readers should look at the discussion questions. They cover some intriguing issues. What I hope is some of them will be on their knees seeking God’s face. I’m also hoping that readers will be drawn to recommend it to a friend and be moved to order the next book in the series.
BPM: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
I want to gain a pleasurable read with memorable characters that stay with them after they’re done. I want them to relate to the characters and take some of the lessons learned to deal with issues in their own lives.
BPM: How do feel about selling digital books vs. selling in a brick and mortar store? What impact do you think electronic book sales will have on black authors? On indie authors?
I think digital books are great for all authors, particularly those who are self-published, or indie authors. I think we need both. I am pro-technology. I use the kindle app on my iPad to read a lot of books. Its sheer convenience is what makes it such a great tool. However, technology enhances our life, but it will never fully replace our use of pen and paper. I see a society that morphs the two. Many readers who own kindle still prefer paperback if they want an autographed copy. Nothing can replace the power of the pen or seeing things in black and white. I need to hold my Bible in my hand.
BPM: How much does “word of mouth” has play into the success of your book? What grassroots strategies have you used to spread the word about your book?
Word of Mouth is becoming my bread and butter. I connect with readers online and I urge them to tell a friend. My friends and family share information about the book on their pages. I ask for reviews, hand out bookmarks, get into blogs, Internet radio. You name it, I try it. I also read and recommend other authors as well. I also use my signature when sending emails as a means to promote myself.
BPM: Do you have any advice for people seeking to publish a book?
My advice for anyone seeking to publish a book is to begin by reading. Read. Read. Read. Read books in the genre you would like to write. My second advice is to attend workshops or take writing lessons. Develop the craft of writing and rewrite. Rewrite. Third, Hire an editor. Don’t take the advice of family and friends alone. You need an unbiased professional opinion. Don’t be afraid of the truth.
BPM: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
God has been good to me. I urge aspiring writers to keep writing. My third novel, My Steps Are Ordered, comes out August 2014. This is the second installment of the “On the Right Path” series. Trust me when I say that after reading Walk A Straight Line, you’ll demand a sequel. I am in the process of writing the third installment, III, as I keep changing the title.
Readers can find me online very easily. I have an amazon author’s page, I’m on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Google+, I have a blog http://www.michellelindorice.blogspot.com and a website www.michellelindorice.com I love hearing and connecting with readers. They motivate me to keep going!
Walk a Straight Line by Michelle Lindo-Rice
http://amzn.com/1601627777
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