Another one “Ripped From the Headlines” ~ Hyphema

There are just so many conversations these days about immigrants and even more mistrust of certain groups. Yes, I admit whole-heartedly that I wanted to build that particular hot topic into my EMS suspense Hyphema.

Hyphema is the second EMS (Emergency Medical Services) suspense that I wrote; the first EMS novel is Final Sin. Matt Garratti, Hyphema’s hero, was introduced to my readers as a sort of supporting character in Final Sin (as the best friend and riding partner to the heroine Julie), but he refused to let me type The End on his story when I finished Final Sin. He convinced me that he is actually a pretty interesting guy and certainly worthy of a few words.

Enter Sudah, (she was never seen in Final Sin but she was mentioned near the end of the book). Sudah was born and raised in Pakistan and a practicing Muslim. She fell in love with Matt. It was a mixed-marriage (Muslim and Christian). While she hadn’t achieved her United States citizenship in Hyphema she was in the process of studying for it.

With their infant son in tow Sudah follows Matt down south so that he can follow his dream job of being a flight medic. And that’s when things begin to happen, people look at her with suspicion, and when crimes happen (to others as well as Matt’s family) there are those who don’t trust her. There are those, even among Matt’s new work family, who cannot separate any Muslim from the terror attack of 2001.

I try to show that there is good and evil in all sides, and I try to demonstrate both the acceptance and the prejudice against all immigrants to our country. Hyphema won the Dec 9, 2011 Friday Book Cover Vote on the Shades of Love website and was recommended in the book Summer Reading: 2012 Blue Ribbon Selection published by the Ewen Prime Co.   EMSWorld posted about Final Sin and Hyphema.

Hyphema: Bleeding in the eye caused by trauma…

Matt Garratti, a paramedic from New York, moves his wife and son to North Carolina to work at his dream job as a flight medic. Pakistani born Sudah, his wife, receives frosty stares and insensitive comments from their new neighbors... Matt wonders if he is pursuing his dream or bringing his family into a nightmare from which they may never wake.

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Why I really wrote Final Sin...

Many, many years ago there was a horrendous murder that took place not too far from where I live. It was in all of the newspapers and has been a subject in a few books. The events leading to the murder began in lower Manhattan and ended in a remote smokehouse in a sleepy town in Rockland County.

A few years later I had a summer job as a health supervisor in a local camp and had to drive every day over this mountainous and winding road. While many of the houses were set back from the road the mailboxes dotted the curves, for some reason one of them seemed to stick out more than the others. Then I remembered the stories I had read and I realized I was driving past that horrendous murder site. It was actually haunting to think of the young man who had died there.

Eventually I wrote the setting into a murder scene of my own (fictional!), Final Sin opens with that murder scene although the events and victims were different.  It was nearly cathartic. I say nearly because the research I did in order to bring some reality to my scenes was very frightening. It was terrifying to think that a human being could be so cruel to another, but as a writer I wanted my story to really hold my reader's attention and actually make them shudder. I guess it was kind of mean, but I actually got a thrill when I heard one reader had to put the book down, go to her kitchen and bring back a knife in order to keep reading!

So yes, I took the scene of a real murder and made it into my own wicked story and driving past the location no longer feels so threatening. In some ways I feel a little bit guilty because I certainly am not making light of the victim's horrid fate, but in some weird way I conquered my fear.

Now while I did have to do some research, I already had a base knowledge about the professions of the two main characters, I had been a (volunteer) EMT and road with my local ambulance corps for several years, so did my husband and to no surprise so did both of our kids. Between us we had so many stories of some rather unusual calls, some hysterically funny and some terribly sad. I can't speak of specifics (HIPPA laws and all that) but I did manage to insert some winners into the story. (One of them was the woman who wanted the paramedics to use the defibrillator to start her car!)

I actually felt some relief when the "case was solved" in my story and did give some honest thought to putting the story down (once it was published) — and yet, somewhere in the back of my mind I felt like the whole story wasn't yet complete. Somewhere in the story one of the supporting characters became real and I was driven to tell his story. That was how my book Hyphema came to be, we'll talk more about it next week, and that is an invitation to come back to this spot.

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How A Haunting Murder Led to a Romantic Suspense

It was 1985 and the little town I lived in was horrified at the murder that captured newspaper headlines. The site of the murder was just a few minutes from my home.

Using my EMT skills, I used to work in the infirmary of a local summer day camp in those years. Every day, as I drove to work, I went past the driveway leading to the smokehouse where the victim’s body had been burned beyond recognition. The police caught the murderer and the trial replaced the actual murder headlines.

But each time I passed the mailbox at the end of the crime scene driveway I was filled with an unease, there were nights when the horror at what had occurred there just wouldn’t leave my mind and I would lay awake staring at the ceiling.

When I wrote Final Sin I used a mental image of the crime scene that had haunted my town and I developed a different crime, a crime that included a body that had been set on fire. But that is where the similarity ended…

… Deputy Sheriff Commander Jake Carson has his hands full with the investigation of a brutal multiple homicide, a troubled son and a vindictive ex-wife when he meets young, free-spirited paramedic Julie Jennings. He is immediately drawn to her and finds himself unexpectedly falling in love. Julie finds herself just as drawn to him. When Julie becomes the subject of an obsession, it puts both of their lives in extreme danger… Romance…danger…adventure…suspense…another great Chelle Cordero novel sure to grab readers from many genre!

Final Sin was an Honorable Mention in the
Fiction Category of the 2010 NY Book Festival 

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Final Sin is available in Print, E-book & Audio

Now Available in Spanish and German translations!

Book Discussion Packet

Just when you thought it was safe... Weekend Writing Warriors / #8sunday / 10/12/14

Hi! Welcome to another Weekend Writing Warrior round. Every week writers post 8 sentences on their blogs from a published or unpublished book. Then we "hop" around and leave comments on each other's snippets. Whether our work is already published or in progress, the helpful comments help us become stronger writers on our next WIP. We welcome EVERYONE's comments.

See more at the WeWriWa blog

Welcome to a snippet from Within the Law. The protagonist, Tom Hughes, was created in His Lucky Charm (formerly called Forgotten). Tom is cousin (& step brother) to the female main character in HLC. I fell in love with Tom, I think he might be my favorite hero from all of my books. His character and his history was so compelling that I HAD to write his story, one in which he has his own HEA.

Alli took Tom home after Brandon asked him to leave. They returned to the hospital at Brandon's request the following morning. The baby is fine and Cat's condition is improved. Brandon admitted that he needed Tom to leave because he didn't want to feel that they were waiting for Caitlyn to die. Tom tells Brandon that he came back to the hospital during the night after having a nightmare about Cat; he found Brandon asleep by her bedside and her sleeping peacefully and doing well.

The elevator doors opened and two uniformed sheriffs and two plainclothes detectives strode purposely to the little group in the lounge.

The first plainclothes officer, with a gold detective’s shield hanging from a chain around his neck, stood directly in front of Tom, “Thomas Hughes?”

Tom stood up, “yeah?”  

“Mr. Hughes, you are under arrest for the murder of Roy Dunlop.”

Tom was stunned, “he died?”

“Not another word,” Alli stopped him quickly, “Mr. Hughes has nothing to say until he’s spoken with his attorney.”

The detective turned to her. “And you are?”

“Alli Colton, Esquire, I'm representing Mr. Hughes.”

 For more WeWriWa snippets, go to www.wewriwa.com

Within the Law

Tom gave up on ever falling in love again the day that he buried his high school sweetheart and fiancé. He started a career in law enforcement just so that he could find her murderer and rapist. Just when he is about to see justice done, he meets Alli Davis-the defense attorney for the murdering rapist who took his love from him.

Amazon (print)

Amazon (Kindle)

.pdf E-Book (Payloadz)

multiple ebook formats (Smashwords)

Apple iTunes

Kobo

AUDIO/Audible AUDIO/Amazon 

Well folks, I think I've milked all I can out of Within the Law - your comments each week have been exceptional and have made me look more critically at my current WIP - Thank you. I am planning to move on to another book next week, A Chaunce of Riches.If you'd like you can read the first 999 words to ACoR in the First Page Review Bloghop, I'll begin the snippets after that excerpt.

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS IS HAVING A HUGE OCTOBER PARTY
AND VANILLA HEART PUBLISHING IS CELEBRATING!

Brandon arrives - Weekend Writing Warriors / #8sunday / 10/05/14

Hi! Welcome to another Weekend Writing Warrior round. Every week writers post 8 sentences on their blogs from a published or unpublished book. Then we "hop" around and leave comments on each other's snippets. Whether our work is already published or in progress, the helpful comments help us become stronger writers on our next WIP. We welcome EVERYONE's comments.

See more at the WeWriWa blog

Welcome to a snippet from Within the Law. The protagonist, Tom Hughes, was created in His Lucky Charm (formerly called Forgotten). Tom is cousin (& step brother) to the female main character in HLC. I fell in love with Tom, I think he might be my favorite hero from all of my books. His character and his history was so compelling that I HAD to write his story, one in which he has his own HEA.

Alli stays by Tom's side in the waiting room. Finally the doctor comes out to talk to them. A baby girl was born, because she's a preemie she's taken to NICU, but she is otherwise in good health. The doctors are still working to save Caitlyn. Brandon gets there and is told he's a father and that Cat is still in critical condition.

Brandon spread his arms out, “what happened?”

“The entire thing, it’s my fault,” Tom explained everything that occurred. “I am so sorry, I never meant for Cat to get hurt.”

Brandon didn’t respond to Tom’s apology, “I have to see my wife...”

Alli left and returned with a nurse; the nurse offered to take Brandon in to see Caitlyn.

When Brandon came back, it was obvious he was choked up as he walked up to Tom and hugged him, “she’s not out of the woods yet, but they’re optimistic.”

Tom felt the fear drain out of him,“thank God.”

Brandon stepped back and caught his breath, “Tom, I need you to leave, go see your niece and then leave, please.”

 For more WeWriWa snippets, go to www.wewriwa.com

Within the Law

Tom gave up on ever falling in love again the day that he buried his high school sweetheart and fiancé. He started a career in law enforcement just so that he could find her murderer and rapist. Just when he is about to see justice done, he meets Alli Davis-the defense attorney for the murdering rapist who took his love from him.

Amazon (print)

Amazon (Kindle)

.pdf E-Book (Payloadz)

multiple ebook formats (Smashwords)

Apple iTunes

Kobo
AUDIO/Audible AUDIO/Amazon 

The other week Teresa Cypher posted about the FIRST PAGE REVIEW Blog Hop, a chance to post up to the first 1000 words of a novel or WIP and ask readers IF it's enticing enough to want to keep reading; honestly it is another terrific learning experience to be able to find out what works and what doesn't.  I posted the beginning of my (already published) novel A CHAUNCE OF RICHES (probably the next book I will feature snippets from in the WeWriWa hop).  I see a few other great authors have also posted their beginnings.  Please visit the complete list HERE or join us yourself with (up-to) 100 words from your work.

First Page Review

Trying to save the baby - Weekend Writing Warriors / #8sunday / 09/28/14

Hi! Welcome to another Weekend Writing Warrior round. Every week writers post 8 sentences on their blogs from a published or unpublished book. Then we "hop" around and leave comments on each other's snippets. Whether our work is already published or in progress, the helpful comments help us become stronger writers on our next WIP. We welcome EVERYONE's comments.

See more at the WeWriWa blog

Welcome to a snippet from Within the Law. The protagonist, Tom Hughes, was created in His Lucky Charm (formerly called Forgotten). Tom is cousin to the female main character in HLC. I fell in love with Tom, I think he might be my favorite hero from all of my books. His character and his history was so compelling that I HAD to write his story, one in which he has his own HEA.

Caitlyn is rushed to the hospital, she's hemorrhaging after falling at the courthouse. Tom is waiting for Cat's husband, Brandon, to arrive.

Tom was pacing the hospital corridor as Alli came running up to him.

“He’s getting on a plane right now,” Tom gave Caitlyn’s cell phone to Alli at the courthouse and asked her to contact Brandon to let him know what had happened. He went in the ambulance with Cat to the hospital, Alli followed over in his car afterwards.

“They’re prepping her for surgery, the doctors said she’s hemorrhaging, they have to try to deliver the baby or... we’ll lose them both.” Tom feared that by repeating what the doctors said, he would make it come true, “they’re going to do a C-section, so far the baby’s vitals are okay. Cat is... weak, she’s lost a lot of blood already.” He drew a painful breath in, “they’re pretty sure they’ll be able to save the baby.”

 For more WeWriWa snippets, go to www.wewriwa.com

Within the Law

Tom gave up on ever falling in love again the day that he buried his high school sweetheart and fiancé. He started a career in law enforcement just so that he could find her murderer and rapist. Just when he is about to see justice done, he meets Alli Davis-the defense attorney for the murdering rapist who took his love from him.

Amazon (print)

Amazon (Kindle)

.pdf E-Book (Payloadz)

multiple ebook formats (Smashwords)

Apple iTunes

Kobo
AUDIO/Audible AUDIO/Amazon 

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Tom is reprimanded - Weekend Writing Warriors / #8sunday / 09/21/14

Hi! Welcome to another Weekend Writing Warrior round. Every week writers post 8 sentences on their blogs from a published or unpublished book. Then we "hop" around and leave comments on each other's snippets. Whether our work is already published or in progress, the helpful comments help us become stronger writers on our next WIP. We welcome EVERYONE's comments.

  

See more at the WeWriWa blog

Welcome to a snippet from Within the Law. The protagonist, Tom Hughes, was created in His Lucky Charm (formerly called Forgotten). Tom is cousin to the female main character in HLC. I fell in love with Tom, I think he might be my favorite hero from all of my books. His character and his history was so compelling that I HAD to write his story, one in which he has his own HEA.

Tom tells the courtroom that Joyce was pregnant at the time of her death and Dunlop's confession. The senior defense attorney, Justin, scoffs at the idea. While Tom waits for the Judge's response he worries about Caitlyn, his pregnant cousin, who fell during the scuffle in the lobby.

[I apologize, I needed to include the last 9th sentence.]

Justin stood defiantly, “he’s making this up.”

The judge addressed the courtroom, “Is there anyone in this courtroom who over-heard what Mr. Dunlop allegedly said to Mr. Hughes?” no one answered.

The judge spoke calmly and compassionately, “Mr. Hughes, it is unfortunate that your loss of control has brought us to this. I do believe that you were provoked and I understand how painful this must be for you, but I also agree that with your training, you should have had more discipline and control. You need to be held accountable for your actions; I am willing to release you in your own recognizance after you surrender your ID and shield and any weapons you have in your possession here in Rome. I intend to make a phone call to your superior officers to discuss further discipline, do I make myself understood, Mr. Hughes?”

“Yes ma’am,” he agreed with everything the judge said, he let his emotions and his temper direct his actions; he knew better than that.

The court officer approached Tom and he handed over his ID and shield. Then, just as he was feeling completely defeated, he turned back to Caitlyn. He watched as she stood with a half-smile of encouragement just for him, suddenly her face drained of color and she clutched her stomach, she cried out in pain and collapsed.

 For more WeWriWa snippets, go to www.wewriwa.com

Within the Law

Tom gave up on ever falling in love again the day that he buried his high school sweetheart and fiancé. He started a career in law enforcement just so that he could find her murderer and rapist. Just when he is about to see justice done, he meets Alli Davis-the defense attorney for the murdering rapist who took his love from him.

Amazon (print)

Amazon (Kindle)

.pdf E-Book (Payloadz)

multiple ebook formats (Smashwords)

Apple iTunes

Kobo

posted Thursday, Sept 18:

#TBT - It's been ONE year since I joined the #WeWriWa hop! Yay me!

...and Great News!

Within the Law by Chelle Cordero Is Now in Audio!

 

WITHIN THE LAW BY CHELLE CORDERO IS NOW AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIOBOOK ON AUDIBLE, ITUNES, AND ON AMAZON! ALSO IN ALL EBOOK FORMATS AND PRINT EDITIONS.

BUY LINKS 

AUDIO/Audible 

AUDIO/Amazon 

And if you decide to use the Amazon-exclusive Audible.com 30-day free trial membership it includes:

• This audiobook free, plus a bonus audiobook of your choice

• Exchange any book you don’t like with our Great Listen Guarantee

• Total flexibility – cancel, pause or upgrade membership easily and whenever you like

Tom is in trouble ~

Hi! Welcome to another Weekend Writing Warrior round. Every week writers post 8 sentences on their blogs from a published or unpublished book. Then we "hop" around and leave comments on each other's snippets. Whether our work is already published or in progress, the helpful comments help us become stronger writers on our next WIP. We welcome EVERYONE's comments.

  

See more at the WeWriWa blog

Welcome to a snippet from Within the Law. The protagonist, Tom Hughes, was created in His Lucky Charm (formerly called Forgotten). Tom is cousin to the female main character in HLC. I fell in love with Tom, I think he might be my favorite hero from all of my books. His character and his history was so compelling that I HAD to write his story, one in which he has his own HEA.

Last week Tom turned his rage on Roy Dunlop, the man on trial for raping and killing Tom's fiance. Now, while /Dunlop lies in the hospital unconscious, Tom finds himself in the hot-seat. Alli, on the defense attorney side, is in an uncomfortable position - she cares for Tom but is trying not to cross any ethical barriers.

[I condensed this down to make it fit the 8 sentences]

The courtroom was packed with the lawyers, court security, family and witnesses related to Dunlop’s case. No outsiders were allowed to enter and the press was barred; the jury was being held in the deliberation room. The judge was aware that newspaper photographers had snapped several pictures of Tom beating Dunlop and there would be headlines no matter how she handled this.

Alli whispered fiercely to her partner Justin, the Senior Defense Attorney, until he was overheard saying, “Just shut-up!” She sat stone faced at the table and refused to look at anything other than her tightly clasped hands.

“My client is currently in the hospital’s emergency room receiving treatment for the brutal beating he took at Thomas Hughes’ hands.”

“Your honor, Mr. Hughes was provoked,” the District Attorney spoke in Tom’s defense.

Justin continued, “Should the people of the State of New York feel safe with a peace officer who cannot control his rage over a poor choice of words?"

 For more WeWriWa snippets, go to www.wewriwa.com

Within the Law

Tom gave up on ever falling in love again the day that he buried his high school sweetheart and fiancé. He started a career in law enforcement just so that he could find her murderer and rapist. Just when he is about to see justice done, he meets Alli Davis-the defense attorney for the murdering rapist who took his love from him.

Amazon (print)

Amazon (Kindle)

.pdf E-Book (Payloadz)

multiple ebook formats (Smashwords)

Apple iTunes

Kobo

Previous Within the Law #WeWriWa Snippets

The pregnant ones always squeal ~ 09/07/14

Tom feels Cat's baby kick - 08/31/14

Cat is there to give support - 08/24/14

A Clandestine Relationship ~ 08/17/14

Tom can't avoid his attraction to Alli - 08/10/14

Tom "licks his wounds" - 08/03/14

Tom is called to the stand - 07/27/14

The next time he sees Alli - 07/20/14

Tom meets Alli - 07/13/14

The Acceptance - 07/06/14

Introducing Tom in Within the Law - 06/29/14