WARNING!! Don't Read This (Unless you're curious).

 Hello Readers,

We're waving good bye to April and welcoming the month of May. I'm excited to share with you that book #5 "8 Seconds to Die, " in my Doc Holliday Mystery series, will officially release May 20, 2024. WooHoo!

This book comes with a warning. You won't be able to put it down. Curious?

Book Blurb

When Dr. Tullah Holliday reluctantly agrees to help a former high school bully, now ex-con on parole, and a breeder of rodeo bulls, who is being threatened by a drug syndicate, she finds herself in a world of corruption; especially when she digs up dirt on a dishonest sheriff and his deputy.

From a rattlesnake delivered in a giftwrapped box, to a vicious bull attack, as Tullah puts together the pieces of the case, a killer is preparing to strike again, and this time, it could send this nosy veterinarian to an early grave.

 EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEEK

Here's a sneak peek at a key scene in "8 Seconds to Die."

You may have guessed that I’m not a regular run-of-the mill woman. Nope, far from it. My name is Tullah Josie Crow Holliday. My grandmother, Tanti Crow, is full Cherokee, and the Mayor of Enigma; a small rural town in southern Kentucky. Josie Waya Crow Holliday was my mother. A renowned artist of Native American art. She was murdered while in New York presenting her work at a major museum. It was shortly after her death that spirit animals began to visit me; sometimes in dreams, sometimes in reality. More often than I’d like, crimes that have already happened or about to happen, come to me in visions. My father, John Henry Holliday, is Enigma’s sheriff. He often relies on my gift to help him solve crimes.

Don’t get me wrong when I say that I’d prefer not to possess this—whatever it is—gift or curse. Nonetheless, it seems I’m stuck with it. Grandmother says I was given this ability long before I was conceived, and that I should treasure it because the Great Spirit Father, from all those born into the Waya (Wolf) clan, he chose me to possess this skill.

In spite of the chill outside, the house suddenly felt claustrophobic. I gathered a shawl and walked to the porch to settle in the swing. In the stillness, I listened to the tiny shrill of a songbird, and its answering call. At times, most often at dusk, I’ve seen the spirits of warriors doing battle, or slaves toiling in the fields. They are visions from a long dead past.

I looked at the purpling sky and lifted my arms upward. “Oh, Father Spirit, and Earth Mother, I have malice in my heart against an old enemy that seeks my help. What should I do?”

Wind blew across the open field. I hugged myself against the chill. It was as if the rustling leaves had a voice and were speaking to me. You take the bull by its horns and a man by his words.

"8 Seconds to Die" is available for preorder. Preorders are hugely helpful so, if you are excited to read "8 Seconds to Die," I hope you will think about preordering today. This will send a message to my publisher that readers are excited to read the book.

A look at the 5 Star Reviews for books #1-4 in the Doc Holliday Mystery Series.

All book available on your favorite reading devise, and in print.

https://www.amazon.com/Seconds-Die-Holliday-Mystery-Book-ebook/dp/B0CTHPZVHX/

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/8-seconds-to-die-loretta-c-rogers/1145014706?ean=9781509254910

https://allauthor.com/book/87552/8-seconds-to-die-a-doc-holliday-mystery-book-5/

https://www.walmart.com/ip/A-Doc-Holliday-Mystery-8-Seconds-to-Die-Paperback-9781509254910/5512219810

https://books.apple.com/pa/book/8-seconds-to-die/id6479361219?l=en-GB

Reviews are helpful to authors. Thank you for leaving a review of "8 Seconds to Die," or any of my books.

Until Next Time

HAPPY READING!

8 Seconds to Die and I Survived a Rattlesnake Bite!

 

Dear Readers,

Perhaps you are wondering why I'm writing about poisonous snakes. First and foremost, I am a survivor of a Pygmy rattlesnake bite; a horrendous experience that kept me hospitalized for thirteen days.

Secondly, Snakes are most active, however, from April to October. There are 6 species of venomous snakes found in Florida: the eastern coral snake, the southern copperhead, the cottonmouth, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, the timber rattlesnake, and the dusky pygmy rattlesnake.

And, lastly, readers often ask why I include snakes in the stories I write.  Here's the inside scoop.

April 21st, the anniversary of the day I was bitten by the longest recorded Pygmy rattler in 1967. Spring and a great day for creating a new flower garden in my front yard. Hubby was gone, and I was alone with my gardening tools. And, as a true native born Florida girl, I was barefoot. 

I had no idea why the pain in my foot felt like I'd stepped on a piece of blazing hot charcoal. We didn't own a grill, and we never burned trash in the front yard. I looked down to see what I'd stepped on. Imagine my horror when two evil, black, beady eyes met my gaze. 

Yikes...Sssnnaaakeee!

My first inclination was to run! Except when I took that first step, the snake came with me. That's when I realized, this wasn't a strike. It was a full-on bite. The rattler had embedded its fangs deep into the flesh under my ankle, and was hung.

I reached down, snatched the snake off my foot, threw the reptile in the air, and ran as fast as I could to keep the darn thing from landing on top of me. Much to my relief, hubby drove over the cattle gap, and me screaming that I'd been snake bit.

We lived thirty-five miles from the nearest hospital. Although, hubby drove like a bat out of hell, those miles felt like three hundred and fifty. While he was dodging traffic, I sat in the front seat watching a thin grey line of poison inching up my leg. By the time we arrived at the emergency entrance, the poison had travelled from my ankle to just above my knee.

No one met us at the emergency entrance. Of course, this was 1967. I guess things were different then. But, I digress. Hubby carried me up the steps, into the admitting office, and set me in a chair. I'm not sure what planet the nurse lived on because she didn't express any concern when hubby said I'd been bitten by a snake. She merely looked at him and said something to the effect that the hospital couldn't treat me because they weren't sure what type snake had made me its victim.

Well, bless hubby's quick thinking. Before leaving for the hospital, he had located the rattler's limp body and tossed in the back of our station wagon. Apparently, when I threw it in the air, I managed to twist my wrist, which somehow killed the snake.  Hubby raced out of the room; grabbed the dead snake, raced back inside where I was sitting, and threw the snake on the nurse's desk. He also spewed a string of expletives. 

If I hadn't been in a panic over whether I was going to live or die, I might have laughed at the expression on Nurse Sourpuss's face. Not only did it get her attention but spurred her to action. Unfortunately, this particular hospital had never had a snake-bite victim, and therefore, didn't have the necessary serum for venomous snake bites.

In the meantime, while we waited for a police officer to rush to another hospital to get the necessary serum, I was zipped inside a body-bag, yep, just like the ones they put dead people in, and buckets of ice dumped all over me. The theory was that the cold from the ice would halt the flow of poison.

Imagine, all that was going through my mind, while I lay freezing inside a death bag and listening to words like--"We may have to amputate her leg;" or "Should we take it just above the knee, or all the way to the hip?" And then, someone looked at the clock and said, "Where the hell is that policeman?"

Good question. I wondered the same thing while more ice was being dumped on top of me.

It seems that in his haste to break all the speed limits to save my life, a careless driver ran a red light and collided with the police officer. Fortunately, both he and the serum survived, and another officer dispatched to get it to the hospital.

I was given 15 shots of antivenom, zipped back in the body bag with more ice, then transferred to ICU. My foot swelled to the point that my toes disappeared; and my foot and leg turned completely black.

Other than my family, I had two important visitors. The first was an officer from FWC (Fish and Wildlife Commission) to obtain information about my experience. He said that because the Pygmy was still in molting (hadn't completely shed its skin), that it was hungry and angry which accounted for the full bite rather than a strike. In fact, because I'd received a full bite and the snake had hung inside my foot, it continued to pump venom. Therefore, I had received the equivalent of a diamond back's bite. Pygmy's are usually 12" - 24" long. My little guy was 21" of evil.

My second visitor was a young Air Force doctor. He was being sent to Vietnam and had never seen a snakebite victim. He wanted to look at my foot, and asked questions about my experience. He told me about a particular snake in Nam known as the "two-step" or bamboo viper.  

Although I don't remember his name, I have often thought about that young doctor. Fortunately, for me, I didn't lose my leg. The experience has left me with a lifetime fear of snakes--poisonous or non-poisonous. Even after all these many years, I often wake up drenched in sweat from dreaming of snakes. 

To answer readers' questions about why I often include snakes in my stories--perhaps it is a way of coping with an internal fear that seems to never leave me. Much like those who suffer from PTSD.

I'm also afraid of heights. But that's another story for another time.

In the meantime, there is a snake incident in my newest Doc Holliday Mystery Series, "8 Seconds to Die," Book #5. 

To save a former high school bully and his family from a corrupt sheriff and a drug syndicate, a veterinarian turned amateur sleuth must trust her empathic abilities to protect herself—because it looks like one of them might be next.

5 Star Review: 

Intricate, fast-paced, and intense, this mystery blends paranormal and suspense that keeps readers guessing and the tension tight until the very end.

https://www.amazon.com/Seconds-Die-Doc-Holliday-Mystery/dp/1509254919

Ebook available now. Print version available May 20, 2024.

HAPPY READING!

Stay-tuned. There's always more to come!

 

Snippet: Loretta is an avid traveler, genealogy enthusiast, and DIY aficionado. With a passion for exploring the world and unraveling family histories, she finds joy in discovering new places and uncovering hidden stories. A dedicated night owl, Loretta thrives under the moonlight, finding inspiration and solace in the quiet hours of the night.

Loretta Interview Published on: 04, Apr 2024

Can you share a bit more about your background and what inspired you to become a writer?

I grew up in an era where children were to be seen and not heard. However, in my family, it was safer to not be seen or heard. Books became my safe place; a place where I could have adventures. The characters, whether human or animal became my best friends. I could share secrets and ideas with them. I could even have imaginary conversations with them. I think this experience is what inspired me to become a writer.

What sparked your love for traveling, and do you have a favorite destination or memorable travel experience?

My love of travel came from books. I wanted to visit the places that my favorite authors had described in their stories. My favorite travel experience was the twenty-one days I spent in lower Niedersachsen Germany. As part of a teaching team sent to study the German educational system, I was mesmerized by the landscape, the small villages, the bicycle trips to the markets, the castles, and the people. My second favorite place was Scotland—the land of my ancestors.

How did you become interested in genealogy, and what discoveries have you found that surprised or fascinated you the most?

I, my siblings, and cousins, grew up with the story that our great grandmother was kidnapped by Native American warriors. Unfortunately, as children, none of us thought to ask the all-important where, when and why questions. When I was recuperating from spinal surgery, to ward off boredom, I began my journey into genealogy. I was most surprised to discover that my family line dates back to the Viking days in Norway, Finland, and Sweden. And yes, there is Native American bloodlines on both maternal and paternal sides of the family.

Can you share some of your favorite DIY shows, and have they inspired you to take on any specific projects?

My most favorite DIY shows are: Home Town, Maine Cabin Masters, Bargain Block, and Fixer to Fabulous. I’ve done a few minor projects, but nothing compared to these shows. I am, however, inspired to perhaps write a cozy mystery series that involves DIYing.

What is it about horses and dogs that makes them your favorite animals, and do you have any memorable experiences with them?

Horses and dogs don’t care how you look, and when they love you, it’s unconditional. My mare and I participated in two twenty-five-mile endurance trials. We didn’t even place in the first event, mainly because my sense of direction is non-existent (yes, I get lost easily). Our second event, I’m pleased that we placed second. I had a beloved Labrador Retriever. Every Sunday morning the neighbors knew to come to my house to get their newspapers because my Lab would collect the papers and deliver them to my front porch. No one got mad. It became a running neighborhood joke.

Being a night owl, what activities or hobbies do you find most enjoyable during the late hours?

I enjoy writing at night, especially after hubby goes to bed. The house is quiet, and it’s just me and the voices inside my head. The same goes for reading. I enjoy reading when the house is completely quiet.

Your tagline is "Romance with a Twist...Expect the Unexpected!" Can you elaborate on how you come up with unique and unexpected twists for your novels?

I labored over a tagline mostly because I was told by veteran authors that a tagline was my brand. Every idea I came up with sounded trite. Then, at a book signing and a person said she liked my books because of the unique and unexpected twists in the stories. That statement was the lightbulb moment that gave birth to my tagline.

From Old West lawmen to contemporary drug cartels, you've written in different genres. What draws you to such diverse settings and time periods?

When I was growing up authors like Louie L’Amour, Zane Grey, and William Johnstone dominated the western genre. Then with television and the big screen, I grew up with western cowboy greats such as Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Rocky Lane, Jimmy Stewart, John Wayne. Being a horse lover and reading western novels, I naturally gravitated toward that genre in my writing. The drug cartels come from my early career as a rape crisis-suicide prevention counselor, working as an advocate for indigent women, and then as a teacher. Often characters in my books have been inspired by people I’ve encountered.

You mentioned letting the characters inside your head tell their own story. Can you share an example of a character who surprised you with their development or actions in one of your books?

Oh, goodness, who do I pick? However, to pick one, it would have to be Dr. Tullah Holliday, the veterinarian in my Doc Holliday Mystery Series. I never meant for her to be an empathic person. My first instinct was to either revise her character or abandon the series. I feared readers wouldn’t like her or think she was too kitschy. Tullah wanted her story told. I would go to bed and she’d be inside my head. When I was writing, it was if she controlled what ended up on paper. I’ve had readers ask me how I make the dialogue sound so real. I smile and tell them, the character is whispering in my ear.

Nowadays, you mention riding a rocking chair. How has your perspective on life and storytelling changed as you've transitioned from more active pursuits to a quieter lifestyle?

After being diagnosed with a rare heart disorder, doctors told me I needed to retire and seek a quieter less active lifestyle. As far as perspective, I’ve come to appreciate being ‘quiet’, sitting in my office and watching the birds and squirrels; sleeping late, and writing in my pajamas. I’ve become more at ease with life. As far as my writing, I’ve learned to be more patience with myself, to stop worrying about deadlines and word counts. I’ve also learned that getting a negative review isn’t the end of the world.

You've expressed being afraid of snakes and heights. Have these fears ever made their way into your stories, or do you intentionally keep them out of your writing?

I haven’t created a character with a fear of heights, but snakes very often show up in my stories. In fact, in the Doc Holliday Mystery Series, book #5, “8 Seconds to Die,” there is a scary snake scene. Other of my novels where snakes are involved are “Cloud Woman’s Spirit,” and “Shadowed Reunion.” Readers might be interested to know that I survived a rattlesnake bite. It was a frightening experience.

What do you enjoy most about being a writer, and how does it compare to the activities you enjoyed before, like horseback riding?

What I enjoy most about being a writer is that I get to vicariously live the adventures, the emotional ups and downs, that my characters experience. I loved riding horses, rounding up cattle, fording streams, and the connection I had with my horses. Although, words and descriptions will never replace those feelings of freedom, I try to focus on the activities I can no longer do, to bring them to life on paper for readers to (hopefully) experience.

Your tagline suggests a preference for unexpected and unconventional storytelling. Are there any particular themes or elements you find yourself consistently exploring in your novels?

I never thought I’d be drawn to writing mysteries or paranormal, much less combining the two genres, and then mixing in cultural spiritualism. In “Shadow Reunion,” I had to research South American tribal customs and beliefs, then along came the Native American spiritism. I enjoy research and have to be careful not to use it as a source of procrastination.

Anyone who knows me, knows I don’t have much of a funny bone. However, in my new mystery series, I’m hoping to infuse some comedic moments. For research, I’ll read a bunch of comedy novels to see how those authors handle writing humor.

You mentioned preferring Facebook over tweeting. How do you use social media to connect with your readers, and what role does reader feedback play in your writing process?

Social media is certainly important for promoting myself and my books. With my publisher’s consent, I offer books at sale prices; I answer every email regardless of whether the writer is complimentary or negative. I belong to a writer’s group—we showcase our books and/or new releases on the group blog. We also share our books on each other’s personal FB pages. I listen to readers. For example, readers were very concerned that Tullah (Doc Holliday Mystery Series) didn’t have a love interest. While the major theme is mystery, in book #5, “8 Seconds to Die,” I introduced a possible love interest, then in the last book, #6 (which I just sent to my editor), I allowed the love to blossom. I think readers will be happy. Some reader comments I ignore because I don’t find them relevant.

What has your AllAuthor experience been like so far? What are some highlights?

I truly enjoy the mockup banners. Thank you for such a vast selection. I love it when readers ask where the picture was taken. Some people have asked if that is me in the picture (I wish. LOL!) Also, I appreciate the ease in saving the banners. I’ve only participated in the cover contest once. As an introvert, it’s difficult for me to ask people to vote for my book cover.

Fact or Fiction--You Be The Judge!

 At the age of thirteen, my great grandmother was kidnapped by a band of renegade warriors. By the time she was rescued she had a child (my grandmother), and when she was rescued, she faced prejudice by people of her own race. Although fiction, Bitter Autumn was inspired by my great grandmother’s experience of how strong women survive despair and cruelty, and yet remain strong and hopeful that one day their lives will change for the better. 

Bitter Autumn

Genre: Historical Romance

 Book Blurb: Flame-haired Birdie Mae Dix has no idea what tomorrow will bring. Kidnapped by the Pawnee and traded to the Comanche, she is now in the custody of the US Cavalry. After eighteen years of loss and cruelty, she trusts no one, not even the handsome captain whose piercing blue glare fills her with apprehension…and unwanted desire.

Years of war have hardened Captain Ford Thackery. Pledging his life to a military career, he has sworn never to consider married life—until he rescues Birdie. He knows he must earn her trust as well as find a way into her heart.

When she is abducted by a renegade Pawnee cavalry scout, Ford embarks on a dangerous journey of rescue, but he and Birdie must still bridge the gaping chasm of hatred that separates their worlds.

 

Excerpt: She did not want to wake up. It was the large hands removing her wet clothing that startled a fearful gasp from her. She forced her eyes to open. A man hovered over her. He was hardly more than an ominous gray shadow inside a crude shelter, and she thought his eyes glowed with a feral light. In her delirium and thinking he was Levi High Eagle she shrank back and had some difficulty breathing as she awaited her fate. Drawing up in a small disconcerted knot she waited to be punished.

The snow had seemingly spent its furor. Birdie was thoroughly depleted, both physically and mentally. Though she tried to remain alert, her eyelids sagged beneath the weight of her fatigue. She tried to lift her head until a large hand pressed it down gently against a sturdy shoulder. Her brow found a warm niche against a corded neck to nestle, and with a sigh, she gave up her futile attempts to remain conscious. If Levi High Eagle intended to kill her he would have done so by now.

As she drifted off to sleep again, she was reminded that once again she had been captured and wondered distantly if she would ever find a safe haven.

https://www.amazon.com/Bitter-Autumn-Loretta-C-Rogers/dp/1509231242

https://valsec.barnesandnoble.com/w/bitter-autumn-loretta-c-rogers/1136868418?ean=2940162717775

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/53236246

https://allauthor.com/book/46646/

https://www.bookbub.com/books/bitter-autumn-by-loretta-c-rogers

This document serves as a declaration of copyright ownership for the work titled “Bitter Autumn,” created by Loretta C. Rogers and published by The Wild Rose Press. The copyright owner retains all exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, display, and perform the work. ©2020.

Until we meet again.

HAPPY READING!

APRIL FOOL'S DAY - Not!

Hello Friends, 

Today and for the entire month of April, I have the great honor of being selected by N. N. Light's Book Heaven to feature a series of my books. The first is "The Boneyard."

To read the blurb and the spine-chilling excerpt, click on the link. There is also a $25 gift certificate for one lucky reader who enters the give away.

If you enjoy a few goose chills that track up and down your arms or your spine then The Boneyard will surely give you more than a few.

And that's no April Fool's joke.

N. N. Light's Book Heaven

1h  · 

The Boneyard by Loretta C. Rogers is a Spring Break Bookapalooza pick

“The Boneyard” is a must read because of the memorable characters, it has a strong opening, and it has a unique plot that will keep readers turning the pages.

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/post/the-boneyard-sbb

#paranormalmystery #paranormal #giveaway Loretta C Rogers

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/post/the-boneyard-sbb