Novelist

Novelist
Daniel (Danny) Lance Wright, Author

Thursday, December 25, 2014

A Fireplace Usually Does it For Me

Have you ever woke in the morning and knew, just knew, that sometime in the night every secret of the universe had been revealed, but by the time the bedroom came into focus, all those secrets had been erased from your memory? I had one of those nights a couple of days ago. It wasn't the first time.

Yesterday afternoon, the family laughed, drank wine and played games in a very loud and boisterous way. I sat alone staring into the fireplace, drinking another glass of wine (I'll not share how many I already had) thinking about that night, wondering what it is in the brain that creates such a nocturnal illusion. Of course, that was the lesser thought. I really was trying to remember exactly what it was that made me believe that. Unfortunately, it was, and remains, a feeling only, disassociated from anything that might create a mental image.

This line of thinking took me places though. The gentle dancing flames in the fireplace opened my mind and I took a very personal tour of philosophical beliefs that occupied my mind until the next explosion of laughter from those around the game table. I'm not sure how long I'd remained in this self-hypnotic trance. But, as I emerged from it, I remembered a particular chapter in the novel "Defining Family" that I'd written some years ago. This is a good place and opportunity to share an excerpt from that particular chapter.



Sam tingled with satisfaction suddenly realizing that Buck knew what Snapper did, but it was fleeting, still certain his intent was to end their freedom. What could she say to avert it, anything? The end of the odyssey had arrived. She and her siblings-by-circumstance were isolated and left with nowhere to run—nowhere to hide. Shoulders slumping, she waited for Buck to get to the point.
Then he asked a strange question. “Y’all haven’t seen any dangerous lookin’ teenagers around here, have ya?”
Her head popped up like she’d been shot between the eyes. She slung her head around to look at him. Her jaw fell slack. “Uh… no. It’s just us.”
Buck looked away to the mountains, “Yep, it’s sure a beautiful sight all right. I never get tired of it. When I have free time, I like to follow the path around this lake in my old pickup truck and hit another small road about two miles over there.” He pointed, looked at her and waited.
She nodded.
“Then, I drive right up to the base of that mountain,” he said, looking at Sam, clearly trying to make sure she understood how to get there.
“A road leading up to the mountains, huh?”
“Yep. It’s part of the Enchanted Land Ranch for about six miles, until you cross over a cattle guard and then you’re on public land. Ranch hands are the only people who ever use the road, at least as far as the cattle guard, and then New Mexico forestry personnel beyond that. The road isn’t used much at all... pretty darned secluded really. That’s what I like about it.”
Amazed and emboldened, Sam made solid eye contact. Buck had detailed an escape route. Why are you doing this? She wondered but chose not to give it a voice, uncertain whether she should breech this deniability so carefully crafted. That’s it! He’s too honest and wouldn’t be able to lie if questioned. This way he doesn’t have to.
“You know, Sam, when I was twenty two years old, my parents died in a plane crash. It left my kid sister without parents. I stepped in and tried to be momma and daddy to the girl. Stocking merchandise in a small neighborhood grocery store didn’t cover everything we needed. One day, I found myself tempted around the cash register. Before you know it, I’d taken money, caught, arrested, and spent a year in jail. I won’t bore you with details, except to say my kid sister wound up in the care of the state. She went wild and accused me of abandoning her. When I got out, she didn’t trust me at all to hang around. So, although we were living together again, she lived life as if I wasn’t even there. Every time I opened my fool mouth the wrong thing came out and drove her farther away. Drugs, alcohol and bad people became her universe. Shoot, I couldn’t have corralled her on a bet.”
He looked down into the tin cup in his hands. “That life took her at eighteen, all because no one helped me when I needed to be helpin’ her. Now she’s gone.” He straightened and drew a breath. “I’ve since come to terms with it. But I vowed if I were ever given a chance, I’d make it right. I just never had a notion how to do that… till now.”
He took a final swallow of coffee and then tossed the last drops into the fire sending a steam cloud into the air. He stood, pulled his hat down to a business slant, put his gloves on and turned to walk away.
Buck made it quite clear talking was done. He walked away with the thermos and tin cup in hand.
She sprang to her feet and caught up to him handing him the other cup. “Samantha Echols,” she said.
“Pardon me?”
“My full name… it’s Samantha Echols. What’s your last name?”
With a crooked smile that lifted his handlebar moustache, “Miller.”
“Buck Miller, would you mind if I come back to visit you someday?”
“As long as I’m foreman of the Enchanted Land Ranch, you’ll always be welcome.” He folded down the collar of his jacket. “I know I told y’all it’d be okay to stay a couple of days, but now that we know there are dangerous teenagers lurkin’ about, it might be wise if y’all broke camp and left.”
Putting his finger to the brim of his hat, he tipped his head as a final gesture of courtesy.
Sam watched his departure dumbfounded.
Buck cranked the old truck, steered it around and drove slowly away.
A combative mix of emotions all pushed to the surface at the same time. She experienced a rush that he’d been so kind, yet profound sadness sought to replace the thrill. It clawed at her that she’d never see Buck again; just another glancing blow in her life, something of value that almost was.
The noise of the truck engine woke the other three. They emerged from the tent and gathered around the fire.
“What was that all about?” Amy asked, rubbing her eyes. “Was he just checking on us?”

Sam started to answer then realized her voice would have broken. She just nodded then swallowed. Suddenly taking two quick steps in the direction of the receding truck, she had a strong urge to run hard and fast, to catch Buck, throw her arms around his neck and hug him. But like all visions of the perfect life she’d watched in the flames, this vision, too, took flight like smoke in a breeze.

http://www.amazon.com/Defining-Family-Daniel-Lance-Wright-ebook/dp/B008LJC30M/ref=sr_1_13?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1419527578&sr=1-13&keywords=daniel+lance+wright

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

When It's Against the Law To Take Your Eyes Off the Highway

I am a daily appointment reader. I make time to read, just like I make time to exercise. A healthy mind and body cannot be dismissed by the false notion--the utterly false notion--that there is no time everyday to get these things done. But even the hardcore believer, as I certainly am, knows there are times it's just not feasible, like driving down the highway. So, even though physical exercise might be out (unless you flex your toes or something like that), a good novel is not beyond your reach. On that next road trip try an audio book. I would like to suggest "Annie's World: Jake's Legacy". Follow Annie as she grows from a disheveled and dirty ten-year-old into a genetically blessed savior of a future world out of control.

http://www.audible.com/pd/Mysteries-Thrillers/Annies-World-Jakes-Legacy-Audiobook/B00OYAR4F6/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl?qid=1417619792&sr=1-1

Monday, December 1, 2014

How Much of Your Brain do You Use?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you could use 100% of that gray matter we call a brain? Would you simply be a genius? Or, would it go beyond that--far beyond that, and have nothing whatsoever to do with thinking and reasoning? The sci-fi novel, "The Last Radiant Heart" follows the adventures of one such individual. Follow the link to read an excerpt:

http://www.amazon.com/Radiant-Heart-Danial-Lance-Wright-ebook/dp/B008XD9G74/ref=sr_1_11?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417440501&sr=1-11&keywords=daniel+lance+wright

Sunday, November 30, 2014

"Defining Family" Review

Read what one reviewer said about the young adult novel "Defining Family";

By 
This review is from: Defining Family (Kindle Edition)
I could not stop reading this from the first page. How can anyone write about something with all of the kids in this story that is so accurate. Something rarely discussed and put into reality that should be addressed in this country or even the world. A real definition about what the family is about outside of the box.

http://www.amazon.com/Defining-Family-Daniel-Lance-Wright-ebook/dp/B008LJC30M/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417364206&sr=1-4&keywords=daniel+lance+wright

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Wisdom in All Its Forms

Wisdom is usually developed after a lifetime of gathering knowledge to be passed along to the next generation. But, what if life threw a cruel twist at you and none of that mattered any longer? Sometimes, wisdom, locked away and denied, must be set free. And, the means by which that is accomplished can, indeed, come in deceptive packaging. A homeless man they call Pop begins a life's lesson in a small Texas farming community in "Six Years' Worth"

Follow this link to read an excerpt:

http://www.amazon.com/Years-Worth-Daniel-Lance-Wright-ebook/dp/B0018RL7K6/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1417264095&sr=8-10&keywords=daniel+lance+wright

Friday, November 28, 2014

You Don't Know What Fear Is

Everyone knows about that moment in a tense situation when there is no other choice but to  fight or flee. But, what if there is a disconnect between those two impulses in your brain? What are you left with?

A Houston psychologist sees it first-hand and sets his career on a new path; a career that leads to a violent situation he never expected and may not survive in "Phobia"

Click the link below to read an excerpt:

 http://www.amazon.com/Phobia-Daniel-Lance-Wright-ebook/dp/B008Y6AW6O/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1417187491&sr=8-4&keywords=daniel+lance+wright

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Give Thanks for Your Family

Sure, we love our families and can't imagine life without them. But, what if that family, your family, suddenly vanished or were taken from you? How would you then describe family? In the past tense?
Four Texas teens go on a quest to find that answer. Oddly, they are not even aware that is the end game of their journey.

"Defining Family". Click on the link to read a sample:

http://www.amazon.com/Defining-Family-Daniel-Lance-Wright-ebook/dp/B008LJC30M/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1417092145&sr=8-12&keywords=daniel+lance+wright

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

The Lady Pirate

A young eighteenth century woman tortured by her own poor choices. Will she get it right before it's too late? Follow the adventures of the lady pirate in "Where Are You, Anne Bonny?"

Follow the link to an excerpt:

http://www.amazon.com/Where-are-you-Anne-Bonny-ebook/dp/B003SE7O04/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417004216&sr=1-8&keywords=daniel+lance+wright

Friday, October 31, 2014

"Annie's World: Jake's Legacy" now available as an audio book

For those of you that have a difficult time finding time to read or if you're just looking for a way to stay entertained on a roadtrip or lying on the beach without having to hold anything in your hands, allow me to suggest "Annie's World: Jake's Legacy", a soft sci-fi novel, in audio book format. You won't be disappointed. Sample it here:

http://www.audible.com/search/ref=a_mn_mt_ano_tseft__galileo?advsearchKeywords=annies+world%3A+jakes+legacy&x=0&y=0

And, don't forget, "Annie's World 2: New Beginnings" is scheduled for release in first quarter 2015.

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Where Do You Look For Inspiration?

As a novelist, I have a muse. It’s not a who but a what – woodturning. Since, by definition, a muse is female, specifically nine goddesses that provide inspiration to the creative arts, I suppose I can give my wood lathe a name like Sweetie or Precious so I can remain within the bounds of that definition.
The word muse is much overused but, most writers will tell you, she/he/it/they are quite real and necessary. Interestingly, I have been told by several that they do not rely on muses, and that their inspiration comes from internal sources. I have a hard time believing that. In my opinion, it’s like saying that their healthy body is a result of internal influences and had nothing to do with external forces – food choices, fresh air, friends, etc.
Here’s my contention: Whether these naysayers realize it or not, they do have muses. I’m not saying the muse has to necessarily be a person, animal, or anything of a grandiose nature at all. It might be the sound of dry swirling leaves on a cool and windy fall morning, the sound and smell of rain, a favorite cup of hot tea, ocean sounds, or sounds of a busy street. Inspiration can come from any source and, sometimes, quite surprising in nature. All it takes is an open mind to allow it in.
A couple of years ago, I was working on a novel (“Phobia”/Booktrope) and was struggling a little with plot direction. I had several choices once I had reached the pinnacle of the story arc. I happened to wake very early one winter morning. It was dark and very cold outside –chilly inside the house too. So, I built a fire in the fireplace. I was alone. It was quiet. I nursed a cup of coffee and stared at the dancing flames. In those flames, I saw what I needed to do with that novel from the point at which I had stopped all the way to the end of the book. That fire, that morning, in that setting was my muse.
Those writers who say inspiration comes from internal sources would have discounted that fire as having had no influence. We all need muses, not just writers or artists. And, we all do. We just have to recognize them for what/who they are and appreciate them.

I’m suddenly compelled to go do something creative. Thank you for being my muse on this day.   

Friday, September 19, 2014

"The Paragraph Ranch" is a great read.

The “Paragraph Ranch”, a mainstream/contemporary story is a big win for co-authors, Kay Ellington and Barbara Brannon.
This is a tale that anyone can relate to, as shown through the eyes of the main character, Deanna “Dee” Bennett-Kaufman. The youngest in a family of three siblings, Dee is a single mom of a college age daughter and charged with the temporary care of an injured and aging mother. The problem for Dee is having to leave an academic life she carved out in the northeast and travel back to where she was born, the South Plains of Texas to care for her mother on the home place, the family cotton farm where she grew up.
Dee’s challenges begin immediately. She is a college professor and forced to walk away from the job, straining her to get student responsibilities wrapped up from a remote location before graduation. She is on a deadline to provide a book draft to a publisher that she hasn’t finished writing, or even finished researching. Not only that, but she left a boyfriend at home and worried about losing him. And, attendance at a much anticipated writing fellowship in Massachusetts is put into jeopardy by this familial duty. The woman has a problem.
An interesting and tremendously entertaining metamorphosis begins from the moment her feet land on the sandy loam of West Texas. Is it possible that this cotton farm, far from the nearest metropolitan area, a place she sought so desperately to get away from as a teen, can amount to more than the sum of its sandy parts?
You will enjoy walking with Dee, discovering the answers with her. As you do, it will become impossible not to develop an affection for, and kinship with, Dee, her family and her friends. I believe I can safely say that anyone will see themselves at some point in this book. It’s the type of story that will follow you days after it’s finished. I highly recommend “The Paragraph Ranch” by Kay Ellington and Barbara Brannon.
–Daniel Lance Wright, author of “One Day in Lubbock”, “Phobia”, “Annie’s World: Jake’s Legacy”, “Paradise Flawed”, “Where Are You, Anne Bonny?”, “The Last Radiant Heart”, “Six Years’ Worth”, “Helping Hand for Ethan”


Sunday, August 31, 2014

Summer Doldrums

It’s not unusual at all. Many people sink into slumps. It doesn’t matter whether the endeavor is drafting a novel, repairing a plumbing problem, or needing a good time. When summer doldrums settle in, everything is a chore and nothing seems important or fun enough to act on. It’s late August, afternoons are hot and I’m deep into the ho-hums.
Looking back to the months of May and June, it seems almost inconceivable, now, that I took a story idea that had been floating around in my head for months and hammered out roughly forty thousand words and took the story arc to near mid-point in less than four weeks. It was an exciting time. I babbled on to my wife incessantly about taking the story this way or that. So much so, in fact, her eyes would glaze over with disinterest and her head would go into automatic nod mode. That didn’t matter, because I was into it and eager to progress the story.
Lately, I’ve been coming into my backyard to my little sanctuary where I do my writing and stare at the novel draft. If I get five hundred words down, it’s a miracle. Since that time in late spring, little has been added to the draft. I have slammed head-on into the summer doldrums.
Of course, I hope you read and can identify with this blog, maybe even enjoy it. But, the cold truth is, I’m writing this entry instead of working on the novel draft as a possible means of jump starting the mojo and get my head back into the writing game.
Before I had a blog to vent and share thoughts, I indulged often in “free-writing”. It’s a technique for overcoming such times as these. It’s easy. Sit at a keyboard and begin typing. Type what? You may ask. It doesn’t matter. Whatever is crossing your mind. Complete sentences? That doesn’t matter either. I assure you that, at some point in the process, thoughts will become cogent and you will begin writing an honest story, article, or essay and intended none of it when the process began. It’s amazing how it works. In fact, it works better when all thoughts are random and seemingly unconnected. That’s when the sub-conscious takes over and eventually settles on what is most important while in league with your fingers on the keyboard. If your thoughts are already solid, there’s no need to be free-writing anyhow. Just sit down and get busy on your writing project. But, if you sink into an unmotivated, directionless slump, give it a try. Honestly, early in my writing career, free-writing turned into several award winning short stories. And, that’s the truth.

I’m feeling better now. Sharing has a way of doing that. Have a wonderful day, y’all!

Saturday, August 16, 2014

"Annie's World 2: New Beginnings" Coming Soon to a bookseller near you

"Annie's World 2: New Beginnings" has been picked up by Booktrope and should be released first quarter 2015. I invite you to read the first in the series, "Annie's World: Jake's Legacy" (All Things That Matter Press) before Annie's World 2 is released. It's a touching sci fi/fantasy look at how easily the world can fall apart, yet hope and love can pull it all back together. Take the journey with genetically blessed Annie Henderson. Please share with your friends. Thanks.

http://www.amazon.com/Annies-World-Daniel-Lance-Wright/dp/0985006625/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1408193485&sr=1-7&keywords=daniel+lance+wright

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/annies-world-daniel-lance-wright/1111797819?ean=9780985006624

Friday, August 1, 2014

"Dancing Away": There's true love and then there's pure love

Occasionally, I pull out stories I've written and relive them. The purpose is to track style and determine if the long term metamorphosis of my story-telling is good or, maybe, return to a few of those style points  abandoned or set aside inadvertently. Sure, I have learned many things from other novelists, critics and reviewers but, sometimes, a simple look back at our own journey can be an educational reminder.

This morning, I opened a short story titled "Dancing Away" and read it for the first time in several years. I learned I have a style that needs to be revisited and incorporated into the romance novel I'm currently drafting.

Here is the first couple of pages of the short story, "Dancing Away":

I can’t breathe!
Why can’t I inhale?
My face, I can’t feel my face!
I know my hands are there, just as they have been for seventy-six years. My senses tell me so. But where are they?
What’s happening?
I see light—abundant light, yet I turn my hands this way and that and see nothing. The light flows over me liked warmed satin. Neither shadows nor objects are visible as far as the light shines.
This… Light… striates and flexes; there is comfort in it. I’m becoming aware that I stand witness to the length and breadth of infinity and know, I just somehow know, when the light fades, I’ll see universal truths reserved until this moment. I’m entwined in the past yet long to embrace the future. This awareness is simply instilled.
The draw is powerful. But another force of equal power tugs.
Again, it occurs to me that no breath enters my lungs.
Now I remember. It was a tumor, I think.
Knowing this answers nothing, just a reason for more questions. How is it I can contemplate these things, if in such pain?
Where is the pain?
Could it be powerful drugs?
I feel no discomforts, nothing but—but a tingling joy.
Josephine!
Bolting upright—at least it feels I have done so; it occurs to me that joy and Josephine are synonymous, inseparable; one cannot exist without the other.
My Jojo—memories flood in and burn white-hot. Desire fuels a fire as an accelerant tossed upon a flame.
We’ve become separated. I cannot see or call to her.
I want to shout her name but I have no voice.
My soundless distress has been heard. The Light wrinkles and I look down upon the saddened face of my Jojo, framed in lustrous silver hair holding the hand of a pathetically drawn man with tubes and wires splaying from his upper torso to points surrounding a hospital bed.
Suddenly, I feel warmth sliding across my palm—the palm of a hand I still cannot see. It’s Jojo.
I watch. She closes her eyes, saying something I cannot hear then sways to and fro. It’s rhythmic, like a dance.
Fearful this connection will be broken if I move, even twitch; I’ll be jettisoned from this place to… Heaven only knows where.
I long to hear the music and for that I cry tears I cannot see or feel.
My intention hardens.
I’ll not move, not even blink, for eternity if necessary. I refuse to sever this thread that keeps me bound.

I’ll be patient and wait for the day I can again hear the music.

"Dancing Away" is available for download at Amazon.com. 
http://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Away-Daniel-Lance-Wright-ebook/dp/B0056IAKWO/ref=sr_1_13?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1406887432&sr=1-13&keywords=daniel+lance+wright
If you decide to spend the $.99 for the download, I promise you will not be disappointed.

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Latest Review of "One Day in Lubbock", a novel

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book that evoked many emotions!June 27, 2014
This review is from: One Day in Lubbock (Kindle Edition)
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kim

one-day-in-lubbock-daniel-lance-wrightThis was an excellent book for which I cried, such sadness and heartbreak but all is mended in the end with an ending that is totally unexpected. I read this is one setting because I couldn’t wait to find out how it ended. Everyone wants a second chance or a do-over. Very few get a second chance but when they do it never quite turns out the way they expect it.

William Dillinger is an elderly man that is working in a hospital as floor maintenance. Many mistakes made in his younger years has him wearing a bracelet, the kind you wear when you have served time in prison and now a parolee. Will learned early in life that he had a certain charm and a way to twist words to his advantage. Sadly, he uses it to scam people out of their life savings until one day he scammed a woman and caused her demise, hence the bracelet.

Now with only memories of better days of his youth, Will runs into the love of his life. Friends since the first time they saw each other in grade school he remembers back to when he made the mistake that changed his life. Graduation night Will turned away the only person who ever loved him and now here she is visiting someone in the hospital.

Bea is a nurse on staff and befriends Will and tries to help him anyway she can. They form a friendship and Will opens up to her because he has no one else and Bea actually listens to him like she’s really interested in what he has to say.

Will suddenly feels faint and dizzy, then drops to the floor. He’s thinking it’s a reaction to hearing the voice of his longtime friend. Bea takes one look at him and she thinks differently. She makes him go to the ER and see the doctor because of that Bea has saved his life.

As Will lays in the hospital bed, his life finally comes full circle as he hears and remembers stories about his past and his love. Sometimes what is in front of you is what you need and sometimes it’s overlooked until it’s too late. This time it was right on time.

My heart just broke for Will, who caused himself so much heartache, so much pain because he was so focused on nothing but himself. Sigh****

Blog Tour: "One Day in Lubbock", a novel

A blog tour begins today for my novel, "One Day in Lubbock". Please click on the links below, enjoy and then share with friends. Have a wonderful day.  -Daniel Lance Wright
http://bit.ly/VtVtrZ

http://bit.ly/TEmwPK

Friday, June 27, 2014

Good Reviews Are Now Pouring In

By 
Nathan Albright (Portland, OR USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: One Day in Lubbock (Kindle Edition)

This book plays with a premise that is deeply moving, and ought to strike a chord with many potential readers, and that is the way in which this novel sets up the situation where an old man who should be retired is instead working as a janitor at a hospital to try to keep one foot in front of each other to avoid a return to the bad ways that landed him in jail. Then, on what would appear to be an ordinary day, the author sets up a situation where this man gets the chance to reconnect with his first love, whose young relationship is detailed in a series of emotional flashbacks that leave Will Dillinger unable to function normally, and unable to resist lowering the wall that he has built up over time to prevent him from bonding with others, walls that started with childhood as a con artist and a charmer who used his gifts for evil and feels unworthy of grace.

There is, of course, a darker side to this memory of early love. While the specific scenarios of high school students fearing positive pregnancy tests and dealing with the stress of marriage and family before they have any sort of education or jobs is not something I am familiar with, I know of a situation that is not so unlike that of the premise of this novel that did not work out very well. In that particular case, a woman who was married to a decent and upright man got in touch with a widower who had been an old high school flame and ended up beginning an affair with him that split up the family and led to a lot of very dangerous complications. This is, therefore, not a premise that I view with equanimity, especially when the book flashes back to an unsuccessful marriage between Kate and an alcoholic man. This is the sort of story that a lot of people will be able to relate to, broken people seeking wholeness and love and some sort of redemption.

It would be unfair to spoil the various twists and turns of the story, but it is certainly a very convenient tale in many ways. We see Kate as a relatively innocent young woman whose life is changed by marriage to an alcoholic and who has to deal with frustrations and a vestigial sense of loyalty. We see Will struggling with loneliness and the belief that life has entirely passed him by. In wanting to root for love, we see a few surprises, and one where the meet cute at the end, the second chance at life, is not in fact as we would expect, but it is a surprise that is well-earned and a conclusion that ought to be satisfying for readers who want to see love and grace in action, as well as the corrosive effects of secrets and lies and misplaced guilt. Although this is not the sort of novel I usually read, this is a novel that will richly reward readers looking for a second chance at a first chance, which, honestly, includes most of us.

Monday, June 16, 2014

On the road again with "One Day in Lubbock"

It's time for another trip to the South Plains of Texas and I'm sure looking forward to it. To all old friends, new friends, and friends yet to be, I have book signings Friday, Saturday and Sunday this week. I do hope you'll drop by one of the events and spend a few minutes with me to celebrate my latest novel, "One Day in Lubbock". Here's the itinerary:
Friday, 6/20, N-3pm, Holiday Inn Express Lobby, Brownfield
Saturday, 6/21, 2p-4p, Hastings, 50th Street, Lubbock
Sunday, 6/22, 2p-4p, Hastings, 82nd Street, Lubbock

Saturday, June 7, 2014

"One Day in Lubbock" Memorial Week Signing Tour

It's time... well, actually past time, that I let you know that I appreciate each and every one of you that took the time to drop by the signing events in Wichita Falls, TX and Lubbock, TX during the Memorial holiday week.

Once you've read "One Day in Lubbock", could I ask you to offer an opinion of it? Reviews are the lifeblood of a novelist. A great place to do it is at the Amazon link below:

http://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/B00IOSBVUS/ref=acr_search_see_all?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Now, I'm looking forward to a quick June tour:
Brownfield, TX          Holiday Inn               N-4pm              6/20
Lubbock, TX             Hastings                    2-4pm               6/21
                                  (50th St)
Lubbock, TX             Hastings                    2-4pm               6/22
                                  (82nd St)                

See you then.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Making Weekend Plans?

The cursor is mocking me. My fingers are idle, therefore; it is idle. Nothing has been written and, it would seem, nothing will be, for a while. So, I'll put my mind to something else.

Are you thinking about what you're going to be doing this weekend?

Please, allow me to make a suggestion:  How about taking the short drive to Clifton, TX this Saturday, May 21st and join me for a book signing and reading event at the Clifton Civic Center sponsored by the Nellie Pedersen Public Library. I'll be reading excerpts from my latest release, "One Day in Lubbock". It's scheduled from 2pm till 5pm. See you there.

Friday, May 2, 2014

Another Fabulous Boots 'n' Brew

When inspiration strikes, a writer goes with it. There is never a guarantee that creativity will strike again soon enough to satisfy. This opening sentence is sort of an excuse, sort of an apology, and sort of both.

A new novel is in the draft stage and I've been rolling with it all week, to the exclusion of most other responsibilities. But, now, before anymore time passes, I want to proclaim my appreciation for the marvelous event last weekend in Clifton, TX called Boots 'n' Brew. My dear friend, An Thompson of LA Art Gallery graciously invited me to join her at the gallery to sign my new novel "One Day in Lubbock" during the event. It was tremendously satisfying to visit with a near steady stream of visitors through the gallery checking out the beautiful artwork and, of course, all the different titles on my table. And it certainly was no bother to sit next to a keg of Rahr Brother's "Texas Red". All I'll say about that is, I allowed myself no opportunity to become thirsty all evening. Good stuff!

Now, I'm looking forward to the next event. It will be sponsored by the Nellie Pederson Public Library in Clifton and staged in the Civic Center. I hope to see all my central Texas friends there Saturday May 17 from 2-5p. I'll have all titles available to be purchased and signed but focusing on the newest release, "One Day in Lubbock", an autumn romance. It's never too late. A big thanks to library director, Lewis Stansell for his help getting this one together. Also, I don't want to forget to shout out appreciation to the Clifton Record for the really nice advance story about this event. Thanks guys. You are all aces.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Hitting the Road with "One Day in Lubbock"

I have posted on Facebook in various groups with the different places I will be signing my latest novel, "One Day in Lubbock" in May and June. I thought that here I would list all of them chronologically. I would be honored if you would share this with your friends on Facebook and other preferred social media sites. Most importantly, I want to see you... yes, you... at one of these events. If you show up, I'll give you a hug... but you have to ask.

LA Thompson Art Gallery (Boots n Brews event), downtown Clifton, TX - Saturday April 26 - 5p-8p

Clifton Texas Civic Center (sponsored by the Clifton Library} - Saturday, May 17 - noon till 4pm

Hastings - Southwest Pkwy in Wichita Falls, TX - Wednesday, May 21 - 2p-4p

Barnes & Noble - Slide Road in Lubbock, TX - Saturday, May 24 - 2-4p

Holiday Inn Express lobby - Lubbock Hwy in Brownfield, TX - Friday, June 20 - noon till 4pm

Hastings - 50th Street in Lubbock, TX - Saturday, June 21 - 2p-4p

Hastings - 82nd Street in Lubbock, TX - Sunday, June 22 - 2p-4p

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_12?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=daniel%20lance%20wright&sprefix=daniel+lance%2Caps%2C135




Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Picture this: I am on my knees, head bowed, arms extended, palms up and, maybe, backlit... only for effect, mind you. Can you visualize anything more humble? Here's the point of this visualization aid; I need Amazon reviews on my latest release "One Day in Lubbock" (or any other of my titles you may have already read). I am asking friends, acquaintances and even enemies that can still stomach me. It's a simple process: Go to Amazon.com and search Daniel Lance Wright. A list of my novels will appear. Click on the "One Day in Lubbock" graphic that is labeled "Look Inside". The page that will come next shows the title, my name and under that "Customer reviews". You can read the ones already there and click on the box labeled "Create Your Own Review" and then... please do. It only a needs to be a few lines of your honest opinion. You will have earned my gratitude and a cyber hug, not to mention a good read. Thanks to you all.

If you don't want to go through all that process I've outlined above and just leave a review, click on this link (or copy and paste):

http://www.amazon.com/One-Lubbock-Daniel-Lance-Wright-ebook/product-reviews/B00IOSBVUS/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Monday, March 31, 2014

Gearing Up for "One Day in Lubbock"

Conceptualizing and writing novels is a process that I've grown to love, but there are numerous other steps that must be taken. And, now, that journey is soon to be underway. Everything that happens now falls under the broad heading of marketing. As much fun as constructing the story is, it would be of little value if no one knows it exists and, therefore, it never is given a chance to be shared with the world.

That said, I'm collaborating with a wonderful person from Lubbock, the city I was born in, to plan a blog tour for late April or, possibly, early May. I've known Kay Ellington exactly one day and already she is testing my mettle. I am truly thankful for that. My head is usually on a different playground, swirling with plot points and arcs.

While I have your attention, here's a brief excerpt from "One Day in Lubbock". Enjoy:

 Time for lingering expired. He hurriedly set out an orange wet
floor caution cone, dropped the mop in the wheeled bucket and
rolled it away. Sloshing water slowed a quick retreat.
He glimpsed the woman exiting the room in a rush.
Abandoning the mop bucket, he scurried the few feet down the
hall to the nurses’ station, around the corner and out of sight.
The woman trotted the opposite direction shouting at
approaching personnel, “Please hurry, Roger’s in trouble!”
William peeked and was hit with a burst of competing emotions
– overjoyed to see that the woman was indeed his Katy Bear. He felt
an ache in his chest and a nauseating lump rose in his throat. The
flash of delight vanished when he saw tears. Although beautiful and
smooth skinned, physical and mental exhaustion was clear upon her
face. Her heart had to be breaking as her husband slipped away.
William need not have worried about recognition; she regarded
no one except the three people she followed back into the room –
two nurses and a doctor. He rolled back around the corner,
flattening himself against the wall. He lost sight of the door that
demanded his attention for over half an hour. He was short of
breath, as if sucker-punched in the chest.
Then he remembered; when Katy hurt so did he. It seemed clear
enough that he suffered a physical manifestation of her sorrow. That
had to be it. Her pain was his pain. There was a time they thought as
one and felt as one. His heart must be breaking for her. Those
feelings never went away, just trampled upon and ignored for a few
decades.

If you are interested in finding out where this story goes, please follow the link.
http://www.amazon.com/One-Lubbock-Daniel-Lance-Wright-ebook/dp/B00IOSBVUS/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1396293197&sr=1-3&keywords=daniel+lance+wright