Recently, I woke up from a dream about a dead body. It took place early in the morning at the cemetery … a corpse had gone missing … someone was in trouble for the crime. Life turned ugly.
The end result of that dream is …
The Moon Rises at Dawn. It’s a Copper-Daniels short story, just for you.
The Moon Rises at Dawn
“The lady cop slaps the cuffs behind Mama’s back, while the man officer rattles off her rights. Hearing those words up close is way worse than watching ‘em on TV. The whispers and stares from nearby gawkers prickle me as I follow Mama to the cop car.”
Ten-year-old Copper Daniels and her mama wake up to a crisis at their cemetery home – a missing body, followed by an arrest. The homeless girl faces a possible future in either foster care, or worse – juvie. Will the missing body be found, and will Copper survive with her family still intact?
This dream was so real, so vivid, it was like watching Copper Daniels up on the big screen (which I hope to someday). I had to write this story.
Where the Hell is Book #2?
Believe me, I hear you. Here’s what’s happened in a nutshell:
1. It took me a long time to figure out the plot of Book #2. To tell what happens next for Copper Daniels. She’s a special girl, who deserves the very best. That doesn’t happen overnight.
2. Some personal detours caught me by surprise … deaths, divorces, and drama. Gratefully, none of those were mine. Okay, some of the drama was mine, but life sidetracked me for awhile.
With the combination of all the above, I needed time to regroup. I also needed space to transition into life as a published novelist.
Well, I’m back, baby. I’m ready to kick some literary ass.
The plan is after I publish Books #2 and #3 about Copper Daniels in 2018, the series will then focus on her other friends as the main character. Next up, I believe will be telling Tommy ‘Turdmouth’ Tucker’s story. That’ll happen in 2019.
My Series Has a New Name
I never could think of anything other than the first book in the series, Pennies from Burger Heaven (thus, the Burger Heaven series). I always wanted something that captured the essence of Copper Daniels and her circle of quirky friends … something more mystery-ish, but I was coming up with nada.
I needed inspiration. I visited my Amazon author page, and started reading the 240+ reviews (THANK YOU!). Here’s what some awesome person named Stephanie wrote on June 12, 2017:
“Reading this (Pennies from Burger Heaven) made me think of all the lost souls out there. I think there is a Copper in all of us.”
Yes! This spoke to me so much that I renamed the entire series…
Lost Souls Mysteries.
I love it! Copper Daniels and her peers are all lost souls. Even the people who aren’t homeless, and are lucky enough to have roofs over their heads (like O’Dell the groundskeeper), they all sort of wander aimlessly through life.
Please Read The Moon Rises at Dawn
The short story is a quick 25-pages long.
The Moon Rises at Dawn will be free for folks who sign up for my email list, then .99 cents everywhere that eBooks are sold. If you do read The Moon Rises at Dawn, please leave an honest review here.
All this came from a dream. I hope you enjoy my short story.
What’s the craziest dream you ever had?
Please leave comment. Let’s talk.
Pick up your FREE copy today of the mystery, The Moon Rises at Dawn (SkipJack Publishing). Read, enjoy, repeat.
Marcy- I’m so excited this little girl has truly moved me and transformed my life regarding the homeless. Love you & love Copper.
Fantastic, Tonya. I so appreciate your love for Copper Daniels. Readers like you have made my dreams come true. THANK YOU!
Well darn I’ve never read one of your books therefore I don’t follow you as of yet. Tonya reintroduced me to reading last October and now I’m a obsessed reader. I’m on my 77th book since late October and I’m always looking for a new author!
You have have 77 books since October?! That is so many levels of AWESOME. Aren’t stories the best?
I’m glad you’re looking for a new author. Your free download is the EMAIL that I sent this post in … that’s where you’ll find your free short story.
HAPPY READING!
I didn’t find the free download, but I went and bought it. It’s so worth spending money for your fantastic books. Can’t wait to read it.
Hi Tonya,
The free download is ONLY in the email that I sent to my audience (which means YOU). The free download is not in this post because that’s open to the public. However, THANK YOU for buying my short story. That’s so sweet of you.
I received your email after I purchased, but that’s okay, you work hard giving us Copper and you deserve to be paid for your hard work. Love you sweet lady have a great day.
You always make my day, Tonya Lucas! Thanks for being you. xo – m3
I got this post in one inbox, the email in the other, so deleted the latter. I’ll pick up my copy later, one way or another, and read ASAP. I love you and Copper so much I’ll likely break my own rule and read straight away, even though I’m working on the final edits of my own book #2.
Hugs xoxox
Oh my, NO! Don’t break the rhythm of your final edits (CONGRATS, by the way). Just read the short story when you need a break. It IS short – 25 pages. Thanks, EmF!
Thank you! I will get to it soon, I promise 😉 xoxo
Huge Congrats, Marcy! I think you’ve figured it out, girl! Sometimes it takes a while to see the road map clearly. I can’t wait to read this new short. You don’t even know how much talent you have. Your kind is rare and if you don’t grab hold of every bit of it, I’m going to come over and kick your behind. Much love and great big hugs.
Thank you, Linda! You always make me smile. I don’t want you to kick my behind, so I will do my best to honor the talent I’ve been given.
I admire you so much, and appreciate your friendship more than you know.
Yes I would like to read The Moon Rises at Dawn. I am already on your newsletter list I believe.
Terrific! Yes, if you received this blog post, then you’re definitely on my email list. I appreciate you, Beverly!
I’m so glad you’ve got the plans for Book 2 ready, because I can’t wait to read it! Copper is one of those truly unique characters with a voice you can almost hear as you’re reading. I’ll definitely be reading this short story just as soon as I finish with the tome I’m currently reading. (Stephen King writes long books, doesn’t he?) Thanks for the free gift, Marcy!
Hey Adan,
I saw on Facebook that you’re reading 11/22/63. I LOVED the series, but am ashamed I skipped reading the book because it’s thicker than a brick. SHAME.ON. ME.
Enjoy the short story and thanks for the comment.
You REALLY need to read the book. It’s really easier reading than it looks like it is, and it’s SO worth it.
You’re probably right because the book will be a thousand times better since it went so much deeper into all the character’s arcs. I’ll add it to my To Be Read list. Thanks (I think).