My Recent Comments

I have a finished manuscript that was aimed for the Intrigue line and was hoping to find someone who would like to critique it for me. It was rejected by Harlequin and the only feedback I received was it was too convoluted for a category romance. If anyone is willing to help, you can email me at shieldsdonna@hotmail.com

Thank you guys! Some of the feedback helped. I had a good amount of twists in the story, but apparently it was too much because it says it was too convoluted to be a category romantic suspense. So, now I know I have to keep it more simple.

Yes, the next one is targeted for Intrigue, too. I was considering entering the Desire pitch for July. I have a good idea cooking for that one.

Congrats Melissa! That is awesome.

As for me, I am here to pick up my platinum mourning ring. Intrigue gave me an R. Had about a week for self pity, so now it's time to pick myself back up, brush off, and keep plugging away. I sent a query off to a couple of agents to see if they might be interested. Other than that, I am just working on a couple of new ones.

Just popping in real quick to collect my garnet charm. I'm on Chapter two of my next one.

Awesome Sue!

Congrats to the challenge winners. I was too busy working on a new manuscript.

Congrats Jodie! That is awesome!

Nancy, so sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.

I'll have to think about this new challenge and see what I can come up with. 

I'm going to give this a shot. At least I will get lots of practice and get the imagination juices flowing.

Untitled

Jared wondered for the millionth time how he arrived at this moment on trial for drug possession with intent to sell. All he knew was he wasn’t anywhere near a warehouse that night or any other night.

“An eyewitness is very unpleasant to your case,” Laney remarked.

“I think I know this,” Jared replied.

“Jared,” she began as she gently touched his hand sending the tiny sparks of electricity traveling up his arm, “I will get to the truth. I will get you out of this somehow.”

People began filing into the courtroom. Jared lowered his voice to a whisper. “I love you, you know.”

“Ditto, but in this courtroom, it’s a lawyer/client relationship. Don’t be googling me.”

“That just might be the hardest thing I’ll have to do.”

Laney put her lawyer face on. Jared knew play time was over. “I’m serious. Read my lips, Mr. Connor. If you show the slightest interest in me other than a personal interest to save your hide, we’ll have more trouble than we can handle. Clear?”

“Crystal clear, Ms. Bowen.”

“All rise. The Honorable Charles Delaney presiding.”

Judge Delaney walked in silencing everyone with his presence. "You may be seated. Mr. Ward, is prosecution ready to call their first witness?”

“We are, your Honor. Prosecution would like to call Margarite Shoemaker to the stand.”

Jared knew this witness to be the homeless lady. She was dressing the part this morning. It made him wonder if she was really homeless, or if she was hired.

After a few introductory questions, District Attorney Ward came straight to the point. “Mrs. Shoemaker, on the night of February sixth, where were you?”

“In that alley off of Pine Street that leads to that abandoned warehouse in Georgetown.”

“What were you doing there?”

“What do you think? I was looking for food.”

“Tell the jury the events of that night.”

As if on cue, Margarite turned toward the jury. “I heard some voices, so I hid behind a dumpster. You can never be too careful. Too many crazies on the street at night. They stopped about five to ten feet away from the dumpster.”

“Who are they?”

“Mr. Connor and Mr. Santos.”

“Is Mr. Connor in the courtroom this morning?”

“Yes, right there.” She pointed straight at Jared. “Mr. Santos told Mr. Connor that the price for the package was twenty five thousand. Mr. Connor asked Mr. Santos if he was certain it was pure cocaine to which Mr. Santos replied that it was and showed him a tiny plastic baggy with white powder inside. Mr. Connor licked his finger and put it inside the bag. Then, he tasted it. He nodded his head and handed Mr. Santos a large envelope. Mr. Santos told him to back up his car, and they loaded something wrapped in brown paper into Mr. Connor’s trunk.”

Jared stood and barked, “That’s a lie, and you know it!” Laney grabbed his arm and pulled him down into his chair.

Judge Delaney pounded his gavel. “Counselor, get your client under control, or I will have him removed from this court. Please continue.”

Attorney Ward turned back to Margarite. “Can you describe the defendant’s car?”

“Bright yellow Camaro with two thick stripes going from the hood to the trunk.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Shoemaker. No more questions, your Honor.”

“Ms. Bowen, your witness.”

Jared was reeling that the woman could describe a car she never saw before. There was no doubt he had been set up. By who or what for, he didn’t have a clue. But, a lot of prison time was hanging over his head, and he had to find out what was going on.

Laney walked over to the witness. “May I call you Margarite?” Mrs. Shoemaker nodded her approval. “Margarite, do you drink alcohol?”

"So what if I do? You got a problem with me warming myself up by drinking?”

“No, ma’am. Just provide a yes or no.”

“Yes, but I wasn’t drinking that night. Ran out of liquor.”

“How can you be so sure that it was Mr. Connor in the alley that night?”

“Like I said, they were standing five to ten feet away.”

“It must have been dark in the alley.”

“Not that dark. I saw him. For one, he has dimples. I love dimples on a man.”

“Dimples? Lots of men have dimples.”

“True, but do lots of men with dimples have a nasty-looking scar on their lower back? It looked rather large. Like a burn. I saw it when he bent over to pick up the package.”

Laney glanced over at Jared with a scowl. “Your honor, may we take a recess so I can confer with my client?”

“We’ve just barely begun, Ms. Bowen.”

“Ten minutes is all I need.”

“Very well. We’ll take a ten minute recess. No more than ten.”

Laney turned to Jared. “Let’s go into one of the conference rooms.” She grabbed a notebook and her briefcase. Half of the courtroom had filed out including Mrs. Shoemaker and District Attorney Ward.

“Laney, I swear-“

“Save it Mr. Connor. Not until we are alone.”

Jared knew she was livid. She would never believe him now. How the old lady knew about the burn scar on his back from that fire last year, he couldn’t guess. He was set up. The old lady was hand fed that information. But, how was he going to prove it to Laney?

He looked up toward the elevator. There was Attorney Ward and the old lady walking into it. “Laney, look.” He pointed toward them.

He had his proof now. Just before the doors closed, Laney and Jared observed the seemingly upstanding attorney with a large grin on his face hand Mrs. Shoemaker a twenty dollar bill and patted her shoulder. “Good job, ma’am. Good job.”

Jared had all he could do to keep Laney from screaming out to them. Jared simply pulled Laney’s head toward his and firmly planted a kiss.

Thanks. I feel better now. I suppose I was just letting my imagination run a tad wild, lol. I am definitely enjoying it and fully prepared to wait. I have a new one in the making, so that will definitely keep me busy along with the kids.

Donna-I love the title!!