I can’t tell you all how happy I am to be hosting today’s guest. We’ve been friends for years and have had stories published in the same anthologies, but I don’t think we’ve ever released novels so close to each other before. Today, let’s celebrate Joan Hall’s latest release, Unknown Reasons, and welcome her back to the site.
Staci, thank you for hosting me today. I’m excited to talk to your readers about my new novel, Unknown Reasons, the second book of the Driscoll Lake Series.
Blurb:
Rachel Jackson hails from one of Driscoll Lake’s wealthiest families. Like her father, she became a doctor and is now a respected physician. But despite her successful career, Rachel feels something is missing from her life—until she crosses paths with Brian Nichols.
The son of a hard-working mother and alcoholic father, Brian acted out when he was young, earning a reputation as a troublemaker. As an adult, he’s worked hard to clean up his act and now owns a burgeoning construction company.
Rachel and Brian form an unlikely friendship which begins to blossom into something more. But a series of structure fires—determined to be arson—puts Brian in the hot seat. The properties are all associated with his work, making him the prime suspect. Toss in his juvenile history, and he finds himself the focus of a tenacious investigator. Even Rachel starts to have doubts.
Brian struggles to save his relationship, his company, and his reputation. But unless the real arsonist is caught before striking again, everything Brian holds dear may go up in smoke.
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As you can see, someone is lighting fires in Driscoll Lake. However, I got the idea for this post title when listening to The Doors’ 1967 hit by the same name.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a music fan. I began listening to my brothers 45s (yes, I’m that old!) before I could read the labels. Although I like a variety of music, Classic Rock is my favorite. It would be a toss-up to say whether my favorite pastime is listening to music or reading.
But as much as I love music, I always wanted the room quiet while I wrote. That is, until I wrote Unknown Reasons. The main character, Brian Nichols, is not only a business owner, he’s a part-time musician who plays drums with a local band.
As I wrote the story, I began thinking of songs that match specific scenes. I was about a third of the way through the first draft when I created a playlist for the book on Spotify. It’s an eclectic mix, including songs by Queen, The Eagles, Nicolette Larson, Kiss, and Carly Simon to name a few. Listening to music helped when I needed a little added inspiration.
Some of the songs I mention by name in the book, such as “Waiting for a Girl Like You.” I hint at Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” without naming the title. Other songs such as “I Was Made for Loving You” by Kiss or Crowded House’s “Don’t Dream It’s Over” aren’t mentioned, but they fit a particular scene or event.
When I wrote the last line of the last chapter, I concluded the playlist with Carly Simon’s “That’s the Way I’ve Always Heard it Should Be.” Oh, and the song that inspired the title of this post? “Light My Fire” isn’t included, but I will say that Brian and Rachel light a few fires of their own.
Unknown Reasons is available for purchase by clicking here.
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Joan Hall likes to create character-driven fiction with strong, determined female leads and male characters that are sometimes a bit mysterious. Her favorite genre is mystery and suspense—often with a touch of romance.
When she’s not writing, Joan likes to take nature walks, explore old cemeteries, and visit America’s National Parks and historical sites. She and her husband live in Texas.
Connect with her on social media:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Pinterest | Facebook Author Group | Goodreads
A very interesting author guest post with Joan, Staci. Shared to Facebook and twitter.
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Thanks so much for stopping by, Robbie! And thank you for sharing.
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Thanks, Robbie. I appreciate the share. 🙂
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Fantastic playlist, Joan – especially KISS! Best of luck with your new release.
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Who doesn’t like KISS? Thanks for dropping by, Teri.
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Thanks, Teri. Sounds like you’re also a Classic Rock fan!
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Joan, I used to spin so many 45’s and albums. I had a use collection of music on vinyl.
When I write, I prefer silence or instrumental music, but I have been known to create a playlist for the book afterward. It’s fun choosing the music to match the story.
Congrats on another release. I loved Rachel and Brian’s story in Unknown Reasons!
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I love their story, too. It’s a great series.
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Mae, I still have my vinyl records, but unfortunately, nothing to play them on. It was fun creating this playlist. Glad you enjoyed the story. So far, it’s been my favorite one to write!
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I still have my vinyls, too, but no turntable.
I’m not sure who I like more—Brian or Matt. Finish number three, then I’ll decide.
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Staci, I like them both, but I tend to lean to Brian. Hoping to get enthusiasm for Vince in Book Three. I’m sure I will once I get deep into the story.
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Vinnie was my favorite of the four Brothers, so you already have me hooked with his name. 🙂
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Staci, it was a pleasure to be here today. Thanks so much for hosting me! And best of luck on your new release!
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The pleasure was mine, Joan. Sorry about the hiccup this morning.
And thank you!
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Don’t worry about it. Just “a day in the life…” Oh wait, that’s also a song. 🙂
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I’ve never written while listening to music, but I do use songs for inspiration and often add them to my story board on Pinterest.
This sounds like an interesting read, I’ll add it to my TBR list, thanks!
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I’m just the opposite, Jacquie… I listen as I write but I never think to use the songs as inspiration or marketing. I might start beefing up my Pinterest boards, though. That’s a great idea.
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Jacquie, this was a first for me. I like the idea of a storyboard on Pinterest. Haven’t done that. Thanks for stopping by a commenting. Hope you enjoy the book.
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I will have to see what happens next in your new book:) I have never written with a soundtrack…intruging! I have a few 45s around, too!
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I tend to write with music that fits the mood of my scene, but I’ve never really assembled a soundtrack before. I kind of want to now, though. 🙂
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I still have quite a few 45s as well as those belonging to my brother. Sadly, I have nothing to play them on. I keep saying I’m going to purchase a turntable someday. Thanks so much for visiting and I hope you enjoy the book.
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I STILL have 45s! Nothing wrong with that! Lol!
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No, there’s not. I’ve got a few, myself.
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I still have my collection (and my brothers). Those were the days!
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It’s interesting how you guys jump characters in your series. I don’t know that it ever occurred to me to do so, but it seems to work for you two, and Mae too. Maybe there is an SE post in there somewhere. Hope you move a million copies. I like the musical connections, and have been on that kick myself lately.
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It just seemed natural to have new lead characters in books two and three. You will see some familiar ones from book one and some new faces. Same goes for book three. I didn’t plan to have Rachel as a character at all but now I’m glad I did.
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This process intrigues me. So the writer lady and her cop get cameos, is that correct?
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Yes they do. And they, along with Rachel and Brian will have cameos in book three. Matt, the police chief, has a few more scenes because of crimes being committed but they’re both included.
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I’ve recycled characters into other tales, but never done a series. Most of those I’ve read follow the main character through the series. This style intrigues me. Does it have a specific name?
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Not that I’m aware of.
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I can’t really do an SE post on this because I kind of already did (https://storyempire.com/2017/12/04/six-steps-plotting-series/).
I like a series with the same hero (Harry Potter, Sherlock Holmes), but I don’t know if I could write that way. I like to tell someone’s story and as friends and family emerge, move on to tell those stories. Besides, if you expand enough, you’re never really out of story ideas and people to follow.
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It’s just interesting to me. Maybe Charles’ Windemere heroes are kind of similar in that they each get a story.
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Exactly.
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It does seem to be a trend in a lot of books, Craig, especially with mysteries and romance series. I would love to create a series where 1-2 primary characters remain the lead in all of the books. I actually had thoughts of doing after my PP series, that but my publisher asked me for a new lead. It does help that you get to develop the characters to a small extend in one novel, then they take the background and others you’ve already introduced that the spotlight. Readers feel like they already know them.
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I just find this really interesting. That your publisher asked for it is doubly interesting. I’ve never thought of anything like this before.
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It’s huge, Craig. Maybe consider giving it a try.
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You have my gears moving.
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I didn’t realize your publisher requested it that way. Interesting…
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Love your playlist Joan! I’ll be listening to those songs while reading your book.
I really liked Driscoll Lake #1 and can’t wait to have some time to dive into #2.
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I really enjoyed this book, Irene. I think you will, too. And having music to go along with it makes it even better.
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Irene, this story is my favorite so far. Hope you enjoy reading it. And if you’re on Spotify, you can follow me and see the full playlist.
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