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Mountain Countdown is out in the world

Finally, Mountain Countdown (prequel novella in the Mont Blanc Rescue world) is out in the world. The best thing about writing a prequel novella like this one, is getting to meet the characters anew, and exploring their world from a different point of view.

In this case, this is Rémy’s story. He’s a Chamonix mountain guide who often works together with the PGHM team, but his story is his own, and I have to admit I found myself rooting for him and Sierra, even when the odds against them seemed insurmountable.

The rest of the team is there as well, of course. Damien, Drake, Kat, Jens, Gael, Hiro … they all play a role in Rémy’s story, which is set before any of team meet their significant others, of course. Seeing them at this point in their lives was a powerful reminder to me of how strong they are as a team, but also of how much they each had to offer to the people who would soon come into their lives! Let’s just say I was smiling a lot as I thought about it 🙂

Do reach out and let me know how you like the novella, if you pick it up! It’s available here, at multiple ebook retailers.

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Supporting characters

One of my pet peeves in movies and books has always been that “best friend” character who seems to have no goals or purpose in life beyond a desire to support the main character.

When I come across these, I imagine them wearing a T-shirt that reads, “I’m a person, not a plot device.”

I like to think of supporting characters as people who have their own story to tell, even if not necessarily in the same book in which they first appear. Which is probably why I get so excited when readers email me to ask when so-and-so is getting their own book.

These last couple months, I’ve been getting a lot of emails asking about Luc, Conor’s best friend in Cold and Bitter Snow. When will he get his own book? What happens to him next?

Luc is a challenging character, one I really fell in love with as I was writing Conor and Siena’s story. So, as soon as I wrap up my current WIP, I think I’m heading right back to Le Miroir, the Swiss ski resort, to learn what happens to him.

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Firehouse or firestation

As part of my research this month for Three Times Ablaze (Sharp’s Cove Book 3) I’ve been reading a lot about firefighters, and trying to go beyond the obvious (though I can’t help but appreciate how ripped most of them look).

If I already had a lot of respect for the profession before—and I did—I’m now feeling pretty amazed. It’s difficult to imagine such level of community impact and engagement.

Let’s just say I’m more excited than ever about bringing Darryl Berner’s character and the Sharp’s Cove fire department to life!

Some of my favorite inspiring quotes:

I can think of no more stirring symbol of man’s humanity to man than a fire engine.

–Kurt Vonnegut, “The Sirens of Titan”

If Prometheus was worthy of the wrath of heaven for kindling the first fire upon earth, how ought all the gods honor the men who make it their professional business to put it out?

–John Godfrey Saxe

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February already?

This year started with the biggest snowstorm Madrid has seen in over 60 years. I’ll admit that week, when the city was covered in snow and it was impossible to get out and do anything, was probably one of my most productive ever. 

Then the snow melted, and it’s like the rest of the month went on fast-forward. To the point where I can’t believe February is already here. Am I the only one to feel this way?

Two things I’m looking forward to this month:

Happy reading,

J.R.