Life is funny that way, don’t you think? Sometimes it throws you lemons, but other times it gifts you miracles! I’m going for the miracles. You may have noticed I haven’t posted in a while, well, that’s because I’ve been busy. Busy falling in love with Mexico all over again…
It was NanoWriMo 2023, and I was madly cranking out the rough draft of my latest WIP (work in progress) to “win” the 50,000-words-in-November contest (I won). The book, Kickback, wasn’t coming easily; I had a lot of research to do on Mexican politics, Mexico City, and Mexican culture on the cusp of COVID. I hadn’t visited in years, and after publishing Saints and Skeletons in June, I’d started letting go of memories. The memoir had helped me forgive all the difficult events and relive the wonderful adventure; I’d let the skeletons out of my closet. But I’d come across a good story, and I needed to write it, even if I was forgetting the smell of the air, the taste of street tacos, or the love I’d held for this magical country in all its virtues and errors.
And that’s when the miracle manifested. Mexico wasn’t letting ME go! First, I received an email from my old boyfriend, Fernando (read all about him in Saints and Skeletons). Thirty years later! And he wanted to make amends for everything that happened. How often does that happen?
We started talking: hashing out the memories, the joy—and the pain—catching up on a lifetime. (Still all in Spanish—another miracle, I’m learning it.) He’d googled me, discovered Saints and Skeletons, and reached out because he has written a book and wants to write more—supenso, thrillers. But he isn’t a novelist by his own admission. Three months later, we’re working on outlines for three thrillers, with a new idea brewing. Over WhatsApp we talk and brainstorm—just what we did so well through all those hours of traveling the back roads of Mexico in the 90s. We’ll outline together. He’ll research; I’ll write. Suddenly I’m re-emmersed in Mexico—and it feels like coming home.
We don’t know exactly how this will turn out, but I’m excited to have a new writing partner. If you like Mexico and crime, look for the first book sometime next year. In the meantime, don’t miss the latest JadeAnne Stone Mexico Adventure Book 5, Backlash Venom and Vengeance from ‘Nam. It was short-listed for the Chanticleer CIBA 2023 Clue Award and won Gold Book from Literary Titan.
Your past will always find you. And it’s going to take everything you love away. Including your life.
Jackman Quint spent years in prison for his crimes during his tour in Vietnam. He’s made a new life: reunited with his daughter JadeAnne, expanded his investigations, and dipped his toe into the dating pool. Life is going his way until Nader shows up in Mexico City. Now, when he has someone to lose, his past finds him. And Nader is out for blood.
You can learn more on March 9th. Join us at Barns and Noble, El Cerrito Plaza from 2:00-4:00. It’ll be a crime if you miss it!
“Ana Manwaring does an outstanding job of crafting a story that both stands alone on its psychological and thriller components. Prior readers will appreciate the plot while newcomers won’t need an introduction to past relationships to appreciate the characters and actions that represent international relationships and survival efforts.
The tension is nicely built, premises are logical and embedded into the story’s action-packed scenarios, and readers receive a high-octane action work well steeped in Mexican affairs.
Libraries and readers seeking thrillers that center around attacks that challenge individual and national interests will find Backlash: Venom and Vengeance from ‘Nam seamless in its action and characters and hard to put down.” Diane Donovan, Editor, California Bookwatch; Donovan’s Literary Recommended Reading
Don’t miss Smashwords Read an eBook Week, March 3-9. All my books are Free!
And if you want to get started now the Kindle version of Book 1, Set Up, is currently on discount at Amazon.
Backlash Book 5 Published on November 15th, 2023
Here’s a little something to sip while you catch up with JadeAnne and Pepper
XOCOLATL
INGREDIENTS: 1 SERVING
1 cup milk, soy milk, almond milk, or water
1 package/disc Taza Chocolate Discs (any flavor)
Salt to taste
TO PREPARE:
1. Roughly chop or grate one disc of any flavor and set aside.
2. Heat one cup of milk or water in a small saucepan over medium heat to just below a simmer.
3. Remove the milk from heat and add a pinch of salt.
4. Slowly mix in the chocolate, stirring frequently until dissolved.
5. When the chocolate is dissolved, return the mixture to the stove and re-warm over low heat.
6. While the chocolate is warming, use a whisk or molinillo to froth the chocolate.
7. When the chocolate is hot and frothy, remove from heat and serve.
Thanks for reading! Find me and my books through https://linktr.ee/anamanwaring and my website, www.anamanwaring.com