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Guest Post and Giveaway (Gift Basket!) by Author P.M. Terrell

Wednesday, July 18, 2012


*Leave a comment with your email address to be entered to win an awesome gift basket!*



Summary:

Following a flawed CIA mission, Vicki Boyd leaves the Agency to begin a new life in a new town assisting an elderly woman. But when she arrives, she finds Laurel Maguire has suffered a stroke and her nephew has arrived from Ireland to care for her. Vicki quickly falls in love with the charming Dylan Maguire, but all is not what it seems to be at Aunt Laurel's house. And when the VIA arrive to recruit Vicki for one more mission, she finds her CIA past and her new future are about to collide... in murder.

Guest Post:

MALE OR FEMALE: WHAT’S IN A SEX?


I have now written 17 books, of which 14 have been published and 3 are in various stages of the production cycle. When I look back at each one, I find I sometimes used the point of view of a female character and at other times, used a male.


In one book, Exit 22, I used the POV of three different males: Christopher Sandige, a political operative; Joseph Gabucci, a hired assassin; and Alec Brody, a dogged detective. The second book in this series, Vicki’s Key, used only one POV: a female, Vicki Boyd. And the third book in the series, Secrets of a Dangerous Woman, (set for release this fall) used the POV of both Vicki Boyd and Dylan Maguire, an Irishman now working for the CIA.



Why the difference?


In Exit 22, it was important that Brenda Carnegie, the woman Christopher Sandige meets when he is stranded for the weekend, remain mysterious because the plot centers around her criminal activities and whether she, in fact, is a killer. By looking through Chris’ eyes, the reader sees a man who has been focused on his career to the detriment of everything else—until a beautiful woman captures his interest. The assassin, Joseph, is methodical. The reader doesn’t know anything about his background—except when he is not killing, he knits baby booties and he considers getting out of the assassin business to open a knitting shop. The twist in his personality actually made him terrifying for readers. And the detective has a broken history—a failed marriage and a tragedy—which makes him vulnerable without making him a less effective detective.



All three looked at Brenda in different ways: Chris was in love with her; Joseph wants to kill her; and Alec wants to imprison her.

When I wrote Vicki’s Key, I knew the twist that would forever bind the characters together throughout the series is Vicki Boyd is Brenda Carnegie’s sister. Separated after their parents died and adopted into different homes, it was important to show a sibling that is the emotional opposite of Brenda. I needed to show Vicki’s vulnerability as well as her skills—a CIA psychic spy (modeled after the real psychic spy programs in the U.S. Government) she feels more than the average person. She must be able to feel the personalities she is spying on because it is part of her ability to understand what they are doing and why. I wanted to show someone who appears weaker in the beginning of the story but who must find the fortitude and the inner strength to do what is necessary—even if it means committing murder or covering up a crime.

The Irishman in Vicki’s Key, Dylan Maguire, captured the attention of the editors and advance readers to the point where he had to become a major character throughout the series. So in the next book, Secrets of a Dangerous Woman, the POV switches back and forth between Vicki and Dylan. The contrasts are great: Vicki feels while Dylan applies logic. While both have a sense of duty, they go about their duties in different ways. Dylan anticipates problems while Vicki hopes to avoid them. But when they are separated at a time when rogue agents are coming after them both, they both must rise to the occasion and defend themselves—and those around them. I find it provides a richer, deeper experience when I have multiple main characters and they are both male and female. It reminds me of a television series in which there is an ensemble cast. The reader gets the benefit of seeing through the eyes of both female and male characters.


Which characters do you tend to enjoy more? Seeing through the male’s eyes or the female’s?

Author Bio:

p.m.terrell is the award-winning, internationally acclaimed author of thirteen books, including six suspense/thrillers and two historical suspense. Suspense Magazine says "p.m.terrell gets better with each and every book she writes" and Midwest Book Review says, "p.m.terrell is a master at skillfully combining drama, action, suspense and romance to engage the reader in an adrenaline rush of page turning adventure." PBS television host Barbara Berlin says, "p.m.terrell is the next John Grisham." A full-time writer for more than 12 years, her latest series, Black Swamp Mysteries, combines international intrigue and adventure with the CIA's psychic spy program, resulting in a series that appeals to lovers of suspense, romance or the paranormal. Prior to becoming an author, terrell operated two computer businesses focusing on computer intelligence and white collar crime. Her clients included the CIA, Secret Service and Department of Defense. For more about terrell and her books, visit www.pmterrell.com.






LINKS:

www.pmterrell.com
Twitter: @pmterrell
Facebook: p.m.terrell, author and Patricia M. Terrell



PRIZE INFORMATION
Gift baskets from the real town of Lumberton, where Vicki's adventure takes place for one random commenter and the host with the most comments.

52 comments:

  1. Thank you for hosting pm today.

  1. Thank you so much for having me today! I'm looking forward to getting comments from followers about their opinion on the male vs. female POV and how that changes their perception in what they read. I'll be checking back periodically throughout the day and answering questions, also.

  1. I always write from one female and one male POV and have to admit, I prefer the male. Guys are just so simple!

  1. Thanks for stopping by, Diane! I agree with you - I much prefer writing from a male POV. Isn't that interesting! Wonder what that says about us? :)

  1. Anonymous said...:

    I think it says a great deal about a writer who can slip in and out of male/female "voice" with relative ease and YOU do that consistently. To me it's an indication that you are "in the moment" with your character and it shows in their actions and dialogue as you create it. Maybe we enjoy writing in male POV because we can have a bit more control over our men which we might find somewhat tough in "real life" ??? LOL

    Pam Kimmell

  1. Thanks for the comment, Pam! I appreciate your thoughts on a male versus female voice. They do react very differently to situations, don't they? Their emotions, their actions, their thoughts... And yes, I love having total control of the men in my books. Even if it appears as though they have the upper hand! :)

  1. Tobi said...:

    I like seeing through both points of view honestly!!! I like reading what the guy is thinking as much maybe more than the girl but I'm a person who likes to know all sides! I'm curiosity in a person!

    Thanks for the awesome giveaway! <3
    Tobi
    tobihelton at gmail dot com

  1. ann said...:

    I would say the male POV - usually a woman is more complicated in most ways . My quess is more women read then men so more than likely more woman have stronger opinions of the ladies in the books. Thanks for the giveaway.
    amhengst at verizon dot net

  1. I love to read books where I can see the same situation through both a male and female point of view. I think it adds to a story. Kudos to any author who takes the leap and writes in the pov of the opposite sex. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings on writing as a male and female.

    lisaisabookworm @ gmail dot com

  1. Unknown said...:

    i am a self-declared readaolic - and i love it when there are two POV shown. i have a hard time if one of the POVs is the villain, though. i don't want to see what he sees. Thanks for the post.

  1. Natasha said...:

    Sounds really good! Thanks for the chance to win!
    natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com

  1. Anonymous said...:

    I prefer a male POV. Its different.
    its_me124(at)yahoo(dot)com

  1. wanda f said...:

    I enjoy reading all point of views.I am a reading addict and have never met a book I didnt like .Thank you for sharing with us your book sounds like a great read I look forward to getting my hands on a copy .Have a fantastic week
    flanagan@Mebtel.net

  1. wanda f said...:

    I love the setting of this book I actually grew up about 45 minutes from L umberton :)
    flanagan@mebtel.net

  1. Sound intriguing!! I love that she retires to take care of an elderly woman but then realizes her jobs not over yet. Sounds like a book I would definately like to read!

  1. Lori Thomas said...:

    Sounds like a very interesting story. I like reading both POV`s. Thx 4 the chance!!!


    ctymice at gmail dot com

  1. This sounds really good! I want to read this!

    volta2173 at sbcglobal dot net

  1. debbie said...:

    I like having both POV. It really helps to get to know the character better.
    twoofakind12@yahoo.com

  1. Unknown said...:
    This comment has been removed by the author.
  1. Unknown said...:

    The book sounds great. I'm looking forward to reading it and have added to my TBR list. Great review!
    rayptc@gmail.com

  1. Suz Reads said...:

    Thanks for this awesome post! I like reading from both the male and female character perspectives because they are usually different. It's great when you can read both in the same book to see how each react to the story.

  1. Nancy said...:

    I like stories related from one or a mix of POVs, regardless of likability, as long as each voice feels authentic. Sounds like a nice read. Thanks for the giveaway.

  1. Thanks for all the fabulous comments! I'm enjoying reading your opinions about POV and the male vs. female perspective.
    I agree about seeing things through the evil person's eyes. I can only go so far with that; otherwise, I start to FEEL evil. Not good!
    I hope you all enjoy reading Vicki's Key. The next book in the series, Secrets of a Dangerous Woman, will be released in about 6 weeks. I hope to be back in October on my next tour!

  1. I like to switch up the pov. Thanks for the giveaway!
    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  1. Unknown said...:

    Thanks for the chance to win. I like either POV all depends on the story as to what fits. wendynjason04@gmail.com

  1. Alison said...:

    This sounds like a good read and would love to get my hands on it soon. Thanks for the post :)

    alison.fees(at)gmail(dot)com

  1. It's a special talent that you can voice male & female characters so fluidly. I look forward to this new book! Thanks for a chance to win it!

  1. Denise Z said...:

    Well I am hooked and definitely want to know what happens to Vicki. Thank you for sharing about this very interesting read :)

  1. I love reading books from different points of view. I haven't read any of your books yet but they are going on my TBR list.

    sweetreaderma@comast.net

  1. I read just about anything I can get my hands on and I think I will enjoy your book. I look forward to reading it. Thanks for the great giveaway! Gale
    pgan427@yahoo.com

  1. Unknown said...:

    Amazing guest post! And thank you for the awesome giveaway! :)

    Email: celisewinters@gmail.com
    Blog: http://incandescentenchantments.blogspot.com

  1. Serena said...:

    Thanks for the chance to win

    serenap95(at)hotmail(dot)com

  1. I prefer kick-ass heroines and alpha males who take care of those awesome chicks.

  1. Kimberly said...:

    Ok, this sounds awesome! I'm a fan of espionage novels and shows (I am currently addicted to Covert Affairs), so this is right up my alley. It's added to my TBR!

    kimberly@loveyabooks.com

  1. Sound great! My dad was Army so I love spy or military books!
    seyma_bennett@hotmail.com

  1. I Am A Huge Fan Of Spy books And This One I Think I Am Gonna Love Wow I Really Cant Wait To Read It. butterfli262002(at)yahoo(dot)com

  1. slehan said...:

    I think some of my favorite books are told from different POVs and some from just one.
    Thanks for the contest.

  1. M.A.D. said...:

    What's interesting to me is, no matter our gender, how often we do switch out gender POV's when writing - I know I do.

    And now I've just GOTTA find out how this amazing thriller ends hehe

    THANK YOU to both Krystal & Ms. Terrell for this wonderful interview & giveaway <3

    Mary DeBorde M.A.D.

  1. Wendy said...:

    This sounds like a thrilling book! One of my favorite shows on TV is Covert Affairs. I love role switching and can't wait to read this!
    wendyrailey@yahoo.com

  1. Unknown said...:

    Thank you for the interview! Also thanks for the contest:)
    saltsnmore at yahoo dot com

  1. engelsigh said...:

    Thanks for the chance to win.

    rasberryswrlgirl at hotmail dot com

  1. Emmalee said...:

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Emmaleehelen@gmail.com

  1. Kasee said...:

    This series sounds like it's right up my alley! It's definitely going on my list of to-read books. The question posed at the end of the interview: I prefer to read whichever POV the author is. If it's a male writer, I enjoy a male main character. If it's a female writer, a female point of view is much more believable to me.
    kaseejohnson@verizon.net

  1. bn100 said...:

    Very nice post. I like both points of view.

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

  1. Awesome!

    craigcrystal(at)ymail(dot)com

  1. Stacy R said...:

    I would have to agree with Kasee about the POV. Women just can't do a convincing POV for a man without him sounding either to perfect or gay. Same for men.

    tinyauthor(at)yahoo(dot)com

  1. Catie said...:

    Such a cute idea for a prize, thanks for the giveaway!!

  1. Anonymous said...:

    I prefer the female point of view. debsweeps4 @ yahoo.com

  1. Unknown said...:

    Sounds like a great book. I usually prefer a female point of view, as I better understand it. But I do find it awkward at times to read a book from a female point of view when it was written by a man... that can be a bit awkward (although I have read a few that have been well done, often times they don't quite work)

    kissyjensen at gmail dot com

  1. tracey said...:

    thanks
    i perfer the female point of view
    traceyj40@sbcglobal.net

  1. katja9_10 said...:

    This sounds like a book that I would enjoy...plus I am needing a new read. Thanks for the giveaway!

    katja9_10 at hotmail dot com


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