What's New From Jude

Dear Readers,
All I’ve been doing is writing, then writing some more. 
About 4 years ago, I came up with the idea of a series of mystery novels. I created some people who went to high school together in a little Florida town in the ‘60s. I made up stories about each of them, then took their lives down through the years. I ended up in present day with Sara, Jack and Kate- my beloved Three from the Medlar Mysteries. 

In the books I’ve written since then, I’ve stuck with that outline completely. But recently I came to a snag. In this book, A Relative Murder, I had planned a scene that is a big turnaround for Kate. I had written dialogue for it and outlined what everyone was to do.

But when I came to actually writing it, I couldn’t do it. After 3 days of agony, I had the idea of -What if I don’t do it that way?! 

More on the Medlar's below, but first, I have to share how excited I am for Chance of a Lifetime to be released September 15th! This is my first co-authored book with Tara Sheets and I could not be more pleased with how it turned out. 

Chance of a Lifetime
On Sale: September 15th

Chance of a Lifetime is available for preorder from these retailers now!

The Jude Deveraux Book Club
& The "Chance Of A Lifetime" to chat with Tara Sheets! 

A Book Club Exclusive! On Friday, September 11th, Tara Sheets will be taking YOUR questions for Girls Night IN-  A monthly, virtual get together for Clubbers! So, mark your calendars and get your questions ready!

Not a part of the JDBC? What are you waiting for? Join 3,000 other fans here!

Enter to WIN an autographed copy of "CHANCE OF A LIFETIME"  by both Jude and Tara!

Want to win an AUTOGRAPHED copy of Chance of a Lifetime? Enter by Friday, September 4th at 11:59 PM EST! This book is the new installment to the Providence Falls series! 

More Madness for the Medlars!

Back to the Medlars!
As soon as I allowed myself to do something different from my original plot line, my brain came back on. My first thought was, What if I turn Kate into a romance heroine? Not a normal person, but a whip-carrying, hair-flying romance girl? In spite of her mother, her uncles, her father, lots of lies and secrets, Kate has been sooooo good throughout her life. She’s been grown-up about it all. But isn’t she fed up?

I spent the next 12 hours hunkered down with my notebook and writing scenes. I had to do events that led up to Kate and her whip, then a plateau then finally, she goes after them all. Somebody has to be boss!

Yesterday I decided that I had to take some time off from my over active brain so I decided to couch it out with TV. I would go back to the first of the wonderful Endeavour series and rewatch them. I got to #3 when I thought, Why was Kate invited to a birthday party in that rich neighborhood? How did she meet those girls? Of course my notebook was 4 inches from my hand so I thought I’d jot down the question. Ha! Hours later, I’d written pages, then I had to type it all in an orderly way. But I had figured out who was where when.

That’s where I am now. After I get this part done, I have to go back and figure out some things. Early in the book I have a tiny scene where someone on a motorcycle tries to attack Kate. I don’t know who it is or why it was done. I may have to take that scene out, but my guess is that I’ll eventually figure out who and why.

Also, I have to include Ava, Kate’s mother. I know what I want to do with her, but I’m not sure how to do it. I’ve dealt with lots of narcissists in my life but showing one will be difficult. But that’s weeks away. Now it’s Kate taking control of her own life. Sort of. It is a murder mystery and I’ve already got one dead person. I honestly haven’t a clue who gets offed next.

Okay, it’s already 5:39 a.m. and I need to get to work. Best to you all.
Happy reading!

Jude