Fresh Fiction Blog | Debra Webb

According to the dictionary to play dirty means to play hardball, to break the rules, or to play rough. Jackie Mercer knows how to play dirty when necessary. She is one heck of a woman and I loved, loved writing her first story. Jackie is the protagonist of my new PI series. This series marks two new steps for me. One, Jackie Mercer is a major change from my long-running Colby Agency series (book 44 came out this month!). My first goal with Jackie was to create a character who had real life challenges, like being forty-five years old and running a business traditionally dominated by men. She's a single mother with a son in law school. She's an only child with an aging mother to see after. She worries about her weight and ever finding love again. Oh, and let's not forget paying the bills! She's a real woman who has real problems and I adore the way she charged onto the page all sassy and clever and determined. Of course it was absolutely necessary to give Jackie the extra challenge of sheer temptation in the form of Derrick Dawson. Dawson is a former NYPD detective who applies for the position of investigator at the Mercer Agency. As desperately as she needs the help, Jackie knows that hiring Dawson will be a mistake. In her words, he is simply too damned good-looking, too sexy, too young. Basically trouble with a capital T. When asked his age, Dawson's shameless reply is that age is irrelevant. You see the kind of trouble every square inch of the man represents? Dawson is my all-time favorite male character. I adore him and the utter challenge he represents just being in the same room with Jackie. Here's a clip from their relationship:

"You are this close--" I held my thumb and forefinger about a millimeter a part right in Dawson's face "--to being out of here, buster."

Unbelievably, the warning didn't faze my new partner. In fact, he had the nerve to move closer. His nostrils flared and every female chromosome in my entire being went ape shit, which only pissed me off all the more. "That's what you said. That night was about sex, not talking. No information exchange, just hot sex, right?"

I was fire-breathing, punch-his-lights-out mad, but even in that wacked zone, I understood that, somehow, for reasons I couldn't yet comprehend, he was angrier than me.

"I'm going to give you this one, Dawson." Mainly on account of Texas being so big on the death penalty that the powers that be had actually put in an express lane for heinous criminals. Considering what I wanted to do to Dawson right now I'd be at the front of that unpopular line. "But this ain't no frigging baseball game. You won't get three strikes." Fact was, I'd already given him that leeway up front.

"Tell me, Jackie," he went on as if I'd said nothing at all, "how does it feel to know you were the last one to see him alive besides whoever killed him? Maybe being with you just put him in the right place at the wrong time." He leaned down and flattened his hands on my desk on either side of me, forcing my bottom down onto the edge and still his face was so close to mine I couldn't take a breath without it coming from his lips. I almost drew away but refused to surrender that easy. "Think you were worth it?" he murmured.

Before good sense could stop me I'd grabbed him by the shirt with both hands and lunged to my feet, maintaining the intimate proximity, face to face, but forcing him back and leveling the playing field a couple of notches. "One thing's certain, Dawson, you'll never know."

Both of us were breathing hard, the air sawing raggedly in and out. My whole body shook with equal measures anger and awareness. In spite of those volatile emotions I couldn't take my eyes off his...felt lost in that churning sea of blue. His lips trembled making me shudder with some new, indefinable rush of sensations. In that infinitesimal moment I knew with complete certainty that if he touched me we were both goners.

The second new step this series marks is my first self-published novel. The decision was a big one, made after much deliberation. I am so thrilled to be joining the pioneers of this new frontier. I decided to set up my own publishing company--Pink House Press. There's a bit of a sentimental story behind the name. I've written stories for as long as I can remember but my earliest documented stories (ones I actually have copies of) were written when I was nine. I grew up on a farm in small town Alabama. My mother loved pink so she painted the old farmhouse that color. I dreamed up many stories in that pink house and it seemed the perfect icon for my new endeavor. After months of organizing and a little agonizing, I took the plunge! It's at once exciting and terrifying. Most of all, it is absolutely liberating! I have wanted to publish Jackie Mercer for a long time. But the powers that be couldn't place her in a specific marketing niche. The big question was where does this story fit? Women's fiction? Mystery? Romance? Romantic Suspense? The truth is, Jackie Mercer is a little of all four. She's a woman with a real life, family and friends. Her challenges and triumphs are distinctly female. Definitely. There is a serious mystery. Yes. There are those life and death, run-for-your-life moments. Check. Supreme sexual tension? Absolutely. A delicious dash of romance? Yes, ma'am! You see the dilemma the marketing folks faced? Well, darling, this is a new world in publishing and Jackie Mercer has burst onto the scene with a kick-butt attitude and one heck of a rollercoaster ride to share. I am so proud of her first reviews!

To celebrate this thrilling new venture DIRTY is now on sale for $2.99! I hope you'll check it out. Now to the really good part, let's talk about what you're looking for in a great story and your experiences with self-published novels (as a writer or reader). Two commenters will win a copy of DIRTY

Debra Webb

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Colby Agency: The New Equalizers

MISSING
April

DAMAGED
May

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June

Comments

As a reader I don't have a problem with self published books as long as the quality is there: grammar & editing for example.
(Mary Preston 2:44am May 22, 2011)

I have never published a book, so from a readers viewpoint, I'm just looking for great reads. A kick-ass story would help. I have read a few and like what I read so far.
(Frances Namuth 4:07am May 22, 2011)

When I'm looking for a book, I'm not looking at who published it. What I want is a story that is well-written, and that I can believe. I also want to be swept away while I'm reading the book, and hopefully be able to put myself in the place of the main female character. If there are emotions to be felt, whether tears or laughter, I want to feel them, and that's fine, but I don't want a book of fluff. I enjoyed your blog so much today, and I'm sure I'll enjoy your book even more. Congratulations on having the guts to start your own book publishing company, and for starting off with this book. I'm sure it will be a keeper!!
(Peggy Roberson 4:42am May 22, 2011)

I've read a few self-published novels and enjoyed them. It's all in the story, how its written and what the reader enjoys.
LadyVampire2u AT gmail DOT com
(April Harvey 4:51am May 22, 2011)

I don't look at a book in terms of who published it. I'm just looking for a great read--one that keeps me turning the pages and "living" the story.
(Shelly Cronin 7:23am May 22, 2011)

Not everyone is gifted to write a book. I love reading your books.
(Mary Smith 7:45am May 22, 2011)

SOMETIMES THE ONLY WAY TO GET SOMETHING DONE RIGHT IS TO DO IT ONE'S SELF!
(Silvana Moscato 8:21am May 22, 2011)

I haven't read any self published books. But I am glad that it allows authors another means to get their work out. There are a lot of writers that are amazing but don't fit into the specific categories the publishers look for. God luck.
(Pam Howell 8:46am May 22, 2011)

Mary and Frances, you are exactly right! A great story is the key!
(Debra Webb 9:22am May 22, 2011)

I think self published books are just fine. It's a way to get your name out to the public.
(Lisa Diel 9:28am May 22, 2011)

April and Shelly, I feel the same. I've never paid attention to the publisher's name when picking up a book. As a reader that doesn't matter to me. But the writer in me isn't always so confident! Thanks for the reassurance!
(Debra Webb 9:34am May 22, 2011)

Sara, thank you again for this opportunity! Fresh Fiction is the place to be!
(Debra Webb 9:37am May 22, 2011)

Silvana, I love that motto! Every time I start to feel uncertain about my career I am going to remember this! Thank you!
(Debra Webb 9:39am May 22, 2011)

Pam, you nailed it. Sometimes a story or writing style doesn't fit what a publisher is looking for but that doesn't mean the story (or the author) isn't fantastic. I love that this opportunity is so accessible. It's just awesome!
(Debra Webb 9:43am May 22, 2011)

Self published books are fine..a great opportunity for an
author to start getting their works published..and as long as
it's good quality, correct grammar/spelling, etc.
(Leanna Morris 9:49am May 22, 2011)

I have read quite a few self published books and enjoyed almost all of them. I look for a book that I cannot wait to pick up again---one that keeps me from doing my chores
(Timothy Younger 9:58am May 22, 2011)

it sounds like a fantastic book and the characters are very intriguing. i loved the excerpt and i can't wait to read the rest of the book. it's definitely going on top of the TBR pile. oh i hope i win!
(Tammy Ramey 10:09am May 22, 2011)

I've read several self-published books, some really well written, some in serious need of editing. Good or bad, it always strikes me that a determined writer can come up with a really interesting tale.
(Nan Zahar 10:29am May 22, 2011)

Tammy, thank you so much! I hope you enjoy Jackie's first adventure--one of many I hope!
(Debra Webb 10:34am May 22, 2011)

I have no problem buying self-published but as in all books, I like to read the blurbs and check them out first, especially if I don't know the author. I've always enjoyed the Intrigue line!
(Jeanne Sheats 11:15am May 22, 2011)

Congratulations! Having the courage to take the risk of self-publishing is the ultimate statement of your own destiny!
(Renee Brown 11:41am May 22, 2011)

Characters make the book for me. Yours sound great. Congrats on the new book, Debra.
(G S Moch 11:48am May 22, 2011)

Actually, I feel that self-publishing might help a lot of good writers get a start, since readers for a publishing house can often pass on something that people really do want to read--and publish some real bombs as well.
(Carol Gowett 12:28pm May 22, 2011)

I am a reader. I think that self-publishing can be good for a lot of writers. I am sure it is cheaper to do and you don't have as many hoops to jump through to get your book published. I do want a good, meaty story, that is well written and well proofed though.
(Cathy Phillips 1:04pm May 22, 2011)

Thanks, Jeanne! I love doing my Colby Agency for Intrigue!
(Debra Webb 1:13pm May 22, 2011)

Renee, thank you! I am so excited about Jackie Mercer. I loved writing her. And Dawson, I just love him to death!
(Debra Webb 1:14pm May 22, 2011)

GS, thanks! I really wanted the true focus of the Jackie Mercer series to be on the characters. I hope I've achieved that goal!
(Debra Webb 1:15pm May 22, 2011)

You are absolutely correct, Carol. Lots of great books get passed on because they don't fit the right marketing niche or the publisher doesn't want to take the risk on something outside the box.
(Debra Webb 1:21pm May 22, 2011)

Thanks, Robin! I have so much trouble planned for Jackie and Dawson!
(Debra Webb 1:39pm May 22, 2011)

While I have never read a self-published book, I have heard that it can sometines be difficult for a new author to get a book published. I would think self publishing would give an author an opportunity to get his/her book into print and into a reading audience's hands.

I think Jackie Mercer sounds like an intreguing characher and I can't wait to read about her.
(Robin McKay 1:53pm May 22, 2011)

I have bought a few self published books by well known authors. The books weren't expensive and I got to read a story by my favorite authors that otherwise wouldn't have been published.
(Jane Cheung 2:14pm May 22, 2011)

Bill, I worried about the title just a little. I felt strongly that DIRTY was the one. It was right on several levels for Jackie's debut!
(Debra Webb 2:23pm May 22, 2011)

Jane, it's a wonderful feeling to be in control of offering better prices! I wish we could do that with gasoline and groceries!
(Debra Webb 2:26pm May 22, 2011)

I might be away for a bit. Storms hitting here in Huntsville, Alabama! Be back as soon as the all clear sounds!
(Debra Webb 2:28pm May 22, 2011)

You are brave. Publishing your own book is a big step to take and lots of work. DIRTY sounds like a good one to use to start the process. I think it's one I would enjoy reading.
(Anna Speed 2:38pm May 22, 2011)

Anna, thank you! I hope to get lots of feedback!
(Debra Webb 3:05pm May 22, 2011)

I like the title-it would have enticed me to pick up the book and read the blurb. I think it sounds really good and I have added it to my to be read at the beach list.
(Joy Isley 3:15pm May 22, 2011)

I've found (after working in a bookstore)that one doesn't judge a book by the cover but often the cover is what sells it.
(Mildred Mayo 4:09pm May 22, 2011)

I haven't read any self-published books but I've seen that several authors are re-publishing books to which they've regained the rights. This if the first newly published book to catch my attention. Good luck on our endeavor!
(r w 4:51pm May 22, 2011)

as long as it's a good read why should it matter!!
(Jennifer Beck 6:23pm May 22, 2011)

I love a down to earth, real heroine. Self published books are fine with
me as long as it is a good story.
(Lisa Garrett 8:13pm May 22, 2011)

I don't believe I have read a self-published novel, but I agree with others. If it's a captivating story, it won't matter who it's published by.
(Billie Deese 8:43pm May 22, 2011)

Billie, that's the key! I am so excited to be a part of this new opportunity.
(Debra Webb 9:37pm May 22, 2011)

"She does what any Texas woman would do..." Sign me up for the giveaway!
(Jennifer Beyer 10:02pm May 22, 2011)

Thanks, Jennifer! We lived in Texas for two years and LOVED it!
(Debra Webb 10:43pm May 22, 2011)

I don't care how a book is published, just as long as I enjoy the read. I like a book with a few strong characters and not a bunch of minor ones that I can't keep up with, and a story that does't go in to alot of detail, one I can put down and come back later and not be lost.
(Sheila True 11:00pm May 22, 2011)

Sheila, in this busy world we live in sometimes we can't devote the time to finish a story in one sitting. It's refreshing when a good story has just the right amount of characters and details which are all memorable and relevant so that we feel comfortable picking back up without that "lost" moment. Good point!
(Debra Webb 11:12pm May 22, 2011)

As long as the book is well edited and makes sense, it doesn't matter how it was published. I love well rounded characters and enjoy secondary characters as long as they make sense to the story.
(Lisa Kendall 12:24pm May 23, 2011)

A book being self published does not affect me one way or another. An except, now that can pull me in & the one above just did that. Now I want to know more. Tempting very tempting.
(Felina Pence 10:23am May 23, 2011)

Doesn't matter to me who the publisher is. I never pay attention normally anyways...

I love books with a happy ending and something that will make me smile...
(May Pau 10:32am May 23, 2011)

I have read self-published books mainly from Smashwords. They range in quality from bad to really good. My biggest issue is that some authors don't seem to be acquainted with the spellcheck feature in their software.
Doing a good job of self-publishing must be a lot of work. It must take a lot of discipline to check carefully and edit ruthlessly. I think that a self-published author needs a good beta reader who also makes suggestions on sections that need work or might be cut out. Another thing is to check through each format. It's surprising how many books don't make appropriate breaks in e-pub format (idea: don't leave extra spaces to indicate a scene change but use a line of asterisks). Then there is the cover art. Publishers have such an advantage here.
Hats off to you for taking on all this.
(Carol Drummond 1:04pm May 23, 2011)

I have no problem with self-pubbed books! It's the story that counts!
(Edwina Cowgill 5:40pm May 23, 2011)

I have nothing against self published books, just I find that often they have spelling/punctuation/grammar mistakes which really annoy me as a reader because I can't help but notice them. Also there's more variation between quality and some aren't that good. That being said though there are some really bad books that have been published.
(Jessica Sutton 1:54am May 24, 2011)

wow looks like a great book and cant wait to read it and more of ya series !!
(Rachael Kennedy 3:49am May 24, 2011)

I don't even look at the publisher of a book. I look at the author (yes, Debra is one of my favorites)and I look at the blurb. If it sounds good to me I will buy it - if not, I won't. Simple as that!
(Sami Coghill 12:15pm May 24, 2011)

YOUR BOOKS ARE ALWAYS GREAT. LOL I THINK I WOULD READ THE TELEPHONE BOOK IF IT SAID YOU WROTE IT
(Tami Bates 3:24am May 25, 2011)

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April's Affections and Intrigues: Love and Mystery Bloom

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Debra Webb | Playing Dirty

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