First Word

I love the new year it's good for goal-setting and creating visions. No one has mentioned a vision board in a long time, but I like vision boards and I like to look ahead. Here is what I like the most: I enjoy fresh starts. It's the time of year when if you've had hard times you think, "It will get better." If you've had good times, "It's will be spectacular" ... or maybe some of both! I have some major announcements and changes and goals set coming in 2015. I will be releasing some exciting new titles, revealing new alignments and partnerships, and doing focusing more on book-related events and activities. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I get frequently asked that question. Entrepreneurs are risk-takers. They don't live by another person's rules or timelines. They are visionary. They know how to "seize the day". They take action. They do. They are creative and can think outside of the proverbial box. They don't need a secure paycheck (although secure income is good). They don't need validation. They don't ask permission. They are aggressive and goal-oriented. They aren't afraid of success, but also they know failure is a chance to learn and improve. The most successful entrepreneurs I've met possess all of those traits and characteristics. I will tell you something about those authors who have invested in their books -- they are true entrepreneurs. The reason why 3L Publishing has such talent in its wings is because risk-takers and people who believe in their work know they have to "invest" in themselves. They also know that for their work to shine as bright as possib...

*****Five Stars Walking and/or running to journey not out but within -- a theme of the year, especially with the 3L Publishing award-winner In the Footsteps of Greatness by Josh Mathe doing so well. Wild is more inward journey than outward exploration, but it is through the challenge of the physical world that Cheryl Strayed heals her inner wounds. After her mother dies and her marriage falls apart because of her infidelity and drug abuse, Strayed finds herself in need of change. After an unexpected pregnancy she cries out and asks herself, "How did I become this shitty person?" At that point she finds a book on the Pacific Crest Trail (1,000 miles from Mexico to Canada) and with no training or experience determines to walk to a new future. As her outward hike unfolds, the viewer watches her inward story and how she got to where she is on this trail. Her relationship with her mother who passed away is very inspiring. Her mother taught her important lessons at that th...

The New Year is upon us so I thought I would give my pep talk. I always like the phrase "the world is my oyster" -- and it is! Anything can happen ... if you let it. I don't know what is true, but I do know that it's possible to do whatever you set your mind to do. It might not like look like how you expected, but with persistence, determination and a lot of go-to spirit, you can achieve your dreams. The story of how 3L Publishing came to be is the best example of dreams coming true -- not just how I expected. After years of doing everything in the professional writing industry (magazine features, screenplays, custom publications ... you name it), I finally decided to write a book. The product of that decision was Second Bloom published in 2009. The self-help book about reinvention went on to win several awards. Authors suddenly took notice. I was asked to publish their books. Becoming a publisher was the easy part (actually), but the rest was a lot of hard work ...

So I learned a new genre of music they call "Emo Pop," and I thought that makes sense for the new music I like to hear such as Imagine Dragons and Little Talks. Well, first I adore music of all kinds. I listen to music all day. I thought the term "Emo Pop" made sense for this genre because it has an interesting almost syntho sound from the '80's, but it also has some strong passion behind the words. I really like Imagine Dragons' Demons : When you feel my heat Look into my eyes It’s where my demons hide It’s where my demons hide Don’t get too close It’s dark inside It’s where my demons hide It’s where my demons hide I couldn't find the introduction line for the lyrics of this song. But what I've said I enjoy about this type of music is the emotion behind it, which now I understand why it's called "Emo Pop". In the early part of that song, he inhales the chemical waste. Don't ask me why I love the meaning behind it.  ...

Some people love that with math the answer is always the same: 1 + 1 = 2. In English and grammar the rules are similar. You always use commas. You always use periods. Spelling though has its nuances. Did you know in American usage toward is always toward and in British UK usage its towards. One of the things that makes learning English so difficult is it's sometimes like a mechanical process of memorization. You have to admire those who can truly win a spelling bee. These people would have to know minor pieces of information like the difference between when you hyphen in-between (what does it mean in context defines the use of the hyphen) or in between. Tricky usage can make an editor crazy who doesn't have a photographic memory to even remember there is a hyphen in some cases. Two words that are really one word and so on. When people say they don't need an editor or their documents are completely perfect without mistakes, I nod with a glazed looked over my red, tired eyes...

I used to not really believe in writer's block. I thought that was for wimpy writers who cried like pansies over doing what could hardly be called "work" (by my standards anyway). Oh, I was sanctimonious about it. Who could be blocked? Come on! It's writing . It's my favorite thing in the world. Then ... oh, then it happened! I got a bad case of it. I've now come to redefine what "I" think writer's block really is ... a bad case of something we'll aptly describe as a combination of "I don't feel like it" and "I don't feel it." The first descriptor is really better defined as apathy. Back in the day, I could barely muster a sentence let alone a whole novel. The second descriptor is related to inspiration and creativity -- and when both don't exist in the same brain, it's blocked. Inspiration turns into creativity when confronting the writer's process. But if you're not feeling inspired you'r...

The poor exclamation point is always so wrongly accused of overuse. The exclamation point is often double or triple used (as if the first time it's applied isn't enough). Ever notice how people sometimes think that !! makes their point seem even more important or LOUD (we'll dissect the overuse of all caps some other day). I have important information to share for professional writers (or those who aspire to such status). Have you ever read a novel where someone used the exclamation point twice or triple? Okay, I will clarify my point. Ever seen a novel where it was acceptable to use use the period twice? .. you know just to say PERIOD -- PERIOD! Oh, sorry ... PERIOD!! Are you starting to feel enlightened now about overuse about the exclamation point? I have another one for you. You do realize that an exclamation point is not friendly with a question mark?! I see that one used all of the time as if it's correct, too. I'm sorry if you're feeling terribly sad abou...

It's Christmas time, and you may know I'm picking what I think are the best gifts for the season out of 3L Publishing's catalog. As most of my associates know I published California Girl Chronicles in 2011. I have not mentioned that the second book got released right in the middle of what we'll a "sh**" storm called my divorce. While I promoted the first book with passion the second book has languished on the shelf with lack of TLC. Here is the deal. I personally think the second book is better than the first one. So, if you liked the first one, you'll definitely like this one. It has more character development, and it has a little more depth. When I say "depth" I am really saying it's like a Muskateers candy bar compared to a Mars bar (we have nuts, caramel and nugget vs. just nugget). And when I compare it to a candy bar ... it's just book candy. No, I don't take myself or this series seriously. Let's face it. A book writt...

I don't know why 2014 was the year that authors kept showing up and wanting the "Dollar" Store special. In growing business and facing obstacles, I had more problems with authors who wanted the "fast-food combo deal," super-size it, and throw in a discount, too. The pervasive attitude is shocking. I've had more than one conversation with authors who just didn't understand the value and benefits of working with a professional publisher. The misconception that we're nothing more than a glorified spell-check application has been a challenge to overcome. I've obviously got to do a better job of defining what we do so people understand the benefits and see the value. Just to make you laugh, even a spell-check program required someone somewhere who probably had knowledge, education and expertise to invent it. And just for the record -- even the best spell-checker cannot find the real misspellings or errors. Same applies to grammar programmers. I coul...

Before I get into this book as a great Christmas gift, I'm going to give full disclosure. First, 3L Publishing acquired Vengeance is Now in 2013, and it's a part of the Tate Holloway series, which the company also owns. Second, the author is a close friend. Now that said, it doesn't diminish why this is my all-time favorite fiction book in our catalog or why I can't wait for his second book, Hidden Agenda to finish up. My first question is always, "Do you like thrillers?" James Patterson -- that type of book. If your answer is yes, read on and shop away. Now I am not a thriller reader per se. But quintessential Stephen King, including classics like The Shining , Christine , Cujo and The Stand were always winners.  Roberts (who I will call Scott because that is weird to me when he's a friend) knows how to amp up the mystery and fear to the scariest, nail-biting, suspenseful place. Yes, it's sexy, too, and the infamous chapter 8 has become an en...

Royal Dragon Fly Awards: Winner USA Best Book Awards: Finalist Now I enjoy every single book in the 3L Publishing catalog. But this year I've decided to call-out those books that somehow touched my life in 2014. Josh Mathe's In the Footsteps of Greatness , now a twice-award winner (and expect those awards to pile up) stands out for literally inspiring me to trek over to REI to look at backpacking supplies. Am I an endurance sports athlete? No. Am I even much of a backpacker? No. BUT that is not why I was inspired by Josh's eloquence. I love the back-country, yes. But it was Josh's tenacity, spirit and commitment to hike the 212-mile John Muir Trail in one week that just moved me -- period. His reflection and ability to honestly describe his challenges (personal) made the book a must-read. Anyone who has always wanted to do something and felt daunted should read this motivational and inspiring book. Support the author and buy it off the 3L website ( click here ). A...

Rating: *** I like to focus my movie reviews on those films that something stood out in terms of storytelling. Nightcrawler starring Jake Gyllenhaal was a stand-out movie for its quirky characters and unorthodox story about a freelance video producer whose methods to capture the story are .... well -- questionable. The snappy, smart and very manipulative dialog just stole the film. Jake's young, driven and slightly autistic character is a sight to watch. Listening to him alone is a cross between every cliché self-help book and general business strategy plastered all over the Internet. If you've read these books or been inspired by them, Jake's character takes it to an interesting extreme. The movie was unique and different. Taking human actions to the ends of bad behavior, Jake's character is such a sociopath it's shocking. He descends into his power grab on the streets of LA and starts off innocent enough, but soon falls down into passionate greed to move to...

The most successful authors who consistently sell books are the most persistent and tenacious -- and they understand it's a business. The book business is a challenge. You have a lot of competition out there. The self-publishing and eBook business have invited the average person to publish a book. The biggest mistake I see any author make let alone a self-published author is to release it on Amazon and wait ... and wait ... and that's usually about the time the author shows up on my doorstep and says, "I've sold a few books. Why aren't they selling?" I tell authors the flat reality of publishing: it's 50 percent writing and 50 percent business . As writers we sometimes get so into the process of writing and love doing it, we falsely believe our books will just sell. Voile! Books don't magically sell on their own. Behind every top seller is a marketing and public relations campaign. That some books are received better by the buying public is the ma...

I get asked all of the time about my process of writing. All writers have their own processes. My process is unlike another author's process. My close friend Scott D. Roberts , author of Vengeance is Now , describes his process like that of a police detective with index cards and notes plastered on his office wall like a shrine. My process is much more up in my head. Sometimes I write little notes here and there to ensure I don't forget. But overall my process is meditative. If I'm stuck on plot line I will lay down, close my eyes, and visualize. In my new book Body in the Trunk I had to first get a road map in my head as to where I wanted the story to go, but I also let the story tell itself. I always start with a vague sense of the overall plot line, but I have to let the story unfold. Characters define themselves in my head. Personalities come to life organically to the story-telling process. Creating the tension, intrigue and mystery is about building-blocks. You...

Today is royalty payment day. As I'm collecting information from the sales channels and most specifically Apple iTunes Connect I want to write Apple this letter: Dear iTunes Connect, Why? Sincerely, Michelle Why? is a very simple and direct question to ask about their stupid sales and tracking system. Unlike Nook or Kindle, the geniuses over at Apple seem to think they're more clever than the rest of us. They created a sales reporting system that doesn't show what was sold and when! It's strictly a total. Nothing tracks back to the actual product sold and when. The number of products (iBooks) sold is completely disconnected and you can't tell if payment has been remitted either. If I want to know the payment remittance I have to check my business account. I'm hoping my complaints somehow receive the light of day and either A. someone changes the system or B. I'm the one who just doesn't know where the "easy" reporting system is located...

At the International Miami Book Fair I began phase II of the test marketing for my new book Body in the Trunk. With thousands of prospective buyers in which to gauge reactions, I watched body language, listened to comments, and took in overall response. My goal was to refine the book until it's ideal to begin the official release. I discovered a few important things: The cover works: it pops and attracts attention The back cover copy first paragraph needs to be rewritten. It wrongly positions the book as a romance novel when it is not. I need to emphasize the mystery elements. Those two pieces of information can make all of the difference when selling the book. People look first at the cover and then glance at the back cover. An ineffective piece of copy that positions the book incorrectly can kill sales. Romance readers are very specific, and I don't want to position the book as a romance novel in a largely mystery-oriented crowd. Now the book has romantic elements, b...

The fantastic problem in the book world: running out of copies of your book. Dropped-Off Dog (A Mostly-True "Tail") by Catherine Lagorio is the best example of a hot seller and keeping up with demand. In publishing you try to stay ahead of print runs to ensure you maintain stock. In this book's case, it has been off press about two months and selling hotter than hot cakes. As we've juggled and shuffled books back and forth to meet demand, she hit her "out of inventory" moment this morning. So congrats! The good news we pre-ordered more copies. The trepidation -- timing the new order to the demand. Ah, the life of a hot-selling author! You do have to smile though. Give us a few days and then pick up your own copy of this sweet and endearing book about pet homelessness. Find out why she ran out of her first print run so quickly.

 Freshman author Josh Mathe adds another award to his growing list of acknowledgements. His book In the Footsteps of Greatness took First Place, Best New Author, Best Inspirational book in the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards . I personally enjoyed this book, and I've lauded it many times over. If you want a feel-good Christmas present for friends and family this book will do it. I do want to clarify that this book is way more than a hiking book or a how-to backpack. It won the inspirational acknowledgment because it definitely inspires. It chronicles how Josh overcame his personal demons to do something he tried and failed to do a couple of times -- hike the 212-mile John Muir Trail in a week. He doesn't so much battle the elements as he conquers his own issues and mental outlook. How many of us can relate to how we hold ourselves back in life? I know I could easily understand the issues. I personally can't wait until Josh's sophomore effort starts. This project was...

So my building is being painted. I woke up to a conversation that sounded like it was right outside of my window. I thought, "It sounds like the painters are in my house ..." I got up to get coffee, and you know what? They were right on my balcony, and I have to be honest it was disconcerting. They were jabbering away right on my premises and I was sleeping in the other room. Hmmm... Onto other topics du jour: this week is Miami time. We're off to the International Miami Book Fair (where else) in Miami, Florida. The logistical requirements to ship 400 3L Publishing books across the United State was something. I also had to think through every element of my marketing materials and how make it lightweight and fit in a suitcase. For authors or those who sell products, here are my tips: Suitcase-sized signage -- this will rest protected between my clothes Folding book holders -- these fold up into a slim fit to reduce bulk Cloth banner and drop cloth -- folded and nea...

As a traveling publisher, I meet all kinds of readers and people in general. So for your entertainment, we're going to use our Friday Morning Musing to quote the funniest things or comments I hear from readers. "I don't like books." -- book festival patron(s) "Do you read a lot?" -- someone wondering about my love of reading (I'm a publisher and editor) "Is this a real publishing company?" -- I am inevitably asked this in my booth space with about 50 books in my display. Now here are the funniest things authors say. I want to give you a preemptive strike. If you get the actual publisher on the phone, don't say any of these things. It will be a huge strike against you, and a publisher's time is precious. It's a deadline-driven business. "My first chapter sucks." "I don't know what my book is about." "I don't think it will sell." "It's not very good." I realize you prob...

One of my personal favorites in the 3L Publishing catalog is In the Footsteps of Greatness , and it just placed as a Finalist in the USA Best Book Awards under narrative nonfiction (for more information, click here ). Author Josh Mathe's first effort is this articulate, thoughtful and dynamic book about his experience not hiking the John Muir Trail, but running the 212-mile trail in one week. What I really enjoyed about Josh's book is the spirit to persevere and accomplish his goal. Endurance athletes will appreciate his insight into "fast-packing" and general readers will enjoy how Josh willing and honestly talks about the experience, life and all the challenges that he takes on with enthusiasm. I highly recommend this book as a Christmas present, and you won't have to stay up all night on black "whatever" to get a copy. Buy it on Amazon in print or eBook ( click here ).

I'm going to focus on consumer book sales as my example for the day. Here is the tip for authors who sell books or products directly to consumers at events (book festivals in my case): find the tagline. It's the one way to make the reader (consumer) stop in his or her tracks. My approach goes like this: Michelle: Do you read thrillers? Reader: No (keeps walking) Reader: Yes (stops) Now have a marketing promo piece or giveaway (your way of thanking them for their time to stop and talk to you). Find the pitch (tagline): Michelle: You'll never guess the killer (for the 3L Publishing book Vengeance is Now) Reader: I'm pretty good. I might. Michelle: I edited the book, and I swear I didn't guess. The author is right over there and he will sign your book. Send them off to the author to sign the book. You have to find the "hook" or the temptation. Challenging readers who pride themselves in being able to identify the killer gets them every time. If ...

You can't teach creativity. You can stimulate creativity, but you can't teach it. You can inspire it. Some people are either super creative and some people are super scientific or math oriented. Did you realize though both disciplines can be creative. Thinking out of the box is creative. It's also inspired. What inspires an artist or scientist though is not definable. How do you inspire? I think inspiration or motivation can come from example. You can be inspired by someone else who leads the way. I find inspiration in other artists' and authors' works. I am fortunate to read other authors' works all day long. But a really great story -- whether a story, movie or narrative -- can be inspirational. Anything that makes you think or question life in general can motivate you to be creative and put the ideas through your own lens. I always say surround yourself with the very best people. People around you can inspire you on a daily basis. They can influence you. ...

Rating: ***** Best movie of the year and best movie I have seen in years. The incomparable writer, producer, director Christopher Nolan delivers (again) in this mind-bending and exceedingly intelligent film (not movie ... movies are popcorn flicks and this is plain and simply film). The premise is complex while at the same time simple: a plague is turning crops to dust and the atmosphere is declining with eminent extinction of the human race at stake. Now comes the complex: pilot Copper, who has two adoring children, is "called" to navigate a space ship through a worm hole to investigate several viable planets to relocate the human race and/or colonize the surface (Plan A and Plan B). Leaving his beloved daughter Murphy (named after Murphy's Law) and his son, Cooper faces the epic challenge of getting through the worm hole to the other side and battling time shifts (Einstein's Theory of Relativity) and other very real situations on foreign planets. What I LOVE...

My son Cole has become a First Word fan. He reads my blog during his "boring" classes. He loves my "musings" so I thought today would be "Ode to Cole". First, you have to appreciate that Cole, 16, is about 6'5". What you have to know about tall people is that TALL doesn't spring over night through some adolescent growth spurt. It is obvious someone is going to be super tall early on. Cole when he was age 2 looked age 5, which was difficult for a nonverbal two-year-old who got judged by Kindergarten standards. "What? Is he 'special'?" "Um no! He's two!" I am not nearly as tall as my son, but I was always the tallest in the class or at various times, close to the tallest. I'm 5'9" but I'm a girl so that's pretty tall for a woman. The only downside is I was often taller than some of the guys, too. Being tall has its perks. You can see (generally) over people's heads. They almost always pu...

Not all editing is alike. Not all writing is alike either. I get calls all of the time for different kinds of writing skills. Clients often don't understand the difference between ghostwriting, editing and proofing. Ghostwriting is writing for someone else on their behalf and then making it look like they wrote it. Many people have a story to tell, but they aren't professional writers. They are either looking to professionally publish their stories or they just want something for friends and family. A ghostwriter though does most if not all of the writing. Editing is more global. The editor is looking at the overall content and the grammar and punctuation. A great editor will also do what we call book coaching. In looking at the entire story, the editor provides feedback and guidance to improve either a nonfiction or fiction book or just content for websites and marketing materials. Proofing is drill-down and specific. The proofreader AKA copy editor is looking at ever...

Since I temporarily took over operations and fulfillment I have visited the Post Office more time than I can count. The workers know me. Here are some little-known facts about the Post Office. Did you know they won't give you tape ? Well, they won't give you anything at all. Tape costs $3.50 per roll. Even if you need a piece "yaye" big ... nope! Sorry. As a result, I have "tape sympathy". I can't tell you how many times a poor, frustrated citizen has been about to mope off when I've turned around and offered him/her tape. I feel sorry for the "tape-less" who now have to either spend $3.50 for an inch of tape or go across the road to Wal-Mart -- and god forbid anyone have to visit the aisles of Wal-Mart, so I offer it up like a loaf of bread to a starving person. Media mail better not have any advertisements in it ... cause you know "it's subject to inspection". I had this immediate image of the Postal Police rushing in t...

You have to humor me today. I am prone to depression (I will admit it because it takes it out of secrecy and makes it mainstream). When I'm depressed I sleep a lot ... A LOT. I don't want to take drugs for it. The last time I did it scrambled my brain like eggs. I need my brains. So, I do natural things, and I try to recognize what's going on and stop myself from falling into the "rabbit hole". I equate the rabbit hole as a very unfriendly place and really hard to crawl back out. Sometimes though I let myself fully celebrate the rabbit hole with the Queen of Hearts. We often talk about how fun it would be to take some people's heads off and maybe spare the others. It's all talk really. You know over a deck of cards. When I let myself celebrate my dark humor I just give myself a day or so. This self-inflicted pity-party involves howling at the moon, too. It feels great. Try a little howling -- best home remedy around. The depression tends to be triggere...

I don't like to color inside of the lines. When it comes to writing stories I don't insist authors color in the lines either. I was asked a question about whether or not a story technique HAD to apply. Truth is outside of grammar and punctuation I don't think anything HAS to be done. BUT I do want authors to know what they're doing vs. just doing what they think is the correct method of storytelling. It's the difference between being intentional and being unaware. Not to suggest that lack of awareness will never work (anything is possible), but unintentionally breaking rules you don't know exist is like rolling the dice and hoping it hits snake eyes. When I write, I write with intention to do what I am doing. If it's breaking rules of storytelling or character development or plotting, I know it does. Why I am doing is what matters vs. just deciding to do it. What is my point? For example, in my forthcoming book Body in the Trunk I quite intentionally mess...

Chapter 3 I attended an annual multimedia trade show in New York City at the Convention Center every year. My company M Marketing and Graphics bought a 10 x 10 booth, and we always seemed to sit across from this Japanese electronics company where the diminutive Asian sales girls wore five-inch heels presumably to make up for their lack of height. I marveled at any woman, short or not, who would dare to wear platform shoes for more than an hour much less 10 hours on a cement trade-show floor. I, on the other hand, wore my comfortable, flat Mary Janes to match my slim black skirt and lavender silk blouse with silver buttons on the two breast pockets that gave it sparkle. I tucked it in with a wide belt with silver infinity clasps in the center to give it a modern, chic flair. I loved trade shows – the energy and meeting potential clients face-to-face. Most of my life was spent in my home office at my computer working on graphics and illustrations for marketing...

The funniest line of the California Capital Book Festival came from patrons who said, "I don't read books." The mystery and humor is they said it at a "book" festival. I think that's akin to going to the dog shelter and saying, "I don't like dogs." I'm not entirely sure why anyone who doesn't read books would wander around a book festival. In more interesting news, we sold a lot of copies of Vengeance is Now . Authors wondering how we managed to probably have one of the top-selling titles of the festival, I'll lend you some advice. Don't be afraid to sell. Get your flyers and your one-liners ready. Don't be afraid, period. Put your best smile on your face. Be charming and nice. Walk up to people. Ask them if they like the genre you're selling and ... sell! I will give serious props to the author Scott D. Roberts. His talent is the close. I pushed the prospects, and he sold the prospects. Give of yourself to others is...

Getting ready for the California Capital Book Festival between Bookfest last week in Manteca has made business as usual more like business at light speed. My company 3L Publishing and several authors including Scott D. Roberts and Cathy Lagorio have booths. I am speaking on Book Marketing and Scott is speaking on Mystery/Thriller writing. Come see Roberts speak: Panel: Mystery/Thriller Writing Panel: Scott D. Roberts, Vengeance is Now; Robin Burcell, The Kill Order; and William Wood, Sudden Impact Date: October 26, 2014 Place: Sacramento Convention Center Event: California Capital Book Festival Address: 1400 J Street, Sacramento, CA Room 312 Time: 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Admission: FREE

Murder! Lust! Power! Revenge! Wilting away in a stale, abusive marriage, Mia meets Evan, a handsome, sexy stranger. They share an immediate, undeniable and otherworldly connection. A passionate affair begins ... A body is mysteriously found in the trunk of a Toyota Camry. True crime writer Tess has a psychic vision and tracks down Detective Phil Harris to help solve the case. Body in the Trunk is an intriguing, mysterious story about wicked games, love-gone-wrong, family loyalty, and ultimately betrayal that leads to murderous rage. Body in the Trunk will be available in limited release on the 3L Publishing website (www.3LPublishing.com), and released nationally in spring 2015.

Chapter 6             It had been many weeks since Tess and Phil began their rituals of lunch and cocktail meetings. Tess had remembered their first cocktail meeting. They had scheduled it right after they met at Starbuck’s. At first, they had a tempestuous nature to their relationship upon her revelation that it had been more than just a TV appearance that had sucked her into the case not just her desire to write true crime. What Tess had rarely shared with anyone were her psychic gifts.   It hadn’t been just the body in the trunk or the handsome detective who had ignited a passionate desire to know what had happened and share it.   After she had seen the show, she had gone to bed that night and had a dream. She had seen a woman’s hand on the trunk of the Camry, but it hadn’t just been the hand it had been the feelings – like emotions plugged into and replacing her own. It had been the yearning s...