What I Learned About Murder in Portland!

At  "Left Coast Crime", everyone talks about murder. Murder is our forté-- as authors, that is! Experts converse about the best weapons to use, how to get away with a crime, how blood spatters speak for the dead, or how to spot a psychopath, much like one would discuss what to feed your baby or the best way to shampoo a dog.

The topic of murder is not for the squeamish, nor is the conversation reserved for sinners and evil doers! It seems everyone from Aunt Louise, to Uncle Charlie, (and his mother) love a good murder mystery! And what does a good story entail? A dead body on the first page? A villain who thinks he can outsmart the protagonist? And what do we love about our hero/heroine? He/she must be one heck of a detective, with flaws of course, the more the better.

I was privileged to moderate a paranormal panel, hosting authors who incur a problem or two with characters who are immortal-- or ghosts!  How do you kill someone who is a mere three-hundred years old? Or already dead? What about the hedge witch who must come up with one heck of a spell to solve a murder? Challenging to say the least.

And why are we so enamored by death? Perhaps reading murder mysteries allow us to imagine both sides of the coin-- victim, and perpetrator. Could it be we "work-out" our own mortality through fiction? Or does immersing ourselves in murderous prose neutralize lurking thoughts we have about our boss, or the nasty neighbor next door? One can only guess.

I met talented authors, dedicated to their craft, and learned new tricks for my arsenal, but the most memorable thing I learned in Portland about murder is-- too many "Voo-doo" doughnuts will kill you! But what a way to die!

Left Coast Crime - Crimelandia in Portland Oregan

Drinks with Dänna Wilberg

Meet Author Dänna Wilberg

 Left Coast Crime - Crimelandia

Thursday, March 12, 2015 at 8:00 PM (PDT)

 Double Tree by Hilton Portland, Gather Bar

1000 NE Multnomah St
Portland, OR 97232

Mystery Authors from all over the world will be gathering at this event! Have a drink with Author Dänna Wilberg , discuss her Romantic Suspense series featuring psychotherapist, Grace Simms!

(4 invites available 1 FREE drink)

 Click Here to RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/drinks-with-danna-wilberg-tickets-15431628416

"The Red Chair" is available on Amazon, http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00OFC55D6 

 "The Grey Door" is available for PRE-ORDER February 14-March 20, 2015!  www.greydoorthebook.com

10 Tips to Tell if Your VALENTINE is a KEEPER!

So...you think you've met the Man/Woman of your dreams? Now let's see if your special Valentine is a keeper!
1) Is he/she a good listener?
Being a good listener lets a person know you care to hear what they have to say. (without interjecting your own agenda).

2) Is he/she supportive of your job? Your dreams? Your interests?
Being supportive allows a person the freedom to be who they are, pursue their interests, and share their dreams without adversity.

3) Do you share the same values?
Do you both desire the same things? A family? The same type of dwelling? Religion and political views? Although you may not be completely in agreement, your views should be discussed and understood before making a commitment.

4) Is he/she receptive to your ideas?
Being able to speak freely about how you want to walk down your path is important. After all, we all have a job to do on this planet, don't we? Does your partner want to help you accomplish your goals and visa-verse? 
 
5) Does he/she share the responsibility of the relationship?
Yes, there are times when we can't be engaged or committed to one another 100%, but are you on equal footing? Balance in a relationship is important. 
 
6) Do you feel safe, cared for and love whether together or apart?
Does he/she validate their feelings for you by showing AND telling? No one should have to wonder or worry their significant others actions in a committed relationship. Boundaries should be established and honored.

7) Are you able to compromise on issues you don't agree on?
He/she wants to go to the movies, you are set for a night on the dance floor--how do you settle on a decision? Do you pick your battles? Again, set boundaries. Choose what's important over getting your way or "being right".
 
8) Does he/she treat you in the manner you desire and deserve?
Does he/she speak to you with respect? Is he/she in tune with your needs and desires? (Having a clear picture of what each person requires can make things sizzle in the bedroom. Just sayin...)
9) Does he/she make you laugh? Enjoy a good time?
Nothing is worse than being involved with a wet blanket! Red flags go up in the early stages of a relationship. Heed the warning signs! (The inability to enjoy life can be a sign of depression or serious personality issues).

10) Does he/she make plans that include you both?
Does he/she make reservations in advance? Buy tickets for events ahead of time? Planning signifies commitment. Planning and commitment can lead to a happier future!

Are You Ready for MORE?

Mark your calendars! "THE GREY DOOR", book two in the Grace Simms trilogy will be available for pre-sale on FEBRUARY 14, 2015


Jess Bartell pulled forward until his wheels hugged the curb. He cracked the window an inch. Can’t fog up the windows. He turned off the motor, and waited...

 Twenty-two minutes ticked by before Grace Simms emerged from the grey door. Her long stem legs descended the wooden staircase, slow, deliberate. No work today? Not Grace’s usual business attire, baggy jeans and fleece. Did she feel challenged to aid her clients wage war against worry and despair today? Was she too distraught to coddle the hurt with soothing words? Make the meek feel strong and mighty? Poor Grace. A piece had been ripped from her heart, leaving her vulnerable. Just the way he liked her.

 

Have YOU been NAUGHTY? Or NICE?

Have you been Naughty? Or Nice? No worries,  Psychotherapist Grace Simms can help with that!
 "The Red Chair" by Danna Wilberg - NOW ON SALE on Amazon!
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00OFC55D6

When it comes to human behavior, Grace Simms considers herself a pro.  When it comes to love, Grace fears falling for the wrong man. But when it comes to murder? Grace learns the true meaning of fear!

"Black Friday"? "Cyber" Monday? Announcing "The Red Chair" Friday!

Looking for a special gift for the reader on your list? 
Check out "The Red Chair" 

 by Dänna Wilberg on Amazon!

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00OFC55D6

5 Star reviews for"The Red Chair" 
Here is what people are saying about the first book released in the Grace Simms trilogy:

"This book has hidden powers. From early on in the book I wondered if this was actually a great American novel, and not just a formula-one romance-mystery genre product to feed the hungry (reader)... "

"I loved this book! The author has a way of pulling the reader into the story. I was engaged throughout the entire book..."

"If you're looking for a taut, well-written thriller--this is it. The tension begins early and grows and grows. Danna Wilberg has woven a complex mystery full of compelling characters who are as real as your next door neighbors . . . with one exception: one (or more) of them is stalker/murderer..."

"Wow! That was literally the word that escaped my lips as I read the final pages of The Red Chair. Complex characters - who will visit your thoughts for days after you've read this did-not-see-that-coming page turner - make this a delightful thrill-ride."

"Right from the first page I was pulled into this quirky suspense novel. The rich detail and engaging characters, some of them villainous, made this a hard book to put down. This is not a formula romance, although there are plenty of romantic scenes, and it can be downright scary as well..."

"Emotion, emotion, emotion, the Red Chair crackles with emotion..."

"Wow, a sizzling beginning. I was on the edge of my seat throughout this entire book..." 
 

What Does Grace Know About FEAR?

Readers are saying: "The Red Chair" novel is entertaining and informative! 

 President Franklin Roosevelt said, "The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself."  

As humans, we are hardwired with five primal fears:

Extinction—the fear of death. Non existence.

Mutilation—the fear of losing a body part. Anxiety around animals or other creatures that can cause mutilation.

Loss of Autonomy—Claustrophobia. Fear of intimacy

Separation—Fear of rejection,  abandonment, feeling unwanted, worthless.

Ego-death—Fear of humiliation. Shame. Disapproval. Jealousy or envy issues. Fear losing the integrity of the Self.

  Psychotherapist, Grace Simms, considers herself a professional. But when her college crush calls out of the blue and wants to get together, which fear is triggered?

Not only is Grace dealing with matters of the heart, soon, another fear begins simmering in her subconscious, she suspects she’s being followed. Her natural instincts kick into a higher gear, and she seeks help from the police. Given her profession, what is the first question they ask? Does she have any enemies?

 In session, Grace feels she provides her clients with a safe place to work on fear, to understand the connection, make better choices and conquer fear. But when her own situation escalates, she must face the facts: FEAR is a lot easier to master when it’s not your own.

Grace’s clients are victimized by decisions made at an age when their frontal lobes weren’t fully developed! Decisions which have escalated into situations that need fixing. For James, his wake-up call comes when his wife reveals her true colors after their two daughters are born. When Bruce Tessler, develops an addiction to gambling, he unravels a marriage built on quicksand. At eighteen, Marilyn never expected to be reduced to an aging harpy unworthy of her husband’s attention when she hit menopause, Becky has been living with the ideal man in her head since the age of fourteen, a man she can’t name, and Arlene never got the chance to make bad choices, that privilege was taken from her during a home invasion robbery when she was twelve.

The Red Chair is now available on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00OFC55D6