Beside Myself by Ginger Simpson

BESIDE MYSELF
by Ginger Simpson
See her books on MuseItUp Publishing
Read her blog at: http://mizging.blogspot.com/
Follow her on Face Book at: http://facebook.com/mizging

Buy the book at the Writers Exchange or Amazon

Someone is killing women in Cynthia’s neighborhood, and they all bear a striking resemblance to her.

Fresh from the Midwest, Cynthia Freitas discovers her budget stretched thinner than she expected. An apartment in a run-down tenement is all she can afford. To top things off, a serial killer is stalking her neighborhood, and the victims all bear a striking resemblance to her. One bright spot is the handsome policeman who lives next door. An innocent kiss after sharing dinner together deals them both a striking jolt. Getting back to normal takes a backseat to Cynthia saving Alex before he becomes the killer’s next victim.

Excerpt:

He sat alone in his dim apartment and thought about what he'd done. The tattereddrapery blocked out society and created the perfect ambiance for his dark mood. Hiscurtains were never open; instead he kept the floor lamp in the corner turned down low.

In his mind, he tightened the electrical cord over and over, choking the last breathfrom each of his victims. Momentarily, he warmed at the thought, and then in a flashof sanity, supposed he should feel bad - but he didn't. His lips curled in the feral smilehe'd seen so often in the mirror, and a feeling of power swept over him. For now, thehunger was sated.

His memory replayed the crimes. His victims all had it coming - every one of them.They shouldn't have fought. He only wanted to show them love, but they wouldn't le thim. He scowled. Filthy women--they play with a man's emotions and eventually destroy his ego and break his heart--and for what? He snorted. To move on and do it again to someone else?

His fist tightened, reveling in his quest to end man's suffering. Each of his victims begged for mercy, but he had none to spare. The red tip of his cigarette glowed brighter as he inhaled. Safe in his comfort zone, he relaxed. No one would ever suspect him.

He passed potential victims every day--coming and going as he pleased. Whether they lived or died all depended on how he felt at the moment. He emptied his lungs, filling the air with acrid smoke.

Meeting women had always been problematic. He either wasn't tall enough or didn't have the good looks they preferred. But, things seemed right when he had first met her. She acted different from the others, or so he'd thought. Memories caused his calloused fingers to ache, wanting to splay through her soft, blonde hair as he had when they'd made love in the past. His lips still hungered for her kisses. She'd been very convincing--accepting him, welcoming his attentions, and sharing his bed. But, it had all been a farce.

The ancient wood beneath the chair's upholstered arm splintered beneath the pounding of his fist. Some days he put it all behind him, forcing the hurt and anger from his mind and trying to live a normal life. He didn't really want to hurt anyone, but there were days- -dark haunting days--when her mocking laughter taunted him, and visions of her cold, blue eyes burned a hole in his heart. Her downfall had been hurting him like she did.

If he couldn't have her, no man would. He started to rise, but his simmering anger boiled. His fingernails painfully embedded themselves in his palms and he dropped back into the seat.

Interview - Ginger Simpson

Hi Ginger! Thank you for joining us today. Before we begin, why don't you tell everyone a bit about your book?


I'm here to talk about my upcoming release, Shortcomings. I never expected to be the author of a YA, but when an author's books are character driven, you deal with whoever comes through the revolving door in your brain. Cindy Johnson limped in one day, angry at society with a story to tell that delivers a great message. I highly recommend it for adults, too. It's never too late to learn how our behavior affects those around us.

Where did the concept for the book come about?

Cindy gets complete credit for the concept. I followed her lead, got in touch with my inner youth, and together we honed a story into a novel.

How long did it take you to finish, from concept to final product?

Miss Johnson was a little reluctant at times...I think from all the hardships she's suffered while trying to make friends in a new town. When she fell quiet, I turned to more talkative characters and finished a few books ahead of hers. All in all, it took about two years.

Are there any authors that have influenced your own writing?

Of course. I'm a die hard Laura Ingalls Wilder fan. I've read everything she's written, and when I outgrew the Little House Series, I turned to every historical by Madeline Baker that I could get my hands on. She's my role model and I wish I could tell her in person one day.

Do you have any favorite place where you feel your Muse is more apt to come and play while you write? Or perhaps you listen to music? If so, what do you listen to?

The only think I really listen to are the voices in my head. I work when my characters are talkative and I find something else to do when they aren't. I usually do have either the TV or radio on for soft background noise because I suffer from Objective Tinnitus, a condition caused by a malformed Carotid artery. Many people suffer from ringing in their ears, but with Objective Tinnitus, other people can hear it. If my husband and I share a pillow, he can tell when my blood pressure is elevated or I've had caffeine. His description..."sounds like a pissed off bumble bee in a jar."

As a writer, what is your greatest fear?

Death is and always has been my greatest fear. I have so much to do and so little time left if you consider that I recently turned sixty-five. I want to live long enough to see my grandson grow into an adult and kick Autism's butt.

What normally occupies your desk while writing? Pencils? Coffee mugs? Breakfast crumbs?

My desk is fairly organized. I learned the hard way that crumbs and liquids don't mix well with my keyboard. I try not to snack at my desk. Right now I'm looking at my business card holder where I've stashed a check for $54.51; a refund on an overpayment to a credit card. I'm keeping it and booking a facial. Love 'em.

Do you have any new projects that you are working on? If so, what are they?

Right now my main focus is Hattie's Hero, another western historical. Although I've written in many genres, I also tend to migrate back to my favorite.

What tip would you offer to a new writer who is just beginning their submission journey?

Grow a thick skin. Not everyone is going to like your work, but be persistent. There is a home for every good novel, but it sometimes takes persistence and a willingness to learn from those more experienced.

Please tell our readers where they can find you.

I recently created a new website at http://www.gingersimpson.com/ and of course, I keep a pretty active blog at http://mizging.blogspot.com/

You can also find me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mizging and what kind of person would I be if I didn't tweet? http://www.twitter.com/mizging

How about an excerpt to tantalize the readers?

Glad to oblige, but keep in mind this isn't from the final edited copy:

* * *
“Cindy Ann, someone wants to speak to you.” Her mother’s shrill voice pulled her from her biology book.

Cindy's eyes widened. “Me?”

Momma nodded. “And it’s a boy,” she whispered, keeping her hand firmly clamped over the mouthpiece.

Cindy stood, walked over, and took the receiver. There had to be a mistake. No one called her. She’d corresponded by mail with one old friend from Conner’s Corner for a time, but even that had fallen by the wayside. “Hello,” she croaked.

“Hi, Cindy, it’s Cory. I hope you don‘t mind that I got your number from information.”

Mind? Words failed her until she realized the silence was awkward. She had to say something. “Cory?” Her voice crackled. “What a surprise. What’s up?” Awkwardness overwhelmed her.

What’s up? What a nerdy thing to say. She bit her knuckle and waited for his response.

“I called to ask if we might get together sometime.”

Her head spun. She yanked a nearby kitchen chair over and plopped down. Had he just said he wanted to get together with her? She took a breath. “You and me?”

“Yes, I hear you’re a whiz in math, and I’m not doing so well. I’m afraid I’m gonna lose my spot on the team if I don’t bring up my grade. Would you be interested in helping me out?”

Aha! There it was. He’d sucked the air from her lungs with his call and followed it up with a knock-down punch. She struggled to keep disappointment from her voice. How could she refuse him when just hearing his voice tingled her toes. “Uh…I wouldn’t say I’m a whiz, but…Sure I…I’d be happy to help.”

“I can come to your house after school. You just name the day.”

Cindy peered through the arch into the living room. Toys littered the floor, and the bare cushions on the couch looked horrible. Her palms sweated at the thought of him coming here. “Maybe we can meet in the library. It’s better if we have some peace and quiet. I have three sisters and a brother, and there isn't much solitude around here.”

“That’d be great!” Cory’s answer came quickly. “How about tomorrow?”

"O...Okay, I'll meet you after my last class." Cindy's shoulders sagged as she hung up the phone, yet a pang of excitement surged through her. Maybe this wouldn't be the date of her dreams, but at least she was going to spend time in Cory Neil's company.

* * *
Shortcomings is now available from Muse It Up Publishing (http://www.museituppublishing.com)

Thank you, Marva for letting me ramble on. I look forward to hosting you at Dishin' It Out soon.