This week’s theme is Pop’s cabin. If you’ve read the books, you’ve probably envisioned the refuge that Sonny, Bo and Dack call home, but it’s always fun when you spot a setting or a character in real life! That’s one of the most engaging features of world-building, and it’s one of the things I enjoy the most. I was in a mini-mart one chilly day in October, and in walked the embodiment of Dack Ashkettle. He was alone, no brothers, and he bought a newspaper, just like Dack would have. He was wearing flannel, just like Dack would have, and he had all the mannerisms I’d envisioned in my character.

Surreal!

As he walked away, I wondered if he was on his way to Hege’s house, or if he might be heading back to Sonny’s bar, and I desperately hoped Merle or those evil McAllister brothers weren’t waiting to waylay him.

It what writers do 🙂

The lovely image above was taken by Adriaan Greyling for Pexels, and could easily be a variation of the cabin that Sonny made into a house specifically to house his brothers in comfort.

But on another note …

Ashkettle Boys: Book 4 is finally in the works. Hopefully, at least a brave few of you have been anticipating this announcement. Stay close for cover art reveals. I’m sure there’ll be at least two or three before the book actually releases sometime this spring. Covers are my Kryptonite, you know, and I’d love your help in choosing one that isn’t completely hideous. (and if you’ve seen the first edition of my first book, you’ll understand.)

Book 4 will pick up where the short story prequel, “Downers” leaves off. Read that one, and you’ll have an idea of what’s coming. There’s a big plot twist in “Downers,” that I admit was fun to write. Even I didn’t see it coming until it happened.

Those Ashkettle boys are tricky that way.

Book 4 will deal with addiction as well as life after trauma. Dack will find it difficult to function socially, he’ll struggle with dependence on both drugs and alcohol, and he’ll work to come to terms with the devastating revelation that took place in the prequel.

But, as always, his big brothers will be there to help him through it all.

Enough spoilers to pique your interest? I hope so!

More when I have it!

Image Credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-house-near-pine-trees-covered-with-snow-754268/

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