Saturday, October 13, 2012

Things That Make You Go 'Hmmm' by Terri Herman-Ponce

LUCY BURDETTE: Hank and I met Terri through the Guppies, the unpublished writers chapter of Sisters in Crime. Except that Terri isn't unpublished any more, because her first book, IN THIS LIFE, came out this week! We're so excited to have Terri here to talk about the inspiration for her book...


TERRI PONCE: There are things we absolutely believe in, without second thought.

There are things we ignore or dismiss, because they don't fit in with our lifestyle or perception of the world.

And then there are the things that make us sit up and go 'hmm'.



Reincarnation, for me, is one of those things that make me go hmm.

 Yeah, yeah, I know that the theory makes some people thumb their nose, but you can’t ignore the fact that there are so many things around us that aren’t completely explainable – at least not yet. Black holes, for example. Or the eleven dimensions around the Earth. Or the ability some people have to sense things that are going to happen before they happen.

Or the way we connect with individuals, immediately, and feel like we’ve known that person forever.

Think about it. You meet someone for the first time and there’s an instant connection. For some reason, you feel like you’ve known that person your whole life. You sync up like two interconnecting puzzle pieces, each intrinsically knowing just what the other likes or wants or needs without having to be told. A great example, I think, of knowing that there is something else out there, but it’s unexplainable simply because it’s beyond the realm of our logic or ability to prove. But does our inability to prove its existence mean it doesn’t exist at all?

Okay, maybe that’s getting a little too heavy but, even still, I have a hard time answering ‘yes’ to that question.

See, as I’ve gotten older (even though I've decided I'm going to be 39 forever), I've come to realize there’s so much more out there than what’s right in front of our noses. I’ve been fascinated by the ancient Egyptians for a long time now, along with their belief in the afterlife. Sure, we all know that you can’t take it with you when you move on, but what if you really do move on? Better yet, what if you move on and return so that you can learn from or fix past mistakes? It’s this idea that intrigues me, and fuels the stories I write.

For example, in IN THIS LIFE, Psychologist Lottie Morgan knows something is wrong when she starts reliving memories of a lover she's never had. At first, she attributes them to fever-induced dreams. But when the fever disappears and the visions don't, Lottie thinks she may need therapy of her own.

Then she meets Galen. Their first encounter is as intense as it is eye-opening, and Lottie is unprepared for the fire Galen arouses in her. His revelation that they shared a passionate relationship thousands of years ago explains the memories and entices Lottie into wanting to learn more about her past. Her decision, however, comes at a price. Galen may hold the answers but he's a growing temptation as well. One that could destroy the devoted, lifelong relationship Lottie has with her current lover, David. One that could also cost her life. Someone else knows of Lottie's past and is determined to stop her from uncovering secrets they want kept hidden.

As parallels between both of her lives emerge and the memories escalate, Lottie becomes caught between two lifetimes, two men and long-buried deceptions that present an opportunity to right previous wrongs. Unless Lottie repeats her past mistakes.


Terri Herman-PoncĂ© is a communications manager by day and a storyteller by night. Born on Long Island, New York, she absolutely adores red wine, the beach, Ancient Egypt, sunrises and the New York Yankees—though not necessarily in that order. In her
next life, if she hasn’t moved on to somewhere else, Terri wants to be an astronomer. She’s fascinated with the night skies almost as much as she’s fascinated with Ancient Egypt.

You can read more on her website, or follow her on twitter @terriponce, or "like" her on facebook.


And Terri will be stopping in today to chat about the things that make you go 'hmmmm'....And she is giving away two copies of IN THIS LIFE to two lucy commenters!

49 comments:

  1. I love the title of this post. I am looking forward to reading your first book and hope you write many more. Dee

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks so much, Dee! I had a wonderful time writing this book, and rewriting it and rewriting it and rewriting it -- LOL. I'm thrilled to be here today.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow - sounds like a fascinating read!
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Don't you love it when storytelling makes you question your beliefs or investigate ones you'd ordinarily dismiss? It sounds like you had a lot of fun creating this story. Best of luck!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Terri! I love the thought of reincarnation. I've always believed there's two reasons we are on this earth - to learn and to have fun. I haven't been doing enough of the second one lately.

    Good Luck with In This Life!

    Lynn

    ReplyDelete
  6. “Things we absolutely believe in, without second thought” . . . you’ve laid out an intriguing set of ideas and your book sounds fascinating. Congratulations on having your book published . . . .

    Coming back as an astronomer? The only thing better than that would be to come back as an astronaut and get to actually visit those fascinating points of light populating the cosmos . . . .

    ReplyDelete
  7. reincarnation, deja vu...all those things make me go 'hmmmm'. Great post, Terri!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Terri, re your comment about being 39 forever... I had a friend in Norfolk several years ago, whose husband was a naval officer - who had all her IDs made so she WOULD be age 39 forever!!! She never got caught - and had a very happy life! Thelma Straw in Manhattan

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hank says: hi and hurray to Terri! She's trapped by technology and will be back later... Thanks! Xxx hank

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is a book I will order and read immediately since it is similar (and yet vastly different) from my idea for a novel.
    What if a young woman and her deceased father were able to solve a crime together, with the help of a spiritual medium???
    What makes me go "Hmmmm" is thinking about, at the age of 66, my days are numbered -- but I do not know, and can never know, the number or the quality of my days.
    Thank you for this topic and this book!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I absolutely agree, Terri. All we have to do is look at the history of science to see that many theories proven true are proven untrue when technology gives us new measuring tools.
    I keep an open mind about past lives, and like you, use the concept in stories. I find it fascinating.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I look forward to reading this - it sounds fascinating! I've always believed that "unbelievable" things shouldn't always be easily dismissed.

    ReplyDelete
  13. This book does sound fascinating! Plus, isn't there a hairy camel on your cover? I try to read all books with hairy camels on their covers.( ; Plus there is always the draw of a woman faced with choosing between two men. Wouldn't it be nice to have more men than we need! Running off to Goodreads to make double sure this is on my TBR pile!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I think we are kindred souls, Terri. I've often said that I wish I could be an astronomer - and an archaeologist! LOL! And I spell everything in the British way without thinking about it, so I wonder if I've been a Brit in a past life. I wish you much success with your novel.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Karen B said...
    Wow - sounds like a fascinating read!

    Karen - I'd like to think it is. I had a wonderful time writing In This Life and I'm hopeful readers enjoy it as much. :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Ramona - I love writing about the things that make you think twice about stuff you might not have really paid attention to before. And I love reading stories like that even more so! Thank you so much for stopping by. It's very appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Lynn said:
    "I've always believed there's two reasons we are on this earth - to learn and to have fun. I haven't been doing enough of the second one lately."

    Lynn - I'll agree with you on that! Gotta have fun in this life, right? Laugh, play and love -- does it get any better than that>

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oh Joan, that's my second passion. I'd love to see what's out there, outside of our world. The beauty and the majesty and the unknown -- I can only imagine. I have to admit I'm as hooked on astronomy programs as I am about ancient Egypt and reincarnation. Such fascinating things to learn about!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Kristina - I'm right there with you on deja vu. Sometimes it feels creepy, but sometimes it really makes you wonder. :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. HANK -- thank you SO much for everything. For reading In This Life pre-publication and providing my blurb. For your thoughts and suggestions. For your patience. And for teaching me how important our readers are and for showing me how to handle the stress and challenges of being an author with grace. You may not realize that you've done this for me, but you have.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Denise -- your book sounds intriguing! When it's published and ready for public consumption, I'll be looking for it. A spiritual medium AND mystery? I'm already sold.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Sharon - it's so wonderful of you to stop by. I love that we share a mutual love of past lives and the what-ifs that surround it. Makes for great science, fact and fiction. I also love that our novels have some wonderful similarities and yet intriguing differences. Simpatico, plain and simple.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Kaye said:
    " I've always believed that "unbelievable" things shouldn't always be easily dismissed."

    I'll agree with you on that, Kaye. Just because we can't explain something completely doesn't mean we should dismiss it. There's so much more out there that we don't know and can learn about and from. Thank you for visiting today. :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. MJ -- LOL Hairy camels, indeed. Nothing says suspense or paranormal or romance like a hairy camel. ;-)

    Thank you for coming here today, MJ. You and I will always have that camel connection, and years from now we'll still look back on it and laugh.

    As for choosing between two men? Not an easy thing to do, but it makes for a fascinating story, I think, when you throw in some heat, some suspense and some intrigue.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Deborah, thank you for visiting. SO very appreciated! But think about it. If you were an astronomer and an archaeologist, maybe you can organize digs on other planets. Something to think about. Or maybe not. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  26. LUCY - thank you so very much for working with me behind the scenes to get this blog live today. I appreciate the input and the time and your patience with all my questions. I'm absolutely thrilled to be here!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi Terri-- Your books sounds fascinating. I love the "unexplainable things" in life. Sometimes they're so small, like passing a complete stranger on a street, but when your eyes meet, there's a flash of recognition. Weird. Shivery weird.

    Looking forward to your book.

    ReplyDelete
  28. It's been my pleasure Terri!

    And by the way, I noticed that I said two books would be given away to two "lucy" commenters. I meant *lucky* of course!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Sounds like fun, Terri. Great post!
    -R.T. Wolfe
    www.rtwolfe.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. Congrats on your release, Terri! Many things in life make me go 'Hmm' and not all of them are as deep as reincarnation.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Good luck, Terri. The story sounds fantastic, even without a hairy camel, whatever that is. (I don't know and I'm pretty sure I don't want to.)

    ReplyDelete
  32. … so many interesting ways a story could go with the concept of reincarnation. I love the sound of yours. Congratulations on your newly acquired published status!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Congratulations on the publication of your novel, Terri! There are indeed lots of things that make an intelligent person go "hmmm." Reincarnation is one of the most fascinating of them. I'll look forward to reading your book.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Deb, I agree and I've been in that situation where you meet and connect. It's a strange but comforting feeling at the same time. You're right, though. It definitely can feel shivery weird.

    ReplyDelete
  35. LUCY - I noticed that typo and laughed. A little Freudian slip going on there?

    ReplyDelete
  36. RT - thanks for swinging by and saying 'hi'. Appreciate the visit!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Shay -- yeah, I've talked to a lot of people who think about things that make them go hmmm. It's interesting how so many of us really believe there's more out there than what we see with our eyes.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Jack, that's an inside joke that you probably want to stay away from, so good decision!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Thanks, Reine. I still don't think the reality of being published has set in yet...except for maybe the marketing end of it. It never stops! LOL

    ReplyDelete
  40. Linda, thanks SO much for the vote of support. It means a lot, as you can probably imagine. :)

    ReplyDelete
  41. Yes, I believe in reincarnation. I've been tempted to explore my own past lives through psychics, but have never quite worked up the nerve! Your book sounds fascinating. I look forward to reading it. Best of luck.

    ReplyDelete
  42. PM - I've never had that done either, but I know a few who have. Fascinating stuff, if you ask me. And thanks for dropping by. I appreciate the comment and the interest.

    ReplyDelete
  43. I can't wait to read the book, Terri! Having been an ear to many friends going through difficult times, the question that always makes me pause and go hmmmm is...do you decide with your mind or your heart?

    ReplyDelete
  44. Seems things are slowing down here and I don't blame you. I'm going to sit by the fire and drink some sake and eat some cheese and crackers.

    I'll stop by again later tonight to check in but wanted to say...

    Thank you for having me here today and making me feel welcome. I truly enjoyed the experience.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Bernadette!!! What a surprise, but a wonderful one! I'd love to say decide with your heart, but that's not always an easy decision, is it? That's why I write the stories I do. It gives us all hope. :)

    ReplyDelete
  46. Congratulations on your new book Terri !!!!

    I love the paranormal, I have had a resident ghost since I was 11 - my gramps lived with us until he passed away and though his body left, he was always with me, every move, he'd make his presence known......People ask, how do you know it's him, because I started feeling his presence shortly after he died, I started seeing things before they happened.

    I remember my mother calling me one morning to tell me my Godfather had passed away, I said "I know you already called me this morning" Nope she hadn't but I'd had that 1/2 of the conversation that she didn't have.

    I have talked to some people who have had harmful, threatening ghosts, I don't think I'd care for that at all.

    One guy had gone to do an assessment on a place that had been empty for a while for insurance. The lady moved out because she said there were ghosts threatening her.

    She evidently put what would fit in her car, and left.

    He went in to do the assessment from storm damage and felt weird when he walked in.

    Within a minute every kitchen cab door and draw were flying open and slamming shut, same with doors in house - he said he never did such a fast assessment - I think I would have been long gone and someone else would have been doing the assessment

    Wishing you great sales on your new book and your writing career !

    Mar

    ReplyDelete
  47. Yres, running in running in..so sorry to be so late to the party, dear Terri!

    My silly Iphone won't let me comment via phone, but I've been reading all day with much delight and interest.. Denise Ann, that is fascinating, and a great idea! Let us know how that goes..can't wait to read it.

    And yes, Terri, you know I think your book is incredibly wonderful..original, compelling, and thought-provoking!

    And yay for the Guppies! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  48. Thanks,Mar, for the well wishes and, boy, I think I understand your story! I swore at my first house, after I married, that there was a presence there. But it was a good one. I never saw anything outright but sometimes thought I saw an image of someone walking away or past in a white gown or dress. It was always a pleasant feeling when the image passed, though, and even felt protective. Makes you wonder what's on the other side.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Hank - I know what you mean about the iPhone. I tried responding while I was getting my hair colored this morning and couldn't. Technology is great when it works and horrible when it doesn't. Such expectations we have now. LOL And I have to add -- if it wasn't for the Guppies, I wouldn't have had all the support I needed to get here. They're among the most supportive and SMART group of writers I've ever met.

    PS - thanks for inviting me here today. I really had a great time and am very grateful.

    ReplyDelete