Jo's World

New book Hidden Death

2011-12-14T17:41:00.000-08:00

Hidden Death is finally available! It's a romantic suspense set in the Florida Keys.
When a severed hand is found in the mangroves of the Florida Keys, Detective Merri Kepke is called to the scene.
She isn’t thrilled when the FBI sends an agent, who knows nothing about the Keys, goes strictly by the book, and doesn’t have a sense of humor. Before she can send Special Agent Marlow back to Quantico, a skeleton is found chained to a bucket of cement. A serial killer is using the glades to dispose of bodies.
She needs the FBI’s resources, and he needs her local knowledge. They are forced to work together and neither of them like it.
You can find Hidden Death in the local gift stores in Key Largo, (Forever Summer, Holiday Inn, and Key Lime Products)Hooked on Books in Islamorada, Amazon, Barnes & Noble. 20% of the profit on Hidden Death will be donated to the Susan G Komen Fund for the Cure.

Our Latest Adventure

2010-07-02T10:17:00.000-07:00

We finally made it to Lake MooMaw in VA, and I think today John quit shaking enough so he can light his own cigarettes. The ride up in the Allegany Mountains was “interesting” to say the least. It has been our hairiest experience in the motor home so far. On the way in, we had to stop for a half hour twice to cool the transmission. It took us over four hours to go 50 miles. Yeah John was rather upset with me because we changed over 3000 feet of elevation several times. The worst part was when we turned onto the authorized access road that went from one lane paved to gravel and no shoulder. John almost freaked thinking we were on the wrong road and would never be able to turn around because of the trees and drop. Fortunately it was the right road, and we made it to 5 campsites in the woods called Volunteer Village.
I think John kissed the mountain when we parked, and there were a lot of “Thank you Lords.” He is threatening to leave the MH here with a for sale sign on it so he doesn’t have to drive it out. If we keep this MH we have to get extra transmission cooling. I for one would like to trade it in for a big diesel that can pull a small car. Would one of our kids please win the Lotto!

Anyway as you’ll see by the pictures, it is gorgeous. We have a full free hook-up and only work 22 hours a week. Everyone we’ve met is friendly. There is plenty of wood for the campfire, and the lake has great fresh water fishing…bass 12” and trout must be 16”, swimming, hiking, camping, boating, etc.
I'm getting plenty of background for my new novel set in VA with the same characters in "Saving Tampa", Rachel and Hawk. "Hidden Death", about the Florida Keys, will be available this fall.

I have to go now and sit in a little air conditioned booth collecting day fees for the government. I get to smile and chat with all the folks needing information. Just picture me giving directions…anyway, it’s a lot of fun.

Tribute to Trevor

2010-02-24T19:41:00.000-08:00

Trevor had spinal cancer and in January, we had to let him go to God. Tisha has been mourning him and so have we. He was the darling of the marina and loved to make people laugh. After a lot of thought we are getting a puppy. At first we were going to get a dog from the animal shelter, but we really need one that will fit our lifestyle.

We live aboard and need a dog that is out going, medium sized, and loves to swim. So, we are getting another Portuguese Water Dog. We already picked a name, Takoda. It is Sioux and means friend to all. Since the President has a PWD, the puppies are in great demand, so we'll have to wait. Now we are just as nervous as expectant parents waiting for the blessed event!

"Saving Tampa" is being made into a movie!

2009-10-13T09:16:00.000-07:00

I am getting really excited. One of my friends is going to make a movie of "Saving Tampa." It will be entered in movie festivals around the country. Who knows might happen? We'll start filming after the first of the year. I AM THRILLED! Say a prayer that someone important sees it!

I am still working on "Hidden Death" and hope to get it ready for submission by the end of this year. It is going to be my best book ever!

Life is Good!

2009-08-26T10:10:00.000-07:00

Thank GOD! My sons and brother-in-law have found employment. Now I can get back to writing, if I can work less hours. I'd like to finish my third book in the next three months. It is a romantic suspense set in the Florida Keys. I know you'll love all the wacky characters especially the heroine who solves the murders. There are a few magazine articles that I have to find a home for too. I'm also planning at Motor Home trip to the Grand Canyon next summer. I feel like the weight of the world is off my shoulders, and I'm ready to party!

I'm still alive and writing

2009-05-26T08:41:00.001-07:00

Yes I am still alive and kicking. It is just that the recession has kept me very busy trying to keep financially solvent. John keeps telling me I have to finish "Hidden Death." He thinks it will be the greatest book since Koontz wrote "The Watchers."

From his mouth to GOD's ears!

2009-05-02T11:54:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks I've been busy working, and I haven't had time to promote my book.

I really wanted to enter it in a few contests. There was a romantic suspense one in the Tampa area, but I missed the deadline. DARN!

Counting my blessings

2009-03-23T11:40:00.000-07:00

There are several people in my family that have been laid off due to the economy. I'm counting my blessings because we are all healthy and have each other. This is a time when family is one of the most important things in life. My writing is on the back burner until the economy improves. Helping family and working have become my highest priority, so I may be slow in posting to my blog or marketing my writing. I have faith that things will improve.

My Dogs think they are royalty

2009-03-05T10:57:00.000-08:00

Since the president decided to get a Portuguese Water Dog for his daughters, my two have decided they are royalty. This is a picture of them when they are told to "Leave It." That means they can't touch what ever it is no matter how good it smells. It's a very handy command.

Trevor is dancing and prancing more than ever. At first they were a little worried that daddy was going to the White House to train the new PWD, but I assured them he would never leave them.

Female PWD's are extremely difficult to train because they are so smart. They actually train their owners, and Tisha is a prime example. When we first got her I labled her the worst puppy I ever had. I never caught her sleeping. She wanted to play 24 hours a day.

Male PWD's are the ones you usually see in the water and agility trials. Trevor really wanted to compete, but living on a boat made it impossible. He makes up for it by jumping, leaping, and generally clowning on the docks. I think we should have named him goofy.

It is still cold!

2009-02-05T11:00:00.001-08:00

It's February, and we are still getting nasty cold fronts from the frozen north. The 89 year old gentleman I take care of is threatening to move to Cancun, and I keep telling him to take me with him.
I'm making dinner tomorrow night for my whole dock, and it may be too cold to stand out side, and no one has a boat big enough for all of us. Anything under 65 degrees with a stiff wind is too cold for us!
I would postpone, but we are celebrating the birthday of one of our oldest residents. My menu is really easy. Public grocery store has receipe cards they give out free, and this one is pasta with Italian sausage.
Some of our friends docked last night aboard "Dual Dreams." It's a larger version of our boat, and I got a terrible case of green eyed envy. My boat seems to shrink every year. Two nights ago we got an inch of rain and when the sun came out, it shrunk another foot. At this rate I am going to be living in a row boat. :)

2009-01-21T07:21:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. We are freezing in the Keys! Of course that doesn't stop Trevor and Tisha from begging for attention.

This is the coldest Jan. any of us can remember. When I walk down the dock, the wind nearly knocks me in the water. It has been great for shrimping, but that's the only good thing I can say about it.
Sunday we had a shrimp boil in our community chickee hut at the end of our dock. (A Chickee hut is open sided with poles that support a thatched roof - very popular in the Keys) My friend Mark, the only one on the dock hardy enough to stand out in the cold night wind with a net, provided the shrimp and we all brought a dish to pass.
That's one thing I love about the Keys. Everyone works together and celebrates together. It's like living in one continuous small town from Key Largo to Key West. It's a great place to live and an even better place to visit.
I think everyone knows I take care of an 89 year old gentleman. He says he's ready to move to Cancun because the weather in the Keys has been so cold. That sounds good to me if he'll take us with him. My novel is still in progress and John is threatening to lock me in a closet until it’s finished. This one is more of a mainstream thriller with a little romance thrown in. It’s about a serial killer in the Keys and the eccentric deputy that solves the case. The Key’s papers and radio stations are waiting for the date it’s published. Read the excerpt on my website.

Saving Tampa nominated for best Romantic Thriller of 2008

2009-01-06T11:56:00.000-08:00

I AM SO EXCITED! I didn’t even realize that Saving Tampa had been nominated until I went to vote for someone else. It was a shock to see that it has been nominated for best romantic suspense/Thriller of 2008 by Predators and Editors. If you’d like to help with a vote go to the link below, scroll down and click on the button next to “Saving Tampa”, then go to bottom and enter you name & email (they do that to preclude double voting) then hit submit data button.

http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelthrill.shtml

Thanks for your help.

New Review over the Holidays

2009-01-05T10:52:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays. We went to IL and had 2 blizzards, 1 ice storm, and on the day we left, a tremendous electrical storm. John was so glad to get back to the Keys I think he kissed the dock!
I just got around to checking my e-mail. I want to share with you my latest review from Crystal Reviews
Reviews: http://www.crystalreviews.com/authors/w/webnar.htm
SAVING TAMPA Thriller/Romance/Suspense/ Fiction ISBN: 9780981557366
Trailer
Buy
What if you knew something horrible was going to happen but you could prevent it, would you tell someone? Sure, we all would. What if you saw it in a vision and had no proof? Would you risk your credibility to come forward? These are the questions at the heart of Saving Tampa, an on-the-edge-of-your-seat thriller from Jo Webnar.Rachel Cunningham is a young woman with a problem. She sees things that are happening, have happened or are about to happen. Her psychic ability has allowed her to help others but it also prevents her from having the kind of quiet normal life she longs for. When a stranger at the mall bumps into her, a connection forms between them giving her small glimpses into a terrorist plot that will kill thousands. Fearful of the ridicule she will face if she comes forward, but more afraid of the cost of her silence, Rachel contacts her brother, a police detective, for advice.Special Agent Hawk Arrons has his own problems with relationships and one of them is his boss. Threatened by Hawk's investigative abilities, the SAC gives Hawk the worst assignments and downplays Hawk's achievements. When Hawk is given the assignment to interview Rachel, he senses his career is about to take a major hit in the credibility department. After their disastrous first meeting, Hawk checks into the pretty blonde's background and finds that she is the real thing. Reluctantly at first, the two join forces to try to prevent a biohazard attack that could wipe out the State of Florida . As they follow the twists and turns of a terrorist's mind, Rachel and Hawk discover that in Saving Tampa, they are also saving themselves.Jo Webnar has written a wonderful suspense that is as timely as it is entertaining.Reviewed by Mairead Walpole on December 22, 2008

Memories

2008-12-14T13:35:00.000-08:00

We are leaving paradise in the Keys and heading north for the holidays. Christmas is a time to be surrounded by family. John is grumbling about freezing temperatures and blizzards, but he's as sentimental as I am.

In the small farming town where I was raised, Christmas was a wonderful and magical time. I played Mary in the church pageant and got so excited I burst out in hives. My whole body itched, and my face was a red mess of bumps, but the honor of playing Mary was worth it. During Christmas break we skated on the pond in the center of town. The jail was next door, and we warmed up around the old pot belly stove. There were two cells, but I can't remember anyone ever being locked inside. It was a great place to grow up.

If I could give everyone a Christmas present, it would be memories as wonderful as mine.
Jo

Memories

2008-12-14T12:52:00.000-08:00

We are leaving paradise in the Keys and going north for Christmas. It is time to be surrounded with family. John is moaning and groaning about freezing and being caught in a blizzard, but he's just as sentimental as I am.

In the small farming town where I was raised, Christmas was a wonderful and magical time of the year. I played Mary in the church pageant and got so excited I burst out in hives. My whole body itched, and my face was a red mess of bumps, but the honor of playing Mary was worth it.

During Christmas break we skated on the pond in the center of town. The jail was next door, and we warmed up around the old pot belly stove. There were two cells, but I doubt if they were ever used.

If I could give everyone a Christmas present, it would be memories as wonderful as mine.
Jo

Website

Member

2008-11-29T08:16:00.001-08:00

2008-11-12T19:05:00.000-08:00

Saving Tampa won the October Covey award for most intriguing trailer!

Check it out at Covey Trailer Awards I would like to thank everyone that voted for me. Being a winner gives me bragging rights, but more important is the cover awards. Saving Tampa is in the November competition. Monika is the artist and if she wins, it could mean more work for her. There is some awesome competition. If you have a chance, please check out the Cover Awards.

Contest and Questions

2008-10-19T16:32:00.000-07:00

This is an invitation to stop by and win a bag of goodies and a signed copy of “Saving Tampa.” On Tuesday, the 21st I will be a the guest author at LASR Interviews the following day I will be talking about the Florida Keys and my crazy lifestyle on the Yahoo Group.
Here's the latest review for “Saving Tampa”.
Jo Webnar – Author “Saving Tampa” & “Twilight” http://www.jowebnar.com/ WRDF Review
Posted by Lynda Coker at 10/1/2008 8:16 PM and is filed under WRDF Reviews
Highest Rating!
GENRE: Romantic Suspense
PUBLISHER: Highland Press Publishing-Florida
HEAT RATING: Sensual

BLURB:
For as long as she could remember, Rachel Cunningham feared and hated her psychic ability. When a strange man accidentally touches her, she sees death of thousands. Rachel knows the FBI won’t believe her, but she has to try. Lives are at stake.
Special Agent “Hawk” Arrons dismisses her information as a publicity stunt, yet his conscience nags at him. When Rachel identifies an Al Qaeda cell leader, Arrons puts his career at risk and issues an alert.
Will the terrorists’ threat succeed, or will Rachel and Hawk be in time to SAVE TAMPA?

Review:
Ms. Webnar has written an intriguing tale of a psychic, an FBI agent, and a terrorist plot. While the reader might first think—isn’t this predictable?—one soon learns the story is no ordinary one. She has a style of writing which pulls in the reader, with snappy dialogue, natural actions, and vivid depictions of the characters and scenes, without being overly verbose. The reader will appreciate the correct, authentic jargon and tools which are the mainstay of law enforcement units. Be prepared for an exciting, surprising conclusion.
The hero and heroine in SAVING TAMPA are believable, yet unique, and even show a human, vulnerable side. Rachel and Hawk draw in the reader, not only to cheer them on in their quest, but also to participate in the unfolding love and devotion they eventually share. What good romance—suspense or otherwise—would offer anything less?
Congratulations to Jo Webnar on an excellent novel. This reviewer highly recommends it to anyone, whether or not suspense is the genre of choice.

Reviewed by Celia Yeary
WRDF Review Buy at Amazon Buy at Barnes and Noble Jo's Website

On Our Way Home

2008-09-28T16:01:00.000-07:00

John is homesick. We did everything we wanted to, so now we are pointing the motor home south ... to the keys. It's cold in Kentucky in the mornings, and he is longing for Florida sunshine and being rocked to sleep by the waves. The old man keeps telling me that it's going to snow soon, and we could get stranded in a blizzard.

Our stay at Mammoth Cave National Park was fantastic. It was a great chance to research and write something different for a change. The deer are so tame you can get within three feet and there are wild turkeys everywhere. I kept hoping someone would run over one so I could throw it in the oven. I finished two articles, and wrote "Zemmie's Story" for the National Park System, and they were really pleased.

This weekend we are at the Kentucky State Horse Park in Lexington. I wanted to ride, but walking trailrides were all they offered, and I would have gone crazy not being able to trot or canter. Besides seeing everything in the park, we got to watch a hunter/jumper horse show. The campers next door took a Grand Championship. I don't know which class, but they are really excited and people have been stopping by to congratulate them.

Tomorrow we are headed for Clinton, TN and the Museum of Appalachia. It's our last planned stop. The end of a trip is sad...it's like a mini death, but I will be glad to smell the salt water, rock to the waves, watch the fish jump, and the osprey dive. Yeah, I guess I'm a little homesick too.

Contest today!

2008-08-23T09:45:00.000-07:00

Win a free autographed copy of Saving Tampa and a bag of goodies. To find out how, go to
http://www.longandshortreviews.com/

Uh Oh Here Comes Fay

2008-08-17T12:23:00.000-07:00

I think everyone better cross their fingers and toes for me. (And if you don’t mind – say a prayer) It looks like my boat in the Keys is going take a direct hit from Fay. Hopefully it will only be a tropical storm when it hits. I do want a home to go back to! We thought about heading back to the Keys, but there is no way we can get there in time to do anything for the boat. It is in the hands of God and my friends.

Today we are at General Burnside Park in KY. Tomorrow we go to Richmond KY to see Daniel Boone’s fort, and Berea for crafts. If you see the MH stop by and say hi.
I’m sure everyone knows that Long and Short is celebrating their first year this month. I will be the featured author on 8/23. There is a contest for a signed copy of “Saving Tampa” and a bag of goodies everyone would like. Please check it out!

Great Review!

2008-08-08T08:03:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, "Saving Tampa" just got a great review from Long and Short Reviews.

For as long as she could remember, Rachel Cunningham feared and hated her psychic ability.When a strange man accidentally touches her, she sees the death of thousands. Rachel knows the FBI won't believe her, but she has to try. Lives are at stake.Special Agent Arrons dismisses her information as a publicity stunt, yet his conscience nags him. When Rachel identifies an Al Qaida cell leader, Arrons puts his career at risk and issues an alert.Together they race against time to prevent a terrorist attack. Will the terrorists' threat succeed, or will Rachel and Arrons find the solution in time to Save Tampa?
♥ ♥ ♥
Psychic Rachel Cunningham receives a terrifying vision, from the touch of one individual. She does not doubt the accuracy of her vision - nor question the horrifying threat to the lives of thousands. Her own history has given her cause to believe. However, finding a way to convey the danger to the disbelieving agents of law will be another challenge altogether.Special Agent Arrons not only doesn't believe; he doesn't want to believe.Saving Tampa" is an absolute page turner; not only does the thrill of the threat pervade every page, but the challenges to the emotions, beliefs and abilities of the main character Rachel are relentless. The many smaller threads within this really flesh out the story, like that little hint of attraction between Rachel and 'her' special agent. We don't even know if we should hope for them to get together, or if their personal life should be important at all; because, indeed, the two of them are a little busy with saving the world.Rachel is a caring and driven person ... and Hawk (Agent Arrons) is devilishly attractive. No matter how much you love mysteries and will be moment-to-moment anticipating their investigative efforts, savoring the romance will be part of the reading pleasure here.Secondary characters, including Ralph the dog, round out the story beautifully, with deft touches of humor and-or insight. Realistic scenarios play out among the many characters, and even relatively minor relationships (like Hawk's with his ex-partner Soderland) will prove important. The operations of FBI headquarters in Florida, and specific places- like among the boats at the marina, are realistic and interesting."Saving Tampa" is a great read, with wide appeal. Webnar's ability to create engaging characters is eclipsed only by the power and pace of her storyline.
More from Long and Short Reviews. Check out their contest. On August 23, I will be giving away a bag of goodies and a signed copy of "Saving Tampa."

Win

2008-08-02T20:29:00.000-07:00

On August 23, I will be giving out a bag of goodies and an authographed copy of "Saving Tampa."

In a contest at The Long and Short Reviews

We are in Big South Fork National River and Recreation area. The trip here was more than hair rising. We had 13% grades on switch back roads. John said quite a few bad words so he’ll have to put extra money in the collection plate when we get home. (We’re building a new church and people put extra in when they swear. If this keeps up, we may be paying for the whole church! )
Yesterday my “woodsman” went out to collect wood so we could do ribs over a fire. Somehow he got wrapped up in vines. If he didn’t have a pocket knife he might still be there. That’s my guy. Now we just wait for someone to leave and pick up any wood left behind. It’s a lot easier, and I don’t have to search for John. It’s John’s birthday today, and it is raining. Neither one of us wants to ride mountain roads on the Kawasaki Ninja, so it will be a dull day in the old campsite. Maybe I’ll get some work done on “Hidden Death.” Until next time…

The Smoky Mountains

2008-07-28T11:22:00.000-07:00

The Great Adventure:
The Smoky Mountains are beautiful, but some of the roads can be really challenging in a Motor Home. Last night a Coyote visited our campsite and the neighbors chased him away by beating on pots and pans. At least it wasn’t a bear!
Our campsite was right next to a fast running stream. Every time it rained, it turned into a river. The kids went down it in inner tubes. I put my toe in the water and shuddered. This little Keys Lady is used to WARM water! I decided to watch rather then participate.
The day before, John and I hiked up to Laurel Falls. The sign said 1.3 miles, but it was all up hill! I have a picture of John at the falls, and he really looks pooped.
I have been selling books everywhere we've stopped and handing out a lot of cards. The people we are meeting are really interesting and fun to get to know. Today we are trying to get out refrigerator fixed. It died two weeks ago and we have been waiting for the parts.
It will be great to here the pitter patter of ice cubes dropping!
I just heard that I will be a guest author on Long and Short Reviews August 23. I’m giving away goodies every lady would like and an autographed copy of Saving Tampa. Check it out!

http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/anniversary1.htm

On The Road Again

2008-07-13T06:14:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
We just had a great time in Live Oaks, FL at the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park. If you have a chance, I highly recommend that you stop there, or make it your destination. They rent cabins, so you don’t need an RV. We had a free concert last night and it was fantastic. I couldn't believe the low prices. NOTHING WAS EXPENSIVE.
I already forgot the band’s name, but they played everything from rock to Willie Nelson and did it well. It’s the first time John and I have danced in years. If you have time, look it up on the Internet www.suwannneechamber.com Live Oak is also a pretty place with large pitch pole pines and sandy ground.
I sold several books and handed out a lot of cards. It's a good thing I just ordered another thousand.
So far we are having “A Great Adventure.” Today we are on our way to Atlanta. We'll stop overnight and visit a friend I have loved for 40 years! Have a great day. For more information click here.
Jo

Book Tour "Land Cruise"

2008-06-16T11:26:00.000-07:00

Hi,

We are getting ready to leave on the great "Land Cruise" the end of this month. It is driving me crazy (John says it was a short jog) trying to get the boat ready for hurricane season and the motor home packed.

I am getting so excited I can't sit still. If you see us, stop by for a chat. We will be the Wind Song with the sign on the back: "Saving Tampa" by Jo Webnar.

I will try to update my blog, Facebook, and MySpace every few weeks. It all depends on internet access. Please stop by and check me out at http://www.jowebnar.com

I have been getting great reviews on Saving Tampa. Stop by and read them at: http://www.amazon.com/Saving-Tampa-Jo-Webnar/dp/0981557368/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1213641053&sr=8-1

Welcome to Jo's World

2008-05-20T16:21:00.000-07:00

I'm a romantic suspense writer that lives aboard a trawler in the Florida Keys. My second book just came out May 1. It's called "Saving Tampa. It's about a psychic and an FBI Agent that are forced to work together to prevent a terrorist attack on Tampa Bay. You can buy it online or get it anywhere that books are sold. If you get a chance, please check out my website at www.jowebnar.com. There are some great shots of the Florida Keys, and a newborn manatee.

I am very interested to hear what my readers have to say about "Saving Tampa." If you would like to discuss the book, or just ask some questions, feel free...