Tag: Search Beyond Lies

Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – SRI’s Chief Operating Officer

In my last fact or fiction article, we explored the character names. This article will delve into the character, Kale McLaren, Search & Recovery International’s (SRI) Chief Operating Officer, and explore what is fact verses the fiction behind this character.

The Inspiration Behind the Character

Brian Perri’s former army buddy and close friend, Kimo McEwen inspired the character, Kale McLaren. Once Kimo learned that Brian was reported missing on Rocky Mountain National Park’s most dangerous mountain, Mount Meeker, he reached out to my son, J.C., who was gathering volunteers to help with the search.

Searching for Brian

This special man asked if he could camp in our backyard so that he could help J.C. search. Needless to say, the answer was a resounding “NO” – he was required to stay inside our home, as part of the family. The fact that he came from sea level, was a disabled veteran, and had no hiking experience at the elevations in the park did not deter him. Day in and day out for 3 straight weeks, the two of them did not give up. They not only put their lives on hold, but they risked their lives in the search.

The True Background

Kimo did go through SERE training with Brian. Although the character Kale was a former Special Forces member, Kimo and Brian were both a part of Special Operations as paratroopers. Like the character Kale, he was fluent in Arabic and proficient in Russian.

Veterans

Basically, their friendship, special army ties, and some of Kale’s physical characteristics are based in fact, while the association with SRI is fiction.

What’s to Come

Although Kale is a secondary character in Search Beyond Lies, he is the hero in After the Verdict, Book 2 in the Search & Recovery International Series. Look for it in December 2023!

© 2023 Karen VDH Fischer

A suspense thriller with a dash of romance, Search Beyond Lies tells the story

suspense thriller, romantic suspense, Colorado, Rocky Mountains, action
Search Beyond Lies, Book One in the Search & Recovery International Series

of the search for a missing scientist, a top-secret project, and a ticking clock. Desperate to find his friend and mentor, James Frankel knows that only former Army Ranger, Charlie Sommer can help him. But how can he trust a woman who’s keeping secrets?

As a former Army Ranger, Charlie Sommers garnered the reputation of having the highest search and rescue success rate, but she’s plagued by the one she left behind. Now she’s on the verge of an exciting new beginning as a part of Search & Recovery International where her secrets are safe. There’s only one problem: the new assignment will take her back to Colorado and the loss that still haunts her.

The clock is ticking down. With their lives–and their hearts–at risk, Charlie and James join forces in an attempt to save the scientist and the world from catastrophe while finding the truth beyond lies in this action-packed thriller. It is available at https://amzn.to/3ueVmTO.

Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – The Character Names

Since Search Beyond Lies, is inspired by a real-life tragedy involving real people, key characters are inspired by these same people. In this fact or fiction article, we’ll explore what is fact and what is fiction regarding the character names. First, we’ll look at a few rules of thumb regarding choosing character names.

Rules of Thumb

The way writers choose character names differs among writers, but there are a few rules of thumb for the reader’s benefit.

1.You never want to confuse the reader by choosing names with the same first letter or the reader will have difficulty keeping the characters straight.

2. The names should fit within the era and culture. For example, if you write historical romance, like Amanda Cabot, you won’t want to pick a new generation contemporary name like Aurora.

Before we uncover the selection process for the character names in Search Beyond Lies, a brief look at its inspiration is in order.

The Tragedy

On July 5, 2018, Brian Perri was reported missing on Mount Meeker, one of the most dangerous mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park, after a selfie revealed his last known location as the summit.

Inspired by my son’s role in the search that was covered by news media far and wide, I penned Search Beyond Lies, Book One in the Search & Recovery International Series (SRI). Though a work of fiction, the book’s inspiration lies in the rare type of friendship my son, J.C. Fischer, and Brian’s former army buddy, Kimo McEwen, had with Brian, where they put their lives on hold and jeopardized their safety and well-being to search for him.

Searching for Brian

Key Character Names

As the back story revealed, I chose the key character names based on the initials of the real people that inspired them with one exception.

J.C. Fischer inspired the hero, James Frankel.

Brian Perri inspired Brett Powers.

Kimo McEwen inspired the COO of SRI’s Kale McLaren.

The exception was Charlie Sommer whose inspiration was Priscilla Jane Kurtz Williams. To avoid confusing my readers, I had to come up with a name that didn’t violate the first key rule. After brainstorming with my writers’ group, Charlie Sommer was chosen because of the character’s military background and the letter “C” was not used for any other character.

The Romance

Basically, the initials are fact, while the actual name is fiction.

My fellow readers, what rules of thumb do you believe should be added? Writers, how do you choose your character names?

© 2023 Karen VDH Fischer

A suspense thriller with a dash of romance, Search Beyond Lies tells the story

suspense thriller, romantic suspense, Colorado, Rocky Mountains, action
Search Beyond Lies, Book One in the Search & Recovery International Series

of the search for a missing scientist, a top-secret project, and a ticking clock. Desperate to find his friend and mentor, James Frankel knows that only former Army Ranger, Charlie Sommer can help him. But how can he trust a woman who’s keeping secrets?

As a former Army Ranger, Charlie Sommers garnered the reputation of having the highest search and rescue success rate, but she’s plagued by the one she left behind. Now she’s on the verge of an exciting new beginning as a part of Search & Recovery International where her secrets are safe. There’s only one problem: the new assignment will take her back to Colorado and the loss that still haunts her.

The clock is ticking down. With their lives–and their hearts–at risk, Charlie and James join forces in an attempt to save the scientist and the world from catastrophe while finding the truth beyond lies in this action-packed thriller. It is available at https://amzn.to/3ueVmTO.

Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – The Presidential Letter

In Search Beyond Lies, a call back was issued via Presidential Letter to Brett, who we know was inspired by Brian Perri. Is there such thing as a call back? If yes, could it be possibly done with a Presidential Letter? Before we explore the reality behind the Presidential Letter in Search Beyond Lies, we need to know whether it exists, and if it does, the history behind it.

veterans, call back
Can veterans be called back?

Can you be called back to active duty?

Yes. Once in the military, you can be kept longer than planned or be recalled after you get out or retire. There are many ways this can occur. Typically, the recall is at the behest of the Secretary of Defense (10 U.S. Code Section 688) and there are various ways this can occur:

Military –Call Back

Stop-Loss Program


Military Working Dogs, Military Service Dogs, Parachute Dog, Silent Heroes

You can be kept on active duty longer than your discharge date if you have a particular valuable skill or “in the interests of unit cohesion.”

Mobilization of the National Guard

Without a state of emergency, the president can recall up to 200,000 reservists for at least 400 days. A state of emergency allows the president to activate up to one million reservists by his order.

By the way, since November 14, 1979, when President Jimmy Carter issued Executive Order 12170 after the start of the Iran hostage crisis, the United States of America has been in a state of national emergency. President Donald Trump continued that order in November 2017.

Iran

Officers and Retirees

An officer’s commission usually remains in force and effect even after retirement. Why? It’s for the privilege of retaining the legal right of being addressed by their military rank and receiving their retirement benefits. Although they can resign their commission, very few do. Because of this privilege, they can be recalled to active duty.

Presidential Letters – Fact or Fiction

The president can recall officers in the state of emergency as well as mobilize the National Guard, which as noted has been ongoing since 1979. Is it common? A few years ago I was a guest speaker at Romance Writers of America and attended a session on Military Characters. I met 2 officers who were recipients of the Presidential Letter. I was informed that you either “go back or go to jail.” No doubt, the Presidential Letter is fact.

The Possibilities

The existence of the Presidential Letter is reality. Whether Brian Perri actually received a Presidential letter is a mystery. But when you consider the glasses … .

What are your thoughts about the possibilities?

© 2023 Karen VDH Fischer

suspense thriller, romantic suspense, Colorado, Rocky Mountains, action

Search Beyond Lies is available on Amazon.

Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – Gelden Ranch

A number of people posed questions regarding Gelden Ranch. Is Search Beyond Lies’ Gelden Ranch fact or fiction? Before I answer this question, a little background is necessary.

Some History

When I finished graduate school, earning a Master of Science Degree in Nutrition, I completed the requirements to become a Registered Dietitian and started my job search. Law school was not foremost in my mind at this time.

Women's Magazines

I had the most unusual, but incredibly insightful interview with the owner of a renowned women’s magazine. After briefly discussing my background, the owner handed me a quarter and paper cup, then asked me to place the paper cup in the middle of the floor. She wanted me to get the quarter into the cup.

Okay…. I looked at her and asked, “Do you want me to get the quarter in the cup in the manner I would dare, or the way I think you want?”

When she wanted to see what I dared, I moved to the farthest corner of the room and pitched it. This was followed by her question as to what I thought she wanted me to do. I thought she wanted me to make certain it got into the cup by going to the cup and placing it in.

What I dared was what she wanted to see since the magazine business is risky and she needed to make sure I was a risk-taker. I was hired and was the only member of her staff that worked directly with her in her “home” office.

The Magazine’s Owner

The magazine’s headquarters was about 20 minutes from the owner’s “home.” Only the person in charge of the staff at the office ever saw or met with her—I was the only exception. She was a reclusive heiress, and even though she was brilliant, beautiful, and kindhearted, public appearances were very rare.

The Ocean off South Florida

I was one of her key editors, so galleys had to be run from the “house” to the office. The runners were forbidden to talk to me aside from “hello” or “thank you” type language. I didn’t realize this until a new runner asked how I liked working there and my response was a simple, “I like it.” When this person reached the office, he was fired. There was no one around during our brief meet, but the walls apparently had ears…

The “Home”

The “home” was a mansion built in the early 1900s with more than 25 bedrooms. An entire wing was dedicated to staff who historically lived there. It was on the ocean, surrounded by walls, with a guarded gate, and an occupied gate house.

Saddle
Western Ranch Saddle

Gelden Ranch was inspired by this mansion, tweaked to fit a western ranch. Where there were horse stables for the ranch, the mansion had garages that housed very expensive vehicles driven by a chauffeur.

Antique Car

Technically, Gelden Ranch is fictional, but inspired by fact.

© 2023 Karen VDH Fischer

suspense thriller, romantic suspense, Colorado, Rocky Mountains, action

Kindle Countdown Deals for Search Beyond Lies — Day 3. At 2 p.m. PDT, the price moves from .99 to $1.99. Find it on Amazon at: https://amzn.to/3ueVmTO

Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – The Romance

Valentine’s Day is the perfect day for Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – The Romance. Is the romance between Charlie and James fact or fiction? Since that question is multifaceted, we’ll take a look at its parts.

The Hero and Heroine

The actual hero and heroine are inspired by real people. Writers envision who their characters look like and often keep a photo handy of these characters to keep them on track. The photo can be a snapshot of people they know, or a photo of a popular actor or actress or … .

J.C. & P.J.'s photo at the Stanley - the inspiration for the hero and heroine in Search Beyond Lies
J.C. & Priscilla Jane

Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction — Missing revealed that the character James, was inspired by my son, J.C., who actively participated in the search for Brian. But how about James’ love interest, Charlie?

Charlie

The heroine, Charlie, was inspired by a real person – Priscilla Jane (P.J.). Charlie’s physical description mirrors that of P. J., a true 6-foot beauty.

Many of Charlie’s character traits are actually those held by P.J. who is beautiful on the inside and out. However, her history and participation in the search is mixed with fact and fiction.

Charlie’s background as an expert skier is fact. At one time she considered training for the Olympics until a high school soccer accident made that impossible is fact. That same accident made P.J. unavailable to be on the front line in the search for Brian. She needed surgery from that same injury years prior.

However, P.J. worked in the background in the search for Brian by getting volunteers, and doing all the behind the scenes work on her computer.

Charlie’s military background is another story. It is pure fiction.

the romance

J.C. and P.J. at their engagement.

The romance between J.C. and P.J. is real. They are engaged to be married this year and although I already consider her a part of my family, it will be official.

How they met and the romance as portrayed within Search Beyond Lies is fiction. Speaking of romance, do you consider Search Beyond Lies a Romantic Suspense Thriller or a Suspense Thriller with a dash of romance? The next article will look at the “rules” for determining genre and survey what the readers feel, after all, it’s the readers that count, not the rules.

writing, inspiration, time, events, characters, Thyme for Writers, books, articles, short stories, graduation, Washington, D.C., Georgetown School of Medicine, army, residency, neurosurgery, radiation, Radiological Health Sciences
Priscilla Jane, Karen, J.C. & Joe

© 2023 Karen VDH Fischer

Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – The Paintings

In the last Fact or Fiction article for Search Beyond Lies – The Clues: Part 2, I left you with a mystery about the real glasses. A particular painting was the source of a few of the clues revealed in the book. Does this painting exist? If it does exist, who is the artist? How about the other painting described in detail?

the artist

art gallery, Denver

Brian Perri did in fact have a favorite artist and he collected a number of this artist’s paintings. The name of “Brett’s” favorite artist in the book is fiction. As a matter of fact, that fictitious name is an alternate since unbeknownst to me (until pointed out by one of my beta readers), the original name I planned to use belongs to a professional basketball player.

The real artist’s name is Greg Pettit. Brian discovered Greg’s paintings in a Denver art gallery and since he found his paintings fascinating at many levels, he started collecting his work.

  • Greg uses colors that bring joy.
  • Every time you look at his paintings you discover something new.
  • His work inspires creativity.
  • Each painting is unique.
  • The work is captivating.

The painting

The clue-revealing painting described within Search Beyond Lies is a real painting that was painted by Greg Pettit. It is now owned by J.C. and came into his possession in the manner described in the book.

Painting by Greg Pettit
Artist: Greg Pettit

This painting can captivate someone for hours, and it was a source of inspiration for me. Since I know I didn’t do the painting justice in its description, I received permission from Greg Pettit to post a picture of it. If you want to explore more of Greg’s work, feel free to click his name which is linked to his Instagram account or copy and paste: greg_pettit@instagram.

the other painting

To my knowledge, Brian did not paint. The example I used of “Brett’s” painting hobby was that of a skunk painted on the wall of his parents’ guest bathroom. You could not sit on the commode without the skunk’s lifted tail aimed at you. The fact that the character, Brett, painted it was fiction.

Painting of a Skunk with lifted tail, by Brett Rosenberg
Artist: Brett Rosenberg

However, the painting itself is fact and was painted by a family friend, Brett Rosenberg. It is the real Brett’s hobby – he is very creative, a great artist, and is a Radiation Health Physicist, as Brian was in life, and as my character, Brett is in Search Beyond Lies. I received Brett’s permission to share it with you. It brings a smile to my face every time I use their guest bathroom.

What would you like to see for the next Fact or Fiction article for Search Beyond Lies?

© 2023 Karen VDH Fischer

SEARCH BEYOND LIES – CAN YOU IMAGINE?

Today’s post was supposed be the first Fact or Fiction article of 2023, however, I experienced an unusual act of kindness I just had to share. Can You Imagine?

What most writers dread

The 90th Birthday Celebration!

Marketing is the bane of most writers’ existence, and I’m no exception. My trip to South Florida was a combination of business and my dad’s 90th birthday celebration. While there, I decided to take photos of Search Beyond Lies with natural backgrounds to use in marketing. I found what I believed to be an ideal location on the bridge that crosses the inlet.

the bridge

Since currents are extremely rough, it opens on demand and there is always a bridge operator. I selected a great spot and started taking photos and videos. I didn’t think about the dynamics of how I needed to move to capture these photos and the thought of what I may have looked like never occurred to me until…

the bridge operator

The bridge operator came rushing out of his shelter to make sure I was alright — carrying a beautiful rose. Can you imagine what he must have thought?

When I explained what I was doing, a grin spread across his face. He handed me the rose and wished me blessings on my day. I can only imagine why he had this picture-perfect rose in the first place…

What an incredible act of kindness!! He definitely made my day as I took the remainder of my photos with the rose.

My walk

My 3-mile walk turned into 6.5 miles. With a smile on my face, I took photos of my book and special rose in a multitude of scenic places:

Along the inlet…

On the beach next to the inlet…

In the park, and …

My day was truly blessed!

A writer friend of mine started sharing quotes as a ministry during COVID and one of her primary topics is kindness. What are the most unusual acts of kindness you have experienced? Any ideas to share? We’d love to hear about them!

The first Fact or Fiction article of 2023 will reveal what was fact and what was fiction about the paintings found in Search Beyond Lies. Stay tuned!

© 2023 Karen VDH Fischer

WHAT ABOUT THAT NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION?

What about that New Year’s resolution? Did you make yours? If you did, how long is your list? My New Year’s resolutions started in middle school and continued for more years than I’d like to count. They included what most people placed on their list, although they varied based on the time of my life:

  • avoiding sweets,
  • exercising,
  • losing weight (especially after having babies),
  • meeting new people (I was very shy — notice the past tense), and
  • providing additional community service hours…. .

Although my resolutions were made with good intentions and were always meritorious, there was an undeniable common thread — I inevitably broke them. The question was how long did I maintain before I failed?

new year’s resolutions: overcoming failure

With failure came disappointment, frustration, and a sense of loss. My motivation went out the window, after all, I already failed. I stopped making New Year’s resolutions a number of years ago, however, I never threw the baby out with the bath water. My thinking, focus, and approach changed.

new year’s goals

goals, New Years, Search Beyond Lies

I no longer make New Year’s resolutions, I make New Year’s goals. According to the dictionary, a goal is “the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end.” I create goals and strive to achieve them.

It’s okay to get off track, I can always get myself back on without a sense of failure. It’s a healthier, positive outlook that keeps me on track.

suspense thriller, romantic suspense, Colorado, Rocky Mountains, action

My article, On the Road to Healthy Living: Foolproof Your Plan! provides the road map to successfully meet your New Year’s goals. Encouraged by the success of Search Beyond Lies, the first book in the Search & Recovery International (SRI) series, my professional goals for 2023 include:

  • releasing the audio version of Search Beyond Lies;
  • continuing to grow my law practice;
  • continuing the Fact or Fiction Series for Search Beyond Lies as well as other Fact or Fiction articles for guest authors;
  • releasing the second in the SRI series, After the Verdict;
  • working toward getting the third in the SRI series, Pattern of Deception, ready for my editors; and
  • doing the research for the 4th in the SRI series which takes place in Hawaii.

My other goals include remaining physically fit, increasing my physical performance, staying within the low range of my ideal body weight in anticipation of the planning and celebration that goes into the next goal — my son’s wedding!

There is no doubt that 2023 will be a big year! Accordingly, I plan to post at least twice monthly, more with guest authors.

Wishing you all a very happy, healthy, and productive 2023! God bless!

Any tips? Please share.

(C) 2023 Karen VDH Fischer

Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – The Clues: Part 2

In The Clues Part 1 of the last Fact or Fiction article for Search Beyond Lies, we learned that the existence of the glasses Charlie discovered was fact. The way they were discovered was fiction. The story behind the glasses still makes my head spin….

The History Behind the Glasses

Brian was an avid hiker with a goal of hiking all the 14ers. Par for the course, his sunglasses took a beating. J.C. was also hard on sunglasses so as a tit for tat type of joke, they gave each other their favorite sunglasses for their birthdays. At the time, J.C. liked a certain style of Ray-Ban® sunglasses.

Brian & J.C. hiking wearing the infamous sunglasses.

The sunglasses

The day before J.C.’s birthday, 8 months after Brian’s last hike, a small package was delivered to our home for J.C. By this time, J.C. had started a new job back east, so he asked me to open it. They were Ray-Ban® sunglasses. He asked who the sender was and where it originated from. Logical questions.

Estonia

The answers, however, did not make sense. They were sent from Estonia and the sender was his father, my husband. Clearly, he did not send them. Not only had my husband never been to Estonia, but even if he had, he would have sent a gift to his son’s new residence.

Hmmm. I took a picture of the sunglasses and texted it to J.C. They were his favorite style….

The investigation

I called Ray-Ban® and was advised that they could be counterfeits. They did not distribute from Estonia, and they were made only in Italy or China. I checked the packaging and tag. These were made in Italy, or so the tag said. The next step was to take it to an authorized distributor who had the capabilities to inspect and determine whether they were genuine Ray-Ban® sunglasses.

Italy City Scape

I did and they were genuine Ray-Ban® sunglasses. Hmmm.

friends and family

J.C. called every one of his family and friends who may have given him those sunglasses for his birthday. He struck out. No one he knew sent him those glasses.

conclusion

Who sent those sunglasses? Maybe it’s only my novelist’s imagination, but I’m not 100% sure Brian is no longer with us….

© 2022 Karen VDH Fischer

suspense thriller, romantic suspense, Colorado, Rocky Mountains, action

Search Beyond Lies is available on Amazon. https://amzn.to/3ueVmTO

Search Beyond Lies: Fact or Fiction – Missing

On July 5, 2018, Brian Perri was reported missing on Mount Meeker, one of the most dangerous mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park. Search Beyond Lies, Book One in the Search & Recovery International Series is a work of fiction, whose inspiration lies in a rare type of friendship J.C. Fischer and Kimo McEwen had with Brian where they put their lives on hold and jeopardized their safety and well-being to search for him. Was the manner in which Brian was discovered missing fact or fiction?

J.C. and Kimo searching for Brian Perri.
J.C. and Kimo

discovered missing

The manner in which the character, Brett, was discovered missing in Chapter 1 is fact. From his failure to show up at the defense, to the condition of the apartment during the welfare check is fact, including the participation of the character James. The description of the police officer is fiction.

The Last Known Location

Mount Meeker, Rocky Mountain National Park, Brian Perri

A selfie revealed the last known location was the summit. That is where the search began, and that is fact. The when, where, and to whom the selfie was sent, are fact as well as the reasons a missing person’s report was not filed at that time.

the car

The description of the car, where it was parked, and the events surrounding it are fact.

the park rangers

  • Fact: The work of the Alpine Team. A number of these dedicated Park Rangers continued their search on their days off as volunteers – they would not give up.
  • Fact: The existence of the Community Liaison and the Park Rangers’ reasons for deterring volunteers.
  • What was written about the search and rescue dogs are true. You’ll have to read the book to see their role.
bull elk, Rocky Mountain National Park
Bull Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park

Since I don’t appreciate spoilers, you’ll notice that I intentionally did not include any. I want you to enjoy the book while appreciating what is fact and what is fiction.

In the next Fact or Fiction article for Search Beyond Lies, we’ll take a look at the clues revealed during the search. I promise not to include spoilers.

suspense thriller, romantic suspense, Colorado, Rocky Mountains, action

Search Beyond Lies is available on Amazon. https://amzn.to/3ueVmTO

© 2022 Karen VDH Fischer