#cutter's code

[virtie333]

I squealed in excitement when I opened my e-mail to see the notice that this book was ready for pre-order. I've waited over 10 years for Rafe's story and HEA. Sadly, I think this means the end of the series, which I adore. What animal lover doesn't love a dog that acts as a matchmaker?

[virtie333]

So, my favorite author has a new book coming out that I've been looking forward to for almost 10 years! She knows her readers are excited and put this on her Facebook page. Not only did I express my interest in reading these interviews, but I think the idea is genius! Next time I'm stuck, I'm going to remember this, even if I have to go to Finn or Leia to get straight answers!

"Some of you may be aware of a new book coming out in about three weeks. A book that's been a long time coming. (and that some of you, bless you, have been adamant about wanting. Like, NOW.) A book about a man who wanted no part of it. Yes, talking about that stubborn, intractable, and sometimes unmovable Rafe Crawford.

I did some checking, and I first started working on his story in 2012, the year the first Cutter's Code book was published. Which is the same time he began his campaign of non-cooperation. I may have mentioned before that one of my go to's for difficult characters—when I get frustrated enough—is to do an interview with them. This likely sounds crazy to a non-writer. "Hello, you sit down and talk to a non-existent person?" And yet it works, most of the time. Something bubbles up out of that pot on the brain's back burner where I toss the things that are giving me problems, and if not the full answer, it's at least helpful.

Mr. Rafer Crawford was no help whatsoever. An interview with him resulted in a string of unhelpful answers, mostly "Gotta go work on the plane/helicopter/generator", or a flat "No," or silent stares.

Finally a helpful writer friend (thanks, Eve Gaddy!) suggested I talk to the other half of the equation. Turns out Charlie Foxworth was surprisingly cooperative. And then, just for fun, I thought I'd sit down and talk to the mastermind of it all, and that furry critter had more to say than I ever expected."

Justine Davis, author of the Cutter's Code series (among many, many others!)

[virtie333]

Since I started back into writing and reading fanfiction, I have rarely picked up an actual book. And you're talking to a person who used to read 2 to 3 paperbacks a week! However, if I'm honest, it's not the fanfiction's fault, as I was finding it very difficult even before the pandemic started to find time to read.

I was beginning to miss it. A lot. When my favorite author made a comment about the series she was writing on her Facebook page, I realized I was 3, almost 4, books behind, so I quickly ordered the books I didn't have. But, if you're a reader, you know you can't just pick up where you left off in a series. So, I started from the beginning. Book 1 read, Book 2 ready to go! Cutter, the super smart matchmaking dog, is on the move again!