Category Archives: Strong Women

I don’t just write, you know…

Recently, on my blog, I shared a conversation I had in the nail salon where a fringe acquaintance asked me, “Is writing all you do?” Yes, she did leave the salon upright – my nails were wet and I didn’t want to damage them – but it wasn’t the first time I’ve been asked that question since I retired and started writing full time. It’s made me mad a few times, chuckle some others, and left me befuddled a lot. A. Lot.

Why do people ask a question like that? To me, it’s as insulting as saying to a stay-at-home-Mom, “Oh, you stay home. You don’t work.” Hello? Have you ever seen a stay-at-home-mom? She may not be going outside the home to earn a paycheck, but she works 24/7/365, she’s always on-call for emergencies and the first line of defense with everything child, spouse, and home related.

The reasons I get crazed when someone says things like, “Oh, you write. Must be nice to be home all day just lounging around,” or, “You’ve got it made, never having to work at a real job,” are varied, but uppermost, they’re downright insulting. The implication of being a writer is that you don’t do anything during the day. You sit around eating Milano cookies and watching TLC. Do people actually believe that? Are they that stupid? Where do they think the books that are written come from? The minds of computers? Monkeys with keyboards? Do they think there are little fairies sitting in cupboards trolling them out? Where?

I spend 6-10 hours, 5 days a week writing, and 3-5 hours daily on the weekends. That includes not only writing my novels, but I also manage 2 blogs, pay blog visits to other sites at least 5 times per month, and am in charge of my marketing/promotion for my books. No time for cookies and reality tv, folks.

During the times I am not writing, I run the house which includes cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, laundry, bill-paying, exercising, etc. I don’t have a cleaning lady. I don’t have an assistant. I don’t have an intern. I do it. All of it. When my husband comes home from work we eat a made-from-scratch dinner cooked by…you got it: me.

And when all of those things are said and done, I also read for pleasure (other authors!), I love to cook new dishes and recipes from the 100+ cookbooks I have, and I paint.

No, dear nail salon bimbo, writing isn’t all I do. I have a life; a damn good one, too.

So, there.

….and here’s an example of what I’ve been writing. On 2/8/16 3 WISHES (A Candy Hearts Romance) is released. You can preorder now, here:

perf5.000x8.000.indd

And here’s a little sumthin’ sumthin’ to whet your reading appetite:

It was Dr. Dreamy.

The man had been a hunk-a-doodle when he’d been in my shop. Right now he looked like sex on a candy stick. Tall, lithe, wide-shouldered and narrow-hipped in his scrubs, he was every fantasy I’d ever had about what my man would look like. He stood in the doorway of the waiting room and stared at me.

And I stared right back.

“I assume she’s your mother,” he said, hooking his thumb in the general direction behind him.

I nodded. He grinned, and my toes curled up at the tips. “She’s a force to be reckoned with.”
I winced and replied, “She means well.”
Even to my ears it sounded more like a weak question than a declaration.
His grin spread, and I swear my girlie parts quivered. Quivered.

When he came toward me, eating up the floor with his long stride, a hot bead of awareness burst from somewhere deep, deep down inside me.

When he was within smelling distance—and have I mentioned how amazing he smelled—he stopped, his gaze lasered on my face.

Dear Reader: want more? You know what to do, LOL!

Tweet Me   Read Me   Visit Me   Friend Me  GOogle+ Me    Pin Me   Picture Me

Leave a comment

Filed under 3 Wishes, Author, Candy Hearts, Contemporary Romance, Life challenges, Romance, Romance Books, Strong Women, The Wild Rose Press, WIld Rose Press AUthor

The Art of BALANCE

Can you juggle? I don’t mean balls or plates or brightly colored juggling clubs. Can you juggle your writing life, your personal life, your career/job life and your life in general and not drop the balls – literally – at every turn?

If you answered yes, please know I hate you. (Not really!)

If you answered no, please know you and I are simpatico; twins separated at birth.

After the New Year I was asked to come back to the job I retired from last summer to help out in a “crisis situation.” My first thought and reaction was that knee-jerk NO I’ve been trying to get away from this year and that I mentioned in a previous blog.

The crisis at work was real, and I knew the staff I loved like they were my own children were suffering, so I agreed to go back on a per diem basis with an expiration date stamped on my forehead and the ability to do some of the work from my home desktop.

To say they were ecstatic isn’t even close to their gratification. But I digress…

For the past few months I’ve been learning how to balance my life with the added plus of being able to write to my heart’s content all day. No longer have I had to plan my writing around family time, chore time, or work-outside-the-house time. I’ve been pretty successful at the balance. Food gets cooked, clothes are clean and put away in a timely fashion, and the house looks presentable. Plus, I’ve written two more books and edited three. Nice.

But I’ve been back to work for 2 weeks and that balance is starting to shift again to where it was before I retired. The house looks like it belongs in tornado-alley, I have several piles of laundry just waiting to get done, and last night we had leftovers for dinner – and I loathe leftovers!

My writing has suffered, too. I haven’t been able to do marathon sessions anymore, something I love because I hate to stop when the flow gets, well, flowing. I have two releases coming out in the next two months and the publicity and marketing stuff for those are taking up a huge chunk of my free time, so the time to create new stuff is getting overtaken.

One thing I am grateful for is the Candy Hearts releases this past month, because I got most of those blogs ready in December before the proverbial s**t hit the fan, so I can just upload them on the days they are scheduled for and not worry about a blog piece…like this one.

Last year was a lifetime away for me, so I’m at my wit’s end to try and figure out this life juggle balance act. I would greatly – IMMENSELY! – appreciate any and all tips on how to do this balance dance from those of you who have more to juggle than I do – like children still at home, and full time jobs  (not the per diem I have).

So, let’s discuss…..what works for you, what helps you balance writing with your life, and, sometimes more importantly, what doesn’t?

 

Coming 2/8/16  3 WISHES ( A Candy Hearts Romance)

perf5.000x8.000.indd

 Valentine’s Day is chocolatier Chloe San Valentino’s favorite day of the year. Not only is it the busiest day in her candy shop, Caramelle de Chloe, but it’s also her birthday. Chloe’s got a birthday wish list for the perfect man she pulls out every year: he’d fall in love with her in a heartbeat, he’d be someone who cares about people, and he’d have one blue eye and one green eye, just like her. So far, Chloe’s fantasy man hasn’t materialized, despite the matchmaking efforts of her big, close-knit Italian family. But this year for her big 3-0 birthday, she just might get her three wishes.

Tweet Me   Read Me   Visit Me

Friend Me    Pin Me  Picture Me

Google+me

 

11 Comments

Filed under 3 Wishes, Author, Candy Hearts, Contemporary Romance, Life challenges, Romance, Romance Books, Strong Women, The Wild Rose Press, WIld Rose Press AUthor

Reviews – a Necessary Evil?

I’ve talked many times about how important reviews of your writing work have become to the present day author. The old sayings a review can make or break you and you are only as good as your next book seem to still be true. I heard a few days ago that Amazon uploads approximately 100,000 new books/novels/novellas/short stories per day, and even if that is remotely true, your ability to get your work “seen” by people who will buy it is crucial. And several excellent reviews can help you attain that goal.

But what about that bad review? A whole sea of 4’s and 5’s, with excellent comments and praise is sitting alongside that 3 –or even worse – 2 star evaluation. What happens then? Do people even consider it, since all the other reviews are glowing? Does a potential reader’s eyes glaze over it, not recognizing it? These are valid questions, but the one that always leaps to my mind is Why, if they didn’t like the book and had nothing – nothing – good to say about it, did they even bother to write a review?

I grew up in a time (in a galaxy far, far away it appears!) where I was taught “If you can’t say something nice or positive, keep your mouth closed.” It’s a practice I struggle with daily, but somehow manage to achieve. Most other people? Not so much.

You see rude comments everywhere these days: television commentators, political analysts, tweets, Facebook comments, music. Even reality tv shows that get the highest ratings are all about how the “housewives” or other cast members bash one another verbally. What the heck has happened to considering the other person’s feelings? When did treat others as you would wish to be treated fly out the window to fall to its civil death?

The internet has made anonymity and the ability to say any old mean thing that pops into your head a normal occurrence. There are no repercussions for rude comments; no responsibility for hurtful and just plain mean words; and no thoughts that you may damaging another person’s reputation – personally AND professionally.

Is it because the person writing and posting the poor reviews or comments feels powerful? Or are they so narcissistic they need to see their name plastered across the internet whether their comment is vile or not? And again, if you truly did not like the book, why waste your time reviewing it? Move on to another book you can like and say good things about. I have started and/or read hundreds – HUNDREDS – of books that I simply did not care for. Some I tossed down after the first few pages, forgotten, while I picked up another. Some I’ve slushed through only to find I shouldn’t have wasted my time. Those books never got a review or rating from me because (a) it would have been a waste of time for me to do, (b) even though I didn’t like it, someone must have because it made it to print, and ( c) as an author I know negative words can hurt, maim, depress, and cause physical pain and I would never want to be the cause of someone else’s feeling of grief or agony.

Am I the only one who feels this way? I’d love to hear from other writers – and even reviewers – about this. Do you post a negative review? If so, why? From authors, have negative reviews hurt you professionally?

And most importantly – how do you recover from, or steel yourself against – those horrible reviews.

Let’s discuss……

Coming 2/8/16 but avialable for PREORDER NOW:: 3 WISHES ( A Candy Hearts Romance) 

 Valentine’s Day is chocolatier Chloe San Valentino’s favorite day of the year. Not only is it the busiest day in her candy shop, Caramelle de Chloe, but it’s also her birthday. Chloe’s got a birthday wish list for the perfect man she pulls out every year: he’d fall in love with her in a heartbeat, he’d be someone who cares about people, and he’d have one blue eye and one green eye, just like her. So far, Chloe’s fantasy man hasn’t materialized, despite the matchmaking efforts of her big, close-knit Italian family. But this year for her big 3-0 birthday, she just might get her three wishes.

Buy Links for 3 WISHES : On Amazon     From The Wild Rose Press

Read Me   Tweet Me    Friend Me

Google+ Me     Follow Me  Pin Me

Picture Me

2 Comments

Filed under 3 Wishes, Author, Candy Hearts, Characters, Contemporary Romance, Family Saga, love, Romance, Romance Books, Strong Women, Wild Rose Press Authoe, WIld Rose Press AUthor

A cold day and I’m doing…

Nothing. I’m sitting here at almost 9 am in my nightgown, sipping Diet Mountain Dew, staring out my home office window and the 20 mile an hour winds with the drifting snow flying off the trees.

And I’m trying to write…something…anything!

Ahhh…the life of a solitary writer.

Tweet Me    Friend Me  Read Me

Google+ me  Visit me

2 Comments

Filed under Author, Candy Hearts, Contemporary Romance, Family Saga, female friends, Life challenges, Literary characters, MacQuire Women, New Hampshire, Romance Books, Strong Women, WIld Rose Press AUthor

A visit with Kayden Claremont

candyheartI’d like you to meet CandyHearts Romance author Kayden Claremont, author or RED HOT. I wanted to get to know her a little better and she answered a few questions for me today. You can read an excerpt of her new Candy Hearts release RED HOT below, and remember to enter the WILD ROSE PRESS RAFFLECOPTER at the end of this blog for a chance at a KINDLE FIRE.

Here’s Kayden:

What drives you to write?

The characters. I know that sounds crazy but it’s true. Since I was a kid characters haunted my brain. They won’t leave me alone until their story is finished. Then there are more characters wanting me to tell their story. Even when I decide to quit, and we all do, within hours I’m typing again.

What genre(s) of Romance do your write, and why?

I write Paranormal Erotic Romance. Paranormal because that’s the geek in me. I’m labeled erotic because the characters like having sex, and romance because I believe everyone and thing deserves to be in love.

How did you come up with the plotline/idea for your current WIP?

Red Hot is set in a western theme park. The family went to Arizona and we took a day trip to Tombstone. I fell in love with the idea of spending my day reenacting the Old West. I wanted to pack up and move there, but my husband and the kids didn’t like the idea. This story just blossomed in my mind while I was walking around this fascinating town.

RED HOT

Blurb:

perf5.000x8.000.indd

Treena Stanton, artistic coordinator of Sierra’s Cowboy Theme Park, wants to exact revenge on Clayton Wagner. She had a crush on him in school, but he never acknowledged her existence. Revenge is sweet but not as sweet as the pleasure of his touch.

Strategic accounts manager, Clayton Wagner lost a bet and has to work the next twenty-four hours at his buddy’s theme park. But when his “boss for the day” with mouth-watering curves demands he wear a cowboy costume, all he can think about is finding out what’s under her petticoat. But when the truth is revealed about their past, will the sparks of passion fizzle or burst into Red Hot flames?

 

Excerpt: Treena smiled at him. How could she not smile at that head of thick, black hair and those mahogany-colored eyes that had driven all the girls wild in school?

Clayton had been the captain of the football team and Treena had been–well, totally invisible to him.

She stood, straightened her shoulders to make her C-cups seem bigger, moved her hand down her navy skirt to accentuate her hips, and pointed to the costume. “No. I’m not kidding.” She took a step closer, tucking her long, red hair behind her ear as his spicy aftershave enticed her. “You applied for a job at Sierra’s Cowboy Theme Park and you’re confused about working as a character?” Darting her tongue across her bottom lip, she waited for her words to pierce his pride. “What kind of work did you think you’d be doing here?”

He tensed, as every fiber in his masculine body screamed not this. Satisfaction danced deep inside her. Even in his Italian suit, she could see that he was still athletic, with muscular arms and thighs. Clay still made her pulse race.

By the way he looked at her, she could tell she still had no effect on him at all. He stood inches away from her, looking her right in the eye, and hadn’t recognized her. Should she wave? Chant the school’s victory song?

Buy LInks:

Amazon       The WIld Rose press

About the Author:

kaydenKayden loves sexy, well-crafted stories of lust and love. Her sensuous style drives the characters in lustful romps. When she is not crafting erotic romantic stories, she can be found crocheting or making jewelry.

Kayden is a member of Romance Writers of America, Toronto Romance Writers, and Writing Community of Durham Region.

She hopes you enjoy her other books, Hell’s Bounty, and Timeless Passion, all published by The Wild Rose Press.

Kayden loves to hear from her readers. You can find her here:

Website/  Blog/  Twitter/  facebook

 

Enter to win a KINDLE FIRE courtesy of THE WILD ROSE PRESS clinck the http://link

<a class=”rcptr” href=”http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/126861c115/” rel=”nofollow” data-raflid=”126861c115″ data-theme=”classic” data-template=”” id=”rcwidget_vibd13mu”>a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
http://a%20id=

4 Comments

Filed under Candy Hearts, love, Romance, Romance Books, Strong Women, Uncategorized, WIld Rose Press AUthor

A New Year, a New Attitude

I haven’t been able to post this piece this week because of the beginning round of Candy Hearts releases that have hit like a giant wave. Reviews are coming in all over the place and it seems everyone loves the series, so yea!

Late December I had a kind of epiphany. Since my retirement, I’ve basically been a hermit in my own home, writing 8-10 hrs most days and seeing no one for days at a time except for my husband. I’ve said “No” to lunches with friends, dinner dates with my husband, and shopping trips. I told two boards of directors “No” when they asked me to join their organizations, and I canceled two writing conference trips because I just didn’t want to leave home. I didn’t even decorate for Christmas this year because we were going to be out of town for the holiday.

Hermit, much?

In December, I realized I was isolating myself and although this may be good for me  the writer, it wasn’t good for me the person.

So.

I made myself a promise. Instead of knee-jerking “no” to everything when asked, I would make 2016 the year of “yes.” Yes I can, Yes I will, Yes I do.

Now, I’ve had a few people tell me this is dangerous because you need to know where to draw the line at saying yes. Don’t worry. I’m not saying yes to anything harmful, dangerous, illegal or immoral! I am saying yes to opportunities, friendships, and to helping others.

By saying “Yes” I’ve become my New Hampshire’s RWA chapter secretary this year.

By saying “Yes” I’ve volunteered to be a judge at this year’s Dancing with the Keene Stars in April. ( I was a contestant last year)

By saying “Yes” I joined a gym and am now working out and talking to actual, live people instead of my characters, 5 days per week.

By saying “Yes” I feel as if a giant weight has been lifted from my body. I’m smiling more, and I genuinely feel happier.

It’s amazing what a three letter word can do for, and to, a person.

Happy New Year, and here’s to 2016, the year of  “YES…I do, I can, I will.”

And I hope you say “YES” to my new release, 3 WISHES ( A Candy Hearts Romance) when it is released on 2/8/16. It’s up for preorder now, and here’s the link.

perf5.000x8.000.indd

Valentine’s Day is chocolatier Chloe San Valentino’s favorite day of the year. Not only is it the busiest day in her candy shop, Caramelle de Chloe, but it’s also her birthday. Chloe’s got a birthday wish list for the perfect man she pulls out every year: he’d fall in love with her in a heartbeat, he’d be someone who cares about people, and he’d have one blue eye and one green eye, just like her. So far, Chloe’s fantasy man hasn’t materialized, despite the matchmaking efforts of her big, close-knit Italian family. But this year for her big 3-0 birthday, she just might get her three wishes.

 

 

 

 

13 Comments

Filed under 3 Wishes, Author, Candy Hearts, Contemporary Romance, Family Saga, love, NHRWA, Romance, Romance Books, RWA, Strong Women, WIld Rose Press AUthor

Candy Hearts feature: CHARM ME

promojpg 

 Today, I’m having a visit from a character in yesterday’s release of CHARM ME (A Candy Hearts Romance) by Tena Stetler. And don’t forget to enter for a chance to win a KINDLE FIRE from the Wild Rose Press ( details at the end of the interview)perf5.000x8.000.indd

Since Tena did the actual interview, I’m giving her the virtual floor. Take it away, Tena!

           Good Morning Everyone.

I’d like to introduce Summer Dawn Riley. She is the heroine of my Candy Hearts Romance, Charm Me

Summer, won’t you tell us a little about yourself?

“Happy to. I was raised in a small eastern seaboard town. An unfortunate incident there had me rethinking my life and magic. Yoga brought balance and peace to my existence. So when I saw an ad in a local newspaper for a Yoga instructor in Colorado Springs, I felt it was a sign. A chance to leave everything behind, start fresh where no one knew me. 

When I first arrived, everything was great. Then the owner of the business left suddenly, selling Earthbound Yoga to me for a song and I took over payments on the turn of the century home turned into a yoga Studio. Not at all what I had planned.”

 So where did you meet Devlin Sawyer, the story’s hero?

“Spending long hours and late at night at the studio, I felt the need for protection. Though I have Piper, my chow dog for companionship, she is also a darn good guard dog. So when I saw an ad for a women’s gun class at Moon Ridge Gun Club, I decided to pay them a visit. When I walked into the club there was this ruggedly handsome man standing behind the counter. I am afraid I was a little awe struck, his deep voice was like warm honey and the thoughts I had – well — had me blushing. But he didn’t mention it. Just signed me up for the gun class and …”

 So was it love at first sight?

“My first… No… or maybe yes, I had no intention of starting a relationship or even… Well, I felt it better to keep other people at arm’s length after the incident in my home town. But Devlin just wouldn’t take a hint. He showed up early one snowy morning, my favorite latte in hand, as he strolled into Earthbound, I was just opening the studio. He scared the bejeebers out of me. I was sure he saw me… um… light the fireplace in an unconventional manner. After that it was dinner at a public place, then dinner at his apartment – And I guess you’d say Valentine magic took over from there.” She looked up and smiled wide.

 I (Tena, here!) turned to see what brightened her expression as a man, well over six feet tall, with thick black hair, big brown eyes, full lips and a muscular build strode through the door. “Oh, hello Devlin… I didn’t know you were stopping by. Have a seat.”

A warm grin spread across his face as his gaze took in Summer. It was almost as if I didn’t exist.

“How’s my li’l witch? Ready to go? We have an appointment in 15 minutes across town. Sorry Tena, didn’t mean to ignore you. I really don’t have time to talk, maybe another day?”

 Sure, Devlin. We’ll set it up. Summer, I don’ t remember you mentioning you were a witch?”

 Summer pursed her lips and glared at Devlin. “I didn’t. But since he has such a big mouth. I’ll admit, to being an elemental witch, a rare talent as I can control earth, water, fire and wind. Some possess the power, but only control one or two elements. With that being said, I do really need to leave. It has been nice talking with you and Peggy. I guess if anyone needs to know more about me or Devlin and his magic, they’ll just have to read Charm Me.

 Devlin frowned for a beat, then his lips twitched as if hiding a grin.

“Touche. One secret for another.”

He offered Summer his hand as she stood. Placed an arm around her waist, lingered over a kiss, then Devlin and Summer turned and waved as they left.

 “I guess the interview is over, Peggy. Thanks for having us. It was a blast. Maybe we can wrangle Devlin into an interview at a later date. I’ll leave the blurb and excerpt for Charm Me with you.” Author Tena Stetler gets to her feet, follows her characters out the door.

Peggy here: Wasn’t that a great interview? I actually got to read CHARM ME before it was released and you can read my review here: 

Blurb:

Summer Dawn Riley’s an extraordinary elemental witch whose troubled past haunts her. She’s created a calm life for herself teaching yoga and keeping people at a distance. Her life takes a one eighty degree turn when she enrolls in a women’s weapons class and meets ruggedly handsome Devlin Sawyer.

Devlin, a former Navy Seal, has sworn off women after two long-term failed relationships, but there is no denying his attraction to Summer. She intrigues him like no other woman ever has. Despite her attempts to ignore him, Summer is drawn to Devlin. His magic signature is strong, but he’s no warlock. Will Valentine’s Day magic find them a future together?

Excerpt:

Getting to her feet, she brushed the dust from her black yoga pants, tugged at the bottom of her bright orange tunic, and flipped the light switch on. A soft glow of florescent lighting flooded the large room, soothing Summer’s nerves. Guess she would never be the same carefree individual she was before the incident. Oh, shake it off. You’re safe and it’s time to get on with life. “Come on Pip, let’s get this place open.”

A massive stone fireplace towered in the corner. She picked up an arm full of wood and flung it in the general direction. Logs landed in the fire pit and neatly arranged themselves in a tepee shape. With a magic flick of her finger toward the hearth, flames raced up the aspen logs. “That’s better.”

She raised her arms, about to send the yoga mats back to their proper place when the heavy wooden front door creaked open. Piper rushed toward the door, teeth bared and a growl rumbled in her throat. Summer whirled around and yelped as Devlin ambled into the room, black hair tousled and glistening with melting snowflakes. His nonchalance at the dog’s approach surprised her as he slowed to a stop. Piper sniffed around him, backed up a few inches, then stood at alert in front of Devlin.

“You scared the bejeebers out of me.” Summer held her hand to her chest as her heart thundered.

“What are you doing here?”

“Call your guard dog off and I’ll tell you.” The corners of Devlin’s mouth curved up into a smile, a faint light twinkled in the depths of his dark eyes.

“Piper, leave it…come.” The dog gave Devlin a last sideways glance, trotted back to Summer and sat at her side.

Buy Links:

amazon   Wild Rose Press  Kobo  B&N

About TENA STETLER

tena

Tena Stetler is a paranormal romance author with an over-active imagination. She wrote her first vampire romance at the age of twelve, to the chagrin of her mother and the delight of her friends. Colorado is her home; shared with her husband, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-year-old box turtle. Any winter evening, you can find her curled up in front of a crackling fire with a good book, a mug of hot chocolate and a big bowl of popcorn.

Contact Information:

Website:    Blog:     Facebook Page:

Twitter Page: Goodreads:    The Wild Rose Press:

Amazon:    Newsletter: 

read my review of CHARM ME here

Enter to win a KINDLE FIRE, courtesy of THE WILD ROSE PRESS (click on the http://link)

<a class=”rcptr” href=”http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/126861c115/” rel=”nofollow” data-raflid=”126861c115″ data-theme=”classic” data-template=”” id=”rcwidget_vibd13mu”>a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
http://a%20id=

7 Comments

Filed under Candy Hearts, Romance, Romance Books, Strong Women, WIld Rose Press AUthor

2015 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2015 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 5,700 times in 2015. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 5 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

Leave a comment

Filed under 3 Wishes, Author, Contemporary Romance, female friends, Life challenges, Literary characters, love, MacQuire Women, My Sexy Saturday, NaNoWriMo, NHRWA, Romance, Romance Books, RWA, Skater's Waltz, Strong Women, The Wild Rose Press, There's No Place Like Home, WIld Rose Press AUthor

If it’s Wednesday…..

mfrwlogo

If it’s Wednesday, It’s MFRW Book Hooks! Click here to blog hop with some great authors – you just may find your next favorite writer!

I’ve got a Candy Hearts romance coming out on 2/8/16 just in time for Valentine’s Day, so here’s a little sumthin’ sumthin’ to whet your romantic tastebuds.

I spotted him through the horde of people milling about the store. Valentine’s Day was tomorrow, and the shop was its usual day-before packed.

Gesu!

He looked even better in the bright light of day than he had in the shade of darkness. A fine line of stubble trailed up his jaw and cheeks, and he had tiny blue- tinged disks under his eyes like he’d had a late night, but, holy cow, he was still a major hunk-a-doodle.

Then he caught me looking at him. His smile came so quickly I nearly dropped the strawberries. He put up a finger and crooked it, beckoning me over.

3 Wishes, A Candy Hearts Romance, coming soon from the Wild Rose Press. Here’s the preorder link:

perf5.000x8.000.indd

Valentine’s Day is chocolatier Chloe San Valentino’s favorite day of the year. Not only is it the busiest day in her candy shop, Caramelle de Chloe, but it’s also her birthday. Chloe’s got a birthday wish list for the perfect man she pulls out every year: he’d fall in love with her in a heartbeat, he’d be someone who cares about people, and he’d have one blue eye and one green eye, just like her. So far, Chloe’s fantasy man hasn’t materialized, despite the matchmaking efforts of her big, close-knit Italian family. But this year for her big 3-0 birthday, she just might get her three wishes.

Tweet Me   Friend Me  Read Me

Visit Me Pin Me  Picture Me

Google+ Me

1 Comment

Filed under 3 Wishes, Author, Candy Hearts, Contemporary Romance, Family Saga, female friends, love, Romance, Romance Books, Strong Women, The Wild Rose Press, WIld Rose Press AUthor

End of the year wrap-up and a look ahead to 2016

At the beginning of every year I write out a bunch of goals I want to accomplish during the year. The perpetual ones are lose 50 pounds ( or at least 5!), re-read all my favorite books, exercise 5 times per week, drink more water, drink less soda.

weightloss3

Usually, I get 2-3 going good for a few months and then fall by the wayside.

loseweight

2015 had a different set of goals. I knew I was retiring, so goal number 1 was to write every day. I fulfilled that goal. Number 2 was to get a novel published by a traditional publisher. That goal got met in spades: I had 3 books go live in 2015. Yippie for me. Number 3 was to write at least twice a week on this blog. Again, met in spades since I average 3-4 times per week for the year. Yippie, squared!

 

Looking ahead to 2016 I have some new goals to go along with the old standards. Here’s my list:

  1. Lose 50 pounds (I’d be happy with 10)
  2. Drink more water, less soda
  3. exercise 6 days per week
  4. Have 3-4 books published traditionally
  5. get an agent ( this one should be number 1 but I really need to lose weight!)
  6. say “yes” more than “no”, no matter what is being asked of me ( this will be a toughy, but I plan on doing it!)
  7. find new authors to read and promote them through social media
  8. meditate ( you do not know how badly I need to do this one.weightloss4

We’ll see how well I do!

weightloss2

 

Leave a comment

Filed under Author, Contemporary Romance, Life challenges, Romance Books, Strong Women, WIld Rose Press AUthor