Sunday, December 20, 2020

Almost Christmas and Writing Update

 Christmas is Friday. Are you ready???


If someone asked me that question, I would have to say no. The Christmas tree is up and decorated, but we didn't put any lights outside like we did last year. I've mailed out the Christmas cards. I've bought most of the gifts. This year, we drastically cut what we spent, but I still need to wrap them. 

I am watching some Christmas movies. Well, listening to them. 

Last night, Hubby and I got a treat for ourselves. We spent the evening listening to Kevin Fowler at the Freiheit Country Store. Only so many tickets were sold online because they have to limit the number of people at the concert. We wore masks and careful to keep distance between us and others. It helps that most of the are is outside. It was nice to get out and have a little fun.

The real funny part is that I can home with my phone filled with notes for a new four book series. I have the base ideas for all four books. The muse was definitely working overtime. I'm just not sure when I will be able to write these stories. I've already planned what I want to write for 2021. For now, I have soft timelines for each book. I want to release at least four books this year. 

I did finish the outline for Phoenix. I'm still working on outlines for Onyx and Diablo. I'm also rewriting the outline for Dark Wolf. I wrote the first two chapters and didn't like them. Part of the problem, was that I didn't create my normal, detailed outline. 

I need to get back to the outlines. 

Have a cup of hot chocolate, or your favorite drink, and have a good evening. 


Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Happy December 2020!

 We finally made it to December! 

This week our weather has turned a little colder, at least for a day or two. This morning was the coldest. I think the rest of the week will be a mixture of 50s to 60s until we're back up in the 70s (Fahrenheit). 

I managed to get a wreath on the door, and the Christmas tree up over the Thanksgiving holiday. Every year, we hang peppermint candy canes on the tree. Do you know how hard it is for me to stay out of the candy canes? I love peppermint! I will post pictures on Instagram and Facebook later this week.

I'm working on Dark Wolf. With the day job and the quick deadline to upload to the vendors, It won't be ready. As soon as it is 

I still have a few Christmas cards left. 

If you would like one, I will be accepting requests through the form until Tuesday, December 8.

Christmas Cards




Friday, November 20, 2020

Random Friday Thoughts: A Sneak Peak at Starlight Bar series, Book 5

 Yeah for Friday!!!

I'm finally home from the day job, and I have a mini-vacation starting today. It's the little things that


actually mean the most. My agenda for the week is really simple:

  • grocery shopping
  • clean house,
  • laundry,
  • prepare for a much small Thanksgiving meal,
  • write,
  • plan December.

The first two things are the things that tend to get put off until the weekend. By the time I get home from the day job, I'm tired. I have caught myself sitting down to write, only to wake 30 minutes to and hour or so later.

Thanksgiving is definitely going to be different from last year's celebration. I coming some of the "comfort" foods, but in a much small quantity. 

I will be working on book 5 of the Starlight Bar series. Yeah, this is the story that wasn't planned. I guess I shouldn't keep calling it book 5. I have a title, but no cover yet. I had better add that to the list of things to do. LOL!  the title of book five is...

                                            DARK WOLF

I want to release it before Christmas, but no promises.

So who is the story about?  

Elliot Parker, the tattoo artist and wolfshifter who works at Wolf's Den Ink, has made brief appearances in two of the books. He wants his mate, but what female would want to deal with the monster that lives inside him? Josie Martinez was born human, but a vicious wolf attack that killed her baby sister, left her with a monster that hates pretty much everyone.


After I finish Dark Wolf, I will begin writing Phoenix (Brimstone Heat, book 2). 

Honestly, I had planned to have written more books than I did this year, but between the C, my wreck, DH's heart procedures and learning to do my day job in a whole new way...things were (and still are) just crazy. I look back on the plans I had for 2020, and I want to cry. 

PS: Don't forget about the 2020 Christmas Card list.


Sunday, November 15, 2020

Writing and Plotting


Today is nice here in Texas. It started out in the low 60's and moved to the mid 70's by the afternoon. I've had the windows open. I love days that I can air out the house. We've had a cold front come through a couple of weeks ago, but then the temperatures rebound up into the 80s. But, at least for today, I have cooler temperatures.

I sometimes can't believe just how fast time moves. Here in the USA, we're about a week and a few days away from Thanksgiving. This year, it may be just my DH and me. I'm not sure if the child will make it or not, and then too there's the C stuff that's going around. I'm thankful that no one in my family has caught it. 

I'm working on a 5th Starlight Bar book. I honestly thought I was finished with the series when I released Lost Wolf, but then another character decided he wanted his mate. And...his mate introduced herself by literally dropping onto my head. LOL!

I'm also working on the plots for the next three Brimstone Heat books. Onyx's mate is still being stubborn, but I expected that from her. I'm also jotting down notes and scenes for the next Undead book. 


I'm behind where I had expected to be with my writing, but I'm working to get the next book out and then the next, and then the next. I want to try to release 3 to 4 books next year. It's probably a lofty goal for me, but I'm determined. Honestly, I have a lot more stories I want to write. The ring binder system I've set up is definitely a work in progress, but having notes and all the plotting materials in one place makes it so much easier.

I'm still working on my Christmas card list. I know realize there is a worry about the C, but if you want to be on my list, here is the link to sign up -- Christmas card.










Wednesday, November 4, 2020

LOST WOLF is Live!!!

 


I'm so excited! Lost Wolf is live at the various booksellers. 

Yes, it did take me longer to write, but I love the way Moose and Jenna's story turned out. 

What would you do if you met your special, significant other and lost that person for decades? This is what happened to Moose and Jenna. 

Now that Lost Wolf is out, what am I doing?      

I'm working at a full-time day job. Not the most exciting thing, but it helps to pay the bills and keep the spoilt kitties in catnip and treats. The way they act when it's time to eat, you would think I was starving them to death. Yes, they're very spoilt. 

I'm also working on ideas and outlines. I'm making myself a tentative release schedule for 2021. I say tentative because the day job sometimes turns into longer hours than expected. (Frowny face) I'm also working on a special project. If all goes well, I hope to have it out sometime around Christmas.

I'm reorganizing my book ideas and outlines (and their research materials) to have everything in one place. I have a terrible habit of jotting down ideas and notes in whatever notebook I have in front of me. It's okay I'm writing down the idea so that I don't forget it, but it's not the best thing, because when I want to look at the idea, I have to search for it.

I've put out a signup list for Christmas cards. See below.I know I'm early, but I need some Christmas joy. I may watch a couple of Christmas movies this weekend.

I know my writing schedule hasn't been the most productive, but I want to thank all of you for staying with me and buy my stories. It really means a lot, and I love hearing from you.



Saturday, July 4, 2020

Happy 4th, Among Other Things!



Happy 4th of July!
(At least to those in the USA who celebrate.)
No fireworks this year due to COVID closures, but I'm sure some of the people in the neighborhood will probably set off some fireworks, even thought they're not supposed to do that.

I'm spending my evening working on writing stuff and having a glass or two of my favorite wine. My favorite wine actually comes from a Texas winery--Texas South Wind Vineyard and Winery. They make several different fruit wines, and blackberry is my favorite. 
The HEB (grocery store) I shop at carries the blackberry wine. They sometimes have peach or plum too. I tried the plum, but I didn't like it.  I want to take a road trip to the winery to check it out and maybe taste some of the other wines, especially the fruit wines. Guess I will have to wait until the COVID stops rearing its ugly head.

DH is resting, so I've got the living room to myself. Even though I have an office, I tend to move around the
house when I'm working on writing stuff. 

July is the start of the 3rd Quarter. I actually started the quarter on Monday, June 29, so that I had a full Monday through Sunday Week. I plan from Monday through Sunday. 

Overall, last quarter wasn't very good for me, and probably that way for a lot of people. I've regrouped and am now working to focus on what I need to do to get back on track. I'm also using this quarter as a learning experience to figure out exactly how much I can realistically accomplish in 90 days, especially when working all 90 days is not doable in light of all the other stuff that goes on in my life, including family and the day job, which takes up a lot of time.

One of the biggest things I've been worrying about is Lost Wolf, which is book 4 in the Starlight Bar series. I'm working to get it out this month. With all the things that have gone on, I don't want to rush the publication of it. There have been some changes in the story from the original plot I created. I don't have the cover yet, so that is on the list of things I have to do this month. 

I've actually created a virtual Kanban board to help me focus on my goals. I have access to it on my phone, Macbook, and IPad. I have absolutely no excuse for not looking at it on a daily basis and working on something or several somethings from the list. 

I also bought several Happy Planner notebooks to use for writing and plotting. I got them through an
online sale. I miss out on a lot of things I would love to have because I have to wait for things to go on sale or clearance and I can fit them into my budget. 

I love absolutely love stickers, pens and markers, notebooks. Yes, I'm geeky.  Bookstores, craft stores, and office supply stores are my favorite places to go. 



Saturday, March 28, 2020

Broken Wolf: Starlight Bar series



Buy at:

AMAZON  |  BARNES and NOBLE   |   APPLE BOOKS   |   KOBO



Can love save two broken shifters?

Cooper Hayes has a few regrets, but the biggest regret is not finding his mate and starting his own family. But now, he and his wolf are spiraling out of control, and their days are numbered. It’s too late for a mate and family. 

But Fate has different ideas and drops a curvy bear shifter into his life.

Dru Piers is just trying to survive, but it’s not easy. Lingering doubts and a bear that loves a good fight make things difficult on a good day. And now she has found her mate.

What’s a girl supposed to do, especially when a rogue pack of wolves attacks her mate? 

That’s simple. Dru angers her mate when she comes to his rescue.



Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Wishing You...


HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone!


I hope 2020 is a great year for you!