Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Tuesday Quote

Tomorrow,
         is the first blank page
    of a 
           365 page book.
 Write a good one.
                            Brad Paisley

Monday, December 30, 2013

2013 is Almost Over

I can't believe 2013 is almost over! Where has the year gone?

  • Family.
  • Day job.
  • Friends.
  • Social events.
  • Business events.
  • Writing.

All of the above things and more have filled my year.

The biggest event of 2013 for me was the publication of Lisa's Bear and Chasing Tara, books 1 and 2 of my Bryant Station series. It has been fabulous and scary and awesome!

2014 is going to be even better.

I'm working out a blogging schedule.

I'm currently working on book 3, which is Skylar Anderson's story. He met his mate back when he was in college, but did something really stupid to cause her to disappear. Now, 15 years later, he gets a second chance with her, but will he blow it again?
(In Lisa's Bear, David mentioned that Skylar, his cousin, would run Theo Willis's construction project.)

Book 4 is outline. I'm working on the outline for book 5, and the story ideas for book 6-8.

I'm also working on two new series. You will actually meet some of the characters for one of new series in book 3. I'll give you a hint: They love full moons. :) The binder for this series is under construction. I've put together some of  the background information, family charts and other information I need for the series.

2014 is going to be a busy year for me.

Thank you for your support. I hope you're enjoying the Anderson bears and their Curvy Women as much as I'm enjoying writing their stories.

Have a fun and same New Year's Eve, and raise your glass with me to welcome in 2014.

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Falling Snow

In most of Texas, we don't see this kind of snowfall. Where I live, snow is extremely rare. Sleet is usually the closest we get to snow.

I found this snowfall clip and thought you might enjoy it. It does have sound.



Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas

May your house ring with laughter and joy.
May your hearts overflow with love and peace.
May Santa have left you all kinds of gifts and toys.
May with family and friends, you have a wonderful feast.

I hope your world is filled with all the wonders and joy of Christmas.

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!


Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

This is one of my favorite Christmas poems. Thank you, Clement Clark Moore, for writing this wonderful piece.


Monday, December 23, 2013

It's Christmas Time

The houses are outlined with bright twinkling lights. Christmas trees peak out from behind the curtains. Beautiful wreaths adorn the front doors.

It's truly a magical time of the year.

Christmas music drifts through the air. All the radio stations are playing it. And Christmas movies are on most all of the television stations. (We watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas last night.)

Christmas is almost here.

It's only two days away.

Where has the time gone?
Thanksgiving was just here and now it's Christmas time.

As a kid, I knew Christmas was coming when the Sears Christmas catalog came in the mail. I would spend hours looking through it and dreaming about what I could do with all the toys. Using the Christmas catalog, I made my list for Santa and wrote, and rewrote my letter to him. I had to make sure the letter was perfect.

And then, the wait...

Finally, Thanksgiving arrived with the smells of turkey and pecan and pumpkin pies baking in the oven. On television, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade left me in awe. I knew Christmas was around the corner and Santa would read my letter, if he hadn't already.

But Christmas was slow. It took forever to get here...but now...

The holidays rush in when I'm looking.

I'm lucky. My Christmas shopping is done, though I am going to have to brave the grocery store for a few things I ran out of over the weekend. The fur babies want their kitty food, and I really need my coffee! So, off I go...

I hope Santa is good to you and your family.

I hope you make some special memories this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas!

Saturday, December 14, 2013

"Old School" Calendars

I LOVE technology, but I HATE electronic calendars.  
Can't stand them!
Nope.
No way.

I've tried the ones on my computer and my phone. I've downloaded various styles, but so far I hate them all. Yes, each has a feature or two that I like, but overall they irritate me. Maybe it has something to do with the fact of putting pen to paper, or being able to put sticky notes and stickers on the calendar. Yes, I like stickers...LOL!

I guess you can say, I'm a bit old school when it comes to calendars. 

A few of weeks ago, I bought a 2014 calendar because I needed to start planning out the new year in terms of goals and writing--both books and blogs. Basically, I've got to get my writing life organized with my family life and the day job. I have a separate calendar for the bills and household expenses. It's so much easier to look at it and see what I've paid and what I still need to pay.

The calendar is one of those monthly and weekly numbers. I like the monthly for a quick overview and the weekly for more detailed notes.

"If it's not on my calendar, it doesn't happen," is the running joke in my house, and I've already colored specific dates and penciled in some tentative deadlines.

Technology is wonderful, but "old school" is cool too!

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Did You Do Black Friday?

Days before Thanksgiving, all the commercials on television were aimed at Black Friday shoppers.  

It was crazy!

I had no plans of going anywhere near the stores this year, but my son had other plans. He wanted to go shopping , and he wanted mom to go with him.

I've only been shopping on Black Friday one time. I hated it! 

But I went with my son. (But only after I stalled and came up with a lot of excuses as to why we really didn't want to go anywhere near the stores.)

The crowds were ridiculously crazy, and the lines at the registers were even worse. I heard some people stood in line two hours just to check out. 
We went to two stores, and that was two stores too many. People were lined up waiting to get specific items, or they were grabbing anything that happened to be in front of them. 

The only thing I could think of was "FEEDING FRENZY!"  or maybe I should say "SHOPPING FRENZY!"

I know a lot of people who love Black Friday shopping. It's an annual event they never miss, like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

It's just not for me.

I would rather stay at home, watch a few Christmas movies, and drink coffee or hot chocolate. 

Now, CyberMonday...that's more my speed. 

How was your Black Friday shopping experience?

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Thanksgiving

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

I had friends and family over this year. My house was overflowing at one point, but it was a good thing. I thankful for my family and my friends.

I'm thankful I have a warm house.

I'm thankful that everyone in my family is home and safe.

And I'm thankful for all of you.


Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Holidays and Stories are Around the Corner

Over the last couple of weeks, I've watched a tree stand go up. First, the travel trailer appeared in the corner of the empty lot. The next day all the poles were up waiting for the tent. By the next day, when I drove by on my way to the day job, the tent was up as well as the fence and signs listing the types of trees they would be selling. The holidays are definitely here.

It's hard to believe, but November is half gone, next week is Thanksgiving, and Christmas is around the corner.

This year has literally flown by, but I've accomplished a lot. I've written and published two novellas. I'm proud of the books.

As I prepare to have friends and family over for Thanksgiving, I'm also working on outlines for books 3 and 4 in the Bryant Station Curves series. I've also got a couple of ideas for new series.

So, while I'm prepare the turkey and ham for the BBQ pit and bake my pecan, pumpkin, and apple pies, I'll be working on new stories.


Monday, November 11, 2013

Happy Veteran's Day

Today is Veteran's Day, and I want to say THANK YOU to all of our veterans. I also want to thank all of our current military personnel  for their sacrifices and service.

If you want to do more than just say "thank you," there are many ways you can do that. Jianne Carlo over at Love, Lust, and Laptops has a wonderful list of ideas.


Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Chasing Tara

Tara Wilson and her daughter, Haley, are running for their lives. They are only steps ahead of her brother-in-law who plans to use Tara to pay off his gambling debts, but before they can reach safety, their car breaks down outside of Bryant Station.
Jason Anderson’s bear knows Tara is his mate, and the bear will do anything to protect Tara and her cub. However, Jason is not looking for a mate. His mate died years ago and bears only get one mate…or do they?










Buy your copy today!

Monday, October 28, 2013

CHASING TARA is Available

Chasing Tara is finally starting to go live!!!

It's now available at Barnes and Noble for Nook. In the next few days it should go live at Amazon and KOBO.

The paperback version will be out a little later.


Saturday, October 26, 2013

New Book

I've just uploaded Chasing Tara, Book 2 in my Bryant Station Curves series to Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Now we have to play the waiting game until the novella goes live.

How about a look at the cover?


Friday, October 18, 2013

6 Tips for Writing While Working Full Time

Writing is hard work, but when you add in a day job, you have to get creative with your writing time. I write and I work full time at a day job, that sometimes drains a lot of my time and creativity.

So how do writers who work full time manage to write full time?
They have a bag of tricks they use to get the job done.

Here are some of the "tricks" out of my bag:


1. Get up early or stay up late
I get up an hour early during the week. I get a cup of coffee, check stats, then I try to write about 500 words before I have to get ready to leave for the day job. Most evenings, I spend several hours writing.


2. Set goals
I want to write about 1000 words every day, but I know there are some days that I can barely get 500 words written. Weekly goals seem to work a little better for me. My weekly goal is to write a minimum of 5000 words.


3. Plan/Organize
I create outlines for my stories. I learned a long time ago, I have to have an outline. It helps keep me on track. I know exactly where I need to go with the story. I keep story notes in a binder and the working outline is in the pocket of a spiral notebook that goes everywhere with me.


4. Write daily
Writing daily helps keep the creativity flowing. When I write daily, I tend to write more.


5. Keep pen and paper handy or your tablet
I don't leave the house without a pen and notepad or spiral notebook. I never know when an idea is going to hit me. If you're like me, if I don't write it down immediately, I forget it. I know some people who keep tablets or IPads with them to write on. I don't have one, but have started looking into them. But that is another story for another day.


6. Be Flexible
This is the biggest "trick" I can tell you about. Last month, my day job threw me for a loop. I had to give it a lot of extra hours, and as a result my writing didn't get as much attention as it should have. I've sat down and reevaluated my goals and adjusted them so that both my writing  and the day job stuff gets done. Flexibility is a huge key in succeeding.


You've probably seen these "tricks" numerous times. They are not new, but they work for me. Remember, not every tip about writing will work for you. You have to figure out what works for you and develop them.

But the biggest thing you have to have is determination.
Without determination, you will not succeed.
 I'm determined to succeed.


Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Book 2 is Coming in October

Book 2 in the Bryant Station Curves series is taking a little longer than I had originally anticipated.

I have a day job that threw me for a loop, by adding a couple more responsibilities to my already full list.Unfortunately, the new responsibilities sucked away a chunk of my free time, but I'm slowly recovering that time.

Book 2 is Jason's story. If you remember, Jason is David's older brother, and was hooked up with the not so nice Tina Anderson.

The story will be out in October.

And yes, I have an idea for book 3. LOL :)


Sunday, September 15, 2013

Boot Shopping

I love boots!

The fall catalogues have me drooling (not good for my keyboard).

I want them all!!

As much as I love boots, I hate shopping for them. It's a nightmare. Hours later, the only thing I have to show for my time is an attitude and a whole lot of frustration.

My problem is with my feet and calves. Being plus size, I have large calves, so that drops a lot of boots off my list. My boot shopping problem is compounded by the fact I wear a women's size 6 wide. A lot of manufacturers start with a size 7, which is way too big for me.

About two months ago, I told my DH I wanted a new pair of cowboy boots and a belt to control the rolling/sliding waistband problem my jeans have--that's a whole different story. Living in Texas, he took me to a couple of different local western wear stores. The first couple of stores didn't have anything in my size, but said they could order a pair for me. I declined, because I've learned I have to try the things on, otherwise I'm paying return postage to send them back. At one of the stores, the cute sales girl pretty much blew me off and went back to her co-worker to talk. The last store my DH took me too was a western store that had everything from trailers, to tack and saddles, to feed, to everything you could possibly want to wear to work on a farm or got to a rodeo (whether you were participating or just a spectator).

Hey, I said I live in Texas! LOL

Anyway, I started looking through the women's boots, but found nothing that would fit. Even though this was not the first time I've looked for boots, I was disappointed, though not surprised.

I had already decided to give up when a sales lady came up. We talked, and I told her what I was looking for and the problem I was having. She told me, to my surprise, my problem was fairly common, and she had a solution.

She took me to the kids' boot section.

I would never have thought of looking in the kids' boot section. I tried on different pairs, and I found that depending on the style and brand, I can wear a 4 to 5 in kid sizes.

The boots made for kids are replicas of the ones they make for adults, so I had a choice of styles and colors. The only difference is kid sizes are a little cheaper than adult ones and they may be a little shorter than adult boots (but not much).

I found a pair I really liked, but the left boot was too tight across the ball of my foot. My left foot is slightly wider than my right.

The sales lady smiled and said she could fix that too. She left and came back with a spray bottle filled with a mixture of water and rubbing alcohol. She sprayed the top of the boot while I was wearing it, and the leather almost instantly loosened.

Of all the times I've shopped for boots, this is the first sales lady who ever truly helped me and left me with some good tips. I definitely will go back to this store.

Oh, by the way, I've got a pair of leather, knee high boots that are a little tight around the top. The water-rubbing alcohol mixture worked wonders. I even tried the mixture on a pair of leather sneakers that wouldn't loosen up because it hurt to wear them.
Ariat (brand), size 5

Just a word of caution--always test the water-rubbing alcohol mixture on a small section of the leather before you spray it everywhere. You don't want to ruin you leather boots.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

PROCRASTINATION Kills Writers!!!

"But I am working!" I tell myself as I sit in front of the computer screen.

The sad part of the whole scene is that I'm not even sure I believe myself.

Yeah, I'm sitting in front of the computer, and I did have the word processing program open (it was long ago minimized), but now the Internet is open. That's right, I've been surfing for the last hour.

Crap! 
It's really been three hours!
I haven't even written one word.


Does this sound familiar? Maybe a little too familiar, right?

It's not writer's block causing the problem. I've got too  many ideas for that--well, maybe that is a problem, but it will have to wait until another day.

 So what's my problem?

PROCRASTINATION!!!

It's such an ugly word, but it's an ugly fact.
I waste a lot of my writing time.
But why do I, or anyone else for that matter, procrastinate?

Here are some of the reasons people, including myself, procrastinate.

The job's too difficult and there are too many things that are more fun.
This is usually the point where many of us even start doing chores we hate because they are easier to do than writing the scene we've been stuck on for the past two days.

I succeeded the first time, but I'm afraid I'll fail miserably this time.
Fear of failure is a huge issue. We accomplished writing the first book, now we have to write the next book. Questions run through our brains.
  • Is my writing good enough? 
  • Can I write another book? 
  • What if everyone hates the next book?
  • What was I thinking? I can't write! I'm a fake and everyone is going to find out.
 The questions can go on and on, until they begin crippling us.

I can finish the book in one month, get it edited and published--a very unrealistic goal.
This "goal" does nothing but set us up for failure. 

I have to keep my name in the public's eyes, that's why I'm constantly checking  all the social media sites I belong.
Social media eats a lot of computer time. Going to check the email, Facebook, Twitter, or whatever site it is, can cost you a couple of hours or more.

Procrastination, like I said earlier, is a dirty word, but the effect it has on us is far reaching. One way we can combat it, is to know what our triggers are and figure out ways to prevent the triggers from happening.

So now it is up to you. Why do you procrastinate?

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Lynn Viehl's Her Ladyship's Curse is Out


 In a steampunk version of America that lost the Revolutionary War, Charmian (Kit) Kittredge makes her living investigating magic crimes and exposing the frauds behind them. While Kit tries to avoid the nobs of high society, as the proprietor of Disenchanted & Co. she follows mysteries wherever they lead.

Lady Diana Walsh calls on Kit to investigate and dispel the curse she believes responsible for carving hateful words into her own flesh as she sleeps. While Kit doesn’t believe in magic herself, she can’t refuse to help a woman subjected nightly to such vicious assaults. As Kit investigates the Walsh family, she becomes convinced that the attacks on Diana are part of a larger, more ominous plot—one that may involve the lady’s obnoxious husband.

Sleuthing in the city of Rumsen is difficult enough, but soon Kit must also skirt the unwanted attentions of nefarious deathmage Lucien Dredmore and the unwelcome scrutiny of police Chief Inspector Thomas Doyle. Unwilling to surrender to either man’s passion for her, Kit struggles to remain independent as she draws closer to the heart of the mystery. Yet as she learns the truth behind her ladyship’s curse, Kit also uncovers a massive conspiracy that promises to ruin her life—and turn Rumsen into a supernatural battleground from which no one will escape alive. (from Goodreads)


Lynn Viehl's new book Her Ladyship's Curse is now available at Amazon.   

A book trailer and a free read, My Lord Mayhem, are at Disenchanted and Co.  

 

Friday, August 16, 2013

A Perfect Writing Space


It happened!


Last night DH kicked out of my office, again.


This happens on a regular basis. I like writing late at night and DH wants to sleep. Yeah, my “office” is in the bedroom or rather, I have a desk in the bedroom. It is not the ideal situation, but most of the time it works. When I am kicked out of the bedroom, I grab my laptop, pens, and notepads and head to the living room or the kitchen table.  I have learned to be flexible.


I dream of one day moving into a home that has the perfect writing space, but what is the perfect writing space? The answer to that depends on the writer and his or her needs and wishes.


My perfect writing space would have:

  • ·         Lots of natural light,
  • ·         A beautiful view (lots of trees, or a lake, or the ocean),
  • ·         A downstairs room,
  • ·         Walls painted in bold gem colors (no neutral tones)
  • ·         Bookshelves,
  • ·         Lots of storage,
  • ·         Huge desk,
  • ·         Comfortable desk chair,
  • ·         Tack boards and white boards,
  • ·         An overstuffed chair in the corner, and
  • ·         French doors.

The last item, French doors, probably sounds strange, but I have learned over the years DH cannot stand it when I close the door, even though he knows I am writing or working on writing stuff. Even if we are doing our own things, he wants me close by. It’s sweet and endearing, but sometimes tough. No, we are not newlyweds. We have been married for a long time and are best friends too. 

This could be the reason he hasn't helped me with any of the stuff in the spare bedroom that is supposed to be my office. Hmmm!!!


Will I ever get my dream office, I do not know, but it doesn’t hurt to dream.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Cover Reveal: Hidden Destiny by Carrie Ann Ryan



Hidden Destiny 
by Carrie Ann Ryan

Back Cover Copy:
North Jameson has always held his wolf closer to the surface then others. He's the quiet one, the one no one really knows about yet he holds the darkest secret. He’s watched his brothers find their mates and start families, and now it was his turn. He knows Lexi could be his and her son could be part of his family, but he doesn't know if he's ready to share the darkness that's entwined with his soul.

Lexi Anderson is a mother, a sister, a latent wolf, and a new member of the Redwood Pack. She’s also holding secrets so close to her heart she’s not even sure she knows the truth anymore. When North takes another step closer to wanting to cement their bond, Lexi must come to grips with her past and what it means for her future. The Centrals’ war isn’t over yet and Lexi’s life is on the line as the paths they've chosen takes a drastic turn.


From Carrie Ann Ryan:

Hi Everyone! Thank you so much for much for stopping by to see my new cover for HIDDEN DESTINY. I love this one. The background, couple…everything. Scott Carpenter, my artist, did an amazing job. Also, one of my favorite authors, gave me a cover quote that made me cry.

Carrie Ann Ryan writes sexy shifters in a world full of passionate happily-ever-afters” – NYT Bestselling author, Vivian Arend

Thank you again for stopping by and if you want to make sure you know exactly when you can purchase North’s book, check out my website and sign up for my newsletter. You can also find Hidden Destiny on Goodreads for your shelf.


The sixth book in USA Today Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan’s Redwood Pack series is all about the other twin in our hearts.

North.

This highly anticipated book is the penultimate novel in the series and goes down a dark path to find the way to end the war. You can find this book in all eretailers on January 14th, 2014.
 

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Reading and Writing

I love reading and I was reading at a very early age. By second grade I was reading stuff like Black Beauty, The Call of the Wild and Treasure Island. By junior high, I had already devoured most of the classics like Dracula and The Count of Monte Cristo.

It seemed like I've always known how to read. I can only attribute my reading abilities to the fact my mom read to me from a very early age on.

I remember having to do a book report my freshman year in high school. The reason I remember this is because the teacher told me I couldn't do the report on the book I had checked out of the library. It had to due with the book being too confusing, too long, and I wouldn't finish it in time. She finally gave up trying to convince me to pick another book.  I finished the book and went on to give a report on how different the book was from the movie version of it, which I loved. The book was Gone With the Wind.

I don't just read, I devour the written word--books, magazines, newspapers, etc.

As passionate as I am about reading, I'm even more so about writing.

All the words I've absorbed over the years are now the blood flowing through my veins. My heart has to beat and I have to write.

It may be as simple as a list or a haiku, or a short story, or a synopsis. I have to write.

I breathe. I read. I write.

If you were to cut me, I would bleed words. Maybe one day I'll be able to make a living off of the stories I've created with the words floating through my body.


Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Lisa's Bear


Although Lisa is happy with her home and her job as a teacher, she longs for more. She wants a family, but the odds of having a husband and children are stacked against her. She’s almost thirty, her biological clock is ticking, she seems to always attract the wrong guys, and she has a lot of extra padding on her curves.

David, a Kodiak bear shifter, is not looking for his mate and is not happy about chaperoning his nephew’s school dance, but the sweet honey-rose scent of his mate changes that. Now he has to convince Lisa he’s really attracted to her, as well as the fact he is a bear shifter.

But another female has her eyes on David and will do anything to make him hers, even if she has to kill Lisa.




Buy your copy today!


Saturday, July 27, 2013

Lisa's Bear is Available.

I'm so excited!!!
Lisa's Bear, the first book in my Bryant Station Curves series, has gone live at Barnes and Noble.
Over the next few days it should go live at Kobo and Amazon. All three places will be in ebook format. A paperback version will be available soon. I will keep you posted.



 Cover Blurb

Although Lisa is happy with her home and her job as a teacher, she longs for more. She wants a family, but the odds of having a husband and children are stacked against her. She’s almost thirty, her biological clock is ticking, she seems to always attract the wrong guys, and she has a lot of extra padding on her curves.

David, a Kodiak bear shifter, is not looking for his mate and is not happy about chaperoning his nephew’s school dance, but the sweet honey-rose scent of his mate changes that. Now he has to convince Lisa he’s really attracted to her, as well as the fact he is a bear shifter.

But another female has her eyes on David and will do anything to make him hers, even if she has to kill Lisa.