Some Bounds Can Never Be Broken

Fate may have torn Lily and Liam apart, but destiny isn’t finished with them yet.

Experience a heartwarming wolf shifter romance filled with hope, family, healing, and a love strong enough to survive the impossible.

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May Edition: Finding Story Ideas, Day Job, and Writing Updates

Good morning! 

All my life, I’ve heard that if you don’t like Texas weather, just what a minute. A cold front came in Thursday evening. On Friday the temperature was in the 60s, and today the temperature has started in the 60s but with drizzle. I love it.

When people discover I am an author, there is always one question asked. Where do you get the ideas for your stories?

And my answer?

Everywhere.

I get ideas for stories from everywhere. Sometimes it’s as simple as a street name that sparks something. Last weekend, I saw a street named Wind Murmur. I wrote it down in the notebook. (I almost always have a notebook with me, though I’ve started putting notes and writing on my phone more than I ever used to.) I thought the street name would be a good name for a town, and then I started thinking about who would live there. My thoughts kept going. What secret is the town hiding? Are there paranormals living there? Why would someone want to move there? Is that person running from something or to something?

My ideas come because of the “What if?” questions that my mind is constantly asking. Too much caffeine definitely fueled the muse. I have so many ideas that some may never see the light of day, while some may find their way into current series or new side series.

I’ve always struggled to make time for writing because I have a full-time day job. Toward the end of the month, I will have more time for writing because I had to make a hard decision about the day job. I like the job, but several things have changed, and that factored into my decision to step away from it. With the economy the way it is, I’m a little scared about losing the income, but it is an opportunity to “reclaim” my writing more than I have already done for this year. While I have to tighten the purse strings? Yes. 

But the question now is...How many words can I write each day?

I’m about halfway through Diablo. I’m working on outlines for new Starlight Bar stories and some Christmas stories. 

Stolen Wolf, book 5 in the Starlight Bar series was published at the end of March. It is Liam's second chance story. If you haven't read it, you can find purchase links here STOLEN WOLF. 

Sunday is Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms!

A Cold Front in April and Writing Stuff

 

It’s the middle of April and the Texas weather has gone from warm spring to cold. Yesterday, a cold front blew in with gusty winds, rain, and temperatures that dropped 60s in the morning to the low 40s last night. So far today, it has warmed up into the 60s, but I’m sitting in my office and wearing jeans and a sweatshirt. The wind is still blowing, and I can feel the colder air around my feet, but I still prefer the colder weather to hot Texas summers. Definitely going to do some sealing of gaps around the windows and where the house meets the cement slab.

This weekend, I’ve been rewriting a chapter in Diablo to make it flow better. When I finish that, I’ll be about 1/3 of the way through the story, and I’ll start writing the next chapters. I’m a little behind where I wanted to be this weekend, but I’m still within the deadline goal I set for myself.

The muse has also gone into overdrive this weekend. I have general story ideas for two more books in the Starlight Bar series. These ideas are on top of Josie and Elliot’s story. I also have an idea for a new series that is not part of the Brimstone ideas I have. It’s not a matter of not having ideas for stories; it’s claiming more time to write.

For a couple of months, I’ve thought about purchasing a “cheap” laptop that would be just for writing. The MacBook Pro I’ve been writing on is now 6 years old, and it’s been used for everything. I wanted to separate the actual writing from all the production and formatting side of writing. I looked at several brands, but was “wishy-washy” as the mister likes to tell me, but I didn’t want to buy something just for the sake of buying something. Last month, I bought a MacBook Neo. So far, it’s working great for just writing. I know when I open it, I’m just writing on it. No browsing or doing anything else.

Until next time,

Rayne Rachels

Purchase STOLEN WOLF at...

 Purchase Stolen Wolf (Starlight Bar, book 5) at the following:

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After thirty years, can two fated mates have a second chance at love? Lily Owens was stolen from her mate. For the last thirty years, she survived being a prisoner. During her imprisonment, she gave birth to her mate's daughter, kept believing in her love for Liam, and never lost hope he would find her. Finally, free, Lily goes to find Liam. Will he still love and want her after all the years apart? Liam Carter has spent the past thirty years mourning his dead mate. The last thing he expected to see was the mate he thought to be dead, sitting in the dining area of the Starlight Bar. Have too many years passed for Liam and Lily to reconnect? Will lies from the past keep them apart? Or will a new threat permanently separate them? This story is perfect for readers who love: · Second Chance Romances · Fated Mates/Soulmates · Protective Wolf Shifters This story has kissing and cuddling and a rekindling of lost love, but it a sweet romance between to older characters.

2026: Reclaiming My Writing

I’m proud of myself, because I finally finished writing a book.

I know. I’m a writer, I should have finished several books by now. But I haven’t, and that has been a problem I’ve had to deal with.

Onyx was the last book I wrote and published. I’ve outlined several stories. I’ve began writing some of them and rewrote what I had written multiple times, but I didn’t finish any of them until just a week ago. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to write. I think it was a combination of things that got in the way. I went back to working full time after a year of retirement. I lost my fur baby who was my constant writing companion. There were evenings, I went to sleep still holding a pen over my notebook, and other evenings I sat down for a few minutes, and wake 30 minutes or hours later. And then, I started to having stress/panic attacks. 

At the beginning of January, I made the decision to reclaim my writing career, my creativity, and my health. The day job is necessary but it’s time to reclaim the extra time the day job likes to steal from me.

Stolen Wolf (Starlight Bar, book 5) is the first result of my efforts to reclaim the writing I love to do. 

Stolen Wolf is Liam and Lily’s story. Decades ago Liam Carter found his mate, but death stole her from him, or so he was led to believe. He and his monster have mourned her all that time. 

For the last thirty years, Lily Owens survived being a prisoner due to her parents’ greed. During her imprisonment, she gave birth to Liam's pup and kept believing Liam would find them. Finally free, Lily goes to find Liam, hoping he still wants and loves her like she still loves him.

Have too many years passed for Liam and Lily to reconnect? Will lies from the past keep them apart? Or will a new threat permanently separate them?

This story is a little different from my other stories. Lily and Liam are older. They both have been through traumas and are having to reconnect with each other. Because we meet Lily only days into her new freedom, anything stronger than hugs, kisses, and cuddles felt appropriate during their reunion. 

Stolen Wolf will be released toward the end of this month. It is currently in edits. The other books in the Starlight Bar series will also get new covers. When they come out, let me know what you think about the covers.

So, what is next? Last week, I went through the partial manuscript for Diablo (Brimstone Heat, book 5). I cut what didn’t work and what I didn’t like. I found scene ideas that will work. Now, I need to start writing.

I’m excited to be writing stories again.

Rayne Rachels

Happy 2024!

 Happy 2024!

I'm surprised I managed to get up this morning. Last night, I stayed up to welcome the new year. Watched some of the fireworks that were going on around where I live. Finished the re-outline to Book 5 in the Starlight Bar series. Worked in my planner to figure out how to balance writing, the day job, and enjoying life. 

Yeah, lots of thoughts going through my head. 

2023 was a difficult year--a mixture of good and bad. 

• Wrote and published Onyx
• Updated and gave several books new covers.
• Created several outlines and have several more in various states of completion.
• Began a new day job.
• Family wedding.
• DH's heart surgery.
• Car accident involving a deer.
• Severe sinus/allergies.

2024 is a time to Focus, Achieve, and Breathe.

I've realized I need to enjoy life, find a balance between the day job and writing, and learn not to worry about things I have no control over. That's huge for me because I am a worrier.

Another goal is to write and publish 3 to 4 books published this year. 

I'm taking time to read and to play with stickers in my planner/journal. Yes, I love stickers and washi tape.

How was 2023 for you?

What plans do you have for 2024?

Let's make 2024 a great year!

Happy New Year!

Happy Reading!

It's Time for Christmas Cards!!!

I'm a little slow this year, but it's time for Christmas cards. 

Yes, I love receiving and sending Christmas cards. If you interested in receiving a Christmas card, quick the link below and sign up.

CHRISTMAS CARD

Just a reminder, this list is only for receiving a Christmas card from me. Address will be deleted after cards are mailed.

When Life Throws Lemons at You...

 When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

I’ve heard this proverbial phrase most of my life. It’s the idea you can succeed even when life happens and you have to face a tough situation or some sort of misfortune. I hate this saying, because sometimes all I want to do is sit in a corner and cry.

The last few months have been a rollercoaster ride. On the ups, I published Onyx

(Brimstone Heat #3) in June, created several outlines, and started writing the first chapter in Wild Wolf (Starlight Bar #5). On the downs, writing has been slow. A few months ago, DH had heart bypass surgery and was home recuperating until he went back to work with restrictions. For financial reasons, I had to go back to work. It’s been tough and adjusting to a new normal. Like many authors, I wish I made a full-time income with my writing.

But I’m trying to make lemonade out of the lemons.

I don’t have control of my day schedule, but I’m working to carve out some writing time in the evenings, at least on the evenings I don’t sit down with my writing notebook and fall asleep. Yeah, the day job is kicking me.

My goals are to write and publish Wild Wolf by the end of this year, create outlines for the rest of the books in the Brimstone Heat series, outline a new series, and start writing the three book Christmas series that will come out in 2024. Maybe I’m being a little too ambitious, but I have a plan.

I’m trying to make lemonade, but I’m thinking of tossing out the lemonade and grabbing a bottle of whiskey instead. What do you think?

Side note: Maybe I should create a story about a whiskey drinking older woman. Hhhmmm.

 

The Real Bryant Station: Backdrop for Bryant Station Curves Series

Cover design: RA Kirschke-Cole

The Bryant Station Curves Books 1-4 box set release yesterday in both ebook and paperback. I’m excited about the cover of this book and its sister book, which releases at the end of May because for the first time, I used one of my photographs on the cover. 

The bridge on the cover is the real Old Bryant Station Bridge built over the Little River.

Yes, there is a place called Bryant Station, and at one time it was a thriving town in Milam County in Central Texas. Today, the only things left of the town are the old camelback bridge, the cemetery, and a new modern bridge.

How do I know this? I grew up in Milam County. My hometown of Buckholts is about four miles from Bryant Station.

Photo credit: RA Kirschke-Cole

Old Bryant Station Bridge is a camelback bridge that was built in 1909 by C.Q. Horton of Austin, Texas. There is a metal plate on the top rail of the bridge. The bridge is a one lane bridge. As a child, riding over this bridge didn’t just scare me, it terrified me. Even as a teenager, I couldn’t drive over the bridge. In fact,
the bridge starred of my nightmares for many years.

Byrant Station got its start in the 1840s when a fort was built near the Little River to protect the settlers/area from attacks. Because of its location on the river and a stage line that used it as a stopping point, the community grew. Around the 1880s, the railroad bypassed Byrant Station and went through Buckholts instead. As a result, Bryant Station started dying. 

By the 1940s, most people had moved away from Bryant Station and the school consolidated with the school in Buckholts. Bryant Station turned into a ghost town.

Photo credit: RA Kirschke-Cole

After the county built a new bridge over Little River, the old bridge they closed to traffic. For a time, you could walk across the bridge. The last time I visited there are and took pictures, the bridge had been closed to foot traffic. It has been a few years since I’ve been back to see the area.

I have set all of my stories in Texas. I’ve used several of the ghost towns as the backdrop for the towns in my stories, creating what I think the towns would look like. I’ve also used some of the area to create new towns.

 

Photo credit: RA Kirschke-Cole

 

Notes

For more information, you can search for Bryant Station, Texas, search Bryant Station Bridge, or visit the Texas State Historical Association.

 

Byrant Station Curves, books 1-2 box set

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Onyx is Coming Soon -- Book Teasers!

 

PHOENIX is Out Now!

 

Curvy Savanna Chambers is living her dreams. She owns and runs a bakery selling many sweet treats, including her signature cakes. She is raising her daughter and has a friend who also is her employee.

The only thing missing in her life is the love of a wonderful male, but she doesn’t think it’s something she needs until she meets Phoenix Fitch.

Phoenix has spent years looking for his mate, but since his brother, Lucifer, found his mate, Phoenix is feeling the loneliness more than ever, until a false fire alarm brings his mate to him. Sparks fly between them until she runs away and hides in her bakery.

As Phoenix works to convince Savanna they are fated mates, he must protect her from the forces determine to keep them apart by any means possible, including death.

Will Savanna fall in love with Phoenix?

Will Phoenix protect Savanna and her daughter?

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Bryant Station Curves Books 1 - 4

 

Currently on Pre-order

Available on Tuesday, April 25

AMAZON

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KOBO

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SMASHWORD

Will be available in ebook and paperback formats.

Lisa's Bear

Book 1 in the Bryant Station Curves series

He just has to convince her of two things--they are mates and bear shifters are real.

Lisa Mathers dreams of having a family of her own, but the odds of having a husband and children are against her. She attracts the wrong men, and she has a lot of extra padding on her curves.

David Anderson is not happy with his nephew signing him up to chaperone the school dance, but meeting his mate changes everything. Now, he has to convince Lisa they are mates, and tell her he is a bear shifter.

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

Will Lisa accept David and his bear as her mate?

Will David be able to keep his mate safe?

PURCHASE AT:

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BARNES and NOBLE 

KOBO

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Lisa's Bear Has a New Look!

 

Lisa's Bear, book 1 in the Bryant Station Curves series, has a new cover and revised/added material.

It is currently available at Amazon and KOBO, but will soon be available at Barnes and Noble and iBooks.

This novella is a second edition and contains some new content.

Lisa Mathers dreams of having a family of her own, but the odds of having a husband and children are against her. She attracts the wrong men, and she has a lot of extra padding on her curves.

David Anderson is not happy with his nephew signing him up to chaperone the school dance, but meeting his mate changes everything. Now, he has to convince Lisa they are mates, and tell her he is a bear shifter.

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

Will Lisa accept David and his bear as her mate?

Will David be able to keep his mate safe?

The other books in the series will soon have new covers and revised content.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

 

Mondays and Projects

Mondays... The beginning of a new week and a chance to fresh start.

Last week is over and finished. If you’re still working on projects from last week, it’s a chance to take a fresh look at it.

One project I was working on last week, I finished last night. The first draft of the outline for Onyx’s story is complete. I have a rough idea of what the story will be from start to the end. 

The outline needs work. There are several scenes I need to smooth out the rough spots. The overall outline needs more details. I’m thinking of rewriting my notecards (using larger ones than the normal size I used) and adding more detail to each scene and chapter idea.

I’m excited and can’t wait until I write Onyx and Willow’s story! The direction Willow took me in the outline surprised me, but in a good way. 

Before I write Onyx, I want to get at least the rough outline completed for Diablo (the 4th book) and the 5th book. 

I will release these three books in 2023. I don’t have release dates for them. 

And why not?

Onyx will be the first full book I will write as a full-time author. I’m in unchartered territory for me. I finished Phoenix as a full-time author, and wrote the bulk of it during this time, but I started writing Phoenix part time or less while I was still working my crazy full time day job. With Onyx, I’ll get a good idea how long it will take me to write a 70K+ novel.

Another project I’m working on is the revisions and new covers for the Bryant Station Curves Series. I need to do a final reading of Lisa’s Bear, and then I will upload the revised manuscript and a new cover. I will then start work on Chasing Tara once Lisa's Bear is uploaded. 

Mondays are new beginnings.

What are you working on or reading?

How is your week starting out?

2022 Christmas Card Sign Up

I'm early with this, but below is the link to sign up for a Christmas card from me.

2022 Christmas Card Sign Up

November 2022 Updates

October was a busy month for me. I still can’t believe it’s gone and November is here. 

In October, LUCIFER (Brimstone Heat, Book 1) received updates and a new cover. PHOENIX (Brimstone Heat, Book 2) released toward the end of October. Both books are available on Amazon. In the next week, I will upload them to more online bookstores. 

 

I’m excited about PHOENIX. It is a longer book than I write. I enjoyed writing about Phoenix and Savanna. 

I’ve updated the 2023 listing on the UPCOMING page. All the titled books are in the plot/outline stage. My goal is to get all four outlines completed, and then I’ll start writing. I’m working on Onyx’s outline. 

The Bryant Station Curves series is getting a make-over. Each book will go through revisions/edits and receive a new cover. LISA’S BEAR will be the first book to go through this process. So don’t be surprised when books disappear from the online stores. The ebooks will be back with the updates.

Soon, I will work on paperbacks for all my books.

I’m enjoying writing full time. It was always a dream to be a full-time author, and I’m getting to do it. Thank you for helping to make that dream happen!

Here in the United States, Thanksgiving is about three weeks away. Not sure what we’re doing this year. I’ve started thinking about Christmas. Last year’s Christmas tree didn’t make it. Last week, I purchased a new tree. It’s in the garage waiting for me to set it up. I also bought a few more ornaments to add to the growing collection. 

November's calendar is filling up. It's going to be a busy month.

The last couple of years, I've sent out Christmas cards. For anyone interested, I will post a sign up form on my blog and other social media sites.

Fall and Changes

 It's FALL!!!

In my part of Texas, the mornings are starting to be cooler. For the past few mornings, I've been able to sit outside and work on edits. I love fall.  Halloween is just around the corner. New Halloween movies are coming out.

One of the best changes I've made in my life, is that I retired from the day job and am now a full time writer. We moved. I setup a new office. It's smaller than what I was in, but it's workable. I'm searching for my Halloween decorations. I have no idea what box they were put in, or where the box is. I've finished writing the draft of PHOENIX. On a sad note, I had to put to sleep one of my cats. My other kitty has become a clingy baby. She follows me around the house even more than she did before her partner in crime left us.

As of today, LUCIFER is not available in online I've unpublished it. It will be back in October with a new cover and a new blurb. I've taken the book through revisions and edits to make it better. I need to format the ebook and write the blurb. A new paperback will be uploaded at a later date. The interior of the paperback needs to be formatted. 

PHOENIX is in revision/edits. I'm excited about this story!

My Bryant Station Curves series will be unpublished in October. The books are going through revisions and will have new covers. Starting in November or December, each book in this series will be re-released in ebook. Paperbacks will follow.

Changes are coming!

 

I'm sorry I've been so quiet on social media, and I'm sorry i've kept you waiting for new stories. The day job has made so many new demands, it's left me mentally and physically drained. But, in the next few months, changes are coming. Good changes. Changes that will allow me more time for writing. Yeah!!! Once the changes happen, I'll be able to talk more about them.

I'm working on Phoenix's story. I'm just a third of the way through the story and at 22,000 words. Yes, this is a longer book.

Sometime in June, I will do a cover reveal and some sneak peaks. My writing has been slow, but I'm so excited about the story!

So how does 2022 look so far...

Phoenix will be released this year. (Both Onyx and Diablo's stories are in plotting stages. They will come out in 2023.)

I have on more book in the Starlight Bar series and then it will be finished. Book 5 needs to come out around Christmas because the story is set around Christmas. So as soon as I finish and release Phoenix, I plan to dive into that book.

I've started revisions and new covers for the Bryant Station Curves series. I plan to un-publish the series and then start re-releasing the updated versions. 

Question...

How do you feel about preorders?

Love them. 

Hate them.

Tell me your thoughts.