Wiped Out

I went to the iWriteNetwork writing retreat this weekend. It was a wonderful experience. Great people, informative classes, and scrumptious food. And the digs weren't too bad either.

This is where we held the classes. Rough life, I know.

One of the open areas.

Nice large kitchen for meal preparation.

There were several common areas where people could gather to write. We had sprints, classes, a brainstorming session, prizes and even watched a movie where everyone got to figure out the beats from Blake Snyder's Save the Cat.

Good luck to everyone who starts A to Z tomorrow. I'm taking a pass. Maybe next year.

Spotlight - Trusted by Krista Wayment

Renick, the fifth son of a dragon breeder, crashes into an unexpected adventure that challenges everything he thought he knew about dragons, history, and himself.

Stranded in the massive Helath forest, Renick meets two other passengers: Thane, a noble training to be a dragon knight, and Lainey, the orphaned niece of a healer. Together they survive an attack by vicious wolves, rescue a baby dragon with a broken wing, and escape from a band of dragon hunters as they make a perilous climb into the mountains. What they discover there will change everything.

AMAZON KINDLE | AMAZON PAPERBACK | GOODREADS

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Krista Wayment has been making up stories since she learned to talk. Writing naturally grew out of that. Krista is an avid Fantasy and Science Fiction fan, and a total nerd. She is also a software engineer and loves playing video games. Although, curling up with a good book is still one of her favorite past times.

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Silver Linings - A Ripple Effect Romance

Today is the book birthday for the second

Ripple Effect Romance Novella, Silver Linings.

You met the main character of this book in Home Matters when Drew helped the main characters Olivia (and eventually Pete). Now you get to learn more about him and share his journey. Even in that short introduction, my heart really went out to the guy.

Silver Linings by Kaylee Baldwin 

Drew Westfall wants nothing more than to forget what he had to do in the name of "smart" business. Cutting off all ties with his parents—including handing over the entire contents of his trust fund to a charity—he takes off for Bridger, Colorado where his best friend has an extra room for him. It doesn't take long for him to realize that his business degree won’t do him much good in a town as small as Bridger, but he's broke and has nowhere else to go.

Eden Torresi has every reason to wallow. Not only did she lose her mother, but she had to drop out of nursing school and is in a relationship with a guy unwilling to commit. But Eden isn't the wallowing type. Instead, she chooses to spend most of her time taking care of the seniors at Silver Linings Nursing home. When she learns that her boyfriend's new roommate is down on his luck, her caring nature makes her want to reach out to him and offer what help she can. But the more time they spend together, the more complicated things get, especially when the seniors of Silver Linings decide to play matchmaker.

 GOODREADS | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | KOBO

The rest of the books will release as follows:

Book 3 - Righting a Wrong by Rachael Anderson- April 7

Book 4 - Lost and Found by Karey White - April 21

Book 5 - Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver (moi!)- May 5

Book 6 - Immersed by Jennifer Griffith - May 19

Remember, while each story could be a stand alone, we do recommend reading them in order so you aren't spoiled, since they are linked.

Missed what this unique series is all about?

"Like a pebble tossed into calm water,

a simple act can ripple outward and have a far-reaching effect on those we meet,

perhaps setting a life on a different course—

one filled with excitement, adventure, and sometimes even love."

You can find out more about these books by clicking here.

Spotlight - Rules of Engagement by Amber Gilchrist

For Annemarie Whitted, her youngest sister’s engagement starts as a happy event, and ends as a slap in the face when she comes to the harsh realization that she’s a failure at relationships, a person in stasis. Annemarie is motivated and organized, a woman on a mission, and she’s getting married now. 

Her Rules of Engagement ensure she’ll make the right choice, and her committee will find her potential eternal companions. She assigns the job to her closest sister, Lisa, and Lisa’s husband, Tanner. Of course, Tanner comes with baggage— his brother, Ben, Annemarie’s lifelong nemesis. The war between the two of them gives a brand new meaning to Annemarie’s Rules of Engagement, and his presence isn’t helping her at all. Especially when he disapproves of her methods and questions every step she makes. Especially when their forced proximity makes each of them really see each other for the first time. Especially when she discovers that her heart has secret corners she never knew, and that the Rules might have been her biggest mistake of all.  

Purchase for $4.49 at:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Add to Goodreads

About the Author:

Amber Gilchrist lives in New Mexico with her husband and three children. She writes YA for upper teens, as well as LDS Romantic Comedies. She calls her lifetime of jumping from one job to another 'experience' for her books and not an inability to settle down. Amber loves mysteries and a good, happy romance. She also loves to laugh. Sometimes she likes all of them together. A fan of quirky movies and indie books, Amber likes to be with her family, is socially inept, and fears strangers and small yippy dogs. She alternates between writing and being a mom and wife. She tries to do both at the same time but her kids don't appreciate being served lunch and told, "This is the hot dog of your discontent." So mostly she writes when everyone else is in bed. Amber loves to hear from readers and can be reached at ambergilchristbooks@gmail.com If you would like to be added to her newsletter please email your address to be notified about future releases and events.

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Torn Canvas Launch Date and a Nomination

Two big events for me today!

First, now that I've set the release date for Torn Canvas, it's time to show my purty cover.

Modern-day pirates took more than Jori Virtanen’s friends; they stole his face. Not only does the twenty-four-year-old former model have to confront months of reconstructive surgery, he discovers his previous life was as superficial as his looks. Jori struggles to make a new life for himself as an artist while evading the press. They expect a hero, but he knows the truth. His beauty masks a beast.

Olivia Howard’s given up a normal life for her job, and the sacrifices are finally paying off. The twenty-six-year-old talk-show host’s ratings are heading to the top of the charts. Her dream is to make a difference in people’s lives, but the studio wants mind fluff—like interviewing hot model Jori Virtanen. When Olivia learns the guy helped rescue passengers on a cruise excursion from kidnappers, she knows this is the story she needs to make her case. The only problem is the hero was injured, and now he’s disappeared.

The more Olivia learns about the man behind the scar, the more intrigued she becomes. But Jori is no girl’s happily ever after. Once she finds him, Olivia has to free his heart and heal the beast.

Funny story about the cover. 

As my cover designer (Melissa Williams aka author Michelle Argyle) and I worked out the details, I struggled a little with that dang open shirt.

Yes. Torn Canvas is an adventure romance (like A Change of Plans).

Yes, I chose this picture because of a scene in Torn Canvas.

But I also write clean romance. I didn't want to lead any potential readers astray. Don't ever mess with a reader's expectations by giving them a cover that makes them think a clean romance is going to be steamy.

I looked at the first design (very similar to the above but the title banner was opaque). I saw that navel and thought, "Um ...."

So, Michelle moved the banner lower on the cover to hide the navel. Oh, great. Now the guy's nipple was prominent. Ugh! That was worse.

So, navel or nipple?

Uh, clean romance here. The navel won.

The official launch date for Torn Canvas is June 16th.

If you'd be willing to help with the blog tour, the signup is here.

And thank you!

Second--as if this post isn't long enough--I have one more favor to ask.

A Change of Plans has been nominated for a RONE Award, and the voting for my category is THIS week. You need to sign up with InD'Tale magazine to vote, but it's free and painless.

My category is New Adult, and you can find it here. I would love your vote!

To the right is the review that won me the nomination.

The Summer I Found You by Jolene Perry

I've got a special guest today, author Jolene Perry. She's going to talk about her new book, The Summer I Found You. 



Kate's dream boyfriend has just broken up with her and she's still reeling from her diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.

Aidan planned on being a lifer in the army and went to Afghanistan straight out of high school. Now he's a disabled young veteran struggling to embrace his new life.

When Kate and Aidan find each other neither one wants to get attached. But could they be right for each other after all

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | GOODREADS




Take it away, Jolene.

Writing from a personal place:

Aidan -
I started writing The Summer I Found You after reading a news article about these incredibly young war veterans coming home without arms or legs or who were otherwise scarred. My husband served in the Army, and I get teary every time I read a military story.
I wanted to write one.

But when you're writing one character with such a big backstory, I felt like it was going to be tricky to pair that with someone who would understand him.

Kate -
I'm named after a grandma (my middle name - Betty) who died before I was born. She had Type 1 Diabetes. I grew up with stories about her giving herself shots and being so careful about what she ate. For a long time I'd wanted to write about someone like this as a way to maybe feel a little closer to her, or to understand her in some way. I did a LOT of research on this and talked to every friend I knew who was diabetic to make sure I got it all right.

I almost didn't finish this book - 
I'd already hollowed myself out learning about how many adults and kids and teens have to be so careful about something I did everyday without thinking - eating. And then I was attempting to tackle writing a guy who'd lost not just his arm, but the career he'd geared himself up for all through high school.

It all changed - 
When I talked to a writer friend (Type 1 diabetic) who said she wished there had been books with people who faced the things she had in high school. And then it changed again when I read story after story on the Wounded Warriors homepage about how these men and women had come home with their prosthetics, not slowing down a bit, tears streaming down my face for most of it.

So yes.
This book comes from a very real, sometimes harsh place for me. But in the end, my hope is that what will make the difference between writing characters who are neat and writing ones that stick with you.

Hopefully I've done the latter ;-)

Thanks so much for letting me take over today!!

A Big "Ripple" Day Today!

I have been looking forward to this day for a long time now. It has to do with the Ripple Effect Romance Novella Series.

So, what is this Ripple thing anyway?

"Like a pebble tossed into calm water,

a simple act can ripple outward and have a far-reaching effect on those we meet,

perhaps setting a life on a different course—

one filled with excitement, adventure, and sometimes even love."

What's fun about this series is that each book is complete in itself--except that a minor character in Book 1 will become the main character in Book 2. A minor character in Book 2 will become the main character in Book 3 and so forth. 

While each story could be a stand alone, we do recommend reading them in order so you aren't spoiled, since they are linked.

So what's the big deal today?

The first book launches!

Book 1 - Home Matters by Julie N. Ford 

According to her mother, Olivia Pembroke was born to be a star. But how is she supposed to be famous

when she can't even get a decent acting gig? Her lucky break comes when she lands an audition for a wildly popular home improvement show. Even though she has no design training and has never even held a power tool, she refuses to let that stop her. She's confident that her destiny is finally within reach. 

When her affections are torn between her heartthrob co-host and the irritating, yet somehow endearing lead contractor, does she continue to reach for the stars? Or does she design a new happily ever after? One that leads not to the fading lights of fame and fortune, but to a love that will burn forever. 

MY TAKE:
I read the book aloud to my hubby, and we LOVED it! There is so much heart to this story. And humor! I love to read to my husband because he's such an audio listener, and he doesn't hold anything back. In fact, I have to shush him in the theater.

We loved experiencing Olivia's journey with her. We sympathized with her, ached for her, laughed with her and at her sometimes. I wanted to smack her upside the head on occasion.

The chemistry between Olivia and Pete is fast--not in a good way either in the beginning. Pete totally cracked us up. In real life I'd probably kill someone like him but, you know, maybe not. His humorous snark and sometimes too-brutal honesty made his serious moments that much more profound.

For a romance to work for me, I have to fall in love too. I did, and my husband cried. This book is a total winner, and I will for sure read it again.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | KOBO

The rest of the books will release as follows:

Book 2 - Silver Linings by Kaylee Baldwin - March 24

Book 3 - Righting a Wrong by Rachael Anderson- April 7

Book 4 - Lost and Found by Karey White - April 21

Book 5 - Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver (moi!)- May 5

Book 6 - Immersed by Jennifer Griffith - May 19

You can find out more about these books by clicking here.

Twist of Luck Blog Tour

I've got a special guest today--author Jaclyn Weist--to tell you about the blog tour for her new book Twist of Luck, Book 2 of The Luck Series. You can see my review of Book 1 here. 

Take it away, Jaclyn!

Every day a different blog will post a question. When you find the answer, send an email to me at:   jaclynweist@gmail.com

Twist of Luck Blog Tour

I will draw a winner each day from those that got it correct. You can find the answers on Wikipedia.

The answers will also be posted the next day on the next post in the tour, along with the next trivia question. Some questions deal with colors of the rainbow. Other questions deal with leprechauns. 

And, of course, at the end of the rainbow, there's a pot of gold. In that pot of gold will be an Amazon gift card! Those that answer questions by sending me an email will be entered to win the gift card on the last day.

And don't forget to purchase a copy of book one, Stolen Luck. The great news is that it's $.99 right now! That link is here. 

Good luck!!

Yesterday's Answer:

Ireland's nickname is the Emerald Isle because of how GREEN it is.

Today's Question:

What do leprechauns usually do for a living?

The prize: ebook of A Change of Plans

About Twist of Luck: 

Megan finally has her luck back and hopes that life will return to normal. Unfortunately, the magical world has other plans. Suddenly, she find she has fairies following her to provide security, dragons become a constant threat, and an imp tracks her every move. As if that wasn’t enough, her luck begins to manifest itself in ways she could never imagine.

About Jaclyn:

Jaclyn is an Idaho farm girl who grew up loving to read. She developed a love for writing as a senior in high school, when her dad jokingly said she was the next Dr. Seuss (not even close but very sweet). She met her husband, Steve at BYU and they have six happy, crazy children that encourage her writing. After owning a bookstore and running away to have adventures in Australia, they settled back down in their home in Utah. Jaclyn now spends her days herding her kids to various activities and trying to remember what she was supposed to do next.

Find the answer and tomorrow's question at:

Laura Bastian at www.lauradbastian.com

Author Interview - Anna del C. Dye

I'd like to welcome author Anna del C. Dye to my blog today. Her newest book, The Roilden Stones of Elf Mountain is out.

Liberty … or Monarchy? Should the wisest of races choose such a path, or return to the traditional council? Their queen has lost the Roilden Stones of Elf Mountain to a power-hungry wizard. After all, one can be deceived, but twenty?

With the stones missing, a fatal drought grips Andoriah, the new elfin home. Death to all is imminent. Who will retrieve the Stones when the Gold Elfs won’t act? Will heroes arise before Andoriah burns in eternal fire?  Can the missing elf queen and her daughter be found?

The Roilden Stones of Elf Mountain is the long awaited prequel, and final installment in Anna del C.’s elf series. Discover the Elfs, an eternal race who chose to live in a world of woes away from their motherland. Love them, feel their pain and their happiness in a land that will test the core of their beliefs and bravery. Written in the genre of The Lord of the Rings and the Shannara series, The Roilden Stones of Elf Mountain comes alive with battles, heroism, action and romance. 

GOODREADS | AMAZON

What was your favorite chapter to write to write in this book and why?

The last chapter of The Roilden Stones of Elf Mountain:

The main male character is so worried that the princess will never give up her powers that he pushes her away from his heart, breaking hers in the process. There are many tender feelings in this chapter as families and race heal their wounds in love and harmony. Also this chapter is the basis for all my elf beliefs, actions, and the core of what defines them as a race. Coupled with romance and tears…yes, it was awesome.

What book are you reading now?

Thirty pages of Nine books in the category of Young Adults for a contest I am helping judge.

If you had a superpower, what would it be? How would you use it?

It would be “to be able to read minds.”

So many problems arise by one party believing that the other meant or said something different from what they did. It would be nice to always know the truth. I would use it to be the ultimate truth, especially in criminal cases.

About the author

Anna del C. has received numerous awards like “First Page” “First Chapter” in three of her books. A bronze Medal for book three in The Silent Warrior Trilogy and honor place in other.

Anna is fluent in Spanish and English and love to travel the world.

Amazon
Webpage

IWSG - Maybe

Click here to find out more and to see a list of other IWSG blogs.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

As I write this, I'm on my fourth chest cold (and ears and sinuses) since right after Christmas. Maybe the fact that I've felt like crap for two months is taking its toll on my outlook.

Maybe I'm running out of stories to tell.

Maybe not.

Maybe I'm sick and tired (of being sick and tired? haha) of the marketing part of being a published author. Definitely this part.

Maybe I am just looking back on the carefree days when I wrote for the sheer pleasure of it, when I had no delusions of publication.

Maybe I need to get another hobby.

Maybe. Maybe. Maybe.

Maybe I'll go finish those edits from my editor.