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!
I'm teaching a class this weekend at a writing conference. My topic is about covers.
Oh, my, but there are some really awful ones out there. It kind of makes me tired. It also makes me worry mine aren't good enough.
But then I have to remind myself that I pay professionals to make my covers for a reason.
IWSG's question this month is: Have you ever pulled out a really old story and reworked it? Did it work out?
I haven't yet, but I have one I'll be doing that with. It's kind of scary, because my writing's grown so much.
The other thing up is that I'm participating in a promotion with Second Chances 101.where it's possible to win 30+ "contemporary seasoned romances." Nice way to describe stories with more mature main characters. The grand prize is a Kindle Fire. Not too shabby.
Thirty-seven-year-old Francie Davis is sure her luck has changed when she lands a job on campus that will pay her tuition. But when her handsome new boss yells at her on the first day of work, Francie learns that the last person you expect to fall in love with might be the one that’s the most perfect for you.
I'm back. And, sadly, I'm not in my new home. The logistics of building a house, including all the hoops we have to jump through, has proved challenging. More on that later in the post.
First Meandering ...
My book Second Chances 101 is on promotion this week and is on sale for $.99. Woohoo! Thirty-seven-year-old Francie Davis is sure her luck has changed when she lands a job on campus that will pay her tuition. But when her handsome new boss yells at her on the first day of work, Francie learns that the last person you expect to fall in love with might be the one that’s the most perfect for you.
Second Meandering ...
I have a story coming out in the Sweet & Sassy Anthology: Stormy Kisses. All the stories have a wild weather element. It's on preorder and only $.99.
My contribution is Waves of Deceit.
Shelby Nash wants to break free of her controlling, billionaire father. With the completion of one more project for his company, she can. However, her ex-boyfriend’s the new lead architect. She has to protect her heart while avoiding whoever’s making threats. Wade Armstrong did a poor job handling the news about the identity of his girlfriend’s father. Shelby walked out of his life without another word. Finally, four years later, Wade has a chance to win her back. As long as whoever’s targeted her doesn’t get to her first.
Third Meandering ...
Speaking of books, my friend Cindy Whitney has a new release. She's originally from Portugal and her stories set there really make you feel like you're there.
One city of two million people and only three months to find her. What are his chances? Isabel Antunes is content with her life as director of the English Academy in Lisbon. Then she’s hit by a man on a bike—a man her boss just hired to be her assistant. Despite Simon Ackerley’s repeated assurances to the contrary, Isabel believes he’s after her position, but she won’t hand it over without a fight. As if dealing with him all week is not enough, he shows up at church as well. Her only solace is in writing to the pen pal she knows simply as “Elliot”. Simon Ackerley told his father that he was moving to Lisbon for the job. But that isn’t the only reason. Simon is looking for Amélie, the pen pal he’s written for fifteen years. A woman he knows everything about—except her real name and address. When the biking accident reveals that Simon’s prickly co-worker Isabel is the elusive Amélie, he knows he has to win her trust before he can confess his true identity. If only he could tell her the actual reason why he’s come, he’s sure Isabel would treat him differently. But she’s not ready for the truth.
It's time for Bookmarked Bargains. A ton of great books are on sale from October 12-16, including my novella, Second Chances 101, which is on sale for $.99. Click here to check out the other books. And, as always, there's an awesome giveaway, so be sure to scroll through a list of books to get to it. Second Meandering ...
I mentioned a couple of weeks ago about a class I attended that was taught by psychologist Bruce Christopher about dealing with difficult people--and getting results.
He went over:
Types of difficult people
What they do and why
What you shouldn't do
The surprising effect of interrupting the difficult person's patterns.
As I was listening to his presentation, I saw huge motivational questions for characters.
Here's snippet of him on a video teaching this topic. It really begins 1:39 minutes in. Then it leads into another presentation he does about the differences between men and women. He's very funny and really knows his stuff.
When you play this game (the easier levels like I do right now), you play with four other real people against five bots. The game is simpler against bots. When you're ready to up your game, you go against humans. Yeah. I get spanked. My sons play the game and get impatient with me because real humans are so much better (and craftier) than bots are. I wish there was a level somewhere in between.
Anyway, Karma is probably my favorite character to play. She's support--meaning she helps the champion she's teamed with--but she can also kick butt.
On Friday, the person I partnered in the bottom lane with said I was "the best support ever." *grins* I ended up with 31 assists (kills that I helped with) and something like 11 kills myself. Then in another game, I was asked afterwards if I was a smurf.
Smurf, you ask?
Just so you know, for someone like me, that's an ultimate compliment. See, there are some amazing players out there. In fact, right now the Worlds championship is going on.
I LOVE esports. Who knew?
Just so you know:
More people watch League games than watch the Super Bowl.
ESPN even did an issue that touched on esports and focused heavily on League.
ESPN's webpage is covering the Worlds' championship games.
Back on topic.
A smurf is when a really good player creates a secondary (smurf) account and plays with less skilled players. They frequently do that when learning a new champion.
My score is the one on the top (I was playing Karma again) in the picture to the right. The 9 is for my kills, the 1 is the number of times I died, and the 22 is the number of assists.
The second score belongs to the team member I was supporting.
We're randomly put on teams by the computer, so I don't know the people I play with. Sometimes we don't match up so well. They don't get what I'm doing to support them, and they fail to take advantage of kills I set up. But it can be magic when things work.
Sorry. This post is already longer than I intended it to be. Questions for you ... Have you or anyone you know dealt with difficult people? Ha! We should ask ourselves if we're the difficult people. Have any secrets to share?
What about League. Do you or anyone you know play it?
It's a holiday in the US, and I'm in Hawaii again for a granddaughter's birthday, so I wasn't going to post today. But I have a new audiobook out, and I had to blow my own horn a little.
Thirty-seven-year-old, empty nester Francie Davis is sure her luck has changed when she lands a job on campus that will pay her tuition. But when her handsome new boss yells at her on the first day of work, Francie learns that the last person you expect to fall in love with might be the one that’s the most perfect for you.
My other books were on sale in November, so it was time to do the same for Second Chances 101. It's the first time it's been on special since its release in the spring. Through Christmas, it's $.99.
Thirty-seven-year-old Francie Davis is sure her luck has changed when she lands a job on campus that will pay her tuition. But when her handsome new boss yells at her on the first day of work, Francie learns that the last person you expect to fall in love with might be the one that’s the most perfect for you.
We were introduced to the main character in Immersed a couple of weeks ago. Sam, Alex Diederik's daughter in Second Chances 101, mentioned her and then Sam has a cameo in Immersed. This was such a fun read, and you can see my review here.
Lisette Pannebaker speaks five languages and has a brilliant business plan—personal language immersion. Clients can hire her to shadow them and speak all day in any language they need to learn for business or travel—whatever.
But there’s a major hitch: she’s far too pretty. Clients with less than honorable intentions sign up just have Lisette at their side. Solution? A make-under. Way under.It works like a charm. None of her male clients show her the least bit of interest.
Until… Erik.
Erik Gunnarsson is charming, kind, and smart—everything she’s ever looked for. Even though he seems to have a secret and she swore she'd never date a client, Lisette is tempted to shed her disguise—even if it means jeopardizing her career.
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.
And now for that reminder...
It's hard to believe, but Torn Canvas launches four weeks from today. The awesome Amy Del Rosso of Lady Reader's Bookstuff is handling my blog tour. If anyone is interested in helping, you can sign up here. Otherwise, I hope you'll just come and join in the fun.
I'm a guest over at Kathy's at I Am A Reader today where I share one of those "Wow, what a small world it is" experiences. There's also a giveaway. Come on over and say "hi". And today is the last day of the Mother's Day Book Bash sale.
Today is the book birthday for the fifth Ripple Effect Romance Novella, Second Chances 101.
Um, squeee!
Readers met Francie in the 4th Ripple--Lost and Found--during Lydia and Blake's adventure hunt. Francie's story takes place a year or so later, after her husband died.
Thirty-seven-year-old Francie Davis is sure her luck has changed when she lands a job on campus that will pay her tuition. But after her handsome new boss yells at her on the first day of work, Francie learns that the last person you expect to fall in love with might be the one that’s the most perfect for you.
Book 6 - Immersed by Jennifer Griffith - May 19 (shhhh ... it's out already--click here)
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.
And, as if that wasn't enough, I'm part of a
To help decide which books might best suit those you gift on Mother's Day, all week during the Book Bash,we're going to be posting tidbits about these books--excerpts, deleted scenes, etc.--on our Facebook event page here.
A Change of Plans by Donna K. Weaver Sale Price: $.99, regularly $3.99 (If you get the Kindle book, you can add the audiobook for another $1.99) Amazon
Genre: Clean New Adult Adventure Romance
When Lyn sets off on her supposedly uncomplicated and unromantic cruise, she never dreams it will include pirates. All the 25-year-old Colorado high school teacher wants is to forget that her dead fiancé was a cheating scumbag. What she plans is a vacation diversion; what fate provides is Braedon, an intriguing surgeon. She finds herself drawn to him: his gentle humor, his love of music, and even his willingness to let her take him down during morning karate practices. Against the backdrop of the ship’s make-believe world and its temporary friendships, her emotions come alive. However, fear is an emotion, too. Unaware of the sensitive waters he navigates, Braedon moves to take their relationship beyond friendship—on the very anniversary Lyn came on the cruise to forget. But Lyn’s painful memories are too powerful, and she runs off in a panic. Things are bad enough when the pair finds themselves on one of the cruise’s snorkeling excursions in American Samoa. However, paradise turns to piracy when their party is kidnapped. Lyn’s fear of a fairytale turns grim. Now she must fight alongside the man she rejected, first for their freedom and then against storms, sharks, and shipwreck.
Adrenaline Rush by Cindy Hogan Sale Price: 1.99, regularly 3.99 Amazon
Genre: YA romantic suspense
A madman with a mission is kidnapping groups of thrill-seeking high school seniors across the country, and it’s up to Christy to stop him. To do so, she must take on a fearless alter ego and infiltrate a group of adrenaline junkies bent on pushing life to the limit. Death-defying stunts are only the beginning: two groups fit the profile, and Christy must discover the real target before it’s too late. If she chooses the wrong group, more people will disappear. But choosing right puts her as the prime target—with no guarantee that she’ll get out alive.
All the Finer Things by Stephanie Connelley Worlton Sale Price: $.99, regularly $2.99 Amazon
Genre: Romance
Married to one of the most lucrative and sought after plastic surgeons in SoCal, Megan Hamilton has it all. Her posh life, designer clothes, and stunning penthouse leave her wanting for nothing… or do they? Controlled by his obsessive pursuit of perfection, Doctor Matthew Hamilton will stop nothing short of breaking his young, spirited bride into a subservient trophy wife. But when parenthood enters their picture, the entire game changes. How far will Megan have to go to escape Matt's obsessive control and abuse? And how much will she have to lose before she gets there?
Arms Wide Open, a novella by Juli Caldwell Price: $.99 Amazon
Genre: Romance
Lauren Brooks is in a rut, and her roomie is determined to yank her out of it by convincing her to participate in a local coffee shop's 5-in-5 speed dating event. Once she agrees, it takes her about 30 seconds to realize if there's an oddball out there looking for love, he'll find her. And creep her out. She confronts one weirdo after another until someone she used to know winds up in the same place, and she has to decide what she wants more: to make a break for it, or embrace the possibilities of another chance.
Chimeria Omnibus Edition – Blood Will Tell and Blood is Thicker by Meredith Mansfield Sale Price: $.99, regularly $4.75 Amazon
Genre: Portal Fantasy
Blood Will Tell
A half-werewolf and a dragon in disguise join forces to rescue an innocent woman from an unknown attacker. Without knowing who or why, each tries to solve the mystery in their own way. But a decades-old crime and the dragon's true identity may destroy their collaboration--and their growing attraction to one another--just when their enemy has found their hide out.
Blood Is Thicker
Rolf and Valeriah are back. Even while Valeriah struggles to adapt to her new life, a new crisis arises. If they can't figure out why the dragons' hatching grounds are suddenly going cold, a generation of dragons may never hatch--including their own eggs.
Eye on Orion by Laura Bastian Sale Price: $.99, regularly $3.99 Amazon
Genre: YA Fantasy
Falling in love with your gorgeous new neighbor isn't a bad thing, but when he turns out to be the bodyguard of a princess from a planet nine billion light-years away, life gets complicated. Seventeen-year-old stargazer Holly Adams never imagined she’d find herself trying to prevent the overthrow of an alien government. When Jai and his sister Amira move into the house down the street, Holly is immediately drawn to them. Jai acts suspicious of her from the start, making Holly more curious about their oddities. When Holly learns they are from a different planet, she does what she can to help protect Amira from Shander, a man who wants to marry her by force in order to take over the kingdom her father rules.
Mistaken identity, a botched kidnapping, and a first kiss that bonds Holly and Jai for life are hard enough, but when Shander believes Holly to be the princess, things get even more dangerous.
How to Have Peace When You’re Fall to Pieces by Rebecca Rode Sale Price: $.99, regularly $4.61 Amazon
Genre: Nonfiction
You haven't seen your kids' bedroom floor in weeks, your schedule is overflowing, and the drive-thru lady knows you by name. But even when life feels chaotic, peace is possible. Packed with poems, quotes, and inspirational stories, this book gives a fresh perspective on a mother's work and helps restore calm to a hectic world--starting at home.
"Charming . . . full of wit, humor, and great ideas." ~Sandra Covey
Not So Easy by Sherry Gammon Sale Price: $2.99, regularly $4.25 Amazon
Genre: YA Fantasy
Senior Max Sanchez has it all. He’s the star pitcher for Port Fare High’s baseball team. He’s dating the head cheerleader, Emma McKay, and he has a great group of friends. Junior JD Miller’s life is Not So Easy. Unlike Max, JD struggles with making friends. He’s a social misfit, and he’s being bullied at every turn. He’s also barely surviving. A tragedy forces these two together. Now Max must face the hardest challenge of his life as he works to help JD. A tragic accident changes everything, merging their lives together, and Max soon learns that life is not so easy for everyone. Max works to the point of exhaustion trying to help JD survive the chaos that is his life, and his eyes are opened to a world he had no idea even existed. Not so Easy is a story about hope, surviving, and never giving up. Download a free sample and start reading now!
Rising Book 1: Resistance by Laura Josephsen Sale Price: $.99, regularly $3.99 Amazon
Genre: Science Fiction
All Alphonse wants is a quiet summer at home before his final months at university. What he gets is a half-dead stranger on his doorstep and the task of delivering a package to the leader of his home country. Not long after he boards a train toward the capital, he's attacked by knights, elite soldiers of the neighboring king. Alphonse is temporarily rescued by Mairwyn, a mechanic with a haunted past and a deep hatred of knights. Together, they attempt to carry out Alphonse's urgent errand, only to learn that if they fail, countless people will die. And even if they succeed, they may not be able to prevent the war that lurks on the horizon. (Book 1 of 2)
The other thing up is that I'm participating in a promotion with Second Chances 101.where it's possible to win 30+ "contemporary seasoned romances." Nice way to describe stories with more mature main characters. The grand prize is a Kindle Fire. Not too shabby.
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