Good Monday morning! It’s that time of year where pumpkins are everywhere. Which means pumpkin spice time! For those that have followed my blog, you know that I love pumpkin spice, but there are some things that don’t need to be pumpkin spice flavored.
Now, I enjoy pumpkin spice lattes, creamer, cake, coffee, cookies, pop tarts, and other things. But I’ve tried some things that just don’t make the count for me. Pumpkin spice cereal was ok, but didn’t want it again. Then I saw pumpkin spice mac & cheese, we won’t even go there… Someone gave me some pumpkin spiced candy and well, the first trash can I pass, it got tossed. I still shudder at some of the things I’ve tried with pumpkin spice in it.
So, what do you like with pumpkin spice? What have you tried that just didn’t make the cut?
Good Tuesday morning! Time… It just keeps marching on and sometimes it marches all over your good intentions. Yep, been there! But, I’ve started doing a couple of things that work for me. SO, here goes:
As I said in Saturday’s post, schedule your advertising ahead of time. That gives you a good slot of time to write. Without having to do your ads every day, then you can focus on other things, like writing…
Set a time to write every day. For me, I try to write every morning before I get dressed and head to the office. That’s my time to write. Sometimes I even set a timer to make sure I get every second of writing time without having to glance at the clock.
Don’t go down the social media rabbit hole. I’ve gone down that hole so many times and lost precious writing time. Go ahead and write before you go on social media, then you don’t have that temptation.
And don’t forget the time gem – the weekend! When I schedule my daily word count, I always put in double on Saturday and Sunday.
Now, my most important way to make time work for me is to do a schedule. I know what I need to get done everyday. If I meet my word goal for the day early, then I can either get in extra words or I can do a little promotional posting. But a schedule helps you keep up with your upcoming releases and you’ll never miss a deadline again…
Don’t forget that the way to meet your deadline is to focus on your writing time. Make sure that you have figured out how much you need to do each day to meet your goal. Make the time work for you…
It’s finally Saturday. How do you spend your Saturday? Me, I take a little longer cuddling my coffee, then I check my social media. My house gets cleaned and laundry done, not saying it’s put up, just done. Then I get to work on my weekly ads.
How do I schedule for a week? I’ll let you in on a little secret, I have a post spreadsheet. On my spreadsheet I have the books that I will post on for the upcoming week and where. I input the information for ads that are coming out and also, my blog posts are mostly done ahead of time.
Why do I schedule all of this ahead of time? I want more time to write. But how do I do it? Well, I use Hootsuite, Twitter Scheduler, Facebook Scheduler and other programs. No, I do not pay for the subscriptions, I do as many on each of them that I can.
A little hint, do not overload your social media with books. Post stuff about yourself, your life, inspirational pictures, pets, and so on. Let your fans know who you are. I try to alternate book posts to every four hours or more. That way I’m not too overpowering.
So, what are you doing today? Are you kicking back, enjoying a good movie? Live life… Laugh a lot… and Love…
Dreams fill our nights and guide our days. Some dreams are just imagination, but some dreams are real. Let’s explore them…
As a young girl, my dreams were filled with horses, grand pianos and writing… Well, I’ve made one dream come true, writing. And through my writing, my dream of owning horses can come true. If you’ve read any of my books, then you know most of them have horses in them. It’s my way of living one of my dreams.
Do you live your dream or just dream about it? Always remember that some of our dreams are right in front of us, we just have to focus on them. So, will you make it happen today?
Wow! We made it people, we’re halfway to the weekend… I have question and it’s one that’s been asked of me, plus I’ve asked it myself. What is the genre you write in?
It’s like sitting down to watch a movie. You have to choose what you want to watch. If you love Rom Com’s, then you’re not likely to choose a Horror Flick. Same with books, people are specific when they look for a book.
So, you’re probably saying, you write romance, that’s easy. But, when you put your book on a publishing site, it’s not that easy. Ok, the main genre is romance for me, but there are many styles of romance. It’s endless and sometimes gives me a headache. How do you break it down?
For example, when putting a book on Amazon for instance, you have to list 2 categories and then 7 keywords. Yikes! And if you get it wrong, you won’t explode, but your sales may not either. If you get it right, you nail it!
Now, the categories for romance are long and sort of specific. Yes, I know that I don’t write Dystopian Romance. To be honest, I had to look up Dystopian, just to clarify. And no, I don’t write Erotic Romance. But, does my book fall into Contemporary, New Adult, General, Comedy, Western, etc… The list goes on.
My best advice on this subject is to go to writers that write like you. See where they have their books at and always, always, look at the bestsellers in that style. Because if they aren’t bestsellers, then they may be doing the same thing as you, trying to wrap their head around it.
Oh, and don’t forget the keywords. This is something that I change up often and I mean often. Of course, sometimes Amazon will put your book in other keywords or categories, like if your book is short, it could be listed under Kindle Read under 2 hours. Do your research!!! Let me repeat that so that all of those in the back heard me, DO YOUR RESEARCH!!! Don’t you hate shouty capitals. Well, I hope I got your attention.
Go now and look at the book that’s not selling as well as it should. No, really, go now. You can’t afford for your book to be sitting in the wrong spot. It’s like a cook book that’s put under historical romance. Wrong! So get to it. And let me know how it goes. Make sure that you keep a spreadsheet on sales before you make the change, then after. See if it works and if you haven’t see a change in a couple of weeks, tweak it.
It’s Tuesday morning and I’m cozying up with my coffee cup. Morning’s are so hard, but after a couple more cups of coffee, I’ll have this thing in hand…
Ok, so I promised part 2 of my outline process would be about structure. And I always do my best to live up to my promises…
Structure!
Outlining gets me through the writing progress, but as I stated in my last post, there needs to be structure, the bones to the writing.
Now, this is the way I structure my writing process. It works for me and I hope it works for you.
Start your book by introducing your main character. Don’t overdo the backstory, but let your reader know who the main character is all about, what they are looking for, or what they need to happen. Maybe it’s looking for Mr. Right or solving a mystery.
Then, of course, things can’t go exactly right with your character, that would be boring. So, something needs to happen that changes their course, maybe setting them up for an exciting change. Maybe it’s an obstacle that’s put in front of their goal.
At this point, the character will want to give up, but they press forward.
In the middle or somewhere near it, your character should be at their breaking point. Your reader should be asking, what will happen next? I call this the top of the hill.
As you start to let things happen that go right for the character, you need to toss in one last zinger. Your reader has started to feel like they know how it will end, but then…
Now, and only now do you let your character have victory. This is when they slay the dragon, win the love, or find the killer.
This is the closing out of your story. Your character marries their love, sees the killer put in prison, or whatever their turmoil was, ends and they see the rainbow, so to speak. Then they walk into the sunset, or fall off a cliff, if it’s a cliffhanger for the next book in the series…
Now, I now this was a very relaxed explanation, but that’s how I roll. I don’t get into fancy words, because that just confuses the situation. This is how I do it and it may or may not work for you. It works for me!
Good Sunday afternoon! I do hope all of you have been doing well. I’ve been away from here for way too long… With all of the added challenges to my accounting office due to Small Business loans and PPP requirements, I’ve been really busy. Not to mention tax season was extended a little, so I took on some extra returns this year. But, I’m finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
If you’ve looked at my Amazon author page, you’ll see that I have several preorders up and running. So, I’ll be staying busy through the end of the year.
Here’s a little something from my new release, “Wedding at Mistletoe Ranch”:
Maddy was walking from the barn when Denver pulled his truck up to the front walk of the house. He got out and moved toward her. “Hey, you’re back earlier than I thought you would be.” She said as he put his arm around her shoulders.
“I have a date this evening, so I thought I’d be on time.” Denver whispered against the side of her head as he kissed her hair. “Where’s your sock cap?”
“It’s hanging over the side of one of the stalls. I pulled it off to scratch my head and dropped it on the wet stall floor. So, I was letting it dry. Guess I forgot to grab it.”
“Let’s get you inside where it’s warm.” Denver said, taking her by surprise when he leaned down and picked her up into his strong arms. “I don’t want the love of my life to catch pneumonia.”
Maddy was giggling as they walked through the front door. Annie was coming out of the den when Denver closed the door with his foot. “You two look happy. I’m so glad.” Annie clapped her hands together in front of her. “Now, I have your dinner cooked and warming on the stove. The rest of the rice pudding is in the fridge. Just warm it a little in the microwave.”
“Thank you.” Maddy kissed Annie’s cheek, then gave her a sideways hug.
“You’re most welcome. Now, you two enjoy your dinner and I’ll see you in the morning.” Annie said as she pulled on her jacket and wound the scarf around her neck.
“Goodnight Annie.” Denver kissed the top of Annie’s head, then went into the den to check the fire while Maddy pulled her jacket off.
Annie stopped at the door. “There was a call for you on the main house line.”
Maddy stopped midway of pulling her boots off. “Who was it?” Her mind raced over who would be calling her here.
“I think it was the woman that stayed here a couple of days. She said something about telling you that she’d be coming back through here the second week in February. Then she said that her business was taking longer than she’d thought, so she was staying up there to finish it up.”
“Oh, that was Izzie. Good, maybe she’ll be here in time for the Valentine’s dance that Polly is putting on.” Maddy said with excitement, then she thought about Denver’s dislike of Izzie. “I’m sure Denver will just be thrilled to hear the news.” Then she rolled her eyes.
“I’m sure my dear.” Annie’s face was unreadable as she walked out the door.
Maddy thought it was strange that Annie seemed to feel as Denver did, and she never even met Izzie. She shrugged as she walked into the den to warm up by the fire. “I have some news.”
“Ok, what’s your news.” Denver asked with a smile.
“Izzie will be back through here in February.” Maddy held out her hands to warm them as she waited for Denver’s reaction. She looked around at him, seeing his face turning a little pale.
“Well, alright then.” Denver said in a gruff voice. “Let’s go see what Annie cooked for dinner. I’m starving.”
Maddy frowned, knowing he wasn’t happy with the news. But she was excited about her new friend coming back to stay. Maybe this time she could give her a tour of the town, although she was still learning it herself. And she could use some advice on wedding planning.
Now on to an upcoming release! “The Pirate of Her Desire”
If you’ve enjoyed the first two books in The Journal Series, then you’ll love this one. Our third sister is about to learn that what happens in a romance novel might not be what happens in real life.
Sometimes when a dream becomes reality things don’t turn out like you imagined.
Since the first romance novel Amber read, she’d always dreamed of living on a pirate ship and capturing the heart of the captain. When the journal sends her to 1750 where she comes face to face with captain George Drake she realizes she might be headed for disaster. Is she prepared for the life on a real pirate ship versus the romanticized versions she’d always read in novels?
Captain George Drake, the most well-known pirate of his time can’t believe his eyes when he sees Amber on his ship. He is filled with anger but one look into her blue eyes and he’s not sure what he is going to do with his beautiful, feisty stowaway. Tensions rise as he struggles to hide this woman from his crew and keep her safe in the midst of a harsh battle. Can he make himself believe a simple journal brought her to his ship?
Will he risk the respect of his crew and everything he has worked toward for the woman that has dropped into his life or will he send her back to her own time? Will he be able to let her go? Will he have a choice?
Their story is action packed but will unfold into a love story to last for all time.
As I said, I’ve been a little busy. But keep a watch out for all of my new releases, coming soon.
Good Monday morning! I hope your Monday is fabulous. I’m on the first full day of our vacation. The boys are out in the boat fishing and I’m sitting in the room writing. Which is wonderful!
I’m finishing the last of Pier Cove, Book 4 of the Wishful Harbor Series. This is one of my favorite series and with only one more book to go, I’m so sad to see it coming to an end. I’ve enjoyed getting to know each of the characters in Wishful Harbor, the sweet little seaside town.
With each new book there is an added set of characters. Also, each book can be a standalone, which makes it versatile. I can imagine sitting out on the back deck of the little shops, watching the sun set or climbing the lighthouse to see everything around me.
If you haven’t fell in love with Wishful Harbor, then check the books out on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Apple, Kobo, and Walmart. You won’t regret it!
Good Tuesday morning! It’s time for a Tuesday Teaser. Pier Cove is coming soon, so, here’s a little teaser of what’s inside the covers.
Marley turned as the bell over the door jingled happily. The man coming in wasn’t unfamiliar to her. She’d met him once or twice at the Marina when she ate dinner. He was a nice looking man, in possibly his mid thirties. The corners of his eyes had what she called, ‘sun wrinkles’ which told her that he spent a lot of time in the sun. She smiled as he walked up to the counter as though he had a purpose other than just browsing. If Marley remembered correctly, it was the first time he’d been in the store since she opened it. “Good morning. Can I help you, uh…” Marley hated it when she forgot someones name. “Liam, Liam Masterson, owner of the Marina. We met at the restaurant.” Liam said with a friendly smile. “Oh, yes, Liam. Sorry. I’m horrible with names.” Marley said with a giggle. “SO, Liam, what can I help you with?” “Well, Mr. Searcy came into the restaurant a few minutes ago and said you’d put out an old ship’s wheel. I’d love to take at look at it.” “Sure. I just found it this past weekend. I couldn’t believe nobody hadn’t already snatched it up.” Marley said as she walked around the end of the counter and led him to the section of the store that held mariner type items. “Here it is.” Liam stepped up to the shelf and took a good look at it. “May I pick it up?” “Be my guest.” Marley said happily. “It’s the original patina also. I think it’s in good shape for it’s approximate age.” “I’m thinking it is possibly early to mid 1900’s.” Liam said as he continued to look at the wheel. Marley tilted her head in surprise. “You know your antiques.” She was impressed. “Just when it comes to things of the sea.” Liam laughed at her surprised look. “What? I’m a anything to do with the sea fanatic.” “I love the sea.” Marley said, then she remembered what the two older men had said earlier. “And on that note, is it true there’s a missing treasure just out from the harbor?” Liam lifted his eyes from the wheel to stare at her. “Rumor has it that the treasure was never found. I’m skeptical at best. Why? Do you dive too?” “Yes, several items in this store were found on my dives.” Marley pointed at a picture on the wall of her holding up several gold coins she found while diving off the coast of Georgia. “So, if someone was wanting to dive over the wreckage, who would they see about that? Is it forbidden or protected?” “They’d come see me. I take out divers all the time. Sometimes I dive too. It’s according to my mood when I go out.” Liam crossed his arms across his chest, looking at the woman standing in front of him. “Are you dive certified?” “Have been for years?” Marley said, standing a little straighter as she saw the doubt in his eyes. “I know what I’m doing, so don’t be afraid of that.” “So, would you take me out to the wreckage?” “I don’t think it’s a good idea. That wreckage is unstable and besides that, as I said, I’m skeptical. My best guess is that the treasure is a myth started by someone years ago to make people come to the harbor.” “I’ve dived many old wrecks that were unstable. I’m more than capable to be cautious. Would you think about it?” Marley saw that pushing this man wouldn’t get her anywhere. “I’ll think about it. As I said, the wreck is unstable and shouldn’t be explored. Leave well enough alone and if there is a treasure, which I highly doubt there is, just leave it be.” Liam picked the ships wheel back up. “But I’ll make a decision on this now. Sold.” He grinned as he followed her to the counter. She was a nice looking woman, but he had a bad feeling about taking her to the old wreckage. “You made a good choice. This was a great find.” Marley said as she entered his purchase in her sales system. “I know just where I’ll hang it too. There’s a spot just to the right of my kitchen window where it will look good.” Liam gave Marley his credit card and looked around while she swiped the car. “I’m glad someone revitalized this store. I remember when it was a bait shop, but that was when I was a small boy. It’s been a general store, craft store and one person put a fine art store in here, but that didn’t last too long.” “It’s a great location. I lucked up by getting it and the apartment upstairs solved my housing issue.” Marley said, then she handed him the slip to sign. Liam signed the slip, then looked back up at the woman behind the counter. “You seem too young to be into antiques.” “You’d be surprised.” Marley placed his receipt in the slot on the cash drawer. “Most likely. I’ll give it some thought about taking you to dive the wreck. But please, do some research before you do. I just think it will be a waste of your time. Not to mention the instability of the wreckage. It’s dangerous and I’d hate for you to get hurt.” “I’ll do some research. As you said, it could be a waste of time.” Marley said, mainly to placate this man that seem determined not to let her dive the wreck. And as he said, it could be a waste of time, but she’d still look into it. If there was a chance that the treasure existed, she planned on checking it out. This could be the find of a lifetime. “Glad you’re sensible.” Liam said with a satisfied smile. “I’m going to hang this now. Will you be coming by the restaurant later?” Marley shrugged, “We’ll see. Maybe.” “If you do, I’ll take you to see this on the wall.” Liam said as he put his card up and picked up his purchase. “And tonight is chowder night? You don’t want to miss it.” “I’ll make an effort to come then.” Marley nodded as he walked out the door. She watched him walk past the front windows. He was such a nice looking man. A thrill went down her spine as she thought about seeing him again. There was something about Liam that pulled her in. As she continued to work that day, she decided to ask Liam to take her diving somewhere other than the wreck. Maybe if he saw that she was an experienced diver, then he’d take her to the wreck. With that decision made, she went up to her apartment to freshen up before she walked to the Marina for dinner. It was already bustling with people when she arrived. The hostess seated her near a window overlooking the marina. She ordered the chowder and a small caesar salad. As she waited for her food, she saw Liam come into the dining room. He took her breath away as he smiled at one of the people at the front table. His blue eyes seemed to twinkle, which was so cliche’, but it was true. His presence made everyone smile. She noticed several people wave at him and acknowledge him. He was well liked here in Wishful Harbor. When Liam looked her way, he smiled at her, then started walking in her direction. “I’m glad you decided to come for chowder night. You won’t be disappointed. It’s my great grandmothers recipe.” Liam said as he gestured at the opposite seat. Marly nodded her approval, so he sat down. “I love the view of the harbor. It’s so peaceful.” Marly looked out across the harbor and sighed. Liam watched her face, unable to speak for a moment. She had the kind of beauty that wasn’t over the top, it was just simple and nice. “I agree. The sunset is amazing from here. Sometime you’ll have to go with me for a sunset ride across the harbor.”
Ok that was just a small snippet from Pier Cove. Keep looking for the release date that’s coming soon. This is the fourth book in the Wishful Harbor Series. Each book of the series can be standalone or together. Fall in love with the small seaside town of Wishful Harbor and all of it’s citizens.
Good Monday morning! As writers, we have to make decisions that hurt. When editing our hard work, we have to cut out parts that took hours to type. But it’s necessary to make the manuscript flow. It hurts…
Not long ago, I was working on my manuscript and something felt wrong. But I couldn’t figure it out. The more I wrote into one part, the worse it felt. About three chapters into the bad feeling, I did something that most writers face, I deleted three whole chapters. I really think my fingers bled as I did it.
The fact was, once I deleted the three chapters and started back up writing, it felt right. Although I’d deleted over 6000 hard earned words, my manuscript started to flow again. It was worth the pain and agony of deleting those words.
Sometimes as writers, we do things that don’t make sense. We make mistakes, we correct them, then we move one. But there is one thing for certain, with every red slash of an editors pen, a little piece of us grows stronger. The editors red mark lets us know that the story goes on, even without the deleted words.
So, edit without mercy and write with intention. It’s in a writers blood to continue with the story. Never give up and never surrender even when the red slash of the editors pen rips your heart into pieces.
As always, good writing and May God Bless You…
P.S. Here’s a link to the book I spoke of above. It hit the top 100 on Amazon in the first three days!
Stephanie Hurt - Romance Author 