Her Wish For Christmas… Pre order up and running

Good Wednesday morning to everyone! It’s a beautiful, chilly morning here in Georgia. I just love the crisp air that Fall offers. It’s so invigorating and refreshes my soul. I begin to get more itchy to write which is scary because some days I could write for 24 hours a day. Yikes, that sounds a little obsessive, but if you’re a writer you know exactly what I’m talking about.

I’m currently working on Her Wish for Christmas, the 3rd book in my Lean on Him Christian Romance Series. This book has torn at my heart and brought me to tears several times. I thought book 2 in the series, Faith Through the Tears was bad on my nerves, well this one has totally cleared out my tear ducts. Actually had a fan recommend sending out a box of tissues with each copy sold.

If you’re wondering why it brings me to tears, well it’s a book about a problem that plagues this nation and it’s something that just affects me so deeply. But it’s the reactions of the characters that totally takes me by surprise. If you’re not a writer, the last statement might seem strange, but sometimes as writer’s we’re surprised by how the characters take over.

Also, for this book, it’s on pre order through Amazon until the release date of November 14th at http://www.amazon.com/Her-Wish-Christmas-Lean-Book-ebook/dp/B00OJI0BN0. I’m donating 50% of my royalties from all the pre order sales and first week after release sales to a domestic violence charity. I want to help out with making a difference. This is such a problem and it breaks my heart that so many feel they have nowhere to turn.

The first couple of days the pre order was out it was in the top 100 on Amazon which is exciting. I’m so touched by the response to this book and can’t wait for it to be up and running. Since the book is almost completely through the editing process I’m crossing my fingers that maybe this book can inspire someone to speak out and get help.

As always great writing and May God Bless You…

As the fire crackles and the pines crack!

Here we go again, but this time it’s ice. I live in the south. For pity’s sake where did the southern weather go? As I sit at my dining room where I’ve set up my laptop so that I can work, I hear the crackling of the fire in the den. But behind me is a set of french doors that lead onto our back patio, from there you hear the snap, crackle, and pop of the pine trees that can’t hold the weight of the building ice.

I did venture out earlier to grab some paperwork from my office and I could actually smell fresh pine. It’s like I was walking into a room with a pine air freshener. I love snow, but not ice. Ice is dangerous and usually cause massive power outages. Luckily at the moment we have power, but it’s flickered a couple of times. Even northerners have to say ice is different than snow to deal with.

When we had snow a couple of weeks ago, people were still on the roads a little bit, but when you have ice it’s eerily quiet. Of course the cold has brought out the beautiful red birds. I love to watch them as they poke around for a bit of food. I’ve got to admit the ice on the trees is beautiful, but the danger still looms. I’m staying inside for now and hoping for the best.

As for my writing, I made some large headway last night on finishing up “Faith Through The Tears”. I actually powered through almost 5000 words as the story unfolded in my head. I’m so excited about this installment to the “Lean On Him” Christian Series. Of course I’m working steadily on my other works in progress. It’s fun to be a writer and get to live in so many different worlds with my characters. One moment I’m in a small town and the next I’m on a horse ranch or maybe I’m on a beach in Savannah. I get to experience so much diversity through my characters and they become a part of me. It’s an awe inspiring experience.

I do hope that all of you are warm and safe. Also a shout out to my friends across the pond as you’re experiencing really scary winds. I send my prayers for everyone to stay safe. Bundle up with a good book and ride out the storm in another world. As for me, as long as I have power I’ll be working on accounting, but if the power goes out I have several books and plenty of paper. The work will go on by candle light which could bring on a whole new inspiration.

As always, good writing and may God Bless You and keep you safe…

Monday Morning’s Second Cup

If you haven’t noticed yet, it’s Monday morning. Yes, I know, don’t remind you.

Yesterday I went over one of my manuscripts in process. It’s the 2nd book in the “Lean On Him” Christian Romance series. The name is “Faith Through The Tears” and tears are the main point. I’ve been working on another manuscript and decided to get back to this one. I read over the manuscript to get my mindset on it and was blown away at the emotions.

As I read the opening 1st chapter tears streamed down my cheeks. I couldn’t help but get emotional. I don’t know whether it stems from the emotional week I’ve had or what, but it affected me. Yes it’s a romance, not a dramatic thriller, but the first chapter is to draw you into the story. I will attach some of the first chapter below for your opinion. It’s funny but I have this whole book in my mind already. It’s just the emotional strain that’s made me walk away a couple of times.

Why does a fictional story evoke so much emotion? As a writer its like I know these people and what happens to them affects me. I feel like I’ve experienced the losses they have and the happiness they have. Maybe that’s a sign of good emotional writing, I don’t know, but I do know I’m keeping the tissues close as this one unfolds.

So, here’s a excerpt from “Faith Through The Tears” :

As he watched her lying in the hospital bed, tears streamed down his face. It was so hard watching her like this. They knew this moment was coming, but it’d happened so quickly. The doctor confirmed that she was out of remission only a month ago. He told them it didn’t look good for another round of chemo. They prayed on it and decided not to even try any more treatments.

He held her hand and watched for any sign that she might be in pain. She was a real trooper. Luke and Amanda brought the girls by and Rachel held up the strong act. They tried to hide the extent of her illness from the kids. The girls were so strong. Audrey was five and Shelby six. Audrey’s lip began to quiver a little as she looked at her mommy lying so pale on the bed. Shelby was quiet as she kept her eyes on the floor. When she did look at Rachel it was plain that she was holding back tears. They were too small to lose their mother. He was too young to lose the love of his life.

The nurse came in and checked her IV bag. She looked at Randy and gave him a smile that said how sorry she was. “Can I get you anything?” There was so much compassion in her eyes and the tone of her voice. She knew the same thing he knew. The time was near.

“Thank you, but I’m alright. I don’t think I could keep food down anyway.” He tried to smile, but it came off wobbly and moist from his tears. How could he even try to eat when his stomach was clenched in misery?

“If you need anything just buzz the nurse’s station. You’ll make yourself sick by not eating. You need to keep up your strength.” She gave him a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder and walked out. All the nurses knew him since he was on the police force. This was a small town and most of them went to their Church.

Their pastor and his wife had been wonderful. They took turns with Luke and Amanda watching the girls. The Church had even done a prayer vigil two days ago. He knew that God would do His will. He knew that Rachel was a good woman and had given her soul to the Lord a long time ago. She wasn’t afraid to die. They’d discussed and prayed about it on many occasions. The only fear she had was for him and the girls. Her eyes filled with tears just talking about the girls growing up.

Well, this was the unedited excerpt, hope you like it. Let me know your thoughts.

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Starting new book brings on frustration…

How many times have I spoke about the many books going on in my head? Well add a new one. Why is it being a writer messes with your head? You see something or hear a song or even just trip over something and suddenly there it is. Well that happened to me this past Saturday.

I was sitting on my couch looking at my book sites when I was suddenly drawn to my book page. My Christian romance “With All My Heart…” has done fairly well and I’ve received some good reviews. Suddenly my heart started pounding and my mind whirling. Even before I finished “With All My Heart…” I had an idea for book two. This is a series called “Lean On Him” and the whole series is based on leaning on your Faith. Finding the answers through Him.

So there I was starting a new word document and before I knew what was happening I was 2000 words into the new book. Amazing how it just poured out of my fingers. My son sat beside me on the couch laughing at me. He said I was going to tear up the keys on my laptop. I didn’t even realize I was so immersed in the writing.

Here is a very unedited excerpt. Let me know what you think. I can take it good or bad.

Randy came back to the current from his daydream. He felt her weakly try to squeeze his hand. He looked up and saw her looking over at him. Her eyes were only barely open. He stood up and sat down on the edge of the bed. “Hey baby. Do you need anything?”

“Only you here with me.” She tried to smile but failed. “You look tired. Why don’t you try to rest?”

“I’m not leaving you. I will be here for you if you need anything.” He felt his heart hammering in his chest. It was odd the feeling he had. It was as though he knew this was the last time they would talk.

“Randy, will you hold me. I just need you to hold me tight. I’ve missed your bear hugs.” She looked up at him and made another attempt to smile.

“Anything for my girl.” He leaned over and gently pulled her into his arms. She tried to put her arms around him but she was too weak. He hugged her as tight as he could without hurting her. It was heavenly to hold her in his arms. He’d missed this too. She was his heart, his soul mate. What would he do without her?

“I love you so much.” Her voice trembled as she spoke.

“I love you too baby.” He felt her tears dampen his shirt. “Don’t cry, it will only make you start coughing.”

“I just needed this time with you. Will you do something for me?”

“You know I will do anything thing for you.” He pulled back so he could look in her eyes. She settled back on the pillow.

“I love you and I’ve enjoyed every moment we’ve had together. We have two beautiful girls to show for the love we’ve shared. I want you to be happy. Promise me that you’ll love again. I don’t want you to lock yourself in the house. I want you to find love again and to marry a woman to help with the girls and to love you. This is my daily prayer.”

His tears came in a steady stream now. “Rachel you’re my love and my heart. How can I love anyone like I love you? I can’t even think about that right now.”

“I know, but I want you to think about it later down the road. You and the girls need a good woman to take care of you. Promise me you will open your heart to love again. Promise me.” She squeezed his hand.

“Ok Rachel. I promise that if my heart feels love again I will think about it. Nobody will ever take your place.” He reached out and stroked her cheek feeling the wetness from her tears.

“I will feel better knowing you’re happy again.” Her heart was heavy knowing they would not grow old together and do all the things they’d talked about.

“I’ve been happy enough with you to last a lifetime. I’ll have the girls to keep me busy and happy.” She’d made him quit saying things like ‘you’re going to be fine’ or ‘don’t talk like that.’

She felt her breathing get harder. It was only a matter of time now. “Baby, it’s getting close, I feel it.”

“Do you want me to get the doctor? Are you in pain?” He went to get up but she pulled at his shirt.

“Don’t leave. Let’s just be here together. I’m not in pain. I actually feel like I’m relaxing.” She looked up at him and saw her eyes were more rested than she’d looked in over a week.

“What’re you feeling?” He wanted to make sure she was comfortable.

“I’m having a little harder time breathing. I feel a little heavy in my limbs. But I’m so at peace.” She did smile that time and it was the most beautiful smile. He noticed that her heart monitor was acting weird. The beats were getting further apart. Her breathing became a little more labored.

“Baby, let me call the nurse. She can give you something for the breathing.” He reached for the nurse’s button but she shook her head.

“Don’t Randy. Let’s just have this moment together, not with nurses and doctors. Just us.” She closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep shuddering breath.

“Ok, if that’s what you want. I love you so much. You’re my soul mate. I know God made us for each other. Nobody can take your place.” He leaned over and kissed her lightly on the lips. His voice was breaking up with emotion.

“I feel the same way sweetheart. I will save a place for you in Heaven. I know that one day we’ll be back together. That’s what’s so wonderful about being saved. This is not goodbye. It’s just ‘see you in a little while’.” She closed her eyes again and a single tear slipped from one eye.

He got up and maneuvered himself so he was lying beside her and he pulled her into his arms. She laid her head in the crook of his arm. He savored every moment he could with her.

Quietly she spoke, almost so low he had to listen hard. “Randy, I love you and I’ll see you again my love.” She got very still and he noticed her breathing slowed. He knew it was close.

Then the heart monitor alarm went off and he knew she was gone. He leaned his head down and kissed the top of her head. “I’ll see you again my love.” Tears burst from his eyes as he held her.

Well, that’s just a snippet of a portion of the manuscript. As I said it’s a very rough draft. I will tell you this, I cried for most of the writing so forgive any smudged letters 🙂

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Nice surprise on Twitter yesterday…

One of my Twitter friends Tattie Maggard sent me a nice tweet. She has a Christian ebook blog and she featured “With All My Heart” yesterday on her blog along with 3 other Christian romances. It was a nice surprise. Check out the link to the post.

http://christianfictionebooks.blogspot.com/2013/01/four-christian-romances-to-fit-your.html

Shameless post for the week!! Sorry!!!

Ok, so here is my shameless blog for the week. I have 4 books in publication now. (Grinning widely, with much fear in the background). I would love to hear some feedback or reviews. I have gotten some really nice reviews, thanks by the way, and only one review that was not exactly the best, but he admitted that romance was not his genre, so I took him at his word.

So here are the links where they can be found, if anybody is even remotely interested. (Fingers crossed).

I tried to make it simple with these links! Come on give it a whirl!

Ghost Lover can be found at the following locations:

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/212795

http://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Lover-Stephanie-Payne-Hurt/dp/1478376864

https://www.createspace.com/3958430

Moonbeam & Roses can be found at:

https://www.createspace.com/3942428

http://www.amazon.com/Moonbeam-Roses-Stephanie-Payne-Hurt/dp/1478336811

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/180924

Tender Flames can be found at:

http://www.amazon.com/Tender-Flames-Of-Love-ebook/dp/B0084USOE2

https://www.createspace.com/3958658

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/217823 (Free on Smashwords)

With All My Heart… Can be found at:

http://www.amazon.com/All-Heart-Lean-Him-ebook/dp/B0090Q0UB4

https://www.createspace.com/3972999

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/217755 (Free on Smashwords)

Well, here …

Well, here it is. I have had some faithful followers ask for more info on me. I have a hard time talking about me as a person. So here goes, and remember you asked, so…

I currently live in Georgia (USA). I am married and I have a 13 year old son. I also have a 26 yr old step daughter, 19 yr old step son, and a 5 yr old step grandson. Never a dull moment around our house.

I have been an accountant for over 20 years and have owned my own accounting firm for 15 years. I know what you are wondering, “When do you have time to write?” Well, I write in the mornings after my son gets on the bus and at night when my husband snores on the couch and my son sleeps.

I am also a Children’s Minister at my Church. This has been a wild ride. If you have never worked with children, you need to try it. I enjoy every minute of it. My Faith is A very important part of my life.

Well, as for me, personally, I am a patient person. My doctor laughs when he checks My blood pressure, he says, “Usually Accountants have high blood pressure”, Then rolls his eyes. My husband says sometimes I am too calm. (Smiling) This annoys him sometimes.

I have been reading romance novels since I was a teenager. I had read several Harlequin and Sillouette books when I discovered Danielle Steele’s “Remembrance”, well I was lost then. I started reading that one every year.

My favorite old movie is “Gone With The Wind.” Come on people, I am a Georgia girl, what did you expect. I have so many new favorites that I can’t mention them all. I love “Ghost Hunters” and “Three and A Half Men”. I am hooked on “True Blood” which the season ended Sunday night and I am still in shock. I love horses and cowboys. I am a country girl so that it is, out in the opening.

I have written over 20 manuscripts. Well started is more like it. My assistant gets to read them and I love to leave her hanging on a pivotal scene. She threatens to strangle me often. I have published 4 of them since May. It has been a fun and nail biting ride. I am working on 4 new manuscripts now. Check out my 4 published works. I have received a couple of great reviews and I thank all that have reviewed them. Here is the list and they are all on Smashwords and Amazon.

“Ghost Lover”

“Tender Flame” 1^st in “Flames of Love” Series

“Moonbeam & Roses”

“With All My Heart…” 1^st in “Lean On Him” Christian Series

So, as you can see, I am just a normal person with a abnormal obsession with writing the perfect romance novel. Like that is going to happen, but I can hope. I am not a perfectionist, so I know that will not happen. Hey, a person can dream and if you are a writer you are definitely a dreamer.

Whew! Now that is over. I am not one to talk about myself, just my work. Hope I did not bore you to tears.

Before I hit the bubble bath & a good book!

Well, it is Saturday night. I have worked some on one of the several books that I am currently

working on. I just downloaded a new book, “The Last Dance” by Wyatt McIntyre. Thought I would

give it a whirl. Sounds like a wonderful, heartfelt romance. I need one of those tonight.

Before I stick my toes in the warm, lavender bubbles, don’t forget to check out my 4 already published

novels on Smashwords and Amazon.

“With All My Heart…” and “Tender Flames” are both 1st editions to new series I have started. They are both free

for a while on Smashwords. Also “Ghost Lover” & “Moonbeam & Roses” are for sale too.

All four are now available in paperback through Amazon.

So, have a wonderful night and if you are in the mood for a little romance, check out my books. Especially if you like cowboys…

With All My Heart….

Check out my new Christian Romance which is free right now on Smashwords.com

Here is a little excerpt for you to chew on!

When she got home she unlocked the door and walked in. She did not lock the door behind her. She went to the kitchen to put her tea pot on. She turned and started up the hall to get her clothes ready. When she got halfway up the hall a hand grabbed her and pulled her back up the hall. She tried to turn around to see who it was. She started to scream and a hand covered her mouth.
She struggled with all her strength, but the person who held on to her was too strong. She tried to bite the hand over her mouth, but he pressed even harder. She could taste blood on her lips. She could tell it was a man by his strength and his large hands.
He pushed her forward into her bedroom. She tried to turn around, but he held her tight against him. She brought her foot down hard on his foot. He grunted and pounded a fist into her shoulder. She cringed in pain. She could not believe this was happening to her.
Then he pushed her down on the bed and when she turned to try to slide off the other side he hit her so hard that she saw stars. She tried to hold onto consciousness, but the blackness surrounded her. She said a prayer as the blackness took over.

Well my new novel has a name!

As I have spoken in the past couple of posts, I finished my new Contemporary Christian Romance novella. I have been struggling for a month or so about a name for my book. Well, finally after several attempts, it is done. The name is

“With All My Heart…”. I can say that I put a lot of my own faith in this book.

The book hopefully will inspire others to search out their faith and renew it. I have prayed over this novella several times. It is scary when you go to a new side of the genre you write in, but I feel like I have been led to write this

Christian series. I just hope it is helpful to someone out there that may not have anyone to help.

Maybe just the act of picking up a book will help inspire them to get out of their shell. But isn’t that what all authors want to accomplish when we put pen to paper. We want to inspire people to do something. Maybe it is to inspire a single mom to step out of her comfort zone and do something for herself, or maybe a widow/widower to open their heart to love again, even help someone who has had a tragedy in their life to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I know, maybe that was a little deep for Tuesday morning, but that is how I feel when I write. I want to be able to ignite a little romance in everyone. Romance helps keep your marriage new and exciting, it helps any relationship to stay healthy. When you lose the romance, it is sad.

My readers will be surprised when they read this new book. My books always have a cowboy and horses, but this one really steps away from my normal work. I am a country girl, what can I say. There is something about a cowboy that just inspires romance in my mind. Maybe you don’t get into cowboys, but at least be open to the romance.

So, if you follow my books, check out my new book. It will be available this week. I will update you on the way to find it later when the info is available.

To all my followers, have a wonderful Tuesday and try a little romance today! Step out with your Faith and just go for it.

Until the next time, Good Blogging my friends!