Thanksgiving and so much more…

First things first… Happy Thanksgiving to one and all on this beautiful morning. Well its beautiful here in Georgia, just really cold. I’m thankful for so many things as I sit sipping my coffee and getting ready to start preparation for all the food I need to prepare.

I’m thankful for my family that stands by me no matter how crazy I get, for my friends that stay faithful even through my writing frenzy and most of all I’m thankful for my Savior that saved me and keeps me in line. What are all of you thankful for today?

As I do every Thanksgiving, I’m offering 5 of my stand alone books for only .99 each on Amazon. I’ve been so blessed in my writing and the friends I’ve gained through it. All of you are wonderful and I wanted to offer a deal for the season.

As always great writing and May God Bless You….

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…

Silence! I’m Writing Here!

Where do you write? Do you need a quiet place or can life go on around you leaving you unhindered? It’s a perplexing question in many ways. I’ve talked to several writers on this subject and the answers vary.

Some writers tell me that they need silence while writing. They don’t want any music or sound. It hinders their creative thoughts. Then others say they have to have music going to keep the creative juices flowing. Others can write with the television going and life streaming around them. It’s so different with every writer.

As for me I guess it’s the mood I’m in. Most of my writing happens at night while the television is blaring. I sit on one end of the couch and my son on the other and my hubby is in his recliner. When I’m in writing mode, usually the outside world disappears. What’s funny is I can keep up with a movie and writing at the same time. I learned how to multi-task when my son was a infant. Since I own a accounting business, he was raised up in my office. I had to answer phones while giving him a bottle, prepare a profit and loss statement while rocking him to sleep and deal with the colic while meeting a tax deadline. Yeah, I can multi-task with the best of them.

Of course I love my morning time writing. When my son is off to school and hubby has left for work, I sit in my pj’s and sip my coffee. This is my time to blog, check my sites and do a little intense writing. I try to steal a couple of minutes here and there during the day, but when you run a busy accounting office, that’s few and far away.

I do love to write with music playing softly in the background. When I have the house to myself, usually I have Pandora running. My listening pleasures vary drastically. My son laughs when he walks into my office. I have Pandora running all day in the office. The stations I listen to vary from Adam Levine Radio, Evanescence Radio, Luke Bryan Radio, Drunk On Country Radio to 80’s Love Songs Radio. I told you they vary. Some days I add in Classical Radio too. It’s all according to my mood. But my Pandora stations are always on shuffle. So you never know what will come up. Then of course I have my CD’s for when I want a more chiseled effect. That varies broadly. The one that gets my hubby and son is the Celtic Sounds CD that I play sometimes. They’ll roll their eyes and walk back out. I usually laugh.

So, how do you like to write? Do you need silence or music? If you use music as your muse, what’s you favorite writing sounds?

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Yes! I talk to myself, don’t you?

As a child I was always taught that you didn’t talk to yourself because someone would think you were weird. Umm, well, I guess that philosophy was lost on me. My son told me the other day that he was looking for homes to put me in. As I tried to explain to him when he caught me arguing with myself, yes I know, that’s a little overboard, but I’m a writer. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it 🙂

Sometimes when I’m writing and trying to work out a story line I say it out loud. The only problem with that is I most of the time write while in the room with my husband and son. I catch myself hashing out an argument with my characters and I start arguing out loud. Then I realize that I’m not alone. I usually turn to see my son and hubby looking at me like I’ve completely lost it. I just grin and start excitedly telling them what the argument was all about and that’s when they roll their eyes and wave me off. They don’t get into romance. Now if I wrote a romance about a fisherman or hunter maybe, but not my kind.

Now you can’t say you haven’t fussed at your computer out loud, or hashed out a story out loud. It’s just easier for me to read a part of the story out loud. It makes it sound different than in my head. I guess it’s like I filter it when I silently read, I don’t know.

I do try to hold back when I’m in the general public. Although sometimes when I’m somewhere and a story hits me I’ll laugh out and say something like, “Ooh that’d make a great one” or “Yikes I shouldn’t have killed her off.” Yeah, that last line really clears an aisle at the grocery store. Could this be why most writers are loners?

What’s bad is when I’m talking to myself and then start answering myself? My son has started just turning and leaving me alone with myself.

I was so lost in a story line the other day that I didn’t even realize I was actually doing a crazy giggling sound and some sort of clicking of my tongue. My son finally tapped me and asked if I needed medication. I just waved him away after giving him a look.

So, do you talk to yourself? Come on you know you do.

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Christmas Eve :)

Good chilly morning to all… I do hope everyone is ready for Christmas. I’ve still got some baking to finish and payroll to complete, but the gifts are bought and wrapped. Well all but one and I tripped over it this morning in the bedroom, LOL. I’ll wrap it when I get back from delivering payroll.

‘Tis the season to be jolly and why is it that most people this year are not jolly? My son and hubby are not in the Christmas spirit. It’s driving my insane. I’m going around singing Christmas carols and decorating everything that’s not standing still. They just sit and look at me like I’ve lost what’s left of my brain. Well, maybe I have, but it all went into my books.

Last night I was thinking of spending it finishing up the latest manuscript that’s captured my little brain and then it hit me. “I’ve got to put some Christmas spirit in these men of mine.” So I whipped out “Frosty The Snowman” and “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer” and told them to sit down and enjoy. Of course I giggled like a school girl and they just sat there and made fun of Rudolph’s red nose. Oh well, I tried.

Speaking of manuscripts, I’m hoping to spend some time off from accounting this week and finish up “Finding The Right Time”. It’s been taking over my brain this week. While I was up and down last night with my pulled back muscle I played with the idea of pulling out my laptop and just working through the night, but my back told me otherwise 😦

So here’s hoping you all have a wonderfully Merry Christmas Eve and hope Santa is very good to you. Remember to smile at someone you don’t normally smile at, hug your loved ones and sing carols even if they’re out of tune. Put the Christmas spirit in your whole day and enjoy the season of joy. Don’t forget the reason for the season as you celebrate with family and friends. Tell Jesus Happy Birthday!

As always good writing and May God Bless You…

Merry Eve before Christmas Eve

Well it’s been another rainy day here in Georgia, but now the temperature is dropping and it’s feeling more like Christmas. As I sit here by my Christmas tree with a crackling fire I’m thankful for so many things.

First off I’m glad to be almost rid of the cold I’ve been figting for over a week, hence the long stint without a blog. Now I have a pulled muscle from coughing, sneezing and all that comes with a cold. Oh well, could be worse 🙂

Second I’m excited because tommorow is Christmas Eve and if you’ve followed my blog for the last two years you know I love Christmas. I get to be with family and friends being all Merry and happy.

Third I’m working on several manuscripts getting them polished up for a after New Year’s release. My writing has been an inspiration and a big stress reliever. I’ve gained so many new friends and fans through this blog and my writing. I’m excited about what 2014 holds for my writing. At the bottom of this post I will be giving you a sneak peak at the cover for one of my newest works that’s coming out after New Year’s.

Christmas spirit is filling my heart and soul. I almost want to write another Christmas romance but alas it’s a little late for that. Maybe it’ll keep until next year. I’m ready to celebrate the Savior’s birth on Wednesday. It’s a wonderful time of year to do something nice for someone else. Make sure you tell everyone you love them and give them a hug. Give a little Christmas spirit everywhere you go.

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Here’s a sneak peak at the cover for Finding The Right Time. It’s a time travel romance and I’m really excited about this one. Take a look at this awesome cover that my cover designer created. We spent several hours on this one and I think it’s our best yet.

Christmas Spirit, Love and Sharing

Today’s post is a step away from my normal writing and publishing blog. I want to ask you a simple question, Do you have the

Christmas Spirit this year? I’m not talking about the I’ve got to go shopping today, the ornaments are up , but the Christmas Spirit.

You may be saying, What are you talking about? Well, it’s quite simple really. Have you done something for someone less fortunate this Christmas season and not just to get a tax benefit, but from the heart? Have you spent time with family and friends and thought about someone or something other than yourself?

I went with my family out to eat last night for Christmas. It was great to be with my uncle and aunt and couisins and their families, not to mention my mom, her friend, my brother and his family and my hubby and son. I sat there looking around the table thinking about how much our family has grown. We’ve gained lots of new members in the last twenty or so years. But it was nice to take a moment out of our busy lives to just be together. Yes it was crowded in the small room we’d reserved but the point was to be together. As we left I felt sad that we didn’t get to spend more time together, but life takes over sometimes.

Tommorow at Church we’re getting together as a Church family and putting together boxes for the families at the local family and children services. These families won’t have much for Christmas so we try to give them something special to unwrap on Christmas morning. Some gifts are as simple as a doll or car, toothbrush and toothpaste. Actually things we take for granted but they’d be thrilled to have. Even hairbows and brushes, pencils and school supplies, things that they need but don’t have. It warms my heart to help with such a special cause, but it’s never enough. Why can’t we just spend a couple of dollars to help those less fortunate?

It’s not about the huge, pricey gifts. It’s the thought. No child should wake up Christmas morning without at least one thing under the tree. Christmas is by no means just about the gifts, it’s about our Savior’s Birth. But we need to teach our kids the spirit of giving which He spoke of so often and for some reason we’ve stepped away from it.

It could be something simple like a warm blanket and coat. You may be warm in your house, but what about families that can’t afford heat. Give them something warm to wrap up with.

But why not all year long. Why do we only think of those less fortunate at Christmas? We should keep the spirit of Christmas in our hearts year round. We should follow His word and give to those in need all year. Think of the troops that are away from home. They are not just away at Christmas, they’re away for months to years at a time, but most only think about them at this time of the year.

So my challenge to you is this. Do something nice for someone. Maybe set a goal to do something for someone every month of the year. Plan a special project you can do for someone in need. It could be as simple as cooking a meal for a shut-in or just collecting cans and donating them to a family in need. The smile you’ll receive and the feeling will get contagious and dare I say it, you might become an habital giver.

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

photo credit: <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/cobalt220/5239194817/”>Rdoke</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/”>cc</a>

Social Media is Time Consuming

If you’re an author you know the importance of social media. It’s the backbone of your publishing and selling strategy. The only problem is we try to get on every site we can and then when we sit down to our computer we spend an hour searching all the sites for any inkling of a notice from fans or readers or anybody other than spam mongers. I sit every morning going through my sites and then I spend what time is left before going to the office writing.

We have to make sure we use our time wisely. I am trying to limit my site checking to twice a day. I try to post a blog everyday, but some days I may forgo my usual post for a shorter post or save it up for the next day. That way I have more time for my writing which is important. Since I have a full time job and a family I need to keep my time steady and straight. Following the right course is very important.

As for my accounting office I’ve changed the times I work and added in tidbits of writing time during the day. It helps break the monotony of everyday accounting work with a little writing time. I make sure that every detail is taken care of in it’s own time.

Time with my family is very important too. It’s become common place in my house for my laptop to be in my lap during tv time at night. My hubby and son are used to that’s writing time, but I’m still with them and not closed up in another room. It’s funny the small things that make a difference. I guess raising a child in an accounting office taught me alot about focus. I can depreciate an asset while doling out snacks. So in turn I can now write while watching tv with my family, helping with homework, and cooking dinner.

So, how do you spend your time? Do you waste time on trivial things? Have you got a plan and do you stick to it?

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Here’s a link to a great blog about Time from a blogger all writers need to follow:

http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2013/12/05/killing-time-is-a-crime-embracing-speed-by-redefining-life-play-work/

Giving Many Thanks

As I sit here typing this post I’m thankful for my family, friends, and adoring fans that have made my writing dreams a reality. I’m greatful for the warm fire crackling, the cinnamon rolls on my plate and the delicious coffee in my cup. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is coming on and I sit here waiting as if I were a child for all the floats and then the big guy himself Santa.

I’ve had so much to be thankful for this year. I’ve been honored to be included three times in magazines, my sales have been steady thanks to my faithful fans, I’ve been for the most part healthy, I made it through my son’s football season without losing my mind, and most of all thankful for my wonderful family and friends. I’ve been blessed with an adoring husband, wonderful son and even though they’re not my blood children, two wonderful stepchildren and a step grandson. This year our family was graced with the addition of a son in law and his adorable daughter. It’s been an awesome year so far.

As for my writing it’s been a stellar year. I’ve published several books and expanded my distribution channels. I’ve been included in the Southern Writer’s Magazine and Fleet Life in the UK. My blog has seen many new followers from all over the world. I’ve cherished each and every new friend. It’s amazing the friendships you gain through blogs, books, and social media.

As for the rest of my family, I have a loving mother, motherinlaw, brother, sisterinlaws and brotherinlaws. I’m a lucky woman to have the awesome family I have. We love one another without pretense and are there for each other through thick and thin. I have a wonderful Church family and my faith has been multiplied this year with every step of life.

I wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving today and when you sit down with your family be thankful for the food God has blessed you with and the family gracing your table. It’s through Him all of it is possible.

As always, great writing and May God Bless You…

Friday morning Post – 2nd cup

As I start my second cup of coffee I smile. The day after the 4th of July celebration is always sad to me. It means summer is almost over. School will start in a little over four weeks and I need to start thinking about Christmas shopping. Wow time flies when you’re having fun 🙂

I spent my 4th of July at my mom’s lake house which was fun. Although it rained we had a great time with a fish fry and lots of conversation with friends and family. It was the first morning in a while that I didn’t get up and blog. No WiFi at the lake 😦

As for writing I’m busy working on two novels that are taking over my brain. The first one is a historical novel based on the time surrounding the Civil War called “Magnolia Hill” and the other is the 2nd book in the “Lean On Him” Christian series called “Faith Through the Tears”. Also just sent in a guest blog post to the Southern Writer’s Magazine and hope to hear soon when it will be posted. I’m still on a smiling high from being in that wonderful magazine this week.

I think I may need a 3rd cup of coffee before I head across the driveway to the office. Hope everyone had a great holiday.

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…