Inside a Series…

Series Article

Good morning! As you can tell from the picture above, I’m talking about Five Oaks Ranch, my bestselling series.

Have you written a series? If so, did you have a hard time keeping the stories straight? This series was a work in progress that kept me on my toes. The idea for the series came as we drove back from our Florida vacation a couple of years ago. The road signs were passing by and each one seemed to spur an idea. So, by the time I got home, I had a skeleton map drawn on my notepad. Since I get car sick easily, it was a horrible looking thing, but I had it in my head and heart.

Over the next couple of days, I put together the book names, the character sketches for the five main characters and ideas for how their stories would go together. This series was the most fun as they almost wrote themselves. Each book fed off the other and it was as though I wrote one long manuscript and cut it into five books. I know, there were six, but the Christmas book only came into my head toward the end of Luke.

Several people started writing to me that they wanted to know more about the parents. At first, I was like, but this is the story about the five children, hence the series name, Five Oaks Ranch. Then as I sat thinking about it, I came up with the idea for the Christmas story that would bring it all together. So, A Christmas to Remember was born. By the way, at the end of the Christmas book, I’ve put several of my own family recipes that have been passed down through the generations.

The family tree is introduced in the Christmas book. You’ll notice that some of the kids haven’t been born in any of the books, but I wanted to let my readers know that the characters went on to lead love-filled lives together.

So, have you started the Five Oaks Ranch series yet? Ridge is free! This book stayed in the top 100 of free books on Amazon for over a year, which made me giggle with excitement everytime I looked at the stats. And you’ll notice a pretty, shiny silver medallion on the cover of Ridge. He was honored with a five-star review from Reader’s Favorites! Here’s the link to the whole series if you’re in the market for a new series to read, but here’s a warning, you’ll fall in love with the Cauthen’s.

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Five Oaks Ranch…

Good Wednesday morning folk! I do hope all is well with you and yours. As for me, it’s the beginning of my busy season. Since I’m an accountant, and tax season is now up and running, well, that means I’m a busy lady. Not to mention I have a couple of book deadlines looming too…

Today I want to talk about my Five Oaks Ranch Series. Even though Ridge has been out for coming up on three years, it’s stayed in the top 100 Free books for almost a year. The rest of the series is doing well too…

A little back story into this series… When this series came to me, we were driving back from our Florida vacation. I’d been playing with ideas for a cowboy series, and I wanted it to be based around a family, but I didn’t have the exact specifics. As we drove into Georgia, I was sitting there, lost in thought when street signs started coming into my view. At once, I knew it would be based in Georgia. Then the names started flashing by, my mind whirling with ideas. At that moment, Five Oaks Ranch was born.

By the time we arrived home about one and a half hours later, I had the book names, the cover ideas and had started my character sketches. Of course, I can’t write and ride because I’d turn green, but I had my notepad beside me. I wrote on it without looking, as the words streamed in, almost at once.

When we arrived home, I had to unpack, but my mind was still on beginning Ridge. I have to say, Ridge’s popularity has surprised me. The outpouring of support for this book and the series has been humbling, to say the least. This series came straight from my heart and from the responses I’ve received by email and direct message, it’s touched others.

My writing style has changed a lot since I published Ridge. I’ve studied writing a lot, as most writers do. Some of the things I’ve learned have spilled out into my writing. The first book, Ridge and the second book, Oakley are different in the style of writing, but it still has my heart in it.

To say I’m excited about where the Five Oaks Ranch will go in the future is an understatement. I’ve received emails from readers that would love to see it on the big screen as one big movie or mini-series. Now wouldn’t that be awesome.

Ok, so with your writing, which work has made you a proud author?

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Friday…3 day weekend!

Labor Day Sale

It’s a soggy Friday here in our part of Georgia. The wind and misty rain have arrived from Hurricane Hermine and it looks like that’s the setting for the day. But we need the rain here in Georgia.

Time has been flying by. It’s hard to believe September is already here. Since it’s a 3 day holiday weekend here in the states, I’m offering a sale on my Five Oaks Ranch books. Since Ridge is already free, I’m putting Oakley, Chase, Luke and Maggie at .99 for the long weekend. So if you haven’t introduced yourself to the Cauthen brood, then jump in for the sale!

In writing news, the last of the edits are done on Tuscany and it’s with the proofreader now. So, the clock is ticking and it won’t be long before the release party. I’m really excited for Tuscany to make it’s grand debut.

As you know, a writer can make a 90-degree turn in their writing. I was working on my current work in progress when the extreme need to start a new series overtook me and I had to hold production on everything to start it. Well, in three days I’ve gotten five chapters into the series. Then I saw that one of the editors with Harlequin is desperately wanting Highlander romances, which is what the series is all about. I sent her a tweet and she said to send it to her when it’s completed, so, we’ll see where that goes. Now, on to watching the Outlander, (wink-wink), it’s research for the new series.

Hope all of you have a great Labor Day Weekend and stay safe! Remember to do something special with your family, make memories and have some ‘me’ time too…

As always, good writing and May God Bless you…

A Christmas to Remember…

A Christmas To Remember Front

Well, with a happy heart, I release A Christmas to Remember today! It’s been a crazy year, writing 6 books to complete the series. Funny thing is, it was originally only 5, but the characters pushed for this last, sweet book of memories, recipes and little surprises. This book brought me to happy tears and it’s straight from my heart to yours. So I hope you enjoy it!

I’ll be offering bundles soon of the whole Five Oaks Ranch series books! Thanks to the fans of the Five Oaks Ranch for believing in the story and characters. The comments I’ve received have been so sweet and make me smile. Ridge was even honored with a nice gold 5-star review from Readers Favorite! His cover wears the honor proudly!

As we begin to say goodbye to 2015, I’m planning the release dates for 2016 books. I have several in the outline stage ready to come alive. A couple are already in the works, so keep watching out for upcoming releases.

As always, great writing and May God Bless You…

Maggie’s Release!

Maggie front cover

Maggie will be available by tomorrow morning! I can’t wait for you to meet the last Cauthen sibling. She’s sassy, loving, adored by her brothers and has a secret…

You’ll fall in love with her story. It’s a story of secrets, love, and family.

So, have a happy Monday and remember, get Maggie before the Christmas edition comes out the end of this week.

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Five Oaks Ranch Coming to a Close!

It’s hard to believe it, but my Five Oaks Ranch is coming to a close soon. Maggie is in editing and will be out in a little over a week, then the Christmas edition will be out before Christmas. I’m excited about the Christmas book. It will feature recipes and so much more, but there will be romance as always…

I’ve grown to love all of the Cauthen’s and will miss their lively banter and all the fun they have. But they’ll live on in fiction.

My new series is already in the works, without a name of course, but in the works. The first book in a chapter in and I can’t wait for you to get a glimpse of it. It’s something I’ve been playing with for a while, so start looking for tidbits before Christmas.

Keep a watch out for bundle specials on the Five Oaks Ranch! Some great deals will be coming before Christmas so don’t miss a post. If you haven’t caught a Five Oaks book, then get one soon. The Cauthen’s are a fun, loving family and you’ll love their stories as they unfold in each book.

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Maggie’s taking over~

Good Friday everyone! Yes, it’s finally Friday!!! Sorry I haven’t been posting much, but I’m trying to finish Maggie so I can finish the Christmas companion book to the Five Oaks Ranch Series. But, I was sitting here working on Maggie this morning and it’s amazing the difference in writing her story. For one, the four brothers stories were of course written from the man’s point of view. I’m back to writing from the woman’s point of view and she’s sassy that’s for sure.

I’ve enjoyed this series so much and sadly all good things must come to an end. Maggie’s story is intriguing with the secrets she’s kept, the over protectiveness of her brothers and the great love she builds with the forbidden man in her life.

For those that have been inquiring about Luke, he’ll be out really soon. He’s with my editor right now and should surface soon. I think you’ll like his story.

Now, back to Maggie. Have a great Friday!

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Luke – on his way

I finished Luke yesterday, well the first draft. Now on to the read through and embellishment process. Oh the fun times of a writer. I have to admit that sometimes the embellishing can be quite fun.

Luke’s story was the toughest of all the Five oak Ranch books. Now to the one I’m really looking forward to, Maggie. I look forward to writing in the female perspective again. If you’ve read the first three, then you know they were from the man’s perspective. Writing a man’s perspective is interesting to say the least.

Maggie is almost two complete chapters in after only two hours work. Yeah, I’d say her story is going well. This will be an exciting story of secret love, family drama and romance flowing freely. This may be the best on yet. Can’t wait to get deeper in the story and yes I have it outlined so that’s why I’m so excited to fill in the blanks.

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Writing a complex character: for me it’s Luke

All characters have their complexities, but with Luke Cauthen, well, let’s just say he runs the race, leading by a head or two, maybe three. His story has been pulling at me since the start of this series over a year ago. I wanted him to be the youngest of the Cauthen men. He needs to have some influence from his older brothers, but also he’ll need their support.

With Luke, let’s see, how do I explain this man? He’s what some call a womanizer, but once you get to know him, you’ll figure that one out for yourself. One of his character flaws, well maybe not a flaw, but something that gets him into trouble with the ladies is he’d running from love as fast as he can. When a girl gets too close, she’s gone like an old shoe, out the door. Or is he running to love, but has to get the obstacles out of the way? Food for thought?

Another characterization of him is loyal. With the above comments you’re probably saying, what? Luke is loyal to the ranch. He’s never wanted to do anything but work on the ranch. That also gets him into trouble as he’s a hot head and when things don’t go the way he thinks is best for the ranch, well he goes over the edge. Usually ending up in a quarrel with one of the other three head strong Cauthen brothers.

But Luke can be tamed, and in this book you’ll get to know the woman a lot better. She’ll have him hogtied and over his saddle before he can blink an eye.

So, if you haven’t read any of this series, then I suggest you get to it. All of them are sweet stories of love, romance and family. Each of them has a character flow, but there’s always someone that can heal the wounds that flaw creates.

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Summertime and feeling it!

Good morning! We’ve made it halfway through the week… It’s been a really crazy couple of weeks. For one the heatwave that we’re in here in the south is almost too much! With the high temps and really high humidity, you walk outside for just a minute and you’re soaked. Where’s the rain when you need it? Although my family says I’m crazy, I’ve been completing my 4 mile walks three evening a week and yes about one mile in I’m questioning myself. But I’m on a diet and exercise is part of it.

Another thing which is awesome, I’ve received two wonderful reviews of “Ridge”. One came from one of Rosie Amber’s review squad, which by the way is a great team to get to review your book. Here’s the wonderful review:

4 Star **** Is there a Dr in the house??

By Lynn F. on June 6, 2015

Format: Kindle Edition

This is a love story that follows Ridge Cauthen. He is the eldest son of the Cauthen clan. Ridge fought in the war in Iraq. He is now back home and working on his family’s ranch. He by chance meets the new Veterinarian, Mallory. Ridge is dealing with PTSD from his military service. PTSD that includes nightmares, flashbacks and mood swings. Not an ideal time to try and make someone fall in love with you. My favorite part of this story was the amount of love, patience and forgiveness Ridge is shown by his family and friends. I would hope all Veterans would receive the same treatment. I’m not going to tell you if Boy gets Girl you just have to read it for yourself 🙂

Then two weeks later I received an email from Reader’s Favorite stating that I had a review posted and maybe it’s not a big deal to some, but to me it’s really cool to have that emblem to put on your book. Here’s this review:

	5 stars!
Reviewed By Rabia Tanveer for Readers’ Favorite In Ridge by Stephanie Hurt, meet an ex-soldier who is struggling through life with PTSD, until the day he meets ‘the One’ and his world turns upside down. Ridge is the oldest Cauthen boy. He grew up in a big, happy family. Ridge is kind and caring, always looking out for his younger siblings and others who need help. So when the time came, he enrolled in the army and served his country. But two years in Iraq broke him. There is so much a kind heart can take, and his heart has taken and seen enough. Now he is back home and working at the family ranch. Getting away from the war didn’t help much. He is still fighting off the enemies in his mind. Every night is a struggle with nightmares, but they never end. His family loves him and is kind to him, but how much longer are they going to stay that way? When luck brings Mallory (a new vet in town) to him, he is not sure he wants to have her in her life. Can she truly love him? Can she accept him with all his broken parts inside? Ridge by Stephanie Hurt is a novel that will fill your heart. You will feel so much compassion and kindness for Ridge that you will tear up. Ridge is such a nice guy; he is kind and very sweet. This novel showed how pointless wars have destroyed the lives of many men and how they are suffering because they pledged to protect their country. When you sit down to read the novel, keep a tissue box nearby because you will need it. A really good novel. And I got this nice label for my books: So, this made my month, but then it got even better! How could it get better you might ask, well, I received an email that a bookstore about an Hour & a half from me asked me to come do a book signing, which made me smile. We’re working on a date in September, but I’ll give more info as it comes. It’s just been an exciting couple of weeks which kept the really hot weather even hotter because with the excitement comes major hot flashes (Wink-Wink) don’t you just love those ladies! So, how’s your summer going so far? Is it hot where you are or for my friends across the globe how’s your winter? As always, good writing and May God Bless You… Check out all the great reviews on Rosie’s page: https://rosieamber.wordpress.com/