What does writing mean to you?

5527853183_56dda25e32_s

What does writing mean to you? Is it just a way to pass the time, or do you consider it your job? Some writers struggle with this question. Maybe you haven’t sold anything or published anything, but when you sit down to write, is it from habit or need? Strange question, huh?

I’ve been asked these questions many times. When I was a young teenager, it was fun to write down the ideas in my head. I could sit for hours filling notebooks with stories, but it was more of a hobby to fill my time, or was it? I choose to think it was training for my future.

As I grew older, college, marriage, children, life, all of these took over, leaving my writing on the back burner, but not out of my head. Then it all came tumbling back in. At first when I started writing again, it was more of a hobby. I’d type in the words, print them, read them occasionally, but they didn’t speak to me.

Of course in 2012 it went beyond a hobby, it became a part of my life. Now I have a writing schedule, daily word count and street team. I’d say it means a lot to me. What about you?

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Chilly Southern Morning

It’s the coldest morning here so far this season. I’m enjoying it, although my bones are a little less enthusiastic. Now that I’m on my 2nd cup of coffee, I’m working toward waking up. The morning is beautiful as the sun creeps slowly up, but it’s slow this morning, like me.

As for me on this cool Monday morning, I will be catching up on my writing. Luke is coming along nicely and Maggie is already outlined and ready to go. The Five Oaks Ranch is getting into my head way too much. Most writers know what I mean when I say I don’t want to stop with their story, but all good things must come to an end.

Hope all of you are well and ready to start your week.

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

One Last Push for Tuscany

SYTYCW15 AD

https://www.wattpad.com/myworks/48304085-tuscany-sytycw15 Vote for Pitch Part One!!!

Alright, I’m sending out one last push for Tuscany then I’ll be silent and wait. It’s been a long week of promoting, promoting, and more promoting… One thing can be said, I gave it my best and that’s all I can do. Since a Harlequin Editor said she liked the premise of Tuscany, if I don’t make it to the top 25, which I’m hanging on the edge, I’ll be sending it to Harlequin. Why not?

One sweet lady read it on Wattpad and her comment of the last paragraph of the book was ‘Swoon!’. That made me smile. This book was totally different from any of the books I’ve written before. I’m totally pleased with the outcome and plan to push it forward.

So, how is everyone out there in the world today? Hope it’s going well for all of you.

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Monday!

SYTYCW15 AD

Monday… Yep it will be Monday all day. I’m working on my second cup of coffee and still not feeling it. This week is d-day for tax returns and I’m in fast forward. It’s also the last few days to get votes for my entry in Harlequin’s Writing contest. So my mind is running around bumping into walls and going nuts.

I’m doing halfway decent in the voting. Right now I’m still short some votes to stay in the Top 25, so if you’re in the mood to give me a vote and share with friends, please do. It would be great to get to the Top 25, but even if I don’t, I’m still honored to have been chosen for the Top 55.

Try to make the most of your Monday and hope you have a great one.

As always, good writing and may God Bless You…

The letter that started Tuscany’s story!

Just to get you up to speed on what’s happening, Tuscany, my newest manuscript has made it to the top 55 in Harlequin’s SYTYCW15 contest. I’m posting like a crazy woman trying to get to the top 25, but I have to get enough votes to do so. If you get a moment, please give a vote on Wattpad at https://www.wattpad.com/161892410-tuscany-sytycw15-pitch-part-1

So, in the last two posts I introduced you to Lana and Romeo, now let me give you an idea of what Lana’s up against. Here’s the letter she received from her grandmother at the time of her death. This would definitely be an eye opener.

My Dearest Lana Rose,

I know you have many questions for this old woman, but first things first… Don’t you dare shed any tears for me. I’m in a good place surrounded by my loved ones.

Now for the reason you’re on this plane…I want to be buried in Tuscany where I left my heart over forty years ago. I know I never told you about that part of my life, but there was a reason.

When you arrive in Tuscany, a wonderful couple will meet you at the airport. Roberto and Marianna have been my friends for many, many years. They will take you to my small olive farm, Olive Hill. Another secret I know, but that too will come to light soon.

I want you to try it for a year. If after a year you’re not happy, then Roberto is prepared to sell everything and send you back to Georgia. But please give it a year. I know you’ll love it there. It’s the most beautiful place on earth and the magic it holds is beyond anything you’ve ever seen.

You should have my journal safely with you. As instructed, I want you to wait until you’re at the house before you open it. Everything will be explained in the pages of my journal.

I’ve raised you to be independent and I expect you to pull your weight at the farm. And please give your heart a chance to love. If you can fall in love anywhere, it’s Tuscany. Your heart will guide you in the right direction, but first you have to open it up to the possibility of love.

Roberto has my burial instructions and will follow them exactly as I’ve specified. Marianna will help you with the house. She’s an angel and I wouldn’t have made it through my youth without her.

Now you take care of yourself and remember that I love you with everything I have. We’ll be together again one day, but until then please be happy.

Love Abounds,

Mama Leona

Are you a little intrigued, if so go by and vote. Let’s see Tuscany in a Harlequin cover!

As always, good writing and May God Bless You!!!harlequin_instagram_50

Harlequin Top 50!

Good morning all! I’ve got some exciting news… I’ve made it to the top 50 in the Harlequin So You Think You Can Write contest. And yes I’ve been dancing, jumping, screaming and all the normal things, but after a somewhat good nights sleep it’s time to get to work. I need your help!

What help you might ask? Well, I need your votes. In order to get to the top 25, I need as many votes after 5:01 EST today on the pitch part of my entry. I’ll post later the promotional package from Harlequin. Boy, that sounds good saying that. If you can, please forward, share, do whatever you have to do to get it out there. I’m forever grateful for whatever help you can give. You guys have had my back for a long time.

As always, good writing and May God Bless You… He blessed me with this opportunity!

Do you binge?

Good Wednesday morning! Today’s sadly the last day of our Romancing September Across the World Tour, but all good things must come to an end. Fellow writers, don’t forget to get your name in the pot for next year’s tour.

But this post today’s post is a little different. I’ve recently began to do something I’ve always said I’d never do, binge watching. Well we signed up for Netflix and well, let’s just say it’s addicting with no commercials and whole seasons right at your fingertips. But I’ve also felt the bite of getting to the end of a season, only to find out that the next season won’t be out until the day the newest season starts, really!!!

Right now I’m hooked on Longmire, before that it was The Originals and Vampire Diaries. Since I write cowboy romances everyone asks why I haven’t watched Longmire before now. Guess I never thought about it, but I’d see the advertisements and think, that sounds like my kind of show. Well, now I’m hooked. Who doesn’t love a good cowboy?

But then there’s binge reading, yeah you know what I’m talking about. Now I’ve been doing that for as long as I can remember. I used to sit for hours reading, still do at times when I can find the time. I’ve even been known to binge write, which is good if you’re on a deadline.

The downfall to binge anything is you tend to binge eat. Ok, now, tell me, what’s your binge? By the way as I type this post I’m watching the 1st episode of the 2nd season of Longmire. Didn’t I say I was hooked?

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Tuscany

tuscany front coverIf you haven’t figured it out yet by all my reminders, I’ve entered a new manuscript in Harlequins So You Think You Can Write contest. This book is a new concept for me as it’s based across the world and it’s not a western type theme. I’m enjoying this one so much.

I’ve always wanted to go to Tuscany and through my writing and research I’m there. It’s a magical time for me as I write this book and explore the country in my dreams. I’ve learned so much about their customs, foods and the olive oil industry I could probably start one here. Amazing what a writer learns when doing research. I want to share some with you now, but please if you get a chance run, don’t walk over to Wattpad at the link https://www.wattpad.com/myworks/48304085-tuscany and view then vote on each segment of the story. The more votes the better chance I have.

I’ve entered this contest before and happily made it to the second round, which made me do a happy dance. So if you like Italian books or Italian anything oh yeah and romance, come by and check it out….

Roberto put his arm around his wife lovingly, as she reached up to place her hand over his. It was evident that their love was part of this place too. Lana wondered longingly if she’d find a love like that here. Then shaking her head, things like that didn’t happen for her. She stood up and walked over to the edge of the veranda, looking out over the olive grove as the sun slowly set. The colors were vibrant as they went from lavender to light pink.
She watched it until the colors faded into the night sky. Romeo walked up beside her, placing his hands on the wrought iron railing. “It’s like Heaven is showing off every night.”
“I’ve never seen such beauty in nature as I have here. It’s like I’ve stepped into another world.” Closing her eyes as the emotions of the evening took over.
“It is another world Lana. This is Tuscany at it’s finest. There’s not another place on earth like it.” The pride in his voice was evident.
“I’m glad to be a part of it, although it’s a small part.” Wrapping her arms around herself as a feeling of something she couldn’t quite put her hand on, but she knew it was something bad, passed over her. “Is everything alright at the mill?”
He spun around quickly, “Why would you ask such a thing?”
Putting up her hands in defense, “Sorry I asked, but I just noticed you were a little upset when you saw that woman in the plant earlier.”
Romeo ran his fingers through his dark, long hair. “It was nothing to worry about, just a nosy employee.”
“It looked like more than that to me.”
“Look lady, I’ve been taking care of this place for a long time. If there’s a problem I’ll take care of it, not you. Are we clear on that?” She could feel his breath on her face as he roared in anger.
“Don’t get a wrinkle in your toes, I was just asking a question.”
He turned and walked down the path toward the pool. For some reason she rubbed him the wrong way, but why? All she’d done was ask a question and he’d blown a fuse.
Marianna walked up to stand beside her. “Overlook my grandson. He’s a little protective of this place.”
“I’ve noticed.” Lana said with a slight frown as she looked in the direction he went. “But shouldn’t we work together, not against one another.”
“Moo Caro, he thinks you’re here to change things and that makes him agitated.” She put her hand on Lana’s shoulder, “He’s a passionate man, but deep down Romeo is a softy.” The older woman smiled and looked up toward Heaven. The smile broadened as she thought about the two young people. Maybe something would come of it.
“I look forward to meeting that side of him.” Lana said as she closed her eyes. Would he trust her one day?

Hope you enjoyed just a tidbit of the stormy relationship between Lana and Romeo. Don’t forget to check out the new chapters on Wattpad. Also check out the Romancing September Across the World Blog Tour every day of September.

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

One more day until the tour!

2015 cover

Heads up romance readers! Tomorrow, September 1st is the start of the third annual Romancing September Across the World Blog Tour. Rosie Amber and I will be doing posts for 30 romance authors. Rosie’s will be first in the morning on UK time and mine later on US time. It’s looking to be a great tour this year.

We start tomorrow with Bestselling author Melissa Foster. Here’s the list of great authors that we will be featuring:

30 Authors, 30 Days, 2 locations.

Here is the line-up;

September 1st – Melissa Foster with Taken by Love

September 2nd – Helen Hollick with Sea Witch

September 3rd – Linda Lee Williams with Old Town Nights

September 4th – Michelle Betham with Shirley Valentine goes to Vegas

September 5th – Georgina Troy with A Jersey Dreamboat

September 6th – V. Steele with How My Cowboy Loves Me

September 7th – Pamela Beckford with Love Aflame

September 8th – E.L.Lindley with Blood Money

September 9th – F.J. Thomas with Lost Betrayal

September 10th – Lizzie Lamb with Scotch On The Rocks

September 11th – Adrienne Vaughan with Secrets Of The Heart

September 12th – Monica La Porta with The Lonely Wolf

September 13th – Margaret Cullingford with Twins Of A Gazelle

September 14th – Nicky Wells with 7 Years Bad Sex

September 15th – Felicia Myers with A Fake Engagement, A Real Wedding

September 16th – Zee Monodee with Whisk Me Up

September 17th – Kimberley Wenzler with Both Sides Of Love

September 18th – Daisy Banks with Christmas Carols

September 19th – Joanne Phillips with Cupid’s Way

September 20th – Sonya Loveday & Candace knoebel with Love Always

September 21st – Della Connor with The Burning

September 22nd – Hilda Vaughan with Here Are Lovers

September 23rd – Bethan Darwin with Two Times Twenty

September 24th – Lorraine Jenkin with Chocolate Mousse & Two Spoons

September 25th – Annie Crux with The Lavender House Mob

September 26th – Sam Cheever with Slow Burner

September 27th – Jane Cable with The Faerie Tree

September 28th – Jane Linfoot with The Vintage Cinema Club

September 29th – Olga Miret with I Love Cupcakes

September 30th – Marcia Meara with Wake Robin Ridge

So, mark your calendars and set your timers, it’s going to be a romance filled ride…

As for me, I have exciting news! Chase is now in the hands of my Editor Kaleigh. Yep, I typed over 8000 words Saturday to wrap his story up. He’s on preorder over at Amazon and will be officially released on September 26th!

http://www.amazon.com/Chase-Five-Oaks-Ranch-Book-ebook/dp/B014OQA6V8

Don’t forget to head over to Wattpad to vote on Tuscany! https://www.wattpad.com/myworks/48304085-tuscany

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…

Thursday morning News…

tuscany front cover

Good Thursday morning everyone! I’ve been telling you about a manuscript that has been in the works. I know I’ve been a little secretive about this one, but I wanted to make sure that the concept worked. Well the outline is complete and I see the whole story in my mind and I feel it in my heart, if only my fingers typed as fast as my brain tells the story.

The exciting thing is I made the decision yesterday to enter it in the So You Think You Can Write contest over at Harlequin and Wattpad. This was a hard decision because this manuscript is not complete yet. That means that I have to hit the 50,000 word mark in less than a month. Good grief! But I need a little help from me peeps here. If you get a chance, could you please go over to the link, https://www.wattpad.com/myworks/48304085-tuscany, and let me know what you think. Please be honest. If you like it then please vote for it because the more votes I get the better chance I have of getting past round one.

I’ve entered this contest before and had great results. Two years ago I entered “Finding the Right Time” in this contest and made it past round two. That was exciting. I received so many great responses for that book on the contest site.

Another bit of news is that Chase is almost completed. For those of you following the “Five Oaks Ranch” series, then you know this is the one I’ve been so excited about. Chase is the rogue of the Cauthen brood and his story has pulled at me harder than any of the other ones. I can’t wait for you to meet this stubborn cowboy. You’ll fall in love instantly.

Just a reminder, today is Thursday people, that means the weekend is almost here. Since my son started back to school Monday, I’ve been getting up earlier, so I can’t wait to sleep in Saturday. Not that I will, my body wants up at seven, even on Saturdays.

So, as always, good writing and May God Bless You!

P.S. Go by my website and sign up for my newsletter or even my street team. The link is www.stephaniehurtauthor.com. So sign up today for your chance at some great prizes. If you join my street team you’ll get to see chapters before they’re published and so much more. Also I have some great swag and book giveaways planned for the near future.