M.J. Fredrick's Blog, page 43

Goals for THE LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL

It is here! Freedom in just 5 days! My mind is about like this dog’s.

This week:

1) Film a trailer with Coach for our end of the year luncheon. I may post it here if it comes out well!

2) Finish This Danged Book.

3) Get the house fixed up. I want to rearrange some furniture, moving from one end to the other…need help.

4) Do a Pinterest project or two.

5) Finish reading Unholy Night since it’s due Thursday.

I’m not planning to cook this week, not beyond tomato soup or pasta. I bought so much produce last week and hardly cooked at all. I’m going to do better in the summer.

The Winner of Nina Pierce’s Book….and My Surprise

Alicia Street, you’ve won Nina’s book! Contact my at Mfechter @ gmail .com and I’ll get you set up.

 

So I came home from the talent show WIPED out yesterday. Josh and Jolene popped out of his room and leaned on the counter, looking at me expectantly. It was REALLY hot and I was thinking they were going to tell me the AC was out. Then they led me to the back room and peered behind the bookshelf. I thought maybe one of the cats was sick and hiding and I was going to have to keep my dress and wedges on and go to the vet.

But no, behind the cabinet was this:

 

They’d gone to the vet and this little one was there. She’d been adopted but no one had come to pick her up. Josh and Jolene thought I’d want her since I was sad about my baby kitty, so they got her for me. Josh said he gravitated toward the kitten area there, and he’s never actually picked out a cat before–all the others are rescues. This one is incredibly hyper–I haven’t seen her sleep yet. She’s rough, and the only one who hasn’t hissed at her is my big boy Napoleon, who is 7. He actually plays with her. We got out the cat tree, which she loves, but have to close her in the back room for now. This isn’t ideal since Mama Kitty also has to be in the back room (due to her habit of peeing on expensive things), but Mama Kitty can go out once it’s light.

I was actually thinking about getting a puppy….

So, I am officially….

 

 

Countdown Commences

Who are we kidding? You know I’ve been counting down since Spring Break! But 5 more days with the kids. Today’s the talent show, and I want to be anywhere else but school, so…here are some of the places I want to go on summer vacation.

1) IKEA. Mom, my stepdad and BB went one weekend and they LOVED it. It’s in Round Rock, on the other side of Austin from here, so over an hour each way, plus also huge. I’ve been in the one in Houston, but only for a short time.

2) Fredericksburg. I’m always so inspired when I go there!

3) the beach. I need to go to the beach, sit in the sand, hear the waves. Would love to do a long weekend.

4) Minnesota. Definitely going there for a long weekend.

5) Geronimo. There’s a little town near my folks’ property that has cute little antique shops. Want to hit them.

6) Meemaw’s Bakery. There’s a little bakery not far from here, but when they’re open, I’m at school. Don’t know if they’re good or not. Want to find out.

7) Walmart. I know, that sounds weird, but I hardly ever go to Walmart. For some reason I go more in the summer, so going to Walmart means summer to me.

8) The new Bucee’s in New Braunfels. My folks have been a few times already, and I’ve never been. I want to see what the fuss is about!

I am so close to the end of this book, but come home wiped out. So going to see what I can get done now…

Meet Indie Author Nina Pierce!

Nina Pierce is like me, she writes a little bit of everything. Give her a shot–you’re sure to find something you love! Be sure to comment for a chance to win her book!

What inspired this series?

I come from a family of five. We grew up in a small town in Maine where all of our neighbors knew us and getting away with anything was nearly impossible. Our home was loud and filled with love and chaos. When I sat down to write my first series I couldn’t resist writing what I know and the three Tilling sisters came about. There’s family drama, some mystery and of course some sexy men looking to join the Tilling clan.

What’s next for you?

Oh, gosh. I have a lot of irons in the fire. I have a paranormal series and an older woman/younger man series that are continuing. I’m working on those books. But I also have a romantic suspense book I wrote a couple of years ago that I’m dusting off and rewriting. I love the story, but it’s going to take a lot of work to save it from itself.

When you’re procrastinating what do you do?

I play on the internet. Between facebook, twitter, pinterest and of course surfing blogs, there isn’t any time I can’t find something to do other than writing. But I do try to be disciplined and write every day before taking a break and playing.

How many books in your TBR pile?

So many I can’t count. Seriously. I’m not kidding. I’ve got erotic romance books by Mari Carr, Julia Devlin, and Joey Hill. Romantic suspense books by Brenda Novak and Allison Brennan. And a bunch of paranormal books including authors, Jessica Andersen, Darynda Jones, and Lisa Kessler. I need to take a vacation and do nothing but read!

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure

I’m addicted to reality shows. I have never missed a season of Survivor or Amazing Race. My children know never to call me on Wednesday or Sunday nights. I just love me some Jeff Probst.

Name three of your favorite things.

1. My family (I come from Italian and Irish heritage … our family is HUGE!)

2. My cats

3. Chocolate (I’m a woman. You didn’t think I’d leave that off the list did you?)

Where can readers find you?

website:  http://www.NinaPierce.com

blog:   http://www.NinaPierce.com/blog

twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/ninapierce

facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/author.nina.pierce

pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/ninaspinterest

BLIND HER WITH BLISS:

She’s trying to find herself. He’s attempting to hide. Together they’ll discover a truth that threatens them both…

Investigating the death of her best friend, uptight accountant, JULIE TILLING, discovers a world of adult nightclubs and Internet intrigue. When shock jock DAMON COREY rocks her world in a wild night of lust, she wonders if she’s found love…or the key to solving a murder.

EXCERPT:

“You ever ride a motorcycle, Julie?”

She pulled off the helmet and fluffed her hair. The corkscrew curls of copper fit her cute features much better than the black wig that had overpowered them.

“Not one this fast,”

He bit back a smile. “No, I meant any motorcycle.”

“Was it that obvious?” Color rose from her chest and deepened her already flushed cheeks.

“I like to be a woman’s first.” Shit. Even clean shaven and wearing his glasses, Demon’s persona had a bad habit of popping up at inopportune moments.

Julie stopped contemplating her toes and stared straight at him. Emotions moved over her face and clouded her eyes, but he didn’t know her well enough to read between the lines. He’d just met this wonderful woman. He hadn’t intended to scare her off.

“Julie, I—”

“No, Damon. You don’t have to apologize. I get it.”

He hadn’t thought her cheeks could become redder, but he was wrong.

“You have a lot of women available to you,” she said, quietly. “I’m sure they’re much more experienced than me.” She shrugged and fiddled with the strap of the helmet. “I’m sure you realize I don’t usually let go the way I did last night. And I know you weren’t really expecting the person you found at the family homestead?” She emphasized the last two words as if they were obscenities. “The Jewel of last night was more your speed. I get that.”

Oh, hell no. “No, Julie, I—”

Her hand flew up between them. “No, Damon, seriously, you don’t owe me anything. Obviously my father dragged you into an uncomfortable situation. Well, you’ve done your social obligation. I’m home safe and sound. I didn’t mean to disappoint, but I have a hard time living up to everyone’s expectations of who I should be. So, thanks. I get it. Good night.” The helmet landed in his lap.

“No, Julie, really, you don’t understand.” He yelled at her retreating back. “Julie, wait.” Damon attempted to jump from the bike, but the stand wasn’t down, and he had to juggle the extra helmet. “Damn it all to hell. Julie…” He finally managed to extricate himself from the bike and the helmets and caught her just as she pushed open the front door. “Please. I think you’ve misunderstood. Just give me a minute to explain. Then I’ll leave.”

Her arms knotted across her chest for protection. A wounded heart? He’d have to tread carefully. The emerald eyes shimmering in the waning light telegraphed her pain and embarrassment, but her lips were pursed thin with determination. The woman was a walking enigma. Damon suspected she had no idea how damn sexy she looked standing there, inviting him to explain himself—daring him to breach her defenses.

“Look, Julie. I’m not going to lie to you. Demon Jones is very popular with the ladies. Damon Corey…not so much. If you’re looking for the person I was last night, well, you’re in for a big surprise. He’s as fake as Santa Claus.”

The tip of her tongue darted out to wet her full lips. “I still believe in Santa Claus.”

She would. “The Easter bunny, then.”

“But he doesn’t try to pass himself off as anything but the chocolate peddler that he is. I don’t think any hearts have ever been broken by the Easter bunny.”

“Julie…” Damon’s hand found its way to her cheek, his fingers tangling in her hair. She smelled earthy and fresh, and he gulped in great breaths of heaven, not sure he could ever completely fill his lungs. He gauged her reaction as he leaned in, his gaze sweeping her rounded cheeks and pouty mouth. When he brushed his lips against Julie’s satin warmth, her eyes fluttered closed and he nibbled on her full bottom lip. A sweet moan of surrender escaped a moment before she opened for him. Their tongues tasted and explored, and he walked her backward into the living room to shut out any neighbor’s prying eyes.

Available from:

Amazon:

Goals for the LAST FULL WEEK OF SCHOOL

 

Actually, I’ve already had my last full week, since I won’t be going this Monday. But the rest of the week, well, it will be FULL–the Talent Show, which I’m in charge of, and Field Day, for which I’m Coach’s minion. And all the other prep that goes with it.

This week:

1) Finish the cowboy book. Not much more to go, I don’t think. 6 or 7 more scenes.

2) Load books for the Indie Book Blowout

3) Make something from Pinterest crafts

4) Make something from Pinterest for dinner

5) Survive Talent Show and Field Day–it’s all downhill from there!

6) Help Josh survive oral surgery Monday.

7) Do a pre-summer spruce on the house so it will be ready and welcoming when I come home the last day

8) Write a blog for a book review site

I think that’s it. And catch up on my Tivo–it’s almost full!

The Winner of Lori Dillon’s Book Is….

Grace Greene! Grace, email me at mfechter @ gmail. com and let me know what format you prefer!

 

Happy Friday! It’s the last teaching Friday for me (next Friday is Field Day). And I have no more Mondays since Josh is getting his wisdom teeth out this Monday and we’re off Memorial Day!

Meet Indie Author Lori Dillon!

I have end-of-school-getting-ready-for-the-talent-show brain. Please excuse the late post!

Lori Dillon writes exciting paranormal/time travel romance. Remember to comment for a chance to win her book!

What was the inspiration for this book?  Out of the Ashes started out with the idea that if a cat could have 9 lives, why not people? My initial thought was to write short vignettes of their first eight lives, starting from when they meet each time until their untimely deaths, then end the book with their 9th life where they finally get it right. Unfortunately, a book like that would’ve ended up being a War and Peace behemoth. So I decided to focus on their first and last lives, and just hint at the tragedy of their other lives that came in between.

While I was doing research for possible time periods and settings, I came across a National Geographic photograph of a plaster cast of a couple from Pompeii. The man and woman died in each other’s arms as they tried to flee the city, forever frozen in time, his hand shielding her face in a vain attempt to protect her. The cast is beautiful, touching, and heartbreaking. In fact, I use a photo of that exact cast from the Pompeii Exhibit taken by photographer Ken Thomas on the back cover of the print book. (You can see his original photo here.) I began to wonder what their story might have been, and the tragic couple eventually evolved into a young Pompeian girl and the slave gladiator she loved. Then I wondered what might have happened if they were given a second chance.
What’s next for you? I’m almost finished writing a gothic time travel, Once Upon a Gothic, which is a spoof on Jane Eyre. Jason Quint is a middle school gym teacher who travels back in time to Victorian England where he’s hired by the mysterious mistress of the manor to be a tutor to two devilish children. After that, I’ll release the first book in my Bestiary Series, Fire of the Dragon. The series are paranormal medievals, with a mix of time travel, shape shifters, and magic. I hope to have both out later this year.
When you’re procrastinating, what do you do? I’m a Mahjong Connect addict. It’s warped, but I like to see if I can make beat all 12 levels without using the hint button.
How many books in your TBR pile? Good grief. I’m not sure I can count them all. I have 5 bookshelves stacked at least 2 books deep with novels I haven’t read yet, 3 grocery bags of books stashed in the attic, and several tote bags from various conferences shoved in the back of my closet. Let’s not even get into how many e-books are stored on my Kindle.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure? Other than reading romance? Hmmm, let me see. I like watching ‘Hoarders.’ It makes me feel like my house is not as dirty and cluttered as it seems.
Name 3 of your favorite things. I enjoy sailing the Mediterranean on my yacht, The Fabio, while Paolo, the cabana boy, feeds me peeled grapes by the infinity pool and Sven, my Swedish masseuse, rubs my feet with sun-warmed lavender oil imported from Bulgaria.
Where can readers find you?

http://www.loridillon.com

https://www.facebook.com/Lori.Dillon....

https://twitter.com/#!/Lori_Dillon

Cancelled Too Soon

I found out this weekend that one of the new shows I love, The Finder, is cancelled. I looked forward to that show, the bright colors, the quirky characters, the romance that didn’t drag on, and yes, the cutie who was Walter.

I started thinking about other show gone too soon, like Men in Trees. I loved that show for many of the same reasons, quirky characters, romance, the cutie who was Jack. It was a lovely little show, and it’s not even on DVD!

 

Moonlight, the vampire show with Alex O as the tortured vamp. Again, a cutie and a romance. I’m seeing a theme.

Terra Nova, too–dinosaurs AND Jason O’Mara? I thought they could have gone deeper into characters, like the husband and wife getting to know each other after a long absence, but….still. Loved this show.

 

What show do you miss? I’m sure I’ve forgotten some.

Goals for the Week of….Wow, Hardly Anything!

So after a CRAZY weekend, this week looks pretty calm. I’m so tired. I’m really hoping the boy gets an appointment for his wisdom teeth so I have an excuse to take a day off. He’ll need a ride. I’ve been bugging him for weeks, but now that he’s graduated….

1) WRITE

2) EXERCISE

3) Food Bank on Wednesday

4) Buy tickets for a Jason Aldean concert. Debating becoming a member of the fan club for $20 so I can preorder them on Tuesday.

5) Practice with the talent show kids every afternoon.

6) Clean house/cook

I really really hope it stays that calm, and that Josh gets a dentist appointment.

Head Exploding, and 100th Birthday

So I’m on Pinterest this morning and pinning pictures of soldiers coming home to their loved ones or saying good-bye. So….I have a feeling I’m going to be writing a soldier story soon. I already have 2 books plotted in my next series. Maybe he’ll be my third. Or first. Who knows.

Meanwhile, I have a standalone and 3 novellas that I want to write and my new obsession is making bath bombs but I need small silicone ice cube trays and I can’t find them anywhere. Maybe Target. I need a vacation, then I’ll need a vacation from my vacation! You should see my house. DISASTER, especially with all the animals having to stay inside this week because of the weather.

ALSO, my son is graduating from the community college in a little over an hour, AND today would have been Gigi’s one-hundredth birthday. She’s been gone 8 years, but I think about her all the time. I wonder if she’d have enjoyed readers and what she’d think of my published books and how she stayed so skinny eating candy and drinking Cokes. She always loved to go to new restaurants, so every time I see a new place opening up, I think of her. And this was her favorite time of year–well, she loved fall, too–but spring, when the weather was nice and we were counting down to the end of the school year. See, she was a teacher too, and retired in 1980. Oh, and she would have loved all the crochet ideas on Pinterest. I bet she’d even have made me some.

So, happy 100th, Gigi!