Pamela S. Thibodeaux's Blog, page 37
September 21, 2019
#SaturdaySpotlight is on Dana Littlejohn & Tri-Romance
Good Morning Friends,
It's been a busy week and only going to get busier as Medicare AEP comes up next month. We've had several days of rain and our friends in SE TX are flooding again....much like they did with Hurricane Harvey. Please keep them in your prayers.
Today's guest is new to me and brought to us by Personalized Marketing Inc. so please give Dana Littlejohn, author of sensual, erotic romance a huge welcome!
Twin sisters, Opal and Pearl Jefferson, and their best friend Debra Flores were living blissfully by their no strings attached rule, enjoying the many comforts of a good life. All was well in their world until Frank, Jake, Doug and Rakim entered into it. When one of the girls abandons their well practiced rule and falls in love, does her decision throw a monkey wrench into the lives of everyone else around her? Or does it open up the possibility for love to capture them all?
Excerpt: Opal spotted Doug coming from the floor, but tried not to smile. The braids fit his head nicely. They made the almond shape of his eyes and cute rounded ears stand out more.
“So, what do you think?” he asked leaning across the counter.
“It looks great. Debbie always does a good job.”
“I’ll be in the car, man. See ya, Opal.”
“Bye, Rakim, remember what I said.”
Doug nodded at him then returned his attention to Opal. “Okay, maybe I should rephrase the question. What I meant was, how do you like the braids on me? How do you like me in the braids? How about just me, by myself? Do you like me?"
She chuckled. “You want to know all that?”
He laughed, too, a throaty, sexy sound that kept the smile on her face when she heard it.
“Well, maybe not all of that. How about just this one: will you go out with me?”
“I don’t know you, Doug.”
“I’m trying to change that, baby girl, if you give me the chance. Let me take you out so you can get to know me. People who know me like me, you know.” He flashed that beautiful smile again.
“They do, huh?”
“Yeah, girl. Come on, let me show you.”
“Well…”
He came to the other side of the counter and pulled her up. “Will ‘please’ help my case?” he whispered.
He held her firmly by the waist, pulling her closer. She put her hands on his chest to push herself back. The firmness of his torso excited her.
“Umm, okay.” She reached over to pull a business card from the desk and handed it to him. “Call me and we’ll set something up.”
He smiled again, dazzling her one more time. “Awesome, I‘ll do that.” Letting her go, he pulled a pair of shades from his top pocket and put the card in its place. He gave her a wink and walked toward the door.
“Doug…”
He stopped holding the door open and slid the glasses in place.
“You do look good in your braids, much better than that poof you started with,” she said with a teasing smile.
This book is sensual and erotic. NC 17 rating and can be purchased directly from Dana who is going to tell us a little more about herself in her own words....
Writing has always been a part of me...in my blood, my soul. As a child I wrote hickory dickory dock type poetry as i doodled on my papers in school. By the time I got to middle school I was writing full stories in weekly installments to entertain my friends.
I continued to write over the years but life and family took over. When my children grew up and moved out I had time to write again. I wrote my first real novel in 2003 and got it published in 2006. I haven't stopped writing and I don't plan to.
Come along on the wild ride through my imagination. You will not regret it!
Links for me-
Website: www.danalittlejohn.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/liljohndana
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liljohndana
Thanks Dana! We certainly wish you the best of luck and God's blessings with your writing career.
Thanks friends for dropping by. Hope to see you again next week for Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time, take care and God bless.
PamT
It's been a busy week and only going to get busier as Medicare AEP comes up next month. We've had several days of rain and our friends in SE TX are flooding again....much like they did with Hurricane Harvey. Please keep them in your prayers.
Today's guest is new to me and brought to us by Personalized Marketing Inc. so please give Dana Littlejohn, author of sensual, erotic romance a huge welcome!
Twin sisters, Opal and Pearl Jefferson, and their best friend Debra Flores were living blissfully by their no strings attached rule, enjoying the many comforts of a good life. All was well in their world until Frank, Jake, Doug and Rakim entered into it. When one of the girls abandons their well practiced rule and falls in love, does her decision throw a monkey wrench into the lives of everyone else around her? Or does it open up the possibility for love to capture them all?Excerpt: Opal spotted Doug coming from the floor, but tried not to smile. The braids fit his head nicely. They made the almond shape of his eyes and cute rounded ears stand out more.
“So, what do you think?” he asked leaning across the counter.
“It looks great. Debbie always does a good job.”
“I’ll be in the car, man. See ya, Opal.”
“Bye, Rakim, remember what I said.”
Doug nodded at him then returned his attention to Opal. “Okay, maybe I should rephrase the question. What I meant was, how do you like the braids on me? How do you like me in the braids? How about just me, by myself? Do you like me?"
She chuckled. “You want to know all that?”
He laughed, too, a throaty, sexy sound that kept the smile on her face when she heard it.
“Well, maybe not all of that. How about just this one: will you go out with me?”
“I don’t know you, Doug.”
“I’m trying to change that, baby girl, if you give me the chance. Let me take you out so you can get to know me. People who know me like me, you know.” He flashed that beautiful smile again.
“They do, huh?”
“Yeah, girl. Come on, let me show you.”
“Well…”
He came to the other side of the counter and pulled her up. “Will ‘please’ help my case?” he whispered.
He held her firmly by the waist, pulling her closer. She put her hands on his chest to push herself back. The firmness of his torso excited her.
“Umm, okay.” She reached over to pull a business card from the desk and handed it to him. “Call me and we’ll set something up.”
He smiled again, dazzling her one more time. “Awesome, I‘ll do that.” Letting her go, he pulled a pair of shades from his top pocket and put the card in its place. He gave her a wink and walked toward the door.
“Doug…”
He stopped holding the door open and slid the glasses in place.
“You do look good in your braids, much better than that poof you started with,” she said with a teasing smile.
This book is sensual and erotic. NC 17 rating and can be purchased directly from Dana who is going to tell us a little more about herself in her own words....
Writing has always been a part of me...in my blood, my soul. As a child I wrote hickory dickory dock type poetry as i doodled on my papers in school. By the time I got to middle school I was writing full stories in weekly installments to entertain my friends.I continued to write over the years but life and family took over. When my children grew up and moved out I had time to write again. I wrote my first real novel in 2003 and got it published in 2006. I haven't stopped writing and I don't plan to.
Come along on the wild ride through my imagination. You will not regret it!
Links for me-
Website: www.danalittlejohn.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/liljohndana
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liljohndana
Thanks Dana! We certainly wish you the best of luck and God's blessings with your writing career.
Thanks friends for dropping by. Hope to see you again next week for Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time, take care and God bless.
PamT
September 18, 2019
#WednesdayWordswithFriends Footwear by Clarissa Rivera
Good Morning Friends,
As you know I changed the format her from posting 3 x per week to only twice and Wednesday Words with Friends is meant to be a combination of Tuesday Treasures and Thursday Thoughts. The post is geared simply to share information that entertains, encourages or inspires. Hopefully today's post will do just that.
I bought the cutest pair of shoes a couple of weeks ago. They're taking a bit of time to break in and get used to, and I get lots of compliments on them, but let me tell you...these shoes ain't made for dancing! Or perhaps I'm not made to dance in them LOL. Either way, please welcome Clarissa Rivera, Content Marketer at Taos Footwear as she gives us some tips on shoes.....
Shoes for Everyday Adventures
In day-to-day life, it’s important to remember that taking breaks and getting away from your responsibilities is the key to your happiness in the long run. You can’t be healthy and successful if you’re working all the time.
Some people use these breaks to relax and do nothing. However, that doesn’t appeal to everyone. You might be the type of person who would rather use time off to go on an adventure.
That’s certainly a smart way to reconnect with yourself and explore your passions. Just remember, you’re far more likely to thoroughly enjoy the experience if you bring along the proper footwear.
These tips will help you do so. Keep them in mind when planning your next adventure.
Choose Footwear That’s Right for Your Adventure
The most important point to remember is that different types of activities require different types of footwear. You can’t take a “one shoe fits all” approach.
For instance, you may be hiking on rugged terrain. This requires durable, water-resistant boots. If you step in a puddle or are hiking in a moist environment, bacteria can accumulate in your shoes. Water-resistant boots guard against this. It’s also important to confirm your boots have strong grips, as this limits your risk of injury.
However, some people are more interested in urban adventures. They love the experience of touring a new city (or exploring various neighborhoods of their own city). Supportive sneakers or comfortable sandals are best for this activity. You want your footwear to provide the right balance of comfort and stability.
That said, unless you’re wearing open-toed shoes, make sure they’re made with breathable materials. Doing so is key to preventing your feet from sweating after a day of walking around a city.
Test Your Shoes
Don’t make the mistake of heading out on an adventure with new footwear. Even if the shoes felt comfortable when you first tried them on, new footwear needs to be broken in. You want to spend a few weeks before your adventure walking around in them to confirm they provide the support you need.
It’s also important to test your new shoes by twisting them from heel to toe. Although they shouldn’t be too stiff, some degree of light resistance is important. Shoes that are easy to twist won’t be supportive enough for your needs.
Additionally, consider walking down an incline in your new footwear. Make a point of stomping and scuffing your feet while doing so. If your toes can slide forward to the front of the shoes, they’re too large, as shoes tend to expand as you wear them.
Remember, taking time to prepare is key to enjoying your adventure. It doesn’t matter whether you’re going on a camping excursion, visiting a nearby city, or simply planning a weekend hike: you’ll have the best possible time when you’re wearing the right shoes.
***
Great advice Clarissa! Thanks for sharing.
Hope you enjoyed today's post friends and that you'll visit weekly for Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time, take care and God Bless. PamT
As you know I changed the format her from posting 3 x per week to only twice and Wednesday Words with Friends is meant to be a combination of Tuesday Treasures and Thursday Thoughts. The post is geared simply to share information that entertains, encourages or inspires. Hopefully today's post will do just that.
I bought the cutest pair of shoes a couple of weeks ago. They're taking a bit of time to break in and get used to, and I get lots of compliments on them, but let me tell you...these shoes ain't made for dancing! Or perhaps I'm not made to dance in them LOL. Either way, please welcome Clarissa Rivera, Content Marketer at Taos Footwear as she gives us some tips on shoes.....
Shoes for Everyday Adventures
In day-to-day life, it’s important to remember that taking breaks and getting away from your responsibilities is the key to your happiness in the long run. You can’t be healthy and successful if you’re working all the time.
Some people use these breaks to relax and do nothing. However, that doesn’t appeal to everyone. You might be the type of person who would rather use time off to go on an adventure.
That’s certainly a smart way to reconnect with yourself and explore your passions. Just remember, you’re far more likely to thoroughly enjoy the experience if you bring along the proper footwear.
These tips will help you do so. Keep them in mind when planning your next adventure.
Choose Footwear That’s Right for Your Adventure
The most important point to remember is that different types of activities require different types of footwear. You can’t take a “one shoe fits all” approach.
For instance, you may be hiking on rugged terrain. This requires durable, water-resistant boots. If you step in a puddle or are hiking in a moist environment, bacteria can accumulate in your shoes. Water-resistant boots guard against this. It’s also important to confirm your boots have strong grips, as this limits your risk of injury.
However, some people are more interested in urban adventures. They love the experience of touring a new city (or exploring various neighborhoods of their own city). Supportive sneakers or comfortable sandals are best for this activity. You want your footwear to provide the right balance of comfort and stability.
That said, unless you’re wearing open-toed shoes, make sure they’re made with breathable materials. Doing so is key to preventing your feet from sweating after a day of walking around a city.
Test Your Shoes
Don’t make the mistake of heading out on an adventure with new footwear. Even if the shoes felt comfortable when you first tried them on, new footwear needs to be broken in. You want to spend a few weeks before your adventure walking around in them to confirm they provide the support you need.
It’s also important to test your new shoes by twisting them from heel to toe. Although they shouldn’t be too stiff, some degree of light resistance is important. Shoes that are easy to twist won’t be supportive enough for your needs.
Additionally, consider walking down an incline in your new footwear. Make a point of stomping and scuffing your feet while doing so. If your toes can slide forward to the front of the shoes, they’re too large, as shoes tend to expand as you wear them.
Remember, taking time to prepare is key to enjoying your adventure. It doesn’t matter whether you’re going on a camping excursion, visiting a nearby city, or simply planning a weekend hike: you’ll have the best possible time when you’re wearing the right shoes.
***
Great advice Clarissa! Thanks for sharing.
Hope you enjoyed today's post friends and that you'll visit weekly for Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time, take care and God Bless. PamT
September 14, 2019
#SaturdaySpotlight is on Holly Bargo & her Immortal Shifters Series
Good Morning!
Last month I introduced you to Holly Bargo when she shared some words on writing with us. Today we're going to look at Holly's Immortal Shifters (ADULT/EROTIC/PARANORMAL/FANTASY) Series.....
Tiger in the Snow (Immortal Shifters Book 1 - Duet with Barbary Lion)
By Holly Bargo
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D1Y4O62
Healing from a deserved drubbing at the hands of Atlas Leonidus, Siberian tiger shifter Dmitry Alkaev travels from Cairo to Virginia. The strange compulsion leads him to his mate and a fearsome rival. Faced with a modern woman's determination to remain independent, Dmitry unleashes charm and ruthlessness to claim her and, he hopes, redeem his honor.
Tessa Hart's romantic Valentine's Day weekend ends in utter disaster. Fate drops her into the arms of two big, handsome men who both assert their ownership over her. She wants to remain independent, but finds herself inexorably drawn to Dmitry. He's tall, sexy, overbearing, and absolutely certain that she belongs to him. The choice, eventually, is hers. Accepting him means the end of life as she knows it and the beginning of a life she cannot fathom.
The Barbary Lion (Immortal Shifters Book 2 - Duet with Tiger in the Snow)
By Holly Bargo
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N310MZT
Once a king and always a hunter, immortal lion shifter Atlas Leonidas captures the woman he recognizes as his mate. Being a modern woman with modern sensibilities, Chloe doesn't believe him and she resents her captivity. The lion is wily and powerful, but the woman is strong, resourceful, and determined. He captured his mate, but can he keep her?
Tiger in the Snow
Tiger shifter Dmitry disgraced himself. Fleeing his disgrace, he travels to the Appalachian Trail and rescues the woman his tiger recognizes as his mate and claims her. Tessa acknowledges the blazing chemistry between them, but she's not sure she wants to be tied to this big, dominant male for eternity. Dmitry seeks redemption, but will he find it through Tessa?
***The Barbary Lion is now available as a free download from Project Gutenberg and the World Public Library.***
Bear of the Midnight Sun
(Immortal Shifters Book 3)
By Holly Bargo
https://www.amazon.com/Bear-Midnight-Immortal-Shifters-Book-ebook/dp/B07HKQLK7M
After a thousand years, immortal polar bear shifter Sindre finally finds his mate—on a talk show. In the city where anything goes, an impromptu wedding is just a taste of what's to come. Startled into going through the ceremony, Miranda can't stop the big, virile man from staking his claim on her and releasing her bear. Sindre can't believe his good luck and will do anything to keep his mate at his side, up to and including taking marital advice from Atlas Leonidus. An independent woman with a successful career, Miranda melts at his touch and shuns his control, except she can't control her bear.
The Eagle at Dawn (Immortal Shifters Book 4)
By Holly Bargo
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SLP5JGT
Rachel's brother uses her as collateral to settle a debt with an outlaw motorcycle gang. She flees to a local bar and pleads with a darkly handsome stranger to help her. His help results in homicide. When eagle shifter Diego's vacation is interrupted by the innocent young woman he recognizes as his mate, he flees with her across national borders because she's his and he's not letting her go.
Having essentially swapped one captor for another, Rachel knows the dashing, sexy Spaniard is keeping secrets from her. He showers her with kindness and generosity in exchange for her obedience. Diego's control over her and his secrets elicit her distrust and resentment.
When freedom beckons, Rachel answers its call; however, freedom brings hardship and indignity. Will she return to the controlling alpha male who stirs her blood or cling stubbornly to her freedom?
BIO: Holly Bargo never outgrew a love of fairy tales, legends, and myths. Or horses. However, one foot must remain firmly planted in the real world where Holly makes her living as a freelance writer and editor. She and her husband have two grown children and live on a southwest Ohio hobby farm with a menagerie indoor and outdoor animals.
Holly enjoys hearing from readers and other authors and may be contacted via the Hen House Publishing website: www.henhousepublishing.com OR her Amazon Author Page.
When she's not working on other people's documents or reading, Holly finds time to transfer the voices in her head to paper ... er ... computer. If she doesn't, there's a definite possibility her mind will explode.
And for those who might wonder from where the pseudonym of Holly Bargo came, it's quite simple really. Horses. Namely an elegant and temperamental Appaloosa mare who has long since crossed the Rainbow Bridge and is fondly remembered for guarding toddler children and crushing a brand new pager.
Hope you enjoyed today's spotlight and that you'll check back weekly for Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time, take care and God bless.
PamT
Last month I introduced you to Holly Bargo when she shared some words on writing with us. Today we're going to look at Holly's Immortal Shifters (ADULT/EROTIC/PARANORMAL/FANTASY) Series.....
Tiger in the Snow (Immortal Shifters Book 1 - Duet with Barbary Lion)
By Holly Bargo
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D1Y4O62
Healing from a deserved drubbing at the hands of Atlas Leonidus, Siberian tiger shifter Dmitry Alkaev travels from Cairo to Virginia. The strange compulsion leads him to his mate and a fearsome rival. Faced with a modern woman's determination to remain independent, Dmitry unleashes charm and ruthlessness to claim her and, he hopes, redeem his honor.
Tessa Hart's romantic Valentine's Day weekend ends in utter disaster. Fate drops her into the arms of two big, handsome men who both assert their ownership over her. She wants to remain independent, but finds herself inexorably drawn to Dmitry. He's tall, sexy, overbearing, and absolutely certain that she belongs to him. The choice, eventually, is hers. Accepting him means the end of life as she knows it and the beginning of a life she cannot fathom.
The Barbary Lion (Immortal Shifters Book 2 - Duet with Tiger in the Snow)
By Holly Bargo
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N310MZT
Once a king and always a hunter, immortal lion shifter Atlas Leonidas captures the woman he recognizes as his mate. Being a modern woman with modern sensibilities, Chloe doesn't believe him and she resents her captivity. The lion is wily and powerful, but the woman is strong, resourceful, and determined. He captured his mate, but can he keep her?Tiger in the Snow
Tiger shifter Dmitry disgraced himself. Fleeing his disgrace, he travels to the Appalachian Trail and rescues the woman his tiger recognizes as his mate and claims her. Tessa acknowledges the blazing chemistry between them, but she's not sure she wants to be tied to this big, dominant male for eternity. Dmitry seeks redemption, but will he find it through Tessa?
***The Barbary Lion is now available as a free download from Project Gutenberg and the World Public Library.***
Bear of the Midnight Sun
(Immortal Shifters Book 3)By Holly Bargo
https://www.amazon.com/Bear-Midnight-Immortal-Shifters-Book-ebook/dp/B07HKQLK7M
After a thousand years, immortal polar bear shifter Sindre finally finds his mate—on a talk show. In the city where anything goes, an impromptu wedding is just a taste of what's to come. Startled into going through the ceremony, Miranda can't stop the big, virile man from staking his claim on her and releasing her bear. Sindre can't believe his good luck and will do anything to keep his mate at his side, up to and including taking marital advice from Atlas Leonidus. An independent woman with a successful career, Miranda melts at his touch and shuns his control, except she can't control her bear.
The Eagle at Dawn (Immortal Shifters Book 4)By Holly Bargo
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SLP5JGT
Rachel's brother uses her as collateral to settle a debt with an outlaw motorcycle gang. She flees to a local bar and pleads with a darkly handsome stranger to help her. His help results in homicide. When eagle shifter Diego's vacation is interrupted by the innocent young woman he recognizes as his mate, he flees with her across national borders because she's his and he's not letting her go.
Having essentially swapped one captor for another, Rachel knows the dashing, sexy Spaniard is keeping secrets from her. He showers her with kindness and generosity in exchange for her obedience. Diego's control over her and his secrets elicit her distrust and resentment.
When freedom beckons, Rachel answers its call; however, freedom brings hardship and indignity. Will she return to the controlling alpha male who stirs her blood or cling stubbornly to her freedom?
BIO: Holly Bargo never outgrew a love of fairy tales, legends, and myths. Or horses. However, one foot must remain firmly planted in the real world where Holly makes her living as a freelance writer and editor. She and her husband have two grown children and live on a southwest Ohio hobby farm with a menagerie indoor and outdoor animals.
Holly enjoys hearing from readers and other authors and may be contacted via the Hen House Publishing website: www.henhousepublishing.com OR her Amazon Author Page.
When she's not working on other people's documents or reading, Holly finds time to transfer the voices in her head to paper ... er ... computer. If she doesn't, there's a definite possibility her mind will explode.
And for those who might wonder from where the pseudonym of Holly Bargo came, it's quite simple really. Horses. Namely an elegant and temperamental Appaloosa mare who has long since crossed the Rainbow Bridge and is fondly remembered for guarding toddler children and crushing a brand new pager.
Hope you enjoyed today's spotlight and that you'll check back weekly for Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time, take care and God bless.
PamT
September 11, 2019
#WednesdayWordswithFriends new guest Lynn Chantale!
Good Morning!
I hope you're September has gone well so far. Today we remember the sad and scary events of 2001. Please take a moment of silence to pray and send peaceful thoughts to our world as a whole and especially those directly affected by this awful day in our History.
Thank you.
Now, please give a huge, warm welcome to a new-to-me author, Lynn Chantale as she shares some words with us from her service dog.....
Don’t pet me, I’m working
Yes, I know I’m cuddly cute., with soft yellow fur and long floppy ears.
I’m well trained, and love everyone, but please don’t pet me, I’m working.
Look beyond my trim physique, and my bright white teeth. See the harness, and the human attached to the handle. Exactly, I keep her safe. So please don’t pet me, I’m working.
I watch for curbs. cars, and other obstacles she may not see. While, I love to eat, she’s the only one allowed to give me treats. Don’t try to distract me by blowing kisses and waving a hand. I'm hard at work, that simple enough to understand.
I get lots of love playtime, and yes lots of snuggles and cuddles too.
So when you see me out, I know it’s hard to resist the cuteness, but please don’t pet me, I’m working.
We're all tempted to befriend these beautiful animals and tend to forget they're actually at work so THANKS for the reminder Lynn!
Lynn writes erotic romance and her tagline is "Where romance, er world domination begins." Find out more about Lynn and her books by visiting her Website and connecting with her on Facebook and Twitter @lynnchantale
Hope you enjoyed today's post friends and that you'll check back weekly for more
WednesdayWordswithFriends and Saturday Spotlight!
Until next time, take care and God bless.
PamT
I hope you're September has gone well so far. Today we remember the sad and scary events of 2001. Please take a moment of silence to pray and send peaceful thoughts to our world as a whole and especially those directly affected by this awful day in our History.
Thank you.
Now, please give a huge, warm welcome to a new-to-me author, Lynn Chantale as she shares some words with us from her service dog.....
Don’t pet me, I’m workingYes, I know I’m cuddly cute., with soft yellow fur and long floppy ears.
I’m well trained, and love everyone, but please don’t pet me, I’m working.
Look beyond my trim physique, and my bright white teeth. See the harness, and the human attached to the handle. Exactly, I keep her safe. So please don’t pet me, I’m working.
I watch for curbs. cars, and other obstacles she may not see. While, I love to eat, she’s the only one allowed to give me treats. Don’t try to distract me by blowing kisses and waving a hand. I'm hard at work, that simple enough to understand.
I get lots of love playtime, and yes lots of snuggles and cuddles too.
So when you see me out, I know it’s hard to resist the cuteness, but please don’t pet me, I’m working.
We're all tempted to befriend these beautiful animals and tend to forget they're actually at work so THANKS for the reminder Lynn!
Lynn writes erotic romance and her tagline is "Where romance, er world domination begins." Find out more about Lynn and her books by visiting her Website and connecting with her on Facebook and Twitter @lynnchantale
Hope you enjoyed today's post friends and that you'll check back weekly for more
WednesdayWordswithFriends and Saturday Spotlight!
Until next time, take care and God bless.
PamT
September 7, 2019
#SaturdaySpotlight is on DiAnn Mills & Fatal Strike!
Good Morning from Kemah, TX!
We left yesterday morning and drove up for a short trip to visit Kemah and stayed on the Boardwalk. I'll share some pics and adventures with you in a later post. Meanwhile, it is ALWAYS a pleasure to feature today's guest.
DiAnn Mills is no stranger to our blog. She has shared thoughts and treasures and been in our spotlight before - numerous times. Just use the search feature and find all of her amazing posts and books. This week she shares her latest release, Fatal Strike with us.
There’s a killer on the loose in Galveston, targeting law enforcement officials and using a fatal injection of snake venom to take them down. Authorities have reasons to believe the Veneno gang is behind the hits, and FBI Agents Leah Riesel and Jon Colbert team up to track down those responsible. Their best lead is an eyewitness who identifies a young man dumping the third body on a church doorstep. But their suspect has gone into hiding, and those closest to him are reluctant to reveal anything that might help investigators find him.
As Leah and Jon check connections among the victims and dig deeper into motives, they discover appearances may be deceiving. Someone is desperate to keep their secrets hidden, and Leah and Jon must face their greatest fears in order to stop the next fatal strike.
Excerpt: SPECIAL AGENT LEAH RIESEL scanned the headlines on her phone. A prosecutor from Galveston had been found murdered behind a construction site, the second apparent victim of gang violence in two days. Both deaths were caused by rattlesnake venom injections to the heart. Before she could pull up additional reports on the woman’s untimely death, Leah’s phone rang.
“Riesel, hostage situation in Galveston,” the SWAT commander said. “Grab your gear. The chopper takes off in five.”
“On it.” She took a last lingering look at the half-eaten blueberry donut and coffee on her cubicle’s desk.
Could this have anything to do with the two murders in Galveston?
Before most of the city began the workday, Leah boarded a 1 Little Bird helicopter beneath whirling blades and the pressure of a critical operation. Dressed in full camo and shouldering her sniper gear, she inhaled the rising temps. Feverish Houston. With the familiar air transport sounds ushering in memories of past missions, her adrenaline kicked in.
A pilot from the tactical helicopter unit lifted the chopper into the air for the twenty-minute ride to Galveston. She recognized him from previous assignments involving aircraft used to deliver SWAT and the elite hostage rescue teams to crisis incidents. This morning her focus eliminated any chitchat.
Leah grabbed sound- canceling headphones and contacted the SWAT commander already on the ground. “Riesel here. Special Agent in Charge Thomas briefed me on a home invasion that’s turned violent.”
The SAC would be watching the operation at the Crisis Management Operations Center.
“Negotiations have gotten us nowhere.” The SWAT commander’s voice rose above the chopper’s blade- snap. “Two unidentified men are holding two women and three children at gunpoint. Galveston PD estimates they’ve been inside the home for at least an hour. Demanding we leave the area after giving them five hundred grand and a gassed- up speedboat. Clock is ticking with forty minutes max. We’ve backed off as far as they know.”
Leah swiped through pics taken with telephoto lenses and sent to her phone. Each ski-masked man held a child as a shield. Leah detested the savagery and the horrific emotions the hostages must be feeling.
“We’re located on San Luis Pass Road on the western section of the island. Nearest house is five hundred yards away. Owners are in Europe. We’re in contact with the agency managing it.”
She didn’t need a key to access the home.
The SWAT commander continued. “One of the hostages is the owner of the home, Amanda Barton.”
“Is there a Mr. Barton in the picture?”
“Divorced. Lives in California.”
Unlikely the ex-husband was behind this.
“Agent Jon Colbert will be on scene shortly,” the commander said. “He had a deposition early this morning in Texas City and drove on to Galveston. Over the weekend, his SWAT partner had emergency knee surgery. Out for six weeks.”
And Leah’s partner had left the city yesterday on vacation. The luck of the draw meant she and Jon would be working together. “I’ll contact you as soon as we land.”
Jon Colbert, a sniper who had excellent marksmanship and a stellar reputation, also worked organized crime. But she and Jon had never worked together. The idea of teaming up with an agent she barely knew made her uneasy. If a sniper mission required a partner, she preferred an established relationship where she would know how the person processed information.
Shoving aside her doubts, she narrowed her thoughts on what lay ahead. The precarious situation and local law enforcement’s inability to negotiate added up to why she and Jon had been assigned to the case.
She grasped her backpack, lighter than usual with only a spotting scope, ammo, water, communication equipment, extra batteries, granola bar, and a handheld radio. Her Glock, as comfortable in her right hand as a toothbrush, found its spot in her back waistband. She touched her H-S Precision heavy tactical rifle.
The sooner she got to Galveston, the sooner she could provide intelligence and help neutralize the circumstances. Her priority was seeing the women and children freed from these ruthless men.
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is the director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Retreat, and the Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on: Facebook, Twitter, or any of the social media platforms listed at diannmills.comTHANKS DiAnn for sharing your new release with us. We certainly wish you the best of luck and God's blessings with it.
Hope you enjoyed today's spotlight friends and that you'll check back weekly for more wonderful info from great authors on Wednesday Words with Friends and of course Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time, take care and God bless. PamT
We left yesterday morning and drove up for a short trip to visit Kemah and stayed on the Boardwalk. I'll share some pics and adventures with you in a later post. Meanwhile, it is ALWAYS a pleasure to feature today's guest.
DiAnn Mills is no stranger to our blog. She has shared thoughts and treasures and been in our spotlight before - numerous times. Just use the search feature and find all of her amazing posts and books. This week she shares her latest release, Fatal Strike with us.
There’s a killer on the loose in Galveston, targeting law enforcement officials and using a fatal injection of snake venom to take them down. Authorities have reasons to believe the Veneno gang is behind the hits, and FBI Agents Leah Riesel and Jon Colbert team up to track down those responsible. Their best lead is an eyewitness who identifies a young man dumping the third body on a church doorstep. But their suspect has gone into hiding, and those closest to him are reluctant to reveal anything that might help investigators find him.As Leah and Jon check connections among the victims and dig deeper into motives, they discover appearances may be deceiving. Someone is desperate to keep their secrets hidden, and Leah and Jon must face their greatest fears in order to stop the next fatal strike.
Excerpt: SPECIAL AGENT LEAH RIESEL scanned the headlines on her phone. A prosecutor from Galveston had been found murdered behind a construction site, the second apparent victim of gang violence in two days. Both deaths were caused by rattlesnake venom injections to the heart. Before she could pull up additional reports on the woman’s untimely death, Leah’s phone rang.
“Riesel, hostage situation in Galveston,” the SWAT commander said. “Grab your gear. The chopper takes off in five.”
“On it.” She took a last lingering look at the half-eaten blueberry donut and coffee on her cubicle’s desk.
Could this have anything to do with the two murders in Galveston?
Before most of the city began the workday, Leah boarded a 1 Little Bird helicopter beneath whirling blades and the pressure of a critical operation. Dressed in full camo and shouldering her sniper gear, she inhaled the rising temps. Feverish Houston. With the familiar air transport sounds ushering in memories of past missions, her adrenaline kicked in.
A pilot from the tactical helicopter unit lifted the chopper into the air for the twenty-minute ride to Galveston. She recognized him from previous assignments involving aircraft used to deliver SWAT and the elite hostage rescue teams to crisis incidents. This morning her focus eliminated any chitchat.
Leah grabbed sound- canceling headphones and contacted the SWAT commander already on the ground. “Riesel here. Special Agent in Charge Thomas briefed me on a home invasion that’s turned violent.”
The SAC would be watching the operation at the Crisis Management Operations Center.
“Negotiations have gotten us nowhere.” The SWAT commander’s voice rose above the chopper’s blade- snap. “Two unidentified men are holding two women and three children at gunpoint. Galveston PD estimates they’ve been inside the home for at least an hour. Demanding we leave the area after giving them five hundred grand and a gassed- up speedboat. Clock is ticking with forty minutes max. We’ve backed off as far as they know.”
Leah swiped through pics taken with telephoto lenses and sent to her phone. Each ski-masked man held a child as a shield. Leah detested the savagery and the horrific emotions the hostages must be feeling.
“We’re located on San Luis Pass Road on the western section of the island. Nearest house is five hundred yards away. Owners are in Europe. We’re in contact with the agency managing it.”
She didn’t need a key to access the home.
The SWAT commander continued. “One of the hostages is the owner of the home, Amanda Barton.”
“Is there a Mr. Barton in the picture?”
“Divorced. Lives in California.”
Unlikely the ex-husband was behind this.
“Agent Jon Colbert will be on scene shortly,” the commander said. “He had a deposition early this morning in Texas City and drove on to Galveston. Over the weekend, his SWAT partner had emergency knee surgery. Out for six weeks.”
And Leah’s partner had left the city yesterday on vacation. The luck of the draw meant she and Jon would be working together. “I’ll contact you as soon as we land.”
Jon Colbert, a sniper who had excellent marksmanship and a stellar reputation, also worked organized crime. But she and Jon had never worked together. The idea of teaming up with an agent she barely knew made her uneasy. If a sniper mission required a partner, she preferred an established relationship where she would know how the person processed information.
Shoving aside her doubts, she narrowed her thoughts on what lay ahead. The precarious situation and local law enforcement’s inability to negotiate added up to why she and Jon had been assigned to the case.
She grasped her backpack, lighter than usual with only a spotting scope, ammo, water, communication equipment, extra batteries, granola bar, and a handheld radio. Her Glock, as comfortable in her right hand as a toothbrush, found its spot in her back waistband. She touched her H-S Precision heavy tactical rifle.
The sooner she got to Galveston, the sooner she could provide intelligence and help neutralize the circumstances. Her priority was seeing the women and children freed from these ruthless men.
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure? Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is the director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Retreat, and the Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on: Facebook, Twitter, or any of the social media platforms listed at diannmills.comTHANKS DiAnn for sharing your new release with us. We certainly wish you the best of luck and God's blessings with it.
Hope you enjoyed today's spotlight friends and that you'll check back weekly for more wonderful info from great authors on Wednesday Words with Friends and of course Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time, take care and God bless. PamT
September 4, 2019
#WednesdayWordswithFriends guest, Erin Unger!
Good Morning and Welcome!
Our thoughts and prayers are with ALL in the path of Hurrican Dorian!
Today's guest is no stranger to our blog. Erin has shared thoughts and treasures with us and been in our spotlight before, so let's see what words she wants to share with us as friends.....
Friendships are so important. We tend to under value them in our crazy world today. But we need each other. And we need a good mixture of friends, too. Young or old, they are all so important. In my novel, Fateful Fall, the main character Ava Worthington owns a P.I. business with her old college buddies. I love their relationship. They depend on and trust each other. They even live together. Oh, to have a friendship like that.
God values friendship, too. Look what He says in Proverbs 27:17. “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” This is proof that God is saying we need each other.
Just imagine all the adventures you are missing if you haven’t met with your friends lately. You don’t have to leave your couch to go somewhere together. Maybe it’s a movie or a book you’re sharing. Or perhaps a funny story about a mishap shared amongst the two of you. A friend is worth your time even if you only have an hour or two to spare for them now and then.
If you do not have a friend who you can rely on, start praying today. I think God has someone special for you.
You are SO right, Erin! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on friendships. I truly love and appreciate ALL of the friends God has placed in my life, whether they are still play a prominent part in it at this point or not.
Erin Unger was raised in the hills of Virginia, exploring abandoned houses and reading the scariest books she could find. After marrying so young it would make a great romance novel, she has enjoyed an exciting life with her hubby. But her fast-paced life sometimes rivals the suspense in her books thanks to all her mostly grown children and a couple grandkids. Find out more by visiting Erin's website and connecting with her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Erin's newest book, Fateful Fall is available at Amazon and Pelican Book Group. Meanwhile, enjoy the blurb....
Private Investigator Ava Worthington and her partners head to the mountains to solve the death of a farmer owner’s son who was discovered murdered in an outhouse on the property. Without local cowboy Cory’s protection, Ava won’t get the chance to follow leads as the killer tries to stop her investigation. But Ava’s falling for Cory against her better judgment. She should be working and not pining after a cowboy. And Cory doesn’t want a relationship. His successful career was destroyed by a woman he trusted, and he won’t make the same mistake twice.
One suspect after another is cleared from Ava’s list until she’s sure she has the real killer targeted in her sights, but he’s hunting her, too. How will Ava and Cory find the killer and admit their love before they are buried under a mountain of secrets?
Wow, Erin, sounds like another great read! Good luck and God's blessings with it.
Hope you enjoyed today's post, friends, and that you'll check back weekly for more Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time take care and God bless. PamT
Our thoughts and prayers are with ALL in the path of Hurrican Dorian!
Today's guest is no stranger to our blog. Erin has shared thoughts and treasures with us and been in our spotlight before, so let's see what words she wants to share with us as friends.....
Friendships are so important. We tend to under value them in our crazy world today. But we need each other. And we need a good mixture of friends, too. Young or old, they are all so important. In my novel, Fateful Fall, the main character Ava Worthington owns a P.I. business with her old college buddies. I love their relationship. They depend on and trust each other. They even live together. Oh, to have a friendship like that.God values friendship, too. Look what He says in Proverbs 27:17. “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” This is proof that God is saying we need each other.
Just imagine all the adventures you are missing if you haven’t met with your friends lately. You don’t have to leave your couch to go somewhere together. Maybe it’s a movie or a book you’re sharing. Or perhaps a funny story about a mishap shared amongst the two of you. A friend is worth your time even if you only have an hour or two to spare for them now and then.
If you do not have a friend who you can rely on, start praying today. I think God has someone special for you.
You are SO right, Erin! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on friendships. I truly love and appreciate ALL of the friends God has placed in my life, whether they are still play a prominent part in it at this point or not.
Erin Unger was raised in the hills of Virginia, exploring abandoned houses and reading the scariest books she could find. After marrying so young it would make a great romance novel, she has enjoyed an exciting life with her hubby. But her fast-paced life sometimes rivals the suspense in her books thanks to all her mostly grown children and a couple grandkids. Find out more by visiting Erin's website and connecting with her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Erin's newest book, Fateful Fall is available at Amazon and Pelican Book Group. Meanwhile, enjoy the blurb....
Private Investigator Ava Worthington and her partners head to the mountains to solve the death of a farmer owner’s son who was discovered murdered in an outhouse on the property. Without local cowboy Cory’s protection, Ava won’t get the chance to follow leads as the killer tries to stop her investigation. But Ava’s falling for Cory against her better judgment. She should be working and not pining after a cowboy. And Cory doesn’t want a relationship. His successful career was destroyed by a woman he trusted, and he won’t make the same mistake twice.
One suspect after another is cleared from Ava’s list until she’s sure she has the real killer targeted in her sights, but he’s hunting her, too. How will Ava and Cory find the killer and admit their love before they are buried under a mountain of secrets?
Wow, Erin, sounds like another great read! Good luck and God's blessings with it.
Hope you enjoyed today's post, friends, and that you'll check back weekly for more Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time take care and God bless. PamT
August 31, 2019
#SaturdaySpotlight is on.....
Good Morning and Welcome to the last Saturday Spotlight in August, 2019!
Well, we were hoping for a cool front....hasn't happened yet. My guest today could not be here, so I thought I'd just share some news of my own....
As you know,
Tempered Hearts
has been out in audio since June. It's doing pretty well and has garnered a few good reviews on Audible.
You can check those out HERE.
If you've never tried audio books before, I encourage you to give them a try. You can get Tempered Hearts free with your 30 day trial through Audible HERE!
Tempered Dreams , is now in production and hopefully will be out before Christmas! Stay tuned for more info on that.
The Visionary has been getting a little more attention. First with the interview on Discover the Story and then with a review from Reader's Favorite Book Reviews. You can check that out HERE.
And last but not least, I've submitted my latest book, My Heart Weeps, to a NY publisher!
Hopefully we'll have some news on that. Meanwhile, here's a jpg I shared on Instagram with a quote from the book....
That's about it, friends! I hope you have a blessed Labor Day weekend!
Until next time, take care and God bless. PamT
Well, we were hoping for a cool front....hasn't happened yet. My guest today could not be here, so I thought I'd just share some news of my own....
As you know,
Tempered Hearts
has been out in audio since June. It's doing pretty well and has garnered a few good reviews on Audible. You can check those out HERE.
If you've never tried audio books before, I encourage you to give them a try. You can get Tempered Hearts free with your 30 day trial through Audible HERE!
Tempered Dreams , is now in production and hopefully will be out before Christmas! Stay tuned for more info on that.
The Visionary has been getting a little more attention. First with the interview on Discover the Story and then with a review from Reader's Favorite Book Reviews. You can check that out HERE.
And last but not least, I've submitted my latest book, My Heart Weeps, to a NY publisher!
Hopefully we'll have some news on that. Meanwhile, here's a jpg I shared on Instagram with a quote from the book....
That's about it, friends! I hope you have a blessed Labor Day weekend!
Until next time, take care and God bless. PamT
August 28, 2019
#WednesdayWordswithFriends welcomes Holly Bargo!
Good Morning and Welcome to the final edition of Wednesday Words with Friends for August 2019!
Yep, this year is moving right along. Christmas decorations are out with fall and Halloween stuff. We don't even have time to enjoy one holiday without the others being shoved down our throats. Alas, that's the goal of marketing ... get it out there in their face!
UGH.
Don't get me started LOL! Instead, please allow me to introduce to you a brand new-to-me author, Holly Bargo, brought to us by Personalized Marketing Inc.
Take it away, Holly.....
‘I’m a writer’ is just the beginningBy Holly Bargo
When people ask me what I do, I tell them I'm a writer. Most of them follow that with a question as to how many books I've written. I understand that, but that direct jump from "writer" to "author" misses a lot of ground in between.
Just like medical professionals specialize, so do writers. The older I get and the longer I write as a professional, the more specialized I become. Whether such specialization arises from preference or experience or a mixture of both, anyone might speculate. However, I have discovered that my background and abilities do not suit some writing niches, such as technical writing or medical writing. Although occasionally funny, I have no predilection for comedy writing. Likewise, children's literature exceeds the scope of my skill as does that new breed of short story presented as a series of text messages.
(I suppose it would help if I texted, but I don't.)
While it's important to know what you can do and do well, it's also important to know what you don't do well and/or have no real inclination to master. I edit for a California fiction writer who, over the course of our association, has solidified his niche in writing westerns. He tried suspense. Although the stories adequately entertained, they did not have the enthusiasm of his westerns.
Knowing what you do well does not preclude learning to do something else well, too. Learning to master a new specialization, a new niche, a new genre takes time and effort: as Ringo Starr’s song goes, "It Don't Come Easy."
Writing well involves more than merely knowing how to string words together to form coherent sentences and express thoughts clearly. A complicated, layered skill, writing explores intellect as well as the senses. Sensory description, especially in fiction, immerses the reader within the story. Good writing informs, educates, entertains--although not necessarily all at once. Good writing grabs and holds the interest of the target audience of readers, regardless of the genre or platform. The hook may be Moby Dick's "Call me Ishmael" or a currently explosive topic. It may stimulate thought or give comfort, instruct or guide. It offers sufficient detail to ground the reader, but not so much as to overwhelm and distract.
A writer who has mastered his or her craft not only understands the conventions governing writing, but also understands how to break them to best effect. That writer knows how and why the rule was broken--a depth of understanding that many writers fail to achieve. Refer back to the song title hyperlinked above. Grammatically correct, it would be "It Doesn't Come Easily" and it would lose its punch.
Written content surrounds us, which means someone wrote it. The more effective the writing, the more it engages or persuades or convinces.
I'm a writer, but I don't only write books. I write newsletter articles, website content, B2B and B2C blogs, brochures, proposals, short stories, and more. My skills cover a broad range of topics, forms, and markets, but certainly not everything. I have yet to meet a writer who could write anything and everything and do it equally well.
Even William Shakespeare specialized.
Every word counts.
****
So true, Holly, thanks for sharing!
Holly Bargo never outgrew a love of fairy tales, legends, and myths. Or horses. However, one foot must remain firmly planted in the real world where Holly makes her living as a freelance writer and editor. She and her husband have two grown children and live on a southwest Ohio hobby farm with a menagerie indoor and outdoor animals.
Holly enjoys hearing from readers and other authors and may be contacted via the Hen House Publishing website: www.henhousepublishing.com.
When she's not working on other people's documents or reading, Holly finds time to transfer the voices in her head to paper ... er ... computer. If she doesn't, there's a definite possibility her mind will explode.
And for those who might wonder from where the pseudonym of Holly Bargo came, it's quite simple really. Horses. Namely an elegant and temperamental Appaloosa mare who has long since crossed the Rainbow Bridge and is fondly remembered for guarding toddler children and crushing a brand new pager.
The Eagle at Dawn (Immortal Shifters Book 4)
By Holly Bargo
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SLP5JGT
Rachel's brother uses her as collateral to settle a debt with an outlaw motorcycle gang. She flees to a local bar and pleads with a darkly handsome stranger to help her. His help results in homicide. When eagle shifter Diego's vacation is interrupted by the innocent young woman he recognizes as his mate, he flees with her across national borders because she's his and he's not letting her go.
Having essentially swapped one captor for another, Rachel knows the dashing, sexy Spaniard is keeping secrets from her. He showers her with kindness and generosity in exchange for her obedience. Diego's control over her and his secrets elicit her distrust and resentment.
When freedom beckons, Rachel answers its call; however, freedom brings hardship and indignity. Will she return to the controlling alpha male who stirs her blood or cling stubbornly to her freedom?
Hope you enjoyed today's post friends, and that you'll check back weekly for more Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time, take care and God bless.
PamT
Yep, this year is moving right along. Christmas decorations are out with fall and Halloween stuff. We don't even have time to enjoy one holiday without the others being shoved down our throats. Alas, that's the goal of marketing ... get it out there in their face!
UGH.
Don't get me started LOL! Instead, please allow me to introduce to you a brand new-to-me author, Holly Bargo, brought to us by Personalized Marketing Inc.
Take it away, Holly.....
‘I’m a writer’ is just the beginningBy Holly Bargo
When people ask me what I do, I tell them I'm a writer. Most of them follow that with a question as to how many books I've written. I understand that, but that direct jump from "writer" to "author" misses a lot of ground in between.
Just like medical professionals specialize, so do writers. The older I get and the longer I write as a professional, the more specialized I become. Whether such specialization arises from preference or experience or a mixture of both, anyone might speculate. However, I have discovered that my background and abilities do not suit some writing niches, such as technical writing or medical writing. Although occasionally funny, I have no predilection for comedy writing. Likewise, children's literature exceeds the scope of my skill as does that new breed of short story presented as a series of text messages.
(I suppose it would help if I texted, but I don't.)
While it's important to know what you can do and do well, it's also important to know what you don't do well and/or have no real inclination to master. I edit for a California fiction writer who, over the course of our association, has solidified his niche in writing westerns. He tried suspense. Although the stories adequately entertained, they did not have the enthusiasm of his westerns.
Knowing what you do well does not preclude learning to do something else well, too. Learning to master a new specialization, a new niche, a new genre takes time and effort: as Ringo Starr’s song goes, "It Don't Come Easy."
Writing well involves more than merely knowing how to string words together to form coherent sentences and express thoughts clearly. A complicated, layered skill, writing explores intellect as well as the senses. Sensory description, especially in fiction, immerses the reader within the story. Good writing informs, educates, entertains--although not necessarily all at once. Good writing grabs and holds the interest of the target audience of readers, regardless of the genre or platform. The hook may be Moby Dick's "Call me Ishmael" or a currently explosive topic. It may stimulate thought or give comfort, instruct or guide. It offers sufficient detail to ground the reader, but not so much as to overwhelm and distract.
A writer who has mastered his or her craft not only understands the conventions governing writing, but also understands how to break them to best effect. That writer knows how and why the rule was broken--a depth of understanding that many writers fail to achieve. Refer back to the song title hyperlinked above. Grammatically correct, it would be "It Doesn't Come Easily" and it would lose its punch.
Written content surrounds us, which means someone wrote it. The more effective the writing, the more it engages or persuades or convinces.
I'm a writer, but I don't only write books. I write newsletter articles, website content, B2B and B2C blogs, brochures, proposals, short stories, and more. My skills cover a broad range of topics, forms, and markets, but certainly not everything. I have yet to meet a writer who could write anything and everything and do it equally well.
Even William Shakespeare specialized.
Every word counts.
****
So true, Holly, thanks for sharing!
Holly Bargo never outgrew a love of fairy tales, legends, and myths. Or horses. However, one foot must remain firmly planted in the real world where Holly makes her living as a freelance writer and editor. She and her husband have two grown children and live on a southwest Ohio hobby farm with a menagerie indoor and outdoor animals.Holly enjoys hearing from readers and other authors and may be contacted via the Hen House Publishing website: www.henhousepublishing.com.
When she's not working on other people's documents or reading, Holly finds time to transfer the voices in her head to paper ... er ... computer. If she doesn't, there's a definite possibility her mind will explode.
And for those who might wonder from where the pseudonym of Holly Bargo came, it's quite simple really. Horses. Namely an elegant and temperamental Appaloosa mare who has long since crossed the Rainbow Bridge and is fondly remembered for guarding toddler children and crushing a brand new pager.
The Eagle at Dawn (Immortal Shifters Book 4)By Holly Bargo
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SLP5JGT
Rachel's brother uses her as collateral to settle a debt with an outlaw motorcycle gang. She flees to a local bar and pleads with a darkly handsome stranger to help her. His help results in homicide. When eagle shifter Diego's vacation is interrupted by the innocent young woman he recognizes as his mate, he flees with her across national borders because she's his and he's not letting her go.
Having essentially swapped one captor for another, Rachel knows the dashing, sexy Spaniard is keeping secrets from her. He showers her with kindness and generosity in exchange for her obedience. Diego's control over her and his secrets elicit her distrust and resentment.
When freedom beckons, Rachel answers its call; however, freedom brings hardship and indignity. Will she return to the controlling alpha male who stirs her blood or cling stubbornly to her freedom?
Hope you enjoyed today's post friends, and that you'll check back weekly for more Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time, take care and God bless.
PamT
August 24, 2019
#SaturdaySpotlight is on Carol Raj & The Curious Prayer Life of Muriel Smith
Good Morning!
It is always a pleasure to introduce to you brand new to me authors, especially a fellow Pelican Book Group author, so please welcome Carol Raj to our spotlight with her book, The Curious Prayer Life of Muriel Smith.
One unlocked car door, one glance to the left, and suddenly seventy-one year old Muriel Smith is hurtling down the road at an alarming thirty miles per hour.
Will the teenage boy who carjacked her really shoot to kill?
Muriel can’t die yet. Not till she’s accomplished something on earth. Not till she’s seen her great grandchild.
But if Muriel Smith’s survival depends on her driving skills, she may not live much longer.
How could God have gotten everything so wrong?
Excerpt: "The ramp’s coming up, Mrs. B. Put your turnsignal on. What’s the matter with you?"
The ramp was only feet away. Muriel took a deep
breath and stepped hard on the gas pedal. She zoomed
past the entrance to the highway.
"What? You didn’t even try to turn!" Kevin’s head swiveled as the entrance ramp disappeared.
"I did try to turn, Kevin. Honest. I tried really hard. I just couldn’t do it. I told you. I don’t merge. It scares me."
Kevin’s voice went up half an octave. "Merging scares you more than my gun? Are you crazy? Didn’t I tell you I’d shoot? You can’t just say you don’t merge.You have to do what I say. That’s how it’s supposed to work."
~~~
Uh, oh, sounds like a thrilling ride! Thanks for sharing Carol.
Carol has been writing for many years. Mostly articles and short stories for children. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and lives with her husband of more than 40 years in beautiful New England. She is new to the publishing world so her website isn't up yet but will be soon. Meanwhile, find out more about her by connecting with her on Face Book and Good Reads.
The Curious Prayer Life of Muriel Smith can be purchased at Amazon, B&N, and Kobo.
Hope you enjoyed today's spotlight and that you'll check back weekly for Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight!
Until next time take care and God bless. PamT
It is always a pleasure to introduce to you brand new to me authors, especially a fellow Pelican Book Group author, so please welcome Carol Raj to our spotlight with her book, The Curious Prayer Life of Muriel Smith.
One unlocked car door, one glance to the left, and suddenly seventy-one year old Muriel Smith is hurtling down the road at an alarming thirty miles per hour.Will the teenage boy who carjacked her really shoot to kill?
Muriel can’t die yet. Not till she’s accomplished something on earth. Not till she’s seen her great grandchild.
But if Muriel Smith’s survival depends on her driving skills, she may not live much longer.
How could God have gotten everything so wrong?
Excerpt: "The ramp’s coming up, Mrs. B. Put your turnsignal on. What’s the matter with you?"
The ramp was only feet away. Muriel took a deep
breath and stepped hard on the gas pedal. She zoomed
past the entrance to the highway.
"What? You didn’t even try to turn!" Kevin’s head swiveled as the entrance ramp disappeared.
"I did try to turn, Kevin. Honest. I tried really hard. I just couldn’t do it. I told you. I don’t merge. It scares me."
Kevin’s voice went up half an octave. "Merging scares you more than my gun? Are you crazy? Didn’t I tell you I’d shoot? You can’t just say you don’t merge.You have to do what I say. That’s how it’s supposed to work."
~~~
Uh, oh, sounds like a thrilling ride! Thanks for sharing Carol.
Carol has been writing for many years. Mostly articles and short stories for children. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and lives with her husband of more than 40 years in beautiful New England. She is new to the publishing world so her website isn't up yet but will be soon. Meanwhile, find out more about her by connecting with her on Face Book and Good Reads.The Curious Prayer Life of Muriel Smith can be purchased at Amazon, B&N, and Kobo.
Hope you enjoyed today's spotlight and that you'll check back weekly for Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight!
Until next time take care and God bless. PamT
August 21, 2019
#WednesdayWordswithFriends a Story & Recipe from Gail Pallotta!
Good Morning!
Gail Pallotta is no stranger to our blog but always a welcomed guest. She has shared treasures and thoughts with us and been in our spotlight twice. So, without further ado, I'm turning the blog over to her.....
I recall my mother’s kitchen brimming with Southern cooking. My father thought I should learn the art, so I could practice then for when I got married. Never mind, I was ten years old when he suggested my internship. Nonetheless, it has served those at my kitchen table well.
Many think of fatback, frying, thick batter, butter and cream when they hear Southern cooking, but nowadays many Southern cooks use olive or grapeseed oil in lieu of unhealthy choices. To my surprise, as a young adult I learned my mother and I hadn’t been frying during my youth. We were sautéing. She didn’t own a deep fat fryer, but placed a thin film of oil in a frying pan, an equally thin batter on chicken, cubed steaks, etc., and cooked them on low heat.
She taught me a tasty dish begins with a good food choice, fresh veggies and tender meat. We squeezed squash to see if it might be too soft and okra to see if it was too hard. Potatoes and onions were scrutinized for bad spots. When preparing meat, we cut out the gristle and excess fat.
All of her Southern recipes were handed down by mouth from her mother, who learned them from her mother, so on and so forth. Here’s one of my favorites. With football season getting underway, it’s a good dish for hungry fans.
Mother’s Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients: Elbow macaroni noodles, cheese, milk, eggs, salt and pepper to taste, margarine or butter (optional)
Greased casserole dish. (I use olive oil)
The amount of noodles determines the number of servings. To serve four, prepare enough noodles for four.
Drain noodles. Fill a one-cup measuring cup with the cooked noodles and pour them one at a time into the greased casserole dish.
Measure exactly as many cups of grated cheese as there are noodles. (For example four cups of noodles and four cups of cheese packed tight) Cheeses can be all one kind or mixed—2 cups of cheddar, 1 cup of Monteray Jack, 1 cup of Colby. Use what you like. If there are extra noodles, save them for another dish. The amount of cheese must equal the amount of noodles.
Beat an egg. Stir into noodles and cheese. (Egg Beaters can be used)
Pour milk into the casserole dish until it’s almost even with the mixture of cheese, noodles and eggs. (Low-fat is fine.)
Salt and pepper to taste.
Completely cover the top of the macaroni and cheese with more grated cheese. Dot with margarine or butter if desired.
Bake on 350 degrees about forty-five minutes or until the entire casserole is firm.
What’s one of your favorite dishes?
MMMMM, Gail that sound delicious! Thanks for sharing.
Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. A former Grace Awards Finalist for an earlier edition of Stopped Cold and a Reader’s Favorite 2017 Book Award winner, she’s published six books, poems, short stories and two-hundred articles. Some of her articles appear in anthologies while two are in museums. She loves to connect with readers. Sign up for her newsletter at https://www.gailpallotta.com/mainphp.html and visit her website at https://www.gailpallotta.com and Blog at https://gailpallotta.blogspot.com. You can also visit/connect with her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorsandMore and Twitter https://twitter.com/Hopefulwords? (Gail Pallotta @Hopefulwords)
Also check out Gail's brand new YA release, Stopped Cold on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo & Pelican Book Group
The high school in Stopped Cold has a twitter page! https://twitter.com/MeriwetherCSMeriwether Christian @MeriwetherCS. The heroine, Margaret, would love to have you follow Meriwether High.
Hope you enjoyed today's post and that you'll check back weekly for more Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight's.
Until next time, take care and God Bless. PamT
Gail Pallotta is no stranger to our blog but always a welcomed guest. She has shared treasures and thoughts with us and been in our spotlight twice. So, without further ado, I'm turning the blog over to her.....
I recall my mother’s kitchen brimming with Southern cooking. My father thought I should learn the art, so I could practice then for when I got married. Never mind, I was ten years old when he suggested my internship. Nonetheless, it has served those at my kitchen table well.Many think of fatback, frying, thick batter, butter and cream when they hear Southern cooking, but nowadays many Southern cooks use olive or grapeseed oil in lieu of unhealthy choices. To my surprise, as a young adult I learned my mother and I hadn’t been frying during my youth. We were sautéing. She didn’t own a deep fat fryer, but placed a thin film of oil in a frying pan, an equally thin batter on chicken, cubed steaks, etc., and cooked them on low heat.
She taught me a tasty dish begins with a good food choice, fresh veggies and tender meat. We squeezed squash to see if it might be too soft and okra to see if it was too hard. Potatoes and onions were scrutinized for bad spots. When preparing meat, we cut out the gristle and excess fat.
All of her Southern recipes were handed down by mouth from her mother, who learned them from her mother, so on and so forth. Here’s one of my favorites. With football season getting underway, it’s a good dish for hungry fans.
Mother’s Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients: Elbow macaroni noodles, cheese, milk, eggs, salt and pepper to taste, margarine or butter (optional)
Greased casserole dish. (I use olive oil)
The amount of noodles determines the number of servings. To serve four, prepare enough noodles for four.
Drain noodles. Fill a one-cup measuring cup with the cooked noodles and pour them one at a time into the greased casserole dish.
Measure exactly as many cups of grated cheese as there are noodles. (For example four cups of noodles and four cups of cheese packed tight) Cheeses can be all one kind or mixed—2 cups of cheddar, 1 cup of Monteray Jack, 1 cup of Colby. Use what you like. If there are extra noodles, save them for another dish. The amount of cheese must equal the amount of noodles.
Beat an egg. Stir into noodles and cheese. (Egg Beaters can be used)
Pour milk into the casserole dish until it’s almost even with the mixture of cheese, noodles and eggs. (Low-fat is fine.)
Salt and pepper to taste.
Completely cover the top of the macaroni and cheese with more grated cheese. Dot with margarine or butter if desired.
Bake on 350 degrees about forty-five minutes or until the entire casserole is firm.
What’s one of your favorite dishes?
MMMMM, Gail that sound delicious! Thanks for sharing.
Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. A former Grace Awards Finalist for an earlier edition of Stopped Cold and a Reader’s Favorite 2017 Book Award winner, she’s published six books, poems, short stories and two-hundred articles. Some of her articles appear in anthologies while two are in museums. She loves to connect with readers. Sign up for her newsletter at https://www.gailpallotta.com/mainphp.html and visit her website at https://www.gailpallotta.com and Blog at https://gailpallotta.blogspot.com. You can also visit/connect with her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorsandMore and Twitter https://twitter.com/Hopefulwords? (Gail Pallotta @Hopefulwords)Also check out Gail's brand new YA release, Stopped Cold on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo & Pelican Book Group
The high school in Stopped Cold has a twitter page! https://twitter.com/MeriwetherCSMeriwether Christian @MeriwetherCS. The heroine, Margaret, would love to have you follow Meriwether High.
Hope you enjoyed today's post and that you'll check back weekly for more Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight's.
Until next time, take care and God Bless. PamT
