Pamela S. Thibodeaux's Blog, page 84
May 3, 2016
#TuesdayTreasures: Undercover Boss
Good Morning Friends,
When I first saw an advertisement for the show Undercover Boss years ago, I thought... Another stupid reality show.
UGH
I am fed up with "reality" TV and the ignorance most portray. I mean, seriously, who really cares what some washed up celebrity or rich brat of washed up celebrity's life is like?
IMHO, too much pettiness, bullshit and drama....3 things I try to avoid LOL!
Anyway, this series has been going strong for 7 seasons now and, as a huge fan of Super Soul Sunday, I discovered it on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) and let me tell you, I am hooked!
To see some of the country's top CEO's go undercover to get an honest feel of what goes on in their company is sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking but always ends with these executive officers getting a taste of what the "working class" really do for them.
The gifts this brings to both parties is awesome.
I've always said when I win the lottery I want to be an Angel Investor. Until that time I'll live vicariously through and learn from the Undercover Bosses of the world.
So if you're in the mood for a "feel good cry" watch Undercover Boss ...I'm confident you'll enjoy it too.
And if you're a CEO of a corporation out there, stage your own version of Undercover Boss . Get to know your employees on the ground level, learn their stories, the hardship many endure and the joy they bring to your company. Who knows, you may come out of the experience much richer for doing so.
Something to think about!
"Inspirational with an Edge!" ™
When I first saw an advertisement for the show Undercover Boss years ago, I thought... Another stupid reality show.
UGH
I am fed up with "reality" TV and the ignorance most portray. I mean, seriously, who really cares what some washed up celebrity or rich brat of washed up celebrity's life is like?
IMHO, too much pettiness, bullshit and drama....3 things I try to avoid LOL!
Anyway, this series has been going strong for 7 seasons now and, as a huge fan of Super Soul Sunday, I discovered it on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) and let me tell you, I am hooked!
To see some of the country's top CEO's go undercover to get an honest feel of what goes on in their company is sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking but always ends with these executive officers getting a taste of what the "working class" really do for them.
The gifts this brings to both parties is awesome.
I've always said when I win the lottery I want to be an Angel Investor. Until that time I'll live vicariously through and learn from the Undercover Bosses of the world.
So if you're in the mood for a "feel good cry" watch Undercover Boss ...I'm confident you'll enjoy it too.
And if you're a CEO of a corporation out there, stage your own version of Undercover Boss . Get to know your employees on the ground level, learn their stories, the hardship many endure and the joy they bring to your company. Who knows, you may come out of the experience much richer for doing so.
Something to think about!
"Inspirational with an Edge!" ™
April 30, 2016
#SaturdaySpotlight is on Alicia Dean @Alicia_Dean_ with Two Minute Writing Tips!
Good Morning Friends,
Today's guest, Alicia Dean is no stranger to our blog but today she returns to share with us her brand new book, Two Minute Writing Tips (compiled from her weekly blog post of the same name) and her other writing book, Find the Magic (How to Plot a Story in 10 Easy Steps). So without much further ado....here's Alicia!
In today’s busy world—and writers are far busier than the average human being—there is little time for lengthy, detailed, intensive writing courses and writing manuals.
Knowing how rare and fleeting a writer’s time is, Alicia Dean posts a weekly ‘Tuesday Two-Minute’ writing tip on her blog where she shares her knowledge, experience, and wisdom in tiny, bite-sized pieces so as not to squander more than 120-second increments of a writer’s precious time.
Now, you can get those tips all in one convenient place. In simple, quick and easily digestible servings, this book shares loads of advice for writers. Tips such as…
• Recognizing and eliminating filter words that distance your reader
• Understanding Point of View – How to fix it and why
• Writing Faster Drafts
• Clearer, concise writing
• Tips for more effective Tweeting
No matter your level, from novice to experienced author, you will find something beneficial in Alicia’s handy, quick reminders.
Excerpt: ‘Began’ and ‘Started to’ Make Your Writing Inactive
Phrases like 'began to' and 'started to' show up in manuscripts more frequently than you might expect. When you really think about it, though, they do not quite work for what you're trying to convey. Plus, they are weak and inactive.
Examples: · He started running.· He began coughing.· He placed his hand on the door and began to open it.· Her legs started to tremble.· Her heart began to race.· She started to laugh.
When I see wording like this, I have to ask myself, these questions, and I'll admit, some strange images appear in my mind.
Did he start running but only take a few steps and pause mid-air? Did he hack out half a cough? How do you 'begin to open' a door? Did he turn the knob or pull on the door but not really open it? Did her legs give a few trembles, then go still? Did her heart speed up, then suddenly come to a halt? (OUCH!) Did she open her mouth, and laughter started to come out, then she sucked it back into her throat?
See...kind of gives you some strange visuals.
You can easily fix these to make them more active and stronger:· He started running. - He ran.· He began coughing. - He coughed.· He placed his hand on the door and began to open it. - He turned the knob. Or, He pulled the door halfway open.· Her legs started to tremble. Her legs trembled.· Her heart began to race. Her heart raced.· She started to laugh. She laughed.· See how simple it is? It's a good idea to go through your MS and check for phrases like this and revise them. That way, your writing is move active, more immediate. PLUS, you can give your characters the satisfaction of actually completing that cough, tremble, run, or laughter.
Two Minute Writing Tips can be purchased at Amazon and it's on $ale for a limited time at only .99¢ !!
Now here's a little about Alicia's other writing book.... Find the Magic...
Using specific examples from one of my own novels, Without Mercy, I share my method in this mini how to book. The first eight steps actually deal with plotting while the last two are designed to help expand your outline into a well-developed draft. There is no one, perfect way to create a story, but there will be a method, or methods that work for you. I’m not sure if this is the one, but it works for me. Only you can decide if it also works for you. Fingers crossed that it does!
Find the Magic can be purchased at Amazon also.
Award-winning author, Alicia Dean, began writing stories as a child. At age 11, she wrote her first ever romance (featuring a hero who looked just like Elvis Presley, and who shared the name of Elvis’ character in the movie, Tickle Me), and she still has the tattered, pencil-written copy. Alicia is from Moore, Oklahoma and now lives in Edmond. She has three grown children and a huge network of supportive friends and family. She writes mostly contemporary suspense and paranormal, but has also written in other genres, including a few vintage historicals. She is a freelance editor in addition to being an editor for The Wild Rose Press.
Other than reading and writing, her passions are Elvis Presley, MLB, NFL (she usually works in a mention of one or all three into her stories) and watching (and rewatching) her favorite televisions shows like The Walking Dead, Dexter, Justified, Sons of Anarchy, Haven, Vampire Diaries, and The Originals. Some of her favorite authors are Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane, Lee Child, Lisa Gardner, Sharon Sala, Jordan Dane, Ridley Pearson, Joseph Finder, and Jonathan Kellerman…to name a few.
Find Alicia here: *** Sign up for our Novel Notes Newsletter, a multi-author newsletter where we give away a $25 gift card each month: https://www.facebook.com/NovelNotesAuthors
Website: http://aliciadean.com/Blog: http://aliciadean.com/alicias-blog/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alicia-Dean-559598754221926/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alicia_Dean_Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/aliciamdean/Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/468339.Alicia_Deanher website: AliciaDean.com, or feel free to drop her a line at: AliciaMDean@aol.com
Well friends, I hope you enjoyed today's spotlight.
Remember, once you've written a book and had it published, you'll have to promote it! Need help? Check out the book, Simple Promotional Tools for Authors which I wrote with my friend Penny Carlton and is available on Kindle, Nook and Smashwords.
ALSO if you're interested in learning how to write, don't forget I'm hosting a beginning writers' workshop at the Silver Spur guest ranch in Bandera, TX July 8th - 10th and I'd LOVE to see you there!
Until next time...take care and God Bless.
PamT
Today's guest, Alicia Dean is no stranger to our blog but today she returns to share with us her brand new book, Two Minute Writing Tips (compiled from her weekly blog post of the same name) and her other writing book, Find the Magic (How to Plot a Story in 10 Easy Steps). So without much further ado....here's Alicia!
In today’s busy world—and writers are far busier than the average human being—there is little time for lengthy, detailed, intensive writing courses and writing manuals. Knowing how rare and fleeting a writer’s time is, Alicia Dean posts a weekly ‘Tuesday Two-Minute’ writing tip on her blog where she shares her knowledge, experience, and wisdom in tiny, bite-sized pieces so as not to squander more than 120-second increments of a writer’s precious time.
Now, you can get those tips all in one convenient place. In simple, quick and easily digestible servings, this book shares loads of advice for writers. Tips such as…
• Recognizing and eliminating filter words that distance your reader
• Understanding Point of View – How to fix it and why
• Writing Faster Drafts
• Clearer, concise writing
• Tips for more effective Tweeting
No matter your level, from novice to experienced author, you will find something beneficial in Alicia’s handy, quick reminders.
Excerpt: ‘Began’ and ‘Started to’ Make Your Writing Inactive
Phrases like 'began to' and 'started to' show up in manuscripts more frequently than you might expect. When you really think about it, though, they do not quite work for what you're trying to convey. Plus, they are weak and inactive.
Examples: · He started running.· He began coughing.· He placed his hand on the door and began to open it.· Her legs started to tremble.· Her heart began to race.· She started to laugh.
When I see wording like this, I have to ask myself, these questions, and I'll admit, some strange images appear in my mind.
Did he start running but only take a few steps and pause mid-air? Did he hack out half a cough? How do you 'begin to open' a door? Did he turn the knob or pull on the door but not really open it? Did her legs give a few trembles, then go still? Did her heart speed up, then suddenly come to a halt? (OUCH!) Did she open her mouth, and laughter started to come out, then she sucked it back into her throat?
See...kind of gives you some strange visuals.
You can easily fix these to make them more active and stronger:· He started running. - He ran.· He began coughing. - He coughed.· He placed his hand on the door and began to open it. - He turned the knob. Or, He pulled the door halfway open.· Her legs started to tremble. Her legs trembled.· Her heart began to race. Her heart raced.· She started to laugh. She laughed.· See how simple it is? It's a good idea to go through your MS and check for phrases like this and revise them. That way, your writing is move active, more immediate. PLUS, you can give your characters the satisfaction of actually completing that cough, tremble, run, or laughter.
Two Minute Writing Tips can be purchased at Amazon and it's on $ale for a limited time at only .99¢ !!
Now here's a little about Alicia's other writing book.... Find the Magic...
Using specific examples from one of my own novels, Without Mercy, I share my method in this mini how to book. The first eight steps actually deal with plotting while the last two are designed to help expand your outline into a well-developed draft. There is no one, perfect way to create a story, but there will be a method, or methods that work for you. I’m not sure if this is the one, but it works for me. Only you can decide if it also works for you. Fingers crossed that it does!
Find the Magic can be purchased at Amazon also.
Award-winning author, Alicia Dean, began writing stories as a child. At age 11, she wrote her first ever romance (featuring a hero who looked just like Elvis Presley, and who shared the name of Elvis’ character in the movie, Tickle Me), and she still has the tattered, pencil-written copy. Alicia is from Moore, Oklahoma and now lives in Edmond. She has three grown children and a huge network of supportive friends and family. She writes mostly contemporary suspense and paranormal, but has also written in other genres, including a few vintage historicals. She is a freelance editor in addition to being an editor for The Wild Rose Press.Other than reading and writing, her passions are Elvis Presley, MLB, NFL (she usually works in a mention of one or all three into her stories) and watching (and rewatching) her favorite televisions shows like The Walking Dead, Dexter, Justified, Sons of Anarchy, Haven, Vampire Diaries, and The Originals. Some of her favorite authors are Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane, Lee Child, Lisa Gardner, Sharon Sala, Jordan Dane, Ridley Pearson, Joseph Finder, and Jonathan Kellerman…to name a few.
Find Alicia here: *** Sign up for our Novel Notes Newsletter, a multi-author newsletter where we give away a $25 gift card each month: https://www.facebook.com/NovelNotesAuthors
Website: http://aliciadean.com/Blog: http://aliciadean.com/alicias-blog/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alicia-Dean-559598754221926/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alicia_Dean_Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/aliciamdean/Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/468339.Alicia_Deanher website: AliciaDean.com, or feel free to drop her a line at: AliciaMDean@aol.com
Well friends, I hope you enjoyed today's spotlight.
Remember, once you've written a book and had it published, you'll have to promote it! Need help? Check out the book, Simple Promotional Tools for Authors which I wrote with my friend Penny Carlton and is available on Kindle, Nook and Smashwords.
ALSO if you're interested in learning how to write, don't forget I'm hosting a beginning writers' workshop at the Silver Spur guest ranch in Bandera, TX July 8th - 10th and I'd LOVE to see you there!
Until next time...take care and God Bless.
PamT
April 28, 2016
#ThursdayThoughts: Special Guest Post by Colleen Coble @colleencoble
Good Morning Friends,
You might be wondering at the change of photo on my header here, on Face Book and my website. No real reason....just in the mood for something different.
Also, if you haven't heard yet, I am ever so happy to inform you that my novella, Keri's Christmas Wish is finished and has been submitted to a publisher!
I'll keep you posted on the details.
Meanwhile, please welcome Colleen Coble back to our blog with something she thinks about....
Forgiveness is a real hot button for me. I’ve seen so many lives changed when a person chooses to forgive the unforgiveable. But there’s one area I feel is harder than any other—forgiving yourself.
We all mess up and fall short of the goal we set for ourselves. Sometimes that failure can hurt other people even more than it hurts us, and we wrestle with letting go of the shame we take on in those moments. Forgiving ourselves is crucial if we want to move past our failures and reach our full potential. How do you do that? This is what works for me:
1. Identify the fact that you have shame about something.
You can’t deal with something if you keep it buried.
2. Remind yourself that everyone fails.
As a Christian, I look at examples in the Bible of people who failed but were still forgiven and used of God. David is a prime example.
3. Take responsibility for your actions.
Too much of the time we make excuses for ourselves. You can never get past the way you feel if you don’t face the facts. You disappointed or hurt something. That’s a fact.
4. If you can make amends, do so.
Apologize or do anything else that comes to mind to show genuine remorse.
5. Talk it out with a friend.
There’s something about sharing your burden that makes it lighten. Another perspective helps us see things more clearly.
6. Actually forgive yourself.
When that shame rises up, speak aloud to yourself and say, “That’s over and God has forgiven me. I forgive myself as well.” After a while you actually start to believe it.
In Mermaid Moon Mallory was still dealing with shame from something she’d done ten years earlier. Ten years is a long time to carry that weight around, but some people carry it all their lives. You don’t have to!
Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice and the Booksellers Best.
She has more than three million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Coble is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband, Dave, in Indiana.
To keep up with Colleen Coble, visit www.colleencoble.com , become a fan on Facebook ( colleencoblebooks ) or follow her on Twitter ( @colleencoble ).
Mermaid Moon can be purchased at Amazon.
You are so right, Colleen! Forgiveness is definitely Something to think about!
Hope you all enjoyed today's post. Check back each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight!
Until later....take care and God Bless. PamT
"Inspirational with an Edge!" ™
You might be wondering at the change of photo on my header here, on Face Book and my website. No real reason....just in the mood for something different.
Also, if you haven't heard yet, I am ever so happy to inform you that my novella, Keri's Christmas Wish is finished and has been submitted to a publisher!
I'll keep you posted on the details.
Meanwhile, please welcome Colleen Coble back to our blog with something she thinks about....
Forgiveness is a real hot button for me. I’ve seen so many lives changed when a person chooses to forgive the unforgiveable. But there’s one area I feel is harder than any other—forgiving yourself.
We all mess up and fall short of the goal we set for ourselves. Sometimes that failure can hurt other people even more than it hurts us, and we wrestle with letting go of the shame we take on in those moments. Forgiving ourselves is crucial if we want to move past our failures and reach our full potential. How do you do that? This is what works for me:
1. Identify the fact that you have shame about something.
You can’t deal with something if you keep it buried.
2. Remind yourself that everyone fails.
As a Christian, I look at examples in the Bible of people who failed but were still forgiven and used of God. David is a prime example.
3. Take responsibility for your actions.
Too much of the time we make excuses for ourselves. You can never get past the way you feel if you don’t face the facts. You disappointed or hurt something. That’s a fact.
4. If you can make amends, do so.
Apologize or do anything else that comes to mind to show genuine remorse.
5. Talk it out with a friend.
There’s something about sharing your burden that makes it lighten. Another perspective helps us see things more clearly.
6. Actually forgive yourself.
When that shame rises up, speak aloud to yourself and say, “That’s over and God has forgiven me. I forgive myself as well.” After a while you actually start to believe it.
In Mermaid Moon Mallory was still dealing with shame from something she’d done ten years earlier. Ten years is a long time to carry that weight around, but some people carry it all their lives. You don’t have to!
Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice and the Booksellers Best.
She has more than three million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Coble is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband, Dave, in Indiana.
To keep up with Colleen Coble, visit www.colleencoble.com , become a fan on Facebook ( colleencoblebooks ) or follow her on Twitter ( @colleencoble ).
Mermaid Moon can be purchased at Amazon.
You are so right, Colleen! Forgiveness is definitely Something to think about!
Hope you all enjoyed today's post. Check back each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight!
Until later....take care and God Bless. PamT
"Inspirational with an Edge!" ™
April 26, 2016
#TuesdayTreasures: Libraries
Good Morning!
If you read this week's Saturday Spotlight, you'll have noticed that I was at a book signing at the DeSoto Parish Library in Logan's Port, LA.
I'd never been to Logan's Port nor had I ever been to my friend, Rosie Deskin's (AKA: Annabelle Blythe) home. Well I was able to do both this past weekend!
I made the trip up to Rosie's house in Joaquin, TX through SE Texas and took a different route home and both were absolutely beautiful. Clear skies, green grass, hilly roads (yes there are hills in North LA / SE TX)
Rosie's book is set during the Battle of Mansfield, another city I'd never been to so passing through there was another delight.
If you ever get an opportunity to visit NW LA hop on across the border and check out SE TX too. I can promise you won't be sorry you did.
Here are a couple of photos from the signing....
Put on by the Friends of the Library group, these ladies went all out to make us feel welcome. There were snacks, finger sandwiches and drinks for us as well as the visitors.
I appreciate the opportunity Libraries present to authors. Each one is truly something to treasure.
Something to think about!
"Inspirational with an Edge!" ™
If you read this week's Saturday Spotlight, you'll have noticed that I was at a book signing at the DeSoto Parish Library in Logan's Port, LA.
I'd never been to Logan's Port nor had I ever been to my friend, Rosie Deskin's (AKA: Annabelle Blythe) home. Well I was able to do both this past weekend!
I made the trip up to Rosie's house in Joaquin, TX through SE Texas and took a different route home and both were absolutely beautiful. Clear skies, green grass, hilly roads (yes there are hills in North LA / SE TX)
Rosie's book is set during the Battle of Mansfield, another city I'd never been to so passing through there was another delight.
If you ever get an opportunity to visit NW LA hop on across the border and check out SE TX too. I can promise you won't be sorry you did.
Here are a couple of photos from the signing....
Put on by the Friends of the Library group, these ladies went all out to make us feel welcome. There were snacks, finger sandwiches and drinks for us as well as the visitors.
I appreciate the opportunity Libraries present to authors. Each one is truly something to treasure.
Something to think about!
"Inspirational with an Edge!" ™
April 23, 2016
#SaturdaySpotlight: Christine Lindsay with Sofi's Bridge!
Good Morning Friends!
Today I am traveling to Logansport, Louisiana for a book signing at the DeSoto Parish Library. If you're in the area, please feel free to drop by between 10 am and 1 pm.
Meanwhile, please welcome Christine Lindsay back to our blog with her newest release, Sofi's Bridge!
Seattle Debutant Sofi Andersson will do everything in her power to protect her sister who is suffering from shock over their father’s death. Charles, the family busy-body, threatens to lock Trina in a sanatorium—a whitewashed term for an insane asylum—so Sofi will rescue her little sister, even if it means running away to the Cascade Mountains with only the new gardener Neil Macpherson to protect them.
But in a cabin high in the Cascades, Sofi begins to recognize that the handsome immigrant from Ireland harbors secrets of his own. Can she trust this man whose gentle manner brings such peace to her traumatized sister and such tumult to her own emotions?
And can Neil, the gardener continue to hide from Sofi that he is really Dr. Neil Galloway, a man wanted for murder by the British police? Only an act of faith and love will bridge the distance that separates lies from truth and safety.
Excerpt: Cascade Mountains, Washington State 1913
“Sometimes I think it would be easier,” she said, “if I didn’t feel the urge to use these natural abilities—I think God-given abilities—but to do the more expected tasks of a woman in my social position. Strangely, my father considered it more socially acceptable for my sister to enter yacht races than for me to consider a career.”
Sofi raised her gaze. “But what about you, Neil? With all this talk about life’s purposes and the toil of one’s brow, what are you doing with your life?” The sun nestled between two peaks as she tensed her weight against the sun-warmed granite.
Her natural perfume intoxicated him—not the overpowering colognes of society, but the scent of soap, apples she been paring earlier—stirring the desire to touch her cheek, her hands, her arms. What if he closed the gap between them? How would the softness of her cheek feel against the roughness of his? What would her lips taste like?
His breath quickened.
Sofi’s eyes widened.
He couldn’t tear his gaze from her softly parting mouth. A muscle tapped at the base of her throat. Had one of them moved closer?
He pulled in a breath. When a man and a woman cared for each other, they should speak the truth. He wanted to tell her about the thrift clinic he’d partnered in for the poor back home. Tell her of the work he’d done in the hospital. If he shared his pride in those accomplishments, he knew her eyes would shine in understanding.
Aye, right, ye fool. Then tell her you left the clinic and your position in Belfast City Hospital, as well as all your patients, to run to Washington State to be a gardener. How could he possibly tell her about the night that stole his life from him, and all with one slash of a knife? He rubbed the pressure between his brows. “Time we were getting back to the cabin.”
“Right. Of course.” In a fluster, she smoothed her shirtwaist. Her eyes that moments ago were shining turned a dull slate. She set her profile to him. “Yes, how foolish for the two of us to stand here any longer.”
Read the first chapter of Sofi’s Bridge for Free on Christine’s Books HERE
Purchase Sofi's Bridge at AMAZON.com and Pelican Book GroupAlso coming to Barnes & Noble and Christian Books.com
Christine Lindsay is the author of multi-award-winning Christian fiction. Tales of her Irish ancestors who served in the British Cavalry in Colonial India inspired her multi-award-winning series Twilight of the British Raj, Book 1
Shadowed in Silk
, Book 2
Captured by Moonlight
, and the explosive finale
Veiled at Midnight
.
Christine’s Irish wit and her use of setting as a character is evident in her contemporary romance Londonderry Dreaming . Her newest release Sofi’s Bridge also features a dashing Irish hero.
Aside from being a busy writer and speaker, Christine and her husband live on the west coast of Canada. Coming August 2016 is the release of Christine’s non-fiction book Finding Sarah—Finding Me: A Birthmother’s Story .
Please drop by Christine’s website www.ChristineLindsay.orgor follow her on Amazon on Twitter. Subscribe to her quarterly newsletter, and be her friend on Pinterest, Facebook, and Goodreads
Read the first chapters Free of all Christine Lindsay’s novels on her website in section Christine’s Books. www.christinelindsay.org
Congratulations Christine on your brand new book! Here's wishing you the best of God's Blessings with it.
Hope you enjoyed today's spotlight friends. Check back every week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and more Saturday Spotlights.
Until next time...take care and God bless. PamT
Today I am traveling to Logansport, Louisiana for a book signing at the DeSoto Parish Library. If you're in the area, please feel free to drop by between 10 am and 1 pm.
Meanwhile, please welcome Christine Lindsay back to our blog with her newest release, Sofi's Bridge!
Seattle Debutant Sofi Andersson will do everything in her power to protect her sister who is suffering from shock over their father’s death. Charles, the family busy-body, threatens to lock Trina in a sanatorium—a whitewashed term for an insane asylum—so Sofi will rescue her little sister, even if it means running away to the Cascade Mountains with only the new gardener Neil Macpherson to protect them. But in a cabin high in the Cascades, Sofi begins to recognize that the handsome immigrant from Ireland harbors secrets of his own. Can she trust this man whose gentle manner brings such peace to her traumatized sister and such tumult to her own emotions?
And can Neil, the gardener continue to hide from Sofi that he is really Dr. Neil Galloway, a man wanted for murder by the British police? Only an act of faith and love will bridge the distance that separates lies from truth and safety.
Excerpt: Cascade Mountains, Washington State 1913
“Sometimes I think it would be easier,” she said, “if I didn’t feel the urge to use these natural abilities—I think God-given abilities—but to do the more expected tasks of a woman in my social position. Strangely, my father considered it more socially acceptable for my sister to enter yacht races than for me to consider a career.”
Sofi raised her gaze. “But what about you, Neil? With all this talk about life’s purposes and the toil of one’s brow, what are you doing with your life?” The sun nestled between two peaks as she tensed her weight against the sun-warmed granite.
Her natural perfume intoxicated him—not the overpowering colognes of society, but the scent of soap, apples she been paring earlier—stirring the desire to touch her cheek, her hands, her arms. What if he closed the gap between them? How would the softness of her cheek feel against the roughness of his? What would her lips taste like?
His breath quickened.
Sofi’s eyes widened.
He couldn’t tear his gaze from her softly parting mouth. A muscle tapped at the base of her throat. Had one of them moved closer?
He pulled in a breath. When a man and a woman cared for each other, they should speak the truth. He wanted to tell her about the thrift clinic he’d partnered in for the poor back home. Tell her of the work he’d done in the hospital. If he shared his pride in those accomplishments, he knew her eyes would shine in understanding.
Aye, right, ye fool. Then tell her you left the clinic and your position in Belfast City Hospital, as well as all your patients, to run to Washington State to be a gardener. How could he possibly tell her about the night that stole his life from him, and all with one slash of a knife? He rubbed the pressure between his brows. “Time we were getting back to the cabin.”
“Right. Of course.” In a fluster, she smoothed her shirtwaist. Her eyes that moments ago were shining turned a dull slate. She set her profile to him. “Yes, how foolish for the two of us to stand here any longer.”
Read the first chapter of Sofi’s Bridge for Free on Christine’s Books HERE
Purchase Sofi's Bridge at AMAZON.com and Pelican Book GroupAlso coming to Barnes & Noble and Christian Books.com
Christine Lindsay is the author of multi-award-winning Christian fiction. Tales of her Irish ancestors who served in the British Cavalry in Colonial India inspired her multi-award-winning series Twilight of the British Raj, Book 1
Shadowed in Silk
, Book 2
Captured by Moonlight
, and the explosive finale
Veiled at Midnight
.Christine’s Irish wit and her use of setting as a character is evident in her contemporary romance Londonderry Dreaming . Her newest release Sofi’s Bridge also features a dashing Irish hero.
Aside from being a busy writer and speaker, Christine and her husband live on the west coast of Canada. Coming August 2016 is the release of Christine’s non-fiction book Finding Sarah—Finding Me: A Birthmother’s Story .
Please drop by Christine’s website www.ChristineLindsay.orgor follow her on Amazon on Twitter. Subscribe to her quarterly newsletter, and be her friend on Pinterest, Facebook, and Goodreads
Read the first chapters Free of all Christine Lindsay’s novels on her website in section Christine’s Books. www.christinelindsay.org
Congratulations Christine on your brand new book! Here's wishing you the best of God's Blessings with it.
Hope you enjoyed today's spotlight friends. Check back every week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and more Saturday Spotlights.
Until next time...take care and God bless. PamT
April 21, 2016
ThursdayThoughts: Writers' Workshop Scheduled!
Good Morning!
My mind is whirling with so much excitement I can hardly contain it!!
I've scheduled my first (of hopefully many) beginning writers' workshops hosted at the beautiful Silver Spur Guest Ranch July 8 - 10th!
Here are the details.....
Calling All Writers!! Learn basic writing/editing/formatting/promoting
Gather your writing buddy for fun-filled, informative weekend!
Who: Pamela S Thibodeaux; Multi-published, Award-winning author
What: “So You Want to Write” Authors’/Writers’ Workshop
Where: Silver Spur Guest Ranch, 9266 Bandera Creek Rd; Bandera, TXhttp://silverspur-ranch.com
When: Friday July 8- Sunday July 10
Friday – 5:00 pm meet & greet reception / 6:00 dinner followed by Historical hayride and campfire with S’mores OR kick up your heels & go boot scootin’ in downtown Bandera!
Saturday – Breakfast 8:30 / class 10:30-12:30 / Lunch 12:30 / class 2-4 / Dinner 6:00 / Enjoy the ranch or go into Bandera again to kick up your heels & scoot your boots.
Sunday – Breakfast 8:30 / Wrap, Rap & Review 9:30-11:00 / 11:15 Roping exhibition with world renowned Trick Roper Kevin Fitzpatrick! / Lunch
*All Inclusive Package $299.00 each (double occupancy; single occupancy $359.00)Ø Includes workshop and materialsØ Overnight accommodations, ranch amenities and activitiesØ 6 Delicious home cooked meals, plus Ice tea, lemonade, coffee and snacks
*Saturday only $149.00 Ø Workshop & Materials Ø 3 Meals plus Ice tea, lemonade, coffee and snacks
*Attendees get discounts on Horseback Riding & Healing Studio Sessions
*1 hour Private Consultations with Pam available for additional $25
Presenter Bio: Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction and creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ http://pamelathibodeaux.com
For Reservations call the Silver Spur @930-796-3037 / For Questions on workshop contact Pam @ pthib07@gmail.com (that’s zero 7)
Would LOVE to see you there!
Please feel free to share this post with your friends and family members who love to write and if you're so inclined, please use the share buttons to help spread the word and/or share the Face Book Event
THANK YOU for your support!
Until next time, take care and God Bless.
PamT
My mind is whirling with so much excitement I can hardly contain it!!
I've scheduled my first (of hopefully many) beginning writers' workshops hosted at the beautiful Silver Spur Guest Ranch July 8 - 10th!
Here are the details.....
Calling All Writers!! Learn basic writing/editing/formatting/promoting
Gather your writing buddy for fun-filled, informative weekend!
Who: Pamela S Thibodeaux; Multi-published, Award-winning author
What: “So You Want to Write” Authors’/Writers’ Workshop
Where: Silver Spur Guest Ranch, 9266 Bandera Creek Rd; Bandera, TXhttp://silverspur-ranch.com
When: Friday July 8- Sunday July 10
Friday – 5:00 pm meet & greet reception / 6:00 dinner followed by Historical hayride and campfire with S’mores OR kick up your heels & go boot scootin’ in downtown Bandera!
Saturday – Breakfast 8:30 / class 10:30-12:30 / Lunch 12:30 / class 2-4 / Dinner 6:00 / Enjoy the ranch or go into Bandera again to kick up your heels & scoot your boots.
Sunday – Breakfast 8:30 / Wrap, Rap & Review 9:30-11:00 / 11:15 Roping exhibition with world renowned Trick Roper Kevin Fitzpatrick! / Lunch
*All Inclusive Package $299.00 each (double occupancy; single occupancy $359.00)Ø Includes workshop and materialsØ Overnight accommodations, ranch amenities and activitiesØ 6 Delicious home cooked meals, plus Ice tea, lemonade, coffee and snacks
*Saturday only $149.00 Ø Workshop & Materials Ø 3 Meals plus Ice tea, lemonade, coffee and snacks
*Attendees get discounts on Horseback Riding & Healing Studio Sessions
*1 hour Private Consultations with Pam available for additional $25
Presenter Bio: Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction and creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ http://pamelathibodeaux.com
For Reservations call the Silver Spur @930-796-3037 / For Questions on workshop contact Pam @ pthib07@gmail.com (that’s zero 7)
Would LOVE to see you there!
Please feel free to share this post with your friends and family members who love to write and if you're so inclined, please use the share buttons to help spread the word and/or share the Face Book Event
THANK YOU for your support!
Until next time, take care and God Bless.
PamT
April 19, 2016
#TuesdayTreasures: Books
Good Morning Friends,
If you know me at all or have known me for sometime, then you know how much I treasure books.
As a reader, I'm always happy to get a hold of a great book and I try to read as much as possible despite my crazy, busy schedule.
As an author, I've come to value my talent, this gift from God that allows me to share my faith with the world through my characters.
With that in mind, I'd like to share with you something that has been on my mind and in my heart for quite sometime....
The price of books.
As a marketing person, I've come to realize how the deluge of free and 99¢ books has hurt the industry as a whole.
How? You ask.
Because readers in general no longer want to pay more. Oh they might if it is Big Name Author published through Big Name Publisher, but independent authors and/or those of us published through a small press?
Not so much.
Now please understand I'm not faulting anyone here. I'm just as guilty as the next guy/gal and I read so much I LOVE a good bargain!
That said, I've come to realize that according to the Law of Attraction and the Law of Sowing and Reaping, I can't expect people to pay a reasonable price for my books if I don't sow that into someone else's life.
Therefore, I've determined to value my time, talent and energy and put a fair market price on my books. This applies to my independently published titles.
The publisher sets the price on the others.
Occasionally I may put one on sale or give some away as gifts or for promo/review purposes and I'll be sure to let you all know when I do so.
I pray you understand and will give some consideration to the future of the book publishing industry and to the future of your favorite authors and/or a new author whose books you'd like to read.
Show your support by purchasing their books.
Something to think about!
"Inspirational with an Edge!" ™
If you know me at all or have known me for sometime, then you know how much I treasure books.
As a reader, I'm always happy to get a hold of a great book and I try to read as much as possible despite my crazy, busy schedule.
As an author, I've come to value my talent, this gift from God that allows me to share my faith with the world through my characters.
With that in mind, I'd like to share with you something that has been on my mind and in my heart for quite sometime....
The price of books.
As a marketing person, I've come to realize how the deluge of free and 99¢ books has hurt the industry as a whole.
How? You ask.
Because readers in general no longer want to pay more. Oh they might if it is Big Name Author published through Big Name Publisher, but independent authors and/or those of us published through a small press?
Not so much.
Now please understand I'm not faulting anyone here. I'm just as guilty as the next guy/gal and I read so much I LOVE a good bargain!
That said, I've come to realize that according to the Law of Attraction and the Law of Sowing and Reaping, I can't expect people to pay a reasonable price for my books if I don't sow that into someone else's life.Therefore, I've determined to value my time, talent and energy and put a fair market price on my books. This applies to my independently published titles.
The publisher sets the price on the others.
Occasionally I may put one on sale or give some away as gifts or for promo/review purposes and I'll be sure to let you all know when I do so.
I pray you understand and will give some consideration to the future of the book publishing industry and to the future of your favorite authors and/or a new author whose books you'd like to read.
Show your support by purchasing their books.
Something to think about!
"Inspirational with an Edge!" ™
April 16, 2016
#SaturdaySpotlight: LoRee Peery @loreepeery & #TouchesOfTime
Good Morning Friends!
Well if you didn't get your taxes done yesterday and haven't filed an extension, you get a reprieve! This year the normal deadline of April 15th has been extended to Monday, April 18th due to some Federal holiday I've never even heard of. But hey, it's all good, right?
Fortunately I did mine this past week and got them in the mail yesterday so that monkey is off my back until next year.
Our guest, LoRee Peery is no stranger here. Fellow Pelican Book Group author, she's been featured at least 8 or 9 times over the years since I began this blog. Just last month, she shared something she treasures with us and introduced us to her latest creation, Touches of Time, a fictional account of her father's yet-to-be-solved murder.
Today we're getting a sneak peek into the book!
A decades-old unsolved homicide.
A grieving single mother-to-be.
A cold-case investigator.
Sarah Bishop goes through her deceased mother’s belongings and becomes immersed in the details of her grandfather’s unsolved homicide. Determined to find who was responsible, for the sake of her unborn baby, Sarah vows to seek out the answers her mother had failed to find.
Cold Case Investigator Ford Melcher is intrigued by Sarah’s dogged drive to solve the old mystery. His current case has reached a frustrating dead end, but he comes to believe it is somehow linked to Sarah’s quest. His desire to protect her from further hurt is put to the test, especially when he has secrets he’d rather not disclose.
Answers could remain elusive as to who struck Sarah’s grandfather and left him in a ditch. Will the search for those answers open doors for her to discover the life God planned? Can she accept that plan if it includes a man who wasn’t forthright with information?
Excerpt:
The walk to the park took more effort than ever.Sarah left the trail for her favored picnic table, fanning and flapping her shirt away from her body to dispel the heat. She sank onto the bench with a sigh.Her mother’s last days, followed by what she called her celebration of life, had kept Sarah too busy for strolling outside her apartment complex. She’d missed summer, teeming with new growth. Did nature grieve?She closed her eyes to clear the fog, and sought warmth from the sun.A thud on the table snapped open Sarah’s eyes. She covered her rounded stomach with one hand and batted away an intrusive soccer ball with the other.“Sorry about that.” A buff guy with a killer grin toed the ball from midair, and then dribbled it away, running backwards.Their gazes remained locked until one of his buddies called, “Hey, Melcher, the game’s this way.”I need to close my gaping mouth and quit gawking. If I had a man like that around, I’d be inclined to rejoin the living.Since he caught her eye, did that mean she rode the swell of coming out of her funk?Events marched on whether she took an active role or not. Her brow tightened. She must be waking up to notice the hunky guy, sweat and all. He had to belong to some lucky woman.His renewed attention drew her back to his wet black hair and brilliant blue eyes, increasing her pulse rate. Her breath hitched as though he sent invisible vibes through the summer air.Forget taking another look. He had a life. She had a life. Sarah inhaled as deeply as she could and forced herself to break connection with his magnetic pull. Sliding across the table bench, she turned her back and wished for her waistline to return. She sauntered the way she’d come, grinned and grunted at the idea of taking the path closer to term. The mental picture of her waddling would be worth the trouble, since she’d soon have a baby to love and nurture. The prospect lightened her heart.Love and nurture. Mom’s words. Family had mattered so much to Mom.Sarah sniffed. Time to somehow scrounge up the energy to check on the status of a job assignment she’d put on hold.Digging into Mom’s writings had crowded in on Sarah’s call to return to work. Would Mom’s words bring back the flood of tears, or give her comfort?“I need to snap out of it. Baby and I will soon be a whole new family unit.” Somehow, I’ll tackle that promise I made you, Mom.
Touches of Time can be purchased at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Christian romance author LoRee Peery strives to remember the Lord’s redeeming grace each day when she surveys her sense of place in Him and where He has placed her. She clings to I John 5:4 and prays her blended family and dozen grandchildren see that faith. HerFrivolities Series and other publications are available at Pelican Book Group.
Find out more about LoRee by visiting her website,Amazon author page, GoodReads page, Facebook, and Twitter
Well friends, I hope you enjoyed today's spotlight.
Check back weekly for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and more Saturday Spotlights!
Until next time....take care and God Bless. PamT
Well if you didn't get your taxes done yesterday and haven't filed an extension, you get a reprieve! This year the normal deadline of April 15th has been extended to Monday, April 18th due to some Federal holiday I've never even heard of. But hey, it's all good, right?
Fortunately I did mine this past week and got them in the mail yesterday so that monkey is off my back until next year.
Our guest, LoRee Peery is no stranger here. Fellow Pelican Book Group author, she's been featured at least 8 or 9 times over the years since I began this blog. Just last month, she shared something she treasures with us and introduced us to her latest creation, Touches of Time, a fictional account of her father's yet-to-be-solved murder.
Today we're getting a sneak peek into the book!
A decades-old unsolved homicide.A grieving single mother-to-be.
A cold-case investigator.
Sarah Bishop goes through her deceased mother’s belongings and becomes immersed in the details of her grandfather’s unsolved homicide. Determined to find who was responsible, for the sake of her unborn baby, Sarah vows to seek out the answers her mother had failed to find.
Cold Case Investigator Ford Melcher is intrigued by Sarah’s dogged drive to solve the old mystery. His current case has reached a frustrating dead end, but he comes to believe it is somehow linked to Sarah’s quest. His desire to protect her from further hurt is put to the test, especially when he has secrets he’d rather not disclose.
Answers could remain elusive as to who struck Sarah’s grandfather and left him in a ditch. Will the search for those answers open doors for her to discover the life God planned? Can she accept that plan if it includes a man who wasn’t forthright with information?
Excerpt:
The walk to the park took more effort than ever.Sarah left the trail for her favored picnic table, fanning and flapping her shirt away from her body to dispel the heat. She sank onto the bench with a sigh.Her mother’s last days, followed by what she called her celebration of life, had kept Sarah too busy for strolling outside her apartment complex. She’d missed summer, teeming with new growth. Did nature grieve?She closed her eyes to clear the fog, and sought warmth from the sun.A thud on the table snapped open Sarah’s eyes. She covered her rounded stomach with one hand and batted away an intrusive soccer ball with the other.“Sorry about that.” A buff guy with a killer grin toed the ball from midair, and then dribbled it away, running backwards.Their gazes remained locked until one of his buddies called, “Hey, Melcher, the game’s this way.”I need to close my gaping mouth and quit gawking. If I had a man like that around, I’d be inclined to rejoin the living.Since he caught her eye, did that mean she rode the swell of coming out of her funk?Events marched on whether she took an active role or not. Her brow tightened. She must be waking up to notice the hunky guy, sweat and all. He had to belong to some lucky woman.His renewed attention drew her back to his wet black hair and brilliant blue eyes, increasing her pulse rate. Her breath hitched as though he sent invisible vibes through the summer air.Forget taking another look. He had a life. She had a life. Sarah inhaled as deeply as she could and forced herself to break connection with his magnetic pull. Sliding across the table bench, she turned her back and wished for her waistline to return. She sauntered the way she’d come, grinned and grunted at the idea of taking the path closer to term. The mental picture of her waddling would be worth the trouble, since she’d soon have a baby to love and nurture. The prospect lightened her heart.Love and nurture. Mom’s words. Family had mattered so much to Mom.Sarah sniffed. Time to somehow scrounge up the energy to check on the status of a job assignment she’d put on hold.Digging into Mom’s writings had crowded in on Sarah’s call to return to work. Would Mom’s words bring back the flood of tears, or give her comfort?“I need to snap out of it. Baby and I will soon be a whole new family unit.” Somehow, I’ll tackle that promise I made you, Mom.
Touches of Time can be purchased at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Christian romance author LoRee Peery strives to remember the Lord’s redeeming grace each day when she surveys her sense of place in Him and where He has placed her. She clings to I John 5:4 and prays her blended family and dozen grandchildren see that faith. HerFrivolities Series and other publications are available at Pelican Book Group.Find out more about LoRee by visiting her website,Amazon author page, GoodReads page, Facebook, and Twitter
Well friends, I hope you enjoyed today's spotlight.
Check back weekly for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and more Saturday Spotlights!
Until next time....take care and God Bless. PamT
April 14, 2016
#ThursdayThoughts: Guest post by Karen McCullough
Good Morning Friends!
I pray you've had a lovely week so far. Today I'm happy to bring to you my guest, Karen McCullough to share some thoughts with us.
So without further ado.....Here's Karen.....
Baseball Season Again (and the Connection to Being an Author) By Karen McCullough
Confession time: I’m a sports geek. Football, basketball, and baseball seasons cover pretty much the entire year, and that makes me happy. Always something fun to watch on TV and sometimes I get to go to a game. The NCAA tournament is behind us now and my team didn’t win it all. Oh well, they got to the tournament and made it to the Sweet 16. Pretty good for a group that was seriously under-manned. But I’m ready to move on.
Spring is officially here and that means baseball season!
There’s something particularly exciting about the start of a new sports season. Everything’s fresh, new, and fraught with possibility. This could be the year my team wins it all. And even if they don’t, there’s always the chance that something amazing will happen during the season. This is especially true with baseball, which is a long season with a lot of games. That means plenty of opportunities for great plays, amazing hitting streaks, unexpected success stories, etc.
That’s kind of the way it feels when I start writing a new book. Since I’m a pantser, I generally have no idea what’s going to happen on the book. Each day, when I sit down to write I hope something amazing, something wonderful will happen. I never know what interesting idea, unusual detail, or surprising plot twist is going to pop into my head.
That’s the thrill of both baseball and writing for me. The next pitch could be a home run. The next sentence I write could be the brilliant bit that knocks the story out of the park. The sheer thrill of creation keeps me writing when it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, rejections mount, or publishers fold.
And speaking of that, something else is new for me this spring. Since Five Star folded up its mystery line in January while the second book of my Market Center Mystery Series was still in the editorial process and rights were returned to me, I’ve decided to self publish it and subsequent books.
Wired for Murder is currently with my former Five Star editor, who is doing an edit for me on a free-lance basis. I’m happy she could do it, since she’s very thorough and has already read the first book in the series.
I’m also agonizing over cover. I want to redo the cover for the first book at the same time as getting a new cover for the second book, something that can brand the series and will work for future books as well.
And I’m drawing up a list of blog sites for promo once I get the edits back and cover done. As yet I don’t have a release date, but I’m kind of hoping I can manage July 1st.
This is so much more work than going through a traditional publisher, but I do like having final say on everything!
Karen McCullough is the author of a dozen published novels and novellas in the mystery, romantic suspense, and fantasy genres as well. She has won numerous awards, including an Eppie Award for fantasy, and has also been a four-time Eppie finalist, and a finalist in the Daphne, Prism, Dream Realm, Rising Star, Lories, Scarlett Letter, and Vixen Awards contests. Her short fiction has appeared in several anthologies and numerous small press publications in the mystery, fantasy, science fiction, and romance genres. She has three children, four grandchildren and lives in Greensboro, NC, with her husband of many years.
Website: http://www.kmccullough.comBlog: http://www.kmccullough/kblogFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenMcCullo... https://twitter.com/kgmccullough
A Gift for Murder (Note: the cover here will soon be changed since I’m want to give the series a unified look. The price is likely to change as well so you might want to grab a copy right now if you’re interested.)
The Gifts and Home Decoration trade show provides Heather McNeill with the longest week of her hectic life. As assistant to the director of Washington, D.C.'s, Market and Commerce center, she's point person for complaining exhibitors, missing shipments and miscellaneous disasters. It's a job she takes in stride—until murder crashes the event.
Read an excerpt and get order links here: http://www.kmccullough.com/Murder.php
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CGKYNT6
Oh wow, I haven't enjoyed a good baseball game since my brothers played back in the 70's...well except for an occasional LSU game.
Anyway, Thanks Karen for sharing your thoughts with us. I'm a 'panster' too so I know exactly the thrill of starting and discovering a story!
Hope you enjoyed today's post friends. Hope to see you again soon for Saturday Spotlight, Tuesday Treasures and of course, Thursday Thoughts!
Until next time...take care and God Bless! PamT
I pray you've had a lovely week so far. Today I'm happy to bring to you my guest, Karen McCullough to share some thoughts with us.
So without further ado.....Here's Karen.....
Baseball Season Again (and the Connection to Being an Author) By Karen McCullough
Confession time: I’m a sports geek. Football, basketball, and baseball seasons cover pretty much the entire year, and that makes me happy. Always something fun to watch on TV and sometimes I get to go to a game. The NCAA tournament is behind us now and my team didn’t win it all. Oh well, they got to the tournament and made it to the Sweet 16. Pretty good for a group that was seriously under-manned. But I’m ready to move on.
Spring is officially here and that means baseball season!
There’s something particularly exciting about the start of a new sports season. Everything’s fresh, new, and fraught with possibility. This could be the year my team wins it all. And even if they don’t, there’s always the chance that something amazing will happen during the season. This is especially true with baseball, which is a long season with a lot of games. That means plenty of opportunities for great plays, amazing hitting streaks, unexpected success stories, etc.
That’s kind of the way it feels when I start writing a new book. Since I’m a pantser, I generally have no idea what’s going to happen on the book. Each day, when I sit down to write I hope something amazing, something wonderful will happen. I never know what interesting idea, unusual detail, or surprising plot twist is going to pop into my head.
That’s the thrill of both baseball and writing for me. The next pitch could be a home run. The next sentence I write could be the brilliant bit that knocks the story out of the park. The sheer thrill of creation keeps me writing when it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, rejections mount, or publishers fold.
And speaking of that, something else is new for me this spring. Since Five Star folded up its mystery line in January while the second book of my Market Center Mystery Series was still in the editorial process and rights were returned to me, I’ve decided to self publish it and subsequent books.
Wired for Murder is currently with my former Five Star editor, who is doing an edit for me on a free-lance basis. I’m happy she could do it, since she’s very thorough and has already read the first book in the series.
I’m also agonizing over cover. I want to redo the cover for the first book at the same time as getting a new cover for the second book, something that can brand the series and will work for future books as well.
And I’m drawing up a list of blog sites for promo once I get the edits back and cover done. As yet I don’t have a release date, but I’m kind of hoping I can manage July 1st.
This is so much more work than going through a traditional publisher, but I do like having final say on everything!
Karen McCullough is the author of a dozen published novels and novellas in the mystery, romantic suspense, and fantasy genres as well. She has won numerous awards, including an Eppie Award for fantasy, and has also been a four-time Eppie finalist, and a finalist in the Daphne, Prism, Dream Realm, Rising Star, Lories, Scarlett Letter, and Vixen Awards contests. Her short fiction has appeared in several anthologies and numerous small press publications in the mystery, fantasy, science fiction, and romance genres. She has three children, four grandchildren and lives in Greensboro, NC, with her husband of many years.
Website: http://www.kmccullough.comBlog: http://www.kmccullough/kblogFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenMcCullo... https://twitter.com/kgmccullough
A Gift for Murder (Note: the cover here will soon be changed since I’m want to give the series a unified look. The price is likely to change as well so you might want to grab a copy right now if you’re interested.)
The Gifts and Home Decoration trade show provides Heather McNeill with the longest week of her hectic life. As assistant to the director of Washington, D.C.'s, Market and Commerce center, she's point person for complaining exhibitors, missing shipments and miscellaneous disasters. It's a job she takes in stride—until murder crashes the event.
Read an excerpt and get order links here: http://www.kmccullough.com/Murder.php
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CGKYNT6
Oh wow, I haven't enjoyed a good baseball game since my brothers played back in the 70's...well except for an occasional LSU game.
Anyway, Thanks Karen for sharing your thoughts with us. I'm a 'panster' too so I know exactly the thrill of starting and discovering a story!
Hope you enjoyed today's post friends. Hope to see you again soon for Saturday Spotlight, Tuesday Treasures and of course, Thursday Thoughts!
Until next time...take care and God Bless! PamT
April 12, 2016
#TuesdayTreasures: Sunsets
Good Morning Friends,
This past weekend I went camping on Toledo Bend, a lake that is accessible from Texas as well as Louisiana and purported to be one of the best fishing spots in the nation.
While relaxing in a lounge chair I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunsets I'd seen in a while. Gratitude welled up within me for the beauty, magnificence and grace of God to paint the sky in such wonder.
In The Visionary , Alex Broussard feels the same way about sunrise and/or sunsets on the lake. Of course he is talking about Lake Charles but here's the scene I'm referring to....
He settled on a bench at the south end of the Civic Center grounds and turned his gaze toward the east while the sun ascended into the heavens. Fingers of orange and yellow stretched gloriously across the sky and tinted the clouds into fluffs of pink and peach as the gray of dawn gave way to the brilliance of morning. Colors expanded heavenward then reached down to caress the water and added hints of orange and gold to the silvery waves.
No matter how much things change, this would always remain true: sunrise or sunset on the lake was one of the most breathtaking sights he would ever see.
So today I thought I'd share a couple of sunsets I've had the good fortune to experience beginning with this one from 4/8/16 @ 7:26pm....
I remember in vivid detail one sunset that turned the sky a brilliant mix of orange and cream it reminded me of one of those orange sherbet ice cream bars...only the cloud formation was shaped like a tornado....almost like a water funnel...like the sun was draining from the sky. Indescribable really and since I happened to be driving at the time - on Interstate 10 with no place to pull over and get a picture, I can only do my best to describe it in hopes you'll get a visual--I know, however, my words do not even come close to doing justice to its awesomeness! I even looked on the Internet and couldn't find anything close to that particular sunset.
Anyway....
Here are a couple of sunsets I photographed from the Silver Spur Guest Ranch in Bandera, TX taken 10/11/12 @ 7:03 pm....
And if I'm going to share sunsets with you, I might as well share at least one sunrise...this one also from the Silver Spur on 12/12/13 @7:21 am.....
I hope these photos bring you the same sense of awe they bring me!
Next time you get a chance, take a few moments to drink in a sunset (or maybe a sunrise) and thank the Lord above for showing us His grace and beauty in a painted sky.
Something to think about!
"Inspirational with an Edge!" ™
Find out more about The Visionary HERE and/or purchase a copy at one of the following retailers...
Print @ Amazon http://amzn.to/1naYIRrKindle http://amzn.to/1vI1v43Print @ B&N http://bit.ly/1POssML Nook http://bit.ly/1Kn81cS Smashwords http://bit.ly/16vCHl4 Deeper Shopping http://bit.ly/1cxivVf
Hope you enjoyed today's treasure. Check back weekly for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlights.
Until next time...take care and God Bless!
PamT
This past weekend I went camping on Toledo Bend, a lake that is accessible from Texas as well as Louisiana and purported to be one of the best fishing spots in the nation.
While relaxing in a lounge chair I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunsets I'd seen in a while. Gratitude welled up within me for the beauty, magnificence and grace of God to paint the sky in such wonder.
In The Visionary , Alex Broussard feels the same way about sunrise and/or sunsets on the lake. Of course he is talking about Lake Charles but here's the scene I'm referring to....
He settled on a bench at the south end of the Civic Center grounds and turned his gaze toward the east while the sun ascended into the heavens. Fingers of orange and yellow stretched gloriously across the sky and tinted the clouds into fluffs of pink and peach as the gray of dawn gave way to the brilliance of morning. Colors expanded heavenward then reached down to caress the water and added hints of orange and gold to the silvery waves.
No matter how much things change, this would always remain true: sunrise or sunset on the lake was one of the most breathtaking sights he would ever see.
So today I thought I'd share a couple of sunsets I've had the good fortune to experience beginning with this one from 4/8/16 @ 7:26pm....
I remember in vivid detail one sunset that turned the sky a brilliant mix of orange and cream it reminded me of one of those orange sherbet ice cream bars...only the cloud formation was shaped like a tornado....almost like a water funnel...like the sun was draining from the sky. Indescribable really and since I happened to be driving at the time - on Interstate 10 with no place to pull over and get a picture, I can only do my best to describe it in hopes you'll get a visual--I know, however, my words do not even come close to doing justice to its awesomeness! I even looked on the Internet and couldn't find anything close to that particular sunset.
Anyway....
Here are a couple of sunsets I photographed from the Silver Spur Guest Ranch in Bandera, TX taken 10/11/12 @ 7:03 pm....
And if I'm going to share sunsets with you, I might as well share at least one sunrise...this one also from the Silver Spur on 12/12/13 @7:21 am.....
I hope these photos bring you the same sense of awe they bring me!
Next time you get a chance, take a few moments to drink in a sunset (or maybe a sunrise) and thank the Lord above for showing us His grace and beauty in a painted sky.
Something to think about!
"Inspirational with an Edge!" ™
Find out more about The Visionary HERE and/or purchase a copy at one of the following retailers...
Print @ Amazon http://amzn.to/1naYIRrKindle http://amzn.to/1vI1v43Print @ B&N http://bit.ly/1POssML Nook http://bit.ly/1Kn81cS Smashwords http://bit.ly/16vCHl4 Deeper Shopping http://bit.ly/1cxivVf
Hope you enjoyed today's treasure. Check back weekly for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlights.
Until next time...take care and God Bless!
PamT
