Ryshia Kennie's Blog, page 9

An Official Take on an Unofficial Holiday

After a relatively bad August, at least as far as  weather was concerned, yesterday was glorious.  30 Celsius or 92 Fahrenheit, either way summer is back - a little window before fall drops the curtain. Today the weather dropped a degree or two but it's still nice and warm.

Beginning yesterday at our house we celebrated the last two days of foreseeable summer - at least as far as weather is concerned.  It’s an in-house holiday that the authorities have never heard of. In fact, I thought it up right after checking my phone late last week and seeing the weather forecast.

Here is day one of the unofficial last days of summer. 




No deadlines, no promotional quirks and no computer file organization - two hours writing related at daybreak doesn't count as a cheat - not quite.  Still I remember when summer meant freedom - hot sun, maybe a dip in the pool and basically a whole lot of fun. It seemed to go on forever when I was a kid.  And, while there's no dip in the pool, there's the promise of margaritas this evening and, before that, maybe a bike ride this afternoon. We'll see, nothing scheduled, just a day of warm sun and fun leisure.And if a story idea comes out of all of this - bonus. 
Meantime...
Cheers to the last hot day of summer! At least here in the frozen north!

Ryshiawww.ryshiakennie.com
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Life and Words Go On

Ma D enjoying a walk with the cart.I never thought the day would come when my MIL aka Ma D would need a walker. She didn't believe it either - so we call it a cart. Somehow the word cart goes over much better than calling it a walker. She can still walk on her own but some days she's a little shaky and her legs give out. I never thought a cart/walker would open doors though. While I knew it was all about keeping her safe, instead I found that the world expanded. Now, we can go for much longer walks together, because first there's the stability and second, but possibly most importantly, there's a seat that she can rest on. Suddenly taking a walk takes on a whole new meaning. Just today, we explored another section of her neighbourhood that she hadn't seen before.

And, we talked books - the three that are due out this fall. First up is the American Armor series, a two-book Harlequin Intrigue series.




     American Armor - Wanted by the Marshal
                                     Marshal on a Mission







Can he keep the key witness from harm…                                               She witnessed a robbery.            
before it’s too late?                                                                                   Now she’s a killer’s target.


And, my first women's fiction is only a few months from publication. I'm so excited!Here's a short blurb of the book that I really think of as Cassie's story. 
         Forty is just around the corner and she's going no where fast. She never got that degree she wanted and her career just hit a wall. Life couldn’t get any worse for Cassandra McDowall. At least so she thought until she had to retrieve her confused and frightened mother from the local police station. She’d known that her mother was forgetful – now she knows that it’s so much worse than that, and there’s no going back. Her mother has rapid-onset Alzheimer’s and she needs her. But, putting her going no-where life on hold to move in with her mother doesn’t turn out quite the way she expected.  It’s a dance of wills to keep one step ahead of mother who loves to dance, to laugh and to try new things. And soon, while Cassie finds herself extricating her mother from one potentially life-threatening situation or another, she also finds herself sharing the joy of an amazing foreign sunset or taking an impromptu skate with her around the local rink.  It’s a year where Cassie discovers a man she thought she could never love; and, a year where mother reveals a secret that threatens everything Cassie believes herself to be.

I'll have updates about "Cassie's story" as it nears publication.

Ryshiawww.ryshiakennie.com
                                                        ...a world you never imagined!Don't miss a thing - Sign up for my newsletter The Walkabout! The Dead Sea, a tourist and a whole other  story!On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryshiakennie/On Twitter:  @ryshiakennieOn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author.RyshiaKennie/
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Wanted by the Marshal -

Wanted by the Marshal is out in paperback today!  It's the first in the American Armor series.

can he keep the key witness from harm... before it's too late?

After escaping a terrifying encounter with a serial killer, RN Kiera Connell lands in the protection of US Marshal Travis Johnson. In order to make sure she stays alive to testify, Travis has to thwart whatever danger comes her way. Normally, for a pro like Travis, that's not an issue. But focusing on the mission becomes his greatest challenge as Kiera's exposure threatens to unravel all his best-laid plans.

An RN in a care home, Kiera is a caregiver on and off the job, and it is her caring nature that finds her in a nightmare that threatens her very life. Set in Wyoming, where prairie meets mountains and the landscapes stretch forever, with a cat named Lucy (just along for the ride) - Kiera proves that she might have a soft side as she cares for the vulnerable in society but she's got a spine of steel. With, don't mess with me, Travis by her side - they face a nightmare that never seems to end.

The paperback is available today at bookstores everywhere, including: Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Barnes and Noble, Kobo




I'm participating with a group of authors at AuthorXP.com who is offering a chance to win an Amazon Gift Card. Following me on Bookbub gives you one chance to win. With each author you follow, you get anther chance to win. If you want to follow me on Bookbub and get a chance at the prize - I'm listed in section three - last name on the list. Just keep scrolling down the page.Here is the link: Enter for a chance to win an Amazon gift card
Good Luck!!
Ryshiawww.ryshiakennie.com
                                                        ...a world you never imagined!Don't miss a thing - Sign up for my newsletter The Walkabout! The Dead Sea, a tourist and a whole other  story!On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryshiakennie/On Twitter:  @ryshiakennieOn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author.RyshiaKennie/http://ryshiakennie.com
https://twitter.com/#!/ryshiakennie

New York - On the Street

RWA 2019 has come to an end and I can't believe it's over. Time to test out the subway system which, after a confusing first go - a local is quick to point out what train is ours and after that, it's a breeze - almost. First up is the Brooklyn Bridge with beautiful views of the city skyline.


Then there was the trip to Greenwich Village.  Almost peaceful in comparison to the constant motion  of Times Square. It's pretty with lots of green space and dog walkers almost everywhere.
First up is a craft sale where the dresses and uniquely embroidered jean jackets at Inca Heritage catch my eye.  A jean jacket with gorgeous embroidery of hummingbirds and flowers is destined to return to Canada -  my first souvenir of New York. One I can see wearing years from now. Plus, good luck - I'm her first customer!


Then it's off to find the ten foot wide house that was once the residence of Pulitzer Prize winning author, Edna St. Vincent Millay and then anthropologist, Margaret Meade, as well as a few big names from movies; Cary Grant and John Barrymore. And, as far as being ten feet wide, not quite. The actual width is nine feet, six inches wide or 2.9 metres and that's just the outside width - the inside gets just a tad smaller!


Then it's off to Chelsea and Chelsea Market where a lunch stop is a necessity and a taco is in order. And then back to Manhattan, where a street market is an unexpected find. It runs once a year, for one day only with the proceeds going to charity. What are the odds that that day is today? It's a wonderful collage of street entertainment, all sorts of crafts and goods and unique places to stop for a bite.


All in all - a lovely self-guided tour of New York.




Tomorrow, a flight heading home.  One week flew by much to quickly.



Ryshiawww.ryshiakennie.com
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New York - Landed and then some!

It took three days but I’m finally in New York.

Day 1
The hotel is so huge as to be overwhelming - at least on day one.  Registered in two places - hotel and

conference, and with signed author copies of my upcoming book in hand, I headed to the goodie room to display my books. The goodie room is where promo items are free and there’s everything from books to bottle openers. Two were gone before I left the room, the remaining twenty by the time I returned for a quick check less than two hours later. Meantime, the hotel is packed with authors and buzzing with book related talk.  I heard the making of a three author proposal on one elevator ride.  I had to quell the urge not to jump in and help out.

Day 2
More sessions to attend and even being here, there’s some I must miss and will purchase the recordings for later. One of the high points was finally meeting my editor. Met with her and another  harlequin intrigue author at a little Italian restaurant where we had good food and conversation. And a few hours later I meet the senior editor who has final say on all our books.  In a business that’s mostly run long distance , it’s great to finally meet up. conference time, a chance to connect.

Speaking of meeting, tonight is the Harlequin Milestone Party. Harlequin too has hit a birthday milestone and we’re asked to dress vintage.  So in vintage hat and gloves, I meet up with some other harlequin intrigue writers, as well as a medical author I met while heading for the lobby. We all walk over to the ballroom across the street to where we are met with champagne and dance socks. The socks turn out to be necessary as the dancing doesn’t stop.

Day 3
The high point today was meeting up with a group of authors, one from the same province as me, and two with the same agent. Got to talk books and just enjoy a bit of downtime.

Day 4
As I cruise the goody room one last time, I know I’ll be back.  All the stressing over what to bring proved unnecessary. As unnecessary as the jacket for cool hotel rooms.  I get cold easy but with all the running around, wasn’t cold at all.  That said, I’ll follow the Girl Guide motto - be prepared. And bing a jacket, just in case.


Ryshiawww.ryshiakennie.com
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It happened Again!

After hours in the airport, through one line, two and then three - everything stalls as there’s more waiting for the status of the again delayed flight.


The news took forever but when it comes, it comes quickly and it’s not good. The flight has flat lined! Another overnight in Toronto and there’s no way around it with weather systems clouding New York skies.

Hours later with our first carrier offering no more alternatives except with a promise to return us from whence we came,okay return us home, other than that, they have literally bolted.

More time in the airport, more phone calls and a solution. Now with new plans to get to New York several days later than planned, I hope it will all work out. RWA conference in NY I’ll get there sooner or later.

No matter what happens, it’s time!





Ryshiawww.ryshiakennie.com
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Day 1 in New York - Not Quite!

Heading to New York. It’s a place I’ve never been. So as the prairies trail behind us I look forward to what’s ahead.

I never expected this...

Day 1 didn’t work out quite the way I imagined nor how the itinerary outlined. Flight from Regina to
Toronto went without a hitch. In Toronto we boarded as a flight delay was announced.

Brief delay they promised.

That delay extended to a three hour wait on the tarmac.

 Flight delays morphed into cancellation.

New York will have to wait, at least for tonight.  Instead, we passed through customs twice without ever leaving the country. Then it was off to find our bags and figure out flight alternatives without an airline rep anywhere in sight.  So with no airline support there was a plane load of not too happy travellers.  

One good sleep later and we’re going to try this again in a few hours. Good thing I have a kindle full of good books because it’s a few hours yet before takeoff.

It’s a new day - New York here I come.


Ryshiawww.ryshiakennie.com
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RWA Conference - The Clock is Ticking

It's that time of year, the RWA Conference is around the corner and after over a dozen years as a published author, I am finally attending.

Happy dance.

This year's conference is in New York. That's a bonus as New York is on my to-see list and I've yet to go there. So it's a trip of firsts.

But it's a bit of a project getting ready as I realized that after a work day spent in my basement office in front of a computer, there's been no need for office attire. Now I need clothes that look good and can be used when I return home. A shopping trip guarantees that I'll be the best dressed person in my basement office - population 1. Next up, a trip to the courier store for a proper size box for my give-away books. Then, notebooks to write down what I might learn - a few pens that actually have ink.  As I'm only taking my i-phone, I doubt if I'll be taking many notes on it - thus, the pens. Although, I plan to blog from my i-phone. We'll see how all that turns out.

So I'm shopped and almost packed and there's only days to go. The app that the RWA supplied is great at organizing the seminars and events I want to attend. No worries about remembering and getting there - there's maps too.

Before I had a chance to schedule the workshops that are listed for the event, the e-mail invites start coming. I'm published by Harlequin and they surprised me with all the events they have - from workshops, meet and greets, and book signings, to a vintage dance to celebrate milestones of both Harlequin and its authors. The vintage dance provided a whole new dilemma - dressing vintage. The dress I'd just bought wasn't going to cut it unless... one vintage hat - lacy half-gloves, and a vintage purse later and I think I've cobbled together something of a look.


And the most important, what I will learn and who I will meet. There's my editor at Harlequin and the authors who write for Harlequin Intrigue, along with some "sister agent" authors, and the author that shares the same province. Up to now, they've only been voices on my e-mail and social media but many of them will be there. I'm looking forward to meeting them.

It's a chance to discover other opportunities for stories that didn't make one publisher or another because they weren't the right theme, or right country, or right hero or heroine occupation, bad timing etc.  Books where none of the reasons for rejection were because of the writing - where the hero and heroine's adventure might yet find a home. Who knows what opportunity awaits.

Looking forward to it all. And, I'm sure that none of it will be like I imagine. We'll see how it all plays out. For now, my suitcase is just waiting for the lid to be flipped and for the adventure to begin.


Ryshiawww.ryshiakennie.com
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                                                         This gentleman posed with Ring of Desire in the Dead Sea.http://ryshiakennie.com
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A Different Take on the Easter Bunny

Today's blog is a little different. I wrote a poem. I haven't written a poem in a long time. But with Easter weekend combining with getting my MIL out for a walk and that all intersecting with a line-up of children waiting for a giant Easter Bunny.  Ma D was enthralled. And, I was inspired.

                                           Mortal Ties Renewal   Risen The heart of ChristianityMarried up to an Easter bunnyBlue jeans, a man’s shoulders and a fuzzy rabbit-like maskA string of excited children       waitThe Easter Bunny   Stomps through fake spring flowers    taking his oversized place             seated for the camera    A string of excited children                                                    wait   She smiles as she watches Her skin crepe-like        sagging  She shifts for a better view     Her knees achingAs she watchesLoving the childrenAnd knowing that     Time waits for no mortal      And still             she watches






Ryshiawww.ryshiakennie.com
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What was I thinking?

I discovered the picture as I culled that ever-growing black hole of pictures that are just eating up space on my computer. It's thee picture, you know the one...that OMG moment it gives you as you stare in horror.

What was I thinking? 
I had the option of quietly walking away from the reminder. Sometimes what we do in the name of promotion should be forgotten and sometimes it needs to be remembered so that we never - ever do it again.


The timeframe: shortly after my second book was published.

The plan: To sell books at a rummage sale dressed as the  characters in From the Dust.

Some background - From the Dust is a prairie romance set in the depression era. So, sticking to the era - we attempted to recreate the characters.

Really?

Bad idea.

How bad? 
Well, first off, if my hero had really looked like my sister-in-law dressed to look like her idea of him, he might have been cast in a comedy and not in a romance. And Eva - well, I think she might not have been taken quite as seriously had she really worn that hat - and that dress and....  There's more I can point out but let's just say that live and learn takes on a whole new angle when one sees this picture.

For me, this Sunday -  it was good for a laugh.  And for all you fledgling authors out there, take note. There's promotion and then there's...moments when you can't take any of it too seriously. And as the saying goes - what doesn't kill us, makes us stronger.




Coming this fall from Harlequin Intrigue:  American Armour MiniseriesWanted by the MarshalMarshal on a Mission
Ryshia
www.ryshiakennie.com
...a world she never imagined!



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