Selena Blake's Blog, page 14

So. Year of Yes

As my previous post mentioned, my friends (Susan, Barbara and Donna) and I have accepted a challenge to read and discuss a nonfiction book a month. March’s book was The Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes. Yes, THAT Shonda Rhimes.

Get it: Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person

So here’s the thing. I love the idea of saying yes to what scares me. As you see, Shonda had plenty that scared her. I was nodding my way through this book. Nodding in commiseration.

Ultimately, I think what her journey was about was finding her true self, her core self, her best self. The self that’s not scared to put herself out there, as terrifying as that can be. And somehow, embracing and overcoming your fears makes you want to overcome more. In short, in makes you a bad ass.

There are so many aspects and facets of this book. SO many important lessons. I highlighted a LOT.

But one thing that really hit home for me was her thoughts on saying yes to difficult discussions.

I suck at that.

I suck at saying no.

I suck at disappointing people because I don’t want to disappoint anyone.

I suck at the hard, need-to-have conversations.

I’d rather stick my head in the sand than put myself out there.

How about you?

In my own way I think what I learned is that it’s more than okay to stand up for myself. In my own little world, I’m having my own Elle Woods (Legally Blonde 2) moment.

For instance… I’ve had a hell of a time finding a yard guy. My allergies would kick my ass to the moon and back if I thought about cutting grass (I used to love doing that.) I called no less than a dozen places and had a hard time getting anyone to call me back but finally… finally we found “The Guy.” Knowledgeable. Personable. Affordable. Able.

We hired him. The crew came out. We came home from dinner. I expected something close magazine cover worthy. You know, lush green lawn with the checkerboard pattern.

Snort.

What I got? Confusion. Head scratching. Trying to convince DH that yes, indeed the crew had been out. He wasn’t convinced. I wasn’t convinced. Rather than checkerboard and a somehow miraculous weed free pasture of green, I got… the same old weeds and roughly the same height they were before we went to dinner. The only reason I knew anyone had been there was I could see faint tire “marks” in the grass and the deck had been blown off.

Other than that, it didn’t look like the grass was an inch shorter (and let me tell you, it needed trimming!)

What a let down.

We were upset. This was the quality of this supposedly spectacular company?

When you hire professionals, you expect professional quality, am I right?

Anywho.

Remember how I suck at difficult conversations and standing up for myself? Remember how I used to hem and haw… well, maybe you don’t. But I do.

That was the old me.

The post Shonda-Year-of-Yes me popped open my email and shot off a note expressing my concerns. Inside I was quivering, hoping that I wasn’t becoming one of those difficult clients. But in the back of my mind I was telling myself “we’re not paying that much for this kind of quality!” and “the squeaky wheel gets the lube.” Winking smile

Turns out, we had a miscommunication (based on grass type.) Hopefully (crossing fingers) that’s been ironed out and this week the grass *cough* weeds *cough* will be short. Short enough I can tell someone mowed.

We’ll see. But I’m proud of myself for making myself heard. For being the squeaky wheel and not relying on my DH to speak up.

I’ll leave you with a little tidbit I particularly loved from the book. And who knows, maybe I’ll be back next week with another. It really is a good book.

“No is a complete sentence.” ~ Shonda Rhimes,

Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person

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Published on May 02, 2016 17:48

Freebies!

Need something new to read? Check out the Fool For Love Freebie offer.

1 DAY ONLY!

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Published on April 01, 2016 06:53

Testing 1.2.3

I’ve started writing this post a half dozen times.

It’s my favorite time of day in one of my favorite times of year. The evening sun is dipping just low enough to streak across my keyboard (which, whoa, needs a cleaning BAD!) Seems like as good a time as any to check in with my favorite people.

If you got my newsletter yesterday (and if not, did you check your spam filter ;-0) you already know what’s been on my mind recently. Houses, death, winter blues.

Truthfully, I’m filling the well. I have SO much on my mind.

Just a snippet… three of my best buddies and I have accepted the challenge to read one non fiction book per month and discuss it together on skype. We’re three months in and it’s been illuminating. This month’s selection: The Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes. Yeah. THAT Shonda Rhimes.

New Release: 7 Naughty SEALs

7NS_cover Toying with Her SEAL is Book 2 in the SEALs of Roseville series which follows the Girls’ Night Trilogy. This ultra steamy holiday novella is available now in the 7 Naughty SEALs bundle.

Who’s ready for more yummy SEALs???

Amazon US – amzn.to/1HejZP0

Amazon UK – bit.ly/7NSEALsAmzUK
Amazon CA – bit.ly/7NSEALsAmzCA
Amazon AU – bit.ly/7NSEALsAmzAU
BN – bit.ly/7NSEALsBN
iBooks – bit.ly/7NSEALsiB
Kobo – bit.ly/7NSEALsKobo
GoodReads – bit.ly/7NSEALsGR

About Toying with Her SEAL

It was supposed to be a no-strings, harmless, shortlived, get-the-SEAL-out-of-her-system fling.

The men in Jillian’s life don’t stick around and she’s come to grips with that. Yet, when one week turns to two and Teo shows no signs of moving on, she can’t help but get her hopes up.

Teo just got out of long, committed relationship with the military. He has no intention of settling down, no matter how delicious Jillian tastes.

Except… maybe it’s his retirement or perhaps the holiday cheer, but he can’t get the curvy, brunette coffee shop owner out of his head. And he did promise her a fling…

Lucky for her, a SEAL never does anything half-assed, especially when it comes to making a woman scream with pleasure.

Chapter One

“You’ve been coming in here three times a week for months.”

Teo recognized Jillian Moore’s voice and glanced up from his computer screen. The gorgeous coffee shop owner had a wide smile that kicked him in the gut and an ass that wouldn’t quit.

Right now she stared at him with electric green eyes that he was reasonably sure were aided by contacts…not that he’d ever ask. A delicate brow was raised in silent question.

“You keep track of all your customers?” he asked, secretly pleased that she’d been paying so much attention to him and his habits. Weeks ago she’d stopped asking what he wanted.

He’d step through the door, the bell would ring, she’d glance up from behind the counter and greet him with a sincere hello and a warm smile. That smile was his favorite part of the day. Then, even if there were other customers to be waited on, she’d fit in his cup of coffee and pop a muffin in the toaster oven.

Between taking care of her other customers, she’d stop by his table, drop off his coffee, ask how he was and then move along. Always smiling, sometimes humming, and looking cute as hell in her vintage pinup dresses.

“Only the cute ones.”

Her bald honesty caught him by surprise. It seemed that so many people were cagey or evasive these days. A straight shooter was refreshing and the fact that she looked like a Hollywood starlet from the fifties certainly didn’t hurt.

“Thanks.”

“You must really like my muffins.”

His eyes widened. Did she really expect him to admit that?

The smirk curving her lips said she knew precisely what he was thinking.

“What can I say? I love a good blueberry muffin.”

Her lips twitched. Damn he loved that ruby red lipstick. Would she taste as good as she looked? Suddenly it was damn important to find out. He was tempted to tug her onto his lap and do just that. But the bell over the door rang, pulling her attention away.

“Glad to hear it,” she said before greeting the newcomer, a regular named Lester. Then she was back at it, making her rounds, offering everyone a smile and making their day a little brighter.

“What are you going to ask Santa for this year, young lady?” Lester, who had to be pushing eighty, asked Jill as he waited for his coffee.

Teo leaned closer, eager for her answer.

Jill laughed. Damn, Teo loved that sound. So light and effervescent, it went straight through him every time, warming him from the inside out.

“Same thing I wish for every year, Lester. A white Christmas.”

Her answer seemed to surprise the old man.

“Really? You want snow?”

“I want snow,” Jill said simply.

“Not jewelry or clothes?”

“Nope. Just snow.”

Teo, and it seemed Lester too, was charmed by her answer. As Lester made his way to the door, Jill caught Teo’s eye. She sent him a warm smile and then turned her attention back to her work.

Lust sizzled through him. Well, if that didn’t beat all. The sexual tension was thick enough to cut with a knife, just the way he liked it. His attraction to the sassy brunette had been instant, but his sister had warned him away from the lovely coffee shop owner.

He hadn’t asked her out, but that hadn’t stopped him from claiming a table several times a week and getting to know her. Reya’d been right on two accounts. Jill was dedicated to her young business, something he’d come to admire and three months ago he hadn’t been in the right headspace to act on his attraction.

Now that he felt like he had his shit together, he wasn’t about to blow his chance to accept the invitation in her eyes.

Leaving the SEALs had been tough, just as he’d expected. But readjusting to civilian life had been different, harder, and noisier. Hanging out with his sister and Dylan was an absolute delight. The normalcy of Sunday afternoon cookouts with family and friends was a dream, but the nightmares always came at night.

He hated feeling like he wasn’t doing his duty; but honestly, his sanity had been close to snapping. He’d been running at full tilt for well over a decade and a half. Dylan had told him to learn to enjoy the quiet time; they’d earned it. His friend was right, of course. But going from a hard, demanding training schedule and life or death situations to a coffee shop in the burbs was well…weird.

Jill’s smile wasn’t the least bit weird; it was charming and welcome, open and sunny. He craved that mouth, that smile, her sweet voice greeting him.

Sure, he had a coffee maker at home and he could buy four hundred muffins for ten bucks at a wholesale store, but what she offered was more than good food. He liked the routine of coming here. He enjoyed being a regular and getting to know other regulars. There was something soothing about having a table that felt like his own, a place that he was always welcome, somewhere he didn’t worry about getting shot.

“Can I get you anything else?” Jill asked.

Teo’d learned long ago to trust his gut and right now, as he stared into Jill’s crystal green eyes, his gut was telling him to make his move or he’d regret it forever.

“I don’t want to sound clichéd,” he answered.

Those twin dark brows lifted.

He leaned forward, bracing his forearms on the small round table. Her gaze shifted, tracing his muscles.

That’s right sweetheart, have a good long look.

He’d worked damn hard to be strong mentally and physically. He wasn’t above showing off to get what he wanted and right now, he wanted her, straddling his lap, feeding him muffins.

Maybe that was a bad idea and a little voice asked if it was too soon. He wasn’t ready to start dating.

Another voice asked, “Who’s talking about dating?” He was reasonably sure that the voice belonged to his cock. Naughty bastard.

“Would you like to have dinner one night, Teo?” she asked, her eyes full of mirth. Holy shit she was ballsy. He almost swallowed his tongue as he tried to form an answer. There was really only one answer.

He glanced down at the watch on his right wrist. “What time do you get off?”

There went that sexy eyebrow again. He retraced his words.

“Work,” he amended. Her mind seemed to be as dirty as his. But he had a damned good excuse. Being surrounded by so much testosterone since turning eighteen meant there weren’t many curse words he didn’t know and at this point, he had a filthy mind.

“I’m busy tonight. Hosting a party—”

“Invite me,” he said, deciding that where she was concerned, it paid to be as bold as she was.

In the past, he’d played it fast and loose as young guys tended to do. But he’d learned to dial himself back a notch. Women worth keeping around weren’t used to his zero to sixty lifestyle.

But this one…she was something else. Like no one he’d ever met before and even though he knew promise in a woman’s eyes, he wanted to know more about her.

What made her tick? Why had she decided out of all the jobs in the world to open a coffee shop? Was she ticklish? How did she take her coffee? And why did she always wish for snow for Christmas?

“Girls only, hot stuff.” She actually looked disappointed to tell him that. Her gaze dipped to his forearms again and then traced his fingers. Without missing a beat, she took out the old-fashioned pad and paper that she kept around as more of an accessory than a practical device. He’d never seen her write anything down before; orders went from a customer’s lips straight to her memory and then the computer behind the counter.

She slid a slip of paper across the table and placed the container of sugars on top of it. “It’s on the house today.”

Then she was back at it, making her rounds, smiling at her customers, refilling coffee while laughing with Tracy and Celeste.

Teo played it cool and watched her for a moment longer before laying his hand on the paper and sliding it toward himself.

Her note, as he’d come to expect, was short and sweet.

Call me. Followed by her phone number.

He hid his smirk behind his coffee cup, which he drained. So she was busy tonight; that gave him time to plan. And if there was one thing a SEAL was good at, it was planning.

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Published on November 04, 2015 08:13

Pod-what?

14869-NQ337V

Designed by Freepik

Do you guys listen to any podcasts?

I have been lately. I’ve finally found time to do it and I have to say, I’m really enjoying them for the most part.

So when do I listen?

While I’m cooking!

While I’m in the car (hubby’s learning about writing!)

While I’m exercising.

While I’m in the tub. (I’m looking into getting a shower speaker – do you have one you’d recommend?)

So that’s when I’ve been listening to podcasts. I could see doing it while I’m gardening, crafting, cleaning and even while doing some administrative tasks. I listened to one while working on a bookcover yesterday and I’m listening to one while writing this post.

So which ones do I recommend?

The Author Biz

The Tim Ferriss Show

The Lively Show

The Creative Penn

Online Marketing Made Easy

Romance Writer’s Rodeo

——————————————

Which podcasts do you recommend?

——————————————

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Published on November 03, 2015 02:00

I give up. I give in.

It’s been a long few months around here with many ups and downs. After losing our beloved dog, we found a new one. A puppy. A puppy with way more energy than we are used to.

We decided it’s a good time for us to move. We greatly underestimated what it would take to make that happen.

And around all the puppy raising and house prep there were/are friends and family and of course, work.

I’m dreadfully, almost painfully, behind. I owe responses to plenty. I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I’m thrilled about that, almost as much as the fact that my office floor is once again visible and even more excited that there are no more trips to Goodwill in my near future. Small-Pumpkins

For months, I’ve longed for the days where the world (at least my corner of it) cools and starts to drift to sleep again. Autumn has always been my favorite season (I blame the fall festival at my elementary school.) And now it’s finally here with its delightful chill, incredible color, and drizzle that reminds me winter is on the way.

I long to return to the simple pleasures of cooking at home rather than grabbing fast food or hurrying together a cold sandwich. I look forward to enjoying a, once again, spotless home and embrace the simplicity.

I look forward to our move, to making a new house “ours.” To exploring a new town, making new friends, and finding new haunts.

What I don’t long for, don’t look forward to is keeping my floors clean along the way to our various showings and open houses. It’s a necessary evil, obviously. But I am flat out amazed at how hyper vigilant I am through this process and how quickly every blade of grass seems to find its way into my house. Onto my freshly vacuumed carpet or recently mopped floor.

I’m not exaggerating. I can clean the kitchen floor and less than five minutes later, I’ll see a speck of something taunting me.

Moms know my pain. Normally, this wouldn’t bother me or appear on my radar as an issue, but…see my previous statement about being abnormally vigilant.

So no, I’m not looking forward to being good friends with my mop, broom, and vacuum. What a riotous foursome, let me tell you.

Honestly, I’ve stressed about this quite a bit. I probably take too much pride in my home, and I do love to show it off. But I’m done. I’m letting it go. No more stressing.

Buyers and agents track stuff in left and right, and all I can do is clean up after them, not worry that they’re going to see the dirt they brought in and decide not to buy my house.

The Mister read some good advice and I’m going to remember it. “There’s nothing my house can do to talk people out of buying it, but there’s plenty we can say to turn them off.” So I’m not going to apologize if they find that spec that’s been making faces at me. I’m going to do as Elsa says and let it go.

Let it go.

The house will sell. I’ll keep my normal cleaning routine. I’ll cook in my own damn kitchen because I paid for the right to do so. I will enjoy my favorite season, embrace the wonder of the changes around me, get to work on my next project, and by golly, I’m going to soak in my tub.

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Published on November 02, 2015 02:00

What I’m Working On: Paranormal & Navy SEAL Romance

I have several paranormal projects on my plate at the moment. And A Shifter Makes Three is the next book in the Mystic Isle series. I don’t have a release date for this one yet, but tentatively, first half of 2016 is my goal. It’s mostly written but I’m giving myself a little time to decompress after the four releases in under a month schedule I’ve just completed.

I’m also working on Boomer’s book. You’ll meet him in Toying with Her SEAL. This is contemporary, Navy SEAL romance.

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Published on October 30, 2015 08:36

RRT – Why EVERNOTE is one of my favorite tools for writers

Random Recommendation Thursday: Evernote (Couldn’t imagine life without Evernote. I can write on my phone & save snippets from the web.)

If you haven’t heard of Evernote, get out from under that rock and join the exciting new era of write, edit, take notes anywhere.

Here’s a sneak peak of how I use the desktop program to organize my writing life (Windows version):

sb_evernote

Evernote makes it easy to sort all the thoughts and notes swirling around you on a daily basis. You start by creating notebooks. In this example you see two of my notebooks: SB and Writing & Publishing.

In each notebook you can create sub notebooks, or for those of you old schoolers like me, think of them as the tabbed sections in your three ring binder. (I miss you trapper keeper!)

In each sub notebook/section you create notes.

Notebook

> Sub Notebook

> Note

There’s nothing revolutionary about the wysiwyg editor, but it doesn’t need to be. Bulleted lists? Check. Tables? Check? Bold, italics, underline, strike-through? Check, check, check, check.

sb_evernote_note

What I LOVE about evernote is how I can use it seamlessly from my computer to my tablet to my phone and from any other computer that’s hooked to the internet. All my notes and notebooks are stored securely on the cloud and I can access them from anywhere. Plus, it works offline if I don’t have an internet connection.

See? Here’s a snapshot from my iPhone.

sb_evernote_iphone

You can start for free. There are two other plans. I’m a premium member because I like supporting tools I find valuable.

Back to you!

Do you use Evernote? How do you divide your notes? Any tips you can share? Leave a comment below.

What more tips like this?
Get Selena’s FREE Adventures in Publishing Newsletter!

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Published on October 29, 2015 03:00

Happy Release Day! 11 Alpha Doms Coming Your Way

Happy Release Day to 11 Alpha Doms and all my fellow authors.

This is such a fun project with so many brand new books to read. And Doms…. whew the Doms. We’ve got 11 of them for your reading pleasure. I’m sure you’ll find a new Book Boyfriend within these covers.

Go forth.

Read.

Spread the word.

11 ALPHA DOMS TO ROCK YOUR WORLD

From New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Authors and more!

Are you ready for 11 alphas that will make you sigh, make your toes curl, and make your panties wet? You won’t be disappointed! We have military, menage, contemporary, and a dash of paranormal romance that will send you right over the edge.

Jump into the action and suspense and find out now how these alphas take care of their women!

Buy Links:

AMAZON – http://amzn.to/1VuLNVA

NOOK – http://goo.gl/XQww4K

iBOOKS – https://goo.gl/Qu71ml

KOBO – https://goo.gl/TfQiiV

Oh!

JOIN US AT OUR FACEBOOK PARTY

https://www.facebook.com/events/1576178769328221/

CONTESTS – EYE CANDY – GAMES – BLURBS – EXCERPTS

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Published on October 13, 2015 06:31

Meet the 11 Alpha Doms

Is it getting hot in here?

Are you ready for 11 alphas that will make you sigh, make your toes curl, and make your panties wet? You won’t be disappointed! We have military, menage, contemporary, and a dash of paranormal romance that will send you right over the edge.

Jump into the action and suspense and find out now how these alphas take care of their women!

AMAZON – http://amzn.to/1VuLNVA

NOOK – http://goo.gl/XQww4K

iBOOKS – https://goo.gl/Qu71ml

KOBO – https://goo.gl/TfQiiV

Bound By Desire – Desiree Holt

He wanted her, but only on his terms.

At Her SEAL’s Command – Selena Blake

He’s got two weeks to win the woman of his dreams. She doesn’t want to be tied down. Tying her up might be just what she needs.

Tropic of Pleasure – Tina Donahue

The one woman they shouldn’t want. Two Doms she can’t resist. A sizzling weekend beyond their wildest desires.

Romance Quickies (Encounter 9) – Monique Dubois

Malia is introduced to the world of BDSM by a mysterious Army ranger. He captivates her body and senses, but does he have a secret side that leads her into danger?

Hollywood Spank – Shoshanna Evers

It’s rumored that movie star Mark Cannon loves to spank — and undercover tabloid reporter Andrea Landley is willing to do *whatever* it takes to get the inside scoop.